Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Cedric Vallee, Brendan Howlin, Rebecca Lewis
Summary: The Epithelial Sodium Channel/Degenerin (ENaC/DEG) family is a superfamily of sodium-selective channels with high homology in the pore region, playing important physiological roles in various animal species. The G/SxS selectivity filter and other conserved residues are crucial for ion selectivity, with different residues involved in ion permeability depending on the ion type. This review highlights new perspectives for further exploration of ion selectivity mechanisms.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Anthony L. Gilbert, Savanna Cabrera, Michael T. J. Hague, Amber N. Stokes, Chris R. Feldman, Charles T. Hanifin, Edmund D. Brodie Jr, Edmund D. Brodie III
Summary: Landscape patterns of phenotypic coevolution in toxic newts and their snake predators are best predicted by a combination of community and climatic variation. Prey toxicity is elevated in regions with more predator species, while predator resistance is higher in regions with more prey species. The phenotypic outcomes of coevolutionary arms races are sensitive to local ecological contexts that vary across the landscape.
FUNCTIONAL ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Nima Khalilisamani, Peter Campbell Thomson, Herman Willem Raadsma, Mehar Singh Khatkar
Summary: Estimating heritability based on individual phenotypic and genotypic measurements can be expensive and labour-intensive in commercial aquaculture breeding. This study investigated the feasibility of estimating heritability using within-family means of phenotypes and allelic frequencies. The results showed that at least 200 families of 60 progeny per family divided equally in two pools per family were required to effectively estimate the heritability of family means. Increasing the size of pools resulted in increasing the heritability of family means towards one.
Article
Cell Biology
Lunni Zhou, Haobin Liu, Qingqing Zhao, Jianping Wu, Zhen Yan
Summary: This study reveals the overall structure of the human NALCN channelosome and highlights the significance of UNC79 and UNC80 in its assembly and functional regulation.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Y. Fu, H. J. Zhang, S. G. Wu, J. M. Zhou, G. H. Qi, J. Wang
Summary: This study investigated the effects of dietary Na supplementation in either NaHCO3 or Na2SO4 form on laying performance, eggshell quality, ultrastructure and components in laying hens. Results indicated that dietary supplementation of 0.23% Na from Na2SO4 could increase eggshell breaking strength, thickness, and eggshell ratio. Different forms of dietary Na supplementation had varying impacts on eggshell quality, with quadratic increases observed in certain aspects when supplemented with Na2SO4 or NaHCO3.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Laura Martinez-Campelo, Raquel Cruz, Alejandro Blanco-Verea, Isabel Moscoso, Eva Ramos-Luis, Ricardo Lage, Maria Alvarez-Barredo, Maria Sabater-Molina, Pablo Penafiel-Verdu, Juan Jimenez-Jaimez, Moises Rodriguez-Manero, Maria Brion
Summary: In Brugada syndrome, there is significant phenotypic variation even among affected individuals from the same family. It is challenging to predict prognosis and sudden death risk based on genotype-phenotype correlation. The factors influencing this variability are yet to be determined. A study on 8 families with SCN5A variants and cardiac arrest/sudden death revealed no clear genetic modifiers, but suggested the involvement of cholesterol, fibrosis pathways, and circadian rhythm in modulating the Brugada syndrome phenotype.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Chenqinyao Li, Xue Li, Piwu Li, Bin Wei, Cong Zhang, Xiaoling Zhu, Jie Zhang
Summary: This study found that sodium humate supplementation had significant effects on the intestinal microbiome structure, short-chain fatty acid production, and trace element absorption in older laying hens, ultimately impacting egg performance and shell quality.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Prisca S. L. Pare, Domonbabele F. D. S. Hien, Koama Bayili, Rakiswende S. Yerbanga, Anna Cohuet, David Carrasco, Edwige Guissou, Louis-Clement Gouagna, Koudraogo B. Yameogo, Abdoulaye Diabate, Rickard Ignell, Roch K. Dabire, Thierry Lefevre, Olivier Gnankine
Summary: This study aimed to assess the effect of plant sugar feeding on the response of Anopheles gambiae to insecticides. The findings suggest that plant diet significantly influenced mosquito's susceptibility to insecticides and the effects may be driven by a direct effect of plant diet on mosquito survival rather than indirect effects through interference with insecticide-resistance mechanisms.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Chuanman Zhou, Qian Zhou, Xiaohui He, Yunxia He, Xiaoqin Wang, Xiaowei Zhu, Yujia Zhang, Long Ma
Summary: This study investigates the effects of K2P and NALCN on behavior using the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans as a model. It finds that the K2P gene twk-40 can regulate motor behavior in C. elegans, and identifies five other K2P genes that may have similar effects. Additionally, it suggests that some K2P and NALCN may oppositely affect behavior in C. elegans.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yunlu Kang, Lei Chen
Summary: This study uncovers the mechanism of how UNC79 and UNC80 interact and promote the function of NALCN channel. Given the importance of NALCN channel in neuronal activity, understanding its structure and mechanism is of great significance.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Sara Matricardi, Sandrine Cestele, Marina Trivisano, Benedetta Kassabian, Nathalie Leroudier, Roberta Vittorini, Margherita Nosadini, Elisabetta Cesaroni, Sabrina Siliquini, Cristina Marinaccio, Francesca Longaretti, Barbara Podesta, Francesca Felicia Operto, Concetta Luisi, Stefano Sartori, Clementina Boniver, Nicola Specchio, Federico Vigevano, Carla Marini, Massimo Mantegazza
Summary: This study aimed to refine the spectrum of SCN1A epileptic disorders beyond DS and GEFS+ and optimize antiseizure management. Nine of the 16 probands had de novo pathogenic variants causing DEE, while seven probands manifested focal epilepsies with mild or no intellectual disability. Sodium channel blockers never worsened seizures, and functional analysis showed a gain of channel function for three representative variants. The study highlights the wide range of SCN1A disorders and the importance of SCN1A testing in pediatric, familial and nonfamilial, focal epilepsies.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Marc Kschonsak, Han Chow Chua, Claudia Weidling, Nourdine Chakouri, Cameron L. Noland, Katharina Schott, Timothy Chang, Christine Tam, Nidhi Patel, Christopher P. Arthur, Alexander Leitner, Manu Ben-Johny, Claudio Ciferri, Stephan Alexander Pless, Jian Payandeh
Summary: Depolarizing sodium leak currents carried by the NALCN channel play a crucial role in regulating the resting membrane potential of neurons. This study provides insights into the composition, assembly, and gating mechanism of the NALCN channelosome, with a focus on the auxiliary subunits UNC79 and UNC80. The findings shed light on the physiology of the NALCN channelosome and offer potential targets for drug discovery.
Article
Neurosciences
Chunhong Chen, Fang Fang, Xu Wang, Junlan Lv, Xiaohui Wang, Hong Jin
Summary: This study aims to explore the phenotypic characteristics of SCN1A-associated seizure diseases and establish genotype-phenotype correlations. The clinical data of 41 patients carrying SCN1A variants were retrospectively analyzed. The study found that SCN1A variants result in diverse phenotypes, with both commonalities and individualistic differences. Factors such as age of seizure onset, type of seizures, duration, and variant location contribute to the phenotypic variations.
FRONTIERS IN MOLECULAR NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
M. Sinduja, V. Sathya, M. Maheswari, G. K. Dinesh, Shiv Prasad, P. Kalpana
Summary: This study aimed to assess the groundwater quality in the industrial areas of Vellore district, Tamil Nadu, India. It revealed that the contamination level of total Cr (140 mg/L) in the groundwater samples exceeded the permissible limit of chromium prescribed by WHO (0.05 mg/L), posing hazards for human consumption and irrigation.
Article
Physiology
Francesca Semino, Fabrice F. Darche, Claus Bruehl, Michael Koenen, Heyko Skladny, Hugo A. Katus, Norbert Frey, Andreas Draguhn, Patrick A. Schweizer
Summary: Variants of SCN5A gene are associated with Brugada Syndrome, but different variants can lead to different clinical presentations. The co-expression of SCN5A and GPD1L can modulate the function of Nav1.5 channels.
PFLUGERS ARCHIV-EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Jianbo Li, Congjiao Sun, Jiangxia Zheng, Junying Li, Guoqiang Yi, Ning Yang
Summary: This study provides a comprehensive profile of four representative stages of chicken gonadal development at the transcriptional and chromatin levels. The findings suggest that candidate genes involved in morphogenesis, meiosis, and subcellular structure formation may contribute to asymmetric gonadal development. Further analysis reveals that chromatin accessibility and transcriptional activity of these candidate genes may be regulated by nearby open chromatin regions, acting as potential cis-regulatory elements.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Shuang Gu, Chaoliang Wen, Junying Li, Honghong Liu, Qiang Huang, Jiangxia Zheng, Congjiao Sun, Ning Yang
Summary: This study selected four different breeds of chickens to investigate the temporal expression patterns of key regulatory genes during embryonic muscle development, providing a foundation for understanding the regulation mechanisms. The highest expression level of Myomaker, a crucial gene for myoblast fusion, occurred from embryonic days 13 to 15, with Cornish breed showing the highest expression level. The MYOD gene may play an important role after hatching. Histomorphology analysis suggested that the myofibers were largely complete by embryonic day 17 due to increased expression of MSTN and decreased expression of Myomaker.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Jiaming Jin, Qianqian Zhou, Fangren Lan, Junying Li, Ning Yang, Congjiao Sun
Summary: The internal quality of eggs is crucial for human consumption and embryonic development. The composition and differences in microbiota between egg yolks and whites, as well as the migration of microbes from egg white to yolk during incubation, have been explored in this study.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Bowen Yang, Shimeng Huang, Ning Yang, Aizhi Cao, Lihong Zhao, Jianyun Zhang, Guoxian Zhao, Qiugang Ma
Summary: This study found that bile acids can promote the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, even under low-fat diets. Through experiments, it was found that bile acids can emulsify fat and promote its hydrolysis, and can improve the digestion and absorption rate of vitamin A. In the experiment, feeding diets supplemented with 60 mg/kg bile acids significantly improved laying performance in laying hens and promoted the growth of follicles in the ovaries. In addition, bile acids can also improve the utilization rate of fat and energy, and enhance the activity of lipase and lipoprotein lipase in the small intestine. Furthermore, the addition of bile acids can increase the vitamin A content in the liver and serum of laying hens, improve serum immune indicators, and antioxidant capacity.
FRONTIERS IN NUTRITION
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Jing Yang, Zhiqiong Mao, Xiqiong Wang, Jingjie Zhuang, Sijia Gong, Zhouyang Gao, Guiyun Xu, Ning Yang, Congjiao Sun
Summary: The study comprehensively investigated the regulatory mechanisms of eggshell brownness in different eggshell color and time following oviposition. Results suggest that Pp IX is synthesized de novo and stored in the shell gland, with ALAS1 identified as a key gene regulating Pp IX synthesis. Additionally, three transporters in the Pp IX pathway and three metabolites in shell glands and uterine fluid may influence eggshell browning.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Qiang Huang, Chaoliang Wen, Wei Yan, Congjiao Sun, Shuang Gu, Jiangxia Zheng, Ning Yang
Summary: Improving feed efficiency is an important goal in chicken breeding and production. This study found that the development of the gizzard, liver, and cecum is related to the feed efficiency of chickens.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Qianqian Zhou, Fangren Lan, Shuang Gu, Guangqi Li, Guiqin Wu, Yiyuan Yan, Xiaochang Li, Jiaming Jin, Chaoliang Wen, Congjiao Sun, Ning Yang
Summary: In this study, the researchers investigated the effects of host genetics and gut microbiota on feed efficiency in laying hens. They found that genetic factors and gut microbiota both play important roles in determining feed efficiency, with RFI having the highest microbial influence. They also identified three microbial genera that were negatively correlated with RFI and positively contributed to improving feed efficiency.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Xiuan Zhang, Jianbo Li, Xiqiong Wang, Yuchen Jie, Congjiao Sun, Jiangxia Zheng, Junying Li, Ning Yang, Sirui Chen
Summary: In this study, a sex-reversed chicken flock was created by injecting an aromatase inhibitor, fadrozole, and high-resolution profiles of gene expression and chromatin accessibility in embryonic gonads were constructed. The results showed that fadrozole affected the transcriptional activities of genes related to sex determination and differentiation and regulated the expression of genes related to gonadal development through nearby open chromatin regions. After sexual maturity, the sex-reversed chickens were found to be infertile, and promising genes related to spermatogenesis and infertility were identified through RNA-seq. This study provides important insights into the molecular basis of sex differentiation and infertility in sex-reversed chickens and lays a foundation for further research on bird sex development.
EPIGENETICS & CHROMATIN
(2023)
Article
Biology
Junxiao Ren, Zhengzheng Hu, Quanlin Li, Shuang Gu, Fangren Lan, Xiqiong Wang, Jianbo Li, Junying Li, Liwa Shao, Ning Yang, Congjiao Sun
Summary: Chicken embryonic diapause is a state of temporary arrest of embryonic development triggered by cold stress-induced IRF1 expression, mediated by the PKC-NF-kappa B signaling pathway. This is in contrast to mammalian diapause which is mTOR-dependent. The study characterized the dynamic transcriptomic and phosphoproteomic profiles of chicken embryos in different diapause states and identified key regulators of diapause.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xiuan Zhang, Jianbo Li, Sirui Chen, Ning Yang, Jiangxia Zheng
Summary: Sex determination and differentiation in birds involves genetic factors controlling the sex determination program, while sex differentiation is influenced by hormones and can be reversed when disturbed. The regulatory mechanism of avian cell autonomous sex identity and sex development is still not clearly understood and requires further exploration. However, avian sex research findings have provided theoretical bases for gender control technologies in poultry production, which are being improved through interdisciplinary cooperation.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Chaoliang Wen, Qinli Gou, Shuang Gu, Qiang Huang, Congjiao Sun, Jiangxia Zheng, Ning Yang
Summary: This study investigated the composition of microbial communities in chicken muscle tissue and their relationship with meat quality. The results showed that the microbial composition in muscle tissue can affect the fat content, and there is also a correlation between fat content in different muscle tissues. These findings provide important insights for improving meat quality in chickens.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Yiming Yuan, Gang Zheng, Zhen You, Lulu Wang, Ziyi Wang, Congjiao Sun, Changjun Liu, Xianyao Li, Peng Zhao, Yongqiang Wang, Ning Yang, Ling Lian
Summary: This study used whole genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) and RNA-seq to identify genes playing important roles in the tumor transformation of Marek's disease (MD). 8 genes, including CD4 and HMGB1, were found to be negatively correlated with methylation and showed high expression in the MDV-infected group. Overexpression of CD4 and HMGB1 significantly promoted MDCC-MSB-1 cell proliferation, suggesting their potential promoting roles in MD tumorigenesis.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Zhangyuan Pan, Ying Wang, Mingshan Wang, Yuzhe Wang, Xiaoning Zhu, Shenwen Gu, Conghao Zhong, Liqi An, Mingzhu Shan, Joana Damas, Michelle M. Halstead, Dailu Guan, Nares Trakooljul, Klaus Wimmers, Ye Bi, Shang Wu, Mary E. Delany, Xuechen Bai, Hans H. Cheng, Congjiao Sun, Ning Yang, Xiaoxiang Hu, Harris A. Lewin, Lingzhao Fang, Huaijun Zhou
Summary: This study identified and characterized regulatory elements in the chicken genome by integrating genome-wide sequencing datasets from 23 adult tissues. It annotated 1.57 million regulatory elements, predicted enhancer-gene pairs, and super-enhancers. These findings have significant implications for understanding gene regulation in chicken domestication, selection, and complex trait regulation.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Xinwei Jiang, Boxuan Zhang, Fangren Lan, Conghao Zhong, Jiaming Jin, Xiaochang Li, Qianqian Zhou, Junying Li, Ning Yang, Chaoliang Wen, Congjiao Sun
Summary: Blood biochemical indicators are regulated by both host genetics and gut microbiota, and their interrelationships can affect growth traits in chickens. The heritability and microbiability of these indicators vary, and several candidate genes and microbial species have been identified as potentially involved in their regulation.
APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Ziyi Wang, Yiming Yuan, Gang Zheng, Meng Sun, Qinyuan Wang, Junfeng Wu, Junying Li, Congjiao Sun, Yongqiang Wang, Ning Yang, Ling Lian
Summary: This study reveals the distribution of ALVE in 11 chicken breeds, including the identification of 23 novel ALVEs in Chinese domestic breeds. Most of these insertion sites are located in intergenic regions and introns.
JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE
(2023)
