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Wang P, Bi Y, Li M, Chen J, Wang Z, Wen H, Zhou M, Luo M, Zhang W. Cortico-striatal gamma oscillations are modulated by dopamine D3 receptors in dyskinetic rats. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:1164-1177. [PMID: 38989954 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-01240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202504000-00031/figure1/v/2024-07-06T104127Z/r/image-tiff Long-term levodopa administration can lead to the development of levodopa-induced dyskinesia. Gamma oscillations are a widely recognized hallmark of abnormal neural electrical activity in levodopa-induced dyskinesia. Currently, studies have reported increased oscillation power in cases of levodopa-induced dyskinesia. However, little is known about how the other electrophysiological parameters of gamma oscillations are altered in levodopa-induced dyskinesia. Furthermore, the role of the dopamine D3 receptor, which is implicated in levodopa-induced dyskinesia, in movement disorder-related changes in neural oscillations is unclear. We found that the cortico-striatal functional connectivity of beta oscillations was enhanced in a model of Parkinson's disease. Furthermore, levodopa application enhanced cortical gamma oscillations in cortico-striatal projections and cortical gamma aperiodic components, as well as bidirectional primary motor cortex (M1) ↔ dorsolateral striatum gamma flow. Administration of PD128907 (a selective dopamine D3 receptor agonist) induced dyskinesia and excessive gamma oscillations with a bidirectional M1 ↔ dorsolateral striatum flow. However, administration of PG01037 (a selective dopamine D3 receptor antagonist) attenuated dyskinesia, suppressed gamma oscillations and cortical gamma aperiodic components, and decreased gamma causality in the M1 → dorsolateral striatum direction. These findings suggest that the dopamine D3 receptor plays a role in dyskinesia-related oscillatory activity, and that it has potential as a therapeutic target for levodopa-induced dyskinesia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengfei Wang
- Neurosurgery Center, Department of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory on Brain Function Repair and Regeneration, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
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2
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Liu Y, Huang W, Wen J, Xiong X, Xu T, Wang Q, Chen X, Zhao X, Li S, Li X, Yang W. Differential distribution of PINK1 and Parkin in the primate brain implies distinct roles. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:1124-1134. [PMID: 38989951 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-01140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202504000-00028/figure1/v/2024-07-06T104127Z/r/image-tiff The vast majority of in vitro studies have demonstrated that PINK1 phosphorylates Parkin to work together in mitophagy to protect against neuronal degeneration. However, it remains largely unclear how PINK1 and Parkin are expressed in mammalian brains. This has been difficult to address because of the intrinsically low levels of PINK1 and undetectable levels of phosphorylated Parkin in small animals. Understanding this issue is critical for elucidating the in vivo roles of PINK1 and Parkin. Recently, we showed that the PINK1 kinase is selectively expressed as a truncated form (PINK1-55) in the primate brain. In the present study, we used multiple antibodies, including our recently developed monoclonal anti-PINK1, to validate the selective expression of PINK1 in the primate brain. We found that PINK1 was stably expressed in the monkey brain at postnatal and adulthood stages, which is consistent with the findings that depleting PINK1 can cause neuronal loss in developing and adult monkey brains. PINK1 was enriched in the membrane-bound fractionations, whereas Parkin was soluble with a distinguishable distribution. Immunofluorescent double staining experiments showed that PINK1 and Parkin did not colocalize under physiological conditions in cultured monkey astrocytes, though they did colocalize on mitochondria when the cells were exposed to mitochondrial stress. These findings suggest that PINK1 and Parkin may have distinct roles beyond their well-known function in mitophagy during mitochondrial damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanting Liu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-human Primate Research, Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Ministry of Education), Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau CNS Regeneration Institute of Jinan University, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
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3
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Wang J, Ran Y, Li Z, Zhao T, Zhang F, Wang J, Liu Z, Chen X. Salsolinol as an RNA m6A methylation inducer mediates dopaminergic neuronal death by regulating YAP1 and autophagy. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:887-899. [PMID: 38886960 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-01592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202503000-00032/figure1/v/2024-06-17T092413Z/r/image-tiff Salsolinol (1-methyl-6,7-dihydroxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline, Sal) is a catechol isoquinoline that causes neurotoxicity and shares structural similarity with 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine, an environmental toxin that causes Parkinson's disease. However, the mechanism by which Sal mediates dopaminergic neuronal death remains unclear. In this study, we found that Sal significantly enhanced the global level of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA methylation in PC12 cells, mainly by inducing the downregulation of the expression of m6A demethylases fat mass and obesity-associated protein (FTO) and alkB homolog 5 (ALKBH5). RNA sequencing analysis showed that Sal downregulated the Hippo signaling pathway. The m6A reader YTH domain-containing family protein 2 (YTHDF2) promoted the degradation of m6A-containing Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1) mRNA, which is a downstream key effector in the Hippo signaling pathway. Additionally, downregulation of YAP1 promoted autophagy, indicating that the mutual regulation between YAP1 and autophagy can lead to neurotoxicity. These findings reveal the role of Sal on m6A RNA methylation and suggest that Sal may act as an RNA methylation inducer mediating dopaminergic neuronal death through YAP1 and autophagy. Our results provide greater insights into the neurotoxic effects of catechol isoquinolines compared with other studies and may be a reference for assessing the involvement of RNA methylation in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianan Wang
- Beijing International Science and Technology Cooperation Base for Antiviral Drugs, College of Chemistry and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Yuanyuan Ran
- Department of Rehabilitation, Beijing Rehabilitation Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Zihan Li
- Beijing International Science and Technology Cooperation Base for Antiviral Drugs, College of Chemistry and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Tianyuan Zhao
- Beijing International Science and Technology Cooperation Base for Antiviral Drugs, College of Chemistry and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Fangfang Zhang
- Beijing International Science and Technology Cooperation Base for Antiviral Drugs, College of Chemistry and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Juan Wang
- Beijing International Science and Technology Cooperation Base for Antiviral Drugs, College of Chemistry and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Zongjian Liu
- Department of Rehabilitation, Beijing Rehabilitation Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xuechai Chen
- Beijing International Science and Technology Cooperation Base for Antiviral Drugs, College of Chemistry and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, China
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4
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An Z, Jiang A, Chen J. Toward understanding the role of genomic repeat elements in neurodegenerative diseases. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:646-659. [PMID: 38886931 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-01568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases cause great medical and economic burdens for both patients and society; however, the complex molecular mechanisms thereof are not yet well understood. With the development of high-coverage sequencing technology, researchers have started to notice that genomic repeat regions, previously neglected in search of disease culprits, are active contributors to multiple neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, we describe the association between repeat element variants and multiple degenerative diseases through genome-wide association studies and targeted sequencing. We discuss the identification of disease-relevant repeat element variants, further powered by the advancement of long-read sequencing technologies and their related tools, and summarize recent findings in the molecular mechanisms of repeat element variants in brain degeneration, such as those causing transcriptional silencing or RNA-mediated gain of toxic function. Furthermore, we describe how in silico predictions using innovative computational models, such as deep learning language models, could enhance and accelerate our understanding of the functional impact of repeat element variants. Finally, we discuss future directions to advance current findings for a better understanding of neurodegenerative diseases and the clinical applications of genomic repeat elements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengyu An
- Institute of Science and Technology for Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Aidi Jiang
- Institute of Science and Technology for Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingqi Chen
- Institute of Science and Technology for Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- MOE Key Laboratory of Computational Neuroscience and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Zhangjiang Fudan International Innovation Center, Shanghai, China
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5
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Helmold BR, Ahrens A, Fitzgerald Z, Ozdinler PH. Spastin and alsin protein interactome analyses begin to reveal key canonical pathways and suggest novel druggable targets. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:725-739. [PMID: 38886938 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-02068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Developing effective and long-term treatment strategies for rare and complex neurodegenerative diseases is challenging. One of the major roadblocks is the extensive heterogeneity among patients. This hinders understanding the underlying disease-causing mechanisms and building solutions that have implications for a broad spectrum of patients. One potential solution is to develop personalized medicine approaches based on strategies that target the most prevalent cellular events that are perturbed in patients. Especially in patients with a known genetic mutation, it may be possible to understand how these mutations contribute to problems that lead to neurodegeneration. Protein-protein interaction analyses offer great advantages for revealing how proteins interact, which cellular events are primarily involved in these interactions, and how they become affected when key genes are mutated in patients. This line of investigation also suggests novel druggable targets for patients with different mutations. Here, we focus on alsin and spastin, two proteins that are identified as "causative" for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and hereditary spastic paraplegia, respectively, when mutated. Our review analyzes the protein interactome for alsin and spastin, the canonical pathways that are primarily important for each protein domain, as well as compounds that are either Food and Drug Administration-approved or are in active clinical trials concerning the affected cellular pathways. This line of research begins to pave the way for personalized medicine approaches that are desperately needed for rare neurodegenerative diseases that are complex and heterogeneous.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin R Helmold
- Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Angela Ahrens
- Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Zachary Fitzgerald
- Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - P Hande Ozdinler
- Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
- Center for Molecular Innovation and Drug Discovery, Center for Developmental Therapeutics, Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
- Mesulam Center for Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer's Disease, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
- Feinberg School of Medicine, Les Turner ALS Center at Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
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6
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Hao M, Chu J, Zhang T, Yin T, Gu Y, Liang W, Ji W, Zhuang J, Liu Y, Gao J, Yin Y. Nanomaterials-mediated lysosomal regulation: a robust protein-clearance approach for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:424-439. [PMID: 38819046 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-01736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease is a debilitating, progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the progressive accumulation of abnormal proteins, including amyloid plaques and intracellular tau tangles, primarily within the brain. Lysosomes, crucial intracellular organelles responsible for protein degradation, play a key role in maintaining cellular homeostasis. Some studies have suggested a link between the dysregulation of the lysosomal system and pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease. Restoring the normal physiological function of lysosomes hold the potential to reduce the pathological burden and improve the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. Currently, the efficacy of drugs in treating Alzheimer's disease is limited, with major challenges in drug delivery efficiency and targeting. Recently, nanomaterials have gained widespread use in Alzheimer's disease drug research owing to their favorable physical and chemical properties. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of recent advances in using nanomaterials (polymeric nanomaterials, nanoemulsions, and carbon-based nanomaterials) to enhance lysosomal function in treating Alzheimer's disease. This review also explores new concepts and potential therapeutic strategies for Alzheimer's disease through the integration of nanomaterials and modulation of lysosomal function. In conclusion, this review emphasizes the potential of nanomaterials in modulating lysosomal function to improve the pathological features of Alzheimer's disease. The application of nanotechnology to the development of Alzheimer's disease drugs brings new ideas and approaches for future treatment of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengqi Hao
- Department of Neurology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University (Shanghai Changzheng Hospital), Shanghai, China
- School of Health Science and Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianjian Chu
- Department of Neurology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University (Shanghai Changzheng Hospital), Shanghai, China
| | - Tinglin Zhang
- Changhai Clinical Research Unit, Shanghai Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tong Yin
- Department of Neurology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University (Shanghai Changzheng Hospital), Shanghai, China
| | - Yuankai Gu
- Department of Neurology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University (Shanghai Changzheng Hospital), Shanghai, China
| | - Wendanqi Liang
- Department of Neurology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University (Shanghai Changzheng Hospital), Shanghai, China
- School of Health Science and Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenbo Ji
- Department of Neurology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University (Shanghai Changzheng Hospital), Shanghai, China
| | - Jianhua Zhuang
- Department of Neurology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University (Shanghai Changzheng Hospital), Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Liu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Gao
- Changhai Clinical Research Unit, Shanghai Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - You Yin
- Department of Neurology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University (Shanghai Changzheng Hospital), Shanghai, China
- Department of Neurology, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
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7
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Hu Z, Yang J, Zhang S, Li M, Zuo C, Mao C, Zhang Z, Tang M, Shi C, Xu Y. AAV mediated carboxyl terminus of Hsp70 interacting protein overexpression mitigates the cognitive and pathological phenotypes of APP/PS1 mice. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:253-264. [PMID: 38767490 PMCID: PMC11246129 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-01277] [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: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202501000-00033/figure1/v/2024-05-14T021156Z/r/image-tiff The E3 ubiquitin ligase, carboxyl terminus of heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) interacting protein (CHIP), also functions as a co-chaperone and plays a crucial role in the protein quality control system. In this study, we aimed to investigate the neuroprotective effect of overexpressed CHIP on Alzheimer's disease. We used an adeno-associated virus vector that can cross the blood-brain barrier to mediate CHIP overexpression in APP/PS1 mouse brain. CHIP overexpression significantly ameliorated the performance of APP/PS1 mice in the Morris water maze and nest building tests, reduced amyloid-β plaques, and decreased the expression of both amyloid-β and phosphorylated tau. CHIP also alleviated the concentration of microglia and astrocytes around plaques. In APP/PS1 mice of a younger age, CHIP overexpression promoted an increase in ADAM10 expression and inhibited β-site APP cleaving enzyme 1, insulin degrading enzyme, and neprilysin expression. Levels of HSP70 and HSP40, which have functional relevance to CHIP, were also increased. Single nuclei transcriptome sequencing in the hippocampus of CHIP overexpressed mice showed that the lysosomal pathway and oligodendrocyte-related biological processes were up-regulated, which may also reflect a potential mechanism for the neuroprotective effect of CHIP. Our research shows that CHIP effectively reduces the behavior and pathological manifestations of APP/PS1 mice. Indeed, overexpression of CHIP could be a beneficial approach for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengwei Hu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
- Academy of Medical Sciences of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
| | - Jing Yang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Prevention and treatment of Cerebrovascular Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Cerebrovascular Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
- Institute of Neuroscience, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
| | - Shuo Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
- Academy of Medical Sciences of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
| | - Mengjie Li
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
| | - Chunyan Zuo
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
| | - Chengyuan Mao
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Prevention and treatment of Cerebrovascular Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Cerebrovascular Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
- Institute of Neuroscience, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
| | - Zhongxian Zhang
- Sino-British Research Centre for Molecular Oncology, National Centre for International Research in Cell and Gene Therapy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
| | - Mibo Tang
- Department of Gerontology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
| | - Changhe Shi
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Prevention and treatment of Cerebrovascular Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Cerebrovascular Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
- Institute of Neuroscience, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
| | - Yuming Xu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Prevention and treatment of Cerebrovascular Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Cerebrovascular Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
- Institute of Neuroscience, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
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8
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Zhao XY, Xu DE, Wu ML, Liu JC, Shi ZL, Ma QH. Regulation and function of endoplasmic reticulum autophagy in neurodegenerative diseases. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:6-20. [PMID: 38767472 PMCID: PMC11246128 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-00995] [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: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
The endoplasmic reticulum, a key cellular organelle, regulates a wide variety of cellular activities. Endoplasmic reticulum autophagy, one of the quality control systems of the endoplasmic reticulum, plays a pivotal role in maintaining endoplasmic reticulum homeostasis by controlling endoplasmic reticulum turnover, remodeling, and proteostasis. In this review, we briefly describe the endoplasmic reticulum quality control system, and subsequently focus on the role of endoplasmic reticulum autophagy, emphasizing the spatial and temporal mechanisms underlying the regulation of endoplasmic reticulum autophagy according to cellular requirements. We also summarize the evidence relating to how defective or abnormal endoplasmic reticulum autophagy contributes to the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. In summary, this review highlights the mechanisms associated with the regulation of endoplasmic reticulum autophagy and how they influence the pathophysiology of degenerative nerve disorders. This review would help researchers to understand the roles and regulatory mechanisms of endoplasmic reticulum-phagy in neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiu-Yun Zhao
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Research Center of Neurological Disease, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
- Institute of Neuroscience & Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Translational Research and Therapy for Neuro-Psycho-Diseases, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - De-En Xu
- Department of Neurology, Jiangnan University Medical Center, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Ming-Lei Wu
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Research Center of Neurological Disease, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
- Institute of Neuroscience & Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Translational Research and Therapy for Neuro-Psycho-Diseases, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Ji-Chuan Liu
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Research Center of Neurological Disease, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
- Institute of Neuroscience & Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Translational Research and Therapy for Neuro-Psycho-Diseases, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Zi-Ling Shi
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Research Center of Neurological Disease, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
- Institute of Neuroscience & Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Translational Research and Therapy for Neuro-Psycho-Diseases, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Quan-Hong Ma
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Research Center of Neurological Disease, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
- Institute of Neuroscience & Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Translational Research and Therapy for Neuro-Psycho-Diseases, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
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9
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Jiao F, Meng L, Du K, Li X. The autophagy-lysosome pathway: a potential target in the chemical and gene therapeutic strategies for Parkinson's disease. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:139-158. [PMID: 38767483 PMCID: PMC11246151 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-01195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease is a common neurodegenerative disease with movement disorders associated with the intracytoplasmic deposition of aggregate proteins such as α-synuclein in neurons. As one of the major intracellular degradation pathways, the autophagy-lysosome pathway plays an important role in eliminating these proteins. Accumulating evidence has shown that upregulation of the autophagy-lysosome pathway may contribute to the clearance of α-synuclein aggregates and protect against degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in Parkinson's disease. Moreover, multiple genes associated with the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease are intimately linked to alterations in the autophagy-lysosome pathway. Thus, this pathway appears to be a promising therapeutic target for treatment of Parkinson's disease. In this review, we briefly introduce the machinery of autophagy. Then, we provide a description of the effects of Parkinson's disease-related genes on the autophagy-lysosome pathway. Finally, we highlight the potential chemical and genetic therapeutic strategies targeting the autophagy-lysosome pathway and their applications in Parkinson's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengjuan Jiao
- School of Mental Health, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong Province, China
- Shandong Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis, Treatment and Behavioral Interventions of Mental Disorders, Institute of Mental Health, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong Province, China
| | - Lingyan Meng
- School of Mental Health, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong Province, China
| | - Kang Du
- School of Mental Health, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong Province, China
| | - Xuezhi Li
- School of Mental Health, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong Province, China
- Shandong Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis, Treatment and Behavioral Interventions of Mental Disorders, Institute of Mental Health, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong Province, China
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10
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Parves MR, Solares MJ, Dearnaley WJ, Kelly DF. Elucidating structural variability in p53 conformers using combinatorial refinement strategies and molecular dynamics. Cancer Biol Ther 2024; 25:2290732. [PMID: 38073067 PMCID: PMC10732606 DOI: 10.1080/15384047.2023.2290732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Low molecular weight proteins and protein assemblies can now be investigated using cryo-electron microscopy (EM) as a complement to traditional structural biology techniques. It is important, however, to not lose sight of the dynamic information inherent in macromolecules that give rise to their exquisite functionality. As computational methods continue to advance the field of biomedical imaging, so must strategies to resolve the minute details of disease-related entities. Here, we employed combinatorial modeling approaches to assess flexible properties among low molecular weight proteins (~100 kDa or less). Through a blend of rigid body refinement and simulated annealing, we determined new hidden conformations for wild type p53 monomer and dimer forms. Structures for both states converged to yield new conformers, each revealing good stereochemistry and dynamic information about the protein. Based on these insights, we identified fluid parts of p53 that complement the stable central core of the protein responsible for engaging DNA. Molecular dynamics simulations corroborated the modeling results and helped pinpoint the more flexible residues in wild type p53. Overall, the new computational methods may be used to shed light on other small protein features in a vast ensemble of structural data that cannot be easily delineated by other algorithms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Rimon Parves
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
- Center for Structural Oncology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
- Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Molecular Biology Graduate Program, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Maria J. Solares
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
- Center for Structural Oncology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
- Molecular, Cellular, and Integrative Biosciences Graduate Program, Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - William J. Dearnaley
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
- Center for Structural Oncology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Deborah F. Kelly
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
- Center for Structural Oncology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
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11
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Fan H, Zhao L, Wang W, Yu F, Jing H, Yang Y, Zhang X, Zhao Z, Gou Q, Zhang W, Zou Q, Zhang J, Zeng H. A highly neutralizing human monoclonal antibody targeting a novel linear epitope on staphylococcal enterotoxin B. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2024; 20:2360338. [PMID: 38857905 PMCID: PMC11182437 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2024.2360338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Staphylococcal Enterotoxin B (SEB), produced by Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), is a powerful superantigen that induces severe immune disruption and toxic shock syndrome (TSS) upon binding to MHC-II and TCR. Despite its significant impact on the pathogenesis of S. aureus, there are currently no specific therapeutic interventions available to counteract the mechanism of action exerted by this toxin. In this study, we have identified a human monoclonal antibody, named Hm0487, that specifically targets SEB by single-cell sequencing using PBMCs isolated from volunteers enrolled in a phase I clinical trial of the five-antigen S. aureus vaccine. X-ray crystallography studies revealed that Hm0487 exhibits high affinity for a linear B cell epitope in SEB (SEB138-147), which is located distantly from the site involved in the formation of the MHC-SEB-TCR ternary complex. Furthermore, in vitro studies demonstrated that Hm0487 significantly impacts the interaction of SEB with both receptors and the binding to immune cells, probably due to an allosteric effect on SEB rather than competing with receptors for binding sites. Moreover, both in vitro and in vivo studies validated that Hm0487 displayed efficient neutralizing efficacy in models of lethal shock and sepsis induced by either SEB or bacterial challenge. Our findings unveil an alternative mechanism for neutralizing the pathogenesis of SEB by Hm0487, and this antibody provides a novel strategy for mitigating both SEB-induced toxicity and S. aureus infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyin Fan
- National Engineering Research Center of Immunological Products, Department of Microbiology and Biochemical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Army Medical University, Chongqing, PR China
| | - Liqun Zhao
- National Engineering Research Center of Immunological Products, Department of Microbiology and Biochemical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Army Medical University, Chongqing, PR China
| | - Weiwei Wang
- Shanghai Advanced Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Feng Yu
- Shanghai Advanced Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Haiming Jing
- National Engineering Research Center of Immunological Products, Department of Microbiology and Biochemical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Army Medical University, Chongqing, PR China
| | - Yun Yang
- National Engineering Research Center of Immunological Products, Department of Microbiology and Biochemical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Army Medical University, Chongqing, PR China
| | - Xiaoli Zhang
- Department of Clinical Hematology, College of Pharmacy, Army Medical University, Chongqing, PR China
| | - Zhuo Zhao
- National Engineering Research Center of Immunological Products, Department of Microbiology and Biochemical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Army Medical University, Chongqing, PR China
| | - Qiang Gou
- National Engineering Research Center of Immunological Products, Department of Microbiology and Biochemical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Army Medical University, Chongqing, PR China
| | - Weijun Zhang
- National Engineering Research Center of Immunological Products, Department of Microbiology and Biochemical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Army Medical University, Chongqing, PR China
| | - Quanming Zou
- National Engineering Research Center of Immunological Products, Department of Microbiology and Biochemical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Army Medical University, Chongqing, PR China
| | - Jinyong Zhang
- National Engineering Research Center of Immunological Products, Department of Microbiology and Biochemical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Army Medical University, Chongqing, PR China
| | - Hao Zeng
- National Engineering Research Center of Immunological Products, Department of Microbiology and Biochemical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Army Medical University, Chongqing, PR China
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma and Chemical Poisoning, Army Medical University, Chongqing, P.R. China
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12
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Li T, Jia W, Peng S, Guo Y, Liu J, Zhang X, Li P, Zhang H, Xu R. Endogenous cAMP elevation in Brassica napus causes changes in phytohormone levels. PLANT SIGNALING & BEHAVIOR 2024; 19:2310963. [PMID: 38314783 PMCID: PMC10854363 DOI: 10.1080/15592324.2024.2310963] [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: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
In higher plants, the regulatory roles of cAMP (cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate) signaling remain elusive until now. Cellular cAMP levels are generally much lower in higher plants than in animals and transiently elevated for triggering downstream signaling events. Moreover, plant adenylate cyclase (AC) activities are found in different moonlighting multifunctional proteins, which may pose additional complications in distinguishing a specific signaling role for cAMP. Here, we have developed rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) transgenic plants that overexpress an inducible plant-origin AC activity for generating high AC levels much like that in animal cells, which served the genetic model disturbing native cAMP signaling as a whole in plants. We found that overexpression of the soluble AC activity had significant impacts on the contents of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and stress phytohormones, i.e. jasmonic acid (JA), abscisic acid (ABA), and salicylic acid (SA) in the transgenic plants. Acute induction of the AC activity caused IAA overaccumulation, and upregulation of TAA1 and CYP83B1 in the IAA biosynthesis pathways, but also simultaneously the hyper-induction of PR4 and KIN2 expression indicating activation of JA and ABA signaling pathways. We observed typical overgrowth phenotypes related to IAA excess in the transgenic plants, including significant increases in plant height, internode length, width of leaf blade, petiole length, root length, and fresh shoot biomass, as well as the precocious seed development, as compared to wild-type plants. In addition, we identified a set of 1465 cAMP-responsive genes (CRGs), which are most significantly enriched in plant hormone signal transduction pathway, and function mainly in relevance to hormonal, abiotic and biotic stress responses, as well as growth and development. Collectively, our results support that cAMP elevation impacts phytohormone homeostasis and signaling, and modulates plant growth and development. We proposed that cAMP signaling may be critical in configuring the coordinated regulation of growth and development in higher plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianming Li
- School of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Zhengzhou Research Base, State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenjing Jia
- School of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Zhengzhou Research Base, State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Song Peng
- School of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Zhengzhou Research Base, State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yanhui Guo
- School of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Zhengzhou Research Base, State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jinrui Liu
- School of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Zhengzhou Research Base, State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xue Zhang
- School of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Zhengzhou Research Base, State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Panyu Li
- School of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Zhengzhou Research Base, State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Hanfeng Zhang
- School of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Zhengzhou Research Base, State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ruqiang Xu
- School of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Zhengzhou Research Base, State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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13
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Ruan J, Yin Z, Yi P. Effects of fluorescent tags and activity status on the membrane localization of ROP GTPases. PLANT SIGNALING & BEHAVIOR 2024; 19:2306790. [PMID: 38270144 PMCID: PMC10813580 DOI: 10.1080/15592324.2024.2306790] [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: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
Plant-specific Rho-type GTPases (ROPs) are master regulators of cell polarity and development. Over the past 30 years, their localization and dynamics have been largely examined with fluorescent proteins fused at the amino terminus without investigating their impact on protein function. The moss Physcomitrium patens genome encodes four rop genes. In this study, we introduce a fluorescent tag at the endogenous amino terminus of ROP4 in wild-type and rop1,2,3 triple mutant via homologous recombination and demonstrate that the fluorescent tag severely impairs ROP4 function and inhibits its localization on the plasma membrane. This phenotype is exacerbated in mutants lacking ROP-related GTPase-activating proteins. By comparing the localization of nonfunctional and functional ROP4 fusion reporters, we provide insight into the mechanism that governs the membrane association of ROPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingtong Ruan
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, P. R. China
| | - Zihan Yin
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, P. R. China
| | - Peishan Yi
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, P. R. China
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14
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Lani R, Thariq IM, Suhaimi NS, Hassandarvish P, Abu Bakar S. From defense to offense: Modulating toll-like receptors to combat arbovirus infections. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2024; 20:2306675. [PMID: 38263674 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2024.2306675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Arboviruses are a significant threat to global public health, with outbreaks occurring worldwide. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) play a crucial role in the innate immune response against these viruses by recognizing pathogen-associated molecular patterns and initiating an inflammatory response. Significantly, TLRs commonly implicated in the immune response against viral infections include TLR2, TLR4, TLR6, TLR3, TLR7, and TLR8; limiting or allowing them to replicate and spread within the host. Modulating TLRs has emerged as a promising approach to combat arbovirus infections. This review summarizes recent advances in TLR modulation as a therapeutic target in arbovirus infections. Studies have shown that the activation of TLRs can enhance the immune response against arbovirus infections, leading to increased viral clearance and protection against disease. Conversely, inhibition of TLRs can reduce the excessive inflammation and tissue damage associated with arbovirus infection. Modulating TLRs represents a potential therapeutic strategy to combat arbovirus infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafidah Lani
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Ilya Maisarah Thariq
- Tropical Infectious Diseases Research and Education Centre, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Nuramira Syazreen Suhaimi
- Tropical Infectious Diseases Research and Education Centre, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Pouya Hassandarvish
- Tropical Infectious Diseases Research and Education Centre, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Sazaly Abu Bakar
- Tropical Infectious Diseases Research and Education Centre, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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15
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Sanjuan-Badillo A, P. Martínez-Castilla L, García-Sandoval R, Ballester P, Ferrándiz C, Sanchez MDLP, García-Ponce B, Garay-Arroyo A, R. Álvarez-Buylla E. HDACs MADS-domain protein interaction: a case study of HDA15 and XAL1 in Arabidopsis thaliana. PLANT SIGNALING & BEHAVIOR 2024; 19:2353536. [PMID: 38771929 PMCID: PMC11110687 DOI: 10.1080/15592324.2024.2353536] [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: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
Cellular behavior, cell differentiation and ontogenetic development in eukaryotes result from complex interactions between epigenetic and classic molecular genetic mechanisms, with many of these interactions still to be elucidated. Histone deacetylase enzymes (HDACs) promote the interaction of histones with DNA by compacting the nucleosome, thus causing transcriptional repression. MADS-domain transcription factors are highly conserved in eukaryotes and participate in controlling diverse developmental processes in animals and plants, as well as regulating stress responses in plants. In this work, we focused on finding out putative interactions of Arabidopsis thaliana HDACs and MADS-domain proteins using an evolutionary perspective combined with bioinformatics analyses and testing the more promising predicted interactions through classic molecular biology tools. Through bioinformatic analyses, we found similarities between HDACs proteins from different organisms, which allowed us to predict a putative protein-protein interaction between the Arabidopsis thaliana deacetylase HDA15 and the MADS-domain protein XAANTAL1 (XAL1). The results of two-hybrid and Bimolecular Fluorescence Complementation analysis demonstrated in vitro and in vivo HDA15-XAL1 interaction in the nucleus. Likely, this interaction might regulate developmental processes in plants as is the case for this type of interaction in animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Sanjuan-Badillo
- Laboratorio de Genética Molecular, Epigenética, Desarrollo y Evolución de Plantas, Instituto de Ecología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México
- Programa de Doctorado en Ciencias Biomédicas, de la Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México
| | - León P. Martínez-Castilla
- Investigadoras e Investigadores por México, Grupo de Genómica y Dinámica Evolutiva de Microorganismos Emergentes, Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología, Ciudad de México, México
| | | | - Patricia Ballester
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Plantas, CSIC-UPV Universidad Politécnica de Valencia, Valencia, España
| | - Cristina Ferrándiz
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Plantas, CSIC-UPV Universidad Politécnica de Valencia, Valencia, España
| | - Maria de la Paz Sanchez
- Laboratorio de Genética Molecular, Epigenética, Desarrollo y Evolución de Plantas, Instituto de Ecología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Berenice García-Ponce
- Laboratorio de Genética Molecular, Epigenética, Desarrollo y Evolución de Plantas, Instituto de Ecología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Adriana Garay-Arroyo
- Laboratorio de Genética Molecular, Epigenética, Desarrollo y Evolución de Plantas, Instituto de Ecología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Elena R. Álvarez-Buylla
- Laboratorio de Genética Molecular, Epigenética, Desarrollo y Evolución de Plantas, Instituto de Ecología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México
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16
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Yadav DK, Srivastava GP, Singh A, Singh M, Yadav N, Tuteja N. Proteome-wide analysis reveals G protein-coupled receptor-like proteins in rice ( Oryza sativa). PLANT SIGNALING & BEHAVIOR 2024; 19:2365572. [PMID: 38904257 PMCID: PMC11195488 DOI: 10.1080/15592324.2024.2365572] [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: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) constitute the largest family of transmembrane proteins in metazoans that mediate the regulation of various physiological responses to discrete ligands through heterotrimeric G protein subunits. The existence of GPCRs in plant is contentious, but their comparable crucial role in various signaling pathways necessitates the identification of novel remote GPCR-like proteins that essentially interact with the plant G protein α subunit and facilitate the transduction of various stimuli. In this study, we identified three putative GPCR-like proteins (OsGPCRLPs) (LOC_Os06g09930.1, LOC_Os04g36630.1, and LOC_Os01g54784.1) in the rice proteome using a stringent bioinformatics workflow. The identified OsGPCRLPs exhibited a canonical GPCR 'type I' 7TM topology, patterns, and biologically significant sites for membrane anchorage and desensitization. Cluster-based interactome mapping revealed that the identified proteins interact with the G protein α subunit which is a characteristic feature of GPCRs. Computational results showing the interaction of identified GPCR-like proteins with G protein α subunit and its further validation by the membrane yeast-two-hybrid assay strongly suggest the presence of GPCR-like 7TM proteins in the rice proteome. The absence of a regulator of G protein signaling (RGS) box in the C- terminal domain, and the presence of signature motifs of canonical GPCR in the identified OsGPCRLPs strongly suggest that the rice proteome contains GPCR-like proteins that might be involved in signal transduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dinesh K. Yadav
- Plant Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering Laboratory, Department of Botany, University of Allahabad, Prayagraj, India
| | - Gyan Prakash Srivastava
- Plant Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering Laboratory, Department of Botany, University of Allahabad, Prayagraj, India
| | - Ananya Singh
- Plant Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering Laboratory, Department of Botany, University of Allahabad, Prayagraj, India
| | - Madhavi Singh
- Plant Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering Laboratory, Department of Botany, University of Allahabad, Prayagraj, India
| | - Neelam Yadav
- Plant Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering Laboratory, Department of Botany, University of Allahabad, Prayagraj, India
| | - Narendra Tuteja
- Plant Molecular Biology, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi, India
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17
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Limaye RJ, Singh P, Fesshaye B, Lee C, Schue J, Karron RA. "Why has this new vaccine come and for what reasons?" key antecedents and questions for acceptance of a future maternal GBS vaccine: Perspectives of pregnant women, lactating women, and community members in Kenya. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2024; 20:2314826. [PMID: 38345050 PMCID: PMC10863339 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2024.2314826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Group B streptococcus (GBS) is a leading global cause of neonatal sepsis and meningitis, stillbirth, and puerperal sepsis. While intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis (IAP) is a currently available GBS disease prevention strategy, IAP is programmatically complex to implement, precluding use in low- and middle-income countries. In Kenya, 2% of stillbirths are attributable to GBS infection. Two maternal GBS vaccines are in late-stage clinical development. However, licensure of a maternal GBS vaccine does not translate into reduction of disease. We conducted 28 in-depth interviews with pregnant people, lactating people, and community members across two counties in Kenya to better understand the attitudes and informational needs of primary vaccine beneficiaries. We identified two emerging themes from the data. The first focused on antecedents to maternal GBS vaccine acceptability. The most common antecedents focused on the vaccine's ability to protect the baby and/or the mother, followed by community sensitization before the vaccine was available. The second key theme focused on questions that would need to be addressed before someone could accept a maternal GBS vaccine. Three key categories of questions were identified, including vaccine safety compared to vaccine benefits, who gets the vaccine, and how the vaccine works. Realizing the potential benefits of a future GBS maternal vaccine will require a multifactorial approach, including ensuring that communities are aware of GBS-related harms as well as the safety and effectiveness of a maternal GBS vaccine. Our study contributes to informing this multifactorial approach by elucidating the attitudes and concerns of key populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rupali J. Limaye
- Department of International Health, Department of Epidemiology, Department of Health, Behavior & Society, International Vaccine Access Center, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Prachi Singh
- Department of International Health, International Vaccine Access Center, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Berhaun Fesshaye
- Department of International Health, International Vaccine Access Center, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Clarice Lee
- Department of International Health, International Vaccine Access Center, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jessica Schue
- Department of International Health, International Vaccine Access Center, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ruth A. Karron
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
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18
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Sangprasat K, Bulaon CJI, Rattanapisit K, Srisangsung T, Jirarojwattana P, Wongwatanasin A, Phoolcharoen W. Production of monoclonal antibodies against botulinum neurotoxin in Nicotiana benthamiana. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2024; 20:2329446. [PMID: 38525945 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2024.2329446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Botulism is a fatal neurologic disease caused by the botulinum toxin (BoNT) produced by Clostridium botulinum. It is a rare but highly toxic disease with symptoms, such as cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dysphagia, respiratory failure, muscle weakness, and even death. Currently, two types of antitoxin are used: equine-derived heptavalent antitoxin and human-derived immunoglobulin (BabyBIG®). However, heptavalent treatment may result in hypersensitivity, whereas BabyBIG®, has a low yield. The present study focused on the development of three anti-BoNT monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), 1B18, C25, and M2, in Nicotiana benthamiana. The plant-expressed mAbs were purified and examined for size, purity and integrity by SDS-PAGE, western blotting and size-exclusion chromatography. Analysis showed that plant-produced anti-BoNT mAbs can fully assemble in plants, can be purified in a single purification step, and mostly remain as monomeric proteins. The efficiency of anti-BoNT mAbs binding to BoNT/A and B was then tested. Plant-produced 1B18 retained its ability to recognize both mBoNT/A1 and ciBoNT/B1. At the same time, the binding specificities of two other mAbs were determined: C25 for mBoNT/A1 and M2 for ciBoNT/B1. In conclusion, our results confirm the use of plants as an alternative platform for the production of anti-BoNT mAbs. This plant-based technology will serve as a versatile system for the development botulism immunotherapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kornchanok Sangprasat
- Center of Excellence in Plant-Produced Pharmaceuticals, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Botany, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Graduate Program of Program in Research for Enterprise, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | - Kaewta Rattanapisit
- Department of Research and Development, Baiya Phytopharm Co. Ltd, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Theerakarn Srisangsung
- Center of Excellence in Plant-Produced Pharmaceuticals, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Botany, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Graduate Program of Program in Research for Enterprise, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Perawat Jirarojwattana
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Botany, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | - Waranyoo Phoolcharoen
- Center of Excellence in Plant-Produced Pharmaceuticals, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Botany, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
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19
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Xu K, Nnyamah C, Pandya N, Sweis N, Corona-Avila I, Priyadarshini M, Wicksteed B, Layden BT. β cell acetate production and release are negligible. Islets 2024; 16:2339558. [PMID: 38607959 PMCID: PMC11018053 DOI: 10.1080/19382014.2024.2339558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies suggest that short chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which are primarily produced from fermentation of fiber, regulate insulin secretion through free fatty acid receptors 2 and 3 (FFA2 and FFA3). As these are G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs), they have potential therapeutic value as targets for treating type 2 diabetes (T2D). The exact mechanism by which these receptors regulate insulin secretion and other aspects of pancreatic β cell function is unclear. It has been reported that glucose-dependent release of acetate from pancreatic β cells negatively regulates glucose stimulated insulin secretion. While these data raise the possibility of acetate's potential autocrine action on these receptors, these findings have not been independently confirmed, and multiple concerns exist with this observation, particularly the lack of specificity and precision of the acetate detection methodology used. METHODS Using Min6 cells and mouse islets, we assessed acetate and pyruvate production and secretion in response to different glucose concentrations, via liquid chromatography mass spectrometry. RESULTS Using Min6 cells and mouse islets, we showed that both intracellular pyruvate and acetate increased with high glucose conditions; however, intracellular acetate level increased only slightly and exclusively in Min6 cells but not in the islets. Further, extracellular acetate levels were not affected by the concentration of glucose in the incubation medium of either Min6 cells or islets. CONCLUSIONS Our findings do not substantiate the glucose-dependent release of acetate from pancreatic β cells, and therefore, invalidate the possibility of an autocrine inhibitory effect on glucose stimulated insulin secretion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Xu
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Chioma Nnyamah
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Nupur Pandya
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Nadia Sweis
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Irene Corona-Avila
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Medha Priyadarshini
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Barton Wicksteed
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Brian T. Layden
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
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20
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Uchiyama H, Kudo T, Yamaguchi T, Obana N, Watanabe K, Abe K, Miyazaki H, Toyofuku M, Nomura N, Akeda Y, Nakao R. Mucosal adjuvanticity and mucosal booster effect of colibactin-depleted probiotic Escherichia coli membrane vesicles. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2024; 20:2337987. [PMID: 38658133 PMCID: PMC11057659 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2024.2337987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
There is a growing interest in development of novel vaccines against respiratory tract infections, due to COVID-19 pandemic. Here, we examined mucosal adjuvanticity and the mucosal booster effect of membrane vesicles (MVs) of a novel probiotic E. coli derivative lacking both flagella and potentially carcinogenic colibactin (ΔflhDΔclbP). ΔflhDΔclbP-derived MVs showed rather strong mucosal adjuvanticity as compared to those of a single flagellar mutant strain (ΔflhD-MVs). In addition, glycoengineered ΔflhDΔclbP-MVs displaying serotype-14 pneumococcal capsular polysaccharide (CPS14+MVs) were well-characterized based on biological and physicochemical parameters. Subcutaneous (SC) and intranasal (IN) booster effects of CPS14+MVs on systemic and mucosal immunity were evaluated in mice that have already been subcutaneously prime-immunized with the same MVs. With a two-dose regimen, an IN boost (SC-IN) elicited stronger IgA responses than homologous prime-boost immunization (SC-SC). With a three-dose regimen, serum IgG levels were comparable among all tested regimens. Homologous immunization (SC-SC-SC) elicited the highest IgM responses among all regimens tested, whereas SC-SC-SC failed to elicit IgA responses in blood and saliva. Furthermore, serum IgA and salivary SIgA levels were increased with an increased number of IN doses administrated. Notably, SC-IN-IN induced not only robust IgG response, but also the highest IgA response in both serum and saliva among the groups. The present findings suggest the potential of a heterologous three-dose administration for building both systemic and mucosal immunity, e.g. an SC-IN-IN vaccine regimen could be beneficial. Another important observation was abundant packaging of colibactin in MVs, suggesting increased applicability of ΔflhDΔclbP-MVs in the context of vaccine safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroki Uchiyama
- Department of Bacteriology I, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Toshifumi Kudo
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takehiro Yamaguchi
- Department of Bacteriology I, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Nozomu Obana
- Tsukuba Transborder Medical Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
- Microbiology Research Center for Sustainability, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Kenji Watanabe
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Shizuoka, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Kimihiro Abe
- Department of Bacteriology I, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
- Research Center for Drug and Vaccine Development, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hidetaka Miyazaki
- Department of Oculoplastic, Orbital and Lacrimal Surgery, Aichi Medical University, Nagakute, Japan
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Division of Oral Health Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masanori Toyofuku
- Microbiology Research Center for Sustainability, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Nobuhiko Nomura
- Microbiology Research Center for Sustainability, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Yukihiro Akeda
- Department of Bacteriology I, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ryoma Nakao
- Department of Bacteriology I, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
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21
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Chen GL, Li JY, Chen X, Liu JW, Zhang Q, Liu JY, Wen J, Wang N, Lei M, Wei JP, Yi L, Li JJ, Ling YP, Yi HQ, Hu Z, Duan J, Zhang J, Zeng B. Mechanosensitive channels TMEM63A and TMEM63B mediate lung inflation-induced surfactant secretion. J Clin Invest 2024; 134:e174508. [PMID: 38127458 PMCID: PMC10904053 DOI: 10.1172/jci174508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary surfactant is a lipoprotein complex lining the alveolar surface to decrease the surface tension and facilitate inspiration. Surfactant deficiency is often seen in premature infants and in children and adults with respiratory distress syndrome. Mechanical stretch of alveolar type 2 epithelial (AT2) cells during lung expansion is the primary physiological factor that stimulates surfactant secretion; however, it is unclear whether there is a mechanosensor dedicated to this process. Here, we show that loss of the mechanosensitive channels TMEM63A and TMEM63B (TMEM63A/B) resulted in atelectasis and respiratory failure in mice due to a deficit of surfactant secretion. TMEM63A/B were predominantly localized at the limiting membrane of the lamellar body (LB), a lysosome-related organelle that stores pulmonary surfactant and ATP in AT2 cells. Activation of TMEM63A/B channels during cell stretch facilitated the release of surfactant and ATP from LBs fused with the plasma membrane. The released ATP evoked Ca2+ signaling in AT2 cells and potentiated exocytic fusion of more LBs. Our study uncovered a vital physiological function of TMEM63 mechanosensitive channels in preparing the lungs for the first breath at birth and maintaining respiration throughout life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gui-Lan Chen
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Ministry of Education and Medical Electrophysiological Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Institute of Cardiovascular Research, and
| | - Jing-Yi Li
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Ministry of Education and Medical Electrophysiological Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Institute of Cardiovascular Research, and
| | - Xin Chen
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Ministry of Education and Medical Electrophysiological Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Institute of Cardiovascular Research, and
| | - Jia-Wei Liu
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Ministry of Education and Medical Electrophysiological Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Institute of Cardiovascular Research, and
| | - Qian Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Ministry of Education and Medical Electrophysiological Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Institute of Cardiovascular Research, and
| | - Jie-Yu Liu
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Ministry of Education and Medical Electrophysiological Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Institute of Cardiovascular Research, and
| | - Jing Wen
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Ministry of Education and Medical Electrophysiological Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Institute of Cardiovascular Research, and
| | - Na Wang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Ministry of Education and Medical Electrophysiological Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Institute of Cardiovascular Research, and
| | - Ming Lei
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Ministry of Education and Medical Electrophysiological Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Institute of Cardiovascular Research, and
| | - Jun-Peng Wei
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Ministry of Education and Medical Electrophysiological Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Institute of Cardiovascular Research, and
| | - Li Yi
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Ministry of Education and Medical Electrophysiological Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Institute of Cardiovascular Research, and
| | - Jia-Jia Li
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Ministry of Education and Medical Electrophysiological Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Institute of Cardiovascular Research, and
| | - Yu-Peng Ling
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Ministry of Education and Medical Electrophysiological Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Institute of Cardiovascular Research, and
| | - He-Qiang Yi
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhenying Hu
- Human Aging Research Institute and School of Life Sciences and
| | - Jingjing Duan
- Human Aging Research Institute and School of Life Sciences and
| | - Jin Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Bo Zeng
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Ministry of Education and Medical Electrophysiological Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Institute of Cardiovascular Research, and
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22
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Wang C, Chen Z, Copenhaver GP, Wang Y. Heterochromatin in plant meiosis. Nucleus 2024; 15:2328719. [PMID: 38488152 PMCID: PMC10950279 DOI: 10.1080/19491034.2024.2328719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Heterochromatin is an organizational property of eukaryotic chromosomes, characterized by extensive DNA and histone modifications, that is associated with the silencing of transposable elements and repetitive sequences. Maintaining heterochromatin is crucial for ensuring genomic integrity and stability during the cell cycle. During meiosis, heterochromatin is important for homologous chromosome synapsis, recombination, and segregation, but our understanding of meiotic heterochromatin formation and condensation is limited. In this review, we focus on the dynamics and features of heterochromatin and how it condenses during meiosis in plants. We also discuss how meiotic heterochromatin influences the interaction and recombination of homologous chromosomes during prophase I.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cong Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Function and Regulation in Agricultural Organisms, College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhiyu Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Institute of Plant Biology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Gregory P. Copenhaver
- Department of Biology and the Integrative Program for Biological and Genome Sciences, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Yingxiang Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Function and Regulation in Agricultural Organisms, College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Institute of Plant Biology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, China
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23
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Escalera A, Laporte M, Turner S, Karakus U, Gonzalez-Reiche AS, van de Guchte A, Farrugia K, Khalil Z, van Bakel H, Smith D, García-Sastre A, Aydillo T. The impact of S2 mutations on Omicron SARS-CoV-2 cell surface expression and fusogenicity. Emerg Microbes Infect 2024; 13:2297553. [PMID: 38112266 PMCID: PMC10866063 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2023.2297553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 Omicron subvariants are still emerging and spreading worldwide. These variants contain a high number of polymorphisms in the spike (S) glycoprotein that could potentially impact their pathogenicity and transmission. We have previously shown that the S:655Y and P681H mutations enhance S protein cleavage and syncytia formation. Interestingly, these polymorphisms are present in Omicron S protein. Here, we characterized the cleavage efficiency and fusogenicity of the S protein of different Omicron sublineages. Our results showed that Omicron BA.1 subvariant is efficiently cleaved but it is poorly fusogenic compared to previous SARS-CoV-2 strains. To understand the basis of this phenotype, we generated chimeric S protein using combinations of the S1 and S2 domains from WA1, Delta and Omicron BA.1 variants. We found that the S2 domain of Omicron BA.1 hindered efficient cell-cell fusion. Interestingly, this domain only contains six unique polymorphisms never detected before in ancestral SARS-CoV-2 variants. WA1614G S proteins containing the six individuals S2 Omicron mutations were assessed for their fusogenicity and S surface expression after transfection in cells. Results showed that the S:N856K and N969K substitutions decreased syncytia formation and impacted S protein cell surface levels. However, we observed that "first-generation" Omicron sublineages that emerged subsequently, had convergently evolved to an enhanced fusogenic activity and S expression on the surface of infected cells while "second-generation" Omicron variants have highly diverged and showed lineage-specific fusogenic properties. Importantly, our findings could have potential implications in the improvement and redesign of COVID-19 vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alba Escalera
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Global Health and Emerging Pathogens Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Manon Laporte
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Global Health and Emerging Pathogens Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sam Turner
- Center for Pathogen Evolution, Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Umut Karakus
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Global Health and Emerging Pathogens Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ana S. Gonzalez-Reiche
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Adriana van de Guchte
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Keith Farrugia
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Zain Khalil
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Harm van Bakel
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Icahn Genomics Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Derek Smith
- Center for Pathogen Evolution, Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Adolfo García-Sastre
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Global Health and Emerging Pathogens Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- The Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Teresa Aydillo
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Global Health and Emerging Pathogens Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
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24
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Moeckel C, Mareboina M, Konnaris MA, Chan CS, Mouratidis I, Montgomery A, Chantzi N, Pavlopoulos GA, Georgakopoulos-Soares I. A survey of k-mer methods and applications in bioinformatics. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2024; 23:2289-2303. [PMID: 38840832 PMCID: PMC11152613 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2024.05.025] [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: 03/13/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
The rapid progression of genomics and proteomics has been driven by the advent of advanced sequencing technologies, large, diverse, and readily available omics datasets, and the evolution of computational data processing capabilities. The vast amount of data generated by these advancements necessitates efficient algorithms to extract meaningful information. K-mers serve as a valuable tool when working with large sequencing datasets, offering several advantages in computational speed and memory efficiency and carrying the potential for intrinsic biological functionality. This review provides an overview of the methods, applications, and significance of k-mers in genomic and proteomic data analyses, as well as the utility of absent sequences, including nullomers and nullpeptides, in disease detection, vaccine development, therapeutics, and forensic science. Therefore, the review highlights the pivotal role of k-mers in addressing current genomic and proteomic problems and underscores their potential for future breakthroughs in research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille Moeckel
- Institute for Personalized Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Manvita Mareboina
- Institute for Personalized Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Maxwell A. Konnaris
- Institute for Personalized Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Candace S.Y. Chan
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Ioannis Mouratidis
- Institute for Personalized Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
- Huck Institute of the Life Sciences, Penn State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Austin Montgomery
- Institute for Personalized Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Nikol Chantzi
- Institute for Personalized Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | | | - Ilias Georgakopoulos-Soares
- Institute for Personalized Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
- Huck Institute of the Life Sciences, Penn State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
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25
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Sardag I, Duvenci ZS, Belkaya S, Timucin E. Rational design of monomeric IL37 variants guided by stability and dynamical analyses of IL37 dimers. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2024; 23:1854-1863. [PMID: 38882680 PMCID: PMC11177541 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2024.04.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
IL37 plays important roles in the regulation of innate immunity and its oligomeric status is critical to these roles. In its monomeric state, IL37 can effectively inhibit the inflammatory response of IL18 by binding to IL18Rα, a capacity lost in its dimeric form, underlining the pivotal role of the oligomeric status of IL37 in its anti-inflammatory action. Until now, two IL37 dimer structures have been deposited in PDB, reflecting a substantial difference in their dimer interfaces. Given this discrepancy, we analyzed the PDB structures of the IL37 dimer (PDB IDs: 6ncu, 5hn1) along with a AF2-multimer prediction by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Results showed that the 5hn1 and AF2-predicted dimers have the same interface and stably maintained their conformations throughout simulations, while the recent IL37 dimer (PDB ID: 6ncu) with a different interface did not, proposing a possible issue with the recent IL37 dimer structure (6ncu). Next, focusing on the stable dimer structures, we have identified five critical positions of V71/Y85/I86/E89/S114, three new positions compared to the literature, that would reduce dimer stability without affecting the monomer structure. Two quintuple mutants were tested by MD simulations and showed partial or complete dissociation of the dimer. Overall, the insights gained from this study reinforce the validity of the 5hn1 and AF2 multimer structures, while also advancing our understanding of the IL37 dimer interface through the generation of monomer-locked IL37 variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inci Sardag
- Bogazici University, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Istanbul 34342, Turkey
| | - Zeynep Sevval Duvenci
- Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University, Institute of Health Sciences, Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Istanbul 34752, Turkey
| | - Serkan Belkaya
- Bilkent University, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Ankara 06800, Turkey
- Bilkent University, The National Nanotechnology Research Center (UNAM), Ankara 06800, Turkey
| | - Emel Timucin
- Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University, Institute of Health Sciences, Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Istanbul 34752, Turkey
- Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University, School of Medicine, Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, Istanbul 34752, Turkey
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26
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Kubitscheck U, Siebrasse JP. Pre-ribosomal particles from nucleoli to cytoplasm. Nucleus 2024; 15:2373052. [PMID: 38940456 PMCID: PMC11216097 DOI: 10.1080/19491034.2024.2373052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
The analysis of nucleocytoplasmic transport of proteins and messenger RNA has been the focus of advanced microscopic approaches. Recently, it has been possible to identify and visualize individual pre-ribosomal particles on their way through the nuclear pore complex using both electron and light microscopy. In this review, we focused on the transport of pre-ribosomal particles in the nucleus on their way to and through the pores.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrich Kubitscheck
- Clausius Institute of Physical and Theoretical Chemistry, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Jan Peter Siebrasse
- Clausius Institute of Physical and Theoretical Chemistry, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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27
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Alhilal M, Erol HS, Yildirim S, Cakir A, Koc M, Alhilal S, Dereli E, Alkanoglu O, Ay V, Can I, Halici MB. Medicinal evaluation and molecular docking study of osajin as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiapoptotic agent against sepsis-associated acute kidney injury in rats. Ren Fail 2024; 46:2379008. [PMID: 39034431 PMCID: PMC11262233 DOI: 10.1080/0886022x.2024.2379008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 07/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite efforts to find effective drugs for sepsis-associated acute kidney injury (SA-AKI), mortality rates in patients with SA-AKI have not decreased. Our study evaluated the protective effects of isoflavone osajin (OSJ) on SA-AKI in rats by targeting inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis, which represent the cornerstones in the pathophysiological mechanism of SA-AKI. Polymicrobial sepsis was induced in rats via the cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) technique. Markers of oxidative stress were evaluated in kidney tissues using biochemical methods. The expression of interleukin-33 (IL-33), 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), caspase-3, and kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) was evaluated as indicators of inflammation, DNA damage, apoptosis, and SA-AKI respectively in the kidney tissues using immunohistochemical and immunofluorescent detection methods. The CLP technique significantly (p < 0.001) increased lipid peroxidation (LPO) levels and significantly (p < 0.001) decreased the activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase in kidney tissues. In the renal tissues, strong expression of IL-33, 8-OHdG, caspase-3, and KIM-1 was observed with severe degeneration and necrosis in the tubular epithelium and intense interstitial nephritis. In contrast, the administration of OSJ significantly (p < 0.001) reduced the level of LPO, markedly improved biomarkers of antioxidant status, decreased the levels of serum creatinine and urea, lowered the expression of IL-33, 8-OHdG, caspase-3, and KIM-1 and alleviated changes in renal histopathology. A promising binding score was found via a molecular docking investigation of the OSJ-binding mode with mouse IL-33 (PDB Code: 5VI4). Therefore, OSJ protects against SA-AKI by suppressing the IL-33/LPO/8-OHdG/caspase-3 pathway and improving the antioxidant system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Alhilal
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Mardin Artuklu University, Mardin, Turkey
| | - Huseyin Serkan Erol
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kastamonu University, Kastamonu, Turkey
| | - Serkan Yildirim
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ataturk University, Erzurum, Turkey
| | - Ahmet Cakir
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Kilis 7 Aralık University, Kilis, Turkey
| | - Murat Koc
- Department of Tradational, Complementary and Integrative Medicine, Public Health Institute, Ankara Yildirim Beyazit University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Suzan Alhilal
- Department of Medical Services and Techniques, Vocational School of Health Services, Mardin Artuklu University, Mardin, Turkey
| | - Esra Dereli
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ataturk University, Erzurum, Turkey
| | - Omer Alkanoglu
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ataturk University, Erzurum, Turkey
| | - Volkan Ay
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ataturk University, Erzurum, Turkey
| | - Ismail Can
- Department of Histology-Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Kafkas University, Kars, Turkey
- HALICI Life Care LLC. Atatruk University, ATA-TECHNOCITY, Erzurum, Turkiye
| | - Mesut Bunyami Halici
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ataturk University, Erzurum, Turkey
- HALICI Life Care LLC. Atatruk University, ATA-TECHNOCITY, Erzurum, Turkiye
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28
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Řehulka J, Jurášek M, Dráber P, Ivanová A, Gurská S, Ječmeňová K, Mokshyna O, Hajdúch M, Polishchuk P, Drašar PB, Džubák P. Click estradiol dimers with novel aromatic bridging units: synthesis and anticancer evaluation. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2024; 39:2367139. [PMID: 38904149 PMCID: PMC467089 DOI: 10.1080/14756366.2024.2367139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Estradiol dimers (EDs) possess significant anticancer activity by targeting tubulin dynamics. In this study, we synthesised 12 EDs variants via copper-catalysed azide-alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) reaction, focusing on structural modifications within the aromatic bridge connecting two estradiol moieties. In vitro testing of these EDs revealed a marked improvement in selectivity towards cancerous cells, particularly for ED1-8. The most active compounds, ED3 (IC50 = 0.38 μM in CCRF-CEM) and ED5 (IC50 = 0.71 μM in CCRF-CEM) demonstrated cytotoxic effects superior to 2-methoxyestradiol (IC50 = 1.61 μM in CCRF-CEM) and exhibited anti-angiogenic properties in an endothelial cell tube-formation model. Cell-based experiments and in vitro assays revealed that EDs interfere with mitotic spindle assembly. Additionally, we proposed an in silico model illustrating the probable binding modes of ED3 and ED5, suggesting that dimers with a simple linker and a single substituent on the aromatic central ring possess enhanced characteristics compared to more complex dimers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiří Řehulka
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacký University, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Michal Jurášek
- Department of Chemistry of Natural Compounds, University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Praha 6, Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Dráber
- Department of Biology of Cytoskeleton, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Praha 4, Czech Republic
| | - Aleksandra Ivanová
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacký University, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Soňa Gurská
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacký University, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Kateřina Ječmeňová
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacký University, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Olena Mokshyna
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacký University, Olomouc, Czech Republic
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Praha 6, Czech Republic
| | - Marián Hajdúch
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacký University, Olomouc, Czech Republic
- Laboratory of Experimental Medicine, Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University Hospital Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Polishchuk
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacký University, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Pavel B. Drašar
- Department of Chemistry of Natural Compounds, University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Praha 6, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Džubák
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacký University, Olomouc, Czech Republic
- Laboratory of Experimental Medicine, Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University Hospital Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic
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29
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Scrima S, Lambrughi M, Favaro L, Maeda K, Jäättelä M, Papaleo E. Acidic sphingomyelinase interactions with lysosomal membranes and cation amphiphilic drugs: A molecular dynamics investigation. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2024; 23:2516-2533. [PMID: 38974886 PMCID: PMC11226985 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2024.05.049] [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: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Lysosomes are pivotal in cellular functions and disease, influencing cancer progression and therapy resistance with Acid Sphingomyelinase (ASM) governing their membrane integrity. Moreover, cation amphiphilic drugs (CADs) are known as ASM inhibitors and have anti-cancer activity, but the structural mechanisms of their interactions with the lysosomal membrane and ASM are poorly explored. Our study, leveraging all-atom explicit solvent molecular dynamics simulations, delves into the interaction of glycosylated ASM with the lysosomal membrane and the effects of CAD representatives, i.e., ebastine, hydroxyebastine and loratadine, on the membrane and ASM. Our results confirm the ASM association to the membrane through the saposin domain, previously only shown with coarse-grained models. Furthermore, we elucidated the role of specific residues and ASM-induced membrane curvature in lipid recruitment and orientation. CADs also interfere with the association of ASM with the membrane at the level of a loop in the catalytic domain engaging in membrane interactions. Our computational approach, applicable to various CADs or membrane compositions, provides insights into ASM and CAD interaction with the membrane, offering a valuable tool for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Scrima
- Cancer Structural Biology, Center for Autophagy, Recycling and Disease, Danish Cancer Institute, Copenhagen 2100, Denmark
- Cancer System Biology, Section for Bioinformatics, Department of Health and Technology, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby 2800, Denmark
| | - Matteo Lambrughi
- Cancer Structural Biology, Center for Autophagy, Recycling and Disease, Danish Cancer Institute, Copenhagen 2100, Denmark
| | - Lorenzo Favaro
- Cancer Structural Biology, Center for Autophagy, Recycling and Disease, Danish Cancer Institute, Copenhagen 2100, Denmark
| | - Kenji Maeda
- Cell Death and Metabolism, Center for Autophagy, Recycling and Disease, Danish Cancer Institute, Copenhagen 2100, Denmark
| | - Marja Jäättelä
- Cell Death and Metabolism, Center for Autophagy, Recycling and Disease, Danish Cancer Institute, Copenhagen 2100, Denmark
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen 2200, Denmark
| | - Elena Papaleo
- Cancer Structural Biology, Center for Autophagy, Recycling and Disease, Danish Cancer Institute, Copenhagen 2100, Denmark
- Cancer System Biology, Section for Bioinformatics, Department of Health and Technology, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby 2800, Denmark
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30
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Keeley O, Coyne AN. Nuclear and degradative functions of the ESCRT-III pathway: implications for neurodegenerative disease. Nucleus 2024; 15:2349085. [PMID: 38700207 PMCID: PMC11073439 DOI: 10.1080/19491034.2024.2349085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The ESCRT machinery plays a pivotal role in membrane-remodeling events across multiple cellular processes including nuclear envelope repair and reformation, nuclear pore complex surveillance, endolysosomal trafficking, and neuronal pruning. Alterations in ESCRT-III functionality have been associated with neurodegenerative diseases including Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD), Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), and Alzheimer's Disease (AD). In addition, mutations in specific ESCRT-III proteins have been identified in FTD/ALS. Thus, understanding how disruptions in the fundamental functions of this pathway and its individual protein components in the human central nervous system (CNS) may offer valuable insights into mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative disease pathogenesis and identification of potential therapeutic targets. In this review, we discuss ESCRT components, dynamics, and functions, with a focus on the ESCRT-III pathway. In addition, we explore the implications of altered ESCRT-III function for neurodegeneration with a primary emphasis on nuclear surveillance and endolysosomal trafficking within the CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia Keeley
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Brain Science Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Alyssa N. Coyne
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Brain Science Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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31
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Trus M, Atlas D. Non-ionotropic voltage-gated calcium channel signaling. Channels (Austin) 2024; 18:2341077. [PMID: 38601983 PMCID: PMC11017947 DOI: 10.1080/19336950.2024.2341077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs) are the major conduits for calcium ions (Ca2+) within excitable cells. Recent studies have highlighted the non-ionotropic functionality of VGCCs, revealing their capacity to activate intracellular pathways independently of ion flow. This non-ionotropic signaling mode plays a pivotal role in excitation-coupling processes, including gene transcription through excitation-transcription (ET), synaptic transmission via excitation-secretion (ES), and cardiac contraction through excitation-contraction (EC). However, it is noteworthy that these excitation-coupling processes require extracellular calcium (Ca2+) and Ca2+ occupancy of the channel ion pore. Analogous to the "non-canonical" characterization of the non-ionotropic signaling exhibited by the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDA), which requires extracellular Ca2+ without the influx of ions, VGCC activation requires depolarization-triggered conformational change(s) concomitant with Ca2+ binding to the open channel. Here, we discuss the contributions of VGCCs to ES, ET, and EC coupling as Ca2+ binding macromolecules that transduces external stimuli to intracellular input prior to elevating intracellular Ca2+. We emphasize the recognition of calcium ion occupancy within the open ion-pore and its contribution to the excitation coupling processes that precede the influx of calcium. The non-ionotropic activation of VGCCs, triggered by the upstroke of an action potential, provides a conceptual framework to elucidate the mechanistic aspects underlying the microseconds nature of synaptic transmission, cardiac contractility, and the rapid induction of first-wave genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Trus
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Daphne Atlas
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
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32
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Pradhan UK, Naha S, Das R, Gupta A, Parsad R, Meher PK. RBProkCNN: Deep learning on appropriate contextual evolutionary information for RNA binding protein discovery in prokaryotes. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2024; 23:1631-1640. [PMID: 38660008 PMCID: PMC11039349 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2024.04.034] [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: 02/16/2024] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) are central to key functions such as post-transcriptional regulation, mRNA stability, and adaptation to varied environmental conditions in prokaryotes. While the majority of research has concentrated on eukaryotic RBPs, recent developments underscore the crucial involvement of prokaryotic RBPs. Although computational methods have emerged in recent years to identify RBPs, they have fallen short in accurately identifying prokaryotic RBPs due to their generic nature. To bridge this gap, we introduce RBProkCNN, a novel machine learning-driven computational model meticulously designed for the accurate prediction of prokaryotic RBPs. The prediction process involves the utilization of eight shallow learning algorithms and four deep learning models, incorporating PSSM-based evolutionary features. By leveraging a convolutional neural network (CNN) and evolutionarily significant features selected through extreme gradient boosting variable importance measure, RBProkCNN achieved the highest accuracy in five-fold cross-validation, yielding 98.04% auROC and 98.19% auPRC. Furthermore, RBProkCNN demonstrated robust performance with an independent dataset, showcasing a commendable 95.77% auROC and 95.78% auPRC. Noteworthy is its superior predictive accuracy when compared to several state-of-the-art existing models. RBProkCNN is available as an online prediction tool (https://iasri-sg.icar.gov.in/rbprokcnn/), offering free access to interested users. This tool represents a substantial contribution, enriching the array of resources available for the accurate and efficient prediction of prokaryotic RBPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Upendra Kumar Pradhan
- Division of Statistical Genetics, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Statistics Research Institute, PUSA, New Delhi 110012, India
| | - Sanchita Naha
- Division of Computer Applications, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Statistics Research Institute, PUSA, New Delhi 110012, India
| | - Ritwika Das
- Division of Agricultural Bioinformatics, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Statistics Research Institute, PUSA, New Delhi 110012, India
| | - Ajit Gupta
- Division of Statistical Genetics, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Statistics Research Institute, PUSA, New Delhi 110012, India
| | - Rajender Parsad
- ICAR-Indian Agricultural Statistics Research Institute, PUSA, New Delhi 110012, India
| | - Prabina Kumar Meher
- Division of Statistical Genetics, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Statistics Research Institute, PUSA, New Delhi 110012, India
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King MR, Ruff KM, Pappu RV. Emergent microenvironments of nucleoli. Nucleus 2024; 15:2319957. [PMID: 38443761 PMCID: PMC10936679 DOI: 10.1080/19491034.2024.2319957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
In higher eukaryotes, the nucleolus harbors at least three sub-phases that facilitate multiple functionalities including ribosome biogenesis. The three prominent coexisting sub-phases are the fibrillar center (FC), the dense fibrillar component (DFC), and the granular component (GC). Here, we review recent efforts in profiling sub-phase compositions that shed light on the types of physicochemical properties that emerge from compositional biases and territorial organization of specific types of macromolecules. We highlight roles played by molecular grammars which refers to protein sequence features including the substrate binding domains, the sequence features of intrinsically disordered regions, and the multivalence of these distinct types of domains / regions. We introduce the concept of a barcode of emergent physicochemical properties of nucleoli. Although our knowledge of the full barcode remains incomplete, we hope that the concept prompts investigations into undiscovered emergent properties and engenders an appreciation for how and why unique microenvironments control biochemical reactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew R. King
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Center for Biomolecular Condensates, Washington University in St. Louis, Campus, MO, USA
| | - Kiersten M. Ruff
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Center for Biomolecular Condensates, Washington University in St. Louis, Campus, MO, USA
| | - Rohit V. Pappu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Center for Biomolecular Condensates, Washington University in St. Louis, Campus, MO, USA
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Rahaman MH, Thygesen SJ, Maxwell MJ, Kim H, Mudai P, Nanson JD, Jia X, Vajjhala PR, Hedger A, Vetter I, Haselhorst T, Robertson AAB, Dymock B, Ve T, Mobli M, Stacey KJ, Kobe B. o-Vanillin binds covalently to MAL/TIRAP Lys-210 but independently inhibits TLR2. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2024; 39:2313055. [PMID: 38416868 PMCID: PMC10903754 DOI: 10.1080/14756366.2024.2313055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Toll-like receptor (TLR) innate immunity signalling protects against pathogens, but excessive or prolonged signalling contributes to a range of inflammatory conditions. Structural information on the TLR cytoplasmic TIR (Toll/interleukin-1 receptor) domains and the downstream adaptor proteins can help us develop inhibitors targeting this pathway. The small molecule o-vanillin has previously been reported as an inhibitor of TLR2 signalling. To study its mechanism of action, we tested its binding to the TIR domain of the TLR adaptor MAL/TIRAP (MALTIR). We show that o-vanillin binds to MALTIR and inhibits its higher-order assembly in vitro. Using NMR approaches, we show that o-vanillin forms a covalent bond with lysine 210 of MAL. We confirm in mouse and human cells that o-vanillin inhibits TLR2 but not TLR4 signalling, independently of MAL, suggesting it may covalently modify TLR2 signalling complexes directly. Reactive aldehyde-containing small molecules such as o-vanillin may target multiple proteins in the cell.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md. Habibur Rahaman
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Sara J. Thygesen
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Michael J. Maxwell
- Centre for Advanced Imaging, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Hyoyoung Kim
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Prerna Mudai
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Jeffrey D. Nanson
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Xinying Jia
- Centre for Advanced Imaging, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Parimala R. Vajjhala
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Andrew Hedger
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Irina Vetter
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- School of Pharmacy, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | | | - Avril A. B. Robertson
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Brian Dymock
- Queensland Emory Drug Discovery Initiative, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Thomas Ve
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Southport, Australia
| | - Mehdi Mobli
- Centre for Advanced Imaging, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Katryn J. Stacey
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Bostjan Kobe
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
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35
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Liang Q, Tu B, Cui L. Recombinant T7 RNA polymerase production using ClearColi BL21(DE3) and animal-free media for in vitro transcription. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2024; 108:41. [PMID: 38180552 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-023-12939-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
In vitro transcription (IVT) using T7 RNA polymerase (RNAP) is integral to RNA research, yet producing this enzyme in E. coli presents challenges regarding endotoxins and animal-sourced toxins. This study demonstrates the viable production and characterization of T7 RNAP using ClearColi BL21(DE3) (an endotoxin-free E. coli strain) and animal-free media. Compared to BL21(DE3) with animal-free medium, soluble T7 RNAP expression is ~50% lower in ClearColi BL21(DE3). Optimal soluble T7 RNAP expression in flask fermentation is achieved through the design of experiments (DoE). Specification and functional testing showed that the endotoxin-free T7 RNAP has comparable activity to conventional T7 RNAP. After Ni-NTA purification, endotoxin levels were approximately 109-fold lower than T7 RNAP from BL21(DE3) with animal-free medium. Furthermore, a full factorial DoE created an optimal IVT system that maximized mRNA yield from the endotoxin-free and animal-free T7 RNAP. This work addresses critical challenges in recombinant T7 RNAP production through innovative host and medium combinations, avoided endotoxin risks and animal-derived toxins. Together with an optimized IVT reaction system, this study represents a significant advance for safe and reliable reagent manufacturing and RNA therapeutics. KEY POINTS: • Optimized IVT system maximizes mRNA yields, enabling the synthesis of long RNAs. • Novel production method yields endotoxin-free and animal-free T7 RNAP. • The T7 RNAP has equivalent specifications and function to conventional T7 RNAP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianying Liang
- School of Pharmacy & School of Biological and Food Engineering, Changzhou University, Changzhou, 213164, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Bowen Tu
- Pathogenic Biological Laboratory, Changzhou Disease Control and Prevention Centre, Changzhou Medical Centre, Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, 213000, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Lun Cui
- School of Pharmacy & School of Biological and Food Engineering, Changzhou University, Changzhou, 213164, Jiangsu Province, China.
- CCZU-JITRI Joint Bio-X Lab, Changzhou AiRiBio Healthcare CO., LTD, Changzhou, 213164, Jiangsu Province, China.
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36
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Doloman A, Besteman MS, Sanders MG, Sousa DZ. Methanogenic partner influences cell aggregation and signalling of Syntrophobacterium fumaroxidans. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2024; 108:127. [PMID: 38229305 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-023-12955-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
For several decades, the formation of microbial self-aggregates, known as granules, has been extensively documented in the context of anaerobic digestion. However, current understanding of the underlying microbial-associated mechanisms responsible for this phenomenon remains limited. This study examined morphological and biochemical changes associated with cell aggregation in model co-cultures of the syntrophic propionate oxidizing bacterium Syntrophobacterium fumaroxidans and hydrogenotrophic methanogens, Methanospirillum hungatei or Methanobacterium formicicum. Formerly, we observed that when syntrophs grow for long periods with methanogens, cultures tend to form aggregates visible to the eye. In this study, we maintained syntrophic co-cultures of S. fumaroxidans with either M. hungatei or M. formicicum for a year in a fed-batch growth mode to stimulate aggregation. Millimeter-scale aggregates were observed in both co-cultures within the first 5 months of cultivation. In addition, we detected quorum sensing molecules, specifically N-acyl homoserine lactones, in co-culture supernatants preceding the formation of macro-aggregates (with diameter of more than 20 μm). Comparative transcriptomics revealed higher expression of genes related to signal transduction, polysaccharide secretion and metal transporters in the late-aggregation state co-cultures, compared to the initial ones. This is the first study to report in detail both biochemical and physiological changes associated with the aggregate formation in syntrophic methanogenic co-cultures. KEYPOINTS: • Syntrophic co-cultures formed mm-scale aggregates within 5 months of fed-batch cultivation. • N-acyl homoserine lactones were detected during the formation of aggregates. • Aggregated co-cultures exhibited upregulated expression of adhesins- and polysaccharide-associated genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Doloman
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University & Research, Stippeneng 4, 6708, WE, Wageningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Maaike S Besteman
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University & Research, Stippeneng 4, 6708, WE, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Mark G Sanders
- Laboratory of Food Chemistry, Wageningen University, Bornse Weilanden 9, 6708, WG, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Diana Z Sousa
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University & Research, Stippeneng 4, 6708, WE, Wageningen, The Netherlands
- Centre for Living Technologies, Eindhoven-Wageningen-Utrecht Alliance, Princetonlaan 6, 3584, CB, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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37
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Kaweewan I, Mukai K, Rukthanapitak P, Nakagawa H, Hosaka T, Kodani S. Heterologous biosynthesis of myxobacterial lanthipeptides melittapeptins. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2024; 108:122. [PMID: 38229328 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-023-12834-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
The myxobacteria are an attractive bioresource for bioactive compounds since the large size genome contains many biosynthetic gene clusters of secondary metabolites. The genome of the myxobacterium Melittangium boletus contains three biosynthetic gene clusters for lanthipeptide production. One of the gene clusters includes genes coding lanthipeptide precursor (melA), class II lanthipeptide synthetase (melM), and transporter (melT). The amino acid sequence of melA indicated similarity with that of known lanthipeptides mersacidin and lichenicidin A1 by the alignment. To perform heterologous production of new lanthipeptides, the expression vector containing the essential genes (melA and melM) was constructed by utilizing codon-optimized synthetic genes. The co-expression of two genes in the host bacterial cells of Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) afforded new lanthipeptides named melittapeptins A-C. The structures of melittapeptins A-C including lanthionine/methyllanthionine bridge pattern were proposed based on protease digestion and MS/MS experiments. The native strain of M. boletus did not produce melittapeptins A-C, so heterologous production using the biosynthetic gene cluster was effective in obtaining the lanthipeptides. Melittapeptins A-C showed specific and potent antibacterial activity to the Gram-positive bacterium Micrococcus luteus. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of antibacterial lanthipeptides derived from myxobacterial origin. KEY POINTS: • New lanthipeptides melittapeptins were heterologously produced in Escherichia coli. • Melittapeptins showed specific antibacterial activity against Micrococcus luteus. • Melittapeptins were the first antibacterial lanthipeptides of myxobacterial origin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Issara Kaweewan
- Faculty of Agriculture, Shizuoka University, Shizuoka, Japan
- Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Keiichiro Mukai
- Graduate School of Medicine, Science and Technology, Shinshu University, Nagano, Japan
- Department of Biomolecular Innovation, Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Shinshu University, Nagano, Japan
| | | | - Hiroyuki Nakagawa
- Research Center for Advanced Analysis, Core Technology Research Headquarters, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO), Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Takeshi Hosaka
- Graduate School of Medicine, Science and Technology, Shinshu University, Nagano, Japan
- Department of Biomolecular Innovation, Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Shinshu University, Nagano, Japan
| | - Shinya Kodani
- Faculty of Agriculture, Shizuoka University, Shizuoka, Japan.
- Graduate School of Integrated Science and Technology, Shizuoka University, Shizuoka, Japan.
- College of Agriculture, Academic Institute, Shizuoka University, 836 Ohya, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka, 422-8529, Japan.
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38
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Burke Ó, Zeden MS, O'Gara JP. The pathogenicity and virulence of the opportunistic pathogen Staphylococcus epidermidis. Virulence 2024; 15:2359483. [PMID: 38868991 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2024.2359483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The pervasive presence of Staphylococcus epidermidis and other coagulase-negative staphylococci on the skin and mucous membranes has long underpinned a casual disregard for the infection risk that these organisms pose to vulnerable patients in healthcare settings. Prior to the recognition of biofilm as an important virulence determinant in S. epidermidis, isolation of this microorganism in diagnostic specimens was often overlooked as clinically insignificant with potential delays in diagnosis and onset of appropriate treatment, contributing to the establishment of chronic infection and increased morbidity or mortality. While impressive progress has been made in our understanding of biofilm mechanisms in this important opportunistic pathogen, research into other virulence determinants has lagged S. aureus. In this review, the broader virulence potential of S. epidermidis including biofilm, toxins, proteases, immune evasion strategies and antibiotic resistance mechanisms is surveyed, together with current and future approaches for improved therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Órla Burke
- Microbiology, School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | | | - James P O'Gara
- Microbiology, School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
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39
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Boczki P, Colombo M, Weiner J, Rapöhn I, Lacher M, Kiess W, Hanschkow M, Körner A, Landgraf K. Inhibition of AHCY impedes proliferation and differentiation of mouse and human adipocyte progenitor cells. Adipocyte 2024; 13:2290218. [PMID: 38064408 PMCID: PMC10732623 DOI: 10.1080/21623945.2023.2290218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
S-adenosyl-homocysteine-hydrolase (AHCY) plays an important role in the methionine cycle regulating cellular methylation levels. AHCY has been reported to influence proliferation and differentiation processes in different cell types, e.g. in cancer cells and mouse embryonic stem cells. In the development of adipose tissue, both the proliferation and differentiation of adipocyte progenitor cells (APCs) are important processes, which in the context of obesity are often dysregulated. To assess whether AHCY might also be involved in cell proliferation and differentiation of APCs, we investigated the effect of reduced AHCY activity on human and mouse APCs in vitro. We show that the inhibition of AHCY using adenosine dialdehyde (AdOx) and the knockdown of AHCY using gene-specific siRNAs reduced APC proliferation and number. Inhibition of AHCY further reduced APC differentiation into mature adipocytes and the expression of adipogenic differentiation markers. Global DNA methylation profiling in human APCs revealed that inhibition of AHCY is associated with alterations in CpG methylation levels of genes involved in fat cell differentiation and pathways related to cellular growth. Our findings suggest that AHCY is necessary for the maintenance of APC proliferation and differentiation and inhibition of AHCY alters DNA methylation processes leading to a dysregulation of the expression of genes involved in the regulation of these processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Boczki
- Center for Pediatric Research Leipzig (CPL), Hospital for Children & Adolescents, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Marco Colombo
- Center for Pediatric Research Leipzig (CPL), Hospital for Children & Adolescents, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Juliane Weiner
- Medical Department III - Endocrinology, Nephrology, Rheumatology, University of Leipzig Medical Center, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Inka Rapöhn
- Helmholtz Institute for Metabolic, Obesity and Vascular Research (HI-MAG) of the Helmholtz Zentrum München at the University of Leipzig and University Hospital Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Martin Lacher
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Wieland Kiess
- Center for Pediatric Research Leipzig (CPL), Hospital for Children & Adolescents, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Martha Hanschkow
- Center for Pediatric Research Leipzig (CPL), Hospital for Children & Adolescents, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Antje Körner
- Center for Pediatric Research Leipzig (CPL), Hospital for Children & Adolescents, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
- Helmholtz Institute for Metabolic, Obesity and Vascular Research (HI-MAG) of the Helmholtz Zentrum München at the University of Leipzig and University Hospital Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Kathrin Landgraf
- Center for Pediatric Research Leipzig (CPL), Hospital for Children & Adolescents, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
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Wu M, Wan Q, Dan X, Wang Y, Chen P, Chen C, Li Y, Yao X, He ML. Targeting Ser78 phosphorylation of Hsp27 achieves potent antiviral effects against enterovirus A71 infection. Emerg Microbes Infect 2024; 13:2368221. [PMID: 38932432 PMCID: PMC11212574 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2024.2368221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
A positive-sense (+) single-stranded RNA (ssRNA) virus (e.g. enterovirus A71, EV-A71) depends on viral polypeptide translation for initiation of virus replication after entry. We reported that EV-A71 hijacks Hsp27 to induce hnRNP A1 cytosol redistribution to initiate viral protein translation, but the underlying mechanism is still elusive. Here, we show that phosphorylation-deficient Hsp27-3A (Hsp27S15/78/82A) and Hsp27S78A fail to translocate into the nucleus and induce hnRNP A1 cytosol redistribution, while Hsp27S15A and Hsp27S82A display similar effects to the wild type Hsp27. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the viral 2A protease (2Apro) activity is a key factor in regulating Hsp27/hnRNP A1 relocalization. Hsp27S78A dramatically decreases the IRES activity and viral replication, which are partially reduced by Hsp27S82A. However, Hsp27S15A displays the same activity as the wild-type Hsp27. Peptide S78 potently suppresses EV-A71 protein translation and reproduction through blockage of EV-A71-induced Hsp27 phosphorylation and Hsp27/hnRNP A1 relocalization. A point mutation (S78A) on S78 impairs its inhibitory functions on Hsp27/hnRNP A1 relocalization and viral replication. Taken together, we demonstrate the importance of Ser78 phosphorylation of Hsp27 regulated by virus infection in nuclear translocation, hnRNP A1 cytosol relocation, and viral replication, suggesting a new path (such as peptide S78) for target-based antiviral strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mandi Wu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qianya Wan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xuelian Dan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yiran Wang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, People’s Republic of China
| | - Peiran Chen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, People’s Republic of China
| | - Cien Chen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yichen Li
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xi Yao
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ming-Liang He
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, People’s Republic of China
- CityU Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, People’s Republic of China
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41
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Soleymani F, Paquet E, Viktor HL, Michalowski W. Structure-based protein and small molecule generation using EGNN and diffusion models: A comprehensive review. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2024; 23:2779-2797. [PMID: 39050782 PMCID: PMC11268121 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2024.06.021] [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: 04/19/2024] [Revised: 06/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Recent breakthroughs in deep learning have revolutionized protein sequence and structure prediction. These advancements are built on decades of protein design efforts, and are overcoming traditional time and cost limitations. Diffusion models, at the forefront of these innovations, significantly enhance design efficiency by automating knowledge acquisition. In the field of de novo protein design, the goal is to create entirely novel proteins with predetermined structures. Given the arbitrary positions of proteins in 3-D space, graph representations and their properties are widely used in protein generation studies. A critical requirement in protein modelling is maintaining spatial relationships under transformations (rotations, translations, and reflections). This property, known as equivariance, ensures that predicted protein characteristics adapt seamlessly to changes in orientation or position. Equivariant graph neural networks offer a solution to this challenge. By incorporating equivariant graph neural networks to learn the score of the probability density function in diffusion models, one can generate proteins with robust 3-D structural representations. This review examines the latest deep learning advancements, specifically focusing on frameworks that combine diffusion models with equivariant graph neural networks for protein generation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farzan Soleymani
- Telfer School of Management, University of Ottawa, ON, K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Eric Paquet
- National Research Council, 1200 Montreal Road, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0R6, Canada
- School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of Ottawa, ON, K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Herna Lydia Viktor
- School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of Ottawa, ON, K1N 6N5, Canada
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42
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Novak JK, Gardner JG. Current models in bacterial hemicellulase-encoding gene regulation. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2024; 108:39. [PMID: 38175245 PMCID: PMC10766802 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-023-12977-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
The discovery and characterization of bacterial carbohydrate-active enzymes is a fundamental component of biotechnology innovation, particularly for renewable fuels and chemicals; however, these studies have increasingly transitioned to exploring the complex regulation required for recalcitrant polysaccharide utilization. This pivot is largely due to the current need to engineer and optimize enzymes for maximal degradation in industrial or biomedical applications. Given the structural simplicity of a single cellulose polymer, and the relatively few enzyme classes required for complete bioconversion, the regulation of cellulases in bacteria has been thoroughly discussed in the literature. However, the diversity of hemicelluloses found in plant biomass and the multitude of carbohydrate-active enzymes required for their deconstruction has resulted in a less comprehensive understanding of bacterial hemicellulase-encoding gene regulation. Here we review the mechanisms of this process and common themes found in the transcriptomic response during plant biomass utilization. By comparing regulatory systems from both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, as well as drawing parallels to cellulase regulation, our goals are to highlight the shared and distinct features of bacterial hemicellulase-encoding gene regulation and provide a set of guiding questions to improve our understanding of bacterial lignocellulose utilization. KEY POINTS: • Canonical regulatory mechanisms for bacterial hemicellulase-encoding gene expression include hybrid two-component systems (HTCS), extracytoplasmic function (ECF)-σ/anti-σ systems, and carbon catabolite repression (CCR). • Current transcriptomic approaches are increasingly being used to identify hemicellulase-encoding gene regulatory patterns coupled with computational predictions for transcriptional regulators. • Future work should emphasize genetic approaches to improve systems biology tools available for model bacterial systems and emerging microbes with biotechnology potential. Specifically, optimization of Gram-positive systems will require integration of degradative and fermentative capabilities, while optimization of Gram-negative systems will require bolstering the potency of lignocellulolytic capabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica K Novak
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Maryland - Baltimore County, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jeffrey G Gardner
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Maryland - Baltimore County, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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Yu H, Yau SST. The optimal metric for viral genome space. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2024; 23:2083-2096. [PMID: 38803517 PMCID: PMC11128839 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2024.05.005] [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: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Understanding the structural similarity between genomes is pivotal in classification and phylogenetic analysis. As the number of known genomes rockets, alignment-free methods have gained considerable attention. Among these methods, the natural vector method stands out as it represents sequences as vectors using statistical moments, enabling effective clustering based on families in biological taxonomy. However, determining an optimal metric that combines different elements in natural vectors remains challenging due to the absence of a rigorous theoretical framework for weighting different k-mers and orders. In this study, we address this challenge by transforming the determination of optimal weights into an optimization problem and resolving it through gradient-based techniques. Our experimental results underscore the substantial improvement in classification accuracy achieved by employing these optimal weights, reaching an impressive 92.73% on the testing set, surpassing other alignment-free methods. On one hand, our method offers an outstanding metric for virus classification, and on the other hand, it provides valuable insights into feature integration within alignment-free methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyu Yu
- Department of Mathematical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, People's Republic of China
| | - Stephen S.-T. Yau
- Department of Mathematical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, People's Republic of China
- Beijing Institute of Mathematical Sciences and Applications (Bimsa), Beijing, 101408, People's Republic of China
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Barrett J, Leysen S, Galmiche C, Al-Mossawi H, Bowness P, Edwards TE, Lawson AD. Chimeric antigens displaying GPR65 extracellular loops on a soluble scaffold enabled the discovery of antibodies, which recognized native receptor. Bioengineered 2024; 15:2299522. [PMID: 38184821 PMCID: PMC10773626 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2023.2299522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
GPR65 is a proton-sensing G-protein coupled receptor associated with multiple immune-mediated inflammatory diseases, whose function is relatively poorly understood. With few reagents commercially available to probe the biology of receptor, generation of an anti-GPR65 monoclonal antibody was desired. Using soluble chimeric scaffolds, such as ApoE3, displaying the extracellular loops of GPR65, together with established phage display technology, native GPR65 loop-specific antibodies were identified. Phage-derived loop-binding antibodies recognized the wild-type native receptor to which they had not previously been exposed, generating confidence in the use of chimeric soluble proteins to act as efficient surrogates for membrane protein extracellular loop antigens. This technique provides promise for the rational design of chimeric antigens in facilitating the discovery of specific antibodies to GPCRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janine Barrett
- UK Research Department, UCB Pharma, Slough, UK
- Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | | | - Hussein Al-Mossawi
- Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Paul Bowness
- Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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45
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Mars JC, Culjkovic-Kraljacic B, Borden KL. eIF4E orchestrates mRNA processing, RNA export and translation to modify specific protein production. Nucleus 2024; 15:2360196. [PMID: 38880976 PMCID: PMC11185188 DOI: 10.1080/19491034.2024.2360196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
The eukaryotic translation initiation factor eIF4E acts as a multifunctional factor that simultaneously influences mRNA processing, export, and translation in many organisms. Its multifactorial effects are derived from its capacity to bind to the methyl-7-guanosine cap on the 5'end of mRNAs and thus can act as a cap chaperone for transcripts in the nucleus and cytoplasm. In this review, we describe the multifactorial roles of eIF4E in major mRNA-processing events including capping, splicing, cleavage and polyadenylation, nuclear export and translation. We discuss the evidence that eIF4E acts at two levels to generate widescale changes to processing, export and ultimately the protein produced. First, eIF4E alters the production of components of the mRNA processing machinery, supporting a widescale reprogramming of multiple mRNA processing events. In this way, eIF4E can modulate mRNA processing without physically interacting with target transcripts. Second, eIF4E also physically interacts with both capped mRNAs and components of the RNA processing or translation machineries. Further, specific mRNAs are sensitive to eIF4E only in particular mRNA processing events. This selectivity is governed by the presence of cis-acting elements within mRNAs known as USER codes that recruit relevant co-factors engaging the appropriate machinery. In all, we describe the molecular bases for eIF4E's multifactorial function and relevant regulatory pathways, discuss the basis for selectivity, present a compendium of ~80 eIF4E-interacting factors which play roles in these activities and provide an overview of the relevance of its functions to its oncogenic potential. Finally, we summarize early-stage clinical studies targeting eIF4E in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Clément Mars
- Institute of Research in Immunology and Cancer, Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Biljana Culjkovic-Kraljacic
- Institute of Research in Immunology and Cancer, Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Katherine L.B. Borden
- Institute of Research in Immunology and Cancer, Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
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46
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Zhang Y, Liang S, Zhang S, Bai Q, Dai L, Wang J, Yao H, Zhang W, Liu G. Streptococcal arginine deiminase system defences macrophage bactericidal effect mediated by XRE family protein XtrSs. Virulence 2024; 15:2306719. [PMID: 38251714 PMCID: PMC10841013 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2024.2306719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The arginine deiminase system (ADS) has been identified in various bacteria and functions to supplement energy production and enhance biological adaptability. The current understanding of the regulatory mechanism of ADS and its effect on bacterial pathogenesis is still limited. Here, we found that the XRE family transcriptional regulator XtrSs negatively affected Streptococcus suis virulence and significantly repressed ADS transcription when the bacteria were incubated in blood. Electrophoretic mobility shift (EMSA) and lacZ fusion assays further showed that XtrSs directly bind to the promoter of ArgR, an acknowledged positive regulator of bacterial ADS, to repress ArgR transcription. Moreover, we provided compelling evidence that S. suis could utilize arginine via ADS to adapt to acid stress, while ΔxtrSs enhanced this acid resistance by upregulating the ADS operon. Moreover, whole ADS-knockout S. suis increased arginine and antimicrobial NO in the infected macrophage cells, decreased intracellular survival, and even caused significant attenuation of bacterial virulence in a mouse infection model, while ΔxtrSs consistently presented the opposite results. Our experiments identified a novel ADS regulatory mechanism in S. suis, whereby XtrSs regulated ADS to modulate NO content in macrophages, promoting S. suis intracellular survival. Meanwhile, our findings provide a new perspective on how Streptococci evade the host's innate immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yumin Zhang
- Sanya Institute of Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing Agricultural University, Sanya, China
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
- OIE Reference Lab for Swine Streptococcosis, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Bacteriology, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Song Liang
- Sanya Institute of Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing Agricultural University, Sanya, China
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
- OIE Reference Lab for Swine Streptococcosis, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Bacteriology, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shidan Zhang
- Sanya Institute of Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing Agricultural University, Sanya, China
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
- OIE Reference Lab for Swine Streptococcosis, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Bacteriology, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qiankun Bai
- Sanya Institute of Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing Agricultural University, Sanya, China
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
- OIE Reference Lab for Swine Streptococcosis, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Bacteriology, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Lei Dai
- Hainan Animal Disease Prevention and Control Center, Haikou, China
| | - Jinxiu Wang
- Hainan Animal Disease Prevention and Control Center, Haikou, China
| | - Huochun Yao
- Sanya Institute of Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing Agricultural University, Sanya, China
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
- OIE Reference Lab for Swine Streptococcosis, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Bacteriology, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Sanya Institute of Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing Agricultural University, Sanya, China
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
- OIE Reference Lab for Swine Streptococcosis, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Bacteriology, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Guangjin Liu
- Sanya Institute of Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing Agricultural University, Sanya, China
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
- OIE Reference Lab for Swine Streptococcosis, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Bacteriology, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
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47
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Mondal S, Becskei A. Gene choice in cancer cells is exclusive in ion transport but concurrent in DNA replication. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2024; 23:2534-2547. [PMID: 38974885 PMCID: PMC11226983 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2024.06.004] [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: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancers share common cellular and physiological features. Little is known about whether distinctive gene expression patterns can be displayed at the single-cell level by gene families in cancer cells. The expression of gene homologs within a family can exhibit concurrence and exclusivity. Concurrence can promote all-or-none expression patterns of related genes and underlie alternative physiological states. Conversely, exclusive gene families express the same or similar number of homologs in each cell, allowing a broad repertoire of cell identities to be generated. We show that gene families involved in the cell-cycle and antigen presentation are expressed concurrently. Concurrence in the DNA replication complex MCM reflects the replicative status of cells, including cell lines and cancer-derived organoids. Exclusive expression requires precise regulatory mechanism, but cancer cells retain this form of control for ion homeostasis and extend it to gene families involved in cell migration. Thus, the cell adhesion-based identity of healthy cells is transformed to an identity based on migration in the population of cancer cells, reminiscent of epithelial-mesenchymal transition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Mondal
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, Spitalstrasse 41, Basel 4056, Switzerland
| | - Attila Becskei
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, Spitalstrasse 41, Basel 4056, Switzerland
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48
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Vardaxis I, Simovski B, Anzar I, Stratford R, Clancy T. Deep learning of antibody epitopes using positional permutation vectors. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2024; 23:2695-2707. [PMID: 39035832 PMCID: PMC11260035 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2024.06.005] [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: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The accurate computational prediction of B cell epitopes can vastly reduce the cost and time required for identifying potential epitope candidates for the design of vaccines and immunodiagnostics. However, current computational tools for B cell epitope prediction perform poorly and are not fit-for-purpose, and there remains enormous room for improvement and the need for superior prediction strategies. Results Here we propose a novel approach that improves B cell epitope prediction by encoding epitopes as binary positional permutation vectors that represent the position and structural properties of the amino acids within a protein antigen sequence that interact with an antibody. This approach supersedes the traditional method of defining epitopes as scores per amino acid on a protein sequence, where each score reflects each amino acids predicted probability of partaking in a B cell epitope antibody interaction. In addition to defining epitopes as binary positional permutation vectors, the approach also uses the 3D macrostructure features of the unbound protein structures, and in turn uses these features to train another deep learning model on the corresponding antibody-bound protein 3D structures. This enables the algorithm to learn the key structural and physiochemical features of the unbound protein and embedded epitope that initiate the antibody binding process helping to eliminate "induced fit" biases in the training data. We demonstrate that the strategy predicts B cell epitopes with improved accuracy compared to the existing tools. Additionally, we show that this approach reliably identifies the majority of experimentally verified epitopes on the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 not seen by the model during training and generalizes in a very robust manner on dissimilar data not seen by the model during training. Conclusions With the approach described herein, a primary protein sequence and a query positional permutation vector encoding a putative epitope is sufficient to predict B cell epitopes in a reliable manner, potentially advancing the use of computational prediction of B cell epitopes in biomedical research applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis Vardaxis
- NEC OncoImmunity AS, Oslo Cancer Cluster, Ullernchausseen 64/66, Oslo 0379, Norway
| | - Boris Simovski
- NEC OncoImmunity AS, Oslo Cancer Cluster, Ullernchausseen 64/66, Oslo 0379, Norway
| | - Irantzu Anzar
- NEC OncoImmunity AS, Oslo Cancer Cluster, Ullernchausseen 64/66, Oslo 0379, Norway
| | - Richard Stratford
- NEC OncoImmunity AS, Oslo Cancer Cluster, Ullernchausseen 64/66, Oslo 0379, Norway
| | - Trevor Clancy
- NEC OncoImmunity AS, Oslo Cancer Cluster, Ullernchausseen 64/66, Oslo 0379, Norway
- Department of Vaccine Informatics, Institute for Tropical Medicine, Nagasaki University, Japan
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49
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Li C, Luo Y, Xie Y, Zhang Z, Liu Y, Zou L, Xiao F. Structural and functional prediction, evaluation, and validation in the post-sequencing era. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2024; 23:446-451. [PMID: 38223342 PMCID: PMC10787220 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2023.12.031] [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: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The surge of genome sequencing data has underlined substantial genetic variants of uncertain significance (VUS). The decryption of VUS discovered by sequencing poses a major challenge in the post-sequencing era. Although experimental assays have progressed in classifying VUS, only a tiny fraction of the human genes have been explored experimentally. Thus, it is urgently needed to generate state-of-the-art functional predictors of VUS in silico. Artificial intelligence (AI) is an invaluable tool to assist in the identification of VUS with high efficiency and accuracy. An increasing number of studies indicate that AI has brought an exciting acceleration in the interpretation of VUS, and our group has already used AI to develop protein structure-based prediction models. In this review, we provide an overview of the previous research on AI-based prediction of missense variants, and elucidate the challenges and opportunities for protein structure-based variant prediction in the post-sequencing era.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Li
- Clinical Biobank, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, National Health Commission, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- The Key Laboratory of Geriatrics, Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, National Health Commission, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yixuan Luo
- Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Yibo Xie
- Information Center, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, National Health Commission, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zaifeng Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Geriatrics, Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, National Health Commission, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ye Liu
- The Key Laboratory of Geriatrics, Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, National Health Commission, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lihui Zou
- The Key Laboratory of Geriatrics, Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, National Health Commission, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Fei Xiao
- Clinical Biobank, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, National Health Commission, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- The Key Laboratory of Geriatrics, Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, National Health Commission, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
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50
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Heng S, Sutheeworapong S, Wangnai C, Champreda V, Kosugi A, Ratanakhanokchai K, Tachaapaikoon C, Ceballos RM. Hydrolysis of ionic liquid-treated substrate with an Iocasia fonsfrigidae strain SP3-1 endoglucanase. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2024; 108:63. [PMID: 38189956 PMCID: PMC10774164 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-023-12918-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Recently, we reported the discovery of a novel endoglucanase of the glycoside hydrolase family 12 (GH12), designated IfCelS12A, from the haloalkaliphilic anaerobic bacterium Iocasia fonsfrigidae strain SP3-1, which was isolated from a hypersaline pond in the Samut Sakhon province of Thailand (ca. 2017). IfCelS12A exhibits high substrate specificity on carboxymethyl cellulose and amorphous cellulose but low substrate specificity on b-1,3;1,4-glucan. Unlike some endoglucanases of the GH12 family, IfCelS12A does not exhibit hydrolytic activity on crystalline cellulose (i.e., Avicel™). High-Pressure Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) analyses of products resulting from IfCelS12-mediated hydrolysis indicate mode of action for this enzyme. Notably, IfCelS12A preferentially hydrolyzes cellotetraoses, cellopentaoses, and cellohexaoses with negligible activity on cellobiose or cellotriose. Kinetic analysis with cellopentaose and barely b-D-glucan as cellulosic substrates were conducted. On cellopentaose, IfCelS12A demonstrates a 16-fold increase in activity (KM = 0.27 mM; kcat = 0.36 s-1; kcat/KM = 1.34 mM-1 s-1) compared to the enzymatic hydrolysis of barley b-D-glucan (KM: 0.04 mM, kcat: 0.51 s-1, kcat/KM = 0.08 mM-1 s-1). Moreover, IfCelS12A enzymatic efficacy is stable in hypersaline sodium chlorids (NaCl) solutions (up to 10% NaCl). Specifically, IfCel12A retains notable activity after 24 h at 2M NaCl (10% saline solution). IfCelS12A used as a cocktail component with other cellulolytic enzymes and in conjunction with mobile sequestration platform technology offers additional options for deconstruction of ionic liquid-pretreated cellulosic feedstock. KEY POINTS: • IfCelS12A from an anaerobic alkaliphile Iocasia fronsfrigidae shows salt tolerance • IfCelS12A in cocktails with other enzymes efficiently degrades cellulosic biomass • IfCelS12A used with mobile enzyme sequestration platforms enhances hydrolysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sobroney Heng
- School of Bioresources and Technology, King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi, Bangkok, 10150, Thailand
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Merced, CA, 95343, USA
| | - Sawannee Sutheeworapong
- Systems Biology and Bioinformatics Laboratory, Pilot Plant Development and Training Institute, King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi, Bangkok, 10150, Thailand
| | - Chinnapong Wangnai
- Pilot Plant Development and Training Institute, King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Verawat Champreda
- National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, 113 Thailand Science Park, Paholyothin Road Klong Luang, Pathumthani, 12120, Thailand
| | - Akihiko Kosugi
- Biological Resources and Post-Harvest Division, Japan International Research Center for Agricultural Sciences, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Khanok Ratanakhanokchai
- School of Bioresources and Technology, King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi, Bangkok, 10150, Thailand
- Excellent Center of Enzyme Technology and Microbial Utilization, Pilot Plant Development and Training Institute, King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi, Bangkok, 10150, Thailand
| | - Chakrit Tachaapaikoon
- School of Bioresources and Technology, King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi, Bangkok, 10150, Thailand.
- Excellent Center of Enzyme Technology and Microbial Utilization, Pilot Plant Development and Training Institute, King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi, Bangkok, 10150, Thailand.
| | - Ruben Michael Ceballos
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Merced, CA, 95343, USA.
- Quantitative Systems Biology Program, University of California, Merced, CA, 95343, USA.
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