Review
Genetics & Heredity
Muraleedhar S. Ambika, Muraleedhar S. Aski, Akshay Gayacharan, Aladdin Hamwieh, Akshay Talukdar, Santosh Kumar Gupta, Brij Bihari Sharma, Rekha Joshi, H. D. Upadhyaya, Kuldeep Singh, Rajendra Kumar
Summary: Plant domestication is a dynamic and continuous process that contributes significantly to global food supply and agricultural crop improvement. The Indus Valley civilizations played a crucial role in the domestication of grain legumes. Recent technological advances are accelerating the domestication and improvement of new crops while preserving genetic diversity.
FRONTIERS IN GENETICS
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Daniela G. Dengler, Kaleeckal G. Harikumar, Sirkku Pollari, Qing Sun, Brock T. Brown, Aki Shinoki-Iwaya, Robert Ardecky, Laurence J. Miller, Eduard A. Sergienko
Summary: This study identified three structurally related scaffolds that positively modulate SCTR, providing insights into their activity, cooperativity, and specificity. The structural optimization resulted in analog B2, which enhances signaling of secretin peptides and prolongs their residence time. These scaffolds may serve as novel pharmacologic tools to elucidate SCTR-and GLP-1R-specific signaling pathways.
BIOCHEMICAL PHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Yan-Feng Song, Cheng Zhang, Muhammad Idrees, Xian-Gui Yi, Xian-Rong Wang, Meng Li
Summary: Cherries, belonging to the subgenus Cerasus of the Prunus genus, are widely distributed in temperate and subtropical regions of the Northern Hemisphere. This study reveals the evolutionary history and dispersal patterns of subgenus Cerasus through molecular dating and ancestral area reconstructions. The results suggest that subgenus Cerasus originated in the Eastern Mediterranean-Central Asia and subsequently spread to the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau and adjacent regions. Two dispersal events, facilitated by climate changes, led to the distribution and population diversity of modern subgenus Cerasus.
BOTANICAL JOURNAL OF THE LINNEAN SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Lixian Chen, Nan Wu, Lindsey Kennedy, Heather Francis, Ludovica Ceci, Tianhao Zhou, Niharika Samala, Konstantina Kyritsi, Chaodong Wu, Amelia Sybenga, Burcin Ekser, Wasim Dar, Constance Atkins, Vik Meadows, Shannon Glaser, Gianfranco Alpini
Summary: The study evaluated the impact of disrupting biliary SCT/SCTR/miR-125b signaling on NAFLD/NASH. Findings showed that biliary/hepatocyte senescence, ductular reaction, and liver angiogenesis were affected in mouse and human samples.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Abhijit Mondal, L. Thiberio Rangel, Jack G. Payette, Gregory P. Fournier, Mukul S. Bansal
Summary: The traditional methods for phylogenetic dating cannot consider relative time constraints, while the new method DaTeR can consider both absolute and relative time constraints. It uses a constrained optimization framework to adjust sampled chronograms and aggregates the results. The application of DaTeR to a biological dataset shows that it is highly effective and scalable, and it improves estimated chronograms significantly.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Melanie Unbehend, Genevieve M. Kozak, Fotini Koutroumpa, Brad S. Coates, Teun Dekker, Astrid T. Groot, David G. Heckel, Erik B. Dopman
Summary: The sex pheromone system is crucial for attracting conspecific mates, and in the European corn borer moth, variations in pheromone blend and male preference are controlled by pgFAR and bab genes, respectively. The linkage disequilibrium between bab and pgFAR genes validates their interaction in contributing to assortative mating. Lack of physical linkage does not constrain the coevolutionary divergence of female pheromone production and male behavioral response genes.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yasuka Toda, Meng-Ching Ko, Qiaoyi Liang, Eliot T. Miller, Alejandro Rico-Guevara, Tomoya Nakagita, Ayano Sakakibara, Kana Uemura, Timothy Sackton, Takashi Hayakawa, Simon Yung Wa Sin, Yoshiro Ishimaru, Takumi Misaka, Pablo Oteiza, James Crall, Scott Edwards, William Buttemer, Shuichi Matsumura, Maude W. Baldwin
Summary: An early sensory shift involving the umami receptor conferred sweet-sensing abilities in songbirds, shaping the sensory biology of an entire evolutionary radiation of birds.
Article
Ecology
Michael Matschiner, Julia Maria Isis Barth, Ole Kristian Torresen, Bastiaan Star, Helle Tessand Baalsrud, Marine Servane Ono Brieuc, Christophe Pampoulie, Ian Bradbury, Kjetill Sigurd Jakobsen, Sissel Jentoft
Summary: This study investigates the origin and evolution of four megabase-scale supergenes in Atlantic cod. The results show that these supergenes are formed through chromosomal inversions at different time points. Furthermore, gene conversion and double crossover play important roles in the maintenance and evolution of supergenes.
NATURE ECOLOGY & EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Nihal Koduri, Andrew W. Lo
Summary: In this study, an evolutionary model was constructed to investigate the reproduction of two types of individuals under random environmental conditions. The evolutionarily dominant behavior was found to maximize the number of offspring of each type while minimizing the correlation between the number of offspring of each type towards -1. Several examples were provided to demonstrate how correlation can be used to explain the evolution of cooperation.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
David A. Lopez-Cordova, Jorge Avaria-Llautureo, Patricio M. Ulloa, Heather E. Braid, Liam J. Revell, Dirk Fuchs, Christian M. Ibanez
Summary: Coleoids are the most diverse group of cephalopod mollusks, originating in the Mesozoic and showing an increasing diversification rate during the Cenozoic. Analyses revealed abrupt increases in diversification rate before and after the K-Pg boundary.
MOLECULAR PHYLOGENETICS AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Lester J. Perez, Gavin A. Cloherty, Michael G. Berg
Summary: Picobirnaviruses (PBVs) are small double-segmented, double-stranded RNA viruses that are frequently associated with gastrointestinal and respiratory infections. The evolutionary analysis revealed that PBVs emerged simultaneously from avian Reovirus and fungal Partitivirus ancestors, indicating parallel evolution from different hosts has driven the genetic similarities among PBV species. These findings provide insights into the origins and genetic diversification of the Picobirnaviridae family.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Xinhui Zou, Yusu Du, Xin Wang, Qian Wang, Bing Zhang, Jinfeng Chen, Mingsheng Chen, Jeff J. Doyle, Song Ge
Summary: This study investigates the temporal evolutionary dynamics of four Oryza polyploid genomes at both genetic and expression levels, revealing an ongoing diploidization process in the genus. The findings shed light on the genome evolution after allopolyploidy and suggest that expression divergence driven by changes of selective constraint plays a major role in long-term diploidization.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Lichan Tu, Xinbo Cai, Yifeng Zhang, Yuru Tong, Jian Wang, Ping Su, Yun Lu, Tianyuan Hu, Yunfeng Luo, Xiaoyi Wu, Dan Li, Luqi Huang, Wei Gao
Summary: This study investigates the origins of diterpenoids in the secondary metabolism of Tripterygium wilfordii. The researchers identified key genes and mutations involved in the formation of diverse diterpenoids and revealed the mechanisms of functional divergence and evolution in these compounds.
ACTA PHARMACEUTICA SINICA B
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Anja Klussmeier, Stefan Aurich, Lars Niederstadt, Bertram Wiedenmann, Carsten Groetzinger
Summary: This study demonstrates high overexpression of SCTR in esophageal and pancreatic cancer and identifies key amino acids that play a crucial role in the binding and activation of secretin with SCTR. Alterations in these structures affect their activity in cells. Future research needs to explore the application of further enhanced secretin analogues in tumor imaging and therapy.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Matthew A. Conte, Frances E. Clark, Reade B. Roberts, Luohao Xu, Wenjing Tao, Qi Zhou, Deshou Wang, Thomas D. Kocher
Summary: This study investigates the evolution of a giant sex chromosome in cichlid fish, finding that it consists of three distinct regions and contains unprecedented amounts of endogenous retroviral elements, immunoglobulin genes, and long non-coding RNAs. Comparative analysis across 69 teleost genomes supports the hypothesis that the giant sex chromosome originated from the fusion of a B chromosome.
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ran Ke, Samson I. S. Lok, Kailash Singh, Billy K. C. Chow, Leo T. O. Lee
Summary: The study identified the heterocomplex formation between PAC1R and GIPR, which suppressed downstream signaling events of PAC1R, leading to inhibition of neuronal differentiation.
JOURNAL OF NEUROCHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ran Ke, Samson Ian Sam Lok, Kailash Singh, Billy Kwok Chong Chow, Harald Janovjak, Leo Tsz On Lee
Summary: The study reveals that the formation of heterocomplexes between Kiss1R and GPER significantly reduces Kiss1R-mediated signaling, showcasing a regulatory mechanism of hypothalamic hormone receptors through receptor cooperation and modulation of receptor sensitivity in the reproductive system.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Hong Lin, Yuan Yan, Yifan Luo, Wing Yan So, Xiayun Wei, Xiaozhe Zhang, Xiaoli Yang, Jun Zhang, Yang Su, Xiuyan Yang, Bobo Zhang, Kangjun Zhang, Nan Jiang, Billy Kwok Chong Chow, Weiping Han, Fengchao Wang, Feng Rao
Summary: The study uncovers an antagonistic relationship between COP1 and CSN in glucose-induced insulin secretion, with disruption of the CRL4(COP1)-ETV5 proteolytic axis leading to hyperinsulinemia and obesity. The findings suggest that deregulation of the IP6-CSN-CRL4(COP1)-ETV5 axis underlies these pathologies, and that targeting this pathway could reduce the risk of obesity and diabetes. Furthermore, inhibition of CRL neddylation can correct these pathological phenotypes.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Review
Cell Biology
Mukesh Kumar, Karthi Duraisamy, Billy-Kwok-Chong Chow
Summary: MRGPRX2, a class A GPCR exclusively expressed on mast cells, has been identified as the receptor responsible for non-IgE-mediated mast cell activation, shedding light on the mechanism of drug-induced MC degranulation and pseudo-allergic reactions. Its diverse affinity for various molecules and the plethora of agonists make MRGPRX2 an intriguing player in allergic diseases.
Article
Allergy
Karthi Duraisamy, Kailash Singh, Mukesh Kumar, Benjamin Lefranc, Elsa Bonnafe, Michel Treilhou, Jerome Leprince, Billy K. C. Chow
Summary: This study investigates the mechanism of action and immunomodulatory effects of P17 mediated through MRGPRX2. The results show that P17 activates MRGPRX2 in a dose-dependent manner and induces various immune responses, including cell migration and differentiation. These findings provide important insights into the molecular mechanisms of immune modulation.
JOURNAL OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lamei Xue, Juan Sun, Jinxin Liu, Chaoping Hu, Dandan Wu, Chenzhipeng Nie, Kuiliang Zhang, Yu Wang, Lei Zhao, Xihua Li, Yan Lu, Li Zhang, Duo Zhang, Mingcong Fan, Haifeng Qian, Haowen Jiang, Jiemin Wong, Yuying Li, Hao Ying, Billy K. C. Chow, Li Wang, Yan Li
Summary: Our study reveals that overnutrition downregulates the expression of secretin (SCT), a brain-gut peptide, in pregnant mice and women. Loss of maternal SCT results in undesirable phenotypes in offspring, such as obesity and attenuated browning of iWAT. Mechanistically, SCT facilitates degradation of DNMT1 through AMPK alpha activation, leading to alterations in offspring's genome methylation pattern.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Jason S. W. On, Liuru Su, Hong Shen, Aloysius W. R. Arokiaraj, Joao C. R. Cardoso, Guang Li, Billy K. C. Chow
Summary: Based on anatomy and gene expression, the Hatschek's pit in the cephalochordate amphioxus is suggested to be the functional homolog of the vertebrate adenohypophysis. This study explored the distribution and potential function of the amphioxus PACAP/GCG precursor, which is the ortholog of the hypothalamic PACAP neuropeptide in vertebrates. The results support the hypothesis that the amphioxus Hatschek's pit is likely the functional homolog of the vertebrate pituitary gland.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Fengwei Zhang, Sarah O. K. Mak, Yuchu Liu, Ya Ke, Feng Rao, Wing Ho Yung, Li Zhang, Billy Kwok Chong Chow
Summary: This study reveals the neural mechanism of secretin in managing thirst in the central nervous system. The results demonstrate that the local ablation of SCT receptor (SCTR) in the subfornical organ (SFO) reduces water intake in dehydrated mice, while salt intake remains unaffected. Furthermore, it is found that SCT elicits inward currents in the neuronal nitric oxide synthase (SFOnNOS) neurons via SCTR in the presence of glutamate receptor antagonists.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Kailash Singh, Shaik Abdullah Nawabjan, Li Zhang, Hani El-Nezami, Rajasekar Reddy Annapureddy, Billy KC. Chow
Summary: Recent studies have identified a small compound-based Secretin receptor modulator with potential anti-hypertensive effects through structure based drug design strategy. The modulator has shown similar blood pressure lowering effect as SCT peptide, with a longer half-life and oral bioavailability.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Meeting Abstract
Toxicology
S. A. Nawabjan, H. S. El-Nezami, B. K. Chow
TOXICOLOGY LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ji-an Wei, Qing Han, Zhihua Luo, Linglin Liu, Jing Cui, Jiahui Tan, Billy K. C. Chow, Kwok-Fai So, Li Zhang
Summary: This study identifies secretin as a regulator of social investigation behaviors and suggests potential strategies for addressing social deficits. Secretin expression in a subset of excitatory neurons in the basolateral amygdala promotes social interest, while other neurons in this region hinder social behaviors. Exogenous secretin application effectively enhances social interest in both healthy and autism spectrum disorder model mice.
NATIONAL SCIENCE REVIEW
(2023)
Article
Allergy
Mukesh Kumar, Karthi Duraisamy, Rajasekar Reddy Annapureddy, Chi Bun Chan, Billy K. C. Chow
Summary: The research team designed and synthesized a series of novel small molecule antagonists for the treatment of MRGPRX2-mediated allergies and inflammation. These small molecules showed high binding affinity and inhibitory activity in both in vitro and in vivo experiments, effectively inhibiting mast cell activation and related signaling pathways. Therefore, these small molecules may hold significant therapeutic promise for MRGPRX2-mediated allergies and inflammation.
JOURNAL OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Urology & Nephrology
Peder Berg, Tobias Jensen, Jesper Frank Andersen, Samuel L. Svendsen, Ida Maria Modvig, Tobias Wang, Sebastian Frische, Billy K. C. Chow, Hans Malte, Jens Juul Holst, Mads Vaarby Sorensen, Jens Leipziger
Summary: This study found that loss of SCTR impairs renal base excretion during acute metabolic alkalosis, and KO mice develop prolonged metabolic alkalosis after acute base loading. Additionally, the study found that increased blood alkalinity promotes secretin release from the small intestine and secretin is critical for bicarbonate homeostasis.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF NEPHROLOGY
(2023)
Meeting Abstract
Physiology
P. Berg, T. Jensen, J. F. Andersen, M. V. Sorensen, T. Wang, H. Malte, B. K. Chow, J. Leipziger
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yujie Sun, Zhijun Wang, Chenzhipeng Nie, Lamei Xue, Yu Wang, Jinxin Liu, Mingcong Fan, Duo Zhang, Ruikun He, Xuguang Zhang, Haifeng Qian, Billy K. C. Chow, Yan Li, Li Wang
Summary: Hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA), the main bioactive component of safflower, triggers fast-to-slow myofiber-type shift by regulating gene expression and mitochondrial biosynthesis.