Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Mark D. Kaji, Jennifer D. Noonan, Timothy G. Geary, Robin N. Beech
Summary: The study revealed that MOX inhibits wild-type C. elegans GLC-2 receptors approximately 10 times more potently than IVM, with greater maximal inhibition of glutamate activation. Mutations in amino acid residues can alter the actions of IVM and MOX, highlighting differences in their receptor-level pharmacology.
BIOMEDICINE & PHARMACOTHERAPY
(2022)
Article
Entomology
Kakeru Yokoi, Takuya Tsubota, Akiya Jouraku, Hideki Sezutsu, Hidemasa Bono
Summary: In this study, reference transcriptome data for the silkworm was established and detailed examination of gene expression in silkworm tissues was performed. The results contribute to understanding silkworm biology and promoting industrial applications.
Article
Entomology
Kohei Kakino, Hiroaki Mon, Takeru Ebihara, Masato Hino, Akitsu Masuda, Jae Man Lee, Takahiro Kusakabe
Summary: This study characterizes the gene expression patterns and function in the testis of Bombyx mori, revealing peculiar features in spermatogenesis. The transcriptome analysis identifies widespread gene expression and testis-specific genes in B. mori, and compares it with Drosophila melanogaster for a better understanding. The study fills a knowledge gap and provides a basis for future research in spermatogenesis.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Linrong Wan, Wenfu Xiao, Ziyan Huang, Anlian Zhou, Yaming Jiang, Bangxing Zou, Binbin Liu, Cao Deng, Youhong Zhang
Summary: This article systematically identified and analyzed small open reading frames (smORFs) in the silkworm, finding 738 highly reliable smORFs and 34,401 possible smORFs. It also identified differentially expressed and tissue-specific-expressed smORFs, which may be closely related to tissue characteristics and functions.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Janjira Tangsanthatkun, Methavee Peanparkdee, Wattinee Katekhong, Thepkunya Harnsilawat, Chin Ping Tan, Utai Klinkesorn
Summary: This study extracted oil from frozen silkworm pupae using an aqueous saline process, optimized the extraction process, and obtained silkworm oil with good quality parameters. The results demonstrated that silkworm oil can be used as a new valuable source of edible lipids.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Lin Ma, Vivian Andoh, Zhongyuan Shen, Haiyan Liu, Long Li, Keping Chen
Summary: This study aimed to explore the long-term effects of magnesium oxide nanoparticles (MgO NPs) on silkworms. The results showed that MgO NPs had no significant negative impact on silkworm growth or adult tissues, but altered the expression of genes in the silk gland.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Shoumin Sun, Qiqi Chen, Gang Chen, Zhenzhen Chen, Kaiyun Wang, Hongyan Wang
Summary: In this study, a risk assessment of the neonicotinoid insecticide nitenpyram was conducted in relation to its impact on silkworms. The study confirmed the presence of risks when nitenpyram is sprayed around mulberry fields. Additionally, differentially expressed miRNAs and related signaling pathways were identified, indicating the potential mechanism underlying nitenpyram's toxic effect on silkworms. Moreover, nitenpyram was found to induce oxidative damage and upregulate Imd, suggesting its potential impact on the growth and stress response of silkworms.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Maria Cermeno, Carmen Bascon, Miryam Amigo-Benavent, Manuel Felix, Richard J. FitzGerald
Summary: Silkworm pupae hydrolysates exhibited significant antioxidant activity, with Alcalase and Prolyve hydrolysates having the highest scavenging activities, and Flavourzyme and Brewers Clarex hydrolysates showing enhanced ferric reducing antioxidant power. Peptides SWFVTPF and NDVLFF demonstrated the highest antioxidant activity in HepG2 cells.
JOURNAL OF FUNCTIONAL FOODS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Zhi-hao Su, Jun-li Lv, Qi Ou, Zi-qin Zhao, Kai-yi Zheng, Xiao-ying Zhang, Wen-qing Lai, Xue-yang Wang, Ming-jie Deng, Mu-wang Li
Summary: The white epidermis of silkworms is caused by uric acid crystals accumulation. Abnormal metabolism of uric acid reduces its production, resulting in a transparent or translucent phenotype. This study examined the metabolite changes following Bombyx mori nucleopolyhedrovirus (BmNPV) infection in two strains of silkworms (p50 and op50) and found that the uric acid pathway plays a critical role in resistance. Feeding with inosine, a metabolite in this pathway, significantly enhanced larval resistance and modulated other metabolic pathways. The results provide insights into the resistance mechanism of silkworms to BmNPV and offer new strategies for pest control.
INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Feifei Zhu, Dandan Song, Han Chen, Qi Tang, Shuhao Huo, Xiaoyong Liu, Keping Chen
Summary: Lipids have been suggested to play a crucial role in virus entry and infection. A comprehensive lipidomic analysis using UPLC-MS was conducted on susceptible and resistant silkworm strains, revealing key lipids associated with virus infection and immune response. The study highlights the relationship between lipid biosynthesis, viral resistance, and immune response in the host.
JOURNAL OF PROTEOME RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Entomology
Kai Chen, Xu Yang, Dehong Yang, Yongping Huang
Summary: This study provides functional analysis of the Spindle-E (Spn-E) gene in Bombyx mori, revealing its vital roles in gonadal development and gametogenesis. Loss of BmSpn-E expression resulted in transposon derepression, reduced germ cell number, increased apoptosis, and impaired gonadal development at the early larval stage.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ryoma Tsuchiya, Aino Kaneshima, Masakazu Kobayashi, Maki Yamazaki, Yoko Takasu, Hideki Sezutsu, Yoshiaki Tanaka, Akira Mizoguchi, Kunihiro Shiomi
Summary: Diapause is a major developmental switch in insects evolved as a survival strategy under unfavorable environmental conditions. In the silkworm Bombyx mori, diapause is transgenerationally induced as a maternal effect, with progeny diapause determined by the mother's embryonic environmental temperature. The molecular mechanisms of diapause induction involve a hierarchical pathway regulated by gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic and corazonin signaling systems.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Weiwei Zhou, Jindie Hong, Jinying Han, Fuchuan Cai, Qi Tang, Qian Yu, Guohui Li, Shangshang Ma, Xiaoyong Liu, Shuhao Huo, Keping Chen, Feifei Zhu
Summary: In this study, the role of glycosaminoglycan modifications, including heparan sulfate (HS) and chondroitin sulfate (CS), in Bombyx mori nuclear polyhedrosis virus (BmNPV) infection was investigated. The results showed that HS and CS are important attachment factors for BmNPV and targeting them can effectively inhibit viral infection.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xi Zheng, Fengdan Liu, Min Shi, Shuo Li, Xiaofan Xie, Guannan Li, Xiaoning Zhang, Yong Zhu
Summary: This study focused on the influence of dimethoate (DMT) on the reproduction of silkworms. Through digital gene expression (DGE) and RT-qPCR analysis, the researchers identified differential gene expression changes in eggs laid by silkworms under DMT exposure. The results revealed that DMT mainly affected stress response, metabolic processes, and signal transduction in silkworms.
PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ivana Daubnerova, Ladislav Roller, Honoo Satake, Chen Zhang, Young-Joon Kim, Dusan Zitnan
Summary: Insect ecdysis triggering hormones act on specific neurons in the central nervous system to activate the ecdysis sequence, with different ETH receptor subtypes showing distinct spatial and temporal expression patterns in the CNS to control various stages of the ecdysis process.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kazuya Murata, Mayuna Suenaga, Kenji Kai
Summary: This study reports the isolation, structure elucidation, and biological characterization of a new class of bacterial polyynes called protegenins, which contribute to the antioomycete and plant-protective effects of Pseudomonas protegens.
ACS CHEMICAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Jota Maki, Hikari Nakatou, Kazumasa Tani, Eriko Eto, Kei Hayata, Dan Yamamoto, Kenji Kai, Takashi Tamada, Kazuyo Akamatsu, Kunihiro Kawanishi, Keiichiro Nakamura, Hisashi Masuyama
Summary: This RCT aims to investigate whether Spiral-thread sutures are superior to conventional sutures for preventing uterine scar thinning following elective cesarean section. The study will assess 200 women undergoing cesarean sections in Japan and compare scar thinning, operative time, blood loss, and other outcomes between the two suture types. The results are expected to provide valuable evidence on the optimal suture for preventing hysterotomy wound thinning.
CONTEMPORARY CLINICAL TRIALS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Moeri Oshimo, Fumie Nakashima, Kenji Kai, Hirofumi Matsui, Takahiro Shibata, Mitsugu Akagawa
Summary: Sulfites, commonly used as preservatives and antioxidants in the food industry, have been shown to induce significant cytotoxicity in rat gastric mucosal cells through oxidative stress, forming protein carbonyls and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine. This indicates potential gastric tissue injury via formation of sulfite-related free radicals.
FREE RADICAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Makoto Ihara, Keiji Tanaka, Kenji Kai, Hideo Hayashi, Kazuhiko Matsuda
Summary: The study has provided evidence that chrodrimanin B acts as a competitive antagonist on rat brain GABA(A) receptors, supporting previous observations on its action as a competitive antagonist on silkworm larval GABA receptors.
PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Yasuyuki Kobayashi, Natsumi Watanabe, Reina Hiura, Mai Kubota, Kousuke Furuta, Keiichiro Sugimoto, Kaeko Murota, Eri Nakamura, Toshiki Matsuura, Kenji Kai, Takashi Inui, Tomoya Kitakaze, Naoki Harada, Ryoichi Yamaji
Summary: This study provides insights into the transport form and pathway of oleamide, as well as its absorption and metabolism properties. Oleamide is primarily transported via the portal vein as a complex with albumin. It is taken up by CD36 in the small intestine and degraded intracellularly by FAAH.
JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Kanako Inoue, Chika Takemura, Wakana Senuma, Hidefumi Maeda, Kenji Kai, Akinori Kiba, Kouhei Ohnishi, Masayuki Tsuzuki, Yasufumi Hikichi
Summary: In this study, the infection route of Ralstonia solanacearum strain OE1-1 in tomato roots was investigated. The strain first attaches to the meristematic and elongation zones of tomato roots and then colonizes the intercellular spaces between the epidermis and cortex. It further invades the cortical cells and forms biofilms to progress through the cortex and endodermis, eventually infecting the pericycle cells and xylem vessels. The secretion of quorum sensing-inducible plant cell wall-degrading enzymes via the type II secretion system is essential for infection.
JOURNAL OF PLANT RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Nao Matsukawa, Chiaki Tsumori, Kouhei Ohnishi, Kenji Kai
Summary: Strains of Ralstonia solanacearum species complex (RSSC) produce lipopeptides through the PKS-NRPS enzyme hybrid. Ralstonins have been found to be important in parasitism of RSSC to other hosts. This study discovered ralstopeptins A and B, cyclic lipopeptides with less amino acid residues than ralstonins, from strain MAFF 211519. The production of ralstopeptins was found to be dependent on the PKS-NRPS genes.
ACS CHEMICAL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Wataru Koizumi, Shuya Otsubo, Shogo Furutani, Kunihiro Niki, Koichi Takayama, Shota Fujimura, Takanobu Maekawa, Ryosuke Koyari, Makoto Ihara, Kenji Kai, Hideo Hayashi, Mohammad Shaokat Ali, Eriko Kage-Nakadai, David B. Sattelle, Kazuhiko Matsuda
Summary: This study aimed to determine the selectivity mechanism of paraherquamide A on nematode L-type nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). The researchers utilized the acetylcholine binding protein (AChBP) to analyze the compound's actions and co-crystallized it with the AChBP. The results revealed the critical role of loop C, loop E, and loop F in the observed L-type nAChR selective actions of paraherquamide A, providing insights for the design of anthelmintic drugs.
MOLECULAR PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Wakana Senuma, Masayuki Tsuzuki, Chika Takemura, Yuki Terazawa, Kanako Inoue, Akinori Kiba, Kouhei Ohnishi, Kenji Kai, Yasufumi Hikichi
Summary: After infecting tomato plants, the bacterium Ralstonia pseudosolanacearum strain OE1-1 activates quorum sensing to induce the production of plant cell wall-degrading enzymes and invades xylem vessels to cause disease. A phcA-deletion mutant shows loss of virulence and inability to infect xylem vessels. A cbhA-deletion mutant also lacks the ability to infect xylem vessels and exhibits reduced virulence. Our study reveals that CbhA is involved in the full expression of phcA, contributing to the virulence of strain OE1-1.
MOLECULAR PLANT PATHOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Masayuki Tsuzuki, Kanako Inoue, Akinori Kiba, Kouhei Ohnishi, Kenji Kai, Yasufumi Hikichi
Summary: The Gram-negative bacterium Ralstonia pseudosolanacearum strain OE1-1 attaches to tomato roots, activates quorum sensing, and forms biofilms to infect xylem vessels. Quorum sensing involves the induction and activation of the transcriptional regulator PhcA, and is associated with the production of secondary metabolites and exopolysaccharides. These components contribute to the positive feedback loop of quorum sensing.
PHYSIOLOGICAL AND MOLECULAR PLANT PATHOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Yuma Komori, Koichi Takayama, Naoki Okamoto, Masaki Kamiya, Wataru Koizumi, Makoto Ihara, Daitaro Misawa, Kotaro Kamiya, Yuto Yoshinari, Kazuki Seike, Shu Kondo, Hiromu Tanimoto, Ryusuke Niwa, David B. Sattelle, Kazuhiko Matsuda
Summary: Neonicotinoid insecticides target insect nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) and their adverse effects on non-target insects are of serious concern. Other subunits from the nAChR family remain to be explored. The study found that neonicotinoids exhibited agonist actions on nAChRs of fruit flies, honeybees, and bumblebees, with more potent actions on the pollinator nAChRs.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mana Kitao, Ai Yamaguchi, Takuma Tomioka, Kenji Kai, Yuki Kamei, Kenji Sugimoto, Mitsugu Akagawa
Summary: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a disease that causes vision loss in the elderly. Blue light irradiation can induce cell death and oxidative stress in retinal pigment epithelium cells, but the antioxidant properties of astaxanthin can prevent this cell death. Therefore, astaxanthin may be a dietary strategy to prevent blue light-induced retinal degeneration, including AMD.
FREE RADICAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Chika Takemura, Wakana Senuma, Masayuki Tsuzuki, Yuki Terazawa, Kanako Inoue, Masanao Sato, Akinori Kiba, Kouhei Ohnishi, Kenji Kai, Yasufumi Hikichi
Summary: Research shows that the protein ChpA regulates QS-dependent genes and affects the behavior in host plant roots and virulence of pathogenic bacterium Ralstonia pseudosolanacearum OE1-1.
MOLECULAR PLANT PATHOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Chiaki Tsumori, Shoma Matsuo, Yuta Murai, Kenji Kai
Summary: A study found that strains of Ralstonia solanacearum species complex (RSSC) invade the fungus Fusarium oxysporum by producing extracellular polysaccharide I (EPS I), biofilm, and the signal molecule ralstonins. This invasion process is regulated by the bacterial quorum sensing (QS) system, and is significant for the bacteria-fungus symbiosis.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Organic
Mayuna Suenaga, Naoka Katayama, Kokoro Kitamura, Kenji Kai
Summary: Bacteria in the Pseudomonas protegens Cab57 strain have been found to produce bacterial polyynes, such as protegenin A, which can be converted into more complex polyynes, known as caryoynencins A-E, by introducing a cytochrome P450 gene from Burkholderia caryophylli. This study establishes a stable purification and structural determination method for various bacterial polyynes and highlights the potential of P. protegens Cab57 as an engineering host for producing biologically active polyynes.
JOURNAL OF ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(2023)