Article
Microbiology
Emilio G. Vozza, Cliodhna M. Daly, Sinead A. O'Rourke, Hannah K. Fitzgerald, Aisling Dunne, Rachel M. McLoughlin
Summary: This study found that Staphylococcus aureus uses the adenosine receptor A2aR to suppress the effector functions of hPMN, enhancing its intracellular survival. Additionally, A2aR inhibition leads to a metabolic switch in hPMN, increasing ROS production and reducing the intracellular survival of S. aureus.
Article
Parasitology
Jun Ma, Jun-Jun He, Meng Wang, Jun-Ling Hou, Hany M. Elsheikha, Xing-Quan Zhu
Summary: The study found significant metabolic alterations in the mouse hippocampus during Toxoplasma gondii infection, with multiple differential metabolites and pathways continuously changing at different time points post-infection.
PARASITOLOGY RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Wencheng Yin, Yujin Cao, Miaomiao Jin, Mo Xian, Wei Liu
Summary: A biosynthetic pathway for the production of xylose from glucose in Escherichia coli was designed, leading to an increased yield of xylose to 3.3 g/L through pathway optimization. The biosynthetic pathway of xylose from glucose was found to be universally applicable for the synthesis of downstream compounds of xylose.
ACS SYNTHETIC BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Patrick Watermann, Christian Arend, Ralf Dringen
Summary: In this study, the potential impact of the new G6PDH inhibitor G6PDi-1 on astrocytic metabolism was investigated. The results showed that G6PDi-1 efficiently inhibited G6PDH activity and specifically affected metabolic processes dependent on PPP-mediated NADPH regeneration in astrocytes.
NEUROCHEMICAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Fan Zhang, Zhiwei Wu, Bowen Yu, Zhengping Ning, Zhixing Lu, Liang Li, Fei Long, Qionggui Hu, Chonglei Zhong, Yi Zhang, Changwei Lin
Summary: In this study, ATP13A2 was identified as a novel gene associated with the PPP pathway. ATP13A2 deficiency inhibited CRC growth and PPP activity, while ATP13A2 overexpression had the opposite effect. Mechanistically, ATP13A2 regulated the PPP by affecting PGD mRNA expression. Furthermore, ATP13A2 knockdown inhibited CRC growth in PDO and PDX models. The study revealed that ATP13A2 overexpression-driven dephosphorylation of TFEB promotes PPP activation by increasing PGD transcription, suggesting ATP13A2 as a potential target for CRC therapy.
CLINICAL AND TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Zhaomin Mao, Ying Tan, Juan Tao, Linlin Li, Feng Yu, Minghui Zhao
Summary: Recent studies suggest a link between metabolic disorders and the development of SLE and LN. This study used proteomics to identify metabolic reprogramming in the kidneys of LN patients. The results showed an enrichment of the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) in LN kidneys. High expression of the key enzyme, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), was associated with worse prognosis in LN patients. Further analysis revealed involvement of the mTORC1 signaling pathway in G6PD-associated tubular damage induced by IgG-LN.
FREE RADICAL BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Shruthi Krishnamurthy, Parag Maru, Yifan Wang, Mebratu A. Bitew, Debanjan Mukhopadhyay, Yoshiki Yamaryo-Botte, Tatiana C. Paredes-Santos, Lamba O. Sangare, Christopher Swale, Cyrille Y. Botte, Jeroen P. J. Saeij
Summary: This study identified several Toxoplasma genes important for parasite fitness in human cells stimulated with interferon gamma through a genome-wide loss-of-function screen. Knockout of these genes confirmed their importance for parasite growth in interferon gamma-stimulated human cells. Three of these genes showed homology to GRA32, localized to dense granules, and coimmunoprecipitated with each other and GRA32, indicating they might form a complex. Deletion of individual members of this complex led to early parasite egress in interferon gamma-stimulated cells, highlighting the importance of preventing early egress for Toxoplasma fitness in human cells stimulated with interferon gamma.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Lin Zhu, Chunling Bai, Xueqiao Wang, Zhuying Wei, Mingjuan Gu, Xinyu Zhou, Guanghua Su, Xuefei Liu, Lei Yang, Guangpeng Li
Summary: The knockdown of MSTN accelerates the pentose phosphate pathway, thereby enhancing the antioxidant capacity of erythrocytes. These findings provide important insights into the role of MSTN in erythrocyte antioxidant regulation after exhaustive exercise.
Article
Microbiology
Jianmin Cui, Xuke Yang, Jichao Yang, Ruilian Jia, Yaoyu Feng, Bang Shen
Summary: Toxoplasma gondii relies on phosphate transporters TgPiT, TgPT2, and TgmPT to acquire necessary nutrients for survival. TgPT2 is essential for parasite growth and its depletion impairs motility, invasion, and growth of the parasites. Toxoplasma is also capable of scavenging host ATP, indicating its ability to obtain energy from the environment.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Chuan Liu, Yongjie Wang
Summary: This study analyzed the differences in subtypes and characteristics of advanced lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) patients based on pentose phosphate metabolic pathway-related long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). Two molecular subtypes, C1 and C2, were identified, with C1 associated with a lower pentose phosphate score and a better prognosis, while C2 had a higher pentose phosphate score and poorer prognoses.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Mian Abdul Hafeez, Muntazir Mehdi, Faiza Aslam, Kamran Ashraf, Muhammad Tahir Aleem, Abdur Rauf Khalid, Adeel Sattar, Syeda Fakhra Waheed, Abdulaziz Alouffi, Omar Obaid Alharbi, Muhammad Abu Bakr Shabbir, Umer Chaudhry, Mashal M. Almutairi
Summary: This study aimed to detect the genotypes of Toxoplasma gondii in cats in the districts of Khanewal and Sahiwal. Seven fecal samples (3.5%) from cats were found to be positive, and phylogenetic analysis showed that the isolates were closely linked to a typical strain. The study also revealed a high seroprevalence of Toxoplasma in sheep, goats, and humans in the same area.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Pamela De Falco, Giacomo Lazzarino, Federica Felice, Enrico Desideri, Serena Castelli, Illari Salvatori, Fabio Ciccarone, Maria Rosa Ciriolo
Summary: N-acetylaspartate (NAA) is synthesized by the mitochondrial enzyme NAT8L using acetyl-CoA and aspartate as substrates. The modulation of NAT8L expression has been found to affect the metabolic adaptations and proliferative capability of hepatocellular carcinoma cells. NAT8L downregulation increases cell proliferation, while over-expression decreases cell growth. Mechanistically, NAT8L downregulation promotes aspartate outflow from mitochondria to enhance glucose flux into the pentose phosphate pathway, resulting in increased purine biosynthesis. These findings suggest that NAT8L plays a critical role in regulating cell proliferation through metabolic rewiring.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mengru Liu, Xinyu Zhou, Yue Li, Shijia Ma, Ling Pan, Xingxian Zhang, Wanqing Zheng, Zhanxun Wu, Ke Wang, Anil Ahsan, Jiaying Wu, Lei Jiang, Yangyang Lu, Weiwei Hu, Zhenghong Qin, Zhong Chen, Xiangnan Zhang
Summary: TIGAR induces autophagy to alleviate oxidative stress and activate Nrf2 in prolonged ischemic brains, providing sustainable antioxidant defense.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xinyi Wang, Haiyang Zhang, Shengjie Yin, Yuchong Yang, Haiou Yang, Jiayu Yang, Zhengyang Zhou, Shuang Li, Guoguang Ying, Yi Ba
Summary: Oxaliplatin is a standard treatment for colorectal cancer, but chemoresistance is a challenge. A study found that a short peptide, pep-AP, can increase cancer cell sensitivity to L-OHP, offering a potential treatment option for L-OHP resistant CRC.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Valentin Jacquier, Delphine Gitenay, Vincent Cavailles, Catherine Teyssier
Summary: This study reveals a novel role for the transcription regulator RIP140 in regulating G6PD levels in breast cancer cells, which affects the proliferation ability of the cancer cells.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Parasitology
Mona I. Ali, Wegdan M. Abd El Wahab, Ahmed Hassan, Una Ryan, Lihua Xiao, Waleed M. Arafa, Doaa A. Hamdy
Summary: This study aimed to assess the occurrence and genetic characteristics of Cryptosporidium spp. in patients with gastrointestinal cancer in Egypt. The study found that only 7% of GI cancer patients were positive for Cryptosporidium, and male sex and younger age were major risk factors for infection.
PARASITOLOGY RESEARCH
(2023)
Editorial Material
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Tine Graakjaer Larsen, Jonas Kahler, Marianne Lebbad, Huma Aftab, Luise Mueller, Steen Ethelberg, Lihua Xiao, Christen Rune Stensvold
TRAVEL MEDICINE AND INFECTIOUS DISEASE
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Xianghui Liang, Xiaoyuan Chen, Junqiong Zhai, Xiaobing Li, Xu Zhang, Zhipeng Zhang, Ping Zhang, Xiao Wang, Xinyuan Cui, Hai Wang, Niu Zhou, Zu-Jin Chen, Renwei Su, Fuqing Zhou, Edward C. Holmes, David M. Irwin, Rui-Ai Chen, Qian He, Ya-Jiang Wu, Chen Wang, Xue-Qing Du, Shi-Ming Peng, Wei-Jun Xie, Fen Shan, Wan-Ping Li, Jun-Wei Dai, Xuejuan Shen, Yaoyu Feng, Lihua Xiao, Wu Chen, Yongyi Shen
Summary: Using CT scans, histological examination, blood gas tests, and transcriptome analysis, this study reveals the pathogenicity and tissue tropism of SARSr-CoV-2 in Malayan pangolins. The virus infects multiple organs, with the lungs being the major target. The study also provides initial evidence for vertical transmission of the virus in pangolin fetuses.
Article
Microbiology
Congcong Lyu, Yukun Chen, Yanan Meng, Jichao Yang, Shu Ye, Zhipeng Niu, Issam EI-Debs, Nishith Gupta, Bang Shen
Summary: Toxoplasma gondii is capable of infecting humans and animals, and its metabolic flexibility plays a crucial role in its parasitic life cycle. This study identified the mitochondrial pyruvate carrier (MPC) complex in T. gondii, which is responsible for transporting cytosolic pyruvate into the mitochondrion. The deletion of MPC subunits resulted in impaired synthesis of acetyl-CoA and reduced carbon flux through glycolysis and the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. Although disruption of MPC proteins had only a modest effect on the parasite's virulence in mice, it highlights the metabolic plasticity of T. gondii.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Jiahui Qian, Tongjie Zhao, Liyu Guo, Senyang Li, Zhengming He, Mingfeng He, Bang Shen, Rui Fang
Summary: Metabolism associated with energy production is compartmentalized in eukaryotic cells, and transporters that move metabolites across organelle membranes play key roles. In this study, researchers identified and characterized two putative ADP/ATP carriers in Toxoplasma gondii. They found that TgAAC1 functions as the mitochondrial ADP/ATP carrier and is critical for parasite growth.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Xinan Meng, Wenlun Chu, Yongping Tang, Weijian Wang, Yuxin Chen, Na Li, Yaoyu Feng, Lihua Xiao, Yaqiong Guo
Summary: This study investigated the prevalence and zoonotic potential of Cryptosporidium spp., Enterocytozoon bieneusi, and Giardia duodenalis in farmed and pet African pygmy hedgehogs in southern China. The results showed that Cryptosporidium spp. and E. bieneusi were common in these hedgehogs, indicating a potential risk for zoonotic transmission. The detection rates were influenced by living conditions and hygiene practices. Preventive measures should be taken to reduce the risk of transmission and environmental contamination.
Article
Biology
Bingjian Ren, Xiaohan Liang, Jos F. Brouwers, Rosalba Cruz Miron, Bang Shen, Nishith Gupta
Summary: A genetic and lipidomic investigation showed that depletion of ECT in Toxoplasma gondii disrupts PtdEtn synthesis and results in parasite death. T. gondii salvages ether-PtdEtn from its host cells. This study reveals the diverse mechanisms employed by T. gondii to produce different forms of PtdEtn.
COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Fuqiang Fan, Lilan Xue, Xiaoyan Yin, Nishith Gupta, Bang Shen
Summary: Transition from asexual to sexual development in Toxoplasma gondii is controlled by a novel transcription factor, TgAP2XII-1. This factor represses the presexual development in the asexual tachyzoite stage. Parasites lacking AP2XII-1 exhibit a merozoite-type transcriptional profile. This study provides insight into the sexual commitment of T. gondii and suggests a potential method for culturing presexual stages.
Article
Microbiology
Catia Salamandane, Maria Luisa Lobo, Sonia Afonso, Lihua Xiao, Olga Matos
Summary: This study assessed the genetic pattern of Giardia duodenalis and Enterocytozoon bieneusi in vegetables and fruits sold in Maputo markets, Mozambique, and determined their public health importance. The results showed that 2.8% and 1.3% of the monitored samples were positive for G. duodenalis and E. bieneusi, respectively. Additionally, these microorganisms were found and characterized for the first time in horticultural products in Maputo markets.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Qinghong Guo, Xuefang Guo, Nuo Ji, Bang Shen, Xinhua Zhong, Lihua Xiao, Yaoyu Feng, Ningbo Xia
Summary: Toxoplasma gondii is a widespread pathogen that infects various warm-blooded animals, including humans, leading to significant socioeconomic and healthcare burdens. Despite the lack of an ideal toxoplasmosis vaccine, targeting key pathways in the parasite's metabolism shows promise for new antiparasitic strategies.
MICROBIAL BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Jiayu Li, Na Li, Dawn M. Roellig, Wentao Zhao, Yaqiong Guo, Yaoyu Feng, Lihua Xiao
Summary: The genome of Cryptosporidium canis has a higher GC content and this is mainly found in subtelomeric regions. Genes with balanced GC content encode Cryptosporidium-specific proteins that participate in host-parasite interactions. Natural selection plays a significant role in the evolution of codon usage in GC-balanced C. canis. The genome of the fox-derived isolate differs more from the mink and dog-derived isolates, suggesting the presence of a new Cryptosporidium species.
MICROBIAL GENOMICS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kai Chen, Xiyu Huang, Ute Distler, Stefan Tenzer, Ozlem Guenay-Esiyok, Nishith Gupta
Summary: This study reveals the working mechanism and importance of PtdSer flipping during the lytic cycle of Toxoplasma gondii. P4-ATPase1 and TgLem1 work together to translocate PtdSer across the plasma membrane, and their interaction is crucial for the reproduction, motility, egress, and invasion of tachyzoites. The P4-ATPase1-Lem1 heterocomplex could be a potential drug target in T. gondii.
COMPUTATIONAL AND STRUCTURAL BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL
(2023)
