Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ksenia Skvortsova, Stephanie Bertrand, Danila Voronov, Paul E. Duckett, Samuel E. Ross, Marta Silvia Magri, Ignacio Maeso, Robert J. Weatheritt, Jose Luis Gomez Skarmeta, Maria Ina Arnone, Hector Escriva, Ozren Bogdanovic
Summary: The study shows that invertebrate deuterostomes use TET enzymes for targeted demethylation of regulatory regions associated with developmental genes, indicating a conservation of this major gene-regulatory module in vertebrates.
Article
Biology
Regina L. Agulto, Melissa M. Rogers, Tracy C. Tan, Amrita Ramkumar, Ashlyn M. Downing, Hannah Bodin, Julia Castro, Dan W. Nowakowski, Kassandra M. Ori-McKenney
Summary: The study reveals that DCLK1 kinase activity is regulated by autophosphorylation to control its binding to microtubules, providing insights for future therapeutic strategies targeting DCLK1 in cancer development and progression.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Silvana Vasile, Katarina Roos
Summary: In this study, density functional theory (DFT) was used to predict the binding free energies of metalloenzyme fragment-like inhibitors. By introducing automated docking, high affinity inhibitors were identified. This methodology provides a fast and predictive tool for the identification of key features of metalloenzyme MBGs, which can be useful for the design of new and efficient drugs targeting these ubiquitous proteins.
Article
Immunology
Xu-Yang Liu, Dong-Kui Wei, Zhi-Ying Li, Jian-Sheng Lu, Xin-Mei Xie, Zhou Yu, Xiao-Bin Pang
Summary: This study investigated the immunological effects of different functional domains or fragments of the tetanus toxin in an animal model. The TL-HN fragment demonstrated the best immunoprotection and induced the highest levels of neutralizing antibodies, suggesting its potential as a promising subunit vaccine to replace THc or TT.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Richard S. Pollenz, Jackson Bland, Welkin H. Pope
Summary: This study used a comprehensive bioinformatic approach to identify and analyze the diverse lysis genes in 16 genetically diverse bacteriophages. The results revealed a high level of diversity in the lysis genes and identified novel genome structures and unique combinations of holin-like proteins. The study also provided evidence for the presence of previously uncharacterized transmembrane protein structures, suggesting the existence of novel operational lysis models yet to be discovered.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Paramasivam Suresh Kumar, Subramaniyan Pushpavalli, David Amelia Keran, Thayumanavan Shuprajhaa, Chinnathambi Sivananth, Rajendran Renganathan, Jeyabaskaran Kandallu Jayaraman, Padmanaban Balakrishnan, Subbaraya Uma
Summary: Banana central core stem powder (CCSP) of seven varieties was studied for its functional, therapeutic properties and bioactive profiling. The CCSP showed good flowability and storage-life, as well as high levels of dietary fiber and antioxidant activities. Nendran and Rasthali varieties exhibited higher antioxidant activities and contained more potassium and calcium.
Article
Microbiology
Wen Pan, Xiaowen Huang, Zeyuan Guo, Rekha Nagarajan, Eleftherios Mylonakis
Summary: Effector proteins in Caenorhabditis elegans play a role in host defense, and this study focused on identifying pathogen-dependent cytokine-like molecules, specifically C-type lectin domain-containing proteins (CLECs). The results show that CLEC-47 functions as a novel cytokine-like signaling molecule, attracting and recruiting macrophages and activating proinflammatory cytokine expression.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jiaojiao Zhang, Xinman Wang, Xiaonan Dong, Fei Wang, Lingling Cao, Shuangtao Li, Ziji Liu, Xichun Zhang, Yang-Dong Guo, Bing Zhao, Na Zhang
Summary: In this study, the characteristics of the SlTLP family were investigated, revealing their important role in plant growth and development. The SlTLP genes were classified into two subgroups, with the members containing the F-box domain renamed as SlTLFPs. Most of the SlTLP proteins were localized in the nucleus, and their expression was found to be influenced by biotic and abiotic stress. Furthermore, the members with an F-box domain were shown to interact with specific proteins to form complexes and function as E3 ligases through the F-box domain.
Article
Plant Sciences
Qian Zhang, Shuxian Chen, Yazhou Bao, Dongmei Wang, Weijie Wang, Rubin Chen, Yixin Li, Guangyuan Xu, Xianzhong Feng, Xiangxiu Liang, Daolong Dou
Summary: This study identified the roles of MRLKs in soybean immunity and identified them as candidate susceptible genes that could be useful for improving soybean resistance.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Carla Almendariz-Palacios, Dauenpen Meesapyodsuk, Xiao Qiu
Summary: The AT-like domain of the PUFA synthase in Thraustochytrium does not function as a malonyl-CoA:ACP transacylase, rather it acts as a thioesterase, potentially catalyzing the last step of VLCPUFA biosynthesis by releasing freshly synthesized VLCPUFAs attached to ACP domains of the PUFA synthase.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Emi Hibino, Takeshi Tenno, Hidekazu Hiroaki
Summary: This study examines the effect of salts and sugars on the aggregation of the p53 protein, which plays a role in preventing tumor development. The results show that salts like KCl inhibit the formation of one type of aggregate but promote the formation of another type in a specific p53 mutant. The study also suggests that the aggregation process may involve the dissociation of zinc and that different additives can discriminate between distinct types of aggregates.
FRONTIERS IN MOLECULAR BIOSCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Mathematics, Applied
Yingzhi Liu, Xiao-Chuan Cai
Summary: This study focuses on numerical simulation of blood flows in the artery using a one-dimensional central-line model and its stabilized finite element discretization to construct a coarse preconditioner. By utilizing suitable operators, a two-level additive Schwarz preconditioner for two- and three-dimensional problems is obtained. Numerical experiments demonstrate the efficiency and robustness of the new coarse preconditioner, with considerably lower computational cost compared to other coarse preconditioners based on the two- or three-dimensional geometry of the artery.
NUMERICAL ALGORITHMS
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Maoxiao Peng, Zhi Li, Joao C. R. Cardoso, Donghong Niu, Xiaojun Liu, Zhiguo Dong, Jiale Li, Deborah M. Power
Summary: Complement proteins have diverged significantly in different evolutionary lineages, but their functions overlap due to conservation of protein domain organization.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alexander Denesyuk, Sergei E. Permyakov, Mark S. Johnson, Eugene A. Permyakov, Vladimir N. Uversky, Konstantin Denessiouk
Summary: This study identified a universal structural motif NBCZone in proteinases and revealed a complete Structural Catalytic Core (SCC) consisting of different classes and groups. Comparative analysis showed that amino acid variations at specific positions can modulate enzymatic activity by affecting the interaction between catalytic acid core and supplementary core. The findings contribute significantly to the analysis and systematization of (chymo)trypsin-like serine/cysteine fold proteinases' 3D structures.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Junyi Ruan, Yan Xiao, Junyu Ma, Xiaoyu Huang, Guolin Lu, Chun Feng
Summary: This study reports the synthesis of inorganic nanotubes with unique structures using a living crystallization-driven self-assembly method, achieving precise control over the length of the nanotubes. These inorganic nanotubes exhibit higher catalytic activity in reactions, possibly due to their porous structure.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Lei Sun, Arabella Wan, Zhuolong Zhou, Dongshi Chen, Heng Liang, Chuwei Liu, Shijia Yan, Yi Niu, Ziyou Lin, Siyue Zhan, Shanfeng Wang, Xianzhang Bu, Weiling He, Xiongbin Lu, Anlong Xu, Guohui Wan
Summary: The study identified an RNA-binding protein RALY as a critical regulator in colorectal cancer metabolism, promoting the post-transcriptional processing of miRNAs that downregulate metabolism-associated genes and reprogram mitochondrial metabolism in cancer cells. Increased levels of RALY were associated with poor prognosis in CRC patients expressing low levels of mitochondrion-associated genes, and this effect was facilitated by N6-methyladenosine switch under reactive oxygen species stress. Inhibition of m6A methylation abolished RALY recognition of pri-miRNAs, leading to inhibition of colorectal tumor growth and progression both in vivo and in organoid models.
Review
Immunology
Wenbin Liu, Guangrui Huang, Hongliang Rui, Jie Geng, Haikun Hu, Yujiao Huang, Guiyang Huo, Baoli Liu, Anlong Xu
Summary: Membranous nephropathy (MN) is a common pattern of glomerular injury in multiple autoimmune responses. Detecting autoantibodies can lead to personalized precision medicine. Further identification of autoantibodies and biomarkers is needed to accurately predict disease prognosis and therapeutic response.
AUTOIMMUNITY REVIEWS
(2022)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Yuxiu Sun, Chen Li, Wanchen Yu, Guiyang Huo, Mengmeng Zhu, Pengfei Zhao, Ting Wang, Guangrui Huang, Anlong Xu
Summary: Analyzing the serum proteomic profile of SAPHO patients revealed multiple proteins associated with SAPHO syndrome, with inhibitors of the complement system such as CFH and C4BP up-regulated in the syndrome, potentially playing crucial roles in its pathogenesis.
JOURNAL OF PROTEOMICS
(2022)
Article
Allergy
Jianhua Zhen, Pengfei Zhao, Yini Li, Yanan Cai, Wanchen Yu, Wei Wang, Lu Zhao, Hesong Wang, Guangrui Huang, Anlong Xu
Summary: This study explored changes in the gut microbiota, urine metabolome, and plasma proteome in individuals with allergies. Indole derivatives from tryptophan metabolism may play a key role in the progression of allergies and could be potential therapeutic targets.
JOURNAL OF ASTHMA AND ALLERGY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Yan Chen, Lingjie Luo, Lisi Deng, Xiaoxue Tian, Shangwu Chen, Anlong Xu, Shaochun Yuan
Summary: The AID/APOBEC family expands in primates to resist viruses and retrotransposons. Recently, expansion of AID/APOBEC-like genes has also been observed in lamprey. The study suggests that the arms race between host and pathogens, along with VLR assembly, may contribute to the expansion and diversification of the lamprey AID/APOBEC family.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Editorial Material
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Xin Tao, Ziwen Huang, Fan Chen, Xinli Wang, Tingting Zheng, Shaochun Yuan, Anlong Xu
NATIONAL SCIENCE REVIEW
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Liutao Chen, Yonggui Fu, Zhijie Hu, Ke Deng, Zili Song, Susu Liu, Mengxia Li, Xin Ou, Runze Wu, Mian Liu, Rui Li, Shuiying Gao, Lin Cheng, Shangwu Chen, Anlong Xu
Summary: The N6-methyladenosine (m(6)A) modification and alternative polyadenylation (APA) are important regulators of gene expression. YTHDC1, an m(6)A reader, was found to suppress proximal APA sites and produce longer 3' UTR transcripts by binding to upstream m(6)A sites. The interaction between YTHDC1 and FIP1L1, as well as the liquid-liquid phase separation promoted by m(6)A binding, may play a crucial role in APA regulation.
Article
Plant Sciences
Peng Tian, Lili Wu, Maya Kudo, Misa Hayashi, Lingling Qin, Ming Gao, Anlong Xu, Tonghua Liu
Summary: TNK can reduce obesity by regulating intestinal flora and is associated with fatty acid metabolism.
PHARMACEUTICAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Zhijie Hu, Mengxia Li, Zhanfeng Huo, Liutao Chen, Susu Liu, Ke Deng, Xin Lu, Shangwu Chen, Yonggui Fu, Anlong Xu
Summary: Alternative splicing and alternative polyadenylation (APA) are crucial for gene regulation in eukaryotic cells. While the U1 snRNP complex can suppress proximal APA sites, the free proteins of this complex actually promote the usage of these sites, indicating a contrasting role.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR CELL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Jin Li, Shumin Liu, Yang Zhang, Qiuyun Huang, Hao Zhang, Jihua OuYang, Fan Mao, Huiping Fan, Wenjie Yi, Meiling Dong, Anlong Xu, Shengfeng Huang
Summary: The Apextrin C-terminal (ApeC) domain is a protein domain largely specific to aquatic invertebrates. This study examined 130 ACPs from gastropods and bivalves, classifying them into different groups based on their phylogenetics and architectures. The study found that the selected ACPs from bivalves and gastropods showed high affinities to certain types of peptidoglycan, but weak or no affinities to other microbial cell wall components. Furthermore, the ACP from the bivalve had the highest expression in the gill and could be up-regulated after bacterial challenge, similar to the findings in amphioxus ACPs.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Wan-di Feng, Yao Wang, Tong Luo, Xin Jia, Cui-qin Cheng, Hao-jia Wang, Mei-qi Zhang, Qi-qi Li, Xue-jiao Wang, Yi-ying Li, Jin-yong Wang, Guang-rui Huang, Ting Wang, An-long Xu
Summary: Recent evidence suggests that targeting NLRP3 inflammasome activation is important for treating inflammasome-driven diseases. Scoparone, a natural compound from the Chinese herb Artemisia capillaris Thunb, has anti-inflammatory activity. This study investigated the effect of scoparone on NLRP3 inflammasome activation in inflammatory diseases.
ACTA PHARMACOLOGICA SINICA
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Ying Shi, Xiaopu Sang, Jiali Deng, Yihang Wang, Xiaoni Chen, Shan Lin, Fenfang Wu, Anlong Xu
Summary: This study found that cell cycle-related genes play a key role in the development and prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and are significantly correlated with immune cell infiltration. The expression levels of CDK1, CDC20, CCNA2, CCNB1, and CCNB2 may be involved in the regulation of monocytes and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) in HCC. These findings suggest that cell cycle-related genes can be used as novel biomarkers for exploring the prognosis and immune cell infiltration of HCC.
Article
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Ying Shi, Jiali Deng, Xiaopu Sang, Yihang Wang, Fei He, Xiaoni Chen, Anlong Xu, Fenfang Wu
Summary: By including BMP4 in the hepatic differentiation medium, we have achieved co-differentiation of endoderm-derived hepatocytes and mesoderm-derived nonparenchymal cells, which has a beneficial effect on hepatocyte maturation and lifespan in vitro.
STEM CELLS INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Zirui Yue, Zhaoyu Fan, Hao Zhang, Buhan Feng, Chengyi Wu, Shenghui Chen, Jihua Ouyang, Huiping Fan, Panwei Weng, Huixiong Feng, Shangwu Chen, Meiling Dong, Anlong Xu, Shengfeng Huang
Summary: The chitin-based peritrophic matrix (PM), which was traditionally believed to be lost in vertebrates, has been discovered in fishes as a chitinous membrane (CM). In zebrafish, the CM plays a role in ingestion behavior, microbial homeostasis, epithelial renewal, digestion, growth, and longevity. Although not essential for gut immunity, the CM may provide insights into the understanding of vertebrate gut physiology and human intestinal diseases.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hongmei Li, Fenfang Wu, Guangrui Huang, Di Wu, Ting Wang, Xiashuang Wang, Kai Wang, Yuyin Feng, Anlong Xu
Summary: Recent studies have shown that transplantation of hiPS-CMs is a promising approach for treating heart failure, but the immature nature and secreted proteins of hiPS-CMs involved in cardiomyocyte repair are not well understood. In this study, a saponin(+) compound induced system was established to generate stable and functional hiPS-CMs in vitro and transplanted into heart failure mice. The results demonstrated that the optimally induced hiPS-CMs had enhanced therapeutic effects by reducing cardiac remodeling and dysfunction, decreasing cardiomyocyte death, and promoting angiogenesis. The reparative effect was likely mediated by the secretion of PDGF-BB and the activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway.
SIGNAL TRANSDUCTION AND TARGETED THERAPY
(2022)