Article
Environmental Sciences
Lei Jin, Yan Huang, Shengzhi Yang, Daifu Wu, Caiwu Li, Wenwen Deng, Ke Zhao, Yongguo He, Bei Li, Guiquan Zhang, Yaowu Xiong, Rongping Wei, Guo Li, Hongning Wu, Hemin Zhang, Likou Zou
Summary: Gut microbiota (GM) plays a crucial role in the health of giant pandas (GPs) alongside their bamboo-based diet. Dietary changes, habitat environment conversions, and lifestyle shifts significantly influence the GM of GPs. These factors can impact the diversity and richness of gut bacterial communities, with certain bacterial genera potentially playing key roles in bamboo digestion by GPs.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Xiaohui Zhang, Xueying Wang, James Ayala, Yuliang Liu, Junhui An, Donghui Wang, Zhigang Cai, Rong Hou, Mingyue Zhang
Summary: The research aimed to evaluate the possible adverse effects of the traditional parenting mode on the gut microbiota of captive giant pandas, and the results showed that early and frequent maternal separation did not change the diversity indices of the gut microbes, but it increased certain bacteria abundance and stress-related fecal metabolites in the intestinal tract of giant pandas in adulthood, which affected protein digestion and absorption functions and disturbed short-chain fatty acids metabolism.
Article
Microbiology
Rui Ma, Weichao Zheng, Junliang Guo, Rong Hou, He Huang, Fei Xue, Yanshan Zhou, Wei Wu, Chong Huang, Jiang Gu, Feifei Feng, Xiang Yu, Jiabin Liu, Zusheng Li, Long Zhang, Guanwei Lan, Chao Chen, Wenlei Bi, Qiang Dai, Jacob R. R. Owens, Hong Yang, Xiaodong Gu, Qi-gui Yan, Dunwu Qi
Summary: To achieve reproduction, male solitary mammals, like giant pandas, need to locate females using chemical communication. This study analyzed microbiota and compounds in anogenital gland samples and found that they vary by gender and estrus phase. By changing the composition of microbiota and odor compounds, giant pandas can express accurate information to improve the likelihood of successful reproduction.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Zheng Yan, Qin Xu, Walter H. Hsu, Stephan Schmitz Esser, James Ayala, Rong Hou, Ying Yao, Dandan Jiang, Shibin Yuan, Hairui Wang
Summary: The gut microbiome of captive giant pandas fed exclusively culms showed significant differences in composition and function from those fed shoots or leaves. The microbiome exhibited strong digestive capabilities for cellulose, hemicellulose, and starch during the culm feeding period, while genes related to fatty acid metabolism and tricarboxylic acid cycle enzymes were more abundant during the leaf stage diet. These results suggest adaptive changes in gut microbiome community and function may play a crucial role in aiding giant panda digestion when consuming different structural parts of bamboo.
CURRENT MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Zheng Yan, Qin Xu, Ying Yao, James Ayala, Rong Hou, Hairui Wang
Summary: Climate change can negatively impact the food sources of wild animals, such as giant pandas, who heavily rely on bamboo. To understand the foraging strategy of giant pandas and aid in their conservation, fecal metabolites and gut microbiota were analyzed. The results indicate that the sugar content in giant panda feces is higher when they consume bamboo culm with high fiber content, and Streptococcus bacteria are positively correlated with glucose and acetic acid content. These findings highlight the importance of enriching their habitat with bamboo species to support their natural foraging strategy and nutrition.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Lei Jin, Hongning Wu, Guo Li, Shengzhi Yang, Rongping Wei, Yan Huang, Petri Penttinen, Wenwen Deng, Jianbin Chen, Xinfeng Han, Caiwu Li, Lan Hu, Ti Li, Hemin Zhang, Ke Zhao, Likou Zou
Summary: This study investigated the composition and function of the gastrointestinal microbiome and resistance genes in wild giant pandas, and found that the microbiome plays a crucial role in lignocellulose degradation from bamboo. The study also highlighted the importance of monitoring metal levels in soil and bamboo due to their influence on the microbiome and resistance genes.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Fangyuan Liu, Rengui Li, Yi Zhong, Xu Liu, Wenwen Deng, Xiaoyu Huang, Megan Price, Jing Li
Summary: In this study, UPLC-MS-based metabolomics, 16S rRNA, and metagenome sequencing were used to analyze the fecal samples of 44 captive giant pandas from different age groups. The results showed that the metabolites and composition/function of gut microbiota changed with age, especially during the transition from a milk-dominant diet to a bamboo-specific diet. The abundance of specific metabolites and gut bacteria varied across different age groups.
Article
Microbiology
Baoxing Gan, Ning Sun, Jing Lai, Zhiqiang Wan, Lianxin Li, Yanyan Wang, Yan Zeng, Dong Zeng, Kangcheng Pan, Jing Fang, Gang Shu, Hesong Wang, Jinge Xin, Xueqin Ni
Summary: The giant panda, a unique vulnerable mammal in western China, suffers from digestive system diseases as its main cause of death. This study explores the intestinal flora of giant pandas by transplanting their fecal microorganisms into mice, and reveals that the characteristics of the panda's intestinal flora are better reproduced in germfree mice compared to pseudosterile mice.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Zheng Yan, Xin He, James Ayala, Qin Xu, Xiaoqiang Yu, Rong Hou, Ying Yao, He Huang, Hairui Wang
Summary: This study investigated the impact of a bamboo diet on the transmission of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in the gut microbiota of giant pandas. Results showed that the number of ARGs was highest during the consumption of bamboo leaves, while the variety of ARGs was highest during the consumption of shoots. Specific bacteria associated with ARG dissemination were also identified. This research highlights the importance of proper handling of panda feces and regular monitoring of antimicrobial-resistant genes.
VETERINARY SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Feilong Deng, Chengdong Wang, Desheng Li, Yunjuan Peng, Linhua Deng, Yunxiang Zhao, Zhihao Zhang, Ming Wei, Kai Wu, Jiangchao Zhao, Ying Li
Summary: This study comprehensively analyzed the gut microbiota of 322 giant pandas and found that Streptococcus alactolyticus was the most abundant microbe, which was positively correlated with essential amino-acid biosynthesis. When transferred to mice, S. alactolyticus significantly increased the relative abundance of essential amino acids in the mice jejunum. These findings suggest that S. alactolyticus plays an important role in the giant panda's dietary adaptation by influencing protein metabolism.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Lu Li, Fujun Shen, Xiaodie Jie, Liang Zhang, Guoqiang Yan, Honglin Wu, Yan Huang, Rong Hou, Bisong Yue, Xiuyue Zhang
Summary: Both giant pandas and red pandas have adapted to a bamboo diet through convergent evolution. The research has found similarities in their morphology, genome, and gut flora. However, there is still a lack of understanding about the convergent adaptation of their digestion and metabolism to the bamboo diet at the gene-expression and epigenetic regulation levels.
Article
Astronomy & Astrophysics
Marcelo M. M. Miller Bertolami
Summary: The Red-Giant Branch Bump (RGBB) is a significant feature in the red-giant luminosity function of stellar clusters, caused by the hydrogen-burning shell passing through a composition discontinuity. The actual physical reason behind the decrease in luminosity is not well understood, but it has been shown that the change in mean molecular weight of layers above the burning shell contributes to the change in luminosity at the RGBB.
ASTROPHYSICAL JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Evolutionary Biology
Xinyuan Cui, Qinrong Zhang, Qunde Zhang, Hua Chen, Guoqi Liu, Lifeng Zhu
Summary: In this study, a meta-analysis of microbial data from captive and wild giant pandas was conducted, revealing differences in the modular structures and topological features of their gut microbiomes. The co-occurrence network of wild giant pandas exhibited greater complexity and stability than that of captive individuals. The analysis also indicated the influence of geographical factors on the internal modular structure. Furthermore, the roles of abundant and rare taxa in the gut bacterial ecosystem were explored, highlighting the importance of key bacterial species for the development of the giant panda gut microbiome. The study provides valuable insights for the conservation and management of giant panda populations.
EVOLUTIONARY APPLICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Zhuotao Liu, Limin Shen, Zhaoyuan Li, Houxiong Zhou, Qian Li, Xiaojuan Wang
Summary: This study compares the community environments of giant pandas in Wolong National Nature Reserve, Tangjiahe NNR, and Heizhugou NNR in Sichuan, China using infrared camera data collected from 2017 to 2021. The results reveal the ecological relations of the giant panda with other animals in different networks. It is suggested that conservation resources be invested in Wolong NNR to ensure the survival of the giant panda and benefit other species. The state budget for ecological restoration should prioritize Heizhugou NNR to help the natural community recover.
GLOBAL ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Min Zhao, Chanjuan Yue, Zijun Yang, Yunli Li, Dongsheng Zhang, Ju Zhang, Shixing Yang, Quan Shen, Xiaoyan Su, Dunwu Qi, Rui Ma, Yuqing Xiao, Rong Hou, Xia Yan, Lin Li, Yanshan Zhou, Jiabin Liu, Xiaochun Wang, Wei Wu, Wen Zhang, Tongling Shan, Songrui Liu
Summary: The study found that feline panleukopenia virus (FPV) was prevalent in both giant pandas and red pandas, and other potentially pathogenic viruses were responsible for diseases or deaths in red pandas. The study also revealed instances of interspecies jumping events between giant pandas and their associated species. These findings are important for understanding the genetic diversity and viral transmission among giant pandas, associated animals, and arthropods.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Siyuan Zhang, Bo Zeng, Yinfeng Chen, Mingyao Yang, Fanli Kong, Limin Wei, Feng Li, Jiangchao Zhao, Ying Li
Summary: The composition and function of gut microbiota in healthy long-living individuals differ significantly from those in unhealthy long-living individuals, with the former having a higher abundance of beneficial bacteria and various metabolic pathways, while the latter are rich in pathogenic bacteria and pathways related to xenobiotics metabolism.
Review
Cell Biology
Xiaolan Fan, Tiantian Huang, Yingdong Tong, Ziqiang Fan, Ziyue Yang, Deying Yang, Xueping Mao, Mingyao Yang
Summary: p62, also known as SQSTM1, is a crucial predictor of autophagic flux and plays a role in maintaining protein homeostasis in cells. It has the ability to resist oxidative stress, and its multiple domains allow it to interact with vital signaling pathways, influencing cell proliferation, apoptosis, and survival. Recent studies have also shown its involvement in the aging process.
AGEING RESEARCH REVIEWS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xiaolan Fan, Ziqiang Fan, Ziyue Yang, Tiantian Huang, Yingdong Tong, Deying Yang, Xueping Mao, Mingyao Yang
Summary: This review highlights the association between aging and macromolecular damage, and discusses the potential of flavonoid molecules in delaying aging and prolonging healthy lifespan. The study suggests the need for further exploration of the clinical application of flavonoids in anti-aging treatment, which could provide valuable information for drug design and development.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Fisheries
Rongrong Yang, Jia Hu, Bo Zeng, Deying Yang, Diyan Li, Mingyao Yang, Xiaolan Fan, Xiaoyan Li, Xueping Mao, Yulei Liu, Yongqing Lyu, Yan Li
Summary: This study analyzed the genetic changes of short pentraxin genes in primates. The results revealed diversity in these genes across different species and showed that adaptive selection has caused these changes. However, there is a lack of genetic variation in these genes in the Macaca fascicularis and M. mulatta primate models.
DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Zhixiao Yuan, Yutian Zeng, Yao Tian, Shuai Wang, Binyan Hong, Mingyao Yang
Summary: This review summarizes the connection between SIRT6 and glycolytic metabolism, discusses its involvement in life-threatening diseases like cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and cardiovascular disease, and explores possible treatment approaches using SIRT6.
EXPERIMENTAL GERONTOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yao Tian, Yuanliangzi Tian, Zhixiao Yuan, Yutian Zeng, Shuai Wang, Xiaolan Fan, Deying Yang, Mingyao Yang
Summary: This review discusses the role of iron metabolism in aging and age-related neurodegenerative diseases, as well as recent developments in using iron chelators as treatment strategies. Understanding iron metabolism is crucial for filling the knowledge gap in this field.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Xingyi Cheng, Meng Xie, Lu Luo, Yao Tian, Guixiang Yu, Qi Wu, Xiaolan Fan, Deying Yang, Xueping Mao, Uma Gaur, Mingyao Yang
Summary: This research demonstrates that the AKT inhibitor GSK690693 can extend the lifespan of Drosophila by improving oxidative resistance, intestinal integrity, and increasing autophagy. It may become an effective compound for anti-aging intervention.
MECHANISMS OF AGEING AND DEVELOPMENT
(2022)
Correction
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Feng Li, Chengdong Wang, Zhongxian Xu, Mingzhou Li, Linhua Deng, Ming Wei, Hemin Zhang, Kai Wu, Ruihong Ning, Diyan Li, Mingyao Yang, Mingwang Zhang, Qingyong Ni, Bo Zeng, Desheng Li, Ying Li
BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Siqi Wang, Feng Xiao, Jiamei Li, Xiaolan Fan, Zhi He, Taiming Yan, Mingyao Yang, Deying Yang
Summary: Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a class of covalently circular noncoding RNAs that can regulate aging and age-related diseases through various mechanisms, such as acting as miRNA sponges, and have the potential to be biomarkers for aging and age-related diseases.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Lin Cui, An Huang, Zhi He, Lisha Ao, Fei Ge, Xiaolan Fan, Bo Zeng, Mingyao Yang, Deying Yang, Qingyong Ni, Yan Li, Yongfang Yao, Huailiang Xu, Jiandong Yang, Zhimin Wei, Tongqing Li, Taiming Yan, Mingwang Zhang
Summary: This study employs a phylogenetic method to demonstrate the existence of concerted and parallel evolution in the duplicated control regions of the tree frog family Rhacophoridae. It also illustrates the parallel evolution of ATP8 loss of function in the genus Polypedates. The study contributes to understanding the evolutionary history of the family Rhacophoridae from a molecular evolution standpoint.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Hongdi Luo, Lin Cui, Fuyao Han, Zhi He, Xiaolan Fan, Bo Zeng, Mingyao Yang, Deying Yang, Qingyong Ni, Yan Li, Yongfang Yao, Huailiang Xu, Jiandong Yang, Zhimin Wei, Tongqing Li, Dingqi Rao, Taiming Yan, Mingwang Zhang
Summary: This study provides new insights into the phylogenetic relationships and gene rearrangement of Archaeobatrachia.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Yue Gao, Xingyi Cheng, Yao Tian, Zhixiao Yuan, Xiaolan Fan, Deying Yang, Mingyao Yang
Summary: Nutrition during developmental stages has long-term effects on adult physiology, disease, and lifespan, known as nutritional programming. This study demonstrated that developmental diets can influence the lifespan of adult Drosophila, particularly through a low-yeast diet. The activity of the Drosophila transcription factor FOXO (dFOXO) was found to be upregulated under developmental low-nutrient conditions, and its knockdown abolished the lifespan-extending effect of the larval low-yeast diet.
