Article
Biology
Jin Wang, Jiayi Xie, Daosong Wang, Xue Han, Minqi Chen, Guojun Shi, Linjia Jiang, Meng Zhao
Summary: Using single-cell sequencing, researchers identified a specific subpopulation of megakaryocytes (MKs) that highly expressed CXCR4 and exhibited both immune characteristics and MK-specific features. These CXCR4(high) MKs interacted with myeloid cells to promote their migration and enhance bacterial phagocytosis, and they were also capable of antigen presentation to activate T cells. Furthermore, in response to bacterial infection, these CXCR4(high) MKs could exit circulation and infiltrate into the spleen, liver, and lung. The ablation of MKs suppressed the innate immune response and impaired the anti-bacterial effects of T cells in mice.
Article
Immunology
Yafa Fetfet Malada Edelstein, Yulia Solomonov, Nurit Hadad, Leenor Alfahel, Adrian Israelson, Rachel Levy
Summary: In mutant SOD1(G93A) transgenic mice, elevated levels of misfolded SOD1 and cPLA(2)alpha were detected at 6 weeks, with a strong correlation between them. Motor neurons with increased expression of cPLA(2)alpha and TNF alpha were found to be in an inflammatory state as early as 6 weeks before disease onset, induced by accumulated misfolded SOD1 leading to cPLA(2)alpha upregulation through TNF alpha induction.
JOURNAL OF NEUROINFLAMMATION
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Alma M. Astudillo, Juan P. Rodriguez, Carlos Guijas, Julio M. Rubio, Maria A. Balboa, Jesus Balsinde
Summary: Macrophages respond to inflammation by mobilizing arachidonic acid through the action of cPLA(2)alpha, leading to the synthesis of prostaglandins E-2 and I-2. The COX-1 enzyme is crucial for this process. Lipid hydrolysis induced by zymosan stimulation primarily involves AA-containing PC and PI, with PC being the major source for prostaglandin E-2 production and both PC and PI contributing to prostaglandin I-2 synthesis. Additionally, prostaglandins produced during early macrophage activation can regulate the production of tumor necrosis factor-alpha.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Daniel Borecki, Matthias Lehr
Summary: The structural modification of the sulfamoylbenzoic acid derivative was performed to increase its inhibitory potency against cytosolic phospholipase A(2)alpha (cPLA(2)alpha). Only compounds with strong structural convergence to the potent benzhydrylindole-substituted benzoic acid derivatives showed considerable potency.
MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Tao-Tao Chen, Yanling Lin, Shijun Zhang, Shuxin Liu, Lei Song, Wenhong Zhong, Zhao-Qing Luo, Aidong Han
Summary: The intracellular bacterial pathogen Legionella pneumophila hijacks host vesicular transport factor p115 to localize its effector protein LegA15 in host lipid droplets (LDs) and causes fragmentation of host Golgi apparatus. LegA15 is an atypical GTPase that modulates host LD homeostasis through its GTPase activity.
Article
Plant Sciences
Shuhan Yu, Jiaxuan Wu, Yanmei Sun, Haifeng Zhu, Qiguo Sun, Pengcheng Zhao, Risheng Huang, Zhenfei Guo
Summary: A calmodulin-like protein, MsCML10, in alfalfa activates glutathione S-transferase and fructose 1,6-biphosphate aldolase to improve cold tolerance by regulating ROS homeostasis and sugar accumulation.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Haixia Wang, Yuanmin Jia, Junlian Gu, Ou Chen, Shouwei Yue
Summary: This study identified ferroptosis-related genes associated with asthma and their regulation of the immune microenvironment, providing potential therapeutic targets. The results could be useful for immunotherapy and prognostic markers in asthma.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yu Okamura, Ai Sato, Lina Kawaguchi, Atsushi J. Nagano, Masashi Murakami, Heiko Vogel, Juergen Kroymann
Summary: Herbivorous insects have evolved counteradaptations to overcome chemical defences of their host plants. The diversity of host plants shapes the diversity of insect counteradaptations. Different butterfly species show different patterns of host plant use and adaptation.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Qing Yang, Melanie A. Whitmore, Kelsy Robinson, Wentao Lyu, Guolong Zhang
Summary: This study investigated the synergy among sodium butyrate, forskolin, and lactose in enhancing innate host defense, barrier function, and resistance to necrotic enteritis and coccidiosis in poultry. The results showed that the combination of these three compounds significantly improved chicken survival, alleviated disease symptoms, and reduced pathogen colonization levels. These findings suggest that dietary supplementation of butyrate, forskolin, and lactose is a promising antibiotic alternative approach to disease control and prevention in poultry and potentially other livestock species.
Article
Plant Sciences
Ming Luo, Xinyuan Sun, Yetong Qi, Jing Zhou, Xintong Wu, Zhendong Tian
Summary: The Phytophthora infestans effector Pi04089 suppresses the expression of many resistance-related genes in potato plants and significantly inhibits the flg22-triggered defense signaling. This research offers new insights into how an oomycete effector disrupts host immune responses at the transcriptome level.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Jihyun Kim, Jocelyn V. Pena, Hannah P. McQueen, Lingwei Kong, Dina Michael, Elmira M. Lomashvili, Pamela R. Cook
Summary: Introduction of cytosolic dsDNA into malignant cells can upregulate CCL22 expression, which is associated with the recruitment of regulatory T cells in the tumor microenvironment. This finding challenges previous understanding and has implications for immunotherapy strategies activating DNA sensing pathways.
CANCER GENE THERAPY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ariana Diaz, Magdalena Diab, Dulce Mata-Espinosa, Estela Bini, Luciano D'Attilio, Oscar Bottasso, Rogelio Hernandez-Pando, Maria Luisa Bay, Bettina Bongiovanni
Summary: This study investigates the reciprocal influence of cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) on host defense peptides (HDPs) biosynthesis and the effect of LL-37 on adrenal steroidogenesis. The results show that cortisol reduces the production of HDPs in mycobacteria-stimulated macrophages, while DHEA increases reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and reduces intracellular mycobacterial growth. LL-37 also affects the production of cortisol and DHEA in adrenal cells.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Dinghui Wang, Tianhua Xiong, Wenlong Yu, Bin Liu, Jing Wang, Kaihu Xiao, Qiang She
Summary: It was found that 144 differential expression genes were identified in CAVD samples, with GO and KEGG analysis showing enrichment in immune response, signal transduction, inflammatory response, proteolysis, innate immune response, and apoptotic process. Chemokines CXCL13, CCL19, CCL8, CXCL8, CXCL16, MMP9, CCL18, CXCL5, VCAM1, and PPBP were identified as hub genes of CAVD. Among immune cells, macrophages accounted for the highest proportion, with M0 macrophages, memory B cells, and plasma cells showing higher expression in CAVD valves compared to healthy valves, while naive B cells, activated NK cells, and M2 macrophages showed lower expression.
FRONTIERS IN GENETICS
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Fan Yang, Jingwei Kong, Yuhan Zong, Zhuqing Li, Mingsheng Lyu, Wanyang Li, Wenle Li, Haoyue Zhu, Shunqi Chen, Xiaoshan Zhao, Ji Wang
Summary: This study identified differentially expressed autophagy-related genes and subtypes in asthma patients, showing associations with asthma control, airway inflammation, and immune cell infiltration. A risk prediction model based on autophagy-related genes and asthma control was established and validated, indicating the clinical value of autophagy in the treatment response and prognosis of asthma.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Reproductive Biology
Anna Z. Szostek-Mioduchowska, Haruki Shiotani, Yuki Yamamoto, Agnieszka Sadowska, Anna Wojtowicz, Keisuke Kozai, Takuo Hojo, Koji Kimura, Dariusz J. Skarzynski, Kiyoshi Okuda
Summary: This study found that cortisol suppresses the synthesis of PGF(2 alpha) in the equine endometrium by affecting the arachidonic acid cascade.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mohit Kumar, Ashutosh Singh, Sonam Kumari, Praveen Kumar, Mohd Wasi, Alok K. Mondal, Shivaprakash M. Rudramurthy, Arunaloke Chakrabarti, Naseem A. Gaur, Neil A. R. Gow, Rajendra Prasad
Summary: Research indicates that sphingolipids influence the drug susceptibility of Candida auris. Analysis of drug-resistant clinical isolates of C. auris revealed that sphingolipid content may affect azole and amphotericin B susceptibilities. These findings provide insight into the dynamics of sphingolipid structures and their link to drug resistance in C. auris.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR AND CELL BIOLOGY OF LIPIDS
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Shabnam Sircaik, Elvira Roman, Priyanka Bapat, Keunsook K. Lee, David R. Andes, Neil A. R. Gow, Clarissa J. Nobile, Jesus Pla, Sneh Lata Panwar
Summary: The study demonstrates the crucial role of Ire1 in perceiving ER stress and activating UPR in Candida albicans. Additionally, compromised Ire1 function affects secretory homeostasis, antifungal tolerance, cell wall regulation, and virulence-related traits. Furthermore, Ire1 can activate UPR in response to perturbations in cell wall integrity and cell membrane homeostasis.
CELLULAR MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Aiysha Thompson, Diogo M. da Fonseca, Louise Walker, James S. Griffiths, Philip R. Taylor, Neil A. R. Gow, Selinda J. Orr
Summary: Invasive Candida infections are mainly caused by four Candida species, and C-type lectin-like receptors (CLRs) are involved in the immune responses to these infections. Different Candida species have varying mannan contents in their cell walls, and Mincle and Dectin-2 play important roles in regulating cytokine production and clearance of these infections during systemic infection. Dependence on mannan-detecting CLRs varies between different Candida species during systemic infection.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
News Item
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Nicolas Papon, Gordon D. Brown, Neil A. R. Gow
Summary: The study suggests that dysbiosis of mycobiota can promote colon cancer by affecting energy metabolism in subepithelial macrophages, highlighting a potential role of gut flora in intestinal carcinogenesis and opportunities for preventative strategies involving antifungal or immunotherapeutic approaches.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Judith M. Bain, M. Fernanda Alonso, Delma S. Childers, Catriona A. Walls, Kevin Mackenzie, Arnab Pradhan, Leanne E. Lewis, Johanna Louw, Gabriela M. Avelar, Daniel E. Larcombe, Mihai G. Netea, Neil A. R. Gow, Gordon D. Brown, Lars P. Erwig, Alistair J. P. Brown
Summary: Innate immunity is vital in protecting against fungal infections, but pathogens have evolved ways to evade immune cells. Researchers found that macrophages can counteract pathogen evasion by folding fungal hyphae, promoting successful fungal clearance through engulfment and inhibition of hyphal growth.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Alessandra da Silva Dantas, Filomena Nogueira, Keunsook K. Lee, Louise A. Walker, Matt Edmondson, Alexandra C. Brand, Megan D. Lenardon, Neil A. R. Gow
Summary: The study demonstrates that simultaneous activation of the calcineurin and cell wall integrity (CWI) pathways leads to the generation of non-viable Candida albicans yeast cells with supra-normal levels of chitin in the cell wall, disrupting cell expansion and growth. Mutations in the Ca2+-calcineurin pathway prevent the formation of these non-viable cells by negatively regulating chitin synthesis driven by the CWI pathway. The Ca2+-calcineurin pathway may serve as an attenuator to prevent overproduction of chitin by coordinating chitin upregulation and negative regulation of the CWI signaling pathway.
JOURNAL OF CELL SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Ryan Lusk, Paula L. Hoffman, Spencer Mahaffey, Samuel Rosean, Harry Smith, Jan Silhavy, Michal Pravenec, Boris Tabakoff, Laura M. Saba
Summary: Post transcriptional modifications of RNA, such as alternative splicing and alternative polyadenylation, play a significant role in expanding genetic diversity in eukaryotes. In the brain, these modifications may contribute to a predisposition for voluntary alcohol consumption.
FRONTIERS IN GENETICS
(2022)
Meeting Abstract
Infectious Diseases
Arnab Pradhan, Qinxi Ma, Emer Hickey, Gabriela Avelar, Daniel Larcombe, Judith Bain, Delma Childers, Ivy Dambuza, Ian Leaves, Leandro Jose De Assis, Mihai Netea, Gordon Brown, Lars Erwig, Neil A. R. Gow, Alistair J. P. Brown
Meeting Abstract
Infectious Diseases
Neil A. R. Gow
Review
Microbiology
Neil A. R. Cow, Megan D. Lenardon
Summary: The fungal cell wall is crucial for the growth and survival of fungi and is targeted by antifungal drugs and the immune system. The inner wall of most fungi is made up of chitin and beta-glucans, while the outer wall is composed of a variety of polymers and glycosylated proteins. Understanding the organization of fungal cell walls can lead to the development of diagnostics and drugs for combating fungal infections.
NATURE REVIEWS MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Leandro Jose de Assis, Judith M. Bain, Corin Liddle, Ian Leaves, Christian Hacker, Roberta Peres da Silva, Raif Yuecel, Attila Bebes, David Stead, Delma S. Childers, Arnab Pradhan, Kevin Mackenzie, Katherine Lagree, Daniel E. Larcombe, Qinxi Ma, Gabriela Mol Avelar, Mihai G. Netea, Lars P. Erwig, Aaron P. Mitchell, Gordon D. Brown, Neil A. R. Gow, Alistair J. P. Brown
Summary: This study reveals that beta-1,3-glucan exposure on the surface of Candida albicans cells is targeted during phagocytosis, and lactate-induced masking reduces beta-1,3-glucan exposure. Downstream effectors of protein kinase A (PKA), Sin3 and Mig1/Mig2, regulate the secretion of glucanases and modulate beta-1,3-glucan exposure. Perturbing PKA, Sin3, or Mig1/Mig2 attenuates the virulence of lactate-exposed C. albicans cells.
Review
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Neil A. R. Gow, Carolyn Johnson, Judith Berman, Alix T. Coste, Christina A. Cuomo, David S. Perlin, Tihana Bicanic, Thomas S. Harrison, Nathan Wiederhold, Mike Bromley, Tom Chiller, Keegan Edgar
Summary: Prior to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, antibiotic resistance was considered a major global healthcare priority. Although fungal infections have not received enough public attention, the annual deaths caused by these infections are comparable to or even exceed the global mortalities due to malaria, tuberculosis, or HIV. The rise of antifungal drug resistant strains has worsened the impact of fungal infections on human health. This review aims to illuminate the problem of antifungal resistance and suggest possible measures to mitigate this growing threat.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Nicola T. Case, Judith Berman, David S. Blehert, Robert A. Cramer, Christina Cuomo, Cameron R. Currie, Iuliana Ene, Matthew C. Fisher, Lillian K. Fritz-Laylin, Aleeza C. Gerstein, N. Louise Glass, Neil A. R. Gow, Sarah J. Gurr, Chris Todd Hittinger, Tobias M. Hohl, Iliyan D. Iliev, Timothy Y. James, Hailing Jin, Bruce S. Klein, James W. Kronstad, Jeffrey M. Lorch, Victoria McGovern, Aaron P. Mitchell, Julia A. Segre, Rebecca S. Shapiro, Donald C. Sheppard, Anita Sil, Jason E. Stajich, Eva E. Stukenbrock, John W. Taylor, Dawn Thompson, Gerard D. Wright, Joseph Heitman, Leah E. Cowen
Summary: The fungal kingdom has diverse impacts on animal, plant, and ecosystem health, supporting life while also causing diseases. With increased climate change, antimicrobial resistance, and other global challenges, it is crucial to develop new approaches to combat fungal threats and harness their potential. This report provides recommendations and highlights major research advances and ideas discussed at a workshop to address these challenges.
G3-GENES GENOMES GENETICS
(2022)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Jack Pattee, Lauren A. Vanderlinden, Spencer Mahaffey, Paula Hoffman, Boris Tabakoff, Laura M. Saba
Summary: The Hybrid Rat Diversity Panel (HRDP) is a stable and diverse collection of inbred rat strains that can be used to study the genetic and genomic variation associated with complex diseases. It is important to consider the population structure induced by inbreeding and use appropriate models when analyzing quantitative traits. Extensive simulations can help evaluate the power and performance of genetic association analyses in the HRDP.
FRONTIERS IN GENETICS
(2022)
Article
Mycology
Emily M. Stevenson, William H. Gaze, Neil A. R. Gow, Alwyn Hart, Wiebke Schmidt, Jane Usher, Adilia Warris, Helen Wilkinson, Aimee K. Murray
Summary: This scoping review examines the current understanding of selection for antifungal resistance (AFR) and compares it with selection for antibacterial resistance. AFR is an emerging global threat to human health, with high mortality rates and limited treatment options. The review highlights the need for assessment of antifungal agents in environmental risk assessment guidelines and suggests potential methods to determine antifungal selective concentrations.
FRONTIERS IN FUNGAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
