Article
Neurosciences
Timothy J. Collier, Lauren Begg, Jennifer A. Stancati, Natosha M. Mercado, Rhyomi C. Sellnow, Ivette M. Sandoval, Caryl E. Sortwell, Kathy Steece-Collier
Summary: Dopamine depletion in Parkinson's disease can cause maladaptive changes in striatal medium spiny neurons, leading to the emergence of levodopa-induced dyskinesia (LID). Blocking CaV1.3 calcium channels in the striatum can prevent spine loss and reduce LID. In this study, the combination of the CaV1 L-type channel antagonist isradipine and the D2/D3 dopamine receptor agonist quinpirole was investigated. Surprisingly, quinpirole monotherapy was more effective in reducing dyskinesia severity and preventing abnormal mushroom spine formation, while the co-administration of isradipine weakened its efficacy.
EXPERIMENTAL NEUROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Meiling Yang, Baozhen Du, Lingling Xu, Huimin Wang, Yanli Wang, Ke Lin, Guofei He, Le Kang
Summary: This study revealed the regulatory pathways in the phase change of locusts and proposed a potential control approach through behavioral regulation in insect pests.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jiaxi Xu, Jiayi Wang, Osman M. Bakr, Nikos Hadjichristidis
Summary: We synthesized aggregation-induced emission (AIE) polymers with unchanged emission wavelength/color through ring-opening (co)polymerizations. The chemical structures/physical properties of the (co)polymers were characterized by NMR, SEC, MALDI-TOF, and DSC. The co-polyether microstructures were studied by calculating reactivity ratios and visualized by Monte Carlo simulation. The fluorescence performance was systematically correlated with molecular weights, crystallinity, monomer compositions, glass transition temperatures, side lengths, and flexibility/rigidity.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
David J. Schupp, Jonathan Angst, Eva A. Schaefer, Stefan M. Schupp, Helmut Coelfen
Summary: The concept of utilizing nanoparticles as building blocks presents new opportunities for creating complex structures from nano- to mesoscale. By controlling the assembly of gold nanoparticles using induced dipole-dipole interactions, one-dimensional structures can be formed in solution. Different shaped nanoparticles were analyzed individually, with an ideal size and shape identified for induced dipole-driven assembly.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY C
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Mingqian Fang, Yu Li, Zhiyi Liao, Gan Wang, Qiqi Cao, Ya Li, Yong Duan, Yanbing Han, Xinyi Deng, Feilong Wu, Peter Muiruri Kamau, Qiumin Lu, Ren Lai
Summary: This study reveals that the acute-phase protein lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP) inhibits monoamine biosynthesis, contributing to depressive features. Increased LBP expression has been observed in individuals with depression and by diverse stress challenges in mice. Targeting LBP may be a potential treatment for some individuals with depression.
Review
Immunology
Sachin Mulik, Engin Berber, Sharvan Sehrawat, Barry Tyrrell Rouse
Summary: In this review, various immune modulating approaches to counteract tissue-damaging viral immunoinflammatory lesions in chronic viral infections are discussed. The authors highlight the role of host response in mediating cell and tissue damage, rather than the virus itself. The article identifies aspects of the host reactions that influence immune responsiveness and describes successful approaches to modulate damaging participants and control viral-induced lesions.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Maurizio Junior Chiurazzi, Anton Frisgaard Norrevang, Pedro Garcia, Pablo D. Cerdan, Michael Palmgren, Stephan Wenkel
Summary: This article describes two strategies to induce dominant mutations in the M. sativa genome and discusses their relevance in controlling flowering time. The first strategy involves genome engineering using microProteins as developmental regulators, while the second strategy involves inducing point mutations to uncouple gene regulation by microRNAs.
JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE PLANT BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Merit Wildung, Christian Herr, Dietmar Riedel, Cornelia Wiedwald, Alena Moiseenko, Fidel Ramirez, Hataitip Tasena, Maren Heimerl, Mihai Alevra, Naira Movsisyan, Maike Schuldt, Larisa Volceanov-Hahn, Sharen Provoost, Tabea Noethe-Menchen, Diana Urrego, Bernard Freytag, Julia Wallmeier, Christoph Beisswenger, Robert Bals, Maarten van den Berge, Wim Timens, Pieter S. Hiemstra, Corry-Anke Brandsma, Tania Maes, Stefan Andreas, Irene H. Heijink, Luis A. Pardo, Muriel Lize
Summary: Airway mucociliary regeneration and function are impaired in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This study establishes a link between microRNA-449 (miR449), ciliary dysfunction, and COPD pathogenesis. miR449 plays a key role in regulating ciliary homeostasis and epithelial regeneration, and its absence leads to impaired ciliated epithelial regeneration and more severe COPD manifestations.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Toxicology
Masato Katsuyama, En Kimura, Masakazu Ibi, Kazumi Iwata, Misaki Matsumoto, Nozomi Asaoka, Chihiro Yabe-Nishimura
Summary: Clioquinol, a chelator and ionophore of copper/zinc, was previously used as an amebicide but was withdrawn from the market in Japan due to its association with an increase in subacute myelo-optic neuropathy (SMON). The study revealed that clioquinol disrupts cellular copper transport, leading to neurotoxicity in SMON.
ARCHIVES OF TOXICOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biophysics
Xixia Liu, Yaoyao Hou, Sirui Chen, Juewen Liu
Summary: Dopamine DNA aptamer's secondary structure was carefully studied using isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC), revealing confirmation of two stems and recognition of the third stem as part of a loop. Truncating the aptamer showed that shortening the structure increased the K-d value. Increasing Mg2+ concentration and decreasing temperature both promoted dopamine binding, leading to the creation of two fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) quenching biosensors with differing sensitivities.
BIOSENSORS & BIOELECTRONICS
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Paula Gutierrez-Perez, Emilio M. Santillan, Thomas Lendl, Jingkui Wang, Anna Schrempf, Thomas L. Steinacker, Mila Asparuhova, Marlene Brandstetter, David Haselbach, Luisa Cochella
Summary: The study reveals the vulnerability of muscle cells by miR-1, which represses multiple subunits of the V-ATPase complex, impacting muscle function. This sheds light on a previously unknown role for microRNAs in regulating protein complexes and V-ATPase assembly as a conserved muscle cell vulnerability.
Article
Horticulture
Zhen Gao, Yajun Tong, Chengchao Zheng, Heng Zhai, Yuxin Yao, Yuanpeng Du
Summary: RNA-Seq analysis of dark-treated grape leaves revealed that shading/dark stress affects sucrose metabolism and cell wall degradation, resulting in smaller leaf size. Additionally, lower auxin content contributes to the inhibition of grape leaves under dark conditions.
SCIENTIA HORTICULTURAE
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ke Li
Summary: This study revealed that miR-509-3-5p regulates the malignancy of colon cancer by suppressing target gene GTSE1. Downregulation of miR-509-3-5p in CC and its overexpression can inhibit the proliferation, migration, and invasion of CC cells. MiR-509-3-5p targets GTSE1, identified as an oncogene in colon cancer.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Rui Li, Jingchen Shao, Young-June Jin, Haruya Kawase, Yu Ting Ong, Kerstin Troidl, Qi Quan, Lei Wang, Remy Bonnavion, Astrid Wietelmann, Francoise Helmbacher, Michael Potente, Johannes Graumann, Nina Wettschureck, Stefan Offermanns
Summary: The authors found that the protein FAT1, when present in endothelial cells, inhibits the growth and formation of new blood vessels by promoting degradation of two co-activators called YAP and TAZ. They showed that FAT1 interacts with an enzyme called Mind Bomb-2 (MIB2), which leads to the degradation of YAP and TAZ. Without FAT1, the levels of YAP and TAZ increase, leading to increased blood vessel growth. Their findings suggest that FAT1 and MIB2 play a critical role in regulating blood vessel formation.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yinyin Bao
Summary: Significant development has been witnessed in AIE materials in the past twenty years, including small molecules, polymers, and composites. AIE polymers have been relatively less studied compared to AIE small molecules, but efficient synthesis of well-defined AIE polymers is possible through controlled polymerization methods. By preparing single-fluorophore polymers and studying their structure-property relationships, insights can be gained for the design of AIE polymer systems.
Article
Cell Biology
Jing He, Ya'nan Zhu, Bingcai Wang, Pengcheng Yang, Wei Guo, Bo Liang, Feng Jiang, Huimin Wang, Yuanyuan Wei, Le Kang
Summary: Piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) in the locust germline play key roles in regulating reproductive strategies, by facilitating pre-mRNA splicing of oocyte development-related genes and increasing fecundity.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jing Li, Liya Wei, Yongsheng Wang, Haikang Zhang, Pengcheng Yang, Zhangwu Zhao, Le Kang
Summary: The phase transition from solitary to gregarious locusts is important in locust outbreaks, affecting agricultural yield and food security. This study reveals the translational regulatory mechanism of locust phase transition, in which the locusts employ divergent ribosome pathways to cope with changes in population density.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Lijie Zhang, Le Kang, Yan Xu
Summary: This study compared the genome and transcriptome of two industrial koji molds used for soy sauce production in China and Japan, revealing differences in growth, catalytic characteristics, protease secretion ratio, and transcriptional level. By combining comparative phenotypic and transcriptome data, 58 potential important enzymes associated with high protein breakdown efficiency were identified. This work comprehensively analyzed the genome development of three industrial koji molds and provided insights into the study of key proteolytic enzymes during soy sauce production.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Dexiang Gao, Xingyu Tang, Chunfang Zhang, Yajie Wang, Xin Yang, Peijie Zhang, Xuan Wang, Jingqin Xu, Jie Su, Fuyang Liu, Xiao Dong, Xiaohuan Lin, Bao Yuan, Nozomu Hiraoka, Haiyan Zheng, Le Kang, Kuo Li, Ho-kwang Mao
Summary: By compressing the co-crystal of trans-azobenzene and transperfluoroazobenzene, a high-pressure synthesis strategy was used to achieve the formation of a high-energy density N4-ring structure. The increase in external pressure reduced the kinetic barrier and promoted the formation of the N4-ring structure. This work demonstrates the effectiveness of high pressure as an alternative synthetic strategy for high-tensile structures, with the cooperation of crystal engineering.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY C
(2023)
Article
Electrochemistry
Mengli Wang, Lele Ma, Le Kang, Mingsan Miao, Huaixia Yang
Summary: In this study, an electrochemical biosensor was developed for the sensitive detection of estrogen receptor alpha (ERa) in breast cancer. The biosensor utilized AuNPs-SWCNT nanocomposites and hemin@HKUST-1 for signal amplification. The biosensor demonstrated a low detection limit of 27.8 fg.ml(-1) and a good linear relationship between current intensity and the logarithm of ERa concentration. It also exhibited excellent selectivity, stability, reproducibility, and interference immunity, making it highly applicable in practical detection.
JOURNAL OF THE ELECTROCHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Hetan Chang, Sina Cassau, Juergen Krieger, Xiaojiao Guo, Markus Knaden, Le Kang, Bill S. Hansson
Summary: Many animals engage in cannibalism for dietary supplementation, and this is also prevalent among dense populations of migratory locusts. This study shows that locusts produce an anticannibalistic pheromone called phenylacetonitrile under crowded conditions. The degree of cannibalism and phenylacetonitrile production are dependent on population density. By identifying the olfactory receptor that detects phenylacetonitrile and inactivating the gene responsible for its production, researchers demonstrate the loss of protection against intraspecific predation in locusts lacking this compound. This research sheds light on the importance of an anticannibalistic feature in locust population ecology and its potential for locust management.
Review
Immunology
Xue Fang, Le Kang, Yi-Fan Qiu, Zhao-Shen Li, Yu Bai
Summary: There is increasing focus on the roles of gut microbes in physiological and pathological processes. Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic, relapsing, inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract with unknown causes. Gastrointestinal infection, particularly Yersinia enterocolitica, has been suggested as a possible trigger for CD, although its specific role is still debated. This review discusses the current understanding of how Y. enterocolitica and its compounds may be involved in the development of CD, as well as potential interventions for diagnosis and treatment.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yu-Hang Wang, Ming Li, Le Kang, Quan-Jie Jia
Summary: A finite-element method based on a weak formulation of the Takagi-Taupin equations was used to study X-ray diffraction of crystals with surface undulations. The diffraction features caused by the surface undulations were simulated in a general diffraction geometry. The numerical results showed that the effects of surface undulations on Bragg diffraction were local and resulted from the refractive effect caused by the variation of the local asymmetry angle. A formula based on the local perfect flat crystal approximation was introduced to efficiently evaluate the change in the direction of the diffracted wave caused by surface undulations.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED CRYSTALLOGRAPHY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Qing Liu, Feng Cui, Xiang Liu, Yumei Fu, Wenjing Fang, Xun Kang, Hong Lu, Siping Li, Biao Liu, Wei Guo, Qianfeng Xia, Le Kang, Feng Jiang
Summary: This study analyzed RNA viromes of field-caught mosquitoes from Hainan Island, China, and found that virome composition is influenced by mosquito species and food sources. Most RNA viruses remained stable across three years and different locations, indicating species-specific viromes in Hainan Island. However, virome compositions of single mosquito species in different geographic regions worldwide were visibly distinct, consistent with differences in the widespread distribution of mosquito food sources.
Article
Ecology
Siyuan Guo, Li Hou, Liushu Dong, Xin Nie, Le Kang, Xianhui Wang
Summary: Comparative transcriptomic analysis of flight muscles in migratory locusts reveals that plasticity in expression of the lipid metabolism gene PLIN2 regulates differences in ageing-related muscle degeneration between gregarious and solitary phases. The knockdown of the upregulated PLIN2 gene significantly relieved the ageing-related flight impairments in gregarious locusts. Ectopic lipid accumulation led to an ageing-related beta-oxidation decline through limiting fatty acid transport and content.
NATURE ECOLOGY & EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jinxin Miao, Le Kang, Tianfeng Lan, Jianyao Wang, Siqing Wu, Yifan Jia, Xia Xue, Haoran Guo, Pengju Wang, Yan Li
Summary: This study investigated the expression stability of several reference genes in a Syrian hamster model of acute pancreatitis (AP). The results showed that Ywhaz and Gapdh were the most stable reference genes for gene expression analysis in this model.
ANIMAL MODELS AND EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Review
Biology
Xiaojiao Guo, Helen He, Jianghua Sun, Le Kang
Summary: This article presents a review of research progress regarding pheromone plasticity in three typical aggregative insects: locusts, bark beetles, and cockroaches. The plasticity of aggregation pheromones in these insect species is significantly impacted by various factors, indicating its complexity. The potential application of pheromone plasticity in basic research and pest management is also discussed.
CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Xinle Kang, Meiling Yang, Xiaoshuang Cui, Huimin Wang, Le Kang
Summary: Warning coloration is a common defense strategy used by animals to deter predators. Gregarious locusts exhibit a black-brown pattern as a form of warning coloration. However, the mechanisms regulating this distinctive pattern remain largely unknown.
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Sizhe Liu, Mingsan Miao, Le Kang
Summary: This study conducted a pan-cancer analysis for MAD2L1 prognosis and expression using The Cancer Genome Atlas and Genotype-Tissue Expression data. The results showed that MAD2L1 may act as an oncogene in hepatocellular carcinoma and is regulated by non-coding ribonucleic acids. High expression of MAD2L1 is closely associated with poor prognosis and tumor infiltration.