Article
Cell Biology
Kamil Soltysik, Yuki Ohsaki, Tsuyako Tatematsu, Jinglei Cheng, Asami Maeda, Shin-ya Morita, Toyoshi Fujimoto
Summary: The inner nuclear membrane of U2OS cells contains triglyceride synthesis enzymes that generate nuclear lipid droplets in situ. Inhibition of mTOR increases nuclear lipid droplets by inducing nuclear translocation of lipin-1 phosphatidic acid phosphatase. Seipin, essential for normal cytoplasmic lipid droplet formation, is absent in the inner nuclear membrane and restrains nuclear lipid droplet formation by affecting lipin-1 expression and intracellular phosphatidic acid distribution.
JOURNAL OF CELL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Yang Emma Li, Yichang Wang, Ximing Du, Tizhong Zhang, Hoi Yin Mak, Sarah E. Hancock, Holly McEwen, Elvis Pandzic, Renee M. Whan, Yvette Celine Aw, Ivan E. Lukmantara, Yiqiong Yuan, Xiuju Dong, Anthony Don, Nigel Turner, Shiqian Qi, Hongyuan Yang
Summary: TMEM41B and VMP1 are integral membrane proteins of the endoplasmic reticulum, regulating the formation of lipid droplets and lipoproteins, and playing a crucial role in viral infection. They act as phospholipid scramblases, affecting the cellular distribution of cholesterol and phosphatidylserine.
JOURNAL OF CELL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Oncology
Silu Chen, Shuai Ben, Junyi Xin, Shuwei Li, Rui Zheng, Hao Wang, Lulu Fan, Mulong Du, Zhengdong Zhang, Meilin Wang
Summary: piRNAs are novel small ncRNAs that play important roles in tumorigenesis through various biological regulatory mechanisms. They have been used as biomarkers for cancer diagnosis and prognosis, and show great potential for clinical utility. However, more research is needed to understand the underlying mechanisms of piRNAs in cancer.
JOURNAL OF HEMATOLOGY & ONCOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sumirtha Balaratnam, Mohammed Enamul Hoque, Nicole West, Soumitra Basu
Summary: This study reveals that the degradation of human piRNAs primarily relies on the 5'-3' exoribonuclease pathway. The presence of 3'-end 2'-O-methylation in piRNAs reduces their degradation through the exosome-mediated decay pathway. The accumulation of piRNAs in XRN1 and XRN2 exoribonuclease-depleted cells further supports the 5'-3' exoribonuclease-mediated decay of piRNAs. Additionally, stable secondary structures in piRNAs slow down the rate of XRN1-mediated degradation. These findings establish a framework for understanding the degradation mechanism of piRNAs and provide crucial insights into maintaining the basal level concentration of piRNAs in cells.
ACS CHEMICAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Baoli Heng, Xuexia Xie, Wenjuan Zeng, Haomin Li, Liping Shi, Wencai Ye, Fanyu Wu
Summary: This study identified 5 piRNA pathway genes associated with ccRCC patient survival and constructed a piRNA pathway gene risk prognostic model. The model showed good predictive performance in predicting the survival of ccRCC patients. Furthermore, the study found that TDRD7 was overexpressed in ccRCC and correlated with clinicopathological characteristics. These findings suggest that piRNA pathway genes, especially TDRD7, may serve as potential cancer diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for ccRCC.
Article
Plant Sciences
Yun Ju Choi, Kyoung Rok Geem, Jitae Kim, Dong Wook Lee
Summary: The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is an essential organelle in eukaryotic cells, playing important roles in protein folding, secretory protein transport, and lipid synthesis. In plants of the Brassicaceae family, there is a specific organelle called the ER body, which is crucial for chemical defense against pathogens. The NAI2 protein is necessary for the formation of ER bodies, and even its overexpression can induce ER body formation in tobacco leaves. However, the mechanism of how NAI2 mediates ER body formation is not fully understood. This study aimed to investigate the contribution of two domains of Arabidopsis NAI2, the Glu-Phe-Glu (EFE) domain (ED) and the NAI2 domain (ND), to ER body formation in tobacco leaves. The results showed that the ND is critical for the interaction of NAI2 and the formation of ER bodies, and deletion of the ED led to the formation of enlarged ER bodies, indicating a regulatory role of the ED in ER body formation. Overall, our findings suggest that the two domains of NAI2 cooperate to induce ER body formation in a balanced manner.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Jinli Gong, Zhen Tian, Xiaolu Qu, Qiunan Meng, Yajie Guan, Ping Liu, Chuanwu Chen, Xiuxin Deng, Wenwu Guo, Yunjiang Cheng, Pengwei Wang
Summary: This study established an efficient system for the transient transformation of citrus fruits using an Agrobacterium-mediated method, providing new insight into studying individual organelles in living fruit cells. Vacuoles were shown to likely be the main organelles contributing to the low pH of citrus fruits.
HORTICULTURE RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Zhenjing Ren, Kaijian Fan, Sihan Zhen, Jie Zhang, Yan Liu, Junjie Fu, Chunlai Qi, Qianhan Wei, Yao Du, Wurinile Tatar, Xiaofeng Zhang, Guoying Wang, Allan G. Rasmusson, Jianhua Wang, Yunjun Liu
Summary: The maize gene SMK11 encodes a mitochondria-localized tetratricopeptide repeat protein, which plays critical roles in the assembly and activity of mitochondrial complex IV, and is essential for seed development.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Simona Ricciardi, Andrea Maria Guarino, Laura Giaquinto, Elena Polishchuk, Michele Santoro, Giuseppe Di Tullio, Cathal Wilson, Francesco Panariello, Vinicius C. Soares, Suelen S. G. Dias, Julia C. Santos, Thiago M. L. Souza, Giovanna Fusco, Maurizio Viscardi, Sergio Brandi, Patricia T. Bozza, Roman S. Polishchuk, Rossella Venditti, Maria Antonietta De Matteis
Summary: The replication organelle of SARS-CoV-2 is generated by viral non-structural proteins (NSPs) NSP3 and NSP4, while NSP6 plays a role in connecting ER membranes and organizing DMV clusters. NSP6 also mediates the contact between SARS-CoV-2 and lipid droplets (LDs), providing a means to refurbish the replication organelle with LD-derived lipids.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Elsa Arcalis, Davide Mainieri, Alessandro Vitale, Eva Stoeger, Emanuela Pedrazzini
Summary: The research reveals that during transgenic Arabidopsis embryo maturation, the structure of the 16 kDa prolamin subunit transforms from dispersed fibers to compact structures resembling protein bodies.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Daniel Barriuso, Lucia Alvarez-Frutos, Lucia Gonzalez-Gutierrez, Omar Motino, Guido Kroemer, Roberto Palacios-Ramirez, Laura Senovilla
Summary: The Bcl-2 family of proteins, known for regulating apoptosis, is also involved in cellular senescence. These proteins play a role in determining the entry into senescence and the expression levels are modulated during senescence, promoting cell survival. Manipulation of Bax and Bcl-2 expression affects the appearance and survival of tetraploid cells. Understanding the role of Bcl-2 family proteins in senescence can lead to new therapeutic strategies for targeting cancer cells.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Sandra Backes, Yury S. Bykov, Tamara Flohr, Markus Raeschle, Jialin Zhou, Svenja Lenhard, Lena Kraemer, Timo Muehlhaus, Chen Bibi, Cosimo Jann, Justin D. Smith, Lars M. Steinmetz, Doron Rapaport, Zuzana Storchova, Maya Schuldiner, Felix Boos, Johannes M. Herrmann
Summary: Tom70 protein functions at the interface of cytosol and mitochondria, recruiting cytosolic chaperones to the outer mitochondrial membrane to reduce proteotoxicity of mitochondrial precursor proteins.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Himani Amin, Aravindan Ilangovan, Tiago R. D. Costa
Summary: DNA transfer between bacterial cells is facilitated by conjugative type 4 secretion systems (T4SSs), with the structure of the complete T4SS outer-membrane core complex (OMCC) revealing distinct symmetries in its central inner and peripheral outer ring regions. This highly dynamic complex has implications for pilus extension and retraction during conjugation.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Jie Wang, Zihao Xia, Peng Sheng, Mengmeng Shen, Lidong Ding, Dezhi Liu, Bing Chun Yan
Summary: The present study investigated the differences in neuronal injury induced by focal cerebral ischemia reperfusion (CIR) between young and adult rats. The results showed that the infarct volume was lower in young rats compared to adult rats, and the number of cells showing immunoreactivity for neuronal nuclei was higher in young rats. Additionally, glial activation was less severe in young rats, and the levels of autophagy-related proteins were higher in young rats. Moreover, the levels of pro-apoptosis-related factors were lower and the levels of anti-apoptosis-related proteins were higher in young rats. These findings suggest that enhanced autophagy and reduced pro-apoptosis contribute to the reduced neuronal death in young rats after CIR.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Anastasiia Sukalskaia, Monique S. Straub, Dawid Deneka, Marta Sawicka, Raimund Dutzler
Summary: The structures of human TTYH1-3 determined by cryo-electron microscopy do not display features of an anion channel, instead suggesting an interaction with lipid-like compounds in the membrane. This indicates a potential involvement of TTYH proteins in lipid-associated processes.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Yuexia Wang, Xinyi Chen, Xiaoyan Li, Yuhang Song, Jianan Wang, Jing Huang, Ruili Xue
Summary: The study revealed that exogenous ALA treatment could alleviate drought-induced damage to chloroplast ultrastructure and photosynthesis by increasing the transcript abundance of chlorophyll synthesis-related genes and psb28.
ACTA PHYSIOLOGIAE PLANTARUM
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Qiaoqiao Lv, Xifeng Li, Baofang Fan, Cheng Zhu, Zhixiang Chen
Summary: Glucosinolates are important secondary metabolites in Brassicales plants, playing a critical role in chemical defense. They are chemically inactive but can be hydrolyzed by myrosinases to produce toxic compounds, forming the glucosinolate-myrosinase defense system. Research has revealed that Brassicales plants have complex biosynthetic pathways for glucosinolate production and different classes of myrosinases with distinct catalytic mechanisms and substrate specificity. Progress has been made in understanding the cellular and subcellular organization of the glucosinolate-myrosinase system, especially in the detonation of the mustard oil bomb after tissue damage caused by herbivores and pathogens.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Correction
Plant Sciences
Xifeng Li, Zhe Wang, Yunting Fu, Xi Cheng, Yan Zhang, Baofang Fan, Cheng Zhu, Zhixiang Chen
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Nana Liu, Ping Wang, Xiancai Li, Yakun Pei, Yun Sun, Xiaowen Ma, Xiaoyang Ge, Yutao Zhu, Fuguang Li, Yuxia Hou
Summary: This study identifies lncRNAs involved in the regulation of pathogenesis-related genes in Verticillium dahliae, a fungus causing vascular wilt disease in cotton. It uncovers the regulatory role of lncRNAs in filamentous fungi for the first time. These findings advance our understanding of the development and pathogenesis of V. dahliae and offer alternatives in controlling diseases caused by fungal attack.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jialuo Chen, Su Yang, Baofang Fan, Cheng Zhu, Zhixiang Chen
Summary: As sessile organisms, plants have evolved adaptive mechanisms to survive under adverse conditions and these mechanisms involve transcriptional reprogramming. The Mediator complex plays a key role in transducing signals and regulating gene expression. Recent analyses have provided insights into the structure and function of plant Mediator complex, highlighting its important role in plant adaptive responses.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yunting Fu, Xifeng Li, Baofang Fan, Cheng Zhu, Zhixiang Chen
Summary: Maintaining functional protein homeostasis in chloroplasts is crucial for plant fitness and survival. Research has uncovered various mechanisms involved in chloroplast protein quality control and turnover, such as endosymbiotically-derived proteases, ubiquitin-dependent turnover, chloroplast-associated degradation, chloroplast unfolded protein response, and vesicle-mediated degradation.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hua Li, Lulu Chen, Hongyu Chen, Ruili Xue, Yuexia Wang, Jianbo Song
Summary: This review summarizes the regulatory functions of progesterone on plant growth and development, as well as its response to stress. The paper also discusses the plant metabolic processes of progesterone. Progesterone is ubiquitous in plants and can regulate numerous plant physiological processes at low concentrations.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ziru Feng, Xifeng Li, Baofang Fan, Cheng Zhu, Zhixiang Chen
Summary: Plant expression systems have advantages over bacterial and mammalian systems for producing recombinant proteins. Strategies to increase protein yield in plants include enhancing expression, reducing degradation, and utilizing viral vectors and chloroplast transformation. Understanding gene expression and protein synthesis and degradation processes has led to effective strategies for maximizing recombinant protein production in plants.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Cell Biology
Yuanyuan Ding, Baofang Fan, Cheng Zhu, Zhixiang Chen
Summary: Salicylic acid (SA) is a phenolic compound produced by plants and is involved in plant growth and stress responses. It is also the main metabolite of aspirin and is responsible for its anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective and antitumor effects. SA targets and activities are conserved or similar in plants and humans, highlighting common biological processes regulated by SA in both organisms. Comparing these shared targets and activities can provide insights into new actions and underlying mechanisms of SA in plants and humans.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yakun Li, Lihong Ding, Mei Zhou, Zhixiang Chen, Yanfei Ding, Cheng Zhu
Summary: Cadmium, a highly toxic non-essential heavy metal, can be sensed, transported, and detoxified by plants through specialized mechanisms. Recent studies have identified numerous transporters involved in Cd uptake, transport, and detoxification. However, the intricate transcriptional regulatory networks associated with Cd response are still not fully understood.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Yunting Fu, Baofang Fan, Xifeng Li, Hexigeduleng Bao, Cheng Zhu, Zhixiang Chen
Summary: Autophagy and the multivesicular body pathway regulated by LYST-INTERACTING PROTEIN 5 cooperatively protect crucial chloroplast functions under normal growth conditions to promote growth and fitness. The double mutation of atg7/lip5 in Arabidopsis leads to stunted growth, early senescence, reduced survival, and greatly diminished seed production. The impairment of chloroplast functions, including chloroplast sulfate assimilation, photosynthesis, and primary carbon metabolism, contributes to premature senescence and increased accumulation of reactive oxygen species. Blocking salicylic acid signaling prevents early senescence and death of the atg7/lip5 double mutant.
Article
Plant Sciences
Qi Peng, Wei Li, Xiaoying Zhou, Chengming Sun, Yan Hou, Maolong Hu, Sanxiong Fu, Jiefu Zhang, Jiban Kumar Kundu, Lei Lei
Summary: The emergence of brassica yellow virus (BrYV) has caused increasing damage to crucifer crops in China. A study in Jiangsu province found BrYV to be the major viral pathogen in oilseed rape plants with aberrant leaf color. Phylogenetic and amino acid identity analysis revealed close relationship between BrYV and turnip yellow virus (TuYV), with conserved regions in P2 and P3 of BrYV. Recombination analysis also showed associations between BrYV and TuYV. Overall, this research highlights the importance of BrYV as an epidemic strain in oilseed rape cultivation in Jiangsu.
Article
Plant Sciences
Xifeng Li, Zhe Wang, Yunting Fu, Xi Cheng, Yan Zhang, Baofang Fan, Cheng Zhu, Zhixiang Chen
Summary: UBAC2 is a multifunctional protein in plant cells that regulates the degradation and accumulation of specific proteins, including COPT and POWDERY MILDEW RESISTANCE 4.