Article
Developmental Biology
Alexandra Theis, Ruth A. Singer, Diana Garofalo, Alexander Paul, Anila Narayana, Lori Sussel
Summary: The study revealed the essential role of GRG3 in beta cell development, with compensatory upregulation of Grg4 in the absence of Grg3, leading to dysregulation of pancreas gene program and ectopic expression of liver genes. This resulted in downregulation of Neurod1, a key beta cell transcription factor, reduced beta cell proliferation, hyperglycemia, and early lethality in Grg3/4 doublemutant mice, uncovering novel functions of GRG-mediated repression during pancreas development.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Sarka Tumova, Matej Milacek, Ivan Snajdr, Magesh Muthu, Roman Tuma, David Reha, Pavel Jedlicka, Lenka Bittova, Adela Novotna, Pavel Majer, David Sedlak, Marek Jindra
Summary: This study reveals that peptidic juvenoids are highly potent and species-selective novel JHR agonists, which can inhibit insect metamorphosis and stimulate ovarian development in adult females.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sarka Tumova, Marek Jindra
Summary: Juvenile hormone (JH) signalling plays a critical role in regulating insect development, but the molecular mechanisms are not well understood. This study investigated the dynamic aspect of JH signalling and revealed the rapid assembly and dissociation of JH receptor heterodimer from bHLH-PAS proteins upon JH binding. The study also demonstrated the regulatory role of the chaperone Hsp90/83 in the JH receptor complex formation.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yu-Pu Jing, Xinpeng Wen, Lunjie Li, Shanjing Zhang, Ci Zhang, Shutang Zhou
Summary: Using the migratory locust as a model system, the study found that juvenile hormone promotes phosphorylation of Vitellogenin receptor, which is essential for Vitellogenin uptake and recycling. This phosphorylation regulation is evolutionarily conserved in other insects as well.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Matej Milacek, Lenka Bittova, Sarka Tumova, Ondrej Luksan, Robert Hanus, Pavlina Kyjakova, Ales Machara, Ales Marek, Marek Jindra
Summary: Juvenile hormone controls insect reproduction and development through a receptor complex consisting of Met and Tai proteins, affecting vitellogenesis in cockroaches and caste polyphenism in termites. Studies show high-affinity binding of JH III by Met proteins in cockroaches and termites, with evidence of JH receptor agonist binding in hemimetabolous species.
INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xiaoxiao Ji, Xiaolong Li, Lin Wang, Suning Liu, Xinyu Jiang, Yufeng Pan
Summary: Sexuality is absent in newborns and develops with neural circuit rewiring. The sex circuitry in Drosophila melanogaster is incomplete and non-functional in juvenile males, but can be activated in adult males. Synaptic transmissions between major courtship regulators and certain neurons are strong in adult males but weak or undetectable in juvenile males. Juvenile hormone promotes courtship robustness in adult males, suggesting its role in the transition from juveniles to adults.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yan Yang, Tujing Zhao, Zheng Li, Wenliang Qian, Jian Peng, Ling Wei, Dongqin Yuan, Yaoyao Li, Qingyou Xia, Daojun Cheng
Summary: The study demonstrates that PRC2-mediated H3K27 methylation at Hairy in the prothoracic gland during larval period is required for ecdysone biosynthesis and the larval-pupal transition in Bombyx and Drosophila. This epigenetic regulation plays a crucial role in the crosstalk between juvenile hormone (JH) and ecdysone during insect development.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hongwang Hu, Xuyu Yin, Suyun Pang, Yali Jiang, Qunfang Weng, Qiongbo Hu, Jingjing Wang
Summary: This study identified the most sensitive binding protein of Destruxin A (DA) as the juvenile hormone binding protein (JHBP) and investigated its role in regulating the physiological processes in silkworms. DA was found to inhibit body weight gain and accelerate pupation occurrence in silkworm larvae, while also modulating the content of free juvenile hormone (JH) in the hemolymph. Conformational changes were observed in both JHBP and the JHBP-JH binding complex upon interaction with DA. Molecular docking and point-mutant experiments suggested that DA may affect the N-arm of JHBP, which is responsible for JH binding. Additionally, JHBP was found to be widely distributed in various tissues of the silkworm. This study provides novel insights into the insecticidal mechanism of DA and enhances our understanding of the pathogenic process of Metarhizium.
PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Emerson F. Harkin, Georges Nasrallah, Brice Le Francois, Paul R. Albert
Summary: Serotonin 1A receptors play a crucial role in depression and response to antidepressant treatment. The transcription factor Deaf1 is involved in regulating the activity of these receptors, with GSK3 beta playing a role in this regulation. This study provides insights into the mechanism behind the effects of GSK3 beta inhibitors on behavior.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yue Gao, Suning Liu, Qiangqiang Jia, Lixian Wu, Dongwei Yuan, Emma Y. Li, Qili Feng, Guirong Wang, Subba R. Palli, Jian Wang, Sheng Li
Summary: The study reveals that JH membrane signaling phosphorylates USP at Ser35 through PKC activation, enhancing the regulation of 20E on fruit fly development. The uspS35A mutant with Ala substitution at Ser35 shows reduced body size and delayed developmental timing.
Article
Agronomy
Xuesheng Li, Shucheng Liao, Jiangan Hou, Wenjie Zhang, Guoqiang Yi, Haolin Li
Summary: In this study, changes in JH and 20E levels during the development of Spodoptera frugiperda were detected using high-precision UPLC-MS/MS and qRT-PCR techniques. The study revealed that JH I and JH II play important roles in larval moulting and inhibit 20E synthesis and receptor expression. JH II also stimulates 20E synthesis during pupation for larval-pupal transformation.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Haiyang Xu, Yunshi Zhang, Li Zhang, Zhan Wang, Pengchao Guo, Ping Zhao
Summary: The crystal structure of insect JHDK from Bombyx mori was reported, revealing its importance in juvenile hormone metabolism and thermal stability, providing a structural basis for the development of JHDK inhibitors and demonstrating its significant role in juvenile hormone metabolism in silkworms.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Zuo-Kun Shi, Dan Wen, Meng-Meng Chang, Xiao-Mei Sun, Yan-Hong Wang, Chi-Hang Cheng, Li-Qin Zhang, Ai-Hua Zheng, Zhen Zou
Summary: The study reveals that the immune responses of Aedes aegypti to Zika virus can be controlled by modulating immunity-related genes and ribosomal activity. Additionally, silencing JH-regulated ribosomal large subunit genes RpL23 and RpL27 can effectively suppress Zika virus infection in Aedes aegypti.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Emre Aksoy, Alexander S. Raikhel
Summary: The study identified a JH-mediated mechanism involving E75-RD in regulating miRNA gene expression, particularly the positive regulation of miRNAs such as miR-2940. Functional experiments confirmed the significant impact of miR-2940 on follicle development and egg production.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ting Lu, Yujie Lu, Lei Wang, Zhipei Liu, Shiyuan Miao, Yajie Tai, Binbin Yang
Summary: The Akt gene plays an important role in regulating female reproduction in Liposcelis entomophila by affecting the juvenile hormone signaling pathway and vitellogenesis.
PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Yuan Hou, Yadi Zhou, Lara Jehi, Yuan Luo, Michaela U. Gack, Timothy A. Chan, Haiyuan Yu, Charis Eng, Andrew A. Pieper, Feixiong Cheng
Summary: COVID-19 is more severe in aged patients, and this may be associated with immune and inflammatory factors. Multimodal data analysis revealed that decreased lymphocyte count and elevated inflammatory markers are significantly correlated with age-specific COVID-19 severities. Reduced expression of antiviral defense genes and interferon deficiencies were observed in severe COVID-19 patients. Additionally, TGF-beta-mediated immune-epithelial cell interactions were found in aged individuals with critical COVID-19.
Article
Clinical Neurology
Jiansong Fang, Pengyue Zhang, Quan Wang, Chien-Wei Chiang, Yadi Zhou, Yuan Hou, Jielin Xu, Rui Chen, Bin Zhang, Stephen J. Lewis, James B. Leverenz, Andrew A. Pieper, Bingshan Li, Lang Li, Jeffrey Cummings, Feixiong Cheng
Summary: This study develops a network-based artificial intelligence framework that integrates multi-omics data with protein-protein interactome networks to accurately infer drug targets affected by GWAS-identified variants, leading to the discovery of new therapeutics. Through applying this approach to AD, 103 validated ARGs are identified, and three drugs are found to be significantly associated with decreased risk of AD.
ALZHEIMERS RESEARCH & THERAPY
(2022)
Article
Entomology
Xiang-Yang Lyu, Xue-Li Wang, Dan-Qian Geng, Hong Jiang, Zhen Zou
Summary: Hormones are found to be involved in the molecular mechanism linking hormones, energy metabolism, and reproduction in male mosquitoes. The receptor of juvenile hormone, Methoprene-tolerant (Met), plays a crucial role in the reproductive development of male mosquitoes. Met influences the fecundity of male mosquitoes by directly upregulating the expression of the gene encoding accessory gland protein, l-asparaginase (ASNase), and by regulating lipid metabolism and the development of the male accessory gland.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Marina Bykova, Yuan Hou, Charis Eng, Feixiong Cheng
Summary: Advancements in sequencing technologies have allowed for a closer examination of variations in the non-coding regions of the human genome. By correlating these variations with multi-omic data, we can gain a better understanding of the relationship between non-coding DNA and trait expression, and potentially identify medicines for disease modification. However, the functional consequences of non-coding variants are largely unknown, and recent developments in functional genomics and computational approaches aim to shed light on their potential roles.
HUMAN MOLECULAR GENETICS
(2022)
Article
Entomology
Ruijuan Wang, Zhe Lin, Lizhen Zhou, Caihua Chen, Xianhao Yu, Junjie Zhang, Zhen Zou, Zhiqiang Lu
Summary: In this study, a venom protein called MmRho1 was identified in the endoparasitoid wasp Microplitis mediator. It was found that MmRho1 plays dual roles in the development of the wasp and the suppression of the host insect's cellular immune responses. The protein regulates the levels of vitellogenin and juvenile hormone in the host insect, affecting the wasp's egg production and cocoon formation. MmRho1 enters the host insect's hemocytes and suppresses cellular immune responses.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Yadi Zhou, Yuan Liu, Shagun Gupta, Mauricio Paramo, Yuan Hou, Chengsheng Mao, Yuan Luo, Julius Judd, Shayne Wierbowski, Marta Bertolotti, Mriganka Nerkar, Lara Jehi, Nir Drayman, Vlad Nicolaescu, Haley Gula, Savas Tay, Glenn Randall, Peihui Wang, John T. Lis, Cedric Feschotte, Serpil C. Erzurum, Feixiong Cheng, Haiyuan Yu
Summary: Studying the interaction between viral and host proteins can help discover therapies for viral infections. In this study, a comprehensive network of interactions between SARS-CoV-2 and human proteins was generated using high-throughput techniques, validating known host factors and identifying new ones. The network showed the highest overlap with differentially expressed genes in COVID-19 patients and revealed an interaction between a viral protein and a human transcription factor. Additionally, network-based screening of FDA-approved or investigational drugs identified several candidates with significant proximity to SARS-CoV-2 host factors, including a drug called carvedilol which showed clinical benefits and antiviral properties.
NATURE BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Pengyue Zhang, Yuan Hou, Wanzhu Tu, Noll Campbell, Andrew A. Pieper, James B. Leverenz, Sujuan Gao, Jeffrey Cummings, Feixiong Cheng
Summary: The study found that moderate to high exposure to telmisartan was significantly associated with a reduced incidence of Alzheimer's disease in African Americans, but not in non-Hispanic European Americans. The medication possession ratio and average hypertension daily dosage of telmisartan were significantly associated with a stronger reduction in the incidence of both Alzheimer's disease and dementia in African Americans.
ALZHEIMERS & DEMENTIA
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lizhen Zhou, Ruijuan Wang, Zhe Lin, Suke Shi, Caihua Chen, Haobo Jiang, Zhen Zou, Zhiqiang Lu
Summary: This study reveals the functions of two serpin proteins (MmvSPN-1 and MmvSPN-2) in the humoral immune responses of the oriental armyworm and the cotton bollworm. It demonstrates that these serpins are able to inhibit host immune responses and protect wasp eggs from attacks by host antimicrobial peptides and melanization.
INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Mengyi Yin, Wenhua Kuang, Qianran Wang, Xi Wang, Chuanfei Yuan, Zhe Lin, Huanyu Zhang, Fei Deng, Haobo Jiang, Peng Gong, Zhen Zou, Zhihong Hu, Manli Wang
Summary: In this study, a secretory viral-encoded nuclease homolog called P26 was found to suppress melanization, an insect immune response. P26 targets a specific cofactor of a protease and its inhibitory function is unrelated to its nuclease activity. Furthermore, the ability to inhibit the extracellular melanization pathway is limited to P26s with a signal peptide, not shared by the homologs without it. These findings reveal the independent evolution and dual roles of P26 in modulating immunity during virus-host adaptation.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Jielin Xu, Chengsheng Mao, Yuan Hou, Yuan Luo, Jessica L. Binder, Yadi Zhou, Lynn M. Bekris, Jiyoung Shin, Ming Hu, Fei Wang, Charis Eng, Tudor Oprea, Margaret E. Flanagan, Andrew A. Pieper, Jeffrey Cummings, James B. Leverenz, Feixiong Cheng
Summary: This study presents a deep learning framework called NETTAG, which utilizes network topology and multi-genomic findings to identify disease-associated genes and drug repurposing for Alzheimer's disease (AD). Through NETTAG, the researchers identified 156 AD-risk genes enriched in druggable targets and discovered four drugs associated with reduced likelihood of AD incidence.
Article
Microbiology
Yanhong Wang, Mengmeng Chang, Mao Wang, Yannan Ji, Xiaomei Sun, Alexander S. Raikhel, Zhen Zou
Summary: This study elucidates the mechanism by which Beauveria bassiana, a fungus used for pest control, blocks the antifungal immune response in Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. The fungus inhibits the immune signaling by enzymatically removing polyubiquitin chains from the mosquito protein TRAF4. This discovery provides insights into the fungal action against innate immunity in mosquitoes.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Shuocheng Zeng, Zhe Lin, Xianhao Yu, Junjie Zhang, Zhen Zou
Summary: The virulence of mycoinsecticides can be enhanced by embedding the venom protein VRF1 from parasitoid wasps into genetically engineered bioinsecticides like Beauveria bassiana. This modified fungus, named BbVRF1, showed greater efficacy against cotton bollworm and fall armyworm, expanding the utilization of parasitoid wasp virulence effectors in entomopathogenic fungi.
APPLIED AND ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Letter
Zoology
Chuanfei Yuan, Yajun Lu, Jinqian LI, Chen Chen, Yanhong Wang, Aihua Zheng, Zhen Zou, Qianfeng Xia
INTEGRATIVE ZOOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Virology
Huimin Fu, Yanhong Wang, Chuanfei Yuan, Yuhang Zhang, Aihua Zheng, Zhen Zou, Qianfeng Xia
Summary: A newly discovered tick-borne virus called SFTSV can cause severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome. In this study, RNA-Seq was used to sequence HEK 293 cells infected with SFTSV at different time points, and differentially expressed genes were identified. The results showed that SFTSV infection induced cytokine-related pathways and inhibited platelet activation signaling pathway, providing further understanding of the interaction between SFTSV and the host.
Article
Clinical Neurology
Yadi Zhou, Jielin Xu, Yuan Hou, Lynn Bekris, James B. Leverenz, Andrew A. Pieper, Jeffrey Cummings, Feixiong Cheng
Summary: This study developed a comprehensive Alzheimer's disease (AD) brain cell atlas, consisting of over 1.1 million cells/nuclei across different brain regions and cell types. The study conducted differential expression comparisons and cell-cell interaction analyses, providing abundant information for AD pathobiology and actionable systems biology tools for drug discovery.
ALZHEIMERS & DEMENTIA-TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH & CLINICAL INTERVENTIONS
(2022)