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Zhang X, Zhang Y, Wen L, Ouyang JL, Zhang W, Zhang J, Wang Y, Liu Q. Neurological Sequelae of COVID-19: A Biochemical Perspective. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:27812-27818. [PMID: 37576681 PMCID: PMC10413374 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c04100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
Exogenous factors can induce protein expression and modify the proteome which sustains for a certain period of time. The proteins of SARS-CoV-2 are high in valine plus glycine, which possess potent affinity to divalent cations such as calcium. Calcium buildup changes the protein expression profile by enabling the efficient synthesis of proteins rich in amino acids with calcium affinity. Subsequent formation of insoluble and stiff calcium oxalate and aggregates confers cellular stress and causes cell senescence. This scenario accounts for sequelae seen in some patients following recovery from COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxiao Zhang
- School
of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
- Yunnan
Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Biomedical
Engineering Research Center, Kunming Medical
University, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Guangzhou
Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou 510440, China
| | - Ling Wen
- GI
Medicine, Guangzhou Twelfth People’s
Hospital, Guangzhou 510620, Guangdong, China
| | - Jess Lan Ouyang
- School
of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Weiwei Zhang
- School
of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Jiaming Zhang
- School
of Chemistry, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Yuchuan Wang
- School of
Basic Medical Sciences, North China University
of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, China
| | - Qiuyun Liu
- School
of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
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Fan KC, Lin CC, Liu YC, Chao YP, Lai YJ, Chiu YL, Chuang YF. Altered gut microbiota in older adults with mild cognitive impairment: a case-control study. Front Aging Neurosci 2023; 15:1162057. [PMID: 37346147 PMCID: PMC10281289 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2023.1162057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The microbiota-gut-brain axis is implicated in Alzheimer's disease. Gut microbiota alterations in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) are inconsistent and remain to be understood. This study aims to investigate the gut microbial composition associated with MCI, cognitive functions, and structural brain differences. Methods A nested case-control study was conducted in a community-based prospective cohort where detailed cognitive functions and structural brain images were collected. Thirty-one individuals with MCI were matched to sixty-five cognitively normal controls by age strata, gender, and urban/rural area. Fecal samples were examined using 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) V3-V4 sequencing. Compositional differences between the two groups were identified and correlated with the cognitive functions and volumes/thickness of brain structures. Results There was no significant difference in alpha and beta diversity between MCIs and cognitively normal older adults. However, the abundance of the genus Ruminococcus, Butyricimonas, and Oxalobacter decreased in MCI patients, while an increased abundance of nine other genera, such as Flavonifractor, were found in MCIs. Altered genera discriminated MCI patients well from controls (AUC = 84.0%) and were associated with attention and executive function. Conclusion This study provides insights into the role of gut microbiota in the neurodegenerative process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kang-Chen Fan
- School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chen-Ching Lin
- Institute of Biomedical Informatics, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Chien Liu
- Department of Neurology, Cardinal Tien Hospital, New Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ping Chao
- Department of Computer Science and Information Engineering, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Yen-Jun Lai
- Division of Medical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yen-Ling Chiu
- Department of Medical Research, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Graduate Program in Biomedical Informatics and Graduate Institute of Medicine, Yuan Ze University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Fang Chuang
- School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Institute of Public Health, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Psychiatry, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei, Taiwan
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Zhang X, Zhang J, Wang Y, Wang M, Tang M, Lin Y, Liu Q. Epigenetic Modifications and Neurodegenerative Disorders: A Biochemical Perspective. ACS Chem Neurosci 2022; 13:177-184. [PMID: 35000390 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.1c00701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Methylations in living cells are methyl groups attached to amino acids, DNA, RNA, and so on. However, their biochemical roles have not been fully defined. A theory has been postulated that methylation leads to hyperconjugation, and the electron-donating feature weakens a nearby chemical bond, which increases the bond length of C4-N4 of 5-methylcytosine, therefore weakening the C4-N4 bond and resulting in stronger protonation or hydrogen bonding of the N4 nitrogen atom. Protonation can give rise to the generation of mutagenic and carcinogenic strong acids such as HCl, which are also capable of solubilizing stressful, insoluble, and stiff salts. Insoluble and rigid salts such as calcium oxalate and/or calcium phosphate were recently proposed as a primary cause of some neurodegenerative disorders. Protonation of nitrogen atoms in 5-methylcytosine enhances the interaction with negatively charged phosphate groups and contributes to the formation of compact heterochromatin. The electronegativity of the oxygen atoms in the modifications of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine or 5-formylcytosine can shorten the lengths of adjacent bonds with no increase of cation affinity in N4. The carboxyl group in 5-carboxylcytosine is a weak acid capable of antagonizing mutagenic HCl and modestly helping solubilize insoluble salts. Electron delocalization of the methyl group in N4-methylcytosine results in a lower affinity of N4 to cations. The positive charge at N3 in the resonance structure of 3-methylcytosine is lessened by the electron-donating attribute of the methyl group attached to the N3 atom, consequently reducing acid formation. The electron delocalization of three methyl groups decreases the positive charge in the amino nitrogen in the side group of lysine 4 in histone H3, weakening interactions with phosphate groups and consequently activating gene expression. The carbonyl oxygen in 8-oxo-7,8-dihydroguanine draws protons and accumulates HCl, accounting for its moderate mutation propensity and potential capacity to solubilize stiff salts. The biochemical insight will further our understanding on the crosstalk of genetics and epigenetics in the etiology of neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxiao Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Biomedical Engineering Research Center, Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Jiaming Zhang
- School of Chemistry, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Yuchuan Wang
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Chronic Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, China
| | - Minji Wang
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Minhang Campus, 3663 Zhongshan Rd North, Shanghai 200062, China
| | - Man Tang
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Yuhan Lin
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Qiuyun Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
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Daisley BA, Koenig D, Engelbrecht K, Doney L, Hards K, Al KF, Reid G, Burton JP. Emerging connections between gut microbiome bioenergetics and chronic metabolic diseases. Cell Rep 2021; 37:110087. [PMID: 34879270 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.110087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The conventional viewpoint of single-celled microbial metabolism fails to adequately depict energy flow at the systems level in host-adapted microbial communities. Emerging paradigms instead support that distinct microbiomes develop interconnected and interdependent electron transport chains that rely on cooperative production and sharing of bioenergetic machinery (i.e., directly involved in generating ATP) in the extracellular space. These communal resources represent an important subset of the microbial metabolome, designated here as the "pantryome" (i.e., pantry or external storage compartment), that critically supports microbiome function and can exert multifunctional effects on host physiology. We review these interactions as they relate to human health by detailing the genomic-based sharing potential of gut-derived bacterial and archaeal reference strains. Aromatic amino acids, metabolic cofactors (B vitamins), menaquinones (vitamin K2), hemes, and short-chain fatty acids (with specific emphasis on acetate as a central regulator of symbiosis) are discussed in depth regarding their role in microbiome-related metabolic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brendan A Daisley
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada; Canadian Centre for Human Microbiome and Probiotics Research, London, ON N6A 4V2, Canada
| | - David Koenig
- Kimberly Clark Corporation, Global Research and Engineering-Life Science, Neenah, WI, USA
| | - Kathleen Engelbrecht
- Kimberly Clark Corporation, Global Research and Engineering-Life Science, Neenah, WI, USA
| | - Liz Doney
- Kimberly Clark Corporation, Global Research and Engineering-Life Science, Neenah, WI, USA
| | - Kiel Hards
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Otago, Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand
| | - Kait F Al
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada; Canadian Centre for Human Microbiome and Probiotics Research, London, ON N6A 4V2, Canada
| | - Gregor Reid
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada; Canadian Centre for Human Microbiome and Probiotics Research, London, ON N6A 4V2, Canada; Department of Surgery, Division of Urology, Schulich School of Medicine, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Jeremy P Burton
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada; Canadian Centre for Human Microbiome and Probiotics Research, London, ON N6A 4V2, Canada; Department of Surgery, Division of Urology, Schulich School of Medicine, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada.
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Zhang X, Ma X, Gan T, Shi Y, Wang Y, Liu Q. Secondary Chemical Bonding between Insoluble Calcium Oxalate and Carbonyl Oxygen Atoms of GLY and VAL Residues Triggers the Formation of Aβ Aggregates and Their Deposition in the Brain. ACS Chem Neurosci 2020; 11:4007-4011. [PMID: 33271013 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.0c00662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite intense efforts, the cause of Alzheimer's disease is still not fully understood. A chemical and biochemical perspective could shed light on this disorder. Secondary chemical bonding between calcium and carbonyl oxygen atoms of glycine and valine might give rise to aggregates in the brain, which may later result in cell senescence. The decrease of solubility caused by amino acid substitutions in specific risk factors compounds insolubility issue and likely triggers early-onset Alzheimer's disease. Occasionally the enhancement of hydrogen bonding by amino acid replacements can reinforce the aggregates. Therefore, secondary chemical bonding to cations can generate cellular stresses in patients with Alzheimer's disease in addition to other chemical and biochemical interactions such as salt bridge. The distinction between early-onset and late-onset Alzheimer's disease risk factors may lie in the total capacity of a protein or local potency of a protein fragment to bind calcium or/and oxalate as calcium oxalate is highly insoluble and stressful.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxiao Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Biomedical Engineering Research Center, Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Xiaoqian Ma
- The Third Xiang Ya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410006, China
| | - Tao Gan
- School of Basic Medicine, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 34100, Jiangxi, China
| | - Yunfan Shi
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Yuan Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Qiuyun Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
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