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Chen Y, Lv Q, Liao H, Xie Z, Hong L, Qi L, Pan G, Long M, Zhou Z. The microsporidian polar tube: origin, structure, composition, function, and application. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:305. [PMID: 37649053 PMCID: PMC10468886 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05908-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Microsporidia are a class of obligate intracellular parasitic unicellular eukaryotes that infect a variety of hosts, even including humans. Although different species of microsporidia differ in host range and specificity, they all share a similar infection organelle, the polar tube, which is also defined as the polar filament in mature spores. In response to the appropriate environmental stimulation, the spore germinates with the polar filament everted, forming a hollow polar tube, and then the infectious cargo is transported into host cells via the polar tube. Hence, the polar tube plays a key role in microsporidian infection. Here, we review the origin, structure, composition, function, and application of the microsporidian polar tube, focusing on the origin of the polar filament, the structural differences between the polar filament and polar tube, and the characteristics of polar tube proteins. Comparing the three-dimensional structure of PTP6 homologous proteins provides new insight for the screening of additional novel polar tube proteins with low sequence similarity in microsporidia. In addition, the interaction of the polar tube with the spore wall and the host are summarized to better understand the infection mechanism of microsporidia. Due to the specificity of polar tube proteins, they are also used as the target in the diagnosis and prevention of microsporidiosis. With the present findings, we propose a future study on the polar tube of microsporidia.
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Shen Z, Yang Q, Luo L, Li T, Ke Z, Li T, Chen J, Meng X, Xiang H, Li C, Zhou Z, Chen P, Pan G. Non-coding RNAs identification and regulatory networks in pathogen-host interaction in the microsporidia congenital infection. BMC Genomics 2023; 24:420. [PMID: 37495972 PMCID: PMC10373312 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-023-09490-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The interaction networks between coding and non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) including long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), covalently closed circular RNA (circRNA) and miRNA are significant to elucidate molecular processes of biological activities and interactions between host and pathogen. Congenital infection caused by vertical transmission of microsporidia N. bombycis can result in severe economic losses in the silkworm-feeding industry. However, little is known about ncRNAs that take place in the microsporidia congenital infection. Here we conducted whole-transcriptome RNA-Seq analyses to identify ncRNAs and regulatory networks for both N. bombycis and host including silkworm embryos and larvae during the microsporidia congenital infection. RESULTS A total of 4,171 mRNAs, 403 lncRNA, 62 circRNAs, and 284 miRNAs encoded by N. bombycis were identified, among which some differentially expressed genes formed cross-talk and are involved in N. bombycis proliferation and infection. For instance, a lncRNA/circRNA competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network including 18 lncRNAs, one circRNA, and 20 miRNAs was constructed to describe 14 key parasites genes regulation, such as polar tube protein 3 (PTP3), ricin-B-lectin, spore wall protein 4 (SWP4), and heat shock protein 90 (HSP90). Regarding host silkworm upon N. bombycis congenital infection, a total of 14,889 mRNAs, 3,038 lncRNAs, 19,039 circRNAs, and 3,413 miRNAs were predicted based on silkworm genome with many differentially expressed coding and non-coding genes during distinct developmental stages. Different species of RNAs form interacting network to modulate silkworm biological processes, such as growth, metamorphosis and immune responses. Furthermore, a lncRNA/circRNA ceRNA network consisting of 140 lncRNAs, five circRNA, and seven miRNAs are constructed hypothetically to describe eight key host genes regulation, such as Toll-6, Serpin-6, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and Caspase-8. Notably, cross-species analyses indicate that parasite and host miRNAs play a vital role in pathogen-host interaction in the microsporidia congenital infection. CONCLUSION This is the first comprehensive pan-transcriptome study inclusive of both N. bombycis and its host silkworm with a specific focus on the microsporidia congenital infection, and show that ncRNA-mediated regulation plays a vital role in the microsporidia congenital infection, which provides a new insight into understanding the basic biology of microsporidia and pathogen-host interaction.
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Huang Q, Chen J, Lv Q, Long M, Pan G, Zhou Z. Germination of Microsporidian Spores: The Known and Unknown. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:774. [PMID: 37504762 PMCID: PMC10381864 DOI: 10.3390/jof9070774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Microsporidia are a large group of mysterious obligate intracellular eukaryotic parasites. The microsporidian spore can survive in the absence of nutrients for years under harsh conditions and germinate within seconds under the stimulation of environmental changes like pH and ions. During germination, microsporidia experience an increase in intrasporal osmotic pressure, which leads to an influx of water into the spore, followed by swelling of the polaroplasts and posterior vacuole, which eventually fires the polar filament (PF). Infectious sporoplasm was transported through the extruded polar tube (PT) and delivered into the host cell. Despite much that has been learned about the germination of microsporidia, there are still several major questions that remain unanswered, including: (i) There is still a lack of knowledge about the signaling pathways involved in spore germination. (ii) The germination of spores is not well understood in terms of its specific energetics. (iii) Limited understanding of how spores germinate and how the nucleus and membranes are rearranged during germination. (iv) Only a few proteins in the invasion organelles have been identified; many more are likely undiscovered. This review summarizes the major resolved and unresolved issues concerning the process of microsporidian spore germination.
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Gao N, Zeng X, Chen H, Pan G, Chen G, Xie Z. Editorial: Responsive biomaterials for controlled release and cancer theranostics. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1255293. [PMID: 37539439 PMCID: PMC10395080 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1255293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
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Tong C, Luo J, Xie C, Wei J, Pan G, Zhou Z, Li C. Characterization and Biological Activities of Melanin from the Medicinal Fungi Ophiocordyceps sinensis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10282. [PMID: 37373428 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241210282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Melanin is a complex natural pigment that is widely present in fungi. The mushroom Ophiocordyceps sinensis has a variety of pharmacological effects. The active substances of O. sinensis have been extensively studied, but few studies have focused on the O. sinensis melanin. In this study, the production of melanin was increased by adding light or oxidative stress, namely, reactive oxygen species (ROS) or reactive nitrogen species (RNS), during liquid fermentation. Subsequently, the structure of the purified melanin was characterized using elemental analysis, ultraviolet-visible absorption spectrum, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), and pyrolysis gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (Py-GCMS). Studies have shown that O. sinensis melanin is composed of C (50.59), H (6.18), O (33.90), N (8.19), and S (1.20), with maximum absorbance at 237 nm and typical melanin structures such as benzene, indole, and pyrrole. Additionally, the various biological activities of O. sinensis melanin have been discovered; it can chelate heavy metals and shows a strong ultraviolet-blocking ability. Moreover, O. sinensis melanin can reduce the levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species and counteract the oxidative damage of H2O2 to cells. These results can help us to develop applications of O. sinensis melanin in radiation resistance, heavy metal pollution remediation, and antioxidant use.
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Wang Q, Zhang Y, Ma Y, Wang M, Pan G. Nano-crosslinked dynamic hydrogels for biomedical applications. Mater Today Bio 2023; 20:100640. [PMID: 37179534 PMCID: PMC10173301 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2023.100640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Hydrogels resemble natural extracellular matrices and have been widely studied for biomedical applications. Nano-crosslinked dynamic hydrogels combine the injectability and self-healing property of dynamic hydrogels with the versatility of nanomaterials and exhibit unique advantages. The incorporation of nanomaterials as crosslinkers can improve the mechanical properties (strength, injectability, and shear-thinning properties) of hydrogels by reinforcing the skeleton and endowing them with multifunctionality. Nano-crosslinked functional hydrogels that can respond to external stimuli (such as pH, heat, light, and electromagnetic stimuli) and have photothermal properties, antimicrobial properties, stone regeneration abilities, or tissue repair abilities have been constructed through reversible covalent crosslinking strategies and physical crosslinking strategies. The possible cytotoxicity of the incorporated nanomaterials can be reduced. Nanomaterial hydrogels show excellent biocompatibility and can facilitate cell proliferation and differentiation for biomedical applications. This review introduces different nano-crosslinked dynamic hydrogels in the medical field, from fabrication to application. In this review, nanomaterials for dynamic hydrogel fabrication, such as metals and metallic oxides, nanoclays, carbon-based nanomaterials, black phosphorus (BP), polymers, and liposomes, are discussed. We also introduce the dynamic crosslinking method commonly used for nanodynamic hydrogels. Finally, the medical applications of nano-crosslinked hydrogels are presented. We hope that this summary will help researchers in the related research fields quickly understand nano-crosslinked dynamic hydrogels to develop more preparation strategies and promote their development and application.
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Fan Y, Wu P, Sun Q, Yu B, Zhang Y, Wei J, Pan G, Li C, Zhou Z. The development of single-chain antibody anchored on the BmE cell membrane to inhibit BmNPV infection. J Invertebr Pathol 2023; 198:107937. [PMID: 37209810 DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2023.107937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Bombyx mori nucleopolyhedrovirus (BmNPV) poses a significant threat to sericulture production, and traditional sanitation practices remain the main strategy for controlling BmNPV infection. Although RNAi targeting BmNPV genes engineered into transgenic silkworms has shown to be a promising approach in reducing viral infection, it cannot block viral entry into host cells. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop new effective prevention and control measures. In this study, we screened a monoclonal antibody 6C5 that potently neutralizes BmNPV infection by clamping the internal fusion loop of the BmNPVglycoprotein64 (GP64). Furthermore, we cloned the VH and VL fragments of mAb-6C5 from the hybridoma cell, and the eukaryotic expression vector of scFv6C5 was constructed to anchor the antibody on the cell membrane. The GP64 fusion loop antibody-expressing cells exhibited a reduced capacity for BmNPV infection. The results from our study provide a novel BmNPV control strategy and lay the foundation for the future development of transgenic silkworms with improved antiviral efficacy.
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Qin Y, Ge G, Yang P, Wang L, Qiao Y, Pan G, Yang H, Bai J, Cui W, Geng D. An Update on Adipose-Derived Stem Cells for Regenerative Medicine: Where Challenge Meets Opportunity. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023:e2207334. [PMID: 37162248 PMCID: PMC10369252 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202207334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Over the last decade, adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) have attracted increasing attention in the field of regenerative medicine. ADSCs appear to be the most advantageous cell type for regenerative therapies owing to their easy accessibility, multipotency, and active paracrine activity. This review highlights current challenges in translating ADSC-based therapies into clinical settings and discusses novel strategies to overcome the limitations of ADSCs. To further establish ADSC-based therapies as an emerging platform for regenerative medicine, this review also provides an update on the advancements in this field, including fat grafting, wound healing, bone regeneration, skeletal muscle repair, tendon reconstruction, cartilage regeneration, cardiac repair, and nerve regeneration. ADSC-based therapies are expected to be more tissue-specific and increasingly important in regenerative medicine.
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Wu Y, Yu Y, Sun Q, Yu Y, Chen J, Li T, Meng X, Pan G, Zhou Z. A Putative TRAPα Protein of Microsporidia Nosema bombycis Exhibits Non-Canonical Alternative Polyadenylation in Transcripts. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:jof9040407. [PMID: 37108862 PMCID: PMC10142623 DOI: 10.3390/jof9040407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Microsporidia are obligate intracellular eukaryotic parasites that have significantly reduced genomes and that have lost most of their introns. In the current study, we characterized a gene in microsporidia Nosema bombycis, annotated as TRAPα (HNbTRAPα). The homologous of TRAPα are a functional component of ER translocon and facilitates the initiation of protein translocation in a substrate-specific manner, which is conserved in animals but absent from most fungi. The coding sequence of HNbTRAPα consists of 2226 nucleotides, longer than the majority of homologs in microsporidia. A 3′ RACE analysis indicated that there were two mRNA isoforms resulting from non-canonical alternative polyadenylation (APA), and the polyadenylate tail was synthesized after the C951 or C1167 nucleotide, respectively. Indirect immunofluorescence analysis showed two different localization characteristics of HNbTRAPα, which are mainly located around the nuclear throughout the proliferation stage and co-localized with the nuclear in mature spores. This study demonstrated that the post-transcriptional regulation mechanism exists in Microsporidia and expands the mRNA isoform repertoire.
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Wang T, Wang Q, Pan G, Jia G, Li X, Wang C, Zhang L, Zuo C. ASIC1a involves the acid-mediated activation of pancreatic stellate cells associated with autophagy induction. Physiol Res 2023; 72:49-57. [PMID: 36545882 PMCID: PMC10069816 DOI: 10.33549/physiolres.934950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The acidic tumor microenvironment (TME) of pancreatic cancer affects the physiological function of pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs), which in turn promotes cancer progression. Acid-sensing ion channel 1a (ASIC1a) is responsible for acidosis-related physiopathological processes. In this study, we investigated the effect of acid exposure on the activation and autophagy of PSCs, and the role of ASIC1a in these events. The results showed that acidic medium upregulated the expression of ASIC1a, induced PSCs activation and autophagy, which can be suppressed by inhibiting ASIC1a using PcTx1 or ASIC1a knockdown, suggesting that ASIC1a involves these two processes. In addition, the acid-induced activation of PSCs was impaired after the application of autophagy inhibitor alone or in combination with ASIC1a siRNA, meaning a connection between autophagy and activation. Collectively, our study provides evidence for the involvement of ASIC1a in the acid-caused PSCs activation, which may be associated with autophagy induction.
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Ghebremichael ST, Tewolde RH, Andegiorgish AK, Pan G. The Pattern of COVID-19 in Horn of Africa countries, from March-December 2020. Afr Health Sci 2023; 23:108-119. [PMID: 37545935 PMCID: PMC10398440 DOI: 10.4314/ahs.v23i1.13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Coronavirus-19 (COVID-19) is a novel, highly infectious, and potentially fatal communicable pandemic disease. It has taken longer to reach Africa than the other continents. OBJECTIVE To examine the pattern of COVID-19 in the Horn of Africa countries from March to December 2020. METHODS A prospective cross-sectional study in which the total number of daily reported cases and deaths were collected from the official website of the World Health Organization (WHO) and Worldometer. Data were standardized based on the total population provided by World Population Prospects 2020 per million. Data sources of WHO reports and governmental reports from March to December 2020 were analyzed in this study. Data extraction was done using the microsoft excel spreadsheet tool, variables relating to the countries were computed in terms of frequencies and percentages. RESULTS The findings revealed that as of 31st December 2020, 136,129 (7590 per million) cases were reported from the four countries in the Horn of Africa. The overall case fatality rate (CFR) in the Horn of Africa was 1.14%. The majority of the cases were reported from Djibouti (77.20%), followed by Ethiopia (14.07%), Eritrea (4.87%), and Somalia (3.86%). The highest case fatality rate (0.81%) was from Djibouti, and the lowest (0.01%) was from Eritrea. CONCLUSIONS The epidemiological pattern of COVID-19 among the Horn of African countries seems to have slow progress, given the prevalence of the new infections remains low, and the death toll seems stable throughout the study periods, except for Djibouti. Hence, the prevention control measures implemented in the countries should be further strengthened and supported. It is recommended that relevant stakeholders responsible for tackling the COVID-19 pandemic should put up measures to curb the spread of the virus in the region and set up a crisis management system to combat future pandemics.
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Tong C, Li T, Luo S, Chen R, Chen S, Wei J, Qing Y, Qin S, Pan G, Li C, Zhou Z. Detection of the pathogenic fungus Cordyceps farinosa in the Thitarodes armoricanus soil-rearing environment based on nucleic acid targets. Can J Microbiol 2023; 69:136-145. [PMID: 36638365 DOI: 10.1139/cjm-2022-0165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Cordyceps farinosa, an entomopathogenic fungus, infects and leads to high mortality of Thitarodes armoricanus larvae, which die soon after the infection of C. farinose, usually before the colonization of Ophiocordyceps sinensis owing to competitive inhibition and fruiting body formation. Therefore, monitoring C. farinosa in the O. sinensis cultivation environment is critical for minimizing the C. farinosa infection-induced losses. In this study, we initially designed a PCR primer pair (Tar-1F/Tar-1R) through open reading frame prediction and homology comparison of the C. farinosa genome sequence. This primer pair can detect both C. farinosa and Samsoniella hepiali. To further distinguish, primers (ITS5-172/ITS4-95) were then designed to selectively amplify the large ribosomal subunit sequences in the C. farinosa genome. All these primers were applied in combination for detection of C. farinosa in soil samples. The sensitivity reached a detection limit of 1 × 106 spores/g soil. In addition, these primers can detect the presence of C. farinosa in dead T. armoricanus larval samples. This newly established rapid detection method provides important information for C. farinosa control during O. sinensis cultivation.
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Cheng K, She P, Wang H, Wang Z, Zhang L, Tang X, Yuan L, Feng Y, Song X, Pan G, Yang J, Liu L. A bio-inspired versatile free-standing membrane for oral cavity microenvironmental monitoring and remineralization to prevent dental caries. MATERIALS HORIZONS 2023; 10:512-523. [PMID: 36416286 DOI: 10.1039/d2mh01079h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The fast monitoring of oral bacterial infection, bacterial clearance and repairing of enamel damage caused by dental caries relies on an effective way of monitoring, killing and repairing in situ, but presents a major challenge in oral healthcare. Herein, we developed a bio-inspired versatile free-standing membrane by filling TiO2 nanotube arrays with β-sheet-rich silk fibroin and cleaving them from Ti foil, as inspired by nacre or enamel-like structures. The robust transparent membrane exhibited good mechanical properties, and could indicate acid-base microenvironment variation and the infection of S. mutans in a 5 min test by loading cyanidin cations in the membrane. Meanwhile, it can be used for photocatalysis and nanoreservoirs ascribed to TiO2 nanotubes, to kill and remove 99% of S. mutans bacteria under interval UV irradiation with low-power density, and load functional peptide to induce the remineralization on the etched-enamel for long-term treatment, tested in vitro and in vivo. The mechanical property of repaired enamel is improved in comparison. This bio-inspired constructed membrane would be applied in the prevention and treatment of oral cavity related diseases, such as enamel demineralization and dental caries, etc.
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Wang J, Li X, Zhang R, Fu B, Chen M, Ye M, Liu W, Xu J, Pan G, Zhang H. Correction: A molecularly imprinted antibiotic receptor on magnetic nanotubes for the detection and removal of environmental oxytetracycline. J Mater Chem B 2023; 11:687. [PMID: 36541197 DOI: 10.1039/d2tb90201j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Correction for 'A molecularly imprinted antibiotic receptor on magnetic nanotubes for the detection and removal of environmental oxytetracycline' by Jixiang Wang et al., J. Mater. Chem. B, 2022, 10, 6777-6783, https://doi.org/10.1039/D2TB00497F.
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Zhang Y, Wang Q, Zhao X, Ma Y, Zhang H, Pan G. Molecularly Imprinted Nanomaterials with Stimuli Responsiveness for Applications in Biomedicine. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28030918. [PMID: 36770595 PMCID: PMC9919331 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28030918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The review aims to summarize recent reports of stimuli-responsive nanomaterials based on molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) and discuss their applications in biomedicine. In the past few decades, MIPs have been proven to show widespread applications as new molecular recognition materials. The development of stimuli-responsive nanomaterials has successfully endowed MIPs with not only affinity properties comparable to those of natural antibodies but also the ability to respond to external stimuli (stimuli-responsive MIPs). In this review, we will discuss the synthesis of MIPs, the classification of stimuli-responsive MIP nanomaterials (MIP-NMs), their dynamic mechanisms, and their applications in biomedicine, including bioanalysis and diagnosis, biological imaging, drug delivery, disease intervention, and others. This review mainly focuses on studies of smart MIP-NMs with biomedical perspectives after 2015. We believe that this review will be helpful for the further exploration of stimuli-responsive MIP-NMs and contribute to expanding their practical applications especially in biomedicine in the near future.
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Bai J, Feng Y, Li W, Cheng Z, Rosenholmc JM, Yang H, Pan G, Zhang H, Geng D. Alternative copper-based single-atom Nanozyme with superior multienzyme activities and NIR-II responsiveness to fight against deep tissue infections. RESEARCH 2023; 6:0031. [PMID: 37040491 PMCID: PMC10076008 DOI: 10.34133/research.0031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Nanozymes are considered to represent a new era of antibacterial agents, while their antibacterial efficiency is limited by the increasing tissue depth of infection. To address this issue, here, we report a copper and silk fibroin (Cu-SF) complex strategy to synthesize alternative copper single-atom nanozymes (SAzymes) with atomically dispersed copper sites anchored on ultrathin 2D porous N-doped carbon nanosheets (CuN x -CNS) and tunable N coordination numbers in the CuN x sites (x = 2 or 4). The CuN x -CNS SAzymes inherently possess triple peroxidase (POD)-, catalase (CAT)-, and oxidase (OXD)-like activities, facilitating the conversion of H2O2 and O2 into reactive oxygen species (ROS) through parallel POD- and OXD-like or cascaded CAT- and OXD-like reactions. Compared to CuN2-CNS, tailoring the N coordination number from 2 to 4 endows the SAzyme (CuN4-CNS) with higher multienzyme activities due to its superior electron structure and lower energy barrier. Meanwhile, CuN x -CNS display strong absorption in the second near-infrared (NIR-II) biowindow with deeper tissue penetration, offering NIR-II-responsive enhanced ROS generation and photothermal treatment in deep tissues. The in vitro and in vivo results demonstrate that the optimal CuN4-CNS can effectively inhibit multidrug-resistant bacteria and eliminate stubborn biofilms, thus exhibiting high therapeutic efficacy in both superficial skin wound and deep implant-related biofilm infections.
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Tong C, Wei J, Mao X, Pan G, Li C, Zhou Z. Stable reference gene selection for Ophiocordyceps sinensis gene expression studies under different developmental stages and light-induced conditions. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0284486. [PMID: 37079619 PMCID: PMC10118168 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0284486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The molecular mechanism of Chinese cordyceps formation has received a substantial amount of attention because of its usage as traditional Chinese medicine. The formation process of Chinese cordyceps includes two parts: asexual proliferation (Ophiocordyceps sinensis proliferates in the hemolymph of Thitarodes armoricanus larvae) and sexual development (formation and development of fruiting bodies). Therefore, validation of reference genes under different development stages and experimental conditions is crucial for RT-qPCR analysis. However, there is no report on stable reference genes at the development stage of O. sinensis fruiting body. In this study, 10 candidate reference genes, Actin, Cox5, Tef1, Ubi, 18s, Gpd, Rpb1, Try, Tub1 and Tub2, were selected and calculated their expression stability using four methods: geNorm, NormFinder, BestKeeper, and Comparative △Ct. After comprehensive analysis of the results of these four methods with RefFinder, we determined that the most stable reference genes during asexual reproduction of O. sinensis were Tef1 and Tub1, while the most stable reference genes during fruiting body development were Tyr and Cox5, and the most stable reference genes under light-induced conditions were Tyr and Tef1. Our study provides a guidance for reference genes selections at different proliferation processes with light stress of O. sinensis, and represents a foundation for studying the molecular mechanism of Chinese cordyceps formation.
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Ran M, Shi Y, Li B, Xiang H, Tao M, Meng X, Li T, Li C, Bao J, Pan G, Zhou Z. Genome-Wide Characterization and Comparative Genomic Analysis of the Serpin Gene Family in Microsporidian Nosema bombycis. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010550. [PMID: 36613990 PMCID: PMC9820262 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 12/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Microsporidia are ubiquitous in the environment, infecting almost all invertebrates, vertebrates, and some protists. The microsporidian Nosema bombycis causes silkworms pébrine disease and leads to huge economic losses. Parasite secreted proteins play vital roles in pathogen-host interactions. Serine protease inhibitors (serpins), belonging to the largest and most broadly distributed protease inhibitor superfamily, are also found in Microsporidia. In this study, we characterized 19 serpins (NbSPNs) in N. bombycis; eight of them were predicted with signal peptides. All NbSPN proteins contain a typical conserved serpin (PF00079) domain. The comparative genomic analysis revealed that microsporidia serpins were only found in the genus Nosema. In addition to N. bombycis, a total of 34 serpins were identified in another six species of Nosema including N. antheraeae (11), N. granulosis (8), Nosema sp. YNPr (3), Nosema sp. PM-1 (3), N. apis (4), and N. ceranae (5). Serpin gene duplications in tandem obviously occurred in Nosema antheranae. Notably, the NbSPNs were phylogenetically clustered with serpins from the Chordopoxvirinae, the subfamily of Poxvirus. All 19 NbSPN transcripts were detected in the infected midgut and fat body, while 19 NbSPN genes except for NbSPN12 were found in the transcriptome of the infected silkworm embryonic cell line BmE-SWU1. Our work paves the way for further study of serpin function in microsporidia.
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Zheng K, Bai J, Yang H, Xu Y, Pan G, Wang H, Geng D. Nanomaterial-assisted theranosis of bone diseases. Bioact Mater 2022; 24:263-312. [PMID: 36632509 PMCID: PMC9813540 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2022.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Bone-related diseases refer to a group of skeletal disorders that are characterized by bone and cartilage destruction. Conventional approaches can regulate bone homeostasis to a certain extent. However, these therapies are still associated with some undesirable problems. Fortunately, recent advances in nanomaterials have provided unprecedented opportunities for diagnosis and therapy of bone-related diseases. This review provides a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of current advanced theranostic nanomaterials in bone-related diseases. First, the potential utility of nanomaterials for biological imaging and biomarker detection is illustrated. Second, nanomaterials serve as therapeutic delivery platforms with special functions for bone homeostasis regulation and cellular modulation are highlighted. Finally, perspectives in this field are offered, including current key bottlenecks and future directions, which may be helpful for exploiting nanomaterials with novel properties and unique functions. This review will provide scientific guidance to enhance the development of advanced nanomaterials for the diagnosis and therapy of bone-related diseases.
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Sun X, Yu B, Zhang R, Wei J, Pan G, Li C, Zhou Z. Generation of Resistance to Nosema bombycis (Dissociodihaplophasida: Nosematidae) by Degrading NbSWP12 Using the Ubiquitin-Proteasome Pathway in Sf9-III Cells. JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY 2022; 115:2068-2074. [PMID: 36226858 DOI: 10.1093/jee/toac145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Nosema bombycis Naegeli (Dissociodihaplophasida: Nosematidae), an obligate intracellular parasite of the silkworm Bombyx mori, causes a devastating disease called pébrine. Every year pébrine will cause huge losses to the sericulture industry worldwide. Until now, there are no effective methods to inhibit the N. bombycis infection in silkworms. In this study, we first applied both the novel protein degradation Trim-Away technology and NSlmb (F-box domain-containing in the N-terminal part of supernumerary limbs from Drosophila melanogaster) to lepidopteran Sf9-III cells to check for specific degradation of a target protein in combination with a single-chain Fv fragment (scFv). Our results showed that the Trim-Away and NSlmb systems are both amenable to Sf9-III cells. We then created transgenic cell lines that overexpressed the protein degradation system and N. bombycis chimeric scFv targeting spore wall protein NbSWP12 and evaluated the effects of the insect transgenic cell lines on the proliferation of N. bombycis. Both methods could be applied to cell lines and both Trim-Away and NSlmb ubiquitin degradation systems effectively inhibited the proliferation of N. bombycis. Further, either of these degradation systems could be applied to individual silkworms through a transgenic platform, which would yield individual silkworms with high resistance to N. bombycis, thus greatly speeding up the process of acquiring resistant strains.
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Dong J, Wang W, Zhou W, Zhang S, Li M, Li N, Pan G, Zhang X, Bai J, Zhu C. Immunomodulatory biomaterials for implant-associated infections: from conventional to advanced therapeutic strategies. Biomater Res 2022; 26:72. [PMID: 36471454 PMCID: PMC9721013 DOI: 10.1186/s40824-022-00326-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Implant-associated infection (IAI) is increasingly emerging as a serious threat with the massive application of biomaterials. Bacteria attached to the surface of implants are often difficult to remove and exhibit high resistance to bactericides. In the quest for novel antimicrobial strategies, conventional antimicrobial materials often fail to exert their function because they tend to focus on direct bactericidal activity while neglecting the modulation of immune systems. The inflammatory response induced by host immune cells was thought to be a detrimental force impeding wound healing. However, the immune system has recently received increasing attention as a vital player in the host's defense against infection. Anti-infective strategies based on the modulation of host immune defenses are emerging as a field of interest. This review explains the importance of the immune system in combating infections and describes current advanced immune-enhanced anti-infection strategies. First, the characteristics of traditional/conventional implant biomaterials and the reasons for the difficulty of bacterial clearance in IAI were reviewed. Second, the importance of immune cells in the battle against bacteria is elucidated. Then, we discuss how to design biomaterials that activate the defense function of immune cells to enhance the antimicrobial potential. Based on the key premise of restoring proper host-protective immunity, varying advanced immune-enhanced antimicrobial strategies were discussed. Finally, current issues and perspectives in this field were offered. This review will provide scientific guidance to enhance the development of advanced anti-infective biomaterials.
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Yao Q, Wu C, Yu X, Chen X, Pan G, Chen B. Current material engineering strategies to prevent catheter encrustation in urinary tracts. Mater Today Bio 2022; 16:100413. [PMID: 36118951 PMCID: PMC9474921 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2022.100413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Catheters and ureteric stents have played a vital role in relieving urinary obstruction in many urological conditions. With the increasing use of urinary catheters/stents, catheter/stent-related complications such as infection and encrustation are also increasing because of their design defects. Long-term use of antibiotics and frequent replacement of catheters not only increase the economic burden on patients but also bring the pain of catheter replacement. This is unfavorable for patients with long indwelling catheters or stents but inconvenient to replace. In recent years, some promising technologies and mechanisms have been used to prevent infection and encrustation, mainly drug loading coatings, functional coatings, biodegradable polymers and metallic materials for urinary devices. Obvious effects in anti-encrustation and anti-infection experiments of the above strategies in vivo or in vitro have been conducted, which is very helpful for further clinical trials. This review mainly introduces catheter/stent technology and mechanisms in the past ten years to address the potential impact of anti-encrustation coating of catheter/stent materials for the prevention of encrustation and to analyze the progress made in this field.
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Wang W, Liang X, Zheng K, Ge G, Chen X, Xu Y, Bai J, Pan G, Geng D. Horizon of exosome-mediated bone tissue regeneration: The all-rounder role in biomaterial engineering. Mater Today Bio 2022; 16:100355. [PMID: 35875196 PMCID: PMC9304878 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2022.100355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Bone injury repair has always been a tricky problem in clinic, the recent emergence of bone tissue engineering provides a new direction for the repair of bone injury. However, some bone tissue processes fail to achieve satisfactory results mainly due to insufficient vascularization or cellular immune rejection. Exosomes with the ability of vesicle-mediated intercellular signal transmission have gained worldwide attention and can achieve cell-free therapy. Exosomes are small vesicles that are secreted by cells, which contain genetic material, lipids, proteins and other substances. It has been found to play the function of material exchange between cells. It is widely used in bone tissue engineering to achieve cell-free therapy because it not only does not produce some immune rejection like cells, but also can play a cell-like function. Exosomes from different sources can bind to scaffolds in various ways and affect osteoblast, angioblast, and macrophage polarization in vivo to promote bone regeneration. This article reviews the recent research progress of exosome-loaded tissue engineering, focusing on the mechanism of exosomes from different sources and the application of exosome-loaded scaffolds in promoting bone regeneration. Finally, the existing deficiencies and challenges, future development directions and prospects are summarized.
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Tong C, Wei J, Pan G, Li C, Zhou Z. Study of Pathogenesis Using Fluorescent Strain of Cordyceps farinosa Revealed Infection of Thitarodes armoricanus Larvae via Digestive Tract. INSECTS 2022; 13:1039. [PMID: 36354862 PMCID: PMC9698661 DOI: 10.3390/insects13111039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Cordyceps farinosa is often utilized as a biocontrol agent because of its wide host range, strong lethality, and safety for mammals. Artificial rearing of Thitarodes armoricanus larvae is a prerequisite for the artificial cultivation of Chinese cordyceps, and C. farinosa is the most lethal pathogenic fungus during the rearing process. However, the infection process of C. farinosa is still unclear. In this study, we cloned the promoter of the C. farinosa glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase gene, constructed the EGFP expression cassette, and integrated it into the C. farinosa genome via Agrobacterium transformation. We obtained a fluorescent strain for better observation of the infection process. Using two different inoculation methods of the fluorescent strain, we observed the traditional infection process through the body surface as well as through the digestive tract via feeding. Both infection modes can lead to larval death and mummification. Our findings demonstrated that during the artificial rearing of T. armoricanus, preventing C. farinosa pollution should be an important part of the disinfection of the rearing environment.
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Ghebremichael ST, Meng X, Wei J, Yang Y, Huang Q, Luo L, Xiang H, Chen J, Abo-Kadoum MA, Li T, Liu X, Bao J, Zhou Z, Pan G. Prevalence and genotyping distribution of Enterocytozoon bieneusi in diarrheic pigs in Chongqing and Sichuan provinces, China. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:1025613. [PMID: 36312914 PMCID: PMC9608567 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.1025613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The microsporidian fungal pathogen Enterocytozoon bieneusi is a unicellular parasite that infects humans and various animals, including pigs. Currently, there are few data on E. bieneusi infection a in diarrheic pigs in Chongqing and Sichuan Provinces, China. This study aims to determine the prevalence and genotype distribution of E. bieneusi in diarrheic pigs. In total, 514 fecal samples from diarrheic pigs were obtained from 14 large-scale farms in Chongqing and Sichuan Provinces (326 suckling pigs, 17 weaned pigs, 65 fattening pigs, and 106 sows). To identify the E. bieneusi genotypes, genomic DNA was isolated from the samples and tested by nested PCR, targeting the internal transcribed spacer region of the rRNA followed by DNA sequence analysis. The overall prevalence of E. bieneusi was 79.8% (410/514), with rates of 84.9% (90/106) in sows and 64.7% (11/17) in weaned pigs. We found 61 different genotypes, including seven known genotypes (E, F, CHG1, Peru8, CAF1, B, and BEB17) and 54 novel genotypes. These 54 new genotypes are variants of eight known genotypes (SDD2, A, B, HLJD-IV, PigSpEb1, O, JLD-I, and BEB17) based on their sequence similarities. Phylogenetically, all of the identified genotypes clustered with counterparts belonging to Group 1 and Group 2 of E. bieneusi. Therefore, we found a higher prevalence of E. bieneusi in sows than in preweaned and weaned pigs. These findings indicate that diarrheic pigs could be a potential reservoir host, which can contaminate the environment and be a source of microsporidia in humans and other animals.
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