Energetic Bacillus subtilis was preliminarily isolated from feather meal selection medium experiment, which could be used to produce Keratinase. Through using the ultraviolet ray produced by ultraviolet light and the ...Energetic Bacillus subtilis was preliminarily isolated from feather meal selection medium experiment, which could be used to produce Keratinase. Through using the ultraviolet ray produced by ultraviolet light and the compound mutation of sodium nitrite solution, a mutated strain was produced which can yield Kerati-nase with a high activity. The activity of Keratinase was 75.9% higher than that before the compound mutation. This was achieved by optimizing the fermentation medium of mutated strain. The optimum fermentation medium had the parameters as feather meal 5.5%, maize silage 0.8%, K+ 0.018 mol/L, Mg2+ 0.065 mol/L, Ca2+ 0.072 mol/L, Fe2+ 0.010 mol/L, and Na+ 0.088 mol/L. Based on the optimized fermentation medium, the highest yielding rate for producing enzyme was 1.117 U/mL, 25.22% higher than that before the optimization. The amino acid in the fermentation medium fluid reached 22.66 mg/mL. This paper presents a simple, and low cost way to produce high quality bio-fermentation feather meal.展开更多
AIM: To investigate the prognostic significance of c-Kitgen emutation and DNA ploidy in gastointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs).METHODS: A total of 55 cases of GISTs were studied for the expression of c-Kit by immunohi...AIM: To investigate the prognostic significance of c-Kitgen emutation and DNA ploidy in gastointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs).METHODS: A total of 55 cases of GISTs were studied for the expression of c-Kit by immunohistochemistry, and the c-Kit gene mutations in exons 9, 11, 13, and 17 were detected by polymerase chain reaction-single strand confirmation polymarphism (PCR-SSCP) and denaturing high performance liquid chromatography (D-HPLC) techniques. DNA ploidy was determined by flow cytometry.RESULTS: Of the 55 cases of GISTs, 53 cases (96.4%) expressed c-Kit protein. The c-Kit gene mutations of exons 11 and 9 were found in 30 (54.5%) and 7 cases (12.7%),respectively. No mutations were found in exons 13 and 17.DNA aneuploidy was seen in 10 cases (18.2%). The c-Kit mutation positive GISTs were larger in size than the negative GISTs. The aneuploidy tumors were statistically associated with large size, high mitotic counts, high risk groups, high cellularity and severe nuclear atypia, and epithelioid type.There was a tendency that c-Kit mutations were more frequently found in aneuploidy GISTs.CONCLUSION: DNA aneuploidy and c-Kit mutations can be considered as prognostic factors in GISTs.展开更多
Waxy maize is a specialty maize that produces mainly amylopectin starch with special food or industrial values. The objective of this study was to overcome the limitations of wx mutant allele acquisition and breeding ...Waxy maize is a specialty maize that produces mainly amylopectin starch with special food or industrial values. The objective of this study was to overcome the limitations of wx mutant allele acquisition and breeding efficiency by conversion of parental lines from normal to waxy maize. The intended mutation activity was achieved by in vivo CRISPR/Cas9 machinery involving desired-target mutation of the Wx locus in the ZC01 background,abbreviated as ZC01-DTM^(wx). Triple selection was applied to segregants to obtain high genome background recovery with transgene-free wx mutations. The targeted mutation was identified, yielding six types of mutations among progeny crossed with ZC01-DTM^(wx).The amylopectin contents of the endosperm starch in mutant lines and hybrids averaged94.9%, while those of the wild-type controls were significantly(P < 0.01) lower, with an average of 76.9%. Double selection in transgene-free lines was applied using the Bar strip test and Cas9 PCR screening. The genome background recovery ratios of the lines were determined using genome-wide SNP data. That of lines used as male parents was as high as98.19% and that of lines used as female parents was as high as 86.78%. Conversion hybrids and both parental lines showed agronomic performance similar to that of their wild-type counterparts. This study provides a practical example of the efficient extension of CRISPR/Cas9 targeted mutation to industrial hybrids for transformation of a recalcitrant species.展开更多
Bacillus subtilis Bac01 was mutated by 15 keV N+ ions of 1.5×1016 cm-2. The mutant strain Bac11 with high yield of endoglucanase was isolated using carboxymethylcellulose sodium and congo red indicative plates. I...Bacillus subtilis Bac01 was mutated by 15 keV N+ ions of 1.5×1016 cm-2. The mutant strain Bac11 with high yield of endoglucanase was isolated using carboxymethylcellulose sodium and congo red indicative plates. It exhibited higher endoglucanase activitiy (381.89IU) than the original strain Bac01 (93.33IU). Two 1,500 bp endoglucanase gene fragments were obtained with PCR amplification from B. subtilis Bac01 and mutant strain Bac11. BLAST comparison result indicated that 10 nucleotides mutated. Bioinformatics methods were used to analyze the two predicted amino acid sequences, and it was found that 5 amino acid residues changed, being all in the cellulose-binding domain of endoglucanase.展开更多
We described two members in a family with gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) without cutaneous hyperpigmentation. The patients were father and son who did not have cutaneous hyperpigmentation. Histological exam...We described two members in a family with gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) without cutaneous hyperpigmentation. The patients were father and son who did not have cutaneous hyperpigmentation. Histological examination showed that these tumors were GISTs expressing CD34 and CD117. Tumor DNA extracted from paraffin-embedded specimens revealed somatic mutation with a deletion mutation at different codons in exon 11 of c-kit gene after direct sequencing analysis. No germline mutation was detected in DNA extracted from peripheral leukocytes obtained from the father and son. We propose that GISTs could be caused by sporadic somatic mutation in a family without germline mutation and hyperpigmentation.展开更多
Leptospirillum ferriphilum YXW was isolated through serial dilution from mixed microorganisms enriched in AMD from Dexing copper mine in Jiangxi Province, China. It was mutated by ultrasonic, UV and microwave to colle...Leptospirillum ferriphilum YXW was isolated through serial dilution from mixed microorganisms enriched in AMD from Dexing copper mine in Jiangxi Province, China. It was mutated by ultrasonic, UV and microwave to collect more efficient strain for bioleaching of gold ore. Physiological and biochemical characteristics indicate that strain YXW is a strict chemoautotrophic microorganism, and the optimal condition for its growth is temperature of 40 °C and pH 1.5. After mutation by ultrasonic, UV and microwave, the density of bacterial cells reached 9×109, 8.4×109 and 4.3×108 mL-1, increased by 291%, 265%and 87%, respectively, compared with the original culture. The bacterial total protein activity was improved by microwave and UV mutations, but was reduced by ultrasonic. Mutations had effects on bioleaching of gold ore in sequence of microwave〉UV〉ultrasonic. During gold ore bioleaching, the bacterial mutant after mutation by microwave had the best effect on the extraction rates of arsenic and iron, which were 19.6%and 17.7%higher than that of the original strain after bioleaching for 10 d, respectively. The results suggested that the effects of mutation on bioleaching of gold ore may not be mainly due to increase of bacterial cells density, but may be mainly attributed to the improvement of bacterial total protein activity.展开更多
[Objective] The research aimed to breed the high-yield production strain of cellulase.[Method] Aspergillus niger was used as the starting strain,and a high-yield production strain of cellulase was selected after UV mu...[Objective] The research aimed to breed the high-yield production strain of cellulase.[Method] Aspergillus niger was used as the starting strain,and a high-yield production strain of cellulase was selected after UV mutation treatment.[Result] Under the suitable condition,the strain 2(15) with the highest CMC production capacity was selected,which nearly increased 50% than that of the starting strain.[Conclusion] The research provided the foundation for its appliation in the feed production in the future.展开更多
AIM: To examine the prevalence and prognostic significance of C-kit gene mutation and analysis the correlation of C-kit gene mutation and the clinicalpathologic parameters of GISTs. METHODS: Eighty-two GISTs were stud...AIM: To examine the prevalence and prognostic significance of C-kit gene mutation and analysis the correlation of C-kit gene mutation and the clinicalpathologic parameters of GISTs. METHODS: Eighty-two GISTs were studied for the mutation of C-kit gene by PCR-SSCP, DNA sequence. Statistical comparison were used to analysis the correlation of C-kit gene mutation and clinicalpathology, clinical behavior, recurrence. RESULTS: (1) Mutation-positive and mutation-negative GISTs were 34 and 48,respectively; (2) Among the sepatients with C-kit mutation remained a significantly poor prognosis associated with 59% 3-year survival compared to those whose tumors did not; (3) Tumor size, PCNA index, mitotic cell number, presence of necrosis, microscopic invasion to adjacent tissues, recurrence and distant metastasis among mutation-positive and mutation-negative GISTs were significantly different. CONCLUSION: C-kit mutation is a undoubtedly pivotal event in GIST and may be associated with poor prognosis. Evaluation of C-kit gene mutation may have both prognosis and therapeutic significances.展开更多
To report an extragastrointestinal stromal tumor (EGIST) that occurs outside the gastrointestinal tract and shows unique clinicopathologic and immunohistochemical features. In our case, we experienced multiple soft ...To report an extragastrointestinal stromal tumor (EGIST) that occurs outside the gastrointestinal tract and shows unique clinicopathologic and immunohistochemical features. In our case, we experienced multiple soft tissue tumors that originate primarily in the greater omentum, and in immunohistochemical analysis, the tumors showed features that correspond to malignant EGIST. Two large omental masses measured 15 cm×10 cm and 5 cm×4 cm sized and several small ovoid fragments were attached to small intestine, mesentery and peritoneum. On histologic findings, the masses were separated from small bowel serosa and had high mitotic count (115/50 HPFs). In the results of immunohistochemical stains, the tumor showed CDl17 (c-kit) positive reactivity and high Ki-67 labeling index. On mutation analysis, the c-kit gene mutation was found in the juxtamembrane domain (exon 11)and it was heterozygote. Platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR) gene mutation was also found in the juxtamemembrane (exon 12) and it was polymorphism. From above findings, we proposed that there may be several mutational pathways to malignant EGIST, so further investigations could be needed to approach this unfavorable disease entity.展开更多
Gastrointestinal stromal tumors(GISTs) are the most common soft tissue sarcoma of the gastrointestinal tract,resulting from an activating mutation of stem cell factor receptor(KIT),and an activating mutation of the ho...Gastrointestinal stromal tumors(GISTs) are the most common soft tissue sarcoma of the gastrointestinal tract,resulting from an activating mutation of stem cell factor receptor(KIT),and an activating mutation of the homologous platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha(PDGFRA) kinase.Most GISTs(90%-95%) are KIT-positive.About 5% of GISTs are truly negative for KIT expression.GISTs have been documented to resistant conventional chemotherapeutics.Due to the KIT activation that occurs in the majority of the cases,KIT inhibition is the primary treatment approach in the adjuvant treatment of metastatic GISTs.Imatinib mesylate is an oral agent that is a selective protein tyrosine kinase inhibitor of the KIT protein tyrosine kinase,and it has demonstrated clinical benefit and objective tumor responses in most GIST patients in phase Ⅱ and Ⅲ trials.The presence and the type of KIT or PDGFRA mutation are predictive of response to imatinib therapy in patients with advanced and metastatic disease.Molecular analysis in phaseⅠ-Ⅱ trials revealed significant differences in objective response,progression-free survival,and overall survival between GISTs with different kinase mutations.The aim of this letter is to touch on the need for exon mutation analysis for adjuvant treatment with imatinib in GIST patients.展开更多
Objectives To evaluate the association between a KCNQ 1 mutation, R259H, and short QT syndrome (SQTS) and to explore the elec- trophysiological mechanisms underlying their association. Methods We performed genetic s...Objectives To evaluate the association between a KCNQ 1 mutation, R259H, and short QT syndrome (SQTS) and to explore the elec- trophysiological mechanisms underlying their association. Methods We performed genetic screening of SQTS genes in 25 probands and their family members (63 patients). We used direct sequencing to screen the exons and intron-exon boundaries of candidate genes that en- code ion channels which contribute to the repolarization of the ventricular action potential, including KCNQI, KCNH2, KCNE1, KCNE2, KCNJ2, CACNAlc, CACNB2b and CACNA2D1. In one of the 25 SQTS probands screened, we discovered a KCNQ1 mutation, R259H. We cloned R259H and transiently expressed it in HEK-293 cells; then, currents were recorded using whole cell patch clamp techniques. Results R259H-KCNQ 1 showed significantly increased current density, which was approximately 3-fold larger than that of wild type (WT) after a depolarizing pulse at 1 s. The steady state voltage dependence of the activation and inactivation did not show significant differences between the WT and R259H mutation (P 〉 0.05), whereas the time constant of deactivation was markedly prolonged in the mutant compared with the WT in terms of the test potentials, which indicated that the deactivation of R259H was markedly slower than that of the WT. These results suggested that the R259H mutation can effectively increase the slowly activated delayed rectifier potassium current (Irs) in phase 3 of the cardiac action potential, which may be an infrequent cause of QT interval shortening. Conclusions R259H is a gain-of-function muta- tion of the KCNQ1 channel that is responsible for SQTS2. This is the first time that the R259H mutation was detected in Chinese people.展开更多
AIM: To elucidate the relationship between the frequency of core mutations and the clinical activity of hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related liver disease and to characterize the amino acid changes in the core region of HB...AIM: To elucidate the relationship between the frequency of core mutations and the clinical activity of hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related liver disease and to characterize the amino acid changes in the core region of HBV.METHODS: We studied 17 Chinese patients with chronic hepatitis B according to their clinical courses and patterns of the entire core region of HBV.RESULTS: Amino acid changes often appeared in the HBV core region of the HBV gene in patients with high values of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) or with the seroconversion from HbeAg to anti-HBe. The HBV core region with amino acid changes had high frequency sites that corresponded to HLA Ⅰ/Ⅱ restricted recognition epitopes reported by some investigators.CONCLUSION: The core amino acid changes of this study occur due to influence of host immune system. The presence of mutations in the HBV core region seems to be important for predicting the clinical activity of hepatitis B in Chinese patients.展开更多
BACKGROUND Mutational activation of Ras genes is established as a prognostic factor for the genesis of a constitutively active RAS-mitogen activated protein kinase pathway that leads to cancer.Heterogeneity among the ...BACKGROUND Mutational activation of Ras genes is established as a prognostic factor for the genesis of a constitutively active RAS-mitogen activated protein kinase pathway that leads to cancer.Heterogeneity among the distribution of the most frequent mutations in Ras isoforms is reported in different patient populations with urothelial carcinoma of the bladder(UCB).AIM To determine the presence/absence of mutations in Ras isoforms in patients with UCB in order to predict disease outcome.METHODS This study was performed to determine the mutational spectrum at the hotspot regions of H-Ras,K-Ras and N-Ras genes by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism(PCR-RFLP)and DNA sequencing followed by their clinical impact(if any)by examining the relationship of mutational spectrum with clinical histopathological variables in 87 UCB patients.RESULTS None of the 87 UCB patients showed point mutations in codon 12 of H-Ras gene;codon 61 of N-Ras gene and codons 12,13 of K-Ras gene by PCR-RFLP.Direct DNA sequencing of tumor and normal control bladder mucosal specimens followed by Blastn alignment with the reference wild-type sequences failed to identify even one nucleotide difference in the coding exons 1 and 2 of H-Ras,NRas and K-Ras genes in the tumor and control bladder mucosal specimens.CONCLUSION Our findings on the lack of mutations in H-Ras,K-Ras and N-Ras genes could be explained on the basis of different etiological mechanisms involved in tumor development/progression,inherent genetic susceptibility,tissue specificity or alternative Ras dysfunction such as gene amplification and/or overexpression in a given cohort of patients.展开更多
Neuraminidase (NA), a major surface glycoprotein of influenza virus with well-defined active sites, is an ideal plat- form for the development of antiviral drugs. However, a growing number of NA mutations have drug ...Neuraminidase (NA), a major surface glycoprotein of influenza virus with well-defined active sites, is an ideal plat- form for the development of antiviral drugs. However, a growing number of NA mutations have drug resistance to today's inhibitors. Numerous efforts are made to explore the resistance mechanisms through understanding the structural changes in mutated NA proteins and the associated different binding profiles of inhibitors, via x-ray, nuclear magnetic resonance, electron microscopy, and molecular dynamics methods. This review presents the architectural features of mutated NA proteins, as well as the respective inhibitor sensitivities arising from these spatial differences. Finally, we summarize the resistance mechanisms of today's neuraminidase inhibitors and the outlook tbr the development of novel inhibitors.展开更多
Autosomal Dominant Chronic Mucocutaneous Candidiasis (AD-CMC) is characterized by defective T cell immunity, leading to fungal infections limited to mucosal surfaces. Recently it was discovered that mutations in the c...Autosomal Dominant Chronic Mucocutaneous Candidiasis (AD-CMC) is characterized by defective T cell immunity, leading to fungal infections limited to mucosal surfaces. Recently it was discovered that mutations in the coiled-coil (CC) domain of STAT1 are the cause of AD-CMC. STAT1 deficiency has been implicated in experimental models of oesophageal cancer (EC) and head and neck carcinoma (HNC). Both carcinoma types are prevalent among CMC patients. Consequently, we postulated that the same mutation in the STAT1 gene triggering AD-CMC, could also be involved in oesophageal- or head and neck carcinogenesis. However we failed to identify the c.820C>T mutation in the STAT1 CC domain in 3 cohorts of Dutch Caucasian origin: being 351 EC patients, 325 HNC patients and 309 controls. Although it seems valuable to investigate the relationship between AD-CMC and upper aerodigestive neo- plasms, the c.820C>T mutation in the STAT1 gene does not seem implicated in EC and HNC aetiology.展开更多
BACKGROUND Hereditary spastic paraplegia(HSP)is a group of neurogenetic diseases of the corticospinal tract,accompanied by distinct spasticity and weakness of the lower extremities.Mutations in the spastic paraplegia ...BACKGROUND Hereditary spastic paraplegia(HSP)is a group of neurogenetic diseases of the corticospinal tract,accompanied by distinct spasticity and weakness of the lower extremities.Mutations in the spastic paraplegia type 4(SPG4)gene,encoding the spastin protein,are the major cause of the disease.This study reported a Chinese family with HSP caused by a novel mutation of the SPG4 gene.CASE SUMMARY A 44-year-old male was admitted to our hospital for long-term right lower limb weakness,leg stiffness,and unstable walking.His symptoms gradually worsened,while no obvious muscle atrophy in the lower limbs was found.Neurological examinations revealed that the muscle strength of the lower limbs was normal,and knee reflex hyperreflexia and bilateral positive Babinski signs were detected.Members of his family also had the same symptoms.Using mutation analysis,a novel heterozygous duplication mutation,c.1053dupA,p.(Gln352Thrfs*15),was identified in the SPG4 gene in this family.CONCLUSION A Chinese family with HSP had a novel mutation of the SPG4 gene,which is autosomal dominant and inherited as pure HSP.The age of onset,sex distribution,and clinical manifestations of all existing living patients in this family were analyzed.The findings may extend the current knowledge on the existing mutations in the SPG4 gene.展开更多
The K-Ras protein plays a key role in the signal transduction cascade. Certain mutations in K-Ras lead to a permanent “on” state which results in tumorigenesis due to failed interaction with the GTPase activating pr...The K-Ras protein plays a key role in the signal transduction cascade. Certain mutations in K-Ras lead to a permanent “on” state which results in tumorigenesis due to failed interaction with the GTPase activating protein (GAP). In this study, we examined the mutations E31N, D33N and D38N of K-Ras coupled and decoupled to wildtype GAP-334 and mutation K935N of GAP-334 coupled and decoupled to wildtype K-Ras, to illustrate the potential mechanism by which these mutants affect the interaction between the two proteins. We identify Tyr32 in the Ras Switch I region as a critical residue that acts as a gate to the GTP binding site and which needs to be “open” during Ras coupling with GAP to allow for insertion of GAP residue Arg789. This residue plays a vital role in stabilizing the transition state during GTP hydrolysis. The different mutations studied herein caused a reduced binding affinity, and the fluctuation of the Tyr32 side chain might hinder the insertion of Arg789. This may in turn be the cause of decreased GTP hydrolysis, and permanent “on” state of K-Ras, observed for these mutants.展开更多
Src regulates cell adhesion, invasiveness, motility and growth in cancer cells. In melanoma, accumulating data show that Src inhibition can be effective and may enhance the effects of other agents. Increased Src expre...Src regulates cell adhesion, invasiveness, motility and growth in cancer cells. In melanoma, accumulating data show that Src inhibition can be effective and may enhance the effects of other agents. Increased Src expression and activity thus has recently become a target for drug therapy. Several melanoma cell lines were exposed to inhibitors of Src activity despite their broad specificity. To examine the particular activity of Src in human melanoma cells, we used SU6656, the selective inhibitor of Src family protein kinases. The activity of Src and cell proliferation were suppressed in HBL human cells, wild type melanoma cells and in SK-MEL-5 human melanoma cells harboring mutant BRAF V600E, upon their treatment with SU6656. The suppression of Src kinase activity had not inhibitory effects on Akt/PKB activity in SK-MEL-5 cells, which we have previously found in HBL cells. This may indicate that changes of Src involvement in the control of Akt/PKB activity and its downstream signaling could be induced by BRAF V600E mutation in SK-MEL-5 cells.展开更多
Downregulation of the inwardly rectifying potassium channel Kir4.1 is a key step for inducing retinal Müller cell activation and interaction with other glial cells,which is involved in retinal ganglion cell apopt...Downregulation of the inwardly rectifying potassium channel Kir4.1 is a key step for inducing retinal Müller cell activation and interaction with other glial cells,which is involved in retinal ganglion cell apoptosis in glaucoma.Modulation of Kir4.1 expression in Müller cells may therefore be a potential strategy for attenuating retinal ganglion cell damage in glaucoma.In this study,we identified seven predicted phosphorylation sites in Kir4.1 and constructed lentiviral expression systems expressing Kir4.1 mutated at each site to prevent phosphorylation.Following this,we treated Müller glial cells in vitro and in vivo with the m Glu R I agonist DHPG to induce Kir4.1 or Kir4.1 Tyr^(9)Asp overexpression.We found that both Kir4.1 and Kir4.1 Tyr^(9)Asp overexpression inhibited activation of Müller glial cells.Subsequently,we established a rat model of chronic ocular hypertension by injecting microbeads into the anterior chamber and overexpressed Kir4.1 or Kir4.1 Tyr^(9)Asp in the eye,and observed similar results in Müller cells in vivo as those seen in vitro.Both Kir4.1 and Kir4.1 Tyr^(9)Asp overexpression inhibited Müller cell activation,regulated the balance of Bax/Bcl-2,and reduced the m RNA and protein levels of pro-inflammatory factors,including interleukin-1βand tumor necrosis factor-α.Furthermore,we investigated the regulatory effects of Kir4.1 and Kir4.1 Tyr^(9)Asp overexpression on the release of pro-inflammatory factors in a co-culture system of Müller glial cells and microglia.In this co-culture system,we observed elevated adenosine triphosphate concentrations in activated Müller cells,increased levels of translocator protein(a marker of microglial activation),and elevated interleukin-1βm RNA and protein levels in microglia induced by activated Müller cells.These changes could be reversed by Kir4.1 and Kir4.1 Tyr^(9)Asp overexpression in Müller cells.Kir4.1 overexpression,but not Kir4.1 Tyr^(9)Asp overexpression,reduced the number of proliferative and migratory microglia induced by activated Müller cells.Collectively,these results suggest that the tyrosine residue at position nine in Kir4.1 may serve as a functional modulation site in the retina in an experimental model of glaucoma.Kir4.1 and Kir4.1 Tyr^(9)Asp overexpression attenuated Müller cell activation,reduced ATP/P2X receptor–mediated interactions between glial cells,inhibited microglial activation,and decreased the synthesis and release of pro-inflammatory factors,consequently ameliorating retinal ganglion cell apoptosis in glaucoma.展开更多
文摘Energetic Bacillus subtilis was preliminarily isolated from feather meal selection medium experiment, which could be used to produce Keratinase. Through using the ultraviolet ray produced by ultraviolet light and the compound mutation of sodium nitrite solution, a mutated strain was produced which can yield Kerati-nase with a high activity. The activity of Keratinase was 75.9% higher than that before the compound mutation. This was achieved by optimizing the fermentation medium of mutated strain. The optimum fermentation medium had the parameters as feather meal 5.5%, maize silage 0.8%, K+ 0.018 mol/L, Mg2+ 0.065 mol/L, Ca2+ 0.072 mol/L, Fe2+ 0.010 mol/L, and Na+ 0.088 mol/L. Based on the optimized fermentation medium, the highest yielding rate for producing enzyme was 1.117 U/mL, 25.22% higher than that before the optimization. The amino acid in the fermentation medium fluid reached 22.66 mg/mL. This paper presents a simple, and low cost way to produce high quality bio-fermentation feather meal.
文摘AIM: To investigate the prognostic significance of c-Kitgen emutation and DNA ploidy in gastointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs).METHODS: A total of 55 cases of GISTs were studied for the expression of c-Kit by immunohistochemistry, and the c-Kit gene mutations in exons 9, 11, 13, and 17 were detected by polymerase chain reaction-single strand confirmation polymarphism (PCR-SSCP) and denaturing high performance liquid chromatography (D-HPLC) techniques. DNA ploidy was determined by flow cytometry.RESULTS: Of the 55 cases of GISTs, 53 cases (96.4%) expressed c-Kit protein. The c-Kit gene mutations of exons 11 and 9 were found in 30 (54.5%) and 7 cases (12.7%),respectively. No mutations were found in exons 13 and 17.DNA aneuploidy was seen in 10 cases (18.2%). The c-Kit mutation positive GISTs were larger in size than the negative GISTs. The aneuploidy tumors were statistically associated with large size, high mitotic counts, high risk groups, high cellularity and severe nuclear atypia, and epithelioid type.There was a tendency that c-Kit mutations were more frequently found in aneuploidy GISTs.CONCLUSION: DNA aneuploidy and c-Kit mutations can be considered as prognostic factors in GISTs.
基金supported the National Transgenic Science and Technology Program(2019ZX08010-003)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(31771808)+3 种基金the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2016YFD0101803)the Key Area Research and Development Program of Guangdong Province(2018B020202008)Beijing Municipal Science and Technology Commission(D171100007717001)National Engineering Laboratory for Crop Molecular Breeding。
文摘Waxy maize is a specialty maize that produces mainly amylopectin starch with special food or industrial values. The objective of this study was to overcome the limitations of wx mutant allele acquisition and breeding efficiency by conversion of parental lines from normal to waxy maize. The intended mutation activity was achieved by in vivo CRISPR/Cas9 machinery involving desired-target mutation of the Wx locus in the ZC01 background,abbreviated as ZC01-DTM^(wx). Triple selection was applied to segregants to obtain high genome background recovery with transgene-free wx mutations. The targeted mutation was identified, yielding six types of mutations among progeny crossed with ZC01-DTM^(wx).The amylopectin contents of the endosperm starch in mutant lines and hybrids averaged94.9%, while those of the wild-type controls were significantly(P < 0.01) lower, with an average of 76.9%. Double selection in transgene-free lines was applied using the Bar strip test and Cas9 PCR screening. The genome background recovery ratios of the lines were determined using genome-wide SNP data. That of lines used as male parents was as high as98.19% and that of lines used as female parents was as high as 86.78%. Conversion hybrids and both parental lines showed agronomic performance similar to that of their wild-type counterparts. This study provides a practical example of the efficient extension of CRISPR/Cas9 targeted mutation to industrial hybrids for transformation of a recalcitrant species.
基金Supported by the Natural Science Foundations of Xinjiang (No.2009211B06) Xinjiang University (No. QN070109)
文摘Bacillus subtilis Bac01 was mutated by 15 keV N+ ions of 1.5×1016 cm-2. The mutant strain Bac11 with high yield of endoglucanase was isolated using carboxymethylcellulose sodium and congo red indicative plates. It exhibited higher endoglucanase activitiy (381.89IU) than the original strain Bac01 (93.33IU). Two 1,500 bp endoglucanase gene fragments were obtained with PCR amplification from B. subtilis Bac01 and mutant strain Bac11. BLAST comparison result indicated that 10 nucleotides mutated. Bioinformatics methods were used to analyze the two predicted amino acid sequences, and it was found that 5 amino acid residues changed, being all in the cellulose-binding domain of endoglucanase.
文摘We described two members in a family with gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) without cutaneous hyperpigmentation. The patients were father and son who did not have cutaneous hyperpigmentation. Histological examination showed that these tumors were GISTs expressing CD34 and CD117. Tumor DNA extracted from paraffin-embedded specimens revealed somatic mutation with a deletion mutation at different codons in exon 11 of c-kit gene after direct sequencing analysis. No germline mutation was detected in DNA extracted from peripheral leukocytes obtained from the father and son. We propose that GISTs could be caused by sporadic somatic mutation in a family without germline mutation and hyperpigmentation.
基金Project(41073060)supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of ChinaProject(12ZR1440400)supported by the Shanghai Natural Science Foundation of Youth,China+1 种基金Project(B604)supported by the Shanghai Leading Academic Discipline,ChinaProject supported by the State Environmental Protection Engineering Center for Pollution Treatment and Control in Textile Industry,China
文摘Leptospirillum ferriphilum YXW was isolated through serial dilution from mixed microorganisms enriched in AMD from Dexing copper mine in Jiangxi Province, China. It was mutated by ultrasonic, UV and microwave to collect more efficient strain for bioleaching of gold ore. Physiological and biochemical characteristics indicate that strain YXW is a strict chemoautotrophic microorganism, and the optimal condition for its growth is temperature of 40 °C and pH 1.5. After mutation by ultrasonic, UV and microwave, the density of bacterial cells reached 9×109, 8.4×109 and 4.3×108 mL-1, increased by 291%, 265%and 87%, respectively, compared with the original culture. The bacterial total protein activity was improved by microwave and UV mutations, but was reduced by ultrasonic. Mutations had effects on bioleaching of gold ore in sequence of microwave〉UV〉ultrasonic. During gold ore bioleaching, the bacterial mutant after mutation by microwave had the best effect on the extraction rates of arsenic and iron, which were 19.6%and 17.7%higher than that of the original strain after bioleaching for 10 d, respectively. The results suggested that the effects of mutation on bioleaching of gold ore may not be mainly due to increase of bacterial cells density, but may be mainly attributed to the improvement of bacterial total protein activity.
基金Supported by Natural Foundation of Education Department of HenanProvince (2010B530001)Research Project of Department of Sci-ence and Technology in Henan Province (102102310391)~~
文摘[Objective] The research aimed to breed the high-yield production strain of cellulase.[Method] Aspergillus niger was used as the starting strain,and a high-yield production strain of cellulase was selected after UV mutation treatment.[Result] Under the suitable condition,the strain 2(15) with the highest CMC production capacity was selected,which nearly increased 50% than that of the starting strain.[Conclusion] The research provided the foundation for its appliation in the feed production in the future.
文摘AIM: To examine the prevalence and prognostic significance of C-kit gene mutation and analysis the correlation of C-kit gene mutation and the clinicalpathologic parameters of GISTs. METHODS: Eighty-two GISTs were studied for the mutation of C-kit gene by PCR-SSCP, DNA sequence. Statistical comparison were used to analysis the correlation of C-kit gene mutation and clinicalpathology, clinical behavior, recurrence. RESULTS: (1) Mutation-positive and mutation-negative GISTs were 34 and 48,respectively; (2) Among the sepatients with C-kit mutation remained a significantly poor prognosis associated with 59% 3-year survival compared to those whose tumors did not; (3) Tumor size, PCNA index, mitotic cell number, presence of necrosis, microscopic invasion to adjacent tissues, recurrence and distant metastasis among mutation-positive and mutation-negative GISTs were significantly different. CONCLUSION: C-kit mutation is a undoubtedly pivotal event in GIST and may be associated with poor prognosis. Evaluation of C-kit gene mutation may have both prognosis and therapeutic significances.
文摘To report an extragastrointestinal stromal tumor (EGIST) that occurs outside the gastrointestinal tract and shows unique clinicopathologic and immunohistochemical features. In our case, we experienced multiple soft tissue tumors that originate primarily in the greater omentum, and in immunohistochemical analysis, the tumors showed features that correspond to malignant EGIST. Two large omental masses measured 15 cm×10 cm and 5 cm×4 cm sized and several small ovoid fragments were attached to small intestine, mesentery and peritoneum. On histologic findings, the masses were separated from small bowel serosa and had high mitotic count (115/50 HPFs). In the results of immunohistochemical stains, the tumor showed CDl17 (c-kit) positive reactivity and high Ki-67 labeling index. On mutation analysis, the c-kit gene mutation was found in the juxtamembrane domain (exon 11)and it was heterozygote. Platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR) gene mutation was also found in the juxtamemembrane (exon 12) and it was polymorphism. From above findings, we proposed that there may be several mutational pathways to malignant EGIST, so further investigations could be needed to approach this unfavorable disease entity.
文摘Gastrointestinal stromal tumors(GISTs) are the most common soft tissue sarcoma of the gastrointestinal tract,resulting from an activating mutation of stem cell factor receptor(KIT),and an activating mutation of the homologous platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha(PDGFRA) kinase.Most GISTs(90%-95%) are KIT-positive.About 5% of GISTs are truly negative for KIT expression.GISTs have been documented to resistant conventional chemotherapeutics.Due to the KIT activation that occurs in the majority of the cases,KIT inhibition is the primary treatment approach in the adjuvant treatment of metastatic GISTs.Imatinib mesylate is an oral agent that is a selective protein tyrosine kinase inhibitor of the KIT protein tyrosine kinase,and it has demonstrated clinical benefit and objective tumor responses in most GIST patients in phase Ⅱ and Ⅲ trials.The presence and the type of KIT or PDGFRA mutation are predictive of response to imatinib therapy in patients with advanced and metastatic disease.Molecular analysis in phaseⅠ-Ⅱ trials revealed significant differences in objective response,progression-free survival,and overall survival between GISTs with different kinase mutations.The aim of this letter is to touch on the need for exon mutation analysis for adjuvant treatment with imatinib in GIST patients.
基金grants obtained from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No.: 81170177, 81030002) and science and Technology De- partment of Gansu Province Project (145RJZ104).
文摘Objectives To evaluate the association between a KCNQ 1 mutation, R259H, and short QT syndrome (SQTS) and to explore the elec- trophysiological mechanisms underlying their association. Methods We performed genetic screening of SQTS genes in 25 probands and their family members (63 patients). We used direct sequencing to screen the exons and intron-exon boundaries of candidate genes that en- code ion channels which contribute to the repolarization of the ventricular action potential, including KCNQI, KCNH2, KCNE1, KCNE2, KCNJ2, CACNAlc, CACNB2b and CACNA2D1. In one of the 25 SQTS probands screened, we discovered a KCNQ1 mutation, R259H. We cloned R259H and transiently expressed it in HEK-293 cells; then, currents were recorded using whole cell patch clamp techniques. Results R259H-KCNQ 1 showed significantly increased current density, which was approximately 3-fold larger than that of wild type (WT) after a depolarizing pulse at 1 s. The steady state voltage dependence of the activation and inactivation did not show significant differences between the WT and R259H mutation (P 〉 0.05), whereas the time constant of deactivation was markedly prolonged in the mutant compared with the WT in terms of the test potentials, which indicated that the deactivation of R259H was markedly slower than that of the WT. These results suggested that the R259H mutation can effectively increase the slowly activated delayed rectifier potassium current (Irs) in phase 3 of the cardiac action potential, which may be an infrequent cause of QT interval shortening. Conclusions R259H is a gain-of-function muta- tion of the KCNQ1 channel that is responsible for SQTS2. This is the first time that the R259H mutation was detected in Chinese people.
文摘AIM: To elucidate the relationship between the frequency of core mutations and the clinical activity of hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related liver disease and to characterize the amino acid changes in the core region of HBV.METHODS: We studied 17 Chinese patients with chronic hepatitis B according to their clinical courses and patterns of the entire core region of HBV.RESULTS: Amino acid changes often appeared in the HBV core region of the HBV gene in patients with high values of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) or with the seroconversion from HbeAg to anti-HBe. The HBV core region with amino acid changes had high frequency sites that corresponded to HLA Ⅰ/Ⅱ restricted recognition epitopes reported by some investigators.CONCLUSION: The core amino acid changes of this study occur due to influence of host immune system. The presence of mutations in the HBV core region seems to be important for predicting the clinical activity of hepatitis B in Chinese patients.
文摘BACKGROUND Mutational activation of Ras genes is established as a prognostic factor for the genesis of a constitutively active RAS-mitogen activated protein kinase pathway that leads to cancer.Heterogeneity among the distribution of the most frequent mutations in Ras isoforms is reported in different patient populations with urothelial carcinoma of the bladder(UCB).AIM To determine the presence/absence of mutations in Ras isoforms in patients with UCB in order to predict disease outcome.METHODS This study was performed to determine the mutational spectrum at the hotspot regions of H-Ras,K-Ras and N-Ras genes by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism(PCR-RFLP)and DNA sequencing followed by their clinical impact(if any)by examining the relationship of mutational spectrum with clinical histopathological variables in 87 UCB patients.RESULTS None of the 87 UCB patients showed point mutations in codon 12 of H-Ras gene;codon 61 of N-Ras gene and codons 12,13 of K-Ras gene by PCR-RFLP.Direct DNA sequencing of tumor and normal control bladder mucosal specimens followed by Blastn alignment with the reference wild-type sequences failed to identify even one nucleotide difference in the coding exons 1 and 2 of H-Ras,NRas and K-Ras genes in the tumor and control bladder mucosal specimens.CONCLUSION Our findings on the lack of mutations in H-Ras,K-Ras and N-Ras genes could be explained on the basis of different etiological mechanisms involved in tumor development/progression,inherent genetic susceptibility,tissue specificity or alternative Ras dysfunction such as gene amplification and/or overexpression in a given cohort of patients.
基金Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.11374237 and 11504287)Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities,China,China Postdoctoral Science Foundation(Grant No.2017M613147)Shaanxi Province Postdoctoral Science Foundation,China
文摘Neuraminidase (NA), a major surface glycoprotein of influenza virus with well-defined active sites, is an ideal plat- form for the development of antiviral drugs. However, a growing number of NA mutations have drug resistance to today's inhibitors. Numerous efforts are made to explore the resistance mechanisms through understanding the structural changes in mutated NA proteins and the associated different binding profiles of inhibitors, via x-ray, nuclear magnetic resonance, electron microscopy, and molecular dynamics methods. This review presents the architectural features of mutated NA proteins, as well as the respective inhibitor sensitivities arising from these spatial differences. Finally, we summarize the resistance mechanisms of today's neuraminidase inhibitors and the outlook tbr the development of novel inhibitors.
文摘Autosomal Dominant Chronic Mucocutaneous Candidiasis (AD-CMC) is characterized by defective T cell immunity, leading to fungal infections limited to mucosal surfaces. Recently it was discovered that mutations in the coiled-coil (CC) domain of STAT1 are the cause of AD-CMC. STAT1 deficiency has been implicated in experimental models of oesophageal cancer (EC) and head and neck carcinoma (HNC). Both carcinoma types are prevalent among CMC patients. Consequently, we postulated that the same mutation in the STAT1 gene triggering AD-CMC, could also be involved in oesophageal- or head and neck carcinogenesis. However we failed to identify the c.820C>T mutation in the STAT1 CC domain in 3 cohorts of Dutch Caucasian origin: being 351 EC patients, 325 HNC patients and 309 controls. Although it seems valuable to investigate the relationship between AD-CMC and upper aerodigestive neo- plasms, the c.820C>T mutation in the STAT1 gene does not seem implicated in EC and HNC aetiology.
基金Supported by The Shandong Provincial Natural Science Foundation,No.ZR2021MH059。
文摘BACKGROUND Hereditary spastic paraplegia(HSP)is a group of neurogenetic diseases of the corticospinal tract,accompanied by distinct spasticity and weakness of the lower extremities.Mutations in the spastic paraplegia type 4(SPG4)gene,encoding the spastin protein,are the major cause of the disease.This study reported a Chinese family with HSP caused by a novel mutation of the SPG4 gene.CASE SUMMARY A 44-year-old male was admitted to our hospital for long-term right lower limb weakness,leg stiffness,and unstable walking.His symptoms gradually worsened,while no obvious muscle atrophy in the lower limbs was found.Neurological examinations revealed that the muscle strength of the lower limbs was normal,and knee reflex hyperreflexia and bilateral positive Babinski signs were detected.Members of his family also had the same symptoms.Using mutation analysis,a novel heterozygous duplication mutation,c.1053dupA,p.(Gln352Thrfs*15),was identified in the SPG4 gene in this family.CONCLUSION A Chinese family with HSP had a novel mutation of the SPG4 gene,which is autosomal dominant and inherited as pure HSP.The age of onset,sex distribution,and clinical manifestations of all existing living patients in this family were analyzed.The findings may extend the current knowledge on the existing mutations in the SPG4 gene.
基金The Faculty of Science at the University of Gothenburg is gratefully acknowledged for financial support
文摘The K-Ras protein plays a key role in the signal transduction cascade. Certain mutations in K-Ras lead to a permanent “on” state which results in tumorigenesis due to failed interaction with the GTPase activating protein (GAP). In this study, we examined the mutations E31N, D33N and D38N of K-Ras coupled and decoupled to wildtype GAP-334 and mutation K935N of GAP-334 coupled and decoupled to wildtype K-Ras, to illustrate the potential mechanism by which these mutants affect the interaction between the two proteins. We identify Tyr32 in the Ras Switch I region as a critical residue that acts as a gate to the GTP binding site and which needs to be “open” during Ras coupling with GAP to allow for insertion of GAP residue Arg789. This residue plays a vital role in stabilizing the transition state during GTP hydrolysis. The different mutations studied herein caused a reduced binding affinity, and the fluctuation of the Tyr32 side chain might hinder the insertion of Arg789. This may in turn be the cause of decreased GTP hydrolysis, and permanent “on” state of K-Ras, observed for these mutants.
基金supported by grant NT11231-3/2010 from the Ministry of Health of the Czech Republic
文摘Src regulates cell adhesion, invasiveness, motility and growth in cancer cells. In melanoma, accumulating data show that Src inhibition can be effective and may enhance the effects of other agents. Increased Src expression and activity thus has recently become a target for drug therapy. Several melanoma cell lines were exposed to inhibitors of Src activity despite their broad specificity. To examine the particular activity of Src in human melanoma cells, we used SU6656, the selective inhibitor of Src family protein kinases. The activity of Src and cell proliferation were suppressed in HBL human cells, wild type melanoma cells and in SK-MEL-5 human melanoma cells harboring mutant BRAF V600E, upon their treatment with SU6656. The suppression of Src kinase activity had not inhibitory effects on Akt/PKB activity in SK-MEL-5 cells, which we have previously found in HBL cells. This may indicate that changes of Src involvement in the control of Akt/PKB activity and its downstream signaling could be induced by BRAF V600E mutation in SK-MEL-5 cells.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,Nos.32271043(to ZW)and 82171047(to YM)the both Science and Technology Major Project of Shanghai,No.2018SHZDZX01 and ZJLabShanghai Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Technology(to ZW)。
文摘Downregulation of the inwardly rectifying potassium channel Kir4.1 is a key step for inducing retinal Müller cell activation and interaction with other glial cells,which is involved in retinal ganglion cell apoptosis in glaucoma.Modulation of Kir4.1 expression in Müller cells may therefore be a potential strategy for attenuating retinal ganglion cell damage in glaucoma.In this study,we identified seven predicted phosphorylation sites in Kir4.1 and constructed lentiviral expression systems expressing Kir4.1 mutated at each site to prevent phosphorylation.Following this,we treated Müller glial cells in vitro and in vivo with the m Glu R I agonist DHPG to induce Kir4.1 or Kir4.1 Tyr^(9)Asp overexpression.We found that both Kir4.1 and Kir4.1 Tyr^(9)Asp overexpression inhibited activation of Müller glial cells.Subsequently,we established a rat model of chronic ocular hypertension by injecting microbeads into the anterior chamber and overexpressed Kir4.1 or Kir4.1 Tyr^(9)Asp in the eye,and observed similar results in Müller cells in vivo as those seen in vitro.Both Kir4.1 and Kir4.1 Tyr^(9)Asp overexpression inhibited Müller cell activation,regulated the balance of Bax/Bcl-2,and reduced the m RNA and protein levels of pro-inflammatory factors,including interleukin-1βand tumor necrosis factor-α.Furthermore,we investigated the regulatory effects of Kir4.1 and Kir4.1 Tyr^(9)Asp overexpression on the release of pro-inflammatory factors in a co-culture system of Müller glial cells and microglia.In this co-culture system,we observed elevated adenosine triphosphate concentrations in activated Müller cells,increased levels of translocator protein(a marker of microglial activation),and elevated interleukin-1βm RNA and protein levels in microglia induced by activated Müller cells.These changes could be reversed by Kir4.1 and Kir4.1 Tyr^(9)Asp overexpression in Müller cells.Kir4.1 overexpression,but not Kir4.1 Tyr^(9)Asp overexpression,reduced the number of proliferative and migratory microglia induced by activated Müller cells.Collectively,these results suggest that the tyrosine residue at position nine in Kir4.1 may serve as a functional modulation site in the retina in an experimental model of glaucoma.Kir4.1 and Kir4.1 Tyr^(9)Asp overexpression attenuated Müller cell activation,reduced ATP/P2X receptor–mediated interactions between glial cells,inhibited microglial activation,and decreased the synthesis and release of pro-inflammatory factors,consequently ameliorating retinal ganglion cell apoptosis in glaucoma.