Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Su Yan, Yan Xu, Xiu-Mei Tao, Xiao-Wei Yu
Summary: It was found that knocking out vps10, vps13, and vps21 genes in T. reesei improved cellulase production by alleviating vacuolar transport and degradation. Transcriptome analysis indicated that increased cellulase gene expression might be attributed to the differential expression of sugar transporters. This study provides new clues for higher cellulase production in T. reesei through the alleviation of vacuolar transport via knockout of vps10, vps13, and vps21.
APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Jian Huang, Jin Gan, Jian Wang, Min Zheng, Han Xiao
Summary: In this study, significant overexpression of 28 VPSs in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissues compared to normal tissues was observed. The expression of VPSs showed a negative correlation with overall survival, while displaying a positive correlation with tumor grade and stage. VPS72 was identified as a potential independent risk factor for HCC prognosis, and its overexpression was associated with poor prognosis factors and immune cell infiltration levels.
IMMUNITY INFLAMMATION AND DISEASE
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Hsi-En Tsao, Shu Nga Lui, Anthony Hiu-Fung Lo, Shuai Chen, Hiu Yan Wong, Chi-Kin Wong, Liwen Jiang, Kam-Bo Wong
Summary: In Arabidopsis, vacuolar sorting receptor isoform 1 (VSR1) plays a key role in directing 12S globulins and other storage proteins to the protein storage vacuoles during seed development. The crystal structure of VSR1-PA in complex with the C-terminal pentapeptide of cruciferin 1 sheds light on the molecular mechanisms involved in the sorting process. The study provides insights into how VSR1 recognizes and interacts with the C-terminal sorting determinants of various storage proteins, which could potentially aid in targeting recombinant proteins to seed storage vacuoles.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Hijiri Shinagawa, Kazuki Ohuchi, Yuya Goto, Kohei Hashimoto, Hideki Kijima, Shogo Maekawa, Hisaka Kurita, Masatoshi Inden
Summary: This study found that vacuolar protein-sorting protein (VPS) may play an important role in the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD), and targeting VPS26 and VPS35 for treatment may help delay the onset of cognitive decline.
JOURNAL OF ALZHEIMERS DISEASE
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Tuan-yuan Shi, Tian-en Li, Yun Hao, Hong-chao Sun, Yuan Fu, Wen-chao Yan, Li-li Hao
Summary: In this study, a partial sequence of Eimeria tenella VPS29 (EtVPS29) was cloned and expressed. It was found that EtVPS29 was widely distributed in the cytoplasm of E. tenella sporozoites and showed a protective effect against E. tenella infection in chickens.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Shufang Li, Xiaosheng Liang, Yaohui Liang, Linpeng Li, Jia Gan, Lin Cao, Yi Zou
Summary: MiR-203 was identified as a potential regulatory hub in the central nervous system, affecting neurodegeneration and neuron behaviors by targeting transcription factor AFF4. However, overexpressing miR-203 did not lead to anxiety or impaired cognition in mice, suggesting a more profound role in regulating neuron activities and cognition.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2021)
Review
Cell Biology
Lu Yang, Weihua Tan, Xinzhi Yang, Yong You, Jing Wang, Gebo Wen, Jing Zhong
Summary: Sorting nexins (SNXs) are a group of diverse cytoplasmic- and membrane-associated phosphoinositide-binding proteins that play a crucial role in regulating intracellular protein trafficking. Dysfunctions of SNX proteins have been linked to various cancerous/neoplastic diseases, making them potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for cancer diagnostics and treatment.
JOURNAL OF CELLULAR PHYSIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Byoungjae Kim, Young Eun Lee, Ji Woo Yeon, Ga-Yeon Go, Junhyoung Byun, Kijeong Lee, Hyomin K. Lee, Junho K. Hur, Mihue Jang, Tae Hoon Kim
Summary: This study established a DC-based therapeutic approach using CRISPR/Cas9-mediated targeted gene disruption to alleviate allergic reactions associated with allergic rhinitis. Targeting VPS37A/B enabled reduction of Th2 cytokine production and alleviation of AR-related symptoms in mouse models, providing a promising strategy for treating allergic diseases.
Article
Cell Biology
Sebastian Eising, Bianca Esch, Mike Waelte, Prado Vargas Duarte, Stefan Walter, Christian Ungermann, Maria Bohnert, Florian Froehlich
Summary: Lysosome is a crucial catabolic organelle in cells, with mutations in lysosomal proteins potentially leading to neurodegeneration, cancer, and age-related diseases. The vacuole serves as a lysosomal analog in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, containing evolutionarily conserved proteins. Proteins can reach vacuoles through different pathways, including the Vps10-dependent endosomal vacuolar protein sorting pathway, the alkaline phosphatase pathway, and the cytosol-to-vacuole transport pathway.
JOURNAL OF CELL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Microbiology
Quanzhen Lv, Lan Yan, Yuanying Jiang
Summary: The vacuole of Candida albicans is involved in various processes such as homeostasis control, cellular trafficking, dimorphic switching, and stress tolerance. Factors like V-ATPases and VPS are crucial for pH balance and filamentation, while vacuolar calcium exchange systems like Yvc1 and Pmc1 play a role in maintaining cytosolic calcium levels and are influenced by V-ATPases function. These proteins collectively contribute to the virulence and pathogenesis of C. albicans infections.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Maryam Daneshvar, Mansoureh Movahedin, Mohammad Salehi, Mehrdad Noruzinia
Summary: The study evaluated the impact of re-vitrification on the expression of miR-16, miR-let7a, and target genes in human blastocysts. The results showed that re-vitrification did not affect the ability of blastocysts to re-expand in culture, but led to a significant decrease in the expression of miR-16 and miR-let7a, along with a significant upregulation of the target genes ITG beta 3 and BCL-2 in re-vitrified and vitrified embryos.
REPRODUCTIVE BIOLOGY AND ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Bei Han, Chuang Wang, Tao Wu, Junjun Yan, Aosheng Jiang, Yu Liu, Yu Luo, Hongmei Cai, Guangda Ding, Xu Dong, Philip J. White, Fangsen Xu, Sheliang Wang, Lei Shi
Summary: This study identified two vacuolar Pi influx transporters in Brassica napus and revealed their importance and distinct roles in cellular Pi homeostasis. These transporters also affected seed yield and traits in this plant species.
PLANT CELL AND ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
R. Zhang, J. Du, Y. Y. Cao, K. Thakur, S. M. Tang, F. Hu, Z. J. Wei
Summary: Bombyx mori is a protein-rich source of food that has gained renewed interest as a potential alternative protein source. In this study, the vps4 gene was interfered using siRNA in H2S-treated silkworms, resulting in decreased body weight, cocoon weight, cocoon shell weight, and egg laying and production. H2S treatment alleviated the inhibition caused by vps4 gene knockdown, except for egg laying and production. siRNA interference led to reduced expression of the targeted vps4 gene, with the greatest effect observed with vps4-2 siRNA. These findings highlight the significant phenotypic and genotypic effects of vps4 gene knockdown in silkworms, which is important for future research.
JOURNAL OF INSECTS AS FOOD AND FEED
(2023)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Liang Chen, Wencheng Li, Zhiqin Li, Yarong Song, Jun Zhao, Zhaohui Chen, Gallina Kazobinka, Lulu Li, Yifei Xing, Teng Hou
Summary: The study identified circNUDT21 as an oncogenic circular RNA that promotes bladder cancer progression through the miR-16-1-3p/MDM2/p53 axis. This suggests circNUDT21 as a potential therapeutic target for bladder cancer. CircNUDT21 regulates the proliferative and invasive abilities of bladder cancer cells.
MOLECULAR THERAPY-NUCLEIC ACIDS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yoshio Kusakabe, Shun-Suke Moriya, Toru Sugiyama, Yoshiki Miyata
Summary: Proteins are essential for all living organisms and identifying target proteins of therapeutic agents is crucial for designing stronger medicines. This study identified GAPDH as a target protein of a specific flavonoid medicine, and confirmed its binding affinity and inhibitory effects through experiments and simulations. The results suggest that the inhibitory activity of the flavonoid medicine on GAPDH may contribute to its effects on cancer and neurodegenerative diseases.
BIOORGANIC & MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
N. M. Quaife, S. Chothani, J. F. Schulz, E. L. Lindberg, K. Vanezis, E. Adami, K. O'Fee, J. Greiner, M. Litvinukova, S. van Heesch, N. Whiffin, N. Hubner, S. Schafer, O. Rackham, S. A. Cook, P. J. R. Barton
Summary: This study investigates the role of small open reading frames (smORFs) in myocardial fibroblast activation and identifies a novel mechanism mediated by LINC01013 smORF micropeptide.
JOURNAL OF CARDIOVASCULAR TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Whitney L. Do, Dianjianyi Sun, Karlijn Meeks, Pierre-Antoine Dugue, Ellen Demerath, Weihua Guan, Shengxu Li, Wei Chen, Roger Milne, Abedowale Adeyemo, Charles Agyemang, Rami Nassir, JoAnn E. Manson, Aladdin H. Shadyab, Lifang Hou, Steve Horvath, Themistocles L. Assimes, Parveen Bhatti, Kristina M. Jordahl, Andrea A. Baccarelli, Alicia K. Smith, Lisa R. Staimez, Aryeh D. Stein, Eric A. Whitsel, K. M. Venkat Narayan, Karen N. Conneely
Summary: This study investigated the relationship between DNA methylation, body mass index (BMI), and metabolic health. The researchers collected data from multiple studies and found a significant association between BMI and CpG sites. They also identified specific CpG sites that interacted with BMI based on race and ethnicity. Additionally, they developed a model that could predict BMI using DNA methylation data and found that individuals with high epigenetic BMI had poorer metabolic health, while those with low epigenetic BMI had better metabolic health.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF HUMAN GENETICS
(2023)
Article
Critical Care Medicine
Daphne M. Moutsoglou, Jasmine Tatah, Sasha Z. Prisco, Kurt W. Prins, Christopher Staley, Sharon Lopez, Madelyn Blake, Levi Teigen, Felipe Kazmirczak, E. Kenneth Weir, Amanda J. Kabage, Weihua Guan, Alexander Khoruts, Thenappan Thenappan
Summary: Inflammation drives pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). This study found that patients with PAH have less diverse gut microbiome, with fewer copies of genes that produce anti-inflammatory short-chain fatty acids and secondary bile acids, and enrichment of species with genes encoding the proinflammatory metabolite trimethylamine. These findings support investigating modulation of the gut microbiome as a potential treatment for PAH.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF RESPIRATORY AND CRITICAL CARE MEDICINE
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Analytical
Anthony J. Politza, Reza Nouri, Weihua Guan
Summary: Digital CRISPR (dCRISPR) assays are a new and emerging platform for molecular diagnostics that provide absolute quantification and increased sensitivity compared to traditional CRISPR assays. With features such as ultra-specific targeting, isothermal operation, and rapid detection, dCRISPR systems are well-positioned to lead the field of molecular diagnostics.
TRAC-TRENDS IN ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Aneesh Kshirsagar, Gihoon Choi, Vishaka Santosh, Tara Harvey, Robert Cory Bernhards, Weihua Guan
Summary: In order to achieve the World Health Organization's goal of eliminating malaria from developing/resource-limited economies, there is a need for a low-cost, highly sensitive, and specific screening method. We have developed a handheld nucleic acid testing device that can detect malaria infection (specifically Plasmodium falciparum) from a whole blood sample using on-chip automated sample preparation. The device utilizes a simple purification-free protocol and a piezo pump pressure-driven microfluidic cartridge for sample preparation. By monitoring the fluorescence generated from the loop mediated isothermal amplification reaction, the parasite genomic DNA concentration can be estimated. The device has achieved a sensitivity of approximately 0.42 parasites/μL of whole blood, making it suitable for detecting asymptomatic malaria parasite carriers.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Ming Dong, Reza Nouri, Zifan Tang, Weihua Guan
Summary: Laser-assisted controlled dielectric breakdown (LaCBD) is a promising method for nanopore fabrication due to its localization capability. However, we discovered the formation of debris around the nanopore region in LaCBD, which is not observed in conventional methods. The debris is more evident at higher laser power and voltage stress and is asymmetrically distributed on the membrane. Unexpected rectified ionic and molecular transport was also found in LaCBD nanopores with debris. Based on these findings, a model describing the debris formation kinetics in LaCBD was developed and validated.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Reza Nouri, Yuqian Jiang, Anthony J. Politza, Tianyi Liu, Wallace H. Greene, Yusheng Zhu, Jonathan J. Nunez, Xiaojun Lian, Weihua Guan
Summary: This study reported a new digital CRISPR-Cas13 assay (dCRISPR) using automated membrane-based partitioning to achieve absolute quantification of HIV-1 viral RNAs. The method does not require amplification and can rapidly quantify RNA samples over a wide range in a short period of time.
Article
Biophysics
Wenchang Zhang, Ya Li, Bing Chen, Yuan Zhang, Ziqiang Du, Feibin Xiang, Yu Hu, Xiaochen Meng, Chunliang Shang, Shengfa Liang, Xiaonan Yang, Weihua Guan
Summary: In this study, a fully integrated point-of-care testing (POCT) device for blood cell count (BCC) was developed using in-flow imaging. The device showed improved identification and counting accuracy of BCC analysis. The integration of a miniaturized magnetic stirring module ensured temporal stability of cell concentration. Multi-frame in-flow imaging and multi-angle morphology analysis were used to improve identification accuracy. The device was validated with healthy whole blood samples and clinical patients, showing good agreement with commercial clinical equipment. The device is user-friendly and cost-effective, making it a potential tool for diagnosing abnormal blood cell morphology or concentration in field settings.
BIOSENSORS & BIOELECTRONICS
(2023)
Meeting Abstract
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Debora Kamin Mukaz, Aixin Li, Pamela L. Lutsey, Neil A. Zakai, Weihua Guan, Aaron R. Folsom, Mary Cushman
Meeting Abstract
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Aixin Li, Ingrid Jacobson, Brian T. Steffen, Jiaqi Xie, Nathan Pankratz, John Lane, Dan E. Arking, Thomas Mosley, Weihua Guan, Sanaz Sedaghat, Jim S. Pankow, Pamela L. Lutsey, Weihong Tang
Meeting Abstract
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Ethan Moser, Brian T. Steffen, Jiaqi Xie, Nathan Pankratz, John Lane, Dan E. Arking, Thomas Mosley, Weihua Guan, Sanaz Sedaghat, Jim S. Pankow, Pamela L. Lutsey, Weihong Tang
Meeting Abstract
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Andres V. Ardisson Korat, Frank Qian, Vasanti Malik, Marcus Lehr, Fumiaki Imamura, Nathan Tintle, Markku Laakso, Rob van Dam, William Harris, Matti Marklund, Cecilia Samieri, MacKenzie Senn, Karin Leander, Nita Forouhi, Ulf Riserus, Kou-Liong Chien, Amelia Chen, Alexis Wood, Weihua Guan, Michael Y. Tsai, Rachel Murphy, David S. Siscovick, Rozenn Lemaitre
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Kathryn A. Mcgurk, Xiaolei Zhang, Pantazis Theotokis, Kate Thomson, Andrew Harper, Rachel J. Buchan, Erica Mazaika, Elizabeth Ormondroyd, William T. Wright, Daniela Macaya, Chee Jian Pua, Birgit Funke, Daniel G. Macarthur, Sanjay K. Prasad, Stuart A. Cook, Mona Allouba, Yasmine Aguib, Magdi H. Yacoub, Declan P. O'Regan, Paul J. R. Barton, Hugh Watkins, Leonardo Bottolo, James S. Ware
Summary: Understanding the penetrance of pathogenic variants identified as secondary findings is crucial in managing individuals undergoing genetic screening. Through large-scale analysis of genetic variants in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and dilated cardiomyopathy, the study provides estimates of penetrance and identifies variants with higher penetrance that should be considered.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF HUMAN GENETICS
(2023)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Mona Allouba, Roddy Walsh, Alaa Afify, Mohammed Hosny, Sarah Halawa, Aya Galal, Mariam Fathy, Pantazis Theotokis, Ahmed Boraey, Amany Ellithy, Rachel Buchan, Risha Govind, Nicola Whiffin, Shehab Anwer, Ahmed ElGuindy, James S. Ware, Paul J. R. Barton, Magdi Yacoub, Yasmine Aguib
Summary: This study aims to define the genetic architecture of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) in North African populations with high consanguinity by comparing with ancestry-matched cases and controls. The results show a higher prevalence of homozygous variants in Egyptian patients, with minor HCM genes more likely to present in homozygosity. Rare variants in Egyptian HCM patients were less likely to be classified as (likely) pathogenic compared to Europeans. The incorporation of ancestry-matched controls improves the classification of genetic variants in HCM patients.
EUROPEAN HEART JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Frank Qian, Nathan Tintle, Paul N. Jensen, Rozenn N. Lemaitre, Fumiaki Imamura, Tobias Rudholm Feldreich, Sarah Oppeneer Nomura, Weihua Guan, Federica Laguzzi, Eunjung Kim, Jyrki K. Virtanen, Marinka Steur, Christian S. Bork, Yoichiro Hirakawa, Michelle L. O'Donoghue, Aleix Sala-Vila, Andres V. Ardisson Korat, Qi Sun, Eric B. Rimm, Bruce M. Psaty, Susan R. Heckbert, Nita G. Forouhi, Nicholas J. Wareham, Matti Marklund, Ulf Riserus, Lars Lind, Johan Arnlov, Parveen Garg, Michael Y. Tsai, James Pankow, Jeffrey R. Misialek, Bruna Gigante, Karin Leander, Julie A. Pester, Christine M. Albert, Maryam Kavousi, Arfan Ikram, Trudy Voortman, Erik B. Schmidt, Toshiharu Ninomiya, David A. Morrow, Antoni Bayes-Genis, James H. O'Keefe, Kwok Leung Ong, Jason H. Y. Wu, Dariush Mozaffarian, William S. Harris, David S. Siscovick
Summary: This study aimed to determine the associations of blood or adipose tissue levels of EPA, DPA, and DHA with incident AF. Using participant-level data from 17 prospective cohort studies, it was found that levels of omega-3 fatty acids, including EPA, DPA, DHA, and EPA+DHA, were not associated with increased risk of incident AF.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF CARDIOLOGY
(2023)