The Association Between MTHFR C677T Gene Polymorphism and Repeated Pregnancy Loss in Arabic Countries: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Cloning, bioinformatics analysis and expression of the cysteine dioxygenase type 1 (CDO1) gene in domestic yak

Introduction

The CDO1 gene is an important gene in the taurine synthesis pathway and has been observed to have high expression in ovaries of female mammals. This study aims to explore the conservation of CDO1 gene in domestic yaks, as well as to examine the fundamental characteristics of CDO1 gene and its expression in female yaks.

Methods

Ovarian samples were collected from yaks in the follicular phase, luteal phase and gestation period in this experiment, and their total RNA and protein were extracted. Then Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and bioinformatics online software were used to clone and analyze the CDO1 gene. The relative expression of CDO1 in yak ovaries was detected by Quantitative Real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) and Western blotting. The distribution and localization of CDO1 protein in ovary were detected by immunohistochemistry.

Results

We have successfully cloned the coding region of CDO1 gene in yak. The results showed that the CDS region of CDO1 gene was 603 bp, encoding 200 amino acids, and was a relatively stable hydrophilic protein. CDO1 is relatively conservative in species evolution. The protein encoded by CDO1 gene does not have a signaling peptide or a transmembrane structure. It is a protein that is not involved in transmembrane transport and is mainly located in the cytoplasm. The secondary structure of the protein is dominated by the random coil. CDO1 is estimated to interact with 10 proteins. The results of RT-qPCR and Western blotting showed that the CDO1 gene exhibited the highest expression in the ovary during the luteal phase and the lowest expression in the ovary during the follicular phase (P < 0.01). The results of immunohistochemistry showed that CDO1 was mainly expressed in granular cells, theca cells and lutein cells of ovarian tissue.

Conclusion

These results suggest that the CDO1 gene has undergone minimal evolutionary changes during the course of animal evolution. The results provide a reference for further investigation of the function of CDO1 gene in reproduction and production in yaks.

Targeting one-carbon metabolism for cancer immunotherapy

BACKGROUND

One-carbon (1C) metabolism is a metabolic network that plays essential roles in biological reactions. In 1C metabolism, a series of nutrients are used to fuel metabolic pathways, including nucleotide metabolism, amino acid metabolism, cellular redox defence and epigenetic maintenance. At present, 1C metabolism is considered the hallmark of cancer. The 1C units obtained from the metabolic pathways increase the proliferation rate of cancer cells. In addition, anticancer drugs, such as methotrexate, which target 1C metabolism, have long been used in the clinic. In terms of immunotherapy, 1C metabolism has been used to explore biomarkers connected with immunotherapy response and immune-related adverse events in patients.

METHODS

We collected numerous literatures to explain the roles of one-carbon metabolism in cancer immunotherapy.

RESULTS

In this review, we focus on the important pathways in 1C metabolism and the function of 1C metabolism enzymes in cancer immunotherapy. Then, we summarise the inhibitors acting on 1C metabolism and their potential application on cancer immunotherapy. Finally, we provide a viewpoint and conclusion regarding the opportunities and challenges of targeting 1C metabolism for cancer immunotherapy in clinical practicability in the future.

CONCLUSION

Targeting one-carbon metabolism is useful for cancer immunotherapy.