HCLS1-associated protein X-1(HAX1)is a multifunctional mitochondrial protein involved in the regulation of apoptosis,a crucial process of programmed cell death,and mRNA processing.Despite its significance,limited stru...HCLS1-associated protein X-1(HAX1)is a multifunctional mitochondrial protein involved in the regulation of apoptosis,a crucial process of programmed cell death,and mRNA processing.Despite its significance,limited structural data is available for HAX1,hindering a comprehensive understanding of its biological function.Notably,the caseinolytic mitochondrial matrix peptidase chaperone subunit B(CLPB)has been identified as an interacting partner of HAX1,yet the biophysical properties and binding affinity governing their interaction remain poorly defined.In this study,we present a thorough biophysical characterization of full-length human HAX1 and CLPB,accomplished through recombinant expression and purification.By employing size exclusion chromatography,dynamic light scattering,and circular dichroism spectroscopy,we successfully established their biophysical properties,revealing contrasting structural features,with CLPB displaying a-helical content and HAX1 exhibiting a disordered nature.Moreover,we employed solutionstate nuclear magnetic resonance(NMR)spectroscopy to probe their binding affinity.Our findings demonstrate the formation of stable multimeric complexes between HAX1 and CLPB,and we quantified a dissociation constant in the low range of micro-molar for their high affinity interaction.These results lay the foundation for further in-depth investigations into the dynamics and energetics governing the HAX1-CLPB interaction,ultimately contributing to a comprehensive understanding of their functional mechanisms.展开更多
To screen for interacting proteins of the rice thylakoid lumen protein OsTLP16.5(encoded by Os06g0705100),which will help to elucidate the molecular regulatory mechanisms of OsTLP16.5 in rice.Total RNA was extracted f...To screen for interacting proteins of the rice thylakoid lumen protein OsTLP16.5(encoded by Os06g0705100),which will help to elucidate the molecular regulatory mechanisms of OsTLP16.5 in rice.Total RNA was extracted from rice to construct a cDNA library.A yeast two-hybrid(Y2H)bait vector,pGBKT7-OsTLP16.5,was constructed to screen candidate target proteins using the yeast two-hybrid system,followed by interaction validation.Large-scale screening was performed using next-generation sequencing(NGS)technology.The bait vector pGBKT7-OsTLP16.5 was successfully constructed and verified to be free of autoactivation.A library screen identified 32 potential interacting proteins,of which 3 showed positive interactions after validation.NGS technology revealed 977 potential interacting proteins,including 51 chloroplast-associated proteins.A rice cDNA library was successfully constructed,and interacting proteins of OsTLP16.5 were identified,providing a foundation for studying how OsTLP16.5 functions in rice.展开更多
The yeast two\|hybrid system is a molecular genetic approach for protein interaction and it is widely used to screen for proteins that interact with a protein of interest in recent years.This process includes,construc...The yeast two\|hybrid system is a molecular genetic approach for protein interaction and it is widely used to screen for proteins that interact with a protein of interest in recent years.This process includes,construction and testing of the bait plasmid,screening a plasmid library for interacting fusion protein,elimination of false positives and delection analysis of true positives.This procedure is designed to allow investigators to identify proteins and their encoding cDNAs that have a biologically significant interaction with a protein of interest.More and more studies have demonstrated that the two\|hybrid system is a powerful and sensitive technique for the identification of genes that code for proteins that interact in a biologically significant fashion with a protein of interest in higher plants.This method has been used to identify new interaction protein in many laboratories.The recently reported yeast tri\|brid system,should allow the investigation of more complex protein\|protein interactions.The aim of this review is to outline the recent progress made in protein interactions by using yeast two\|hybrid system.展开更多
The B-box(BBX)family of proteins consists of zinc-finger transcription factors with one or two highly conserved B-box motifs at their N-termini.BBX proteins play crucial roles in various aspects of plant growth and de...The B-box(BBX)family of proteins consists of zinc-finger transcription factors with one or two highly conserved B-box motifs at their N-termini.BBX proteins play crucial roles in various aspects of plant growth and development,including seedling photomorphogenesis,shade avoidance,flowering time,and biotic and abiotic stress responses.Previous studies have identified many different BBXs from several plant species,although the BBX family members in maize are largely unknown.Genome-wide identification and comprehensive analysis of maize BBX(ZmBBX)expression and interaction networks would therefore provide valuable information for understanding their functions.In this study,36 maize BBXs in three major clades were identified.The ZmBBXs within a given clade were found to share similar domains,motifs,and genomic structures.Gene duplication analyses revealed that the expansion of BBX proteins in maize has mainly occurred by segmental duplication.The expression levels of ZmBBXs were analyzed in various organs and tissues,and under different abiotic stress conditions.Protein–protein interaction networks of ZmBBXs were established using bioinformatic tools and verified by bimolecular fluorescence complementation(BiFC)assays.Our findings can facilitate a greater understanding of the complexity of the ZmBBX family and provide novel clues for unravelling ZmBBX protein functions.展开更多
Proteasome dysfunction has been repeatedly reported in alcoholic liver disease. Ethanol metabolism endproducts affect the structure of the proteasome, and, therefore, change the proteasome interaction with its regulat...Proteasome dysfunction has been repeatedly reported in alcoholic liver disease. Ethanol metabolism endproducts affect the structure of the proteasome, and, therefore, change the proteasome interaction with its regulatory complexes 19S and PA28, as well as its interacting proteins. Chronic ethanol feeding alters the ubiquitin-proteasome activity by altering the interaction between the 19S and the 20S proteasome interaction. The degradation of oxidized and damaged proteins is thus decreased and leads to accumulation of insoluble protein aggregates, such as Mallory-Denk bodies. Ethanol also affects the immunoproteasome formation. PA28a/b interactions with the 20S proteasome are decreased in the proteasome fraction isolated from the liver of rats fed ethanol chronically, thus affecting the cellular antigen presentation and defense against pathogenic agents. Recently, it has been shown that ethanol also affects the proteasome interacting proteins (PIPs). Interaction of the proteasome with Ecm29 and with deubiquitinating enzymes Rpn11, UCH37, and Usp14 has been found to decrease. However, the two UBL-ubiquitin-associated domain (UBA) PIPs p62 and valosin-containing protein are upregulated when the proteasome is inhibited. The increase of these UBL-UBA proteins, as well as the increase in Hsp70 and Hsp25 levels, compensated for the proteasome failure and helped in the unfolding/docking of misfolded proteins. Chronic alcohol feeding to rats causes a significant inhibition of the proteasome pathway and this inhibition results from a decreases of the interaction between the 20S proteasome and the regulatory complexes, PIPs, and the ubiquitin system components.展开更多
AIM: To investigate the biological function of p7 protein and to look for proteins interacting with p7 protein in hepatocytes. METHODS: We constructed p7 protein bait plasmid by cloning the gene of p7 protein into p...AIM: To investigate the biological function of p7 protein and to look for proteins interacting with p7 protein in hepatocytes. METHODS: We constructed p7 protein bait plasmid by cloning the gene of p7 protein into pGBKTT, then transformed it into yeast AH109 (a type). The transformed yeast was mated with yeast Y187 (α type) containing liver cDNA library plasmid, pACT2 in 2×YPDA medium. Diploid yeast was plated on synthetic dropout nutrient medium (SD/- Trp-Leu-His-Ade) containing x-α-gal for selection and screening. After extracting and sequencing of plasmids from blue colonies, we performed sequence analysis by bioinformatics. RESULTS: Fifty colonies were selected and sequenced. Among them, one colony was Homo sapiens signal sequence receptor, seven colonies were Homo sapiens H19, seven colonies were immunoglobulin superfamily containing leucine-rich repeat, three colonies were spermatid peri-nuclear RNA binding proteins, two colonies were membrane-spanning 4-domains, 24 colonies were cancer-associated antigens, four colonies were nudeoporin 214 ku and two colonies were CLL-associated antigens. CONCLUSION: The successful cloning of gene of protein interacting with p7 protein paves a way for the study of the physiological function of p7 protein and its assodated protein.展开更多
To screen for novel binding proteins interacting with high-risk HPV 18 E6 oncogene, the strain AH 109 was transformed with pGBKT7-HPV 18 E6 plasmid, and subsequent transference was utilized to screen for interacting p...To screen for novel binding proteins interacting with high-risk HPV 18 E6 oncogene, the strain AH 109 was transformed with pGBKT7-HPV 18 E6 plasmid, and subsequent transference was utilized to screen for interacting proteins with HPV 18 E6 in human Hela cDNA library. HPV 18 E6 mRNA was expressed in yeast and there was no self-activation and toxicity in AH109. Seven proteins that interacted with HPV18 E6, including transmembrane protein 87B, phosphonoformate immuno-associated protein 5, vimentin, KM-HN-1 protein, dedicator of cytokinesis 7, vaccinia related kinase 2 and a hypothetical protein, were identified. It was suggested that yeast two-hybrid system is an efficient for screening interacting proteins. The high-risk HPV 18 E6 oncogene may interact with the proteins, which may be associated with signal transduction and transcriptional control, epithelial cell invasion and migration, as well as humoral and cellular immune etc. This investigation provides functional clues for further exploration of potential oncogenesis targets for cancer biotherapy.展开更多
The mechanism and interaction among Rb/p16, Rb/E2F1 and HDAC1 proteins in gallbladder carcinoma were investigated. By using the immunoprecipitation method, the interactions among Rb, p16, E2F1, HDAC1 proteins in gallb...The mechanism and interaction among Rb/p16, Rb/E2F1 and HDAC1 proteins in gallbladder carcinoma were investigated. By using the immunoprecipitation method, the interactions among Rb, p16, E2F1, HDAC1 proteins in gallbladder carcinoma cell line (Mz-ChA-1) were studied. It was found that there were Rb and E2F1 proteins in the precipitates with anti-HDAC1, and there were HDAC1 and E2F1 proteins in the precipitate with anti-Rb. It was concluded that there are specific interactions among Rb, HDAC1 and E2F1 proteins in gallbladder carcinoma, indicating the existence of the direct Rb/E2F1/HDAC1 signal transduction pathway. There is no direct relationship between p16 proteins with Rb, HDAC1, and E2F1 proteins.展开更多
Avian influenza virus(AIV) nonstructural 1(NS1) gene was amplified by real-time polymerse chain reac tion(RT-PCR) and inserted into pET28a, then transformed into E. coli BL21(DE3) competent cell. With the indu...Avian influenza virus(AIV) nonstructural 1(NS1) gene was amplified by real-time polymerse chain reac tion(RT-PCR) and inserted into pET28a, then transformed into E. coli BL21(DE3) competent cell. With the induction of isopropyl-β-D-thiogalactoside(IPTG) and the purification of Ni-NTA column, we finally obtained purified NS1 protein. T7-phage display system was used to screen the proteins that interacted with NS1 from lung cell cDNA li brary. The selected positive clones were identified by DNA sequencing and analyzed by BLAST program in Gene Bank. Two proteins were obtained as NS1 binding proteins, Homo sapiens nucleolar and coiled-body phosphoprotein 1(NOLC1) and Homo sapiens similar to colon cancer-associated antigen. By co-immunoprecipitation and other me thods, Homo sapiens NOLC1 was found to interact with the NS1 protein, the results would provide the basis for fur ther studying biological function of NS1 protein.展开更多
Regulation of the number of aetivin receptors that are present in the cell membrane plays a key role in the modulation of cellular responses to activin. In order to find the regulators, a novel protein ARIPzip, intera...Regulation of the number of aetivin receptors that are present in the cell membrane plays a key role in the modulation of cellular responses to activin. In order to find the regulators, a novel protein ARIPzip, interacting with activin type II receptors, was searched and identified by using yeast two-hybrid screening. ARIPzip is a splicing variant of ARIP2. This has been discussed previously. ARIPzip can specifically interact with ActR Ⅱ A, and is widely distributed in mouse tissues. Overexpression of ARIPzip can cause the activin-induced transcriptional activities to increase in a dose-dependent manner while the overexpression of ARIV2 can decrease these activities. These data suggest that the C-terminal rezions of ARIP2 and ARIPzip are involved in the regulation of activin signaling.展开更多
Hot pepper(Capsicum annuum var.conoides)is a significant vegetable that is widely cultivated around the world.Currently,global climate change has caused frequent severe weather events,and waterlogging stress harms the...Hot pepper(Capsicum annuum var.conoides)is a significant vegetable that is widely cultivated around the world.Currently,global climate change has caused frequent severe weather events,and waterlogging stress harms the pepper industry by affecting the planting period,growth conditions,and disease susceptibility.The gene CaABI3/VP1-1 could improve pepper waterlogging tolerance.In order to explore the upstream regulatory mechanism of CaABI3/VP1-1,a high-quality standardized yeast hybrid library was successfully constructed for yeast one-,two-,and threehybrid screening using pepper‘ZHC2’as the experimental material,with a library recombinant efficiency of up to 100%.The length of inserted fragments varied from 650 to 5000 bp,the library titer was 5.18×10^(6)colony-forming units(CFU)·mL-1,and the library capacity was 1.04×10^(7)CFU of cDNA inserts.The recombinant bait plasmid was used to successfully identify 78 different proteins through the yeast one-hybrid system,including one transcription factor within the ethylene-responsive factor family and the other within the growth-regulating factor family.The interaction happened between LOC124895848 and CaABI3/VP1-1 promoter by point-to-point yeast one-hybrid experiment.The expression level of the 12 selected protein-coding genes was then evaluated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction.Results indicated the protein coding genes showed different responses to waterlogging stress and that the activity of the CaABI3/VP1-1 promoter could be inhibited or activated by up-regulating or down-regulating gene expression,respectively.The identification of these proteins interacting with the promoter provides a new perspective for understanding the gene regulatory network of hot pepper operating under waterlogging stress and provides theoretical support for further analysis of the complex regulatory relationship between transcription factors and promoters.展开更多
The 57 kDa antigen recognized by the Ki-1 antibody,is also known as intracellular hyaluronic acid binding protein 4 and shares 40.7%identity and 67.4%similarity with serpin mRNA binding protein 1,which is also named C...The 57 kDa antigen recognized by the Ki-1 antibody,is also known as intracellular hyaluronic acid binding protein 4 and shares 40.7%identity and 67.4%similarity with serpin mRNA binding protein 1,which is also named CGI-55,or plasminogen activator inhibitor type-1-RNA binding protein-1,indicating that they might be paralog proteins,possibly with similar or redundant functions in human cells.Through the identification of their protein interactomes,both regulatory proteins have been functionally implicated in transcriptional regulation,mRNA metabolism,specifically RNA splicing,the regulation of mRNA stability,especially,in the context of the progesterone hormone response,and the DNA damage response.Both proteins also show a complex pattern of post-translational modifications,involving Ser/Thr phosphorylation,mainly through protein kinase C,arginine methylation and SUMOylation,suggesting that their functions and locations are highly regulated.Furthermore,they show a highly dynamic cellular localization pattern with localizations in both the cytoplasm and nucleus as well as punctuated localizations in both granular cytoplasmic protein bodies,upon stress,and nuclear splicing speckles.Several reports in the literature show altered expressions of both regulatory proteins in a series of cancers as well as mutations in their genes that may contribute to tumorigenesis.This review highlights important aspects of the structure,interactome,post-translational modifications,sub-cellular localization and function of both regulatory proteins and further discusses their possible functions and their potential as tumor markers in different cancer settings.展开更多
Essential proteins are inseparable in cell growth and survival. The study of essential proteins is important for understanding cellular functions and biological mechanisms. Therefore, various computable methods have b...Essential proteins are inseparable in cell growth and survival. The study of essential proteins is important for understanding cellular functions and biological mechanisms. Therefore, various computable methods have been proposed to identify essential proteins. Unfortunately, most methods based on network topology only consider the interactions between a protein and its neighboring proteins, and not the interactions with its higher-order distance proteins. In this paper, we propose the DSEP algorithm in which we integrated network topology properties and subcellular localization information in protein–protein interaction(PPI) networks based on four-order distances, and then used random walks to identify the essential proteins. We also propose a method to calculate the finite-order distance of the network, which can greatly reduce the time complexity of our algorithm. We conducted a comprehensive comparison of the DSEP algorithm with 11 existing classical algorithms to identify essential proteins with multiple evaluation methods. The results show that DSEP is superior to these 11 methods.展开更多
[Objective] The paper was to obtain host proteins interacting with porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) N protein. [Method] The re-combinant vector pGBKT7-N of PEDV N gene was constructed and used as the bait plas...[Objective] The paper was to obtain host proteins interacting with porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) N protein. [Method] The re-combinant vector pGBKT7-N of PEDV N gene was constructed and used as the bait plasmid to screen the proteins interacting with N protein ofPEDV from the cDNA library of porcine alveolar macrophage (PAM) by yeast two-hybrid method. [Result] There was no toxicity and self activationof bait protein in yeast hybridization system, and six proteins (FTH1, LGALS3, CORO1C, SNRPG, KRTAP5-3, ZNF598) interacting with N proteinwere indentified. It was confirmed that LGALS3 and SNRPG had specific interaction with N protein by return experiment and co-immunoprecipitation(CoIP) test. [Conclusion] The study lays a foundation for further studying the function of PEDV N protein and the pathogenic mechanism of PEDV.展开更多
Nodule formation is a tightly regulated process that integrates specific signal exchange and coordinated activation of developmental mechanisms to synchronize bacte-rial infection and organ development. Symbiosis rece...Nodule formation is a tightly regulated process that integrates specific signal exchange and coordinated activation of developmental mechanisms to synchronize bacte-rial infection and organ development. Symbiosis receptor kinase (SymRK) is indispensable for symbiotic signal transduction of root nodule symbiosis (RNS) upon stimulation of root cells by microbial signaling molecules. But the protein turnover model of SymRK and the way for nodulation factor signals downstream transduction from SymRK are not clear. Over the past years, a number of proteins interacting with SymRK which required for root nodule symbiosis have been identified. Here we summarized structures and functions of these pro-teins, and concluded that major challenge would be revealing relations between them and the regulation mechanisms of SymRK in nodulation.展开更多
The E3 ubiquitin ligase,carboxyl terminus of heat shock protein 70(Hsp70)interacting protein(CHIP),also functions as a co-chaperone and plays a crucial role in the protein quality control system.In this study,we aimed...The E3 ubiquitin ligase,carboxyl terminus of heat shock protein 70(Hsp70)interacting protein(CHIP),also functions as a co-chaperone and plays a crucial role in the protein quality control system.In this study,we aimed to investigate the neuroprotective effect of overexpressed CHIP on Alzheimer’s disease.We used an adeno-associated virus vector that can cross the blood-brain barrier to mediate CHIP overexpression in APP/PS1 mouse brain.CHIP overexpression significantly ameliorated the performance of APP/PS1 mice in the Morris water maze and nest building tests,reduced amyloid-βplaques,and decreased the expression of both amyloid-βand phosphorylated tau.CHIP also alleviated the concentration of microglia and astrocytes around plaques.In APP/PS1 mice of a younger age,CHIP overexpression promoted an increase in ADAM10 expression and inhibitedβ-site APP cleaving enzyme 1,insulin degrading enzyme,and neprilysin expression.Levels of HSP70 and HSP40,which have functional relevance to CHIP,were also increased.Single nuclei transcriptome sequencing in the hippocampus of CHIP overexpressed mice showed that the lysosomal pathway and oligodendrocyte-related biological processes were up-regulated,which may also reflect a potential mechanism for the neuroprotective effect of CHIP.Our research shows that CHIP effectively reduces the behavior and pathological manifestations of APP/PS1 mice.Indeed,overexpression of CHIP could be a beneficial approach for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.展开更多
Objective ZW10 interacting kinetochore protein(ZWINT)has been demonstrated to play a pivotal role in the growth,invasion,and migration of cancers.Nevertheless,whether the expression levels of ZWINT are significantly c...Objective ZW10 interacting kinetochore protein(ZWINT)has been demonstrated to play a pivotal role in the growth,invasion,and migration of cancers.Nevertheless,whether the expression levels of ZWINT are significantly correlated with clinicopathological characteristics and prognostic outcomes of patients with breast cancer remains elusive.This study systematically investigated the clinical significance of ZWINT expression in breast cancer through integrated molecular subtyping and survival analysis.Methods We systematically characterized the spatial expression pattern of ZWINT across various breast cancer subtypes and assessed its prognostic significance using an integrated bioinformatics approach that involved multi-omics analysis.The approach included the Breast Cancer Gene-Expression Miner v5.1(bc-GenExMiner v5.1),TNMplot,MuTarget,PrognoScan database,and Database for Annotation,Visualization,and Integrated Discovery(DAVID).Results Our analysis revealed consistent upregulation of ZWINT mRNA and protein expression across distinct clinicopathological subtypes of breast cancer.ZWINT overexpression demonstrated significant co-occurrence with truncating mutations in cadherin 1(CDH1)and tumor protein p53(TP53),suggesting potential functional crosstalk in tumor progression pathways.The overexpression of ZWINT correlated with adverse clinical outcomes,showing 48%increased mortality risk(overall survival:HR 1.48,95%CI 1.23–1.79),66%higher recurrence probability(relapse-free survival:1.66,95%CI 1.50–1.84),and 63%elevated metastasis risk(distant metastasis-free survival:HR 1.63,95%CI 1.39–1.90).Multivariate Cox regression incorporating TNM staging and molecular subtypes confirmed ZWINT as an independent prognostic determinant(P<0.001,Harrell’s C-index=0.7827),which was validated through bootstrap resampling(1000 iterations).Conclusion ZWINT may serve as a potential biomarker for prognosis and a possible therapeutic target alongside TP53/CDH1 in breast cancer.展开更多
FCS-like zinc finger(FLZ)gene family members are C2-C2 zinc finger proteins that take part in seed dormancy,resistance to Myzus persicae 1,sucrose signaling and abiotic stresse tolerance.However,their functions,especi...FCS-like zinc finger(FLZ)gene family members are C2-C2 zinc finger proteins that take part in seed dormancy,resistance to Myzus persicae 1,sucrose signaling and abiotic stresse tolerance.However,their functions,especially the molecular mechanism through which FLZs function,are not well understood.In this study,we characterized 120FLZs in wheat and revealed the function and mechanism of TaFLZ54D increasing salt stress tolerance in transgenic wheat.Expression analysis demonstrated that TaFLZ54D can be induced by NaCl treatment and it had the highest expression level under NaCl treatment among the 120 FLZs.Over-expression of TaFLZ54D increased wheat salt stress tolerance and the transgenic plants had higher levels of superoxide dismutase(SOD)and peroxidase(POD)activities and soluble sugar content,but a lower Na^(+)/K^(+)ratio and malondialdehyde(MDA)content than the wild type(WT)plants.Potassium ion transmembrane transporters and serine/threonine kinase inhibitor proteins showed differential expression between Ta FLZ54D transgenic wheat and the WT.Yeast two hybrid and luciferase complementation assays revealed that TaSGT1 and TaPP2C are the proteins that interact directly with TaFLZ54D.In summary,TaFLZ54D enhances salt stress tolerance through interaction with TaSGT1 and TaPP2C to reduce Na^(+)absorption and mitigate oxidative stress.The interaction between TaFLZ54D and TaSGT1,as well as TaPP2C indicated a link between salt stress tolerance of TaFLZ54D and the ubiquitin-mediated degradation of negative regulatory proteins.展开更多
Objective Oral squamous cell carcinoma(OSCC)is an aggressive cancer with a high mortality rate.San-Zhong-Kui-Jian-Tang(SZKJT),a Chinese herbal formula,has long been used as an adjuvant therapy in cancer clinical pract...Objective Oral squamous cell carcinoma(OSCC)is an aggressive cancer with a high mortality rate.San-Zhong-Kui-Jian-Tang(SZKJT),a Chinese herbal formula,has long been used as an adjuvant therapy in cancer clinical practice.Although its therapeutic effects and molecular mechanisms in OSCC have been previously elucidated,the potential interactions and mechanisms between the active phytochemicals and their therapeutic targets are still lacking.Methods The present study employed network pharmacology and topology approaches to establish a“herbal ingredients–active phytochemicals–target interaction”network to explore the potential therapeutic targets of SZKJT-active phytochemicals in the treatment of OSCC.The role of the target proteins in oncogenesis was assessed via GO and KEGG enrichment analyses,and their interactions with the active phytochemicals of SZKJT were calculated via molecular docking and dynamic simulations.The pharmacokinetic properties and toxicity of the active phytochemicals were also predicted.Results A total of 171 active phytochemicals of SZKJT fulfilled the bioavailability and drug-likeness screening criteria,with the flavonoids quercetin,kaempferol,and naringenin having the greatest potential.The 4 crucial targets of these active phytochemicals are PTGS2,TNF,BCL2,and CASP3,which encode cyclooxygenase-2,tumor necrosis factor(TNF),BCL-2 apoptosis regulator,and caspase-3,respectively.The interactions between phytochemicals and target proteins were predicted to be thermodynamically feasible and stable via molecular docking and dynamics simulations.Finally,the results revealed that the IL-6/JAK/STAT3 pathway and TNF signaling via NF-κB are the two prominent pathways targeted by SZKJT.Conclusion In summary,this study provides computational data for in-depth exploration of the mechanism by which SZKJT activates phytochemicals to treat OSCC.展开更多
Pumpkin is of great economic importance not only as food resources but also as the most widely used rootstock to graft cucurbit crops.Pumpkin rootstock improves salt tolerance of cucumber scion through respiratory bur...Pumpkin is of great economic importance not only as food resources but also as the most widely used rootstock to graft cucurbit crops.Pumpkin rootstock improves salt tolerance of cucumber scion through respiratory burst oxidase homolog protein D(CmRbohD)-mediated reactive oxygen species(ROS)burst,which further enhances Na^(+)export and K^(+)uptake.Rboh D activation requires calcium signaling.However,the underlying mechanism remains largely unknown.In this study,we discovered two Rboh D members from pumpkin involved in the ROS burst at the early stage of salt stress.CmRbohD1 and CmRbohD2 were functionally redundant and double mutation significantly impaired salt tolerance in pumpkin.Overexpression of CmRbohD1 and CmRbohD2 mitigated salinity-induced damage and maintained a relatively low Na+content and high K+content.We screened the potential calcineurin B-like interacting protein kinases(Cm CIPKs)which could bind with CmRbohD1 and CmRbohD2.Our results revealed that two Rboh Ds formed complexes specifically with CmCIPK1,thereby bursting ROS production.Overexpression of CmCIPK1 promoted the early ROS burst under salt stress condition and maintained a relatively balanced Na+/K+homeostasis.Altogether,we proposed a CmCIPK1-CmRbohD1/D2 complex for pumpkin salt stress signaling transduction,which regulates the ROS burst and Na+/K+homeostasis.Our findings offer unprecedented insights into the general mechanism of pumpkin salt tolerance.展开更多
基金supported by grants from the Special Foundation of President of the Chinese Academy of Sciences(Grant No.,YZJJ2020QN27,YZJJ2021QN33)Anhui Provincial Natural Science Foundation(Grant No.,2108085MC79).
文摘HCLS1-associated protein X-1(HAX1)is a multifunctional mitochondrial protein involved in the regulation of apoptosis,a crucial process of programmed cell death,and mRNA processing.Despite its significance,limited structural data is available for HAX1,hindering a comprehensive understanding of its biological function.Notably,the caseinolytic mitochondrial matrix peptidase chaperone subunit B(CLPB)has been identified as an interacting partner of HAX1,yet the biophysical properties and binding affinity governing their interaction remain poorly defined.In this study,we present a thorough biophysical characterization of full-length human HAX1 and CLPB,accomplished through recombinant expression and purification.By employing size exclusion chromatography,dynamic light scattering,and circular dichroism spectroscopy,we successfully established their biophysical properties,revealing contrasting structural features,with CLPB displaying a-helical content and HAX1 exhibiting a disordered nature.Moreover,we employed solutionstate nuclear magnetic resonance(NMR)spectroscopy to probe their binding affinity.Our findings demonstrate the formation of stable multimeric complexes between HAX1 and CLPB,and we quantified a dissociation constant in the low range of micro-molar for their high affinity interaction.These results lay the foundation for further in-depth investigations into the dynamics and energetics governing the HAX1-CLPB interaction,ultimately contributing to a comprehensive understanding of their functional mechanisms.
文摘To screen for interacting proteins of the rice thylakoid lumen protein OsTLP16.5(encoded by Os06g0705100),which will help to elucidate the molecular regulatory mechanisms of OsTLP16.5 in rice.Total RNA was extracted from rice to construct a cDNA library.A yeast two-hybrid(Y2H)bait vector,pGBKT7-OsTLP16.5,was constructed to screen candidate target proteins using the yeast two-hybrid system,followed by interaction validation.Large-scale screening was performed using next-generation sequencing(NGS)technology.The bait vector pGBKT7-OsTLP16.5 was successfully constructed and verified to be free of autoactivation.A library screen identified 32 potential interacting proteins,of which 3 showed positive interactions after validation.NGS technology revealed 977 potential interacting proteins,including 51 chloroplast-associated proteins.A rice cDNA library was successfully constructed,and interacting proteins of OsTLP16.5 were identified,providing a foundation for studying how OsTLP16.5 functions in rice.
文摘The yeast two\|hybrid system is a molecular genetic approach for protein interaction and it is widely used to screen for proteins that interact with a protein of interest in recent years.This process includes,construction and testing of the bait plasmid,screening a plasmid library for interacting fusion protein,elimination of false positives and delection analysis of true positives.This procedure is designed to allow investigators to identify proteins and their encoding cDNAs that have a biologically significant interaction with a protein of interest.More and more studies have demonstrated that the two\|hybrid system is a powerful and sensitive technique for the identification of genes that code for proteins that interact in a biologically significant fashion with a protein of interest in higher plants.This method has been used to identify new interaction protein in many laboratories.The recently reported yeast tri\|brid system,should allow the investigation of more complex protein\|protein interactions.The aim of this review is to outline the recent progress made in protein interactions by using yeast two\|hybrid system.
基金financially supported by grants from the Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province,China(ZR2018LC005 and ZR2019BC107)the Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Project of Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences,China(CXGC2022C02)。
文摘The B-box(BBX)family of proteins consists of zinc-finger transcription factors with one or two highly conserved B-box motifs at their N-termini.BBX proteins play crucial roles in various aspects of plant growth and development,including seedling photomorphogenesis,shade avoidance,flowering time,and biotic and abiotic stress responses.Previous studies have identified many different BBXs from several plant species,although the BBX family members in maize are largely unknown.Genome-wide identification and comprehensive analysis of maize BBX(ZmBBX)expression and interaction networks would therefore provide valuable information for understanding their functions.In this study,36 maize BBXs in three major clades were identified.The ZmBBXs within a given clade were found to share similar domains,motifs,and genomic structures.Gene duplication analyses revealed that the expansion of BBX proteins in maize has mainly occurred by segmental duplication.The expression levels of ZmBBXs were analyzed in various organs and tissues,and under different abiotic stress conditions.Protein–protein interaction networks of ZmBBXs were established using bioinformatic tools and verified by bimolecular fluorescence complementation(BiFC)assays.Our findings can facilitate a greater understanding of the complexity of the ZmBBX family and provide novel clues for unravelling ZmBBX protein functions.
基金Supported by NIH/NIAAA 8116Alcohol Center Grant on Liver and Pancreas P50-011999, Morphology Core
文摘Proteasome dysfunction has been repeatedly reported in alcoholic liver disease. Ethanol metabolism endproducts affect the structure of the proteasome, and, therefore, change the proteasome interaction with its regulatory complexes 19S and PA28, as well as its interacting proteins. Chronic ethanol feeding alters the ubiquitin-proteasome activity by altering the interaction between the 19S and the 20S proteasome interaction. The degradation of oxidized and damaged proteins is thus decreased and leads to accumulation of insoluble protein aggregates, such as Mallory-Denk bodies. Ethanol also affects the immunoproteasome formation. PA28a/b interactions with the 20S proteasome are decreased in the proteasome fraction isolated from the liver of rats fed ethanol chronically, thus affecting the cellular antigen presentation and defense against pathogenic agents. Recently, it has been shown that ethanol also affects the proteasome interacting proteins (PIPs). Interaction of the proteasome with Ecm29 and with deubiquitinating enzymes Rpn11, UCH37, and Usp14 has been found to decrease. However, the two UBL-ubiquitin-associated domain (UBA) PIPs p62 and valosin-containing protein are upregulated when the proteasome is inhibited. The increase of these UBL-UBA proteins, as well as the increase in Hsp70 and Hsp25 levels, compensated for the proteasome failure and helped in the unfolding/docking of misfolded proteins. Chronic alcohol feeding to rats causes a significant inhibition of the proteasome pathway and this inhibition results from a decreases of the interaction between the 20S proteasome and the regulatory complexes, PIPs, and the ubiquitin system components.
基金Supported by the National Natural Scientific Foundation, No. C03011402, No. C30070690the Research and Technique Foundation of PLA during the 9th-five year plan period, No. 98D063the Launching Foundation for Student Studying Abroad of PLA, No. 98H038and the Youth Research and Technique Foundation of PLA during the 10th-five year plan period, No. 01Q138the Research and Technique Foundation of PLA during the 10th-five year plan period, No. 01MB135
文摘AIM: To investigate the biological function of p7 protein and to look for proteins interacting with p7 protein in hepatocytes. METHODS: We constructed p7 protein bait plasmid by cloning the gene of p7 protein into pGBKTT, then transformed it into yeast AH109 (a type). The transformed yeast was mated with yeast Y187 (α type) containing liver cDNA library plasmid, pACT2 in 2×YPDA medium. Diploid yeast was plated on synthetic dropout nutrient medium (SD/- Trp-Leu-His-Ade) containing x-α-gal for selection and screening. After extracting and sequencing of plasmids from blue colonies, we performed sequence analysis by bioinformatics. RESULTS: Fifty colonies were selected and sequenced. Among them, one colony was Homo sapiens signal sequence receptor, seven colonies were Homo sapiens H19, seven colonies were immunoglobulin superfamily containing leucine-rich repeat, three colonies were spermatid peri-nuclear RNA binding proteins, two colonies were membrane-spanning 4-domains, 24 colonies were cancer-associated antigens, four colonies were nudeoporin 214 ku and two colonies were CLL-associated antigens. CONCLUSION: The successful cloning of gene of protein interacting with p7 protein paves a way for the study of the physiological function of p7 protein and its assodated protein.
基金grants from "973" Program of China (No. 2002CB513100)National Natural Sci-ences Foundation of China (No. 30500596)
文摘To screen for novel binding proteins interacting with high-risk HPV 18 E6 oncogene, the strain AH 109 was transformed with pGBKT7-HPV 18 E6 plasmid, and subsequent transference was utilized to screen for interacting proteins with HPV 18 E6 in human Hela cDNA library. HPV 18 E6 mRNA was expressed in yeast and there was no self-activation and toxicity in AH109. Seven proteins that interacted with HPV18 E6, including transmembrane protein 87B, phosphonoformate immuno-associated protein 5, vimentin, KM-HN-1 protein, dedicator of cytokinesis 7, vaccinia related kinase 2 and a hypothetical protein, were identified. It was suggested that yeast two-hybrid system is an efficient for screening interacting proteins. The high-risk HPV 18 E6 oncogene may interact with the proteins, which may be associated with signal transduction and transcriptional control, epithelial cell invasion and migration, as well as humoral and cellular immune etc. This investigation provides functional clues for further exploration of potential oncogenesis targets for cancer biotherapy.
文摘The mechanism and interaction among Rb/p16, Rb/E2F1 and HDAC1 proteins in gallbladder carcinoma were investigated. By using the immunoprecipitation method, the interactions among Rb, p16, E2F1, HDAC1 proteins in gallbladder carcinoma cell line (Mz-ChA-1) were studied. It was found that there were Rb and E2F1 proteins in the precipitates with anti-HDAC1, and there were HDAC1 and E2F1 proteins in the precipitate with anti-Rb. It was concluded that there are specific interactions among Rb, HDAC1 and E2F1 proteins in gallbladder carcinoma, indicating the existence of the direct Rb/E2F1/HDAC1 signal transduction pathway. There is no direct relationship between p16 proteins with Rb, HDAC1, and E2F1 proteins.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.30671852)the Open Research Fund Program of the State Key Laboratory of Virology of China(Nos.2010009, 2007007) the Research Fund of the Key Laboratory of Department of Education of Liaoning Province, China(No.2009S043)
文摘Avian influenza virus(AIV) nonstructural 1(NS1) gene was amplified by real-time polymerse chain reac tion(RT-PCR) and inserted into pET28a, then transformed into E. coli BL21(DE3) competent cell. With the induction of isopropyl-β-D-thiogalactoside(IPTG) and the purification of Ni-NTA column, we finally obtained purified NS1 protein. T7-phage display system was used to screen the proteins that interacted with NS1 from lung cell cDNA li brary. The selected positive clones were identified by DNA sequencing and analyzed by BLAST program in Gene Bank. Two proteins were obtained as NS1 binding proteins, Homo sapiens nucleolar and coiled-body phosphoprotein 1(NOLC1) and Homo sapiens similar to colon cancer-associated antigen. By co-immunoprecipitation and other me thods, Homo sapiens NOLC1 was found to interact with the NS1 protein, the results would provide the basis for fur ther studying biological function of NS1 protein.
文摘Regulation of the number of aetivin receptors that are present in the cell membrane plays a key role in the modulation of cellular responses to activin. In order to find the regulators, a novel protein ARIPzip, interacting with activin type II receptors, was searched and identified by using yeast two-hybrid screening. ARIPzip is a splicing variant of ARIP2. This has been discussed previously. ARIPzip can specifically interact with ActR Ⅱ A, and is widely distributed in mouse tissues. Overexpression of ARIPzip can cause the activin-induced transcriptional activities to increase in a dose-dependent manner while the overexpression of ARIV2 can decrease these activities. These data suggest that the C-terminal rezions of ARIP2 and ARIPzip are involved in the regulation of activin signaling.
基金funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(grant no.32260760)the Science and Technology Program of Guizhou Province(grant no.20201Z002)the Platform Construction Project of Engineering Research Center for Protected Vegetable Crops in Higher Learning Institutions of Guizhou Province(Qianjiaoji[2022]No.040).
文摘Hot pepper(Capsicum annuum var.conoides)is a significant vegetable that is widely cultivated around the world.Currently,global climate change has caused frequent severe weather events,and waterlogging stress harms the pepper industry by affecting the planting period,growth conditions,and disease susceptibility.The gene CaABI3/VP1-1 could improve pepper waterlogging tolerance.In order to explore the upstream regulatory mechanism of CaABI3/VP1-1,a high-quality standardized yeast hybrid library was successfully constructed for yeast one-,two-,and threehybrid screening using pepper‘ZHC2’as the experimental material,with a library recombinant efficiency of up to 100%.The length of inserted fragments varied from 650 to 5000 bp,the library titer was 5.18×10^(6)colony-forming units(CFU)·mL-1,and the library capacity was 1.04×10^(7)CFU of cDNA inserts.The recombinant bait plasmid was used to successfully identify 78 different proteins through the yeast one-hybrid system,including one transcription factor within the ethylene-responsive factor family and the other within the growth-regulating factor family.The interaction happened between LOC124895848 and CaABI3/VP1-1 promoter by point-to-point yeast one-hybrid experiment.The expression level of the 12 selected protein-coding genes was then evaluated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction.Results indicated the protein coding genes showed different responses to waterlogging stress and that the activity of the CaABI3/VP1-1 promoter could be inhibited or activated by up-regulating or down-regulating gene expression,respectively.The identification of these proteins interacting with the promoter provides a new perspective for understanding the gene regulatory network of hot pepper operating under waterlogging stress and provides theoretical support for further analysis of the complex regulatory relationship between transcription factors and promoters.
基金Supported by the “Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Cientifico e Tecnológico”,Grant No.302534/2017-2the “Fundacao de Amparo a Pesquisa do Estado de Sao Paulo”(FAPESP,Grant 2014/21700-3,to JK)
文摘The 57 kDa antigen recognized by the Ki-1 antibody,is also known as intracellular hyaluronic acid binding protein 4 and shares 40.7%identity and 67.4%similarity with serpin mRNA binding protein 1,which is also named CGI-55,or plasminogen activator inhibitor type-1-RNA binding protein-1,indicating that they might be paralog proteins,possibly with similar or redundant functions in human cells.Through the identification of their protein interactomes,both regulatory proteins have been functionally implicated in transcriptional regulation,mRNA metabolism,specifically RNA splicing,the regulation of mRNA stability,especially,in the context of the progesterone hormone response,and the DNA damage response.Both proteins also show a complex pattern of post-translational modifications,involving Ser/Thr phosphorylation,mainly through protein kinase C,arginine methylation and SUMOylation,suggesting that their functions and locations are highly regulated.Furthermore,they show a highly dynamic cellular localization pattern with localizations in both the cytoplasm and nucleus as well as punctuated localizations in both granular cytoplasmic protein bodies,upon stress,and nuclear splicing speckles.Several reports in the literature show altered expressions of both regulatory proteins in a series of cancers as well as mutations in their genes that may contribute to tumorigenesis.This review highlights important aspects of the structure,interactome,post-translational modifications,sub-cellular localization and function of both regulatory proteins and further discusses their possible functions and their potential as tumor markers in different cancer settings.
基金Project supported by the Gansu Province Industrial Support Plan (Grant No.2023CYZC-25)the Natural Science Foundation of Gansu Province (Grant No.23JRRA770)the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No.62162040)。
文摘Essential proteins are inseparable in cell growth and survival. The study of essential proteins is important for understanding cellular functions and biological mechanisms. Therefore, various computable methods have been proposed to identify essential proteins. Unfortunately, most methods based on network topology only consider the interactions between a protein and its neighboring proteins, and not the interactions with its higher-order distance proteins. In this paper, we propose the DSEP algorithm in which we integrated network topology properties and subcellular localization information in protein–protein interaction(PPI) networks based on four-order distances, and then used random walks to identify the essential proteins. We also propose a method to calculate the finite-order distance of the network, which can greatly reduce the time complexity of our algorithm. We conducted a comprehensive comparison of the DSEP algorithm with 11 existing classical algorithms to identify essential proteins with multiple evaluation methods. The results show that DSEP is superior to these 11 methods.
基金Supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China(31201915,31502071)Key Project of Science and Technology Promoting Agriculture in Shanghai City[HNKGZ(2013)No.3-6,No.5-5]
文摘[Objective] The paper was to obtain host proteins interacting with porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) N protein. [Method] The re-combinant vector pGBKT7-N of PEDV N gene was constructed and used as the bait plasmid to screen the proteins interacting with N protein ofPEDV from the cDNA library of porcine alveolar macrophage (PAM) by yeast two-hybrid method. [Result] There was no toxicity and self activationof bait protein in yeast hybridization system, and six proteins (FTH1, LGALS3, CORO1C, SNRPG, KRTAP5-3, ZNF598) interacting with N proteinwere indentified. It was confirmed that LGALS3 and SNRPG had specific interaction with N protein by return experiment and co-immunoprecipitation(CoIP) test. [Conclusion] The study lays a foundation for further studying the function of PEDV N protein and the pathogenic mechanism of PEDV.
文摘Nodule formation is a tightly regulated process that integrates specific signal exchange and coordinated activation of developmental mechanisms to synchronize bacte-rial infection and organ development. Symbiosis receptor kinase (SymRK) is indispensable for symbiotic signal transduction of root nodule symbiosis (RNS) upon stimulation of root cells by microbial signaling molecules. But the protein turnover model of SymRK and the way for nodulation factor signals downstream transduction from SymRK are not clear. Over the past years, a number of proteins interacting with SymRK which required for root nodule symbiosis have been identified. Here we summarized structures and functions of these pro-teins, and concluded that major challenge would be revealing relations between them and the regulation mechanisms of SymRK in nodulation.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,Nos.91849115 and U1904207(to YX),81974211 and 82171247(to CS)Non-profit Central Research Institute Fund of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences,No.2020-PT310-01(to YX).
文摘The E3 ubiquitin ligase,carboxyl terminus of heat shock protein 70(Hsp70)interacting protein(CHIP),also functions as a co-chaperone and plays a crucial role in the protein quality control system.In this study,we aimed to investigate the neuroprotective effect of overexpressed CHIP on Alzheimer’s disease.We used an adeno-associated virus vector that can cross the blood-brain barrier to mediate CHIP overexpression in APP/PS1 mouse brain.CHIP overexpression significantly ameliorated the performance of APP/PS1 mice in the Morris water maze and nest building tests,reduced amyloid-βplaques,and decreased the expression of both amyloid-βand phosphorylated tau.CHIP also alleviated the concentration of microglia and astrocytes around plaques.In APP/PS1 mice of a younger age,CHIP overexpression promoted an increase in ADAM10 expression and inhibitedβ-site APP cleaving enzyme 1,insulin degrading enzyme,and neprilysin expression.Levels of HSP70 and HSP40,which have functional relevance to CHIP,were also increased.Single nuclei transcriptome sequencing in the hippocampus of CHIP overexpressed mice showed that the lysosomal pathway and oligodendrocyte-related biological processes were up-regulated,which may also reflect a potential mechanism for the neuroprotective effect of CHIP.Our research shows that CHIP effectively reduces the behavior and pathological manifestations of APP/PS1 mice.Indeed,overexpression of CHIP could be a beneficial approach for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.
基金supported by the Research Project of Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Hubei Province(No.2023SFYM008)Key Project of Hubei Provincial Natural Science Foundation(No.JCZRLH202500304).
文摘Objective ZW10 interacting kinetochore protein(ZWINT)has been demonstrated to play a pivotal role in the growth,invasion,and migration of cancers.Nevertheless,whether the expression levels of ZWINT are significantly correlated with clinicopathological characteristics and prognostic outcomes of patients with breast cancer remains elusive.This study systematically investigated the clinical significance of ZWINT expression in breast cancer through integrated molecular subtyping and survival analysis.Methods We systematically characterized the spatial expression pattern of ZWINT across various breast cancer subtypes and assessed its prognostic significance using an integrated bioinformatics approach that involved multi-omics analysis.The approach included the Breast Cancer Gene-Expression Miner v5.1(bc-GenExMiner v5.1),TNMplot,MuTarget,PrognoScan database,and Database for Annotation,Visualization,and Integrated Discovery(DAVID).Results Our analysis revealed consistent upregulation of ZWINT mRNA and protein expression across distinct clinicopathological subtypes of breast cancer.ZWINT overexpression demonstrated significant co-occurrence with truncating mutations in cadherin 1(CDH1)and tumor protein p53(TP53),suggesting potential functional crosstalk in tumor progression pathways.The overexpression of ZWINT correlated with adverse clinical outcomes,showing 48%increased mortality risk(overall survival:HR 1.48,95%CI 1.23–1.79),66%higher recurrence probability(relapse-free survival:1.66,95%CI 1.50–1.84),and 63%elevated metastasis risk(distant metastasis-free survival:HR 1.63,95%CI 1.39–1.90).Multivariate Cox regression incorporating TNM staging and molecular subtypes confirmed ZWINT as an independent prognostic determinant(P<0.001,Harrell’s C-index=0.7827),which was validated through bootstrap resampling(1000 iterations).Conclusion ZWINT may serve as a potential biomarker for prognosis and a possible therapeutic target alongside TP53/CDH1 in breast cancer.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(31871622)the Key R&D Program of Shandong Province,China(2022LZG001)。
文摘FCS-like zinc finger(FLZ)gene family members are C2-C2 zinc finger proteins that take part in seed dormancy,resistance to Myzus persicae 1,sucrose signaling and abiotic stresse tolerance.However,their functions,especially the molecular mechanism through which FLZs function,are not well understood.In this study,we characterized 120FLZs in wheat and revealed the function and mechanism of TaFLZ54D increasing salt stress tolerance in transgenic wheat.Expression analysis demonstrated that TaFLZ54D can be induced by NaCl treatment and it had the highest expression level under NaCl treatment among the 120 FLZs.Over-expression of TaFLZ54D increased wheat salt stress tolerance and the transgenic plants had higher levels of superoxide dismutase(SOD)and peroxidase(POD)activities and soluble sugar content,but a lower Na^(+)/K^(+)ratio and malondialdehyde(MDA)content than the wild type(WT)plants.Potassium ion transmembrane transporters and serine/threonine kinase inhibitor proteins showed differential expression between Ta FLZ54D transgenic wheat and the WT.Yeast two hybrid and luciferase complementation assays revealed that TaSGT1 and TaPP2C are the proteins that interact directly with TaFLZ54D.In summary,TaFLZ54D enhances salt stress tolerance through interaction with TaSGT1 and TaPP2C to reduce Na^(+)absorption and mitigate oxidative stress.The interaction between TaFLZ54D and TaSGT1,as well as TaPP2C indicated a link between salt stress tolerance of TaFLZ54D and the ubiquitin-mediated degradation of negative regulatory proteins.
文摘Objective Oral squamous cell carcinoma(OSCC)is an aggressive cancer with a high mortality rate.San-Zhong-Kui-Jian-Tang(SZKJT),a Chinese herbal formula,has long been used as an adjuvant therapy in cancer clinical practice.Although its therapeutic effects and molecular mechanisms in OSCC have been previously elucidated,the potential interactions and mechanisms between the active phytochemicals and their therapeutic targets are still lacking.Methods The present study employed network pharmacology and topology approaches to establish a“herbal ingredients–active phytochemicals–target interaction”network to explore the potential therapeutic targets of SZKJT-active phytochemicals in the treatment of OSCC.The role of the target proteins in oncogenesis was assessed via GO and KEGG enrichment analyses,and their interactions with the active phytochemicals of SZKJT were calculated via molecular docking and dynamic simulations.The pharmacokinetic properties and toxicity of the active phytochemicals were also predicted.Results A total of 171 active phytochemicals of SZKJT fulfilled the bioavailability and drug-likeness screening criteria,with the flavonoids quercetin,kaempferol,and naringenin having the greatest potential.The 4 crucial targets of these active phytochemicals are PTGS2,TNF,BCL2,and CASP3,which encode cyclooxygenase-2,tumor necrosis factor(TNF),BCL-2 apoptosis regulator,and caspase-3,respectively.The interactions between phytochemicals and target proteins were predicted to be thermodynamically feasible and stable via molecular docking and dynamics simulations.Finally,the results revealed that the IL-6/JAK/STAT3 pathway and TNF signaling via NF-κB are the two prominent pathways targeted by SZKJT.Conclusion In summary,this study provides computational data for in-depth exploration of the mechanism by which SZKJT activates phytochemicals to treat OSCC.
基金supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.32072653,32372794,31772357)Natural Science Foundation of Hubei Province(Grant No.2019CFA017)+1 种基金Ningbo Scientific and Technological Project(Grant No.2021Z006)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(Grant No.2662023YLPY008)。
文摘Pumpkin is of great economic importance not only as food resources but also as the most widely used rootstock to graft cucurbit crops.Pumpkin rootstock improves salt tolerance of cucumber scion through respiratory burst oxidase homolog protein D(CmRbohD)-mediated reactive oxygen species(ROS)burst,which further enhances Na^(+)export and K^(+)uptake.Rboh D activation requires calcium signaling.However,the underlying mechanism remains largely unknown.In this study,we discovered two Rboh D members from pumpkin involved in the ROS burst at the early stage of salt stress.CmRbohD1 and CmRbohD2 were functionally redundant and double mutation significantly impaired salt tolerance in pumpkin.Overexpression of CmRbohD1 and CmRbohD2 mitigated salinity-induced damage and maintained a relatively low Na+content and high K+content.We screened the potential calcineurin B-like interacting protein kinases(Cm CIPKs)which could bind with CmRbohD1 and CmRbohD2.Our results revealed that two Rboh Ds formed complexes specifically with CmCIPK1,thereby bursting ROS production.Overexpression of CmCIPK1 promoted the early ROS burst under salt stress condition and maintained a relatively balanced Na+/K+homeostasis.Altogether,we proposed a CmCIPK1-CmRbohD1/D2 complex for pumpkin salt stress signaling transduction,which regulates the ROS burst and Na+/K+homeostasis.Our findings offer unprecedented insights into the general mechanism of pumpkin salt tolerance.