Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Claudia Alvarez-Carreno, Petar Penev, Anton S. Petrov, Loren Dean Williams
Summary: The SH3 and OB domains are the simplest, oldest, and most common protein domains in the translation system. These domains share a common core region with significant structure and sequence similarity, suggesting they share a common ancestor. The OB domain likely evolved from duplication and adaptation of the SH3 domain core, or vice versa, in a simple and probable transformation.
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ankur Garg, Yvette Roske, Shinnosuke Yamada, Takuya Uehata, Osamu Takeuchi, Udo Heinemann
Summary: The study provides a structural-biochemical characterization of ZC3H12C and sheds light on how it recognizes RNA substrates. The unique features of the ZC3H12 ZnF domain and its interactions with RNA are highlighted, offering insights into the evolutionary code for RNA recognition by CCCH-type ZnF proteins.
NUCLEIC ACIDS RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Jian-fei Ji, Chong-bin Hu, Tong Shao, Dong-dong Fan, Nan Zhang, Ai-fu Lin, Li-xin Xiang, Jian-zhong Shao
Summary: The study revealed that there are differences in distribution and functions between immunoglobulin Z and immunoglobulin Z2 in zebrafish, and both exhibit complementary effects in antibacterial immunity.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Weikang Sun, Hao Li, Yuehong Zhao, Longwei Bai, Yukai Qin, Qun Wang, Weiwei Li
Summary: The study identified three conserved VG domains in the Chinese mitten crab, highlighting functional similarities of Vg in vertebrates and invertebrates. Among these domains, DUF1943 and VWD showed bacterial binding activity, with only the VWD domain inhibiting bacterial proliferation. Furthermore, the study demonstrated that EsVg regulates hemocyte phagocytosis by binding with EspIgR through the DUF1943 domain, promoting bacterial clearance and protecting the host from infection.
JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Junjie Nie, Jude Juventus Aweya, Zhixue Yu, Hui Zhou, Fan Wang, Defu Yao, Zhihong Zheng, Shengkang Li, Hongyu Ma, Yueling Zhang
Summary: This study demonstrates the importance of deacetylation of Penaeus vannamei hemocyanin in binding with LPS to clear Gram-negative bacteria during bacterial infections.
JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Juvenal Lopez, Nguyen-Hung Le, Ki Hwan Moon, Dor Salomon, Eran Bosis, Mario F. Feldman
Summary: Competition among Gram-negative bacteria is often mediated by the type VI secretion system (T6SS), which delivers toxic effector proteins to adjacent bacteria. Tsi3 is a newly identified immunity protein that neutralizes the effects of the antibacterial effector Tse3. Despite predictions of enzymatic activity, Tsi3 homologs are unlikely to function as enzymes and rely on protein-protein interactions for immunity.
JOURNAL OF BACTERIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Kira S. Makarova, Yuri I. Wolf, Svetlana Karamycheva, Eugene V. Koonin
Summary: A hypervariable gene module known as VARTIG has been identified in Thermococcales, which may be involved in microbial conflicts similar to Polymorphic Toxin Systems, play roles in innate immunity analogous to vertebrate complement system, and function in self vs nonself discrimination similar to vertebrate Major Histocompatibility Complex.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Fernando Villarreal, Nicolas Stocchi, Arjen ten Have
Summary: Pectin, a major component of the plant cell wall, is degraded by a variety of enzymes in fungi. A comprehensive study of GH28 encoding sequences reveals the evolutionary relationship and substrate specificity of these enzymes. Computational tools assist in identifying characteristics of different subfamilies, and substrate-driven diversification can be observed through specific positions surrounding the binding groove.
Article
Plant Sciences
Irene Louise van Grinsven, Eliza C. Martin, Andrei-Jose Petrescu, Richard Kormelink
Summary: Plant disease immunity relies on the recognition of pathogens and immune pathway activation. Nod-like receptors, such as Tsw, play a crucial role in this process. Tsw, a Nod-like resistance gene with unusually large LRR domains, confers resistance against TSWV. However, the function of the majority of the LRR structure remains unclear.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2022)
Review
Immunology
Yumiko Mizuno, Yoshimitsu Nakanishi, Atsushi Kumanogoh
Summary: Upon exposure to external stressors, the body activates the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) to maintain homeostasis, which also regulates immune responses. Overactivation of the SNS can lead to inflammatory diseases. This review focuses on the role of semaphorins, axon guidance cues, in the crosstalk between the SNS and immune system.
INFLAMMATION AND REGENERATION
(2023)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Matthew J. Dunn, Shahed U. A. Shazib, Emily Simonton, Jason C. Slot, Matthew Z. Anderson
Summary: This study investigates the evolution of the telomere-associated gene family in Candida albicans. The results show variations in the distribution and sequence similarity of different subtelomeric gene families. By resolving intraspecies subtelomeric gene variation, potential regulatory mechanisms and unknown gene family complexity that underpin adaptive functional variation can be identified.
G3-GENES GENOMES GENETICS
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Yiyong Liu, Jingru Sun
Summary: Recent research has shown that the nervous system of Caenorhabditis elegans plays a significant role in pathogen detection and immune regulation, potentially being an essential component of the host-pathogen interactions. There is a complex bidirectional communication network between the nervous and immune systems, involving the production of neuropeptides and neurotransmitters by the immune system that influence neural responses and the expression of neuroendocrine hormone receptors on immune cells.
Review
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Fatima B. Saldana-Morales, Dasom V. Kim, Ming-Ting Tsai, Gretchen E. Diehl
Summary: A coordinated response between the epithelium, immune system, and enteric nervous system is crucial for proper intestinal function during both health and disease. These systems work together to support digestion and recovery following injury or pathogenic infections by responding to common stimuli.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Chanhee Kim, Avner Cnaani, Dietmar Kultz
Summary: In this study, MYC was functionally disrupted in tilapia genome using an optimized CRISPR/Cas9 system, and causal links between MYC and cellular osmoregulation were established. The disruption of MYC did not significantly affect cell morphology or growth, indicating that MYC is not essential for basic cellular functions in tilapia.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Thomas E. Speltz, Zeyu Qiao, Colin S. Swenson, Xianghang Shangguan, John S. Coukos, Christopher W. Lee, Deborah M. Thomas, Jesse Santana, Sean W. Fanning, Geoffrey L. Greene, Raymond E. Moellering
Summary: Synthetic transcriptional repressors (STRs) derived from the bHLH domain of MAX have been developed using a chemical strategy. These STRs can bind to MYC/MAX consensus E-box motif with high affinity, show specificity comparable to or better than full-length TFs, compete with MYC/MAX protein for DNA binding, and inhibit MYC-dependent expression and cell proliferation. Co-crystallization and structure determination confirm that STRs retain the DNA recognition capability similar to full-length bHLH TFs. Furthermore, STRs derived from alternative bHLH-TFs can also be designed, enabling the development of highly specific mimetics targeting different gene regulatory elements.
NATURE BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Psychology, Developmental
C. Benjet, P. Mortier, G. Kiekens, D. D. Ebert, R. P. Auerbach, R. C. Kessler, P. Cuijpers, J. G. Green, M. K. Nock, K. Demyttenaere, Y. Albor, R. Bruffaerts
Summary: The first year of college carries a high risk for the development of alcohol use disorders. Male gender, romantic break-up, hazardous drinking, and alcohol use characteristics at baseline were identified as key predictors. Screening incoming college students can help identify those at risk and provide targeted preventive interventions.
EUROPEAN CHILD & ADOLESCENT PSYCHIATRY
(2022)
Article
Substance Abuse
Mareike Augsburger, Esta Kaal, Triin Ulesoo, Andreas Wenger, Matthijs Blankers, Severin Haug, David D. Ebert, Heleen Riper, Matthew Keough, Helen Noormets, Michael P. Schaub, Karin Kilp
Summary: An online self-help intervention was found effective in reducing problem drinking in Estonia, as demonstrated by a randomized controlled trial.
Article
Clinical Neurology
Kerstin Spanhel, Daniela Burdach, Teresa Pfeiffer, Dirk Lehr, Kai Spiegelhalder, David D. Ebert, Harald Baumeister, Juergen Bengel, Lasse B. Sander
Summary: Sleep difficulties are common among international students and internet-based interventions, even without cultural adaptation, can be an effective low-threshold treatment option. Satisfaction with the intervention was high and culturally non-adapted interventions can be as effective for international students as they are for the original target group.
JOURNAL OF SLEEP RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Substance Abuse
Claudia Buntrock, Johanna Freund, Filip Smit, Heleen Riper, Dirk Lehr, Leif Boss, Matthias Berking, David Daniel Ebert
Summary: This study evaluated the economic benefits of guided and unguided internet-based interventions to reduce problematic alcohol consumption in employees, showing that guided interventions were both cost-beneficial and cost-effective from both societal and employer perspectives.
Article
Clinical Neurology
Sarah Paganini, Yannik Terhorst, Lasse Bosse Sander, Jiaxi Lin, Sandra Schlicker, David Daniel Ebert, Matthias Berking, Heleen Riper, Harald Baumeister
Summary: Internet- and mobile-based interventions are considered cost-effective for individuals with depression and chronic back pain, and can effectively reduce their personal and economic burden.
JOURNAL OF AFFECTIVE DISORDERS
(2022)
Review
Genetics & Heredity
Cornille Amandine, Dieter Ebert, Eva Stukenbrock, Ricardo C. Rodriguez de la Vega, Peter Tiff, Daniel Croll, Aurelien Tellier
Summary: Coevolutionary interactions are a common driver of adaptation, but little is known about the genomic processes underlying coevolution in an ecological context. This article reviews recent advances in coevolutionary theory and genomics, and proposes a practical guide to understanding the dynamics of coevolution using an ecological genomics approach.
TRENDS IN GENETICS
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Kai Spiegelhalder, Harald Baumeister, Abdulwahab Al-Kamaly, Martina Bader, Natalie Bauereiss, Fee Benz, Lina Braun, Claudia Buntrock, Maike Burkhardt, Pim Cuijpers, Katharina Domschke, Patrick Duelsen, Marvin Franke, Lukas Frase, Elena Heber, Kathrin Helm, Terry Jentsch, Anna Johann, Ann-Marie Kuechler, Michael Kuhn, Dirk Lehr, Andy Maun, Charles M. Morin, Morten Moshagen, Kneginja Richter, Julian Schiel, Laura Simon, Lukas Spille, Hans-Guenter Weess, Dieter Riemann, David Daniel Ebert
Summary: It is unclear how internet-delivered cognitive-behavioural therapy for insomnia can be integrated into healthcare systems, and little is known about the optimal level of therapist guidance. This study aims to investigate three different versions of a stepped care model for insomnia (IG1, IG2, IG3) versus treatment as usual, and to explore the effectiveness of therapist guidance in internet-delivered CBT-I. The study will recruit 4268 insomnia patients and use cluster randomisation of GPs for the allocation.
Review
Evolutionary Biology
Dieter Ebert
Summary: Water fleas of the genus Daphnia are extensively studied ecological model organisms with a cyclic parthenogenetic life-cycle, which allows researchers to separate genetic effects from non-genetic effects. They are used in various areas of research, such as ecotoxicology, host-parasite interactions, phenotypic plasticity, and evolutionary genomics.
Article
Psychology, Clinical
Johanna Freund, Claudia Buntrock, Lina Braun, Janika Thielecke, Harald Baumeister, Matthias Berking, David Daniel Ebert, Ingrid Titzler
Summary: Farmers, forest workers, and gardeners have a higher risk of developing depression. A German pilot project examined the potential of six guided internet- and mobile-based interventions to prevent depression among them. This qualitative study aimed to gain insights into participants' experiences and determinants for acceptance and satisfaction with the interventions.
INTERNET INTERVENTIONS-THE APPLICATION OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY IN MENTAL AND BEHAVIOURAL HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Psychology, Clinical
Severin Hennemann, Katja Boehme, Maria Kleinstauber, Christian Ruckes, Harald Baumeister, David Daniel Ebert, Ann-Marie Kuechler, Michael Witthoeft
Summary: Internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy with regular guidance is not significantly superior to guidance-on-demand in alleviating somatic symptom distress and associated psychopathology in emerging adults.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Pascal Angst, Dieter Ebert, Peter D. Fields
Summary: The determinants of genome-wide nucleotide diversity in a species include historical, environmental, and stochastic factors. In the parasite Ordospora colligata, the mode of transmission and interactions with the host surpass the effects of these factors in shaping genomic diversity. Through genomic analysis, we found overlapping phylogeography between O. colligata and its host, indicating a long-term relationship. The observed geographic distribution reflects adaptations to colder habitats and the co-phylogeography allowed calibration of the phylogeny and estimation of mutation rate.
G3-GENES GENOMES GENETICS
(2023)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Maridel Fredericksen, Peter S. Fields, Louis Du Pasquier, Virginie S. Ricci, Dieter Ebert
Summary: Identifying genes that confer resistance in a coevolving host-parasite system is important for understanding evolution. By comparing resistant and susceptible hosts, analyzing gene expression data, and performing genetic crosses, this study identifies eight candidate genes that may confer resistance to parasites. This research expands our understanding of resistance loci and provides candidates to be tested in future experiments.
Review
Health Care Sciences & Services
Fanny Kaehlke, Claudia Buntrock, Filip Smit, David Daniel Ebert
Summary: Internet and mobile-based interventions (IMIs) have the potential to be cost-effective for mental disorders, particularly in depression and anxiety. Most evaluations had good methodological quality, although some bias risks were present. Heterogeneity across studies was high due to factors such as different costing methods, designs, comparison groups, and outcomes used.
NPJ DIGITAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Meeting Abstract
Clinical Neurology
L. Steinmetz, L. Simon, D. Riemann, B. Feige, A. F. Johann, H. Baumeister, D. Ebert, F. Benz, K. Spiegelhalder
JOURNAL OF SLEEP RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Biology
Joana L. Santos, Dieter Ebert
Summary: The study found that trehalose in resting stages plays a protective role, with higher concentrations produced in harsher habitats. Trehalose provides protection under summer dry conditions, while winter freezing does not explain variation in trehalose content. Adaptations to droughts are crucial due to the expected increase in summer dryness of water bodies with ongoing climate change.