Association between DNA hypomethylation at IL13 gene and allergic rhinitis in house dust mite-sensitized subjects

BACKGROUND

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a complex disease, in which gene-environment interactions contribute to its pathogenesis. Epigenetic modifications such as DNA methylation play an important role in the regulation of gene function. As IL13, a pleiotropic cytokine, may be important in conferring susceptibility to AR, the aim of the present work was to assess the relationship between a CpG island methylation status at the upstream of IL13 gene and house dust mite (HDM)-sensitized AR in Han Chinese subjects.

METHODS

A total of 60 patients with HDM-sensitized AR and 65 control subjects were enrolled as two independent cohorts from Beijing and Liaoning. MassARRAY EpiTYPER and pyrosequencing was used to systematically screen the status of DNA methylation in peripheral blood leucocytes. IL13 mRNA expression was measured by real-time quantitative PCR. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay was used to assess the function of methylation site.

RESULTS

The mean level of methylation was decreased in the AR patient group compared with the control group (P = 0.01). Two of a total of 33 IL13CpG units analysed (CpG units 24 : 25 : 26 and 38 : 39) showed significant differences in methylation status between the AR patient group and the control group, with DNA hypomethylation at CpG38 significantly associated with higher risk of HDM-sensitized AR in both independent cohorts and a combined cohort (Beijing: OR = 1.24, 95%CI = 1.01-1.52, P = 0.036; Liaoning: OR = 1.62, 95%CI = 1.11-2.38, P = 0.013; Combined: OR = 1.31, 95%CI = 1.10-1.56, P = 0.002). Methylation level of CpG38 correlated negatively with both IL13 mRNA expression and serum total IgE level and affected the binding affinity of SP1.

CONCLUSIONS

DNA hypomethylation of IL13 gene may be associated with increased risk of AR from HDM sensitization.

YUCCA-mediated auxin biogenesis is required for cell fate transition occurring during de novo root organogenesis in Arabidopsis

Many plant organs have the ability to regenerate a new plant after detachment or wounding via de novo organogenesis. During de novo root organogenesis from Arabidopsis thaliana leaf explants, endogenic auxin is essential for the fate transition of regeneration-competent cells to become root founder cells via activation of WUSCHEL-RELATED HOMEOBOX 11 (WOX11). However, the molecular events from leaf explant detachment to auxin-mediated cell fate transition are poorly understood. In this study, we used an assay to determine the concentration of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) to provide direct evidence that auxin is produced after leaf explant detachment, a process that involves YUCCA (YUC)-mediated auxin biogenesis. Inhibition of YUC prevents expression of WOX11 and fate transition of competent cells, resulting in the blocking of rooting. Further analysis showed that YUC1 and YUC4 act quickly (within 4 hours) in response to wounding after detachment in both light and dark conditions and promote auxin biogenesis in both mesophyll and competent cells, whereas YUC5, YUC8, and YUC9 primarily respond in dark conditions. In addition, YUC2 and YUC6 contribute to rooting by providing a basal auxin level in the leaf. Overall, our study indicates that YUC genes exhibit a division of labour during de novo root organogenesis from leaf explants in response to multiple signals.

Loss of OLFM4 promotes tumor migration through inducing interleukin-8 expression and predicts lymph node metastasis in early gastric cancer

Endoscopic surgery is increasingly used for early gastric cancer (EGC) treatment worldwide, and lymph node metastasis remains the most important risk factor for endoscopic surgery in EGC patients. Olfactomedin 4 (OLFM4) is mainly expressed in the digestive system and upregulated in several types of tumors. However, the role of OLFM4 in EGC has not been explored. We evaluated OLFM4 expression by immunohistochemical staining in 105 patients with EGC who underwent gastrectomy. The clinicopathological factors and OLFM4 expression were co-analyzed to predict lymph node metastasis in EGC. The metastatic mechanism of OLFM4 in gastric cancer was also investigated. We found that OLFM4 was upregulated in EGC tumor sections, and relatively low expression of OLFM4 was observed in patients with lymph node metastasis. OLFM4 expression as well as tumor size and differentiation were identified as independent factors, which could be co-analyzed to generate a better model for predicting lymph node metastasis in EGC patients. In vitro studies revealed that knockdown of OLFM4 promoted the migration of gastric cancer cells through activating the NF-κB/interleukin-8 axis. Negative correlation between OLFM4 and interleukin-8 expression was also observed in EGC tumor samples. Our study implies that OLFM4 expression is a potential predictor of lymph node metastasis in EGC, and combing OLFM4 with tumor size and differentiation could better stratify EGC patients with different risks of lymph node metastasis.

Can betaine pyridinium derivatives be used to control the photoejection of cation?

Using a combination of advanced DFT/TDDFT calculations together with ultrafast and stationary spectroscopies we have investigated the photochemistry and cationic complexation ability of 1-pyridinio-benzimidazolate (PyB) and analogs substituted by 15-aza-5-crown (PyB-Aza) or dimethyl-amino groups (PyB-DiMe). Focusing on PyB-Aza, the first aim was to assess the competitive complexation of the imidazole bridge vs. the macrocycle. In acetonitrile, it was found by absorption and emission that the imidazole moiety binds efficiently through lateral electrostatic interaction of high charge density cations and especially Ca(2+) to form a 1 : 1, metal : ligand (M : L) complex. Modulation of the complexation toward para substitution of the phenyl ring with a donor group is reported with values ranging from log K = 3.4 to 6.8. Complexation values are properly predicted by DFT calculations. From a photochemical point of view, for the same series, the trend is parallel to the rate of the photo-release process, found to be less than 200 femtosecond (fs), the fastest photorelease characteristic time reported so far. Unlike photoinduced charge transfer molecules linked with an aza-crown group, the mechanism appears simpler with no participation of loose complexes due to the macrocavity effect. Relaxation mechanisms after cation ejection are discussed as well. Finally, even if any photoinduced translocation of cation is reported for the PyB-Aza molecule between two complexation sites, a discussion about the use of betaine pyridinium as a molecular tool for the smart manipulation of cation systems is initiated.

[Optimization Design and Implementation of the Human Meridian Positioning System with Voltage Excitation]

This thesis focuses on the optimum design of excitation module, filtering module, detector’s interference suppression and serial synchronization matching communication of terminal in multi-channel impedance detector of visualization system. And the optimized system has been tested, which confirms that the optimized system has improved the measurement accuracy performance. The thesis also briefly introduces whole meridian visualization system.

The evolutionary landscape of PRC1 core components in green lineage

The origin and evolution of plant PRC1 core components. Polycomb repressive complex1 (PRC1) plays critical roles in epigenetic silencing of homeotic genes and determination of cell fate. Animal PRC1 has been well investigated for a long time, whereas plant PRC1 was just confirmed in recent years. It is enigmatic whether PRC1 core components in plants share a common ancestor with those in animals. We evaluated the origin of plant PRC1 RING-finger proteins (RING1 and BMI1) through comparing with the homologs in some representative unikonts and using BMI1- and RING1-like proteins as reciprocal outgroup, finding both PRC1 RING-finger proteins have the earliest origin in mosses, similar to LHP1. Additionally, the gene structure, copy number, and domain organization were analyzed to deeply understand the evolutionary history of plant PRC1 complex. In conclusion, PRC1 RING-finger proteins have independent origins in plants and animals, but convergent evolution might attribute to the conservation of PRC1 complex in plants and animals. Plant LHP1 as the homolog of non-PRC1 protein HP1 was recruited to fulfill the role of Pc counterpart. Gene duplication followed by functional divergence makes a great contribution to evolutionary progress of PRC1 in green plants.

The role of promoter cis-element, mRNA capping, and ROS in the repression and salt-inducible expression of AtSOT12 in Arabidopsis

Inducible gene expression is a gene regulatory mechanism central to plant response to environmental cues. The inducible genes are often repressed under normal growth conditions while their expression levels are significantly elevated by conditions such as abiotic stresses. Induction of gene expression requires both cis-acting DNA elements and trans-acting proteins that are modulated through signal transduction pathways. Here we report several molecular events that affect salt induced expression of the Arabidopsis AtSOT12 gene. Promoter deletion analysis revealed that DNA elements residing in the 5' UTR are required for the salt induced expression of AtSOT12. Cytosine methylation in the promoter was low and salt stress slightly increased the DNA methylation level, suggesting that DNA methylation may not contribute to AtSOT12 gene repression. Co-transcriptional processing of AtSOT12 mRNA including capping and polyadenylation site selection was also affected by salt stress. The percentage of capped mRNA increased by salt treatment, and the polyadenylation sites were significantly different before and after exposure to salt stress. The expression level of AtSOT12 under normal growth conditions was markedly higher in the oxi1 mutant defective of reactive oxygen species (ROS) signaling than in the wild type. Moreover, AtSOT12 transcript level was elevated by treatments with DPI and DMTU, two chemicals preventing ROS accumulation. These results suggest that repression of AtSOT12 expression may require physiological level of ROS and ROS signaling.

A7RC peptide modified paclitaxel liposomes dually target breast cancer

A7R peptide (ATWLPPR), a ligand of the NRP-1 receptor, regulates the intracellular signal transduction related to tumor vascularization and tumor growth. Here, we designed A7R-cysteine peptide (A7RC) surface modified paclitaxel liposomes (A7RC-LIPs) to achieve targeting delivery and inhibition of tumor growth and angiogenesis simultaneously. The cytotoxicity, inhibiting angiogenesis, and internalization of various liposomes by cells were assessed in vitro to confirm the influence of the peptide modification. The accumulations of A7RC-LIPs in various xenografts in mice were tracked to further identify the function of the peptide on the liposomes' surface. The results confirmed that A7RC peptides could enhance the uptake of vesicles by MDA-MB-231 cells, leading to stronger cytotoxicity in vitro and higher accumulation of vesicles in MDA-MB-231 xenografts in vivo. In addition, A7RC peptides enhanced the inhibitory effects of LIPs on the HUVEC tubular formation on Matrigel. The A7RC-LIPs may be promising drug carriers for anticancer therapy.

Detoxification function of the Arabidopsis sulphotransferase AtSOT12 by sulphonation of xenobiotics

Cytosolic sulphotransferases have been implicated in inactivation of endogenous steroid hormones and detoxification of xenobiotics in human and animals. Yet, the function of plant sulphotransferases in xenobiotic sulphonation and detoxification has not been reported. In this study, we show that the Arabidopsis sulphotransferase AtSOT12 could sulphonate the bacterial-produced toxin cycloheximide. Loss-of-function mutant sot12 exhibited hypersensitive phenotype to cycloheximide, and expression of AtSOT12 protein in yeast cells conferred resistance to this toxic compound. AtSOT12 exhibited broad specificity and could sulphonate a variety of xenobiotics including phenolic and polycyclic compounds. Enzyme kinetics analysis indicated that AtSOT12 has different selectivity for simple phenolics with different side chains, and the position of the side chain in the simple phenolic compounds affects substrate binding affinity and catalytic efficiency. We proposed that the broad specificity and induced production of AtSOT12 may have rendered this enzyme to not only modify endogenous molecules such as salicylic acid as we previously reported, but also sulphonate pathogen-produced toxic small molecules to protect them from infection. Sulphonation of small molecules in plants may constitute a rapid way to inactivate or change the physiochemical properties of biologically active molecules that could have profound effects on plant growth, development and defence.

Evolution and conservation of JmjC domain proteins in the green lineage

Histone modification regulates plant development events by epigenetically silencing or activating gene expression, and histone methylation is regulated by histone lysine methyltransferases (KMTs) and histone lysine demethylases (KDMs). The JmjC domain proteins, an important KDM family, erase methyl marks (CH3-) from histones and play key roles in maintaining homeostasis of histone methylation in vivo. Here, we analyzed 169 JmjC domain proteins from whole genomes of plants ranging from green alga to higher plants together with 36 from two animals (fruit fly and human). The plant JmjC domain proteins were divided into seven groups. Group-I KDM4/JHDM3 and Group-V JMJD6 were found in all the plant species and the other groups were detected mainly in vascular or seed plants. Group-I KDM4/JHDM3 was potentially associated with demethylation of H3K9me2/3, H3K27me2/3, and H3K36me1/2/3, Group-II KDM5A with H3K4me1/2/3, Group-III KDM5B with H3K4me1/2/3 and H3K9me1/2/3, Group-V JMJD6 with H3R2, H4R3, and hydroxylation of H4, and Group-VII KDM3/JHDM2 with H3K9me1/2/3. Group-IV/Group-VI JmjC domain-only A/B proteins were involved in hydroxylation and demethylation of unknown substrate sites. The binding sites for the cofactors Fe(II) and α-ketoglutarate in the JmjC domains also were analyzed. In the α-ketoglutarate binding sites, Thr/Phe/Ser and Lys were conserved and in the Fe(II) binding sites, two His and Glu/Asp were conserved. The results show that JmjC domain proteins are a conserved family in which domain organization and cofactor binding sites have been modified in some species. Our results provide insights into KDM evolution and lay a foundation for functional characterization of KDMs.

Interleukin 8 enhances the immune response of ducks to avian influenza vaccine

Interleukins are reported to be valuable immunostimulants in enhancing the immune efficiency of conventional vaccines. In this study, the effect of expression of interleukin 8 (IL-8) on the immune response of ducks to avian influenza vaccine was investigated. The results showed that the serum antibody titer, lymphocyte transformation efficiency and serum interferon gamma (IFN-γ) level of ducks injected with avian influenza vaccine along with a plasmid expressing duck IL-8 were higher than those of ducks injected with conventional immunostimulant Astragalus polysaccharide (APS) or empty plasmid. Therefore, the duck IL-8 may be used as a good immunostimulant to enhance the immune efficiency of avian influenza vaccine in ducks.

Bacillus crassostreae sp. nov., isolated from an oyster (Crassostrea hongkongensis)

A novel Gram-stain-positive, motile, catalase- and oxidase-positive, endospore-forming, facultatively anaerobic rod, designated strain JSM 100118(T), was isolated from an oyster (Crassostrea hongkongensis) collected from the tidal flat of Naozhou Island in the South China Sea. Strain JSM 100118(T) was able to grow with 0-13% (w/v) NaCl (optimum 2-5%), at pH 5.5-10.0 (optimum pH 7.5) and at 5-50 °C (optimum 30-35 °C). The cell-wall peptidoglycan contained meso-diaminopimelic acid as the diagnostic diamino acid. The predominant respiratory quinone was menaquinone-7 and the major cellular fatty acids were anteiso-C15 : 0, iso-C15 : 0, C16 : 0 and C16 : 1ω11c. The polar lipids consisted of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, an unknown glycolipid and an unknown phospholipid. The genomic DNA G+C content was 35.9 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain JSM 100118(T) belonged to the genus Bacillus , and was most closely related to Bacillus litoralis SW-211(T) (98.9% 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity), Bacillus halosaccharovorans E33(T) (98.3%), Bacillus niabensis 4T19(T) (97.8%) and Bacillus herbersteinensis D-1,5a(T) (97.1%). The combination of results from the phylogenetic analysis, DNA-DNA hybridization, and phenotypic and chemotaxonomic characterization supported the conclusion that strain JSM 100118(T) represents a novel species of the genus Bacillus , for which the name Bacillus crassostreae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is JSM 100118(T) ( = CTCC AB 2010452(T) =DSM 24486(T) =JCM 17523(T)).

Associations of urinary phthalates with body mass index, waist circumference and serum lipids among females: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999-2004

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Exposure to environmental chemicals could be one of the contributors to the increasing obesity epidemic. Very little is known about the association of phthalates, ubiquitous chemicals widely used in consumer products, with obesity and lipid metabolism. This study investigated the association of urinary phthalate metabolites and, for the first time, the ratios of the major metabolites of the most common phthalate, di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate, with body mass index (BMI), waist circumference and serum lipid levels in the US female population.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study used the data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1999-2004 and was restricted to women aged ⩾18 years, who were not pregnant and had no history of diabetes. Using multivariate ordered logistic regression, we examined associations of seven urinary phthalate metabolites and their metabolic ratios with the BMI, waist circumferences, total cholesterol, triglycerides and high- and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol.

RESULTS

BMI was positively associated with monobutyl phthalate (MBP) and mono-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (MEHP) (odds ratio (OR)=1.13; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.03-1.23 and OR=1.12; 95% CI, 1.03-1.23, respectively). Waist circumference was positively associated with MBP (OR=1.13; 95% CI, 1.03-1.24). A higher ratio of MEHP to mono-(2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl) phthalate (MEHHP) was positively associated with both BMI (OR=1.21; 95% CI, 1.09-1.34) and waist circumference (OR=1.20; 95% CI, 1.10-1.31). There were no other significant associations.

CONCLUSIONS

A higher metabolic ratio of MEHP to MEHHP, reflective of slower oxidative conversion of MEHP, is associated with greater BMI and waist circumference.

Effect of TNFRSF6B neutralization antibody on cell growth suppression and apoptosis induction in glioma cells

Previously, we have reported that tumor necrosis factor receptor super-family member 6b (TNFRSF6B) is overexpressed in glioma tissues, as well as in the supernatant of cultured glioma cells. However, the function of TNFRSF6B in glioma remains unclarified. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of anti-TNFRSF6B neutralization monoclonal antibody on the malignant phenotype of glioma cells in vitro. Three glioma cell lines U251MG, LN-308 and U87MG were treated with anti-TNFRSF6B antibody. Cell growth, cell cycle, apoptosis and relevant downstream signaling were detected further. We found that anti-TNFRSF6B antibody inhibited cell growth and induced apoptosis in time and dose-dependent manners in the glioma cells tested. Cell cycle was also arrested in G1/S-phase. Furthermore, anti-TNFRSF6B antibody downregulated the level of MMP-2, phospho-ERK1/2 and phospho-AKT. In conclusion, anti-TNFRSF6B treatment might be a critical targeted therapy strategy for gliomas due to its contribution to suppress cell growth and induce apoptosis.

Linalool, derived from Cinnamomum camphora (L.) Presl leaf extracts, possesses molluscicidal activity against Oncomelania hupensis and inhibits infection of Schistosoma japonicum

BACKGROUND

Schistosomiasis japonicum remains a considerable economic and public health concern in China, the Philippines and Indonesia. Currently available measures to control the unique intermediate host Oncomelania hupensis are frequently associated with severe side effects. Previous studies have demonstrated that linalool-rich extracts from various plants exhibited promising biological activities including cytotoxic, anti-microbial and anti-parasitic properties.

METHODS

We identified the components of leaf extracts from Cinnamomum camphora by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and investigated molluscicidal and larvicidal effects of linalool against O. hupensis and Schistosoma japonicium. The ultrastructural alterations in gills, salivary gland, stomach and hepatopancreas of snails were observed under the light microscope and transmission electron microscope, and lesions to tegument of cercaria were examined under a light microscope and fluorescence microscope. We then evaluated the effects of linalool on skin penetration and migration of schistosomula and adult survival by measurement of worm burden and egg counts in Balb/C mice infected with linalool-treated cercariae.

RESULTS

In the present work, 44 components were identified from the leaf extracts of C. camphora, of which linalool was the most abundant constituent. Linalool exhibited the striking molluscicidal and larvicidal effects with LC50 = 0.25 mg/L for O. hupensis and LC50 = 0.07 mg/L for cercaria of S. japonicium. After exposure to linalool, damage to the gills and hepatopancreas of the snails, and to the tegument and body-tail joint of cercariae was apparent. In addition, linalool markedly reduced the recovered schistosomulum from mouse skin after challenge infection, and therefore decreased the worm burden in infected animals, but not fecundity of female adults of the parasite.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicated that linalool might be a novel chemotherapeutic agent against S. japonicium and the snail intermediate host.

Functional conservation and divergence of J-domain-containing ZUO1/ZRF orthologs throughout evolution

Heat shock protein 40s (Hsp40s), also known as J-proteins, are conserved in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. The Zuotin/Zuotin-related factor (ZUO1/ZRF) family belongs to a novel Hsp40 clade exclusively found in eukaryotes. Zuotin/Zuotin-related factor proteins are characterized by a large N terminal ZUO1 domain originally identified in the yeast ZUO1 protein. The ZUO1 domain is characterized by a highly conserved J-domain, together with an atypical UBD domain first identified in the human ZRF1 protein. Furthermore, ZUO1/ZRF protein families in animals and plants harbor a pair of C terminal SANT domains, suggesting the divergence of their functions with those in fungi. Zuotin/Zuotin-related factor proteins retain the ancestral function as an Hsp70co-chaperone implicated in protein folding and renaturation after stress; these proteins also perform diverse neofunctions in the cytoplasm and transcriptional and/or epigenetic regulatory functions in the nucleus. Therefore, these proteins are involved in translational fidelity control, ribosomal biogenesis, asymmetric cell division, cell cycle, apoptosis, differentiation, and tumorigenesis. The results of sequence and domain organization analysis of proteins from diverse organisms provided valuable insights into the evolutionary conservation and diversity of ZUO1/ZRF protein family. Further, phylogenetic analysis provides a platform for future functional investigation on the ZUO1/ZRF protein family, particularly in higher plants.

Specific 12α-hydroxylation of grandiflorenic acid by permeabilised fungus Fusarium graminearum

Biotransformation of grandiflorenic acid by permeabilised fungus Fusarium graminearum to yield its hydroxylation derivative, 12α-hydroxygrandiflorenic acid, was studied. The biotransformed product was isolated by column chromatography and its structure was determined by mass spectrum and nuclear magnetic resonance analysis. Grandiflorenic acid was efficiently metabolised by the fungus. After 72 h, the substrate was almost completely converted into the product.

On the encapsulation of hydrocarbon components of natural gas within molecular baskets in water. The role of C–H⋯π interactions and the host's conformational dynamics in the process of encapsulation

Molecular baskets encapsulate hydrocarbon components of natural gas by forming C–H⋯π contacts and adjusting the size of their cup-shaped platform.

Full-polarized tomographic diffraction microscopy achieves a resolution about one-fourth of the wavelength

We present a marker-free microscope that records the phase, amplitude, and polarization state of the field diffracted by the sample for different illumination directions. The data are processed with an appropriate inversion method to yield the sample permittivity map. We observe that the full-polarized information ameliorates significantly the three-dimensional image of weakly scattering subdiffraction objects. A resolution about one-fourth of the illumination wavelength is experimentally demonstrated on complex samples.

An allotetraploid Brassica napus early-flowering mutant has BnaFLC2-regulated flowering

BACKGROUND

Flowering time is an important agronomic trait, and wide variation in flowering time exists among Brassica napus accessions. GX50 early-flowering mutant, induced from Brassica napus by Ethyl Methane Sulfonate (EMS), exhibits a remarkable early transition from vegetative to reproductive growth.

RESULTS

GX50 plants flowered about 60 days earlier than the control wild-type plant B. napus XY15 under greenhouse conditions. Cytological examination revealed that the GX50 plants form inflorescences as early as from 5 weeks old, flower primordium from 6 weeks old, and siliques from 10 weeks old, whereas 10-week-old XY15 plants are still at vegetative growth stage. To unravel the molecular mechanisms underlying the GX50 flowering phenotype, we analyzed the expression of several key regulatory genes. Expressions of all five BnaFLCs (BnaFLC1 to BnaFLC5), BnaFT and BnaSOC1 were detected. Interestingly, BnaFLCs expression levels were lower in GX50 than those in XY15. Among the five BnaFLCs, only the expression pattern of BnaFLC2 corresponded to the timing of floral organ differentiation in GX50. In agreement with previous knowledge that BnaFLCs repress expression of BnaFT and BnaSOC1, increased levels of BnaFT and BnaSOC1 were observed in GX50 compared with XY15.

CONCLUSION

BnaFLC2, but not the other BnaFLC genes, plays an important role in B. napus GX50 floral transition.

Phylogenetic Analysis of Brassica rapa MATH-Domain Proteins

The MATH (meprin and TRAF-C homology) domain is a fold of seven anti-parallel β-helices involved in protein-protein interaction. Here, we report the identification and characterization of 90 MATH-domain proteins from the Brassica rapa genome. By sequence analysis together with MATH-domain proteins from other species, the B. rapa MATH-domain proteins can be grouped into 6 classes. Class-I protein has one or several MATH domains without any other recognizable domain; Class-II protein contains a MATH domain together with a conserved BTB (Broad Complex, Tramtrack, and Bric-a-Brac ) domain; Class-III protein belongs to the MATH/Filament domain family; Class-IV protein contains a MATH domain frequently combined with some other domains; Class-V protein has a relative long sequence but contains only one MATH domain; Class-VI protein is characterized by the presence of Peptidase and UBQ (Ubiquitinylation) domains together with one MATH domain. As part of our study regarding seed development of B. rapa, six genes are screened by SSH (Suppression Subtractive Hybridization) and their expression levels are analyzed in combination with seed developmental stages, and expression patterns suggested that Bra001786, Bra03578 and Bra036572 may be seed development specific genes, while Bra001787, Bra020541 and Bra040904 may be involved in seed and flower organ development. This study provides the first characterization of the MATH domain proteins in B. rapa.

Loss of Yme1L perturbates mitochondrial dynamics

Yme1L is an AAA protease that is embedded in the mitochondrial inner membrane with its catalytic domain facing the mitochondrial inner-membrane space. However, how Yme1L regulates mammalian mitochondrial function is still obscure. We find that endogenous Yme1L locates at punctate structures of mitochondria, and that loss of Yme1L in mouse embryonic fibroblast (MEF) cells results in mitochondrial fragmentation and leads to significant increased ‘kiss-and-run' type of mitochondrial fusion; however, Yme1L knockdown (shYme1L (short hairpin-mediated RNA interference of Yme1L)) cells still remain normal mitochondrial fusion although shYme1L mitochondria have a little bit less fusion and fission rates, and the shYme1L-induced fragmentation is due to a little bit more mitochondrial fission than fusion in cells. Furthermore, shYme1L-induced mitochondrial fragmentation is independent on optic atrophy 1 (OPA1) S1 or S2 processing, and shYme1L results in the stabilization of OPA1 long form (L-OPA1); in addition, the exogenous expression of OPA1 or L-OPA1 facilitates the shYme1L-induced mitochondrial fragmentation, thus this fragmentation induced by shYme1L appears to be associated with L-OPA1's stability. ShYme1L also causes a slight increase of mitochondrial dynamics proteins of 49 kDa and mitochondrial fission factor (Mff), which recruit mitochondrial key fission factor dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1) into mitochondria in MEF cells, and loss of Drp1 or Mff inhibits the shYme1L-induced mitochondrial fragmentation. In addition, there is interaction between SLP-2 with Yme1L and shYme1L cells retain stress-induced mitochondrial hyperfusion. Taken together, our results clarify how Yme1L regulates mitochondrial morphology.

Nanometric resolution with far-field optical profilometry

We show experimentally that a resolution far beyond that of conventional far-field optical profilometers can be reached with optical diffraction tomography. This result is obtained in the presence of multiple scattering when using an adapted inverse scattering algorithm for profile reconstruction. This new profilometry technique, whose resolution can be compared to that of atomic microscopes, also gives access to the permittivity of the surface.

Factors associated with acceptability of circumcision among male drug users in western China: a cross-sectional study

This study is aimed to investigate whether male circumcision (MC) is feasible among IDUs in China. 1304 drug users who attended methadone maintenance therapy clinics in Guangxi, Chongqing and Xinjiang were selected for participation by using convenience sampling, and completed a self-administered questionnaire. The factors associated with the acceptability of MC were examined via multiple logistic regression models. 45.2% (589/1304) of the participants reported an acceptance of MC. Many of the participants who were initially not willing to accept MC (715/1304) had changed their mind when they were informed that MC would reduce the risk of HIV and STDs (43.4%; 310/715), that MC is associated with few surgery-related complications (23.1%; 165/715), that the surgical procedure could be arranged free of charge (20.1%, 144/715). In the multivariate analysis, higher acceptability of MC was associated with knowledge of the hazards of phimosis (OR=2.22), the presence of phimosis (OR=14.87), and knowledge that MC can prevent AIDS and STDs (OR=1.49); while lower acceptability was associated with residing in Chongqing province (OR=0.41) and an educational level of junior (OR=0.64) and senior high (OR=0.63) school. The MC policy targeting IDUs in China should take into account these factors associated with MC acceptability.

Comparison of the safety and efficacy of conventional monopolar and 2-micron laser transurethral resection in the management of multiple nonmuscle-invasive bladder cancer

Objectives

To compare the safety and efficacy of conventional monopolar transurethral resection of bladder tumour (TURBT) and 2-micron continuous-wave laser resection (2-µm laser) techniques in the management of multiple nonmuscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC), and to investigate long-term effects on tumour recurrence.

Methods

Patients with multiple NMIBC were randomized to receive TURBT or 2-µm laser in a nonblinded manner. All patients received intravesical chemotherapy with epirubicin (40 mg/40 ml) for 8 weeks, beginning 1 week after surgery, followed with monthly maintenance therapy for 12 months. Three-year follow-up data of preoperative, operative and postoperative management were recorded.

Results

In total, 120 patients were included: 56 in the TURBT group and 64 in the 2-µm laser group. Intra- and postoperative complications (including bladder perforation, bleeding and irritation) were less frequently observed in the 2-µm laser group compared with the TURBT group. There were no significant differences in first time to recurrence, overall recurrence or occurrence of urethral strictures.

Conclusions

The 2-µm laser resection method was more effective than TURBT in reducing rates of intra- and postoperative complications, but offered no additional benefit regarding tumour recurrence.

Tomographic diffractive microscopy with a wavefront sensor

Tomographic diffractive microscopy is a recent imaging technique that reconstructs quantitatively the three-dimensional permittivity map of a sample with a resolution better than that of conventional wide-field microscopy. Its main drawbacks lie in the complexity of the setup and in the slowness of the image recording as both the amplitude and the phase of the field scattered by the sample need to be measured for hundreds of successive illumination angles. In this Letter, we show that, using a wavefront sensor, tomographic diffractive microscopy can be implemented easily on a conventional microscope. Moreover, the number of illuminations can be dramatically decreased if a constrained reconstruction algorithm is used to recover the sample map of permittivity.

Phylogenetic analysis and classification of the Brassica rapa SET-domain protein family

BACKGROUND

The SET (Su(var)3-9, Enhancer-of-zeste, Trithorax) domain is an evolutionarily conserved sequence of approximately 130-150 amino acids, and constitutes the catalytic site of lysine methyltransferases (KMTs). KMTs perform many crucial biological functions via histone methylation of chromatin. Histone methylation marks are interpreted differently depending on the histone type (i.e. H3 or H4), the lysine position (e.g. H3K4, H3K9, H3K27, H3K36 or H4K20) and the number of added methyl groups (i.e. me1, me2 or me3). For example, H3K4me3 and H3K36me3 are associated with transcriptional activation, but H3K9me2 and H3K27me3 are associated with gene silencing. The substrate specificity and activity of KMTs are determined by sequences within the SET domain and other regions of the protein.

RESULTS

Here we identified 49 SET-domain proteins from the recently sequenced Brassica rapa genome. We performed sequence similarity and protein domain organization analysis of these proteins, along with the SET-domain proteins from the dicot Arabidopsis thaliana, the monocots Oryza sativa and Brachypodium distachyon, and the green alga Ostreococcus tauri. We showed that plant SET-domain proteins can be grouped into 6 distinct classes, namely KMT1, KMT2, KMT3, KMT6, KMT7 and S-ET. Apart from the S-ET class, which has an interrupted SET domain and may be involved in methylation of nonhistone proteins, the other classes have characteristics of histone methyltransferases exhibiting different substrate specificities: KMT1 for H3K9, KMT2 for H3K4, KMT3 for H3K36, KMT6 for H3K27 and KMT7 also for H3K4. We also propose a coherent and rational nomenclature for plant SET-domain proteins. Comparisons of sequence similarity and synteny of B. rapa and A. thaliana SET-domain proteins revealed recent gene duplication events for some KMTs.

CONCLUSION

This study provides the first characterization of the SET-domain KMT proteins of B. rapa. Phylogenetic analysis data allowed the development of a coherent and rational nomenclature of this important family of proteins in plants, as in animals. The results obtained in this study will provide a base for nomenclature of KMTs in other plant species and facilitate the functional characterization of these important epigenetic regulatory genes in Brassica crops.

[6b genes: the important effective factors relative to tumor formation in plants]

In recent years, the functional mechanisms of the oncogenens from Agrobacterium in plants were received more and more attentions. 6b genes, derived from the T-DNA fragment, are vital carcinogenesis factors of plants and belong to rolB genes family. In plants, 6b genes can affect phytohormone levels and carbohydrate contents, and can also cause accumulation of secondary metabolites, as well as change the relative genes expression. The specific mechanisms behind these impacts remain to be researched in-depth. In this paper, the function, structure, activity, and acting mode of the 6b genes were summarized, which provide a theoretical foundation for further study and application of these functional genes.

Abnormal behavior in mice mutant for the Disc1 binding partner, Dixdc1

Disrupted-in-Schizophrenia-1 (DISC1) is a genetic susceptibility locus for major mental illness, including schizophrenia and depression. The Disc1 protein was recently shown to interact with the Wnt signaling protein, DIX domain containing 1 (Dixdc1). Both proteins participate in neural progenitor proliferation dependent on Wnt signaling, and in neural migration independently of Wnt signaling. Interestingly, their effect on neural progenitor proliferation is additive. By analogy to Disc1, mutations in Dixdc1 may lead to abnormal behavior in mice, and to schizophrenia or depression in humans. To explore this hypothesis further, we generated mice mutant at the Dixdc1 locus and analyzed their behavior. Dixdc1(-/-) mice had normal prepulse inhibition, but displayed decreased spontaneous locomotor activity, abnormal behavior in the elevated plus maze and deficits in startle reactivity. Our results suggest that Dixdc1(-/-) mice will be a useful tool to elucidate molecular pathophysiology involving Disc1 in major mental illnesses.

Comparison of quantum-dots- and fluorescein-isothiocyanate-based technology for detecting prostate-specific antigen expression in human prostate cancer

Quantum dots (QDs) are a new class of fluorescent labelling for biological and biomedical applications. In this study, the authors evaluated the sensitivity and stability of quantum-dots-based immunolabelling, in comparison with the conventional fluorescein-isothiocyanate-based immunolabelling (FITC), for detecting prostate-specific antigen (PSA) expression in human prostate cancer. The authors' data revealed that the two methods had similar sensitivity in differential display of the PSA expression correlated with tumour stage and grade (=0.88, p<0.001). Moreover, the intensity of QDs fluorescence remain stable for 10 days after conjugation to the PSA protein in 97% of the cases and more than 1 month in 92% of the cases, although the FITC fluorescence became undetectable after 6 min for all cases.

Loss of balance between T helper type 17 and regulatory T cells in chronic human immunodeficiency virus infection

The aim of this study is to characterize the changes of CD4(+) CD25(high) forkhead box P3 (FoxP3(+) ) regulatory T cells (T(reg) ), interleukin (IL)-17 secreting T helper type 17 (Th17) cell frequencies and the balance of these two subsets in a cohort of chronic human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1)-infected patients in China. A total of 115 untreated chronic HIV-infected individuals and 32 healthy donors were recruited in this study. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated from ethylenediamine tetracetic acid (EDTA) anti-coagulated fresh whole blood and stained to characterize the frequencies of T(reg) and Th17. Of a total 115 patients, 42 individuals including 10 elite controllers were followed-up for more than 1 year, and changes of T(reg) and Th17 frequencies were analysed over time. The continuous loss of Th17 cells was accompanied by a concomitant rise in the frequency of T(reg) cells, resulting in a loss of Th17/T(reg) balance during the progressive HIV infection. Meanwhile, the T(reg) levels, Th17 levels and Th17/T(reg) ratios of the elite controller group were comparable to those of the HIV-1 negative controls in the follow-up study. Additionally, we demonstrated that loss of balance between Th17 and T(reg) is associated with an earlier CD4 T cell decline during the course of HIV infection. Our results indicate that a loss of immune-balance of Th17 to T(reg) during HIV-1 disease progression and the persistence of such an immune-balance in the elite controllers may have a critical role in HIV-1 infection and further shed new light into understanding the pathogenesis of HIV-1.

Simultaneous silencing of FAD2 and FAE1 genes affects both oleic acid and erucic acid contents in Brassica napus seeds

The fatty acid composition in the seed oil was significantly modified following the introduction of transgenes. To further enhance the desirable characteristics of rapeseed oil, it would be beneficial to develop a new approach for the simultaneous silencing of two or more target genes. Our goals in the current study were to (1) increase oleic acid to more than 75%, (2) reduce polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) to about 10% and erucic acid to zero, and (3) accomplish these changes in a single-transformation event. In a single transformation, two fragments amplified from the fatty acid (Delta12)-desaturase 2 (BnaFAD2) and fatty acid elongase 1 (BnaFAE1) genes of Brassica napus were linked together to form a fusion fragment. The fusion fragment was then used to assemble unique intron-spliced hairpin interfering constructs. In the transgenic plant FFRP4-4, the expression of BnaFAD2 and BnaFAE1 genes was completely inhibited. The composition of oleic acid in FFRP4-4 rose to 85%, PUFA dropped to 10% and erucic acid was undetectable. All hybrid F(1) seeds obtained from the reciprocal crossing of FFRP4-4 and GX-parents (with different genetic backgrounds) contained more than 80% oleic acid, about 10% PUFA and very low, or undetectable, erucic acid. The results confirmed that the fusion fragment silencing construct can simultaneously and effectively silence the target genes on a consistent basis. The strategy provides a useful tool for detecting gene function and advancing genetic engineering techniques for the improvement of agricultural crops.

The microfilament cytoskeleton plays a vital role in salt and osmotic stress tolerance in Arabidopsis

Although recent studies have suggested that the microfilament (MF) cytoskeleton of plant cells participates in the response to salt stress, it remains unclear as to whether the MF cytoskeleton actually plays an active role in a plant's ability to withstand salt stress. In the present study, we report for the first time the role of MFs in salt tolerance of Arabidopsis thaliana. Our experiments revealed that Arabidopsis seedlings treated with 150 mm NaCl maintained MF assembly and bundle formation, whereas treatment with 250 mm NaCl initially induced MF assembly but subsequently caused MF disassembly. A corresponding change in the fluorescence intensity of MFs was also observed; that is, a sustained rise in fluorescence intensity in seedlings exposed to 150 mm NaCl and an initial rise and subsequent fall in seedlings exposed to 250 mm NaCl. These results suggest that MF assembly and bundles are induced early after salt stress treatment, while MF polymerization disappears after high salt stress. Facilitation of MF assembly with phalloidin rescued wild-type seedlings from death, whereas blocking MFs assembly with latrunculin A and cytochalasin D resulted in few survivors under salt stress. Pre-treatment of seedlings with phalloidin also clearly increased plant ability to withstand salt stress. MF assembly increased survival of Arabidopsis salt-sensitive sos2 mutants under salt stress and rescued defective sos2 mutants. Polymerization of MFs and its role in promoting survival was also found in plants exposed to osmotic stress. These findings suggest that the MF cytoskeleton participates and plays a vital role in responses to salt and osmotic stress in Arabidopsis.

Tenuifolin, an extract derived from tenuigenin, inhibits amyloid-beta secretion in vitro

AIM

Previous studies have shown that tenuigenin, a crude extract of Polygala tenuifolia Willd. that is commonly used in traditional Chinese herbal medicine for memory loss, can reduce the secretion of Abeta from cultured cells. However, the mechanism underlying this effect and the active compound derived from tenuigenin is unknown. In this study, a purified component of tenuigenin, tenuifolin, was examined and revealed to be an effective compound in vitro.

METHODS

Abeta secretion from three sets of COS-7 cells, each carrying a plasmid expressing a different form of APP was examined following the treatment with tenuifolin. Initially, tenuifolin was determined to have no inherent toxicity to either the transfected or wild type cells at the effective concentrations. Cells were then treated with 0.5-2.0 microg mL(-1) tenuifolin for 12 h and their media were examined via an ELISA for Abeta1-40 and Abeta-42.

RESULTS

We found that treatment with 2.0 microg mL(-1) tenuifolin significantly decreased Abeta secretion from COS-7 cells without altering the ratio of Abeta1-40 and Abeta-42. This effect is most probably due to inhibition of the beta-site APP cleaving enzyme as Abeta secretion was not inhibited from cells expressing the C99 fragment.

CONCLUSION

Tenuifolin is an effective compound from tenuigenin. We believe that this finding should lead the way for future experiments to determine the exact mechanism for tenuifolin's effect on Abeta secretion.

A non-canonical transferred DNA insertion at the BRI1 locus in Arabidopsis thaliana

Agrobacterium-mediated transformation is widely used in transgenic plant engineering and has been proven to be a powerful tool for insertional mutagenesis of the plant genome. The transferred DNA (T-DNA) from Agrobacterium is integrated into the plant genome through illegitimate recombination between the T-DNA and the plant DNA. Contrasting to the canonical insertion, here we report on a locus showing a complex mutation associated with T-DNA insertion at the BRI1 gene in Arabidopsis thaliana. We obtained a mutant line, named salade for its phenotype of dwarf stature and proliferating rosette. Molecular characterization of this mutant revealed that in addition to T-DNA a non-T-DNA-localized transposon from bacteria was inserted in the Arabidopsis genome and that a region of more than 11.5 kb of the Arabidopsis genome was deleted at the insertion site. The deleted region contains the brassinosteroid receptor gene BRI1 and the transcription factor gene WRKY13. Our finding reveals non-canonical T-DNA insertion, implicating horizontal gene transfer and cautioning the use of T-DNA as mutagen in transgenic research.

A novel recombinant bacterial vaccine strain expressing dual viral antigens induces multiple immune responses to the Gag and gp120 proteins of HIV-1 in immunized mice

Recombinant Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi can function as a live vector to deliver foreign antigens to the mammalian immune system and induce both mucosal and systemic immunity. In this study, we generated a recombinant Salmonella Typhi strain pilS⁻pilT⁻Gag⁺(pVAX1-gp120) harboring the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) gag gene integrated into the bacterial chromosome and gp120 gene carried by a plasmid. Mice inoculated with this recombinant bacterium through intranasal route produced high titers of IgG to gp120 in sera and IgA to gp120 in fecal washes. In addition, Gag-specific and gp120-specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) responses were observed in sorted spleen lymphocytes of immunized mice. These results demonstrated that this recombinant Salmonella Typhi strain elicits multiple immune responses against both Gag and gp120 antigens of HIV, and thus would be a potential vaccine candidate to the prevention of HIV/AIDS.

Plant SET- and RING-associated domain proteins in heterochromatinization

The heterochromatin of many eukaryotes is marked by both histone H3 lysine 9 (H3K9) methylation and DNA cytosine methylation. Several studies have revealed links between these two epigenetic markers. The molecular mechanisms involved in establishment of these links, however, remain largely unknown. In plants, H3K9 methylation is primarily carried out by a highly conserved family of proteins that contain SET and SRA (SET- and RING-associated) domains. Here, we show that the SRA-SET domain H3K9 methyltransferase NtSET1, as well as LIKE HETEROCHROMATIN PROTEIN1, binds heterochromatin DNA repeats. In the yeast two-hybrid assay, NtSET1 binds the DNA methylcytosine-binding protein VARIANT IN METHYLATION1 (VIM1), which contains conserved PHD, SRA and RING domains. This binding requires either the N-terminus of NtSET1 containing the SRA domain or the C-terminus of NtSET1 containing the SET domain and the PHD domain of VIM1. Consistent with a role in the establishment/maintenance of chromatin structure during cell division, VIM1 transcripts are abundant in actively dividing cells and the VIM1 protein is localized in the nucleus. While null vim1 mutant plants show a normal growth phenotype, transgenic Arabidopsis plants over-expressing VIM1 show inhibition in root growth and delay in flowering. We propose that SRA-SET domain H3K9 methyltransferases associate with the PHD-SRA-RING domain protein VIM1, mutually reinforcing H3K9 and DNA methylation in heterochromatinization.

Evidence for a distinct group of nestin-immunoreactive neurons within the basal forebrain of adult rats

Nestin is an intermediate filament protein serving as a marker for neuroprogenitor and stem cells. Here we report that a cluster of previously unrecognized nestin immunoreactive (nestin-ir) neurons was located in the medial septum-diagonal band of Broca (MS-DBB) of the basal forebrain in adult rats. Nestin-ir neurons were exclusively located in the MS-DBB and intermingled with choline acetyltransferase-ir (ChAT-ir), parvalbumin-ir (PV-ir), or nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH)-diaphorase reactive (NADPHd-reactive) neurons. However, there was no colocalization between nestin-ir and PV-ir in single neurons in MS-DBB; only about 35% of nestin-ir neurons were ChAT-ir, and 8%-12% of nestin-ir neurons were NADPHd-reactive. Morphologically, nestin-ir neurons showed a larger size of somata than that of ChAT-ir or PV-ir neurons and the distribution of nestin-ir neurons spread across the rostro-caudal extent of the MS-DBB. Moreover, retrograde tracing revealed that a significant portion of these nestin-ir neurons projected to the thalamus and hippocampus. These results, for the first time, provide strong evidence that there exists a cluster of previously unrecognized nestin-ir neurons in MS-DBB of the basal forebrain in adult rats and that these nestin-ir neurons are distinguishable from ChAT-ir, PV-ir, and NADPHd-reactive neurons.