Certain amino acids changes in the human Na^(+)/K^(+)-ATPase pump,ATPase Na^(+)/K^(+)transporting subunit alpha 1(ATP1A1),cause Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 2(CMT2)disease and refractory seizures.To develop in viv...Certain amino acids changes in the human Na^(+)/K^(+)-ATPase pump,ATPase Na^(+)/K^(+)transporting subunit alpha 1(ATP1A1),cause Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 2(CMT2)disease and refractory seizures.To develop in vivo models to study the role of Na^(+)/K^(+)-ATPase in these diseases,we modified the Drosophila gene homolog,Atpα,to mimic the human ATP1A1 gene mutations that cause CMT2.Mutations located within the helical linker region of human ATP1A1(I592T,A597T,P600T,and D601F)were simultaneously introduced into endogenous Drosophila Atpαby CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing,generating the Atpα^(TTTF)model.In addition,the same strategy was used to generate the corresponding single point mutations in flies(Atpα^(I571T),Atpα^(A576T),Atpα^(P579T),and Atpα^(D580F)).Moreover,a deletion mutation(Atpα^(mut))that causes premature termination of translation was generated as a positive control.Of these alleles,we found two that could be maintained as homozygotes(Atpα^(I571T)and Atpα^(P579T)).Three alleles(Atpα^(A576T),Atpα^(P579)and Atpα^(D580F))can form heterozygotes with the Atpαmut allele.We found that the Atpαallele carrying these CMT2-associated mutations showed differential phenotypes in Drosophila.Flies heterozygous for Atpα^(TTTF)mutations have motor performance defects,a reduced lifespan,seizures,and an abnormal neuronal morphology.These Drosophila models will provide a new platform for studying the function and regulation of the sodium-potassium pump.展开更多
The use of RNA interference(RNAi)technology to control pests is explored by researchers globally.Even though RNA is a new class of pest control compound unlike conventional chemical pesticides,the evolution of pest re...The use of RNA interference(RNAi)technology to control pests is explored by researchers globally.Even though RNA is a new class of pest control compound unlike conventional chemical pesticides,the evolution of pest resistance needs to be considered.Here,we first investigate RNAi-based biopesticide resistance of Fusarium asiaticum,which is responsible for devastating diseases of plants,for example,Fusarium head blight.Five resistant strains were isolated from 500 strains that treated with UV-mutagenesis.The mutation common to all of the five resistant mutants occurred in the gene encoding Dicer2(point mutations at codon 1005 and 1007),which were under strong purifying selection pressure.To confirm whether the mutations in Dicer2 confer resistance to RNAi,we exchanged the Dicer2 locus between the sensitive strain and the resistant strain by homologous double exchange.The transformed mutants,Dicer2^(R1005D)and Dicer2^(E1007H),exhibited resistance to dsRNA in vitro.Further study showed that mutations of R1005D and E1007H affected the intramolecular interactions of Dicer2,resulting in the dysfunction of RNase III domain of Dicer2.The amount of sRNAs produced by Dicer2^(R1005D)and Dicer2^(E1007H)was extremely reduced along with variation of sRNA length.Together,these findings revealed a new potential mechanism of RNAi resistance and provided insight into RNAi-related biopesticide deployment for fungal control.展开更多
Familial androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS), resulting from inherited mutations in the androgen receptor (AR)gene, has traditionally been examined within the framework of disorders of sex development. However, grow...Familial androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS), resulting from inherited mutations in the androgen receptor (AR)gene, has traditionally been examined within the framework of disorders of sex development. However, growingevidence indicates that AR dysfunction also disrupts systemic metabolic homeostasis, predisposing affectedindividuals to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus. This article synthesizes recent advances in genetics,transcriptomics, and physiology to elucidate how AR mutations drive tissue-specific metabolic reprogramming inkey organs, including pancreatic β-cells, skeletal muscle, liver, and adipose tissue. Particular attention is given to anewly identified familial AR variant (c.2117A>G;p.Asn706Ser), which not only broadens the known mutationalspectrum of AIS but also underscores the clinical importance of early metabolic risk screening in this population.We further examine how pubertal stage, hormone replacement therapy, and sex-specific signaling pathwaysinteract to influence long-term metabolic outcomes. Lastly, we propose an integrative management framework thatincorporates genetic diagnosis, endocrine surveillance, and personalized pharmacological strategies aimed atreducing the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiometabolic complications in individuals with AIS. Distinctfrom previous AIS-centered reviews, this work integrates metabolic and endocrine perspectives into the traditionaldevelopmental paradigm, offering a more comprehensive understanding of disease risk and translational management.展开更多
Starch biosynthesis is a complex process that relies on the coordinated action of multiple enzymes.Resistant starch is not digested in the small intestine,thus preventing a rapid rise in the glycemic index.Starch synt...Starch biosynthesis is a complex process that relies on the coordinated action of multiple enzymes.Resistant starch is not digested in the small intestine,thus preventing a rapid rise in the glycemic index.Starch synthase 2a(SS2a)is a key enzyme in amylopectin biosynthesis that has significant effects on starch structure and properties.In this study,we identified an ss2a null mutant(M3-1413)with a single base mutation from an ethyl methane sulfonate(EMS)-mutagenized population of barley.The mutation was located at the 3'end of the first intron of the RNA splicing receptor(AG)site,and resulted in abnormal RNA splicing and two abnormal transcripts of ss2a,which caused the inactivation of the SS2a gene.The starch structure and properties were significantly altered in the mutant,with M3-1413 containing lower total starch and higher amylose and resistant starch levels.This study sheds light on the effect of barley ss2a null mutations on starch properties and will help to guide new applications of barley starch in the development of nutritious food products.展开更多
The evolution of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)has resulted in mutations not only in the spike protein,aiding immune evasion,but also in the NSP3/4/6 proteins,crucial for regulating double...The evolution of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)has resulted in mutations not only in the spike protein,aiding immune evasion,but also in the NSP3/4/6 proteins,crucial for regulating double-membrane vesicle(DMV)formation.However,the functional consequences of these NSP3/4/6 mutations remain poorly understood.In this study,a systematic analysis was conducted to investigate the evolutionary patterns of NSP3/4/6 mutations and their impact on DMV formation.The findings revealed that the NSP4 T492I mutation,a prevalent mutation found in all Delta and Omicron sub-lineages,notably enhances DMV formation.Mechanistically,the NSP4 T492I mutation enhances its homodimerization,leading to an increase in the size of puncta induced by NSP3/4,and also augments endoplasmic reticulum(ER)membrane curvature,resulting in a higher DMV density per fluorescent puncta.This study underscores the significance of the NSP4 T492I mutation in modulating DMV formation,with potential implications for the transmission dynamics of SARS-CoV-2.It contributes valuable insights into how these mutations impact viral replication and pathogenesis.展开更多
Background:The JAK2^(V617F)mutation plays a crucial part in the pathogenesis of myeloproliferative neoplasms(MPN),which includes polycythemia vera(PV),essential thrombocythemia(ET),and primary myelofibrosis(PMF)leadin...Background:The JAK2^(V617F)mutation plays a crucial part in the pathogenesis of myeloproliferative neoplasms(MPN),which includes polycythemia vera(PV),essential thrombocythemia(ET),and primary myelofibrosis(PMF)leading to aberrant proliferation and survival of hematopoietic cells.Alongside the challenges of drug resistance and side effects,identifying novel compounds that selectively target JAK2^(V617F)could provide more effective and safer therapeutic options for patients with MPNs.Materials and Methods:We employed computational approaches like high-throughput virtual screening,molecular dynamics simulations(MDS),and binding free energy calculations to identify inhibitors targeting wild and mutant JAK2 kinases.JAK2^(V617F)positive HEL,wild type JAK2 positive TF-1,and non-cancerous Vero cells were used for in vitro validations.Results:SBLJ23 emerged as a top candidate inhibitor with specificity for JAK2^(V617F).Protein-ligand interaction studies and MDS revealed stable interactions and binding of SBLJ23 over the simulation period,with Root Mean Square Deviation(RMSD)indicating consistent binding after 1t15ns.SBLJ23 displayed a half maximal inhibitory concentration(IC_(50))value of 522.4 nM against the JAK2 enzyme.The compound exhibited inhibition of cell proliferation in HEL and TF-1 cells,with half maximal cell growth inhibitory concentration(GI 50)values of 2.51 and 15.87μM,respectively.Moreover,SBLJ23 induced G 2/M cell cycle arrest in HEL cells to facilitate apoptosis in these cell lines.The compound significantly reduced the percentage of phospho JAK2 and phospho STAT3 in HEL cells.Conclusion:High binding affinity,stable interaction profile,favorable binding free energy,and in vitro validations claim SBLJ23 as a potential lead compound against JAK2^(V617F)and suggest further development and optimization towards clinical application in managing myeloproliferative neoplasms.展开更多
Osteogenesis imperfecta（OI,also known as brittle bone disease）is caused mostly by mutations in two type I collagen genes,COL1A1 and COLIA2 encoding the pro-α1（I）and pro-α2（I）chains of type I collagen,respectiv...Osteogenesis imperfecta（OI,also known as brittle bone disease）is caused mostly by mutations in two type I collagen genes,COL1A1 and COLIA2 encoding the pro-α1（I）and pro-α2（I）chains of type I collagen,respectively.Two Chinese families with autosomal dominant OI were identified and characterized.Linkage analysis revealed linkage of both families to COL1A2 on chromosome 7q21.3-q22.1.Mutational analysis was carried out using direct DNA sequence analysis.Two novel missense mutations,c.3350AG and c.3305GC,were identified in exon 49 of COL1A2 in the two families,respectively.The c.3305GC mutation resulted in substitution of a glycine residue（G）by an alanine residue（A）at codon 1102（p.G1102A）,which was found to be mutated into serine（S）,argine（R）,aspartic acid（D）,or valine（V）in other families.The c.3350AG variant may be a de novo mutation resulting in p.Y1117C.Both mutations co-segregated with OI in respective families,and were not found in 100 normal controls.The G1102 and Y1117 residues were evolutionarily highly conserved from zebrafish to humans.Mutational analysis did not identify any mutation in the COX-2 gene（a modifier gene of OI）.This study identifies two novel mutations p.G1102A and p.Y1117C that cause OI,significantly expands the spectrum of COL1A2 mutations causing OI,and has a significant implication in prenatal diagnosis of OI.展开更多
基金supported by the Natural Science Foundation of Fujian Province,No.2020J02027the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.31970461the Foundation of NHC Key Laboratory of Technical Evaluation of Fertility Regulation for Non-human Primate,Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital,No.2022-NHP-05(all to WC).
文摘Certain amino acids changes in the human Na^(+)/K^(+)-ATPase pump,ATPase Na^(+)/K^(+)transporting subunit alpha 1(ATP1A1),cause Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 2(CMT2)disease and refractory seizures.To develop in vivo models to study the role of Na^(+)/K^(+)-ATPase in these diseases,we modified the Drosophila gene homolog,Atpα,to mimic the human ATP1A1 gene mutations that cause CMT2.Mutations located within the helical linker region of human ATP1A1(I592T,A597T,P600T,and D601F)were simultaneously introduced into endogenous Drosophila Atpαby CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing,generating the Atpα^(TTTF)model.In addition,the same strategy was used to generate the corresponding single point mutations in flies(Atpα^(I571T),Atpα^(A576T),Atpα^(P579T),and Atpα^(D580F)).Moreover,a deletion mutation(Atpα^(mut))that causes premature termination of translation was generated as a positive control.Of these alleles,we found two that could be maintained as homozygotes(Atpα^(I571T)and Atpα^(P579T)).Three alleles(Atpα^(A576T),Atpα^(P579)and Atpα^(D580F))can form heterozygotes with the Atpαmut allele.We found that the Atpαallele carrying these CMT2-associated mutations showed differential phenotypes in Drosophila.Flies heterozygous for Atpα^(TTTF)mutations have motor performance defects,a reduced lifespan,seizures,and an abnormal neuronal morphology.These Drosophila models will provide a new platform for studying the function and regulation of the sodium-potassium pump.
基金funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32372585)the Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province,China(BK20231471)the National Training Program of Innovation and Entrepreneurship for Undergraduates,China(202210307013Z)。
文摘The use of RNA interference(RNAi)technology to control pests is explored by researchers globally.Even though RNA is a new class of pest control compound unlike conventional chemical pesticides,the evolution of pest resistance needs to be considered.Here,we first investigate RNAi-based biopesticide resistance of Fusarium asiaticum,which is responsible for devastating diseases of plants,for example,Fusarium head blight.Five resistant strains were isolated from 500 strains that treated with UV-mutagenesis.The mutation common to all of the five resistant mutants occurred in the gene encoding Dicer2(point mutations at codon 1005 and 1007),which were under strong purifying selection pressure.To confirm whether the mutations in Dicer2 confer resistance to RNAi,we exchanged the Dicer2 locus between the sensitive strain and the resistant strain by homologous double exchange.The transformed mutants,Dicer2^(R1005D)and Dicer2^(E1007H),exhibited resistance to dsRNA in vitro.Further study showed that mutations of R1005D and E1007H affected the intramolecular interactions of Dicer2,resulting in the dysfunction of RNase III domain of Dicer2.The amount of sRNAs produced by Dicer2^(R1005D)and Dicer2^(E1007H)was extremely reduced along with variation of sRNA length.Together,these findings revealed a new potential mechanism of RNAi resistance and provided insight into RNAi-related biopesticide deployment for fungal control.
基金Supported by the Quzhou Science and Technology Plan Project,No.2022K69.
文摘Familial androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS), resulting from inherited mutations in the androgen receptor (AR)gene, has traditionally been examined within the framework of disorders of sex development. However, growingevidence indicates that AR dysfunction also disrupts systemic metabolic homeostasis, predisposing affectedindividuals to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus. This article synthesizes recent advances in genetics,transcriptomics, and physiology to elucidate how AR mutations drive tissue-specific metabolic reprogramming inkey organs, including pancreatic β-cells, skeletal muscle, liver, and adipose tissue. Particular attention is given to anewly identified familial AR variant (c.2117A>G;p.Asn706Ser), which not only broadens the known mutationalspectrum of AIS but also underscores the clinical importance of early metabolic risk screening in this population.We further examine how pubertal stage, hormone replacement therapy, and sex-specific signaling pathwaysinteract to influence long-term metabolic outcomes. Lastly, we propose an integrative management framework thatincorporates genetic diagnosis, endocrine surveillance, and personalized pharmacological strategies aimed atreducing the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiometabolic complications in individuals with AIS. Distinctfrom previous AIS-centered reviews, this work integrates metabolic and endocrine perspectives into the traditionaldevelopmental paradigm, offering a more comprehensive understanding of disease risk and translational management.
基金supported by the Major Program of National Agricultural Science and Technology of China(NK20220607)the Sichuan Science and Technology Program,China(2023YFH0041)。
文摘Starch biosynthesis is a complex process that relies on the coordinated action of multiple enzymes.Resistant starch is not digested in the small intestine,thus preventing a rapid rise in the glycemic index.Starch synthase 2a(SS2a)is a key enzyme in amylopectin biosynthesis that has significant effects on starch structure and properties.In this study,we identified an ss2a null mutant(M3-1413)with a single base mutation from an ethyl methane sulfonate(EMS)-mutagenized population of barley.The mutation was located at the 3'end of the first intron of the RNA splicing receptor(AG)site,and resulted in abnormal RNA splicing and two abnormal transcripts of ss2a,which caused the inactivation of the SS2a gene.The starch structure and properties were significantly altered in the mutant,with M3-1413 containing lower total starch and higher amylose and resistant starch levels.This study sheds light on the effect of barley ss2a null mutations on starch properties and will help to guide new applications of barley starch in the development of nutritious food products.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(92469107 to Z.Li)the R&D Program of Guangzhou National Laboratory(ZL-SRPG2200205 to Z.Li)the Guangdong Province High-level Talent Youth Project(2021QN02Y939 to Z.Li).
文摘The evolution of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)has resulted in mutations not only in the spike protein,aiding immune evasion,but also in the NSP3/4/6 proteins,crucial for regulating double-membrane vesicle(DMV)formation.However,the functional consequences of these NSP3/4/6 mutations remain poorly understood.In this study,a systematic analysis was conducted to investigate the evolutionary patterns of NSP3/4/6 mutations and their impact on DMV formation.The findings revealed that the NSP4 T492I mutation,a prevalent mutation found in all Delta and Omicron sub-lineages,notably enhances DMV formation.Mechanistically,the NSP4 T492I mutation enhances its homodimerization,leading to an increase in the size of puncta induced by NSP3/4,and also augments endoplasmic reticulum(ER)membrane curvature,resulting in a higher DMV density per fluorescent puncta.This study underscores the significance of the NSP4 T492I mutation in modulating DMV formation,with potential implications for the transmission dynamics of SARS-CoV-2.It contributes valuable insights into how these mutations impact viral replication and pathogenesis.
文摘Background:The JAK2^(V617F)mutation plays a crucial part in the pathogenesis of myeloproliferative neoplasms(MPN),which includes polycythemia vera(PV),essential thrombocythemia(ET),and primary myelofibrosis(PMF)leading to aberrant proliferation and survival of hematopoietic cells.Alongside the challenges of drug resistance and side effects,identifying novel compounds that selectively target JAK2^(V617F)could provide more effective and safer therapeutic options for patients with MPNs.Materials and Methods:We employed computational approaches like high-throughput virtual screening,molecular dynamics simulations(MDS),and binding free energy calculations to identify inhibitors targeting wild and mutant JAK2 kinases.JAK2^(V617F)positive HEL,wild type JAK2 positive TF-1,and non-cancerous Vero cells were used for in vitro validations.Results:SBLJ23 emerged as a top candidate inhibitor with specificity for JAK2^(V617F).Protein-ligand interaction studies and MDS revealed stable interactions and binding of SBLJ23 over the simulation period,with Root Mean Square Deviation(RMSD)indicating consistent binding after 1t15ns.SBLJ23 displayed a half maximal inhibitory concentration(IC_(50))value of 522.4 nM against the JAK2 enzyme.The compound exhibited inhibition of cell proliferation in HEL and TF-1 cells,with half maximal cell growth inhibitory concentration(GI 50)values of 2.51 and 15.87μM,respectively.Moreover,SBLJ23 induced G 2/M cell cycle arrest in HEL cells to facilitate apoptosis in these cell lines.The compound significantly reduced the percentage of phospho JAK2 and phospho STAT3 in HEL cells.Conclusion:High binding affinity,stable interaction profile,favorable binding free energy,and in vitro validations claim SBLJ23 as a potential lead compound against JAK2^(V617F)and suggest further development and optimization towards clinical application in managing myeloproliferative neoplasms.
基金supported by the China Natural Science Foundation grants (Nos. 30670736 and 30972655)the National Basic Research Program of China (973 Program) (No. 2007CB512002).
文摘Osteogenesis imperfecta（OI,also known as brittle bone disease）is caused mostly by mutations in two type I collagen genes,COL1A1 and COLIA2 encoding the pro-α1（I）and pro-α2（I）chains of type I collagen,respectively.Two Chinese families with autosomal dominant OI were identified and characterized.Linkage analysis revealed linkage of both families to COL1A2 on chromosome 7q21.3-q22.1.Mutational analysis was carried out using direct DNA sequence analysis.Two novel missense mutations,c.3350AG and c.3305GC,were identified in exon 49 of COL1A2 in the two families,respectively.The c.3305GC mutation resulted in substitution of a glycine residue（G）by an alanine residue（A）at codon 1102（p.G1102A）,which was found to be mutated into serine（S）,argine（R）,aspartic acid（D）,or valine（V）in other families.The c.3350AG variant may be a de novo mutation resulting in p.Y1117C.Both mutations co-segregated with OI in respective families,and were not found in 100 normal controls.The G1102 and Y1117 residues were evolutionarily highly conserved from zebrafish to humans.Mutational analysis did not identify any mutation in the COX-2 gene（a modifier gene of OI）.This study identifies two novel mutations p.G1102A and p.Y1117C that cause OI,significantly expands the spectrum of COL1A2 mutations causing OI,and has a significant implication in prenatal diagnosis of OI.
