Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Beata Flachner, Krisztina Dobi, Anett Benedek, Sandor Cseh, Zsolt Lorincz, Istvan Hajdu
Summary: This paper describes the expression of RI in baculovirus-infected High Five cells and compares the differences between RI expressed in insect cells and commercially available products. The results show that RI expressed in insect cells has higher thermal stability and is endotoxin-free, making it potentially useful for future therapeutics.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Andrew J. Modzelewski, Wanqing Shao, Jingqi Chen, Angus Lee, Xin Qi, Mackenzie Noon, Kristy Tjokro, Gabriele Sales, Anne Biton, Aparna Anand, Terence P. Speed, Zhenyu Xuan, Ting Wang, Davide Risso, Lin He
Summary: Retrotransposons play a crucial role in gene regulation during mammalian preimplantation development, with species-specific transposon promoters generating alternative protein isoforms that impact cell proliferation. The unique expression of Cdk2ap1(Delta N) in preimplantation embryos of each mammalian species correlates with the duration of preimplantation development.
Article
Entomology
Li-Jun Cai, Li-Shuang Zheng, Yu-Ping Huang, Wei Xu, Min-Sheng You
Summary: This study identified 39 putative OBP genes from the diamondback moth genome and transcriptome sequences, and investigated their expression patterns across different developmental stages, sexes, and tissues. The results showed that most OBPs were highly expressed in adult antennae, with certain OBPs being regulated by mating activities and host plant feeding.
Review
Genetics & Heredity
Alemu Gebrie
Summary: Transposable elements (TEs), also known as mobile elements, are significant components of higher animal genomes. TEs play important roles in gene function and genome evolution by controlling gene expression at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. TEs control gene expression through various mechanisms, such as providing cis-regulatory regions and encoding regulatory RNAs. These TE-mediated regulatory systems contribute to the evolutionary novelty of gene regulation and often have tissue-specific functions.
Article
Virology
Siyuan Hao, Xiujuan Zhang, Kang Ning, Zehua Feng, Soo Yeun Park, Cagla Aksu Kuz, Shane McFarlin, Donovan Richart, Fang Cheng, Elizabeth Yan Zhang, Aaron Zhang-Chen, Ziying Yan, Jianming Qiu
Summary: rAAV2.5T, selected through directed evolution, is capable of efficiently transducing human airway epithelium. Our study revealed that KIAA0319L is not essential for vector internalization but plays a critical role in efficient vector transduction to human airway epithelium. We also identified a novel gene, WDR63, which is important for vector transduction of human airway epithelium but not for vector internalization and nuclear entry. Additionally, our study discovered the significant transduction potential of rAAV2.5T in the basal stem cells of human airway epithelium, highlighting its utility in gene editing for pulmonary genetic diseases.
JOURNAL OF VIROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Kashif Noor, Hafiza Masooma Naseer Cheema, Asif Ali Khan, Rao Sohail Ahmad Khan
Summary: Transgenic cotton with the Cry1Ac gene has been a game-changer in insect pest control, but resistance in pests has reduced its efficacy. The study evaluated the effectiveness of Bt cotton with double genes (Cry1Ac+Cry2A), showing variable expression levels among different genotypes and plant parts, with Cry2A gene having a three-fold higher expression than Cry1Ac. These findings are crucial for breeding insect-resistant cotton genotypes with better gene expression levels for sustainable cotton production worldwide.
JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE AGRICULTURE
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Deding Su, Wei Xiang, Ling Wen, Wang Lu, Yuan Shi, Yudong Liu, Zhengguo Li
Summary: In this study, the genomic characterization of the SlBES1 family in tomato was systematically analyzed, and the protein functional features and expression patterns were studied. The results provide a foundation for further research on the functional roles of the SlBES1 family.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Nader Alerasool, He Leng, Zhen-Yuan Lin, Anne-Claude Gingras, Mikko Taipale
Summary: This study systematically uncovers human proteins that activate transcription in a natural chromatin context. The researchers identified specific co-activators preferred by these transcriptional activators and discovered potent transactivation domains. They also predicted and experimentally validated the interaction interfaces of activation domains with BRD4. Additionally, the study identified novel activators involved in fusion events in tumors and characterized the functional role of one fusion protein.
Article
Entomology
Jingtao Liu, Jiaoxin Xie, Adel Khashaveh, Jingjiang Zhou, Yongjun Zhang, Hui Dong, Bin Cong, Shaohua Gu
Summary: In this study, odorant receptor genes of the green peach aphid were identified and their phylogenetic relationship and genomic structure were analyzed. The results showed that the odorant receptors of the green peach aphid play an important role in chemical sensing and provide a foundation for investigating the interactions between aphids and hosts and natural enemies.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Xiaodong Zhang, Caixia Li, Xuantong Chen, Chonlong Chio, Sarita Shrestha, Wensheng Qin
Summary: The study identified and characterized a high alpha-amylase producing bacterium WangLB, and cloned its alpha-amylase coding gene. The characterized BvAmylase showed good stability and activity, making it a potential candidate enzyme for industrial applications.
FERMENTATION-BASEL
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Toby Doyle, Eva Jimenez-Guri, Will L. S. Hawkes, Richard Massy, Federica Mantica, Jon Permanyer, Luca Cozzuto, Toni Hermoso Pulido, Tobias Baril, Alex Hayward, Manuel Irimia, Jason W. Chapman, Chris Bass, Karl R. Wotton
Summary: In this study, the researchers assembled a high-quality draft genome of the marmalade hoverfly and compared the transcriptomes of actively migrating and non-migratory hoverflies. The results revealed a set of genes with strong differential expression in metabolism, muscle structure and function, hormonal regulation, immunity, and other aspects related to migration. These features of the migrant phenotype have evolved through the integration and modification of various genetic pathways.
Article
Plant Sciences
Yuan Lin, Hainan Zhao, Magdalena Kotlarz, Jiming Jiang
Summary: Gene expression is regulated by interactions between cis-regulatory DNA elements (CREs) and regulatory proteins. Enhancers play a crucial role in this process, especially in eukaryotes, but little is known about the molecular mechanisms involved in plants. Researchers identified a distal enhancer, CRE beta, which regulates gene expression in response to osmotic pressure, and established a forward genetic screen pipeline to identify trans-regulatory factors associated with CRE beta function and the regulation of the endogenous gene AtDGK7.
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Joyce C. K. Man, Karel van Duijvenboden, Peter H. L. Krijger, Ingeborg B. Hooijkaas, Ingeborg van der Made, Corrie de Gier-de Vries, Vincent Wakker, Esther E. Creemers, Wouter de Laat, Bastiaan J. Boukens, Vincent M. Christoffels
Summary: Coordinated ventricular expression of the Nppa and Nppb genes is competitively controlled by a shared super enhancer, which is essential for stress-induced expression and preventing premature hypertrophy in the heart. Deletion of the enhancer cluster led to enlarged hearts and altered gene expression patterns in mice. The enhancer cluster maintains its active epigenetic state and selectivity even when its target genes are absent, showing its crucial role in regulating cardiac function.
CIRCULATION RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Morikazu Imamura, Naoko Tabeta, Yoshifumi Iwamaru, Hanae Takatsuki, Tsuyoshi Mori, Ryuichiro Atarashi
Summary: This study successfully generated various Bac-rPrP(Sc) variants with different transmissibility and structural properties using a baculovirus-insect cell expression system, and found that they compete with each other and gradually converge in ultrasonic reactions.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Zhaowu Li, Junping Gao, Genhong Wang, Shuaibin Wang, Kai Chen, Wenxuan Pu, Yaofu Wang, Qingyou Xia, Xiaorong Fan
Summary: The GASA gene family, which is stimulated by gibberellic acid, plays critical roles in plant growth, development, and stress response. In this study, 18 GASA genes were identified in the tobacco genome, and they were found to be distributed across 13 chromosomes. These genes were divided into three subfamilies based on phylogenetic analysis. Tandem and segmental duplications were suggested to contribute to the expansion of the NtGASA gene family. The expression of NtGASA genes was found to be regulated by abscisic and gibberellic acid, indicating their involvement in phytohormone signaling pathways.
FRONTIERS IN GENETICS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Moritz Winterhoff, Fangfang Chen, Nishika Sahini, Thomas Ebensen, Maike Kuhn, Volkhard Kaever, Heike Baehre, Frank Pessler
Summary: Itaconate is derived from the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle intermediate cis-aconitate, plays a role in innate immunity and metabolism, and has potential as a clinical biomarker. A sensitive HPLC-MS/MS assay was developed to quantify itaconate, mesaconate, citraconate, and selected TCA intermediates. Different levels of itaconate isomers were found in various biological samples, indicating the importance of quantifying them separately in biomarker studies.
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Richard Taubert, Bastian Engel, Jana Diestelhorst, Katharina L. Hupa-Breier, Patrick Behrendt, Niklas T. Baerlecken, Kurt-Wolfram Suehs, Maciej K. Janik, Kalliopi Zachou, Marcial Sebode, Christoph Schramm, Maria-Carlota Londono, Sarah Habes, Ye H. Oo, Claudine Lalanne, Simon Pape, Maren Schubert, Michael Hust, Stefan Duebel, Mario Thevis, Danny Jonigk, Julia Beimdiek, Falk F. R. Buettner, Joost P. H. Drenth, Luigi Muratori, David H. Adams, Jessica K. Dyson, Amedee Renand, Isabel Graupera, Ansgar W. Lohse, George N. Dalekos, Piotr Milkiewicz, Martin Stangel, Benjamin Maasoumy, Torsten Witte, Heiner Wedemeyer, Michael P. Manns, Elmar Jaeckel
Summary: This study identified more accurate autoantibodies for diagnosing autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) using a protein macroarray, which showed higher specificity and sensitivity compared to conventional autoantibodies. These antibodies could be used as promising markers to improve the diagnostic workup of liver diseases, particularly in cases of seronegative AIH.
Review
Immunology
Kristian Daniel Ralph Roth, Esther Veronika Wenzel, Maximilian Ruschig, Stephan Steinke, Nora Langreder, Philip Alexander Heine, Kai-Thomas Schneider, Rico Ballmann, Viola Fuehner, Philipp Kuhn, Thomas Schirrmann, Andre Frenzel, Stefan Duebel, Maren Schubert, Gustavo Marcal Schmidt Garcia Moreira, Federico Bertoglio, Giulio Russo, Michael Hust
Summary: Antibodies are crucial for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases caused by pathogens. Their importance has been highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic, and new technologies like antibody phage display have advanced the discovery of human monoclonal antibodies for therapeutic purposes. These technologies have expanded the possibilities for generating antibodies against a wide range of pathogens and toxins.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biology
Sergej Franz, Fabian Pott, Thomas Zillinger, Christiane Schueler, Sandra Dapa, Carlo Fischer, Vania Passos, Saskia Stenzel, Fangfang Chen, Katinka Doehner, Gunther Hartmann, Beate Sodeik, Frank Pessler, Graham Simmons, Jan Felix Drexler, Christine Goffinet
Summary: IFITM proteins restrict entry and spread of chikungunya virus and Mayaro virus, with CHIKV showing antagonism against IFITMs. CHIKV infection may lead to posttranscriptional regulation of IFITM3, resulting in reduced antiviral activity.
LIFE SCIENCE ALLIANCE
(2021)
Article
Virology
Marina Pribanic Matesic, Paola Kucan Brlic, Tihana Lenac Rovis, Zeljka Macak Safranko, Abigael Eva Chaouat, Karmela Miklic, Suzana Malic, Nina Ivankovic, Maren Schubert, Federico Bertoglio, Alemka Markotic, Ofer Mandelboim, Stipan Jonjic, Ilija Brizic
Summary: This article presents the development and characterization of a collection of new monoclonal antibodies targeting different SARS-CoV-2 proteins. These antibodies can be applied in various experimental methods such as flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, and Western blot, providing new tools for a comprehensive analysis of the viral proteome.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Marc Sevenich, Elena Thul, Nils-Alexander Lakomek, Thomas Kluenemann, Maren Schubert, Federico Bertoglio, Joop van den Heuvel, Patrick Petzsch, Jeannine Mohrlueder, Dieter Willbold
Summary: The emergence of novel variants of concern poses a challenge to the immune system, highlighting the need for tailored antiviral medications for patients with incomplete or inefficient immunization.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Maren Schubert, Federico Bertoglio, Stephan Steinke, Philip Alexander Heine, Mario Alberto Ynga-Durand, Henrike Maass, Jose Camilla Sammartino, Irene Cassaniti, Fanglei Zuo, Likun Du, Janin Korn, Marko Milosevic, Esther Veronika Wenzel, Fran Krstanovic, Saskia Polten, Marina Pribanic-Matesic, Ilija Brizic, Fausto Baldanti, Lennart Hammarstrom, Stefan Duebel, Alan Sustic, Harold Marcotte, Monika Strengert, Alen Protic, Antonio Piralla, Qiang Pan-Hammarstroem, Luka Cicin-Sain, Michael Hust
Summary: This study analyzed the binding ability of the Omicron variant to the human receptor and its neutralization efficacy. The results showed weaker binding and complete loss of neutralization against Omicron compared to previous variants. However, booster vaccination increased the antibody levels and partially restored neutralization against Omicron SARS-CoV-2.
Article
Virology
Rico Ballmann, Sven-Kevin Hotop, Federico Bertoglio, Stephan Steinke, Philip Alexander Heine, M. Zeeshan Chaudhry, Dieter Jahn, Boas Pucker, Fausto Baldanti, Antonio Piralla, Maren Schubert, Luka Cicin-Sain, Mark Broenstrup, Michael Hust, Stefan Duebel
Summary: The development of antibody therapies against SARS-CoV-2 is challenging due to the mutations in the receptor binding domain (RBD) of the spike. In this study, a phage display library was constructed to identify immunogenic epitopes from COVID-19 patients. The most prominent epitope captured was a part of the fusion peptide (FP) of the spike, which is associated with the virus entry mechanism. Blocking this mechanism could be a potential target for therapeutic antibodies.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mona Gruenwald, Fangfang Chen, Heike Baehre, Frank Pessler
Summary: Itaconate isomers, including itaconate, mesaconate, and citraconate, were detected in low concentrations in bread. The concentrations of itaconate and citraconate were higher in the crust than in the crumb of wheat and rye bread, while a slight increase in mesaconate was observed in the crust of rye bread. Cis-aconitate concentrations were lower in the crust, suggesting conversion to itaconate isomers during baking. The estimated daily intake of itaconate isomers from baked goods is roughly 7-20 μg.
Article
Virology
Marcel Jaron, Michael Lehky, Marta Zara, Chris Nicole Zaydowicz, Aidin Lak, Rico Ballmann, Philip Alexander Heine, Esther Veronika Wenzel, Kai-Thomas Schneider, Federico Bertoglio, Susanne Kempter, Reinhard Wolfgang Koester, Silvia Stella Barbieri, Joop van den Heuvel, Michael Hust, Stefan Duebel, Maren Schubert
Summary: This study presents a fast and powerful method for producing SARS-CoV-2 VLPs in insect cells and evaluating their ability to inhibit monoclonal antibodies and sera from vaccinated donors. The method involves direct plasmid transfection to co-express specific viral proteins, resulting in the self-assembly of VLPs. The VLPs obtained were confirmed to have a diameter of approximately 145 nm and exhibited characteristic features by nanoparticle tracking analysis and transmission electron microscopy. The fusion of membrane protein with GFP allowed for quantification of binding inhibition to ACE2 without the need for purification or labeling.
Article
Virology
Paola Kucan Brlic, Martina Pavletic, Mate Lerga, Fran Krstanovic, Marina Pribanic Matesic, Karmela Miklic, Suzana Malic, Leonarda Miksa, Maja Pajcur, Dolores Peruc, Maren Schubert, Federico Bertoglio, Jurica Arapovic, Alen Protic, Alan Sustic, Marko Milosevic, Luka Cicin Sain, Stipan Jonjic, Vanda Juranic Lisnic, Ilija Brizic
Summary: This study assessed the dynamics of antibody responses to SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccination, finding sustained anti-Spike antibody responses in vaccinated health-care workers (HCW), but a waning anti-Nucleocapsid response over a six-month period. Additionally, a significant decrease in vaccinees' anti-Spike antibody binding to the Spike protein of the Omicron variant was observed. Critically ill COVID-19 patients had higher levels of anti-Spike and anti-Nucleocapsid antibodies compared to HCWs, and a stronger anti-Spike antibody response correlated with a better disease outcome in patients on invasive ventilation support.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Fangfang Chen, Hanna Friederike Willenbockel, Thekla Cordes
Summary: Citrate, a small molecule, plays a crucial role in cell metabolism and function. It is taken up by cells through the NaCT transporter and is essential for maintaining metabolic homeostasis. Impaired NaCT activity is associated with metabolic disorders.
Letter
Health Care Sciences & Services
Fanglei Zuo, Rui Sun, Hassan Abolhassani, Likun Du, Yating Wang, Stelios Vlachiotis, Federico Bertoglio, Maren Schubert, Nima Rezaei, Zahra Chavoshzadeh, Concetta Guerra, Andrea Cavalli, Juni Andrell, Makiko Kumagai-Braesch, Yintong Xue, Yunlong Cao, Michael Hust, Davide F. Robbiani, Xiaoliang Sunney Xie, Lennart Hammarstrom, Harold Marcotte, Qiang Pan-Hammarstrom
LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH-WESTERN PACIFIC
(2023)
Article
Virology
Leila Abassi, Federico Bertoglio, Zeljka Macak Safranko, Thomas Schirrmann, Marina Greweling-Pils, Oliver Seifert, Fawad Khan, Maeva Katzmarzyk, Henning Jacobsen, Natascha Goedecke, Philip Alexander Heine, Andre Frenzel, Helena Nowack, Stefan Duebel, Ivan-Christian Kurolt, Roland E. Kontermann, Alemka Markotic, Maren Schubert, Michael Hust, Luka Cicin-Sain
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a large number of confirmed cases and deaths. The use of vaccines and monoclonal antibodies has been limited by the emergence of new variants. This study investigates the neutralizing effects of monoclonal antibody STE90-C11 against the Delta and Omicron variants and finds that Omicron evades recognition by this antibody.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Natalia Sherina, Antonio Piralla, Likun Du, Hui Wan, Makiko Kumagai-Braesch, Juni Andrell, Sten Braesch-Andersen, Irene Cassaniti, Elena Percivalle, Antonella Sarasini, Federica Bergami, Raffaella Di Martino, Marta Colaneri, Marco Vecchia, Margherita Sambo, Valentina Zuccaro, Raffaele Bruno, Michele Sachs, Tiberio Oggionni, Federica Meloni, Hassan Abolhassani, Federico Bertoglio, Maren Schubert, Miranda Byrne-Steele, Jian Han, Michael Hust, Yintong Xue, Lennart Hammarstrom, Fausto Baldanti, Harold Marcotte, Qiang Pan-Hammarstrom
Summary: The study shows that 85% of samples from COVID-19 patients had anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies within 4 weeks of symptom onset, while specific IgG antibodies and plasma neutralizing activities remained relatively stable up to 6 months after diagnosis. 80% of samples collected at 6-8 months after symptom onset still had anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies, and specific memory B and T cell responses continued to develop and persist.