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Benyamini P. The Comparative Characterization of a Hypervirulent Acinetobacter baumannii Bacteremia Clinical Isolate Reveals a Novel Mechanism of Pathogenesis. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:9780. [PMID: 39337268 PMCID: PMC11432228 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25189780] [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: 08/11/2024] [Revised: 08/30/2024] [Accepted: 09/06/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Acinetobacter baumannii is an opportunistic Gram-negative pathogen with exquisite survival capabilities under various environmental conditions and displays widespread resistance to common antibiotics. A. baumannii is a leading cause of nosocomial infections that result in high morbidity and mortality rates. Accordingly, when multidrug resistance rates surpass threshold levels, the percentage of A. baumannii clinical isolates surges. Research into A. baumannii has increased in the past decade, and multiple mechanisms of pathogenesis have been identified, including mechanisms underlying biofilm development, quorum sensing, exotoxin production, secretion system utilization, and more. To date, the two gold-standard strains used to investigate different aspects of A. baumannii pathogenesis include ATCC 17978 and ATCC 19606. Here, we report a comparative characterization study of three additional A. baumannii clinical isolates obtained from different infection types and derived from different anatomical regions of infected patients. The comparison of three clinical isolates in addition to the ATCC strains revealed that the hypervirulent bacteremia clinical isolate, known as HUMC1, employs a completely different mechanism of pathogenesis when compared to all its counterparts. In stark contrast to the other genetic variants, the hypervirulent HUMC1 isolate does not form biofilms, is antibiotic-susceptible, and has the capacity to reach higher levels of quorum compared to the other clinically relevant strains. Our data also reveal that HUMC1 does not shed endotoxin into the extracellular milieu, rather secretes the evolutionarily conserved, host-mimicking, Zonula occludens toxin (Zot). Taken together, our hypothesis that HUMC1 cells have the ability to reach higher levels of quorum and lack biofilm production and endotoxin shedding, accompanied by the substantial elaboration of Zot, suggests a novel mechanism of pathogenesis that appears to afford the hypervirulent pathogen with stealth-like capabilities when disseminating through the circulatory system in a state of bacteremia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Payam Benyamini
- The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA 90502, USA
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2
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Escrich A, Jonguitud-Borrego N, Malcı K, Sanchez-Muñoz R, Palazon J, Rios-Solis L, Moyano E. A novel step towards the heterologous biosynthesis of paclitaxel: Characterization of T1βOH taxane hydroxylase. Metab Eng 2024; 85:201-212. [PMID: 39197725 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymben.2024.08.005] [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: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 06/25/2024] [Accepted: 08/21/2024] [Indexed: 09/01/2024]
Abstract
In the quest for innovative cancer therapeutics, paclitaxel remains a cornerstone in clinical oncology. However, its complex biosynthetic pathway, particularly the intricate oxygenation steps, has remained a puzzle in the decades following the characterization of the last taxane hydroxylase. The high divergence and promiscuity of enzymes involved have posed significant challenges. In this study, we adopted an innovative approach, combining in silico methods and functional gene analysis, to shed light on this elusive pathway. Our molecular docking investigations using a library of potential ligands uncovered TB574 as a potential missing enzyme in the paclitaxel biosynthetic pathway, demonstrating auspicious interactions. Complementary in vivo assays utilizing engineered S. cerevisiae strains as novel microbial cell factory consortia not only validated TB574's critical role in forging the elusive paclitaxel intermediate, T5αAc-1β,10β-diol, but also achieved the biosynthesis of paclitaxel precursors at an unprecedented yield including T5αAc-1β,10β-diol with approximately 40 mg/L. This achievement is highly promising, offering a new direction for further exploration of a novel metabolic engineering approaches using microbial consortia. In conclusion, our study not only furthers study the roles of previously uncharacterized enzymes in paclitaxel biosynthesis but also forges a path for pioneering advancements in the complete understanding of paclitaxel biosynthesis and its heterologous production. The characterization of T1βOH underscores a significant leap forward for future advancements in paclitaxel production using heterologous systems to improve cancer treatment and pharmaceutical production, thereby holding immense promise for enhancing the efficacy of cancer therapies and the efficiency of pharmaceutical manufacturing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ainoa Escrich
- Department of Medicine and Life Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Nestor Jonguitud-Borrego
- Institute for Bioengineering, School of Engineering, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH9 3BF, United Kingdom
| | - Koray Malcı
- Institute for Bioengineering, School of Engineering, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH9 3BF, United Kingdom
| | - Raul Sanchez-Muñoz
- Laboratory of Functional Plant Biology, Department of Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Javier Palazon
- Department of Biology, Healthcare and the Environment, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Science, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Leonardo Rios-Solis
- Institute for Bioengineering, School of Engineering, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH9 3BF, United Kingdom; Department of Biochemical Engineering, The Advanced Centre for Biochemical Engineering, University College London, London, WC1E 6EB, United Kingdom.
| | - Elisabeth Moyano
- Department of Medicine and Life Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain.
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3
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Hirth A, Fatti E, Netz E, Acebron SP, Papageorgiou D, Švorinić A, Cruciat CM, Karaulanov E, Gopanenko A, Zhu T, Sinning I, Krijgsveld J, Kohlbacher O, Niehrs C. DEAD box RNA helicases are pervasive protein kinase interactors and activators. Genome Res 2024; 34:952-966. [PMID: 38986579 PMCID: PMC11293542 DOI: 10.1101/gr.278264.123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
DEAD box (DDX) RNA helicases are a large family of ATPases, many of which have unknown functions. There is emerging evidence that besides their role in RNA biology, DDX proteins may stimulate protein kinases. To investigate if protein kinase-DDX interaction is a more widespread phenomenon, we conducted three orthogonal large-scale screens, including proteomics analysis with 32 RNA helicases, protein array profiling, and kinome-wide in vitro kinase assays. We retrieved Ser/Thr protein kinases as prominent interactors of RNA helicases and report hundreds of binary interactions. We identified members of ten protein kinase families, which bind to, and are stimulated by, DDX proteins, including CDK, CK1, CK2, DYRK, MARK, NEK, PRKC, SRPK, STE7/MAP2K, and STE20/PAK family members. We identified MARK1 in all screens and validated that DDX proteins accelerate the MARK1 catalytic rate. These findings indicate pervasive interactions between protein kinases and DEAD box RNA helicases, and provide a rich resource to explore their regulatory relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Hirth
- Division of Molecular Embryology, DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance, Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Faculty of Biosciences, Ruprecht-Karls University of Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Edoardo Fatti
- Division of Molecular Embryology, DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance, Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Faculty of Biosciences, Ruprecht-Karls University of Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Eugen Netz
- Applied Bioinformatics, Department of Computer Science, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Institute for Bioinformatics and Medical Informatics, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Sergio P Acebron
- Division of Molecular Embryology, DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance, Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Dimitris Papageorgiou
- Proteomics of Stem Cells and Cancer, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Medical Faculty, Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Andrea Švorinić
- Division of Molecular Embryology, DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance, Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Faculty of Biosciences, Ruprecht-Karls University of Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Heidelberg University Biochemistry Center (BZH), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Cristina-Maria Cruciat
- Division of Molecular Embryology, DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance, Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | | | - Tianheng Zhu
- Division of Molecular Embryology, DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance, Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Faculty of Biosciences, Ruprecht-Karls University of Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Irmgard Sinning
- Heidelberg University Biochemistry Center (BZH), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jeroen Krijgsveld
- Proteomics of Stem Cells and Cancer, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Medical Faculty, Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Oliver Kohlbacher
- Applied Bioinformatics, Department of Computer Science, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Institute for Bioinformatics and Medical Informatics, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Translational Bioinformatics, University Hospital Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Christof Niehrs
- Division of Molecular Embryology, DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance, Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany;
- Institute of Molecular Biology (IMB), 55128 Mainz, Germany
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4
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Benyamini P. Phylogenetic Tracing of Evolutionarily Conserved Zonula Occludens Toxin Reveals a "High Value" Vaccine Candidate Specific for Treating Multi-Strain Pseudomonas aeruginosa Infections. Toxins (Basel) 2024; 16:271. [PMID: 38922165 PMCID: PMC11209546 DOI: 10.3390/toxins16060271] [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: 05/03/2024] [Revised: 06/09/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Extensively drug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections are emerging as a significant threat associated with adverse patient outcomes. Due to this organism's inherent properties of developing antibiotic resistance, we sought to investigate alternative strategies such as identifying "high value" antigens for immunotherapy-based purposes. Through extensive database mining, we discovered that numerous Gram-negative bacterial (GNB) genomes, many of which are known multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens, including P. aeruginosa, horizontally acquired the evolutionarily conserved gene encoding Zonula occludens toxin (Zot) with a substantial degree of homology. The toxin's genomic footprint among so many different GNB stresses its evolutionary importance. By employing in silico techniques such as proteomic-based phylogenetic tracing, in conjunction with comparative structural modeling, we discovered a highly conserved intermembrane associated stretch of 70 amino acids shared among all the GNB strains analyzed. The characterization of our newly identified antigen reveals it to be a "high value" vaccine candidate specific for P. aeruginosa. This newly identified antigen harbors multiple non-overlapping B- and T-cell epitopes exhibiting very high binding affinities and can adopt identical tertiary structures among the least genetically homologous P. aeruginosa strains. Taken together, using proteomic-driven reverse vaccinology techniques, we identified multiple "high value" vaccine candidates capable of eliciting a polarized immune response against all the P. aeruginosa genetic variants tested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Payam Benyamini
- Department of Health Sciences at Extension, University of California Los Angeles, 1145 Gayley Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90024, USA
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5
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Spetik M, Pecenka J, Stuskova K, Stepanova B, Eichmeier A, Kiss T. Fungal Trunk Diseases Causing Decline of Apricot and Plum Trees in the Czech Republic. PLANT DISEASE 2024; 108:1425-1436. [PMID: 38085239 DOI: 10.1094/pdis-06-23-1080-sr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Fungal trunk diseases (FTDs) have been a significant threat to the global stone fruit industry. FTDs are caused by a consortium of wood-decaying fungi. These fungi colonize woody tissues, causing cankers, dieback, and other decline-related symptoms in host plants. In this study, a detailed screening of the fungal microbiota associated with the decline of stone fruit trees in the Czech Republic was performed. The wood fragments of plum and apricot trees showing symptoms of FTDs were subjected to fungal isolation. The partial internal transcribed spacer region, partial beta-tubulin, and translation elongation factor 1-α genes were amplified from genomic DNA extracted from fungal cultures. All isolates were classified, and the taxonomic placement of pathogenic strains was illustrated in phylogenetic trees. The most abundant pathogenic genus was Dactylonectria (31%), followed by Biscogniauxia (13%), Thelonectria (10%), Eutypa (9%), Dothiorella (7%), Diplodia (6%), and Diaporthe (6%). The most frequent endophytic genus was Aposphaeria (17%). The pathogenicity of six fungal species (Cadophora daguensis, Collophorina africana, Cytospora sorbicola, Dothiorella sarmentorum, Eutypa lata, and E. petrakii var. petrakii) to four Prunus spp. was evaluated, and Koch's postulates were fulfilled. All tested isolates caused lesions on at least one Prunus sp. The most aggressive species was E. lata, which caused the largest lesions on all four tested Prunus spp., followed by E. petrakii var. petrakii and D. sarmentorum. Japanese plum (Prunus salicina) and almond (P. amygdalus) were the most susceptible hosts, while apricot (P. armeniaca) was the least susceptible host in the pathogenicity trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milan Spetik
- Mendeleum-Institute of Genetics, Mendel University in Brno 691 44, Lednice na Morave, Czech Republic
| | - Jakub Pecenka
- Mendeleum-Institute of Genetics, Mendel University in Brno 691 44, Lednice na Morave, Czech Republic
| | - Katerina Stuskova
- Mendeleum-Institute of Genetics, Mendel University in Brno 691 44, Lednice na Morave, Czech Republic
| | - Bara Stepanova
- Department of Fruit Science, Mendel University in Brno 691 44, Lednice na Morave, Czech Republic
| | - Ales Eichmeier
- Mendeleum-Institute of Genetics, Mendel University in Brno 691 44, Lednice na Morave, Czech Republic
| | - Tomas Kiss
- Department of Fruit Science, Mendel University in Brno 691 44, Lednice na Morave, Czech Republic
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6
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Madeira F, Madhusoodanan N, Lee J, Eusebi A, Niewielska A, Tivey ARN, Meacham S, Lopez R, Butcher S. Using EMBL-EBI Services via Web Interface and Programmatically via Web Services. Curr Protoc 2024; 4:e1065. [PMID: 38857087 DOI: 10.1002/cpz1.1065] [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] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
The European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI)'s Job Dispatcher framework provides access to a wide range of core databases and analysis tools that are of key importance in bioinformatics. As well as providing web interfaces to these resources, web services are available using REST and SOAP protocols that enable programmatic access and allow their integration into other applications and analytical workflows and pipelines. This article describes the various options available to researchers and bioinformaticians who would like to use our resources via the web interface employing RESTful web services clients provided in Perl, Python, and Java or who would like to use Docker containers to integrate the resources into analysis pipelines and workflows. © 2024 The Authors. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol 1: Retrieving data from EMBL-EBI using Dbfetch via the web interface Alternate Protocol 1: Retrieving data from EMBL-EBI using WSDbfetch via the REST interface Alternate Protocol 2: Retrieving data from EMBL-EBI using Dbfetch via RESTful web services with Python client Support Protocol 1: Installing Python REST web services clients Basic Protocol 2: Sequence similarity search using FASTA search via the web interface Alternate Protocol 3: Sequence similarity search using FASTA via RESTful web services with Perl client Support Protocol 2: Installing Perl REST web services clients Basic Protocol 3: Sequence similarity search using NCBI BLAST+ RESTful web services with Python client Basic Protocol 4: Sequence similarity search using HMMER3 phmmer REST web services with Perl client and Docker Support Protocol 3: Installing Docker and running the EMBL-EBI client container Basic Protocol 5: Protein functional analysis using InterProScan 5 RESTful web services with the Python client and Docker Alternate Protocol 4: Protein functional analysis using InterProScan 5 RESTful web services with the Java client Support Protocol 4: Installing Java web services clients Basic Protocol 6: Multiple sequence alignment using Clustal Omega via web interface Alternate Protocol 5: Multiple sequence alignment using Clustal Omega with Perl client and Docker Support Protocol 5: Exploring the RESTful API with OpenAPI User Inferface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fábio Madeira
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory-European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI), Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Nandana Madhusoodanan
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory-European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI), Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Joonheung Lee
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory-European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI), Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Alberto Eusebi
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory-European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI), Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Ania Niewielska
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory-European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI), Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Adrian R N Tivey
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory-European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI), Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Stuart Meacham
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory-European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI), Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Rodrigo Lopez
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory-European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI), Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah Butcher
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory-European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI), Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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Pullmann-Lindsley H, Huff RM, Boyi J, Pitts RJ. Odorant receptors for floral- and plant-derived volatiles in the yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae). PLoS One 2024; 19:e0302496. [PMID: 38709760 PMCID: PMC11073699 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0302496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Adult mosquitoes require regular sugar meals, including nectar, to survive in natural habitats. Both males and females locate potential sugar sources using sensory proteins called odorant receptors (ORs) activated by plant volatiles to orient toward flowers or honeydew. The yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus, 1762), possesses a large gene family of ORs, many of which are likely to detect floral odors. In this study, we have uncovered ligand-receptor pairings for a suite of Aedes aegypti ORs using a panel of environmentally relevant, plant-derived volatile chemicals and a heterologous expression system. Our results support the hypothesis that these odors mediate sensory responses to floral odors in the mosquito's central nervous system, thereby influencing appetitive or aversive behaviors. Further, these ORs are well conserved in other mosquitoes, suggesting they function similarly in diverse species. This information can be used to assess mosquito foraging behavior and develop novel control strategies, especially those that incorporate mosquito bait-and-kill technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Robert Mark Huff
- Department of Biology, Baylor University, Waco, TX, United States of America
| | - John Boyi
- Department of Biology, Baylor University, Waco, TX, United States of America
| | - Ronald Jason Pitts
- Department of Biology, Baylor University, Waco, TX, United States of America
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8
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Almeida-Silva D, Servino LM, Pontes-Nogueira M, Sawaya RJ. Marine introgressions and Andean uplift have driven diversification in neotropical Monkey tree frogs (Anura, Phyllomedusinae). PeerJ 2024; 12:e17232. [PMID: 38646479 PMCID: PMC11027904 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.17232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The species richness in the Neotropics has been linked to environmental heterogeneity and a complex geological history. We evaluated which biogeographic processes were associated with the diversification of Monkey tree frogs, an endemic clade from the Neotropics. We tested two competing hypotheses: the diversification of Phyllomedusinae occurred either in a "south-north" or a "north-south" direction in the Neotropics. We also hypothesized that marine introgressions and Andean uplift had a crucial role in promoting their diversification. We used 13 molecular markers in a Bayesian analysis to infer phylogenetic relationships among 57 species of Phyllomedusinae and to estimate their divergence times. We estimated ancestral ranges based on 12 biogeographic units considering the landscape modifications of the Neotropical region. We found that the Phyllomedusinae hypothetical ancestor range was probably widespread throughout South America, from Western Amazon to Southern Atlantic Forest, at 29.5 Mya. The Phyllomedusines' ancestor must have initially diverged through vicariance, generally followed by jump-dispersals and sympatric speciation. Dispersal among areas occurred mostly from Western Amazonia towards Northern Andes and the South American diagonal of dry landscapes, a divergent pattern from both "south-north" and "north-south" diversification hypotheses. Our results revealed a complex diversification process of Monkey tree frogs, occurring simultaneously with the orogeny of Northern Andes and the South American marine introgressions in the last 30 million years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Almeida-Silva
- Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas, Universidade Federal do ABC, São Bernardo do Campo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Miguel Lillo, Unidad Ejecutora Lillo, San Miguel de Tucumán, Tucumán, Argentina
| | - Leonardo Matheus Servino
- Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas, Universidade Federal do ABC, São Bernardo do Campo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Matheus Pontes-Nogueira
- Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas, Universidade Federal do ABC, São Bernardo do Campo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ricardo J. Sawaya
- Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas, Universidade Federal do ABC, São Bernardo do Campo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Martinů J, Tarabai H, Štefka J, Hypša V. Highly Resolved Genomes of Two Closely Related Lineages of the Rodent Louse Polyplax serrata with Different Host Specificities. Genome Biol Evol 2024; 16:evae045. [PMID: 38478715 PMCID: PMC10972687 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evae045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Sucking lice of the parvorder Anoplura are permanent ectoparasites with specific lifestyle and highly derived features. Currently, genomic data are only available for a single species, the human louse Pediculus humanus. Here, we present genomes of two distinct lineages, with different host spectra, of a rodent louse Polyplax serrata. Genomes of these ecologically different lineages are closely similar in gene content and display a conserved order of genes, with the exception of a single translocation. Compared with P. humanus, the P. serrata genomes are noticeably larger (139 vs. 111 Mbp) and encode a higher number of genes. Similar to P. humanus, they are reduced in sensory-related categories such as vision and olfaction. Utilizing genome-wide data, we perform phylogenetic reconstruction and evolutionary dating of the P. serrata lineages. Obtained estimates reveal their relatively deep divergence (∼6.5 Mya), comparable with the split between the human and chimpanzee lice P. humanus and Pediculus schaeffi. This supports the view that the P. serrata lineages are likely to represent two cryptic species with different host spectra. Historical demographies show glaciation-related population size (Ne) reduction, but recent restoration of Ne was seen only in the less host-specific lineage. Together with the louse genomes, we analyze genomes of their bacterial symbiont Legionella polyplacis and evaluate their potential complementarity in synthesis of amino acids and B vitamins. We show that both systems, Polyplax/Legionella and Pediculus/Riesia, display almost identical patterns, with symbionts involved in synthesis of B vitamins but not amino acids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Martinů
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Hassan Tarabai
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
- Central European Institute of Technology (CEITEC), University of Veterinary Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Štefka
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, The Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Václav Hypša
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, The Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
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10
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Goodell DJ, Whitby FG, Mellem JE, Lei N, Brockie PJ, Maricq AJ, Eckert DM, Hill CP, Madsen DM, Maricq AV. Mechanistic and structural studies reveal NRAP-1-dependent coincident activation of NMDARs. Cell Rep 2024; 43:113694. [PMID: 38265937 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.113694] [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: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-type ionotropic glutamate receptors have essential roles in neurotransmission and synaptic plasticity. Previously, we identified an evolutionarily conserved protein, NRAP-1, that is required for NMDA receptor (NMDAR) function in C. elegans. Here, we demonstrate that NRAP-1 was sufficient to gate NMDARs and greatly enhanced glutamate-mediated NMDAR gating, thus conferring coincident activation properties to the NMDAR. Intriguingly, vertebrate NMDARs-and chimeric NMDARs where the amino-terminal domain (ATD) of C. elegans NMDARs was replaced by the ATD from vertebrate receptors-were spontaneously active when ectopically expressed in C. elegans neurons. Thus, the ATD is a primary determinant of NRAP-1- and glutamate-mediated gating of NMDARs. We determined the crystal structure of NRAP-1 at 1.9-Å resolution, which revealed two distinct domains positioned around a central low-density lipoprotein receptor class A domain. The NRAP-1 structure, combined with chimeric and mutational analyses, suggests a model where the three NRAP-1 domains work cooperatively to modify the gating of NMDARs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dayton J Goodell
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112-9458, USA
| | - Frank G Whitby
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112-5650, USA
| | - Jerry E Mellem
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112-9458, USA
| | - Ning Lei
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112-9458, USA
| | - Penelope J Brockie
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112-9458, USA
| | | | - Debra M Eckert
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112-5650, USA
| | - Christopher P Hill
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112-5650, USA
| | - David M Madsen
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112-9458, USA
| | - Andres V Maricq
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112-9458, USA.
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11
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Pan C, Yin J, Ma B, Wen J, Luo P. Whole-genome sequence and characterization of a marine red yeast, Rhodosporidium sphaerocarpum GDMCC 60679, featuring the assimilation of ammonia nitrogen. J Biosci Bioeng 2024; 137:85-93. [PMID: 38155026 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiosc.2023.12.007] [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: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
A marine red yeast, Rhodosporidium sphaerocarpum, is generally used for the production of lipids and carotenoids. In a previous study, we demonstrated that a marine-derived R. sphaerocarpum GDMCC 60679 can efficiently remove ammonia nitrogen and exhibit multiple probiotic functions for shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei. Here, we performed a genome assembly of the strain GDMCC 60679 using a combination of the data from Illumina PE and PacBio CLR reads. The genome has a size of 18.03 Mb and consists of 32 contigs with an N50 length of 1,074,774 bp and GC content of 63 %. The genome was predicted to contain 6092 protein-coding genes, 5962 of which were functionally annotated. Metabolic pathways responsible for the ammonia assimilation and the synthesis of lipids and carotenoids were particularly examined to explore and characterize genes contributing to these functions. Whole-genome sequence and annotation of the strain lays a foundation to reveal the molecular mechanism of its prominent biological functions and will facilitate us to further expand new applications of yeasts in Rhodosporidium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuanhao Pan
- Fisheries College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Jiayue Yin
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology (LMB), Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology (LAMB), South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Bo Ma
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology (LMB), Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology (LAMB), South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jing Wen
- Department of Biology, Lingnan Normal University, Zhanjiang 524048, China
| | - Peng Luo
- Fisheries College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China; CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology (LMB), Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology (LAMB), South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China.
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12
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Guo ZH, Wu Y, Wang S, Zhang Q, Shi JM, Wang YB, Chen ZH. scInterpreter: a knowledge-regularized generative model for interpretably integrating scRNA-seq data. BMC Bioinformatics 2023; 24:481. [PMID: 38104057 PMCID: PMC10724984 DOI: 10.1186/s12859-023-05579-4] [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: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The rapid emergence of single-cell RNA-seq (scRNA-seq) data presents remarkable opportunities for broad investigations through integration analyses. However, most integration models are black boxes that lack interpretability or are hard to train. RESULTS To address the above issues, we propose scInterpreter, a deep learning-based interpretable model. scInterpreter substantially outperforms other state-of-the-art (SOTA) models in multiple benchmark datasets. In addition, scInterpreter is extensible and can integrate and annotate atlas scRNA-seq data. We evaluated the robustness of scInterpreter in a variety of situations. Through comparison experiments, we found that with a knowledge prior, the training process can be significantly accelerated. Finally, we conducted interpretability analysis for each dimension (pathway) of cell representation in the embedding space. CONCLUSIONS The results showed that the cell representations obtained by scInterpreter are full of biological significance. Through weight sorting, we found several new genes related to pathways in PBMC dataset. In general, scInterpreter is an effective and interpretable integration tool. It is expected that scInterpreter will bring great convenience to the study of single-cell transcriptomics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen-Hao Guo
- College of Electronics and Information Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200000, China
- Department of Clinical Anesthesiology, Faculty of Anesthesiology, Second Military Medical University / Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Yan Wu
- College of Electronics and Information Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200000, China.
| | - Siguo Wang
- EIT Institute for Advanced Study, Ningbo, 315201, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qinhu Zhang
- EIT Institute for Advanced Study, Ningbo, 315201, Zhejiang, China
- Big Data and Intelligent Computing Research Center, Guangxi Academy of Science, Nanning, 530007, China
| | - Jin-Ming Shi
- Department of Endocrinology, Aviation General Hospital, Beijing, 100000, China
| | - Yan-Bin Wang
- College of Computer Science and Technology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhan-Heng Chen
- Department of Clinical Anesthesiology, Faculty of Anesthesiology, Second Military Medical University / Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China.
- Big Data and Intelligent Computing Research Center, Guangxi Academy of Science, Nanning, 530007, China.
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13
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Bezerra-Brandao M, Tunque Cahui RR, Hirsh L. Daisy: An integrated repeat protein curation service. J Struct Biol 2023; 215:108033. [PMID: 37797915 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsb.2023.108033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
Tandem repeats in proteins identification, classification and curation is a complex process that requires manual processing from experts, processing power and time. There are recent and relevant advances applying machine learning for protein structure prediction and repeat classification that are useful for this process. However, no service contemplates required databases and software to supplement researching on repeat proteins. In this publication we present Daisy, an integrated repeat protein curation web service. This service can process Protein Data Bank (PDB) and the AlphaFold Database entries for tandem repeats identification. In addition, it uses an algorithm to search a sequence against a library of Pfam hidden Markov model (HMM). Repeat classifications are associated with the identified families through RepeatsDB. This prediction is considered for enhancing the ReUPred algorithm execution and hastening the repeat units identification process. The service can also operate every associated PDB and AlphaFold structure with a UniProt proteome registry. Availability: The Daisy web service is freely accessible at daisy.bioinformatica.org.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Layla Hirsh
- Department of Engineering, Pontifical Catholic University of Peru, Lima 32, Peru.
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14
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Shi L, Xiong Q, Ao FK, Wan TY, Xiao X, Liu X, Sun B, Tungtrongchitr A, Leung TF, Tsui SKW. Comparative analysis of cysteine proteases reveals gene family evolution of the group 1 allergens in astigmatic mites. Clin Transl Allergy 2023; 13:e12324. [PMID: 38146799 PMCID: PMC10722327 DOI: 10.1002/clt2.12324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Astigmatic mites contain potent allergens that can trigger IgE-mediated immune responses, leading to allergic diseases such as asthma, allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis. In house dust mites Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and Dermatophagoides farinae, group 1 allergens (Der p 1 and Der f 1), characterized as papain-like cysteine proteases, have been defined as the major allergens that have high prevalence and potency. Previous studies of mite group 1 allergens mainly focused on identification, comparison of sequence and structure, as well as the investigation of cross-reactivity. To achieve a comprehensive view of mite group 1 allergens, we performed a comparative genomic analysis of all the cysteine proteases in six astigmatic mite species to elucidate the evolutionary relationships of group 1 allergens. METHODS Based on the high-quality and annotated genomes, all the cysteine proteases in six astigmatic mite species were identified by sequence homology search. The phylogenetic relationships, gene synteny and expression levels were revealed by bioinformatic tools. The allergenicity of recombinant cysteine proteases was evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS Tandem duplication was revealed as the major feature of cysteine protease gene evolution in astigmatic mites. The high IgE-binding capacity and the significant expression level of the cysteine protease DP_007902.01 suggested its potential as a novel group 1 allergen of D. pteronyssinus. In addition, gene decay events were identified in the skin-burrowing parasitic mite Sarcoptes scabiei. CONCLUSION This comprehensive analysis provided insights into the evolution of cysteine proteases, as well as the component-resolved diagnosis of mite allergies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Shi
- School of Biomedical SciencesThe Chinese University of Hong KongHong KongChina
- Hong Kong Bioinformatics CentreThe Chinese University of Hong KongHong KongChina
| | - Qing Xiong
- School of Biomedical SciencesThe Chinese University of Hong KongHong KongChina
- Hong Kong Bioinformatics CentreThe Chinese University of Hong KongHong KongChina
- Department of Health Technology and InformaticsThe Hong Kong Polytechnic UniversityHong KongChina
| | - Fu Kiu Ao
- School of Biomedical SciencesThe Chinese University of Hong KongHong KongChina
- Hong Kong Bioinformatics CentreThe Chinese University of Hong KongHong KongChina
| | - Tsz Yau Wan
- School of Biomedical SciencesThe Chinese University of Hong KongHong KongChina
- Hong Kong Bioinformatics CentreThe Chinese University of Hong KongHong KongChina
| | - Xiaojun Xiao
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, School of MedicineShenzhen UniversityShenzhenChina
| | - Xiaoyu Liu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, School of MedicineShenzhen UniversityShenzhenChina
| | - Baoqing Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory DiseaseThe First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Anchalee Tungtrongchitr
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj HospitalMahidol UniversityBangkokThailand
| | - Ting Fan Leung
- Department of PaediatricsThe Chinese University of Hong KongHong KongChina
| | - Stephen Kwok Wing Tsui
- School of Biomedical SciencesThe Chinese University of Hong KongHong KongChina
- Hong Kong Bioinformatics CentreThe Chinese University of Hong KongHong KongChina
- Centre for Microbial Genomics and ProteomicsThe Chinese University of Hong KongHong KongChina
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15
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Wacholder A, Carvunis AR. Biological factors and statistical limitations prevent detection of most noncanonical proteins by mass spectrometry. PLoS Biol 2023; 21:e3002409. [PMID: 38048358 PMCID: PMC10721188 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3002409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Ribosome profiling experiments indicate pervasive translation of short open reading frames (ORFs) outside of annotated protein-coding genes. However, shotgun mass spectrometry (MS) experiments typically detect only a small fraction of the predicted protein products of this noncanonical translation. The rarity of detection could indicate that most predicted noncanonical proteins are rapidly degraded and not present in the cell; alternatively, it could reflect technical limitations. Here, we leveraged recent advances in ribosome profiling and MS to investigate the factors limiting detection of noncanonical proteins in yeast. We show that the low detection rate of noncanonical ORF products can largely be explained by small size and low translation levels and does not indicate that they are unstable or biologically insignificant. In particular, proteins encoded by evolutionarily young genes, including those with well-characterized biological roles, are too short and too lowly expressed to be detected by shotgun MS at current detection sensitivities. Additionally, we find that decoy biases can give misleading estimates of noncanonical protein false discovery rates, potentially leading to false detections. After accounting for these issues, we found strong evidence for 4 noncanonical proteins in MS data, which were also supported by evolution and translation data. These results illustrate the power of MS to validate unannotated genes predicted by ribosome profiling, but also its substantial limitations in finding many biologically relevant lowly expressed proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron Wacholder
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Pittsburgh Center for Evolutionary Biology and Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Anne-Ruxandra Carvunis
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Pittsburgh Center for Evolutionary Biology and Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
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16
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Zeng J, Yao J, Zhou Y, Yu L, Zhang L, Wang C, Luo Y, Li Z, Xu B. Expression of interferon regulatory factor family and its prognostic value in acute myeloid leukemia. Future Oncol 2023; 19:2465-2479. [PMID: 38054394 DOI: 10.2217/fon-2023-0443] [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] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim: To elucidate the clinicopathological and prognostic values of interferon regulatory factor (IRF) family genes in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Patients & methods: Differential expression analysis and survival analysis from several reliable databases were conducted and further validated using patients with AML. Results: The expression level of IRF1/2/4/5/7/8/9 in patients with AML was upregulated, while IRF3/6 expression was downregulated. High IRF1/7/9 expression indicated a worse overall survival rate. Conclusion: Overexpression of IRF1/7/9 may be associated with poor survival in patients with AML, suggesting that the IRF family may be a promising therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiawei Zeng
- The School of Clinical Medicine, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 351002, China
- Department of Hematology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University & Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, 55 Zhenhai Road, Xiamen, 361003, China
- Key Laboratory for Diagnosis & Treatment of Hematological Malignancy of Xiamen, Xiamen, 361003, China
- The Graduate School of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 351002, China
| | - Jingwei Yao
- Department of Hematology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University & Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, 55 Zhenhai Road, Xiamen, 361003, China
- Key Laboratory for Diagnosis & Treatment of Hematological Malignancy of Xiamen, Xiamen, 361003, China
| | - Yong Zhou
- Department of Hematology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University & Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, 55 Zhenhai Road, Xiamen, 361003, China
- Key Laboratory for Diagnosis & Treatment of Hematological Malignancy of Xiamen, Xiamen, 361003, China
| | - Lian Yu
- Department of Hematology & Rheumatology, Longyan First Hospital, Affiliated to Fujian Medical University, Longyan, 364000, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Hematology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University & Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, 55 Zhenhai Road, Xiamen, 361003, China
- Key Laboratory for Diagnosis & Treatment of Hematological Malignancy of Xiamen, Xiamen, 361003, China
| | - Caiyan Wang
- Department of Hematology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University & Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, 55 Zhenhai Road, Xiamen, 361003, China
- Key Laboratory for Diagnosis & Treatment of Hematological Malignancy of Xiamen, Xiamen, 361003, China
| | - Yiming Luo
- Department of Hematology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University & Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, 55 Zhenhai Road, Xiamen, 361003, China
- Key Laboratory for Diagnosis & Treatment of Hematological Malignancy of Xiamen, Xiamen, 361003, China
| | - Zhifeng Li
- Department of Hematology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University & Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, 55 Zhenhai Road, Xiamen, 361003, China
| | - Bing Xu
- The School of Clinical Medicine, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 351002, China
- Department of Hematology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University & Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, 55 Zhenhai Road, Xiamen, 361003, China
- Key Laboratory for Diagnosis & Treatment of Hematological Malignancy of Xiamen, Xiamen, 361003, China
- The Graduate School of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 351002, China
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17
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Asadi Sofilar A, Shirdel A, Jafarian V, Khalifeh K. An in silico analysis on the photoproteins Mnemiopsin 1 and Mnemiopsin 2 to explain the experimental results. LUMINESCENCE 2023; 38:1946-1954. [PMID: 37610051 DOI: 10.1002/bio.4584] [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: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
Mnemiopsin 1 (Mn1) and Mnemiopsin 2 (Mn2) are photoproteins found in Mnemiopsis leidyi. We have tried to answer the question of whether the structural features of photoproteins can explain the observed activity data. According to the activity measurements data, they have the same characteristic wavelength. However, the initial intensity of Mn2 is significantly higher than that of Mn1, and decay time of Mn1 (0.92 s-1 ) is lower than that of Mn2 (1.46 s-1 ). The phylogenetic analysis demonstrates that, compared with Obelin and Aequorin from Obelia longissima and Aequorea victoria, respectively, a gene modification event may have caused the expansion of the N-terminal side of all photoproteins from M. leidyi. An in silico study has shown that the stability of the photoprotein-substrate complex of Mn2 is higher than that of Mn1, indicating a higher affinity of the substrate for Mn2 compared with Mn1. It was revealed that the active EF-hand loops 1 and III in Mn2 is locally more rigid compared with those in Mn1. We concluded that different stability of the photoprotein complexes leads to different initial intensity. While different patterns of the local dynamics of loops I and III may influence the decay rate.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Akram Shirdel
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Zanjan, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Vahab Jafarian
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran
| | - Khosrow Khalifeh
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Zanjan, Zanjan, Iran
- Department of Biotechnology, Research Institute of Modern Biological Techniques, University of Zanjan, Zanjan, Iran
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18
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Cavalcanti DMLP, Teófilo TS, D Rodrigues T, Barbosa TNS, Fontenele-Neto JD. Thimet oligopeptidase (THOP 1) distribution in cane toad (Bufo Marinus, Linnaeus, 1758) brain. J Chem Neuroanat 2023; 133:102345. [PMID: 37778734 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchemneu.2023.102345] [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: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Thimet oligopeptides (THOP 1) is a metal-dependent peptidase involved in the metabolism of neuropeptides and the presentation of peptides via MHC-1. It has been shown to play a role in the regulation of protein-protein interactions and the metabolism of intracellular peptides. THOP 1 is associated with important biological processes such as metabolism and neurodegenerative diseases, among others. The objective of this study is to elucidate the distribution of THOP 1 in the Bufo marinus brain. The analysis of THOP 1 amino acid sequences indicates that they have been conserved throughout evolution, with significant homology observed across various phyla. When comparing amphibians with other species, more than 70% identity can be identified. Immunohistochemistry analysis of the toad's brain has demonstrated that the enzyme has a ubiquitous distribution, consistent with previous findings in mammals. THOP 1 can be found in important areas of the brain, such as bulb, thalamic nuclei, striatum, hypothalamus, and among others. Nonetheless, THOP 1 is consistently localized within the nucleus, a pattern also observed in the rat brain. Therefore, based on these results, the toad appears to be an excellent model for studying the general biology of THOP 1, given the substantial homology of this enzyme with mammals and its similarity in distribution within the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diogo M L P Cavalcanti
- Laboratory of Tissue and Development Biology, Medicine College, Department of Health Science, Center for Biological and Health Sciences, Universidade Federal Rural do Semiárido - UFERSA, Brazil.
| | - Tiago S Teófilo
- Laboratory of Tissue and Development Biology, Medicine College, Department of Health Science, Center for Biological and Health Sciences, Universidade Federal Rural do Semiárido - UFERSA, Brazil
| | - Tayline D Rodrigues
- Master's Degree Students, Multicentric Graduate Program in the area of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (PMBqBM), Universidade do Estado do Rio Grande do Norte - UERN, Brazil
| | - Tayssa N S Barbosa
- Master's Degree Students, Multicentric Graduate Program in the area of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (PMBqBM), Universidade do Estado do Rio Grande do Norte - UERN, Brazil
| | - José D Fontenele-Neto
- Laboratory of Tissue and Development Biology, Veterinary Medicine College, Department of Animal Science, Center for Biological and Health Sciences, Universidade Federal Rural do Semiárido - UFERSA, Brazil
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19
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Yin X, Xiang Y, Huang F, Chen Y, Ding H, Du J, Chen X, Wang X, Wei X, Cai Y, Gao W, Guo D, Alolga RN, Kan X, Zhang B, Alejo‐Jacuinde G, Li P, Tran LP, Herrera‐Estrella L, Lu X, Qi L. Comparative genomics of the medicinal plants Lonicera macranthoides and L. japonica provides insight into genus genome evolution and hederagenin-based saponin biosynthesis. PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL 2023; 21:2209-2223. [PMID: 37449344 PMCID: PMC10579715 DOI: 10.1111/pbi.14123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Lonicera macranthoides (LM) and L. japonica (LJ) are medicinal plants widely used in treating viral diseases, such as COVID-19. Although the two species are morphologically similar, their secondary metabolite profiles are significantly different. Here, metabolomics analysis showed that LM contained ~86.01 mg/g hederagenin-based saponins, 2000-fold higher than LJ. To gain molecular insights into its secondary metabolite production, a chromosome-level genome of LM was constructed, comprising 9 pseudo-chromosomes with 40 097 protein-encoding genes. Genome evolution analysis showed that LM and LJ were diverged 1.30-2.27 million years ago (MYA). The two plant species experienced a common whole-genome duplication event that occurred ∼53.9-55.2 MYA before speciation. Genes involved in hederagenin-based saponin biosynthesis were arranged in clusters on the chromosomes of LM and they were more highly expressed in LM than in LJ. Among them, oleanolic acid synthase (OAS) and UDP-glycosyltransferase 73 (UGT73) families were much more highly expressed in LM than in LJ. Specifically, LmOAS1 was identified to effectively catalyse the C-28 oxidation of β-Amyrin to form oleanolic acid, the precursor of hederagenin-based saponin. LmUGT73P1 was identified to catalyse cauloside A to produce α-hederin. We further identified the key amino acid residues of LmOAS1 and LmUGT73P1 for their enzymatic activities. Additionally, comparing with collinear genes in LJ, LmOAS1 and LmUGT73P1 had an interesting phenomenon of 'neighbourhood replication' in LM genome. Collectively, the genomic resource and candidate genes reported here set the foundation to fully reveal the genome evolution of the Lonicera genus and hederagenin-based saponin biosynthetic pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojian Yin
- Clinical Metabolomics Center, School of Traditional Chinese PharmacyChina Pharmaceutical UniversityNanjingChina
- Key Laboratory of Soybean Molecular Design BreedingNortheast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of SciencesChangchunChina
| | - Yaping Xiang
- Clinical Metabolomics Center, School of Traditional Chinese PharmacyChina Pharmaceutical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Feng‐Qing Huang
- Clinical Metabolomics Center, School of Traditional Chinese PharmacyChina Pharmaceutical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Yahui Chen
- Clinical Metabolomics Center, School of Traditional Chinese PharmacyChina Pharmaceutical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Hengwu Ding
- The Institute of Bioinformatics, College of Life SciencesAnhui Normal UniversityWuhuChina
| | - Jinfa Du
- Clinical Metabolomics Center, School of Traditional Chinese PharmacyChina Pharmaceutical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Xiaojie Chen
- Clinical Metabolomics Center, School of Traditional Chinese PharmacyChina Pharmaceutical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Xiaoxiao Wang
- Clinical Metabolomics Center, School of Traditional Chinese PharmacyChina Pharmaceutical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Xinru Wei
- Clinical Metabolomics Center, School of Traditional Chinese PharmacyChina Pharmaceutical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Yuan‐Yuan Cai
- Clinical Metabolomics Center, School of Traditional Chinese PharmacyChina Pharmaceutical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Wen Gao
- Clinical Metabolomics Center, School of Traditional Chinese PharmacyChina Pharmaceutical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Dongshu Guo
- Provincial Key Laboratory of AgrobiologyJiangsu Academy of Agricultural ScienceNanjingChina
| | - Raphael N. Alolga
- Clinical Metabolomics Center, School of Traditional Chinese PharmacyChina Pharmaceutical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Xianzhao Kan
- The Institute of Bioinformatics, College of Life SciencesAnhui Normal UniversityWuhuChina
| | - Baolong Zhang
- Provincial Key Laboratory of AgrobiologyJiangsu Academy of Agricultural ScienceNanjingChina
| | - Gerardo Alejo‐Jacuinde
- Institute of Genomics for Crop Abiotic Stress Tolerance, Department of Plant and Soil Science, Texas Tech UniversityLubbockTXUSA
| | - Ping Li
- Clinical Metabolomics Center, School of Traditional Chinese PharmacyChina Pharmaceutical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Lam‐Son Phan Tran
- Institute of Genomics for Crop Abiotic Stress Tolerance, Department of Plant and Soil Science, Texas Tech UniversityLubbockTXUSA
| | - Luis Herrera‐Estrella
- Institute of Genomics for Crop Abiotic Stress Tolerance, Department of Plant and Soil Science, Texas Tech UniversityLubbockTXUSA
- Laboratorio Nacional de Genomica/ Unidad de Genómica Avanzada del Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPNIrapuatoMexico
| | - Xu Lu
- Clinical Metabolomics Center, School of Traditional Chinese PharmacyChina Pharmaceutical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Lian‐Wen Qi
- Clinical Metabolomics Center, School of Traditional Chinese PharmacyChina Pharmaceutical UniversityNanjingChina
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20
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Wacholder A, Carvunis AR. Biological Factors and Statistical Limitations Prevent Detection of Most Noncanonical Proteins by Mass Spectrometry. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.03.09.531963. [PMID: 36945638 PMCID: PMC10028962 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.09.531963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/14/2023]
Abstract
Ribosome profiling experiments indicate pervasive translation of short open reading frames (ORFs) outside of annotated protein-coding genes. However, shotgun mass spectrometry experiments typically detect only a small fraction of the predicted protein products of this noncanonical translation. The rarity of detection could indicate that most predicted noncanonical proteins are rapidly degraded and not present in the cell; alternatively, it could reflect technical limitations. Here we leveraged recent advances in ribosome profiling and mass spectrometry to investigate the factors limiting detection of noncanonical proteins in yeast. We show that the low detection rate of noncanonical ORF products can largely be explained by small size and low translation levels and does not indicate that they are unstable or biologically insignificant. In particular, proteins encoded by evolutionarily young genes, including those with well-characterized biological roles, are too short and too lowly-expressed to be detected by shotgun mass spectrometry at current detection sensitivities. Additionally, we find that decoy biases can give misleading estimates of noncanonical protein false discovery rates, potentially leading to false detections. After accounting for these issues, we found strong evidence for four noncanonical proteins in mass spectrometry data, which were also supported by evolution and translation data. These results illustrate the power of mass spectrometry to validate unannotated genes predicted by ribosome profiling, but also its substantial limitations in finding many biologically relevant lowly-expressed proteins.
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Cao H, Tian Q, Ju M, Duan Y, Li G, Ma Q, Zhang H, Zhang X, Miao H. Genome-wide analysis of the U-box E3 ubiquitin ligase family role in drought tolerance in sesame ( Sesamum indicum L.). FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 14:1261238. [PMID: 37810391 PMCID: PMC10558006 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1261238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Plant U-box (PUB) proteins belong to a class of ubiquitin ligases essential in various biological processes. Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) is an important and worldwide cultivated oilseed crop. However few studies have been conducted to explore the role of PUBs in drought tolerance in sesame. This study identified a total of 56 members of the sesame PUB family (SiPUB) genes distributed unevenly across all 13 chromosomes. Based on phylogenetic analysis, all 56 SiPUB genes were classified into six groups with various structures and motifs. Cis-acting element analysis suggested that the SiPUB genes are involved in response to various stresses including drought. Based on RNA-seq analysis and quantitative real-time PCR, we identified nine SiPUB genes with significantly different expression profiles under drought stress. The expression patterns of six SiPUB genes in root, leaf and stem tissues corroborated the reliability of the RNA-seq datasets. These findings underscore the importance of SiPUB genes in enhancing drought tolerance in sesame plants. Our study provides novel insights into the evolutionary patterns and variations of PUB genes in sesame and lays the foundation for comprehending the functional characteristics of SiPUB genes under drought-induced stress conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hengchun Cao
- Henan Sesame Research Center, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- The Shennong Laboratory, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Key Laboratory of Specific Oilseed Crops Genomics of Henan Province, Henan Sesame Research Center, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Qiuzhen Tian
- Henan Sesame Research Center, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- The Shennong Laboratory, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Key Laboratory of Specific Oilseed Crops Genomics of Henan Province, Henan Sesame Research Center, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Ming Ju
- Henan Sesame Research Center, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- The Shennong Laboratory, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Key Laboratory of Specific Oilseed Crops Genomics of Henan Province, Henan Sesame Research Center, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yinghui Duan
- Henan Sesame Research Center, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- The Shennong Laboratory, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Key Laboratory of Specific Oilseed Crops Genomics of Henan Province, Henan Sesame Research Center, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Guiting Li
- Henan Sesame Research Center, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- The Shennong Laboratory, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Key Laboratory of Specific Oilseed Crops Genomics of Henan Province, Henan Sesame Research Center, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Qin Ma
- Henan Sesame Research Center, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- The Shennong Laboratory, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Key Laboratory of Specific Oilseed Crops Genomics of Henan Province, Henan Sesame Research Center, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Haiyang Zhang
- Henan Sesame Research Center, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- The Shennong Laboratory, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Key Laboratory of Specific Oilseed Crops Genomics of Henan Province, Henan Sesame Research Center, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Xianmei Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Specific Oilseed Crops Genomics of Henan Province, Henan Sesame Research Center, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Luohe Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Luohe, Henan, China
| | - Hongmei Miao
- Henan Sesame Research Center, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- The Shennong Laboratory, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Key Laboratory of Specific Oilseed Crops Genomics of Henan Province, Henan Sesame Research Center, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
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22
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Špetík M, Eichmeier A, Burgová J, Houbraken J. Two new species of Trichocomaceae (Eurotiales), accommodated in Rasamsonia and Talaromyces section Bacillispori, from the Czech Republic. Sci Rep 2023; 13:14903. [PMID: 37689797 PMCID: PMC10492856 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-42002-7] [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: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023] Open
Abstract
During a previous study on microfungi associated with clematis roots, Penicillium-like fungi were isolated and identified based on morphology. In this study, we subjected those strains to a detailed examination which led to the proposal of two taxonomic novelties, named Rasamsonia chlamydospora and Talaromyces clematidis. The first taxon is characterized by rough-walled mycelium, acerose to flask shaped phialides, cylindrical conidia and by production of chlamydospore-like structures. The four-loci-based phylogeny analysis delineated the taxon as a taxonomic novelty in Rasamsonia. Talaromyces clematidis is characterized by restricted growth on Czapek yeast extract agar, dichloran 18% glycerol agar and yeast extract sucrose agar, and production of yellow ascomata on oatmeal agar. Phylogenetic analyses placed this taxon as a taxonomic novelty in Talaromyces sect. Bacillispori. Both taxa are introduced here with detailed descriptions, photoplates and information on their phylogenetic relationship with related species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milan Špetík
- Mendeleum-Institute of Genetics, Mendel University in Brno, Valtická 334, 691 44, Lednice na Moravě, Czech Republic.
| | - Aleš Eichmeier
- Mendeleum-Institute of Genetics, Mendel University in Brno, Valtická 334, 691 44, Lednice na Moravě, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Burgová
- Department of Breeding and Propagation of Horticultural Plants, Mendel University in Brno, Valtická 334, 691 44, Lednice na Moravě, Czech Republic
| | - Jos Houbraken
- Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute, Uppsalalaan 8, 3584 CT, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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23
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Meissner JM, Akhmetova K, Szul T, Viktorova EG, Sha B, Bhatt JM, Lee EJ, Kahn RA, Belov GA, Chesnokov I, Sztul E. The Arf-GEF GBF1 undergoes multi-domain structural shifts to activate Arf at the Golgi. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1233272. [PMID: 37745300 PMCID: PMC10512945 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1233272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Golgi homeostasis require the activation of Arf GTPases by the guanine-nucleotide exchange factor requires GBF1, whose recruitment to the Golgi represents a rate limiting step in the process. GBF1 contains a conserved, catalytic, Sec7 domain (Sec7d) and five additional (DCB, HUS, HDS1-3) domains. Herein, we identify the HDS3 domain as essential for GBF1 membrane association in mammalian cells and document the critical role of HDS3 during the development of Drosophila melanogaster. We show that upon binding to Golgi membranes, GBF1 undergoes conformational changes in regions bracketing the catalytic Sec7d. We illuminate GBF1 interdomain arrangements by negative staining electron microscopy of full-length human GBF1 to show that GBF1 forms an anti-parallel dimer held together by the paired central DCB-HUS core, with two sets of HDS1-3 arms extending outward in opposite directions. The catalytic Sec7d protrudes from the central core as a largely independent domain, but is closely opposed to a previously unassigned α-helix from the HDS1 domain. Based on our data, we propose models of GBF1 engagement on the membrane to provide a paradigm for understanding GBF1-mediated Arf activation required for cellular and organismal function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justyna M. Meissner
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Katarina Akhmetova
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Tomasz Szul
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Ekaterina G. Viktorova
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, United States
| | - Bingdong Sha
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Jay M. Bhatt
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Eunjoo J. Lee
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Richard A. Kahn
- Department of Biochemistry, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - George A. Belov
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, United States
| | - Igor Chesnokov
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Elizabeth Sztul
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
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Elbaramawi SS, Eissa AG, Noureldin NA, Simons C. Exploring Proteus mirabilis Methionine tRNA Synthetase Active Site: Homology Model Construction, Molecular Dynamics, Pharmacophore and Docking Validation. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1263. [PMID: 37765071 PMCID: PMC10535265 DOI: 10.3390/ph16091263] [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: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Currently, the treatment of Proteus mirabilis infections is considered to be complicated as the organism has become resistant to numerous antibiotic classes. Therefore, new inhibitors should be developed, targeting bacterial molecular functions. Methionine tRNA synthetase (MetRS), a member of the aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase family, is essential for protein biosynthesis offering a promising target for novel antibiotics discovery. In the context of computer-aided drug design (CADD), the current research presents the construction and analysis of a comparative homology model for P. mirabilis MetRS, enabling development of novel inhibitors with greater selectivity. Molecular Operating Environment (MOE) software was used to build a homology model for P. mirabilis MetRS using Escherichia coli MetRS as a template. The model was evaluated, and the active site of the target protein predicted from its sequence using conservation analysis. Molecular dynamic simulations were performed to evaluate the stability of the modeled protein structure. In order to evaluate the predicted active site interactions, methionine (the natural substrate of MetRS) and several inhibitors of bacterial MetRS were docked into the constructed model using MOE. After validation of the model, pharmacophore-based virtual screening for a systemically prepared dataset of compounds was performed to prove the feasibility of the proposed model, identifying possible parent compounds for further development of MetRS inhibitors against P. mirabilis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samar S. Elbaramawi
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519, Egypt; (S.S.E.); (A.G.E.); (N.A.N.)
| | - Ahmed G. Eissa
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519, Egypt; (S.S.E.); (A.G.E.); (N.A.N.)
| | - Nada A. Noureldin
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519, Egypt; (S.S.E.); (A.G.E.); (N.A.N.)
| | - Claire Simons
- School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cardiff University, King Edward VII Avenue, Cardiff CF10 3NB, UK
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25
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Cunha E, Silva M, Chaves I, Demirci H, Lagoa DR, Lima D, Rocha M, Rocha I, Dias O. The first multi-tissue genome-scale metabolic model of a woody plant highlights suberin biosynthesis pathways in Quercus suber. PLoS Comput Biol 2023; 19:e1011499. [PMID: 37729340 PMCID: PMC10545120 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1011499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the last decade, genome-scale metabolic models have been increasingly used to study plant metabolic behaviour at the tissue and multi-tissue level under different environmental conditions. Quercus suber, also known as the cork oak tree, is one of the most important forest communities of the Mediterranean/Iberian region. In this work, we present the genome-scale metabolic model of the Q. suber (iEC7871). The metabolic model comprises 7871 genes, 6231 reactions, and 6481 metabolites across eight compartments. Transcriptomics data was integrated into the model to obtain tissue-specific models for the leaf, inner bark, and phellogen, with specific biomass compositions. The tissue-specific models were merged into a diel multi-tissue metabolic model to predict interactions among the three tissues at the light and dark phases. The metabolic models were also used to analyse the pathways associated with the synthesis of suberin monomers, namely the acyl-lipids, phenylpropanoids, isoprenoids, and flavonoids production. The models developed in this work provide a systematic overview of the metabolism of Q. suber, including its secondary metabolism pathways and cork formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuel Cunha
- Centre of Biological Engineering, Universidade do Minho, Braga, Portugal
| | - Miguel Silva
- Centre of Biological Engineering, Universidade do Minho, Braga, Portugal
| | - Inês Chaves
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Avenida da República, Quinta do Marquês, Oeiras, Portugal
- iBET, Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Huseyin Demirci
- Centre of Biological Engineering, Universidade do Minho, Braga, Portugal
- SnT/University of Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | | | - Diogo Lima
- Centre of Biological Engineering, Universidade do Minho, Braga, Portugal
| | - Miguel Rocha
- Centre of Biological Engineering, Universidade do Minho, Braga, Portugal
- LABBELS–Associate Laboratory, Braga, Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Isabel Rocha
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Avenida da República, Quinta do Marquês, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Oscar Dias
- Centre of Biological Engineering, Universidade do Minho, Braga, Portugal
- LABBELS–Associate Laboratory, Braga, Guimarães, Portugal
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26
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Qu Z, Wang W, Adelson DL. Chromosomal level genome assembly of medicinal plant Sophora flavescens. Sci Data 2023; 10:572. [PMID: 37644152 PMCID: PMC10465603 DOI: 10.1038/s41597-023-02490-8] [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: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Sophora flavescens is a medicinal plant in the genus Sophora of the Fabaceae family. The root of S. flavescens is known in China as Kushen and has a long history of wide use in multiple formulations of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). In this study, we used third-generation Nanopore long-read sequencing technology combined with Hi-C scaffolding technology to de novo assemble the S. flavescens genome. We obtained a chromosomal level high-quality S. flavescens draft genome. The draft genome size is approximately 2.08 Gb, with more than 80% annotated as Transposable Elements (TEs), which have recently and rapidly proliferated. This genome size is ~5x larger than its closest sequenced relative Lupinus albus L. . We annotated 60,485 genes and examined their expression profiles in leaf, stem and root tissues, and also characterised the genes and pathways involved in the biosynthesis of major bioactive compounds, including alkaloids, flavonoids and isoflavonoids. The assembled genome highlights the very different evolutionary trajectories that have occurred in recently diverged Fabaceae, leading to smaller duplicated genomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhipeng Qu
- Zhendong Center, Department of Molecular and Biomedical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, 5005, Australia.
| | - Wei Wang
- Beijing Zhendong Research Institute, Shanxi Zhendong Pharmaceutical Co Ltd, Beijing, 10587, China
- Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Functional Food with Homology of Medicine and Food, Department of Pharmacy, Changzhi Medical College, Changzhi, 046012, China
| | - David L Adelson
- Zhendong Center, Department of Molecular and Biomedical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, 5005, Australia.
- South Australian Museum, Adelaide, 5000, Australia.
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27
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Lievens A, Paracchini V, Garlant L, Pietretti D, Maquet A, Ulberth F. Detection and Quantification of Botanical Impurities in Commercial Oregano ( Origanum vulgare) Using Metabarcoding and Digital PCR. Foods 2023; 12:2998. [PMID: 37627997 PMCID: PMC10453138 DOI: 10.3390/foods12162998] [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: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA technology for food authentication is already well established, and with the advent of Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) and, more specifically, metabarcoding, compositional analysis of food at the molecular level has rapidly gained popularity. This has led to several reports in the media about the presence of foreign, non-declared species in several food commodities. As herbs and spices are attractive targets for fraudulent manipulation, a combination of digital PCR and metabarcoding by NGS was employed to check the purity of 285 oregano samples taken from the European market. By using novel primers and analytical approaches, it was possible to detect and quantify both adulterants and contaminants in these samples. The results highlight the high potential of NGS for compositional analysis, although its quantitative information (read count percentages) is unreliable, and other techniques are therefore needed to complement the sequencing information for assessing authenticity ('true to the name') of food ingredients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antoon Lievens
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), B-2440 Geel, Belgium
| | | | - Linda Garlant
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), B-2440 Geel, Belgium
| | - Danilo Pietretti
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), B-2440 Geel, Belgium
| | - Alain Maquet
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), B-2440 Geel, Belgium
| | - Franz Ulberth
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), B-2440 Geel, Belgium
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28
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Balasubramanian A, Ganesan R, Mohanta YK, Arokiaraj J, Saravanan M. Characterization of bioactive fatty acid metabolites produced by the halophilic Idiomarina sp. OM679414.1 for their antimicrobial and anticancer activity. BIOMASS CONVERSION AND BIOREFINERY 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s13399-023-04687-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023]
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29
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Bhadra S, Esteve-Gasent MD, Ellington AD. Analysis of macerated ticks using Boolean logic gating colorimetric isothermal nucleic acid assays for Lyme Borrelia and Ixodes scapularis ticks. Sci Rep 2023; 13:11439. [PMID: 37454160 PMCID: PMC10349842 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-38452-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Lyme disease, one of the most common tickborne diseases, has been rapidly spreading in parallel with the expansion of the range of its tick vector. Better tick surveillance efforts are needed to accurately estimate disease risk and to guide public health and clinical management. We have developed two multiplex loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) reactions coupled with oligonucleotide strand displacement (OSD) probes to identify the tick host, Ixodes scapularis, and the Lyme disease pathogen, Borrelia burgdorferi, they carry. In each multiplex LAMP-OSD assay the co-presence of two target sequences is computed at the DNA level by linking the two corresponding amplicons and detecting the co-product on colorimetric lateral flow dipsticks. In tests with synthetic DNA, the co-presence of as few as four copies of input DNA could be detected, without producing spurious signals. Most importantly, though, the LAMP-OSD assay is amenable to being carried out directly with macerated tick samples, without any sample preparation. In such field conditions, assays performed robustly and demonstrated 97-100% sensitivity and 100% specificity with both field-collected and lab-raised artificially infected ticks. Such easy-to-use, arthropod and pathogen-specific assays would be well suited to field and near patient use without relying on complex instrumentation or infrastructure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanchita Bhadra
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, College of Natural Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA.
- Center for Systems and Synthetic Biology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA.
| | - Maria D Esteve-Gasent
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Andrew D Ellington
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, College of Natural Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA.
- Center for Systems and Synthetic Biology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA.
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30
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Mustafa G, Mahrosh HS, Salman M, Ali M, Arif R, Ahmed S, Ebaid H. In Silico Analysis of Honey Bee Peptides as Potential Inhibitors of Capripoxvirus DNA-Directed RNA Polymerase. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2281. [PMID: 37508058 PMCID: PMC10376589 DOI: 10.3390/ani13142281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The genus Capripoxvirus belongs to the Poxviridae family. The sheeppox, goatpox, and lumpy skin disease viruses are three species of this genus with 96% identity in their genomes. These are financially devastating viral infections among cattle, which cause a reduction in animal products and lead to a loss in livestock industries. In the current study, the phylogenetic analysis was carried out to reveal the evolutionary relationships of Capripoxvirus species (i.e., sheeppox virus (SPPV), goatpox virus (GTPV), and lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV)) with other viruses from the Poxviridae family with >96% query coverage to find the similarity index among all members. The three viruses (i.e., SPPV, GTPV, and LSDV) joined the clade of Capripoxvirus of the Poxviridae family in the phylogenetic tree and exhibited close evolutionary relationships. The multiple sequence alignment using ClustalOmega revealed significant variations in the protein sequences of the DNA-dependent RNA polymerase of SPPV, GTPV, and LSDV. The three-dimensional structures of five selected bee peptides and DNA-directed RNA polymerase of SPPV, GTPV, and LSDV were predicted using trRosetta and I-TASSER and used for molecular docking and simulation studies. The protein-protein docking was carried out using HADDOCK server to explore the antiviral activity of peptides as honey bee proteins against SPPV, GTPV, and LSDV. In total, five peptides were docked to DNA-directed RNA polymerase of these viruses. The peptides mellitin and secapin-1 displayed the lowest binding scores (-106.9 +/- 7.2 kcal/mol and -101.4 +/- 11.3 kcal/mol, respectively) and the best patterns with stable complexes. The molecular dynamics simulation indicated that the complex of protein DNA-dependent RNA polymerase and the peptide melittin stayed firmly connected and the peptide binding to the receptor protein was stable. The findings of this study provide the evidence of bee peptides as potent antimicrobial agents against sheeppox, goatpox, and lumpy skin disease viruses with no complexity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghulam Mustafa
- Department of Biochemistry, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad 38060, Pakistan
| | - Hafiza Salaha Mahrosh
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Faisalabad 38040, Pakistan
| | - Mahwish Salman
- Department of Biochemistry, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad 38060, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Ali
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Faisalabad 38040, Pakistan
| | - Rawaba Arif
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Jhang, Jhang 35200, Pakistan
| | - Sibtain Ahmed
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan 60800, Pakistan
| | - Hossam Ebaid
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
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31
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Zhou F, Chen L, Lu P, Cao Y, Deng C, Liu G. An integrative bioinformatics investigation and experimental validation of chromobox family in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. BMC Cancer 2023; 23:641. [PMID: 37430195 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-023-11108-6] [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: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is one of the most aggressive malignant tumors. Chromobox (CBX) family plays the role of oncogenes in various malignancies. METHODS The transcriptional and protein levels of CBX family were confirmed by GEPIA, Oncomine, CCLE, and HPA database. Screening of co-expressed genes and gene function enrichment analysis were performed by GeneMANIA and DAVID 6.8. The prognostic value, immune cell infiltration and drug sensitivity analysis of CBX family in DLBCL were performed by Genomicscape, TIMER2.0, and GSCALite database. Confirmatory Tests of CBX family protein expression in DLBCL were performed by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS The mRNA and protein expressions of CBX1/2/3/5/6 were higher in DLBCL tissues than control groups. Enrichment analysis showed that the functions of CBX family were mainly related to chromatin remodeling, methylation-dependent protein binding, and VEGF signaling pathway. The high mRNA expressions of CBX2/3/5/6 were identified to be associated with short overall survival (OS) in DLBCL patients. Multivariate COX regression indicated that CBX3 was independent prognostic marker. Immune infiltration analysis revealed that the mRNA expressions of CBX family (especially CBX1, CBX5, and CBX6) in DLBCL were significantly correlated with the infiltration of most immune cells (including B cells, CD8 + T cells, CD4 + T cells, neutrophils, monocytes, macrophages, and Treg cells). Meanwhile, there was a strong correlation between the expression levels of CBX1/5/6 and surface markers of immune cells, such as the widely studied PVR-like protein receptor/ligand and PDL-1 immune checkpoint. Notably, our study found that DLBCL cells with CBX1 over-expression were resistant to the common anti-tumor drugs, but CBX2/5 had two polarities. Finally, we confirmed the higher expressions of CBX1/2/3/5/6 in DLBCL tissues compared with control groups by immunohistochemistry. CONCLUSION We provided a detailed analysis of the relationship between the CBX family and the prognosis of DLBCL. Distinguished from other studies, We found that high mRNA expressions of CBX2/3/5/6 were associated with poor prognosis in DLBCL patients, and Multivariate COX regression indicated that CBX3 was independent prognostic marker. Besides, our study also found an association between the CBX family and anti-tumour drug resistance, and provided a relationship between CBX family expression and immune cell infiltration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fenling Zhou
- Institute of Hematology, Jinan University, HuangPu Da Dao Xi, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510632, People's Republic of China
| | - Lu Chen
- Institute of Hematology, Jinan University, HuangPu Da Dao Xi, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510632, People's Republic of China
| | - Peng Lu
- Departpent of Vascular Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Hunan Province, No. 139, Renmin Road, Changsha, China
| | - Yuli Cao
- Institute of Hematology, Jinan University, HuangPu Da Dao Xi, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510632, People's Republic of China
| | - Cuilan Deng
- Department of Hematology, First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, HuangPu Da Dao Xi, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510632, People's Republic of China
| | - Gexiu Liu
- Institute of Hematology, Jinan University, HuangPu Da Dao Xi, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510632, People's Republic of China.
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Weiland P, Dempwolff F, Steinchen W, Freibert S, Tian H, Glatter T, Martin R, Thomma BPHJ, Bange G, Altegoer F. Structural and functional analysis of the cerato-platanin-like protein Cpl1 suggests diverging functions in smut fungi. MOLECULAR PLANT PATHOLOGY 2023; 24:768-787. [PMID: 37171083 PMCID: PMC10257043 DOI: 10.1111/mpp.13349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Plant-pathogenic fungi are causative agents of the majority of plant diseases and can lead to severe crop loss in infected populations. Fungal colonization is achieved by combining different strategies, such as avoiding and counteracting the plant immune system and manipulating the host metabolome. Of major importance are virulence factors secreted by fungi, which fulfil diverse functions to support the infection process. Most of these proteins are highly specialized, with structural and biochemical information often absent. Here, we present the atomic structures of the cerato-platanin-like protein Cpl1 from Ustilago maydis and its homologue Uvi2 from Ustilago hordei. Both proteins adopt a double-Ψβ-barrel architecture reminiscent of cerato-platanin proteins, a class so far not described in smut fungi. Our structure-function analysis shows that Cpl1 binds to soluble chitin fragments via two extended grooves at the dimer interface of the two monomer molecules. This carbohydrate-binding mode has not been observed previously and expands the repertoire of chitin-binding proteins. Cpl1 localizes to the cell wall of U. maydis and might synergize with cell wall-degrading and decorating proteins during maize infection. The architecture of Cpl1 harbouring four surface-exposed loop regions supports the idea that it might play a role in the spatial coordination of these proteins. While deletion of cpl1 has only mild effects on the virulence of U. maydis, a recent study showed that deletion of uvi2 strongly impairs U. hordei virulence. Our structural comparison between Cpl1 and Uvi2 reveals sequence variations in the loop regions that might explain a diverging function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Weiland
- Center for Synthetic Microbiology (SYNMIKRO), Faculty of ChemistryPhilipps‐University MarburgMarburgGermany
| | - Felix Dempwolff
- Center for Synthetic Microbiology (SYNMIKRO), Faculty of ChemistryPhilipps‐University MarburgMarburgGermany
| | - Wieland Steinchen
- Center for Synthetic Microbiology (SYNMIKRO), Faculty of ChemistryPhilipps‐University MarburgMarburgGermany
| | - Sven‐Andreas Freibert
- Center for Synthetic Microbiology (SYNMIKRO), Institute of CytobiologyPhilipps‐University MarburgMarburgGermany
- Protein Biochemistry and Spectroscopy Core Facility, Institute of CytobiologyPhilipps‐University MarburgMarburgGermany
| | - Hui Tian
- Institute for Plant SciencesUniversity of CologneCologneGermany
| | - Timo Glatter
- Max‐Planck Institute for Terrestrial MicrobiologyMarburgGermany
| | - Roman Martin
- Faculty of Mathematics and Computer SciencePhilipps‐University MarburgMarburgGermany
| | - Bart P. H. J. Thomma
- Institute for Plant SciencesUniversity of CologneCologneGermany
- Cluster of Excellence on Plant Sciences (CEPLAS)CologneGermany
| | - Gert Bange
- Center for Synthetic Microbiology (SYNMIKRO), Faculty of ChemistryPhilipps‐University MarburgMarburgGermany
- Max‐Planck Institute for Terrestrial MicrobiologyMarburgGermany
| | - Florian Altegoer
- Center for Synthetic Microbiology (SYNMIKRO), Faculty of ChemistryPhilipps‐University MarburgMarburgGermany
- Max‐Planck Institute for Terrestrial MicrobiologyMarburgGermany
- Institute of MicrobiologyHeinrich‐Heine‐UniversityDüsseldorfGermany
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Seidel M, Skotnicka D, Glatter T, Søgaard-Andersen L. During heat stress in Myxococcus xanthus, the CdbS PilZ domain protein, in concert with two PilZ-DnaK chaperones, perturbs chromosome organization and accelerates cell death. PLoS Genet 2023; 19:e1010819. [PMID: 37339150 PMCID: PMC10313047 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1010819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023] Open
Abstract
C-di-GMP is a bacterial second messenger that regulates diverse processes in response to environmental or cellular cues. The nucleoid-associated protein (NAP) CdbA in Myxococcus xanthus binds c-di-GMP and DNA in a mutually exclusive manner in vitro. CdbA is essential for viability, and CdbA depletion causes defects in chromosome organization, leading to a block in cell division and, ultimately, cell death. Most NAPs are not essential; therefore, to explore the paradoxical cdbA essentiality, we isolated suppressor mutations that restored cell viability without CdbA. Most mutations mapped to cdbS, which encodes a stand-alone c-di-GMP binding PilZ domain protein, and caused loss-of-function of cdbS. Cells lacking CdbA and CdbS or only CdbS were fully viable and had no defects in chromosome organization. CdbA depletion caused post-transcriptional upregulation of CdbS accumulation, and this CdbS over-accumulation was sufficient to disrupt chromosome organization and cause cell death. CdbA depletion also caused increased accumulation of CsdK1 and CsdK2, two unusual PilZ-DnaK chaperones. During CdbA depletion, CsdK1 and CsdK2, in turn, enabled the increased accumulation and toxicity of CdbS, likely by stabilizing CdbS. Moreover, we demonstrate that heat stress, possibly involving an increased cellular c-di-GMP concentration, induced the CdbA/CsdK1/CsdK2/CdbS system, causing a CsdK1- and CsdK2-dependent increase in CdbS accumulation. Thereby this system accelerates heat stress-induced chromosome mis-organization and cell death. Collectively, this work describes a unique system that contributes to regulated cell death in M. xanthus and suggests a link between c-di-GMP signaling and regulated cell death in bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Seidel
- Department of Ecophysiology, Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, Marburg, Germany
| | - Dorota Skotnicka
- Department of Ecophysiology, Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, Marburg, Germany
| | - Timo Glatter
- Core Facility for Mass Spectrometry & Proteomics, Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, Marburg, Germany
| | - Lotte Søgaard-Andersen
- Department of Ecophysiology, Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, Marburg, Germany
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Starr LA, McKay LE, Peter KN, Seyfarth LM, Berkowitz LA, Caldwell KA, Caldwell GA. Attenuation of Dopaminergic Neurodegeneration in a C. elegans Parkinson's Model through Regulation of Xanthine Dehydrogenase (XDH-1) Expression by the RNA Editase, ADR-2. J Dev Biol 2023; 11:jdb11020020. [PMID: 37218814 DOI: 10.3390/jdb11020020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Differential RNA editing by adenosine deaminases that act on RNA (ADARs) has been implicated in several neurological disorders, including Parkinson's disease (PD). Here, we report results of a RNAi screen of genes differentially regulated in adr-2 mutants, normally encoding the only catalytically active ADAR in Caenorhabditis elegans, ADR-2. Subsequent analysis of candidate genes that alter the misfolding of human α-synuclein (α-syn) and dopaminergic neurodegeneration, two PD pathologies, reveal that reduced expression of xdh-1, the ortholog of human xanthine dehydrogenase (XDH), is protective against α-synuclein-induced dopaminergic neurodegeneration. Further, RNAi experiments show that WHT-2, the worm ortholog of the human ABCG2 transporter and a predicted interactor of XDH-1, is the rate-limiting factor in the ADR-2, XDH-1, WHT-2 system for dopaminergic neuroprotection. In silico structural modeling of WHT-2 indicates that the editing of one nucleotide in the wht-2 mRNA leads to the substitution of threonine with alanine at residue 124 in the WHT-2 protein, changing hydrogen bonds in this region. Thus, we propose a model where wht-2 is edited by ADR-2, which promotes optimal export of uric acid, a known substrate of WHT-2 and a product of XDH-1 activity. In the absence of editing, uric acid export is limited, provoking a reduction in xdh-1 transcription to limit uric acid production and maintain cellular homeostasis. As a result, elevation of uric acid is protective against dopaminergic neuronal cell death. In turn, increased levels of uric acid are associated with a decrease in ROS production. Further, downregulation of xdh-1 is protective against PD pathologies because decreased levels of XDH-1 correlate to a concomitant reduction in xanthine oxidase (XO), the form of the protein whose by-product is superoxide anion. These data indicate that modifying specific targets of RNA editing may represent a promising therapeutic strategy for PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsey A Starr
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Convergent Biomedicine, Alabama Life Research Institute, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487, USA
| | - Luke E McKay
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Convergent Biomedicine, Alabama Life Research Institute, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487, USA
| | - Kylie N Peter
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Convergent Biomedicine, Alabama Life Research Institute, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487, USA
| | - Lena M Seyfarth
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Convergent Biomedicine, Alabama Life Research Institute, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487, USA
| | - Laura A Berkowitz
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Convergent Biomedicine, Alabama Life Research Institute, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487, USA
| | - Kim A Caldwell
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Convergent Biomedicine, Alabama Life Research Institute, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487, USA
- Department of Neurology, Center for Neurodegeneration and Experimental Therapeutics, Nathan Shock Center of Excellence for the Basic Biology of Aging, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Guy A Caldwell
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Convergent Biomedicine, Alabama Life Research Institute, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487, USA
- Department of Neurology, Center for Neurodegeneration and Experimental Therapeutics, Nathan Shock Center of Excellence for the Basic Biology of Aging, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
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He Z, Zhang X, Wang S, Dai X, Wang Q, Lu Q, Lu H, Wu Y, Wang H, Wang X, Wang H, Liu Y. The predictive value of prognosis and therapeutic response for STAT family in pancreatic cancer. Heliyon 2023; 9:e16150. [PMID: 37215832 PMCID: PMC10199255 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e16150] [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: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT) proteins, well-known cytoplasmic transcription factors, were found to be abnormally expressed in various cancers and play essential parts in the initiation, progression and therapy resistance of cancer. Nevertheless, the functions of different STATs in pancreatic cancer (PC) and their relationship to the prognosis and immune infiltration as well as drug efficacy in PC patients have not been systematically elucidated. Methods Expression, prognosis, genetic alterations and pathway enrichment analyses of the STAT family were investigated via Oncomine, GEPIA, Kaplan Meier-plotter, cBioPortal, Metascape and GSEA. Analysis of tumor immune microenvironment was conducted by ESTIMATE and TIMER. "pRRophetic" packages were used for analysis of chemotherapeutic response. Finally, the diagnostic and prognostic value of key STATs were further validated through public datasets and immunohistochemistry. Results In this study, only STAT1 mRNA level was significantly increased in tumor tissues and highly expressed in PC cell lines via multiple datasets. PC patients with higher STAT1/4/6 expression had a worse overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS), while higher STAT5B expression was correlated with better prognosis in the TCGA cohort. The STATs-associated genes were enriched in pathways about the remodeling of tumor immune microenvironment. The STATs levels were significantly correlated with immune infiltration, except STAT6. The STAT1 was identified as a potential biomarker and its diagnostic and prognostic value were further validated at mRNA and protein levels. GSEA showed that STAT1 may be involved in the progression and immune regulations of PC. Moreover, STAT1 expression was significantly related to the level of immune checkpoint, and predicted immunotherapy and chemotherapy responses. Conclusion STAT family members were comprehensively analyzed and STAT1 was identified as an effective biomarker for predicting the survival and therapeutic response, which could be beneficial to develop better treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengfei He
- Yangzhou Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Yangzhou 225002, China
- Yangzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Yangzhou 225002, China
| | - Xiaochun Zhang
- Yangzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Yangzhou 225002, China
| | - Shanshan Wang
- Yangzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Yangzhou 225002, China
| | - Xiaojun Dai
- Yangzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Yangzhou 225002, China
| | - Qingying Wang
- Yangzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Yangzhou 225002, China
| | - Qingyun Lu
- Yangzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Yangzhou 225002, China
| | - Haiyan Lu
- Yangzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Yangzhou 225002, China
| | - Yongjian Wu
- Yangzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Yangzhou 225002, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Yangzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Yangzhou 225002, China
| | - Xuemei Wang
- Yangzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Yangzhou 225002, China
| | - Haibo Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Syndrome Differentiation and Treatment of Gastric Cancer of the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Yangzhou, 225001, China
- Medical College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225002, China
| | - Yanqing Liu
- Yangzhou Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Yangzhou 225002, China
- Yangzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Yangzhou 225002, China
- The Key Laboratory of Syndrome Differentiation and Treatment of Gastric Cancer of the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Yangzhou, 225001, China
- Medical College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225002, China
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Leibman-Markus M, Gupta R, Schuster S, Avni A, Bar M. Members of the tomato NRC4 h-NLR family augment each other in promoting basal immunity. PLANT SCIENCE : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL PLANT BIOLOGY 2023; 330:111632. [PMID: 36758729 DOI: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2023.111632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Plants possess an efficient, two-tiered immune system to combat pathogens and pests. Several decades of research have characterized different features of these two well-known tiers, PTI and ETI (Pattern/ Effector-triggered Immunity). NLR (Nucleotide-binding domain Leucine-rich Repeat) receptors have been found to link PTI to ETI, and be required for full potentiation of plant immune responses in several systems. Intra-cellular helper-NLRs (h-NLRs) mediate ETI and have been focused on extensively in recent research. Previously, we investigated the roles of the h-NLR SlNRC4a in tomato immunity, finding that a specific mutation in this gene results in gain of function constitutive defense activation and broad disease resistance. Deletion of the entire NRC4 clade, which contains 3 genes, can compromise tomato immunity. Here, we decided to investigate the role of an additional clade member, SlNRC4b, in basal immunity. We generated a gain of function mutant in SlNRC4b using CRISPR-Cas9, as well as a double gain of function mutant in both genes. Similarly to the slnrc4a mutant, a slnrc4b mutant also possessed increased basal immunity and broad spectrum disease resistance. The double mutant displayed additive effects in some cases, with significant increases in resistance to fungal phytopathogens as compared with each of the single mutants. Our work confirms that the NRC4 family h-NLRs are important in the plant immune system, suggesting that this gene family has the potential to be promising in targeted agricultural adaptation in the Solanaceae family, promoting disease resistance and prevention of yield loss to pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meirav Leibman-Markus
- Department of Plant Pathology and Weed Research, ARO, Volcani Institute, Rishon LeZion, Israel; School of Plant Sciences and Food Security, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Rupali Gupta
- Department of Plant Pathology and Weed Research, ARO, Volcani Institute, Rishon LeZion, Israel
| | - Silvia Schuster
- School of Plant Sciences and Food Security, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Adi Avni
- School of Plant Sciences and Food Security, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Maya Bar
- Department of Plant Pathology and Weed Research, ARO, Volcani Institute, Rishon LeZion, Israel.
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Ji L, Shi Y, Bian Q. Comparative genomics analyses reveal sequence determinants underlying interspecies variations in injury-responsive enhancers. BMC Genomics 2023; 24:177. [PMID: 37020217 PMCID: PMC10077677 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-023-09283-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Injury induces profound transcriptional remodeling events, which could lead to only wound healing, partial tissue repair, or perfect regeneration in different species. Injury-responsive enhancers (IREs) are cis-regulatory elements activated in response to injury signals, and have been demonstrated to promote tissue regeneration in some organisms such as zebrafish and flies. However, the functional significances of IREs in mammals remain elusive. Moreover, whether the transcriptional responses elicited by IREs upon injury are conserved or specialized in different species, and what sequence features may underlie the functional variations of IREs have not been elucidated. RESULTS We identified a set of IREs that are activated in both regenerative and non-regenerative neonatal mouse hearts upon myocardial ischemia-induced damage by integrative epigenomic and transcriptomic analyses. Motif enrichment analysis showed that AP-1 and ETS transcription factor binding motifs are significantly enriched in both zebrafish and mouse IREs. However, the IRE-associated genes vary considerably between the two species. We further found that the IRE-related sequences in zebrafish and mice diverge greatly, with the loss of IRE inducibility accompanied by a reduction in AP-1 and ETS motif frequencies. The functional turnover of IREs between zebrafish and mice is correlated with changes in transcriptional responses of the IRE-associated genes upon injury. Using mouse cardiomyocytes as a model, we demonstrated that the reduction in AP-1 or ETS motif frequency attenuates the activation of IREs in response to hypoxia-induced damage. CONCLUSIONS By performing comparative genomics analyses on IREs, we demonstrated that inter-species variations in AP-1 and ETS motifs may play an important role in defining the functions of enhancers during injury response. Our findings provide important insights for understanding the molecular mechanisms of transcriptional remodeling in response to injury across species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luzhang Ji
- Shanghai Institute of Precision Medicine, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200125, China
| | - Yuanyuan Shi
- Shanghai Institute of Precision Medicine, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200125, China
| | - Qian Bian
- Shanghai Institute of Precision Medicine, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200125, China.
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Gomez MA, Berkoff KC, Gill BK, Iavarone AT, Lieberman SE, Ma JM, Schultink A, Karavolias NG, Wyman SK, Chauhan RD, Taylor NJ, Staskawicz BJ, Cho MJ, Rokhsar DS, Lyons JB. CRISPR-Cas9-mediated knockout of CYP79D1 and CYP79D2 in cassava attenuates toxic cyanogen production. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 13:1079254. [PMID: 37007603 PMCID: PMC10064795 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.1079254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Cassava (Manihot esculenta) is a starchy root crop that supports over a billion people in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. This staple, however, produces the neurotoxin cyanide and requires processing for safe consumption. Excessive consumption of insufficiently processed cassava, in combination with protein-poor diets, can have neurodegenerative impacts. This problem is further exacerbated by drought conditions which increase this toxin in the plant. To reduce cyanide levels in cassava, we used CRISPR-mediated mutagenesis to disrupt the cytochrome P450 genes CYP79D1 and CYP79D2 whose protein products catalyze the first step in cyanogenic glucoside biosynthesis. Knockout of both genes eliminated cyanide in leaves and storage roots of cassava accession 60444; the West African, farmer-preferred cultivar TME 419; and the improved variety TMS 91/02324. Although knockout of CYP79D2 alone resulted in significant reduction of cyanide, mutagenesis of CYP79D1 did not, indicating these paralogs have diverged in their function. The congruence of results across accessions indicates that our approach could readily be extended to other preferred or improved cultivars. This work demonstrates cassava genome editing for enhanced food safety and reduced processing burden, against the backdrop of a changing climate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael A. Gomez
- Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | - Kodiak C. Berkoff
- Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
- Department of Molecular & Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | - Baljeet K. Gill
- Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | - Anthony T. Iavarone
- California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences (QB3), University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | - Samantha E. Lieberman
- Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
- Department of Plant & Microbial Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | - Jessica M. Ma
- Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
- Department of Plant & Microbial Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | - Alex Schultink
- Department of Plant & Microbial Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | - Nicholas G. Karavolias
- Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
- Department of Plant & Microbial Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | - Stacia K. Wyman
- Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | | | - Nigel J. Taylor
- Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Brian J. Staskawicz
- Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
- Department of Plant & Microbial Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | - Myeong-Je Cho
- Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | - Daniel S. Rokhsar
- Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
- Department of Molecular & Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
- US Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, United States
- Molecular Genetics Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Onna, Okinawa, Japan
- Chan-Zuckerberg BioHub, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Jessica B. Lyons
- Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
- Department of Molecular & Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
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Nassar M, Martins LA, de Assis JB, Esteves E, Sá-Nunes A, Labruna MB, Daffre S, Fogaça AC. The survival of Amblyomma sculptum ticks upon blood-feeding depends on the expression of an inhibitor of apoptosis protein. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:96. [PMID: 36899435 PMCID: PMC10007823 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05701-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The tick Amblyomma sculptum is the major vector of Rickettsia rickettsii, the causative agent of the highly lethal Brazilian spotted fever. It has been shown that R. rickettsii inhibits apoptosis in both human endothelial cells and tick cells. Apoptosis is regulated by different factors, among which inhibitors of apoptosis proteins (IAPs) play a central role. In the study reported here, we selected an IAP of A. sculptum that has not yet been characterized to assess its role in cell death and to determine the effects of its gene silencing on tick fitness and R. rickettsii infection. METHODS An A. sculptum cell line (IBU/ASE-16) was treated with specific double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) for either IAP (dsIAP) or green fluorescent protein (dsGFP; as a control). The activity of caspase-3 and the exposure of phosphatidylserine were determined in both groups. In addition, unfed adult ticks, infected or not infected with R. rickettsii, were treated with either dsIAP or dsGFP and allowed to feed on noninfected rabbits. In parallel, noninfected ticks were allowed to feed on an R. rickettsii-infected rabbit. Ticks (infected or not with R. rickettsii) that remained unfed were used as a control. RESULTS Caspase-3 activity and the externalization of phosphatidylserine were significantly higher in IBU/ASE-16 cells treated with dsIAP than in those treated with dsGFP. The mortality rates of ticks in the dsIAP group were much higher than those in the dsGFP group when they were allowed to feed on rabbits, independent of the presence of R. rickettsii. Conversely, lower mortality rates were recorded in unfed ticks. CONCLUSIONS Our results show that IAP negatively regulates apoptosis in A. sculptum cells. Moreover, IAP-silenced ticks experienced higher mortality rates following the acquisition of a blood meal, suggesting that feeding may trigger the activation of apoptosis in the absence of this physiological regulator. These findings indicate that IAP is a potential antigen for an anti-tick vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcelly Nassar
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Larissa A Martins
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - Josiane Betim de Assis
- Departamento de Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Eliane Esteves
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Anderson Sá-Nunes
- Departamento de Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Marcelo B Labruna
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Sirlei Daffre
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Andrea C Fogaça
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
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Tannous S, Stellbrinck T, Hoter A, Naim HY. Interaction between the α-glucosidases, sucrase-isomaltase and maltase-glucoamylase, in human intestinal brush border membranes and its potential impact on disaccharide digestion. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1160860. [PMID: 36968271 PMCID: PMC10030609 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1160860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The two major intestinal α-glycosidases, sucrase-isomaltase (SI) and maltase-glucoamylase (MGAM), are active towards α-1,4 glycosidic linkages that prevail in starch. These enzymes share striking structural similarities and follow similar biosynthetic pathways. It has been hypothesized that starch digestion can be modulated via “toggling” of activities of these mucosal α-glycosidases, suggesting a possible interaction between these two enzyme complexes in the intestinal brush border membrane (BBM). Here, the potential interaction between SI and MGAM was investigated in solubilized BBMs utilizing reciprocal pull down assays, i.e., immunoprecipitation with anti-SI antibody followed by Western blotting with anti-MGAM antibody and vice versa. Our results demonstrate that SI interacts avidly with MGAM concomitant with a hetero-complex assembly in the BBMs. This interaction is resistant to detergents, such as Triton X-100 or Triton X-100 in combination with sodium deoxycholate. By contrast, inclusion of sodium deoxycholate into the solubilization buffer reduces the enzymatic activities towards sucrose and maltose substantially, most likely due to alterations in the quaternary structure of either enzyme. In view of their interaction, SI and MGAM regulate the final steps in starch digestion in the intestine, whereby SI assumes the major role by virtue of its predominant expression in the intestinal BBMs, while MGAM acts in auxiliary supportive fashion. These findings will help understand the pathophysiology of carbohydrate malabsorption in functional gastrointestinal disorders, particularly in irritable bowel syndrome, in which gene variants of SI are implicated.
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King SB, Singh M. Primate protein-ligand interfaces exhibit significant conservation and unveil human-specific evolutionary drivers. PLoS Comput Biol 2023; 19:e1010966. [PMID: 36952575 PMCID: PMC10035887 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1010966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the vast phenotypic differences observed across primates, their protein products are largely similar to each other at the sequence level. We hypothesized that, since proteins accomplish all their functions via interactions with other molecules, alterations in the sites that participate in these interactions may be of critical importance. To uncover the extent to which these sites evolve across primates, we built a structurally-derived dataset of ~4,200 one-to-one orthologous sequence groups across 18 primate species, consisting of ~68,000 ligand-binding sites that interact with DNA, RNA, small molecules, ions, or peptides. Using this dataset, we identify functionally important patterns of conservation and variation within the amino acid residues that facilitate protein-ligand interactions across the primate phylogeny. We uncover that interaction sites are significantly more conserved than other sites, and that sites binding DNA and RNA further exhibit the lowest levels of variation. We also show that the subset of ligand-binding sites that do vary are enriched in components of gene regulatory pathways and uncover several instances of human-specific ligand-binding site changes within transcription factors. Altogether, our results suggest that ligand-binding sites have experienced selective pressure in primates and propose that variation in these sites may have an outsized effect on phenotypic variation in primates through pleiotropic effects on gene regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean B. King
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey, United States of America
- Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Mona Singh
- Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey, United States of America
- Department of Computer Science, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey, United States of America
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Wong M, Leng R. On the design of linked datasets mapping networks of collaboration in the genomic sequencing of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Homo sapiens, and Sus scrofa. F1000Res 2023; 8:1200. [PMID: 33604022 PMCID: PMC7871417 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.18656.3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
This data note describes a unique two-step methodology to construct six linked datasets covering the sequencing of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Homo sapiens, and Sus scrofa genomes. The datasets were used as evidence in a project that investigated the history of genomic science. To design the datasets, we first retrieved all sequence submission data from the European Nucleotide Archive (ENA), including accession numbers associated with each of our three species. Second, we used these accession numbers to construct queries to retrieve peer-reviewed scientific publications that first described these sequence submissions in the scientific literature. For each species, this resulted in two associated datasets: 1) A .csv file documenting the PMID of each article describing new sequences, all paper authors, all institutional affiliations of each author, countries of institution, year of first submission to the ENA (when available), and the year of article publication, and 2) A .csv file documenting all institutions submitting to the ENA, number of nucleotides sequenced and years of submission to the database. We utilised these datasets to understand how institutional collaboration shaped sequencing efforts, and to systematically identify important institutions and changes in the structure of research communities throughout the history of genomics and across our three target species. This data note, therefore, should aid researchers who would like to use these data for future analyses by making the methodology that underpins it transparent. Further, by detailing our methodology, researchers may be able to utilise our approach to construct similar datasets in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Wong
- Urban Studies, School of Social and Political Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK,
| | - Rhodri Leng
- Science, Technology and Innovation Studies, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH1 1LZ, UK
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Shang Y, Zhong H, Liu G, Wang X, Wu X, Wei Q, Shi L, Zhang H. Characteristics of Microbiota in Different Segments of the Digestive Tract of Lycodon rufozonatus. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13040731. [PMID: 36830518 PMCID: PMC9952230 DOI: 10.3390/ani13040731] [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: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The gastrointestinal tract of animals contains microbiota, forming a complex microecosystem. Gut microbes and their metabolites can regulate the development of host innate and adaptive immune systems. Animal immune systems maintain intestinal symbiotic microbiota homeostasis. However, relatively few studies have been published on reptiles, particularly snakes, and even fewer studies on different parts of the digestive tracts of these animals. Herein, we used 16S rRNA gene sequencing to investigate the microbial community composition and adaptability in the stomach and small and large intestines of Lycodon rufozonatus. Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Firmicutes were most abundant in the stomach; Fusobacteria in the small intestine; and Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Fusobacteria, and Firmicutes in the large intestine. No dominant genus could be identified in the stomach; however, dominant genera were evident in the small and large intestines. The microbial diversity index was significantly higher in the stomach than in the small and large intestines. Moreover, the influence of the microbial community structure on function was clarified through function prediction. Collectively, the gut microbes in the different segments of the digestive tract revealed the unique features of the L. rufozonatus gut microbiome. Our results provide insights into the co-evolutionary relationship between reptile gut microbiota and their hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongquan Shang
- College of Life Sciences, Qufu Normal University, Qufu 273165, China
| | - Huaming Zhong
- College of Biology and Food, Shangqiu Normal University, Shangqiu 476000, China
| | - Gang Liu
- College of Life Sciences, Qufu Normal University, Qufu 273165, China
| | - Xibao Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Qufu Normal University, Qufu 273165, China
| | - Xiaoyang Wu
- College of Life Sciences, Qufu Normal University, Qufu 273165, China
| | - Qinguo Wei
- College of Life Sciences, Qufu Normal University, Qufu 273165, China
| | - Lupeng Shi
- College of Life Sciences, Qufu Normal University, Qufu 273165, China
| | - Honghai Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Qufu Normal University, Qufu 273165, China
- Correspondence:
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Pandya N, Kumar A. An immunoinformatics analysis: design of a multi-epitope vaccine against Cryptosporidium hominis by employing heat shock protein triggers the innate and adaptive immune responses. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023; 41:13563-13579. [PMID: 36764824 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2175373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
Cryptosporidium hominis, an anthropologically transferred species in the Cryptosporidium genus, represents many clinical studies in several countries. Its growth in the recent decade is primarily owing to epidemiologic studies. This parasite has complicated life cycles that require differentiation through a variety of phases of development and passage across two or more hosts throughout their lifetimes. As they move from host to host and environment to environment, pathogenic organisms are continually exposed to unexpected changes in the circumstances under which they develop. Heat shock proteins (HSPs) are targets of the host immune response; they are involved in the progression of diseases and play a significant part in this process. It has been discovered that the immunodominant immunogenic antigens in parasite infections HSPs. In this study, we have generated a multi-epitope vaccine against Cryptosporidium hominis (C. hominis) by using heat shock proteins. The epitopes that were selected had a substantial binding affinity for the B- and T-cell reference set of alleles, a high antigenicity score, a nature that was not allergic, a high solubility, non-toxicity and good binders. The epitopes were incorporated into a chimeric vaccine by using appropriate linkers. In order to increase the immunogenicity of the connected epitopes and effectively activate both innate and adaptive immunity, an adjuvant was attached to the epitopes. We have also analyzed the physiochemical characteristics of the vaccine which were satisfactory and then lead to the development of a 3D model. In addition, the binding confirmation of the vaccine to the TLR-4 innate immune receptor was also determined using molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. The results of this simulation show that the vaccine has a strong binding affinity for TLR4, which indicates that the vaccine is highly effective. In general, the vaccine that has been described here has a good potential for inducing protective and targeted immunogenicity, however, this hypothesis is contingent upon more experimental testing.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nirali Pandya
- Department of Chemistry, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Amit Kumar
- Department of Biosciences and Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Indore, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India
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Felline A, Gentile S, Fanelli F. psnGPCRdb: The Structure-network Database of G Protein Coupled Receptors. J Mol Biol 2023:167950. [PMID: 36646374 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2023.167950] [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: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
G protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) are critical eukaryotic signal transduction gatekeepers and represent the largest protein superfamily in the human proteome, with more than 800 members. They share seven transmembrane helices organized in an up-down bundle architecture. GPCR-mediated signaling pathways have been linked to numerous human diseases, and GPCRs are the targets of approximately 35% of all drugs currently on the market. Structure network analysis, a graph theory-based approach, represents a cutting-edge tool to deeply understand GPCR function, which strongly relies on communication between the extracellular and intracellular poles of their structure. psnGPCRdb stores the structure networks (i.e., linked nodes, hubs, communities and communication pathways) computed on all updated GPCR structures in the Protein Data Bank, in their isolated states or in complex with extracellular and/or intracellular molecules. The structure communication signatures of a sub-family or family of GPCRs as well as of their small-molecule activators or inhibitors are stored as consensus networks. The database stores also all meaningful structure network-based comparisons (i.e., difference networks) of functionally different states (i.e., inactive or active) of a given receptor sub-type, or of consensus networks representative of a receptor sub-type, type, sub-family or family. Single or consensus GPCR networks hold also information on amino acid conservation. The database allows to graphically analyze 3D structure networks together with interactive data-tables. Ligand-centric networks can be analyzed as well. psnGPCRdb is unique and represents a powerful resource to unravel GPCR function with important implications in cell signaling and drug design. psnGPCRdb is freely available at: http://webpsn.hpc.unimo.it/psngpcr.php.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelo Felline
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, via Campy 103, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Sara Gentile
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, via Campy 103, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Francesca Fanelli
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, via Campy 103, 41125 Modena, Italy; Center for Neuroscience and Neurotechnology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, via Campi 287, 41125 Modena, Italy.
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Ohbayashi T, Wang Y, Aoyagi LN, Hara S, Tago K, Hayatsu M. Diversity of the Hydroxylamine Oxidoreductase (HAO) Gene and Its Enzyme Active Site in Agricultural Field Soils. Microbes Environ 2023; 38:ME23068. [PMID: 38092410 PMCID: PMC10728637 DOI: 10.1264/jsme2.me23068] [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: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Nitrification is a key process in the biogeochemical nitrogen cycle and a major emission source of the greenhouse gas nitrous oxide (N2O). The periplasmic enzyme hydroxylamine oxidoreductase (HAO) is involved in the oxidation of hydroxylamine to nitric oxide in the second step of nitrification, producing N2O as a byproduct. Its three-dimensional structure demonstrates that slight differences in HAO active site residues have inhibitor effects. Therefore, a more detailed understanding of the diversity of HAO active site residues in soil microorganisms is important for the development of novel nitrification inhibitors using structure-guided drug design. However, this has not yet been examined. In the present study, we investigated hao gene diversity in beta-proteobacterial ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (β-AOB) and complete ammonia-oxidizing (comammox; Nitrospira spp.) bacteria in agricultural fields using a clone library ana-lysis. A total of 1,949 hao gene sequences revealed that hao gene diversity in β-AOB and comammox bacteria was affected by the fertilizer treatment and field type, respectively. Moreover, hao sequences showed the almost complete conservation of the six HAO active site residues in both β-AOB and comammox bacteria. The diversity of nitrifying bacteria showed similarity between hao and amoA genes. The nxrB amplicon sequence revealed the dominance of Nitrospira cluster II in tea field soils. The present study is the first to reveal hao gene diversity in agricultural soils, which will accelerate the efficient screening of HAO inhibitors and evaluations of their suppressive effects on nitrification in agricultural soils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsubasa Ohbayashi
- Institute for Agro-Environmental Sciences, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO), 305–8604, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Yong Wang
- Institute for Agro-Environmental Sciences, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO), 305–8604, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Luciano Nobuhiro Aoyagi
- Institute for Agro-Environmental Sciences, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO), 305–8604, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Shintaro Hara
- Institute for Agro-Environmental Sciences, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO), 305–8604, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Kanako Tago
- Institute for Agro-Environmental Sciences, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO), 305–8604, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Masahito Hayatsu
- Institute for Agro-Environmental Sciences, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO), 305–8604, Tsukuba, Japan
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Singh L, Shukla A. Insight into biosorption of hexavalent chromium using isolated species Aspergillus Proliferans LA: A systemic and In silico studies. BIOMEDICAL AND BIOTECHNOLOGY RESEARCH JOURNAL (BBRJ) 2023. [DOI: 10.4103/bbrj.bbrj_7_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/17/2023]
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48
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Complex of Proline-Specific Peptidases in the Genome and Gut Transcriptomes of Tenebrionidae Insects and Their Role in Gliadin Hydrolysis. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010579. [PMID: 36614021 PMCID: PMC9820350 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010579] [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: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
A detailed analysis of the complexes of proline-specific peptidases (PSPs) in the midgut transcriptomes of the larvae of agricultural pests Tenebrio molitor and Tribolium castaneum and in the genome of T. castaneum is presented. Analysis of the T. castaneum genome revealed 13 PSP sequences from the clans of serine and metal-dependent peptidases, of which 11 sequences were also found in the gut transcriptomes of both tenebrionid species' larvae. Studies of the localization of PSPs, evaluation of the expression level of their genes in gut transcriptomes, and prediction of the presence of signal peptides determining secretory pathways made it possible to propose a set of peptidases that can directly participate in the hydrolysis of food proteins in the larvae guts. The discovered digestive PSPs of tenebrionids in combination with the post-glutamine cleaving cysteine cathepsins of these insects effectively hydrolyzed gliadins, which are the natural food substrates of the studied pests. Based on the data obtained, a hypothetical scheme for the complete hydrolysis of immunogenic gliadin peptides by T. molitor and T. castaneum digestive peptidases was proposed. These results show promise regarding the development of a drug based on tenebrionid digestive enzymes for the enzymatic therapy of celiac disease and gluten intolerance.
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Schulthess AW, Kale SM, Zhao Y, Gogna A, Rembe M, Philipp N, Liu F, Beukert U, Serfling A, Himmelbach A, Oppermann M, Weise S, Boeven PHG, Schacht J, Longin CFH, Kollers S, Pfeiffer N, Korzun V, Fiebig A, Schüler D, Lange M, Scholz U, Stein N, Mascher M, Reif JC. Large-scale genotyping and phenotyping of a worldwide winter wheat genebank for its use in pre-breeding. Sci Data 2022; 9:784. [PMID: 36572688 PMCID: PMC9792552 DOI: 10.1038/s41597-022-01891-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Plant genetic resources (PGR) stored at genebanks are humanity's crop diversity savings for the future. Information on PGR contrasted with modern cultivars is key to select PGR parents for pre-breeding. Genotyping-by-sequencing was performed for 7,745 winter wheat PGR samples from the German Federal ex situ genebank at IPK Gatersleben and for 325 modern cultivars. Whole-genome shotgun sequencing was carried out for 446 diverse PGR samples and 322 modern cultivars and lines. In 19 field trials, 7,683 PGR and 232 elite cultivars were characterized for resistance to yellow rust - one of the major threats to wheat worldwide. Yield breeding values of 707 PGR were estimated using hybrid crosses with 36 cultivars - an approach that reduces the lack of agronomic adaptation of PGR and provides better estimates of their contribution to yield breeding. Cross-validations support the interoperability between genomic and phenotypic data. The here presented data are a stepping stone to unlock the functional variation of PGR for European pre-breeding and are the basis for future breeding and research activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert W Schulthess
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK) Gatersleben, Seeland, Germany
| | - Sandip M Kale
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK) Gatersleben, Seeland, Germany
- Carlsberg Research Laboratory, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Yusheng Zhao
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK) Gatersleben, Seeland, Germany
| | - Abhishek Gogna
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK) Gatersleben, Seeland, Germany
| | - Maximilian Rembe
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK) Gatersleben, Seeland, Germany
| | - Norman Philipp
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK) Gatersleben, Seeland, Germany
| | - Fang Liu
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK) Gatersleben, Seeland, Germany
- Key Laboratory of Plant Germplasm Enhancement and Specialty Agriculture, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Ulrike Beukert
- Julius Kühn Institute (Federal Research Centre for Cultivated Plants), Quedlinburg, Germany
| | - Albrecht Serfling
- Julius Kühn Institute (Federal Research Centre for Cultivated Plants), Quedlinburg, Germany
| | - Axel Himmelbach
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK) Gatersleben, Seeland, Germany
| | - Markus Oppermann
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK) Gatersleben, Seeland, Germany
| | - Stephan Weise
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK) Gatersleben, Seeland, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Anne Fiebig
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK) Gatersleben, Seeland, Germany
| | - Danuta Schüler
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK) Gatersleben, Seeland, Germany
| | - Matthias Lange
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK) Gatersleben, Seeland, Germany
| | - Uwe Scholz
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK) Gatersleben, Seeland, Germany
| | - Nils Stein
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK) Gatersleben, Seeland, Germany
- Center for Integrated Breeding Research (CiBreed), Georg-August-University, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Martin Mascher
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK) Gatersleben, Seeland, Germany
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Jochen C Reif
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK) Gatersleben, Seeland, Germany.
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Hagemann A, Altrogge PK, Kehrenberg MCA, Diehl D, Jung D, Weber L, Bachmann HS. Analyzing the postulated inhibitory effect of Manumycin A on farnesyltransferase. Front Chem 2022; 10:967947. [PMID: 36561140 PMCID: PMC9763582 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2022.967947] [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: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Manumycin A is postulated to be a specific inhibitor against the farnesyltransferase (FTase) since this effect has been shown in 1993 for yeast FTase. Since then, plenty of studies investigated Manumycin A in human cells as well as in model organisms like Caenorhabditis elegans. Some studies pointed to additional targets and pathways involved in Manumycin A effects like apoptosis. Therefore, these studies created doubt whether the main mechanism of action of Manumycin A is FTase inhibition. For some of these alternative targets half maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50) of Manumycin A are available, but not for human and C. elegans FTase. So, we aimed to 1) characterize missing C. elegans FTase kinetics, 2) elucidate the IC50 and Ki values of Manumycin A on purified human and C. elegans FTase 3) investigate Manumycin A dependent expression of FTase and apoptosis genes in C. elegans. C. elegans FTase has its temperature optimum at 40°C with KM of 1.3 µM (farnesylpyrophosphate) and 1.7 µM (protein derivate). Whilst other targets are inhibitable by Manumycin A at the nanomolar level, we found that Manumycin A inhibits cell-free FTase in micromolar concentrations (Ki human 4.15 μM; Ki C. elegans 3.16 μM). Furthermore, our gene expression results correlate with other studies indicating that thioredoxin reductase 1 is the main target of Manumycin A. According to our results, the ability of Manumycin A to inhibit the FTase at the micromolar level is rather neglectable for its cellular effects, so we postulate that the classification as a specific FTase inhibitor is no longer valid.
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