Article
Entomology
Hao Sun, Jingya Chen, Ruolin Wang, Dan Liu, Na Zhang, Tong Zhang, Ling Jia, Sanyuan Ma, Qingyou Xia
Summary: This study used a genome-wide CRISPR/Cas9-based library and large-scale screening to analyze the key genes involved in the silkworm 20E signaling pathway and their mechanisms of action. Functional annotation revealed that 20E regulates key proteins in processes mainly occurring in the cytoplasm and nucleus. Pathway enrichment analysis showed that 20E can activate phosphorylation, may affect innate immunity, interfere with intracellular nutrition and energy metabolism, and ultimately lead to cell apoptosis. These findings provide a panoramic overview of the silkworm's response to 20E signaling, highlighting the utility of genome-wide CRISPR mutant libraries in deciphering hormone signaling pathways and metamorphosis regulation in insects.
Article
Entomology
Xiaoqian Zhang, Dehong Yang, Xu Yang, Xinran Zhang, Yong Zhang, Yongping Huang, Shengxiang Zhang, Zulian Liu
Summary: The U1 snRNP is highly conserved and plays a crucial role in silkworm development, as demonstrated by delayed growth and abnormal cellular phenotypes in U1 snRNP deletion mutants. RNA-seq analysis revealed significant impacts on genes related to metabolic pathways and hormone synthesis due to U1 snRNP depletion.
Article
Plant Sciences
Yanchen Zhang, Penggang Bai, Yibin Zhuang, Tao Liu
Summary: This study reports the discovery of two methyltransferases in Cnidium monnieri involved in the biosynthesis of O-methyl coumarins, which catalyze multistep methylations in the process.
JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS
(2022)
Article
Physiology
Takumi Suzuki, Chika Akiba, Misaki Izawa, Masafumi Iwami
Summary: Holometabolous insects undergo metamorphosis during pupal period to reconstruct their body to the adult form. Carbohydrates, stored as glycogen or trehalose, play a major role in providing nutrients for successful metamorphosis. The hormone ecdysone is essential for regulating trehalose metabolism in the midgut, where trehalase activity is highly activated. The absence of ecdysone results in the loss of trehalase activation, while ecdysone administration restores it. This study highlights the importance of ecdysone in the regulation of midgut function and trehalose physiology during development.
JOURNAL OF COMPARATIVE PHYSIOLOGY B-BIOCHEMICAL SYSTEMS AND ENVIRONMENTAL PHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Entomology
Yu Fu, Yi Wang, Qunxia Huang, Chenyue Zhao, Xinmei Li, Yunchao Kan, Dandan Li
Summary: This study found that lncRNA lncR17454 in silkworm is involved in the metamorphosis process through the let-7 miRNA cluster and the ecdysone signaling pathway, providing new clues for lepidopteran pest control.
JOURNAL OF INSECT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Kristina A. Thomsson, Varvara Vitiazeva, Constantina Mateoiu, Chunsheng Jin, Jining Liu, Jan Holgersson, Birgitta Weijdegard, Karin Sundfeldt, Niclas G. Karlsson
Summary: This study identifies a complex sulfation pattern of O-glycans on OC glycoproteins, and shows that the aggressiveness of the cancer is associated with decreased expression of the Gal3ST2 transferase.
MOLECULAR & CELLULAR PROTEOMICS
(2021)
Article
Entomology
Shi-Hong Gu, Pei-Ling Lin
Summary: In this study, the researchers investigated the downstream pathways of cAMP signaling in the prothoracic glands of Bombyx mori. They found that dbcAMP and MIX inhibited AMPK phosphorylation and activated the phosphorylation of the translational repressor, 4E-BP, indicating the involvement of TOR signaling. Additionally, cAMP was found to activate PKC signaling, which was independent of PI3K or AMPK. These findings suggest that the AMPK/TOR/4E-BP and PKC pathways are involved in cAMP-stimulated ecdysteroidogenesis in B. mori.
JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Minoru Tateno, Ayaka Enami, Koji Fujinami, Hisashi Ohta
Summary: Japanese cedar and cypress pollen allergens were found to have differences in amino acid sequences, with Cha o 2 showing polymorphism and heterogeneity, while Cha o 1 displayed relative uniformity. This suggests that studies using pollen from different trees may yield varying results.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
S-H Gu, C-H Chen, P-L Lin
Summary: This study demonstrated the involvement of PKC signaling in PTTH-stimulated ecdysteroidogenesis in Bombyx prothoracic glands, with the pathways including Ca2+, PLC, and redox regulation. Other pathways like ERK and PI3K/AMPK were found not to be upstream signaling pathways for PKC-dependent protein phosphorylation. Treatment with PKC inhibitors reduced the phosphorylation of the 37-kDa protein and inhibited ecdysteroidogenesis, confirming the role of PKC in PTTH signaling.
INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
S. -H. Gu, C. -H. Chen
Summary: The study reveals that PTTH induces RSK phosphorylation in Bombyx mori PGs, with Ca2+ and PLC being involved in this process.
INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Guangzhao Pan, Kui Zhang, Chongyang Li, Xin Hu, Saima Kausar, Hongyu Gu, Liqun Yang, Hongjuan Cui
Summary: A novel Cathepsin L-like protein, Cat L-like, was identified in silkworm, with specific and high expression in hemocytes. Its expression was up-regulated significantly after 20-E administration, suggesting regulation by insect hormone. Cat L-like showed important immune functions against bacterial infection.
MOLECULAR IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yanjiao Feng, Jialin Cui, Binyan Jin, Xiuzhen Li, Xiaoming Zhang, Libing Liu, Li Zhang
Summary: Both insect ecdysone receptors and ultraspiracle form a self-assembling complex with ecdysteroids in cells, bind with genes in the nucleus, and regulate insect molting, metamorphosis, and growth. This complex is a target for the development of eco-friendly insecticides. The study analyzed the differences between the binding domains of ecdysone receptors and ultraspiracle monomers and dimers and examined the binding affinity of PonA and tebufenozide with the ecdysone receptor complex. Molecular simulations revealed the key factors contributing to the affinity enhancement.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ivana Daubnerova, Ladislav Roller, Honoo Satake, Chen Zhang, Young-Joon Kim, Dusan Zitnan
Summary: Insect ecdysis triggering hormones act on specific neurons in the central nervous system to activate the ecdysis sequence, with different ETH receptor subtypes showing distinct spatial and temporal expression patterns in the CNS to control various stages of the ecdysis process.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Zoology
Huiying Qi, Huijuan Cao, Yajie Zhao, Yaqin Cao, Qide Jin, Yeping Wang, Kun Zhang, Daogui Deng
Summary: In this study, the function of the CYP302A1 gene in Daphnia sinensis was analyzed. The knock-down of the gene resulted in prolonged molting time and abnormal embryo development, indicating its important role in the molting and reproduction of D. sinensis.
FRONTIERS IN ZOOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jing Yu, Hongfang Wang, Wenfeng Chen, Hongyu Song, Ying Wang, Zhenguo Liu, Baohua Xu
Summary: The hormone 20E and the ecdysone receptors ECR and USP play critical roles in insect growth and metabolism, including honeybees. This study found that increased levels of 20E led to reduced food consumption and small-sized pupae in honeybee larvae. Metabolomics analysis revealed significant changes in metabolites and metabolic pathways after 20E treatment, particularly in carbohydrate metabolism. The expression of genes involved in carbohydrate metabolism was also affected by 20E treatment. Overall, 20E plays a critical role in regulating carbohydrate metabolism during honeybee metamorphosis.
Article
Entomology
Kui Zhang, Juan Tan, Xiangwei Hao, Houyi Tang, Muhammad Nadeem Abbas, Jingjing Su, Yongyue Su, Hongjuan Cui
Summary: The zinc finger protein U-shaped plays a crucial role in regulating melanization process and innate immune responses in silkworm by interacting with the Lozenge protein, especially with increased expression levels in hemocytes and upregulation after bacterial challenges.
Review
Cell Biology
Abhimanyu Thakur, Xiaoshan Ke, Ya-Wen Chen, Pedram Motallebnejad, Kui Zhang, Qizhou Lian, Huanhuan Joyce Chen
Summary: Extracellular vesicles (EVs) play crucial roles in intercellular communication, organ development, cancer progression, and have potential applications in therapy and diagnostics. Technological advancements have driven significant progress in this field, with discussions on EV characterization and future research perspectives emphasized.
Article
Oncology
Guangzhao Pan, Kui Zhang, Shengjun Geng, Chao Lan, Xin Hu, Changhong Li, Haoyan Ji, Chongyang Li, Xiaosong Hu, Yi Wang, Muhan Lv, Hongjuan Cui
Summary: Abnormal expression or mutation of PHD finger protein 14 (PHF14) is associated with various disorders, including multiple malignancies. High expression of PHF14 is closely associated with gastrointestinal tumor grade and gastrointestinal disorders, especially colorectal cancer (CRC), and indicates a poor prognosis. Furthermore, the mutation rate of PHF14 in CRC patients is significant. PHF14 plays a crucial role in cell proliferation and growth, potentially participating in the formation and recruitment of DNA damage response complexes.
Article
Entomology
Kui Zhang, Jingjing Su, Xin Hu, Xiaomin Yan, Siyuan Chen, Chongyang Li, Guangzhao Pan, Hongbo Chang, Wenli Tian, Muhammad Nadeem Abbas, Hongjuan Cui
Summary: Insect hemocytes, especially plasmatocytes, play important roles in the developmental stages, metamorphosis, and innate immunity. This study identified two molecular markers of plasmatocytes and investigated their role in plasmatocyte development. The results revealed that plasmatocytes are mainly generated and released by hematopoietic organs (HPOs) and their release is regulated by insulin-mediated signals and their downstream pathways. The PI3K/Akt pathway promotes hematopoiesis while the MAPK/Erk pathway negatively regulates the release of plasmatocytes. These findings enhance our understanding of insect hematopoiesis.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Haoyan Ji, Kui Zhang, Guangzhao Pan, Changhong Li, Chongyang Li, Xin Hu, Liqun Yang, Hongjuan Cui
Summary: Deoxyelephantopin (DET), extracted from Elephantopus scaber L., shows significant inhibitory effects on colon cancer (CC) by inducing G2/M phase arrest, apoptosis, and DNA damage. DET reduces the expression of Bcl2 and miR-205, promoting CC cell apoptosis, and enhances the chemotherapeutic sensitivity of CC to 5-Fluorouracil (5FU). The study highlights the potential of DET as a potent drug for CC treatment, either alone or in combination with 5FU, and emphasizes the importance of the miR-205-Bcl2 axis in DET treatment.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Qizhou Lian, Kui Zhang, Zhao Zhang, Fuyu Duan, Liyan Guo, Weiren Luo, Bobo Wing-Yee Mok, Abhimanyu Thakur, Xiaoshan Ke, Pedram Motallebnejad, Vlad Nicolaescu, Jonathan Chen, Chui Yan Ma, Xiaoya Zhou, Shuo Han, Teng Han, Wei Zhang, Adrian Y. Tan, Tuo Zhang, Xing Wang, Dong Xu, Jenny Xiang, Aimin Xu, Can Liao, Fang-Ping Huang, Ya-Wen Chen, Jie Na, Glenn Randall, Hung-fat Tse, Zhiwei Chen, Yin Chen, Huanhuan Joyce Chen
Summary: This study uses a lung and macrophage co-culture system derived from human pluripotent stem cells to investigate the phenotype and gene expression changes in host lung cells and macrophages after SARS-CoV-2 infection. The researchers found differential immune response patterns in distinct macrophage phenotypes, which could contribute to the severity of COVID-19 disease.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Review
Oncology
Abhimanyu Thakur, Amanda Johnson, Emily Jacobs, Kui Zhang, Jonathan Chen, Zhubo Wei, Qizhou Lian, Huanhuan Joyce Chen
Summary: Exosomal communication in the tumor microenvironment is crucial for cancer development, progression, and metastasis. Exosomes can communicate with neighboring cells or distant organs, promoting tumor growth and cancer progression. Recent studies have identified potential energy sources for exosomes, including mitochondria, adenosine triphosphate, and glycolytic enzymes. This review emphasizes the importance of exosome energy sources and how they maintain structural integrity and stability during communication.
Article
Neurosciences
Fan Zhang, Lixiang Wu, Songshan Feng, Zijin Zhao, Kui Zhang, Abhimanyu Thakur, Zhijie Xu, Qiuju Liang, Yuanhong Liu, Wei Liu, Yuanliang Yan
Summary: This study revealed that FHOD1 is significantly upregulated in glioma tissues and the high expression of FHOD1 is associated with favorable survival in glioma patients. Knockdown of FHOD1 inhibits cell growth and enhances cellular sensitivity to ferroptosis in glioma cells. Mechanistically, FHOD1 knockdown enhances ferroptosis sensitivity through upregulating the methylated HSPB1.
CNS NEUROSCIENCE & THERAPEUTICS
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Qiaoli Yi, Zhijie Xu, Abhimanyu Thakur, Kui Zhang, Qiuju Liang, Yuanhong Liu, Yuanliang Yan
Summary: Plant-derived exosome-like nanoparticles (PELNs) have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, and they regulate the cellular immune response and maintain immune homeostasis. PELNs have advantages over animal-derived exosomes, such as wide sources and easy accessibility. They can transfer various cargoes from plant cells to mammalian cells, mediating interspecies communication.
PHARMACOLOGICAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Zhijie Xu, Yuzhen Xu, Kui Zhang, Yuanhong Liu, Qiuju Liang, Abhimanyu Thakur, Wei Liu, Yuanliang Yan
Summary: In recent years, there has been a significant increase in research on plant-derived extracellular vesicles (PDEVs) and their role in biological and medical applications. PDEVs have been shown to play important roles in cell-cell communication and the exchange of bio-information between species. They carry various cargoes that can affect the biological behaviors associated with human diseases.
JOURNAL OF NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Editorial Material
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Kui Zhang, Abhimanyu Thakur, Zhijie Xu, Zhi-Yao He
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Bi Peng, Jing Li, Yuanliang Yan, Yuanhong Liu, Qiuju Liang, Wei Liu, Abhimanyu Thakur, Kui Zhang, Zhijie Xu, Jian Wang, Fan Zhang
Summary: This article reviews the research advances on the interactions between non-coding RNAs and autophagy in ovarian cancer. It summarizes the underlying mechanisms of their dynamic association and discusses their prognostic implications and therapeutic biomarkers.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Zeyu Zhang, Duntao Su, Abhimanyu Thakur, Kui Zhang, Fada Xia, Yuanliang Yan
Summary: By analyzing 375 gastric cancer samples from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, it was found that immune cell death (ICD)-related long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) could predict the immune response and prognosis of gastric cancer patients. This prognostic signature could be used to monitor the efficacy of immunotherapy for gastric cancer patients.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Isha Gaurav, Abhimanyu Thakur, Gaurav Kumar, Qin Long, Kui Zhang, Rakesh Kumar Sidu, Sudha Thakur, Rajesh Kumar Sarkar, Anoop Kumar, Ashok Iyaswamy, Zhijun Yang
Summary: The citrus canker pathogen Xanthomonas axonopodis has caused significant damage to citrus crops globally, resulting in economic losses for the citrus industry. Researchers have developed silver nanoparticles with antimicrobial activity using a green synthesis method involving the leaf extract of Phyllanthus niruri. By encapsulating these nanoparticles in extracellular vesicles (EVs), their effectiveness against X. axonopodis was enhanced.
Article
Neurosciences
Abhimanyu Thakur, Lifan Liang, Sourav Banerjee, Kui Zhang
Summary: Endothelial dysfunction is found in COVID-19 patients with increased blood-brain barrier permeability and neurological damage. This dysfunction is similar to other inflammatory diseases and may be linked to glioblastoma progression.
