Article
Microbiology
Pengxiang Li, Yifang Cui, Fangfang Guo, Jiahui Guo, Xiaoya Cao, Jun Lin, Baoan Ding, Fuzhou Xu
Summary: This study aimed to characterize the chicken host defense peptides (HDPs) responses to Campylobacter jejuni (C. jejuni) infection. In vitro experiments showed that C. jejuni infection suppressed the expression of certain HDPs but increased the expression of others. In vivo experiments in chickens demonstrated that C. jejuni infection initially up-regulated the expression of HDPs, but this expression decreased over time. The findings suggest that C. jejuni evades the chicken immune system by suppressing the expression of chicken HDPs.
VETERINARY MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Maged M. Mahmoud, Ahmed M. Al-Hejin, Turki S. Abujamel, Aly M. Ghetas, Haitham A. Yacoub
Summary: The current study investigated the potential use of avian beta-defensin-1 peptide as a candidate agent against coccidiosis infection in broiler chickens. In-silico analysis was employed to study the structure of the peptide and its mode of action. The results showed that treatment with beta-defensin-1 peptide led to a significant reduction in oocyst count and down-regulation of beta-defensin 1 and 4 expression. These findings may contribute to the development of novel approaches for coccidiosis control in broilers.
ANIMAL BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Darren Shu Jeng Ting, Imran Mohammed, Rajamani Lakshminarayanan, Roger W. Beuerman, Harminder S. Dua
Summary: Vision is considered the most important sense in humans, and the ocular surface plays a crucial role in defending the eye against environmental stress and pathogens. Host defense peptides (HDPs) are innate immune molecules that have antimicrobial and other biological functions. This review provides an updated overview of HDPs at the ocular surface, their involvement in ocular diseases/conditions, current developments in HDP-based treatments for ocular diseases and infections, and the future potential of HDP-based clinical pharmacotherapy for ocular diseases.
FRONTIERS IN MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Yi Yang, Yuxin Qian, Mingxing Zhang, Shuang Hao, Hui Wang, Yongqiang Fan, Runhui Liu, Dake Xu, Fuhui Wang
Summary: This study explores the impact of hydrophobic subunit and chain length variation on the antibacterial and antibiofilm activity of beta-peptide polymers. The results demonstrate that the optimal beta-peptide polymer has low toxicity towards host cells and exhibits excellent antibacterial activity and antibiofilm formation ability against Cariogenic Streptococcus mutans. Additionally, beta-peptide polymers decrease the hydrophobicity of bacterial cells and promote biofilm dispersion. Transcriptome analysis reveals that beta-peptide polymers reduce the cariogenicity of S. mutans by impacting the transcription of energy and acid metabolism-related genes.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Zhuo Deng, Wentao Lyu, Guolong Zhang
Summary: Enhancing the synthesis of endogenous host defense peptides (HDPs) has emerged as a novel antibiotic-free approach to infectious disease control and prevention. In this study, a high throughput screening assay was used to identify HDP inducers specifically for poultry. Two compounds, entinostat and tucidinostat, were found to effectively promote HDP gene expression in chicken macrophages and intestinal tissue without triggering an inflammatory response.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Ann-Charlotte Stromdahl, Lech Ignatowicz, Ganna Petruk, Marta Butrym, Sebastian Wasserstrom, Artur Schmidtchen, Manoj Puthia
Summary: The study demonstrates that TCP-25 delivered from PU exhibits a combined antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effect both in vitro and in vivo, showing significant efficacy in treating wound infections and inflammation.
ACTA BIOMATERIALIA
(2021)
Article
Physiology
Chongxiao Chen, Dima Lynn White, Brett Marshall, Woo Kyun Kim
Summary: The study indicated that injections of 25OHD and 1,25OHD induced chicken embryo osteogenesis and adipogenesis, but inhibited myogenesis during early development. Higher dosage of 25OHD showed a possibility of longer retention time in the embryos.
FRONTIERS IN PHYSIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jie Fu, Xin Zong, Mingliang Jin, Junxia Min, Fudi Wang, Yizhen Wang
Summary: As cationic host defense peptides, defensins are synthesized by various cells and serve as crucial components of host defense. Recent research has focused on their biological functions, structure-activity relationships, mechanisms of action, and therapeutic potential. This review provides an overview of the roles of defensins in immune homeostasis, mucosal barrier function, gut microbiota regulation, and various diseases, as well as their regulation by nutrients. It offers important insights into the biology and potential clinical applications of defensins.
SIGNAL TRANSDUCTION AND TARGETED THERAPY
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Darren Shu Jeng Ting, Jianguo Li, Chandra S. Verma, Eunice T. L. Goh, Mario Nubile, Leonardo Mastropasqua, Dalia G. Said, Roger W. Beuerman, Rajamani Lakshminarayanan, Imran Mohammed, Harminder S. Dua
Summary: CaD23 is a novel synthetic HDP with strong antimicrobial efficacy, especially in combination with antibiotics. Its rapid antimicrobial action is mainly attributed to its membrane-permeabilising mechanism, and MD simulations are useful for elucidating its mechanism of action and guiding design optimization.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
A. Young J. Park, Dat Q. Tran, Justin B. Schaal, Mengxi Wang, Michael E. Selsted, Paul M. Beringer
Summary: This study characterized the preclinical pharmacokinetics and safety of intravenous RTD-1. The results showed extensive tissue distribution and excellent safety profile for RTD-1, supporting its clinical investigation for the treatment of COVID-19 or other pulmonary inflammatory diseases.
ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS AND CHEMOTHERAPY
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Kyoung-Ran Kim, Junghyun Kim, Seunghye Cho, Dae-Ro Ahn
Summary: In this study, a novel mRNA delivery platform utilizing the hBD23 peptide is introduced, which forms nanocomplexes with mRNA, allowing efficient cellular delivery and protein expression in vitro and in vivo. These complexes show minimal cytotoxicity and immunogenicity, making hBD23 a promising platform for mRNA delivery.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Lianci Peng, Hongliang Tian, Yi Lu, Kaixiang Jia, Jinrong Ran, Qi Tao, Gang Li, Chao Wan, Chao Ye, Edwin J. A. Veldhuizen, Hongwei Chen, Rendong Fang
Summary: Chicken cathelicidin-2 (CATH-2) has potent antimicrobial and immunomodulatory activities and modulates NLRP3 inflammasome activation by inducing caspase-1 activation and oligomerization of apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a carboxy-terminal caspase recruitment domain (ASC). The activation is mediated by K+ efflux, NEK7 protein, and cathepsin B.
VETERINARY RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Noemie De San Nicolas, Aromal Asokan, Rafael D. Rosa, Sebastien N. Voisin, Marie-Agnes Travers, Gustavo Rocha, Luc Dantan, Yann Dorant, Guillaume Mitta, Bruno Petton, Guillaume M. Charriere, Jean-Michel Escoubas, Viviane Boulo, Juliette Pouzadoux, Herve Meudal, Karine Loth, Vincent Aucagne, Agnes F. Delmas, Philippe Bulet, Caroline Montagnani, Delphine Destoumieux-Garzon
Summary: The study found that Cg-BigDefs peptides play an important role in controlling the oyster-associated microbial communities. They have a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity and show specificity and synergy against bacteria associated with oyster pathologies.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zhongqian Qiao, Wenjing Zhang, Yueming Wu, Weinan Jiang, Ning Shao, Jiayang Xie, Guixue Xia, Qimeng Chen, Zhefeng Liu, Jingcheng Zou, Jiawei Gu, Shifang Luan, Haodong Lin, Runhui Liu
Summary: Wound infections are a significant health issue caused by the invasion and spread of pathogens in wound sites. However, antibiotic resistance, particularly in MRSA, has made it challenging to treat these infections. To address MRSA-infected wounds, an antibacterial peptide polymer-loaded hyaluronic acid (HA) hydrogel (Gel-HA@P) has been developed. This design mimics host defense peptides, exhibiting potent antibacterial activity, low susceptibility to drug resistance, and good stability. Gel-HA@P demonstrates effective activity against MRSA, low toxicity, and promotes wound healing. This strategy provides an antibiotic-free approach for the healing of MRSA-infected wounds.
SCIENCE CHINA-CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Entomology
German Alberto Tellez Ramirez, Juan Felipe Osorio-Mendez, Diana Carolina Henao Arias, Lily Johanna S. Toro, Juliana Franco Castrillon, Maribel Rojas-Montoya, Jhon Carlos Castano Osorio
Summary: The study identified 155 novel HDP sequences from nine transcriptomes of seven species of Coleoptera, enriching the diversity of antimicrobial peptides within this insect family. These sequences were identified based on their similarity to known HDP insect families, including defensins, cecropins, attancins, and coleoptericins.
JOURNAL OF INSECT SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Zhichao Zhang, Xiaxia Du, Shuang Lai, Gang Shu, Qing Zhu, Yaofu Tian, Diyan Li, Yan Wang, Jiandong Yang, Yao Zhang, Xiaoling Zhao
Summary: The study revealed the presence of an endogenous circadian clock system in the uterus of chickens, which may regulate the mineralization of eggshells through influencing the expression of specific genes. Analysis of peak expression times of genes showed clear rhythmicity, mainly clustered in the early morning and from 6:00 to 8:00 in the evening.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Shunshun Han, Jianping Wang, Can Cui, Chunlin Yu, Yao Zhang, Diyan Li, Menggen Ma, Huarui Du, Xiaosong Jiang, Qing Zhu, Chaowu Yang, Huadong Yin
Summary: This study explores the regulatory molecular mechanisms of follicular atresia in chickens and reveals the role of autophagy and apoptosis in this process. It also highlights the importance of fibromodulin in regulating autophagy and provides insights into broodiness and poultry production improvement.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lu Lu, Jiarui Li, Ranlei Wei, Irene Guidi, Luca Cozzuto, Julia Ponomarenko, Guillem Prats-Ejarque, Ester Boix
Summary: RNase2, the most abundant member of the RNaseA family in macrophages, has been found to have antiviral effects. In this study, RNase2 was knocked out in THP-1 cells and the response to Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) was analyzed. RSV was found to induce expression of RNase2, which significantly enhanced cell survival. Sequencing analysis revealed that tRNA-derived fragments (tRFs) and second miRNAs were mostly accumulated in WT cells compared to KO cells.
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR LIFE SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Felix Kwame Amevor, Zhifu Cui, Xiaxia Du, Zifan Ning, Xun Deng, Dan Xu, Gang Shu, Youhao Wu, Xueqing Cao, Wei Shuo, Yaofu Tian, Diyan Li, Yan Wang, Yao Zhang, Xiaohui Du, Qing Zhu, Xue Han, Xiaoling Zhao
Summary: This study investigated the effects of dietary combination of quercetin (Q) and vitamin E (VE) on the intestinal structure and barrier integrity in aged breeder chickens. The results showed that Q+VE had synergistic effects on intestinal morphology, reduced intestinal inflammatory damage, and increased the expression of tight junction proteins and anti-inflammatory genes. Q+VE also protected the small intestine from oxidative damage. These findings suggest that Q+VE can improve intestinal function in aged breeder hens.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Xiaohui Du, Pingwu Qin, Yanting Liu, Felix Kwame Amevor, Gang Shu, Diyan Li, Xiaoling Zhao
Summary: This article summarizes the key measures to improve the management of pullets, including housing type, flock status, and environmental management. These measures can enhance the growth and welfare of pullets, thereby improving the quality of poultry products.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Maosen Yang, Dong Leng, Bo Zeng, Tao Wang, Zhongxian Xu, Diyan Li
Summary: 6mA is widely present in the chicken genome and inhibits gene expression in promoter regions. It may play a role in embryonic chicken development and muscle development by regulating gene expression. These findings provide new insights into the distribution and function of 6mA modification in higher organisms.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Long Jin, Danyang Wang, Jiaman Zhang, Pengliang Liu, Yujie Wang, Yu Lin, Can Liu, Ziyin Han, Keren Long, Diyan Li, Yu Jiang, Guisen Li, Yu Zhang, Jingyi Bai, Xiaokai Li, Jing Li, Lu Lu, Fanli Kong, Xun Wang, Hua Li, Zhiqing Huang, Jideng Ma, Xiaolan Fan, Linyuan Shen, Li Zhu, Yanzhi Jiang, Guoqing Tang, Bin Feng, Bo Zeng, Liangpeng Ge, Xuewei Li, Qianzi Tang, Zhihua Zhang, Mingzhou Li
Summary: Using a pig model, the study investigates how chromatin architecture in adipose tissue is regulated in relation to obesity. Analysis of the data reveals similarities and differences in chromatin architecture between humans and pigs, providing valuable insights into the regulation of obesity-related genes.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Junsong Zhao, Yongfang Yao, Mengmeng Dong, Hongtao Xiao, Ying Xiong, Shengzhi Yang, Diyan Li, Meng Xie, Qingyong Ni, Mingwang Zhang, Huailiang Xu
Summary: Animal gut microbiota plays a crucial role in host adaptation to different altitude environments. However, little is known about the mechanism of animal gut microbiota in adapting to high altitudes. This study analyzed the response of gut microbiota in wild macaques, humans, and dogs to diet and altitude environments, and found that high altitude environments drive the convergence of gut microbiota among species, possibly due to microbial transmission mediated by human activities.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Bo Ran, Wei Zhu, Xiaoling Zhao, Linxiang Li, Zhixin Yi, Miao Li, Tao Wang, Diyan Li
Summary: This study analyzed the genetic structure and evolutionary relationships of the Mountainous Meihua chicken. It found that the chicken has high genetic diversity and good breeding potential. It also showed a moderate degree of differentiation from other chicken breeds and no evidence of past population expansions. The study identified four unique maternal lineages in the Mountainous Meihua chicken.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Hao Li, Pu Zhang, Diyan Li, Binlong Chen, Jing Li, Tao Wang
Summary: Chickens can absorb and store plant miRNAs in various tissues and organs. The plant miRNAs detected in embryos may be involved in the development of chicken embryos.
Article
Cell Biology
Jideng Ma, Yan Zhu, Xiankun Zhou, Jinwei Zhang, Jing Sun, Zhengjie Li, Long Jin, Keren Long, Lu Lu, Liangpeng Ge
Summary: Skeletal muscle formation is crucial for animal growth and development. Myomaker, a muscle-specific transmembrane protein, has been found to promote myoblast fusion and play a key role in skeletal muscle development. This study focuses on the role of Myomaker and its regulatory mechanism in porcine myoblast fusion and skeletal muscle injury repair. The study reveals that miR-205 inhibits myoblast fusion by targeting the 3' UTR of Myomaker, and demonstrates the negative regulatory relationship between miR-205 and Myomaker in vivo.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Junsong Zhao, Yongfang Yao, Diyan Li, Wei Zhu, Hongtao Xiao, Meng Xie, Ying Xiong, Jiayun Wu, Qingyong Ni, Mingwang Zhang, Huailiang Xu
Summary: This study investigated the role of gut microbiota in the adaptation of rhesus macaques to high-altitude environments. The results showed that gut microbiota enriched in high-altitude populations have a stronger potential for energy synthesis and the degradation of exogenous toxins. This suggests an important energy compensatory role of gut microbiota in the adaptation to high-altitude environments.
NPJ BIOFILMS AND MICROBIOMES
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Xin Shi, Dejun Zeng, Guijun Zhao, Chenglu Zhang, Xiaolan Feng, Chengli Zheng, Diyan Li, Ming Zhang, Hang Jie
Summary: This study found that muskrat musk extracted from three-year-old muskrats is a relatively good substitute for white musk. It also suggests that the processes of amino acid biosynthesis and metabolism, steroid hormone biosynthesis, and fatty acid biosynthesis are beneficial to the secretion of muskrat musk.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Pengliang Liu, Diyan Li, Jiaman Zhang, Mengnan He, Yan Li, Rui Liu, Mingzhou Li
Summary: The storage of lipids as energy in adipose tissue is conserved, but there are substantial differences in the physiological activities of adipose tissues among species. This study characterized the transcriptional and lipidomic profiles of subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissues across 15 vertebrate species, spanning more than 300 million years of evolution. The data revealed greater variation in AT transcriptome and lipidome among species than within the same species, providing a resource for future studies on functional differences among adipose tissues in vertebrate species.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jing Li, Teng Yuan, Anjing Zhang, Peidong Yang, Li He, Keren Long, Chuang Tang, Li Chen, Mingzhou Li, Lu Lu
Summary: Macrophages are essential for immunity and play important roles in tissue homeostasis and metabolism. There is currently no standardized method for isolating and differentiating porcine macrophages. This study identified distinct M1 and M2 macrophage subsets in pigs and compared their gene expression profiles. The results showed that porcine macrophages have similar gene signatures to human and mouse macrophages. The study also demonstrated the potential prognostic value of macrophage signatures in differentiating pathogen infections.
CURRENT ISSUES IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2023)
