An open reading frame (lcn61) of lymphocystis disease virus China (LCDV-cn), probably responsible for encoding putative zinc-finger proteins was amplified and inserted into pET24a (+) vector. Then it expressed in E. c...An open reading frame (lcn61) of lymphocystis disease virus China (LCDV-cn), probably responsible for encoding putative zinc-finger proteins was amplified and inserted into pET24a (+) vector. Then it expressed in E. coli BL21 (DE3), and His-tag fusion protein of high yield was obtained. It was found that the fusion protein existed in E. coli mainly as inclusion bodies. The bioinformatics analysis indicates that LCN61 is C2H2 type zinc-finger protein containing four C2H2 zinc-finger motifs. This work provides a theory for functional research of lcn61 gene.展开更多
Inflorescence structure of rice,including the number and length of branches,and the density of the spikelet,can greatly affect the number of grains per panicle,which is one of the key factors in yield compositions.Her...Inflorescence structure of rice,including the number and length of branches,and the density of the spikelet,can greatly affect the number of grains per panicle,which is one of the key factors in yield compositions.Here we identified five allelic mutants sb1-1/2/3/4/5 that related to branch development of rice.In these mutants,the branch meristem fate was prolonged sharply,resulting in delay of transition from branches to spikelets,and then increased the numbers of branches and spikelets per panicle.SB1 encodes a nuclear RING-like domain protein of SHI/LRP/SRS family and strongly expressed in branch meristems.The results of protein interaction and chromatin immunoprecipitation further suggested that SB1 directly repressed the expression of DEP1,TAW1,MOC1 and IPA1 by interacting with a co-repressor complex to affect acetylation level of histone H3 on target regions.Thus,we proposed that SB1 is a transcription repressor of branch meristem activity by widely and negatively regulating a series of genes that maintain branch meristem fate.展开更多
Background:Zinc-finger E-box-binding homeobox-1(ZEB1)is predominantly found in type-H vessels.However,the roles of ZEB1 and type-H vessels in steroid-i nduced osteonecrosis of the femoral head(SONFH)are unclear.Method...Background:Zinc-finger E-box-binding homeobox-1(ZEB1)is predominantly found in type-H vessels.However,the roles of ZEB1 and type-H vessels in steroid-i nduced osteonecrosis of the femoral head(SONFH)are unclear.Methods:Human femoral heads were collected to detect the expression of ZEB1and the levels of type-H vessels.Then,the SONFH model was developed by injecting C57BL/6 mice with lipopolysaccharide and methylprednisolone.Microcomputed tomography,angiography,double calcein labeling,immunofluorescence,immunohistochemistry,quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction,and Western blotting were performed to detect the expression of ZEB1,the Wnt/β-catenin pathway,type-H vessels,and the extent to which ZEB1 mediates angiogenesis and osteogenesis.Human umbilical vein endothelial cells were also used to explore the relationship between ZEB1 and the Wnt/β-catenin pathway.Results:We found that ZEB1 expression and the formation of type-H vessels decreased in SONFH patients and in a mouse model.The number of vascular endothelial growth factors in the femoral heads also decreased.Moreover,the bone mineral density,trabecular number,mineral apposition rate,and expression of genes related to osteogenesis decreased.After ZEB1 knockdown,angiogenesis and osteogenesis decreased.However,the numbers of type-H vessels and the extent of angiogenesis and osteogenesis improved after activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway.Conclusions:The ZEB1 expression decreased in SONFH,causing a decrease in type-H vessel,and it mediated angiogenesis and osteogenesis by regulating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway,ultimately accelerating the process of SONFH.展开更多
The Populus euphratica stress responsive zinc-finger protein gene PSTZ, which encodes a protein including typical Cys2/His2 zinc finger structure, was isolated by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction from P...The Populus euphratica stress responsive zinc-finger protein gene PSTZ, which encodes a protein including typical Cys2/His2 zinc finger structure, was isolated by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction from P. euphratica. Northern hybridization revealed that its expression was induced under drought and salt stress conditions. To examine its function, cDNA of the PSTZ gene, driven by the cauliflower mosaic virus 35S promoter, was cloned into a plant expression vector pBin438 and introduced into tobacco plants. Transgenic tobacco showed an enhanced salt tolerance, suggesting that PSTZ may play a role in plant responsiveness to salt stress.展开更多
Ikaros represents a zinc-finger protein family important for lymphocyte development and certain other physiological processes. The number of family members is large, with alternative splicing producing various additio...Ikaros represents a zinc-finger protein family important for lymphocyte development and certain other physiological processes. The number of family members is large, with alternative splicing producing various additional isoforms from each of the five homologous genes in the family. The functional forms of Ikaros proteins could be even more diverse due to protein–protein interactions readily established between family members. Emerging evidence suggests that targeting Ikaros proteins is feasible and effective in therapeutic applications, although the exact roles of Ikaros proteins remain elusive within the intricate regulatory networks in which they are involved. In this review we collect existing knowledge as to the functions, regulatory pathways, and molecular mechanisms of this family of proteins in an attempt to gain a better understanding through the comparison of activities and interactions among family members.展开更多
CCCTC-binding factor(CTCF) is a zinc-finger protein, serving an important part in the genome architecture as well as some biochemical processes. Over 70,000 CTCF binding DNA sites have been detected genome-wide, and m...CCCTC-binding factor(CTCF) is a zinc-finger protein, serving an important part in the genome architecture as well as some biochemical processes. Over 70,000 CTCF binding DNA sites have been detected genome-wide, and most anchors of chromatin loops are demarcated with the CTCF binding.Various protein or RNA molecules interact with DNA-bound CTCF to conduct different biological functions, and potentially the interfaces between CTCF and its cofactors can be targets for drug development. Here we identify the effective region of CTCF in DNA recognition, which defines the exposed CTCF surface feature for the interaction of cofactors. While the zinc-finger region contributes the most in DNA association, its binding affinity varies based on different DNA sequences. To investigate the effectiveness of individual zinc-fingers, the key residues are mutated to inactivate the DNA binding ability, while the finger configuration and the spacing between fingers are preserved. The strategy is proved to be successful, while clear differences are observed in the DNA binding affinities among the 11 finger mutants and the result is consistent to previous studies in general. With the help of inactivated finger mutants, we identify the ineffective fingers and the dominant effective fingers, which form distinctive patterns on different DNA targets.展开更多
The zinc-finger antiviral protein(ZAP)is a host factor that specifically inhibits the replication of certain viruses by eliminating viral mRNAs in the cytoplasm.In previous studies,we demonstrated that ZAP directly bi...The zinc-finger antiviral protein(ZAP)is a host factor that specifically inhibits the replication of certain viruses by eliminating viral mRNAs in the cytoplasm.In previous studies,we demonstrated that ZAP directly binds to the viral mRNAs and recruits the RNA exosome to degrade the target RNA.In this article,we provide evidence that a DEXH box RNA helicase,DHX30,is required for optimal antiviral activity of ZAP.Pull-down and co-immunoprecipitation assays demonstrated that DHX30 and ZAP interacted with each other via their N terminal domains.Downregulation of DHX30 with shRNAs reduced ZAP’s antiviral activity.These data implicate that DHX30 is a cellular factor involved in the antiviral function of ZAP.展开更多
Secondary walls, which represent the bulk of biomass, have a large impact on plant growth and adaptation to environments. Secondary wall synthesis is switched and regulated by a sophisticated signaling transduction ne...Secondary walls, which represent the bulk of biomass, have a large impact on plant growth and adaptation to environments. Secondary wall synthesis is switched and regulated by a sophisticated signaling transduction network. However, there is limited understanding of these regulatory pathways. Here, we report that ILAl-interacting protein 4 （lIP4） can repress secondary wall synthesis, lIP4 is a phosphorylation sub- strate of an Raf-like MAPKKK, but its function is unknown. By generating lip4 mutants and relevant transgenic plants, we found that lesions in lIP4 enhance secondary wall formation. Gene expression and transactivation activity assays revealed that lIP4 negatively regulates the expression of MYB61 and CESAs but does not bind their promoters, lIP4 interacts with NAC29/NAC31, the upstream regulators of secondary wall synthesis, and suppresses the downstream regulatory pathways in plants. Mutagenesis analyses showed that phosphomimic UP4 proteins translocate from the nucleus to the cytoplasm, which releases interacting NACs and attenuates its repression function. Moreover, we revealed that liPs are evolutionarily conserved and share unreported CCCH motifs, referred to as uncanonical CCCH-tandem zinc-finger proteins. Collectively, our study provides mechanistic insights into the control of secondary wall synthesis and presents an opportunity for improving relevant agronomic traits in crops.展开更多
The stress-associated protein SAP12 belongs to the stress-associated protein （SAP） family with 14 members in Arabidopsis thaliana. SAP12 contains two AN1 zinc fingers and was identified in diagonal 2D redox SDS-PAGE...The stress-associated protein SAP12 belongs to the stress-associated protein （SAP） family with 14 members in Arabidopsis thaliana. SAP12 contains two AN1 zinc fingers and was identified in diagonal 2D redox SDS-PAGE as a protein undergoing major redox-dependent conformational changes. Its transcript was strongly induced under cold and salt stress in a time-dependent manner similar to SAP10, with high levels after 6 h and decreasing levels after 24 and 48 h. The tran- script regulation resembled those of the stress marker peroxiredoxin PrxllD at 24 and 48 h. Recombinant SAP12 protein showed redox-dependent changes in quaternary structure as visualized by altered electrophoretic mobility in non-reducing SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The oxidized oligomer was reduced by high dithiothreitol concentrations, and also by E. coli thioredoxin TrxA with low dithiothreitol （DTF） concentrations or NADPH plus NADPH-dependent thioredoxin reductase. From Western blots, the SAP12 protein amount was estimated to be in the range of 0.5 ngμg^-1 leaf protein. SAP12 protein decreased under salt and cold stress. These data suggest a redox state-linked function of SAP12 in plant cells particularly under cold and salt stress.展开更多
基金Supported by High Technology Research and Development Program of China (863 Program, No. 2006AA100309)
文摘An open reading frame (lcn61) of lymphocystis disease virus China (LCDV-cn), probably responsible for encoding putative zinc-finger proteins was amplified and inserted into pET24a (+) vector. Then it expressed in E. coli BL21 (DE3), and His-tag fusion protein of high yield was obtained. It was found that the fusion protein existed in E. coli mainly as inclusion bodies. The bioinformatics analysis indicates that LCN61 is C2H2 type zinc-finger protein containing four C2H2 zinc-finger motifs. This work provides a theory for functional research of lcn61 gene.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.31971919)the National Key Program for Research and Development of China(Grant No.2017YFD0100202)+1 种基金the Project Sponsored by Natural Science Foundation of Chongqing,China(Grant No.cstc2020jcyjjqX0020)Chongqing Graduate Research and Innovation Project funding in China(Grant No.CYS20123)。
文摘Inflorescence structure of rice,including the number and length of branches,and the density of the spikelet,can greatly affect the number of grains per panicle,which is one of the key factors in yield compositions.Here we identified five allelic mutants sb1-1/2/3/4/5 that related to branch development of rice.In these mutants,the branch meristem fate was prolonged sharply,resulting in delay of transition from branches to spikelets,and then increased the numbers of branches and spikelets per panicle.SB1 encodes a nuclear RING-like domain protein of SHI/LRP/SRS family and strongly expressed in branch meristems.The results of protein interaction and chromatin immunoprecipitation further suggested that SB1 directly repressed the expression of DEP1,TAW1,MOC1 and IPA1 by interacting with a co-repressor complex to affect acetylation level of histone H3 on target regions.Thus,we proposed that SB1 is a transcription repressor of branch meristem activity by widely and negatively regulating a series of genes that maintain branch meristem fate.
基金China Postdoctoral Science Foundation,Grant/Award Number:2021M692575Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities,Grant/Award Number:xzy022024016National Natural Science Foundation of China,Grant/Award Number:82002311。
文摘Background:Zinc-finger E-box-binding homeobox-1(ZEB1)is predominantly found in type-H vessels.However,the roles of ZEB1 and type-H vessels in steroid-i nduced osteonecrosis of the femoral head(SONFH)are unclear.Methods:Human femoral heads were collected to detect the expression of ZEB1and the levels of type-H vessels.Then,the SONFH model was developed by injecting C57BL/6 mice with lipopolysaccharide and methylprednisolone.Microcomputed tomography,angiography,double calcein labeling,immunofluorescence,immunohistochemistry,quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction,and Western blotting were performed to detect the expression of ZEB1,the Wnt/β-catenin pathway,type-H vessels,and the extent to which ZEB1 mediates angiogenesis and osteogenesis.Human umbilical vein endothelial cells were also used to explore the relationship between ZEB1 and the Wnt/β-catenin pathway.Results:We found that ZEB1 expression and the formation of type-H vessels decreased in SONFH patients and in a mouse model.The number of vascular endothelial growth factors in the femoral heads also decreased.Moreover,the bone mineral density,trabecular number,mineral apposition rate,and expression of genes related to osteogenesis decreased.After ZEB1 knockdown,angiogenesis and osteogenesis decreased.However,the numbers of type-H vessels and the extent of angiogenesis and osteogenesis improved after activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway.Conclusions:The ZEB1 expression decreased in SONFH,causing a decrease in type-H vessel,and it mediated angiogenesis and osteogenesis by regulating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway,ultimately accelerating the process of SONFH.
基金Supported by the National Key Technology Research and Development Program (2006BAD03A01)the Hi-Tech Research and Development Program of China (2007AA10Z106)the Key Program Project of Ministry of Education (104242).
文摘The Populus euphratica stress responsive zinc-finger protein gene PSTZ, which encodes a protein including typical Cys2/His2 zinc finger structure, was isolated by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction from P. euphratica. Northern hybridization revealed that its expression was induced under drought and salt stress conditions. To examine its function, cDNA of the PSTZ gene, driven by the cauliflower mosaic virus 35S promoter, was cloned into a plant expression vector pBin438 and introduced into tobacco plants. Transgenic tobacco showed an enhanced salt tolerance, suggesting that PSTZ may play a role in plant responsiveness to salt stress.
文摘Ikaros represents a zinc-finger protein family important for lymphocyte development and certain other physiological processes. The number of family members is large, with alternative splicing producing various additional isoforms from each of the five homologous genes in the family. The functional forms of Ikaros proteins could be even more diverse due to protein–protein interactions readily established between family members. Emerging evidence suggests that targeting Ikaros proteins is feasible and effective in therapeutic applications, although the exact roles of Ikaros proteins remain elusive within the intricate regulatory networks in which they are involved. In this review we collect existing knowledge as to the functions, regulatory pathways, and molecular mechanisms of this family of proteins in an attempt to gain a better understanding through the comparison of activities and interactions among family members.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 31770804)CAMS Initiative for Innovative Medicine, China (Grant No. 2016-I2M-1–009)the IMM Basic Research Fund, China (Grant No. 2014ZD03)
文摘CCCTC-binding factor(CTCF) is a zinc-finger protein, serving an important part in the genome architecture as well as some biochemical processes. Over 70,000 CTCF binding DNA sites have been detected genome-wide, and most anchors of chromatin loops are demarcated with the CTCF binding.Various protein or RNA molecules interact with DNA-bound CTCF to conduct different biological functions, and potentially the interfaces between CTCF and its cofactors can be targets for drug development. Here we identify the effective region of CTCF in DNA recognition, which defines the exposed CTCF surface feature for the interaction of cofactors. While the zinc-finger region contributes the most in DNA association, its binding affinity varies based on different DNA sequences. To investigate the effectiveness of individual zinc-fingers, the key residues are mutated to inactivate the DNA binding ability, while the finger configuration and the spacing between fingers are preserved. The strategy is proved to be successful, while clear differences are observed in the DNA binding affinities among the 11 finger mutants and the result is consistent to previous studies in general. With the help of inactivated finger mutants, we identify the ineffective fingers and the dominant effective fingers, which form distinctive patterns on different DNA targets.
基金supported by the grant to Guangxia Gao from National Science Foundation of China(Grant No.81030030)by the grant toGuifang Chen from National Science Foundation(Grant No.30800053).
文摘The zinc-finger antiviral protein(ZAP)is a host factor that specifically inhibits the replication of certain viruses by eliminating viral mRNAs in the cytoplasm.In previous studies,we demonstrated that ZAP directly binds to the viral mRNAs and recruits the RNA exosome to degrade the target RNA.In this article,we provide evidence that a DEXH box RNA helicase,DHX30,is required for optimal antiviral activity of ZAP.Pull-down and co-immunoprecipitation assays demonstrated that DHX30 and ZAP interacted with each other via their N terminal domains.Downregulation of DHX30 with shRNAs reduced ZAP’s antiviral activity.These data implicate that DHX30 is a cellular factor involved in the antiviral function of ZAP.
文摘Secondary walls, which represent the bulk of biomass, have a large impact on plant growth and adaptation to environments. Secondary wall synthesis is switched and regulated by a sophisticated signaling transduction network. However, there is limited understanding of these regulatory pathways. Here, we report that ILAl-interacting protein 4 （lIP4） can repress secondary wall synthesis, lIP4 is a phosphorylation sub- strate of an Raf-like MAPKKK, but its function is unknown. By generating lip4 mutants and relevant transgenic plants, we found that lesions in lIP4 enhance secondary wall formation. Gene expression and transactivation activity assays revealed that lIP4 negatively regulates the expression of MYB61 and CESAs but does not bind their promoters, lIP4 interacts with NAC29/NAC31, the upstream regulators of secondary wall synthesis, and suppresses the downstream regulatory pathways in plants. Mutagenesis analyses showed that phosphomimic UP4 proteins translocate from the nucleus to the cytoplasm, which releases interacting NACs and attenuates its repression function. Moreover, we revealed that liPs are evolutionarily conserved and share unreported CCCH motifs, referred to as uncanonical CCCH-tandem zinc-finger proteins. Collectively, our study provides mechanistic insights into the control of secondary wall synthesis and presents an opportunity for improving relevant agronomic traits in crops.
文摘The stress-associated protein SAP12 belongs to the stress-associated protein （SAP） family with 14 members in Arabidopsis thaliana. SAP12 contains two AN1 zinc fingers and was identified in diagonal 2D redox SDS-PAGE as a protein undergoing major redox-dependent conformational changes. Its transcript was strongly induced under cold and salt stress in a time-dependent manner similar to SAP10, with high levels after 6 h and decreasing levels after 24 and 48 h. The tran- script regulation resembled those of the stress marker peroxiredoxin PrxllD at 24 and 48 h. Recombinant SAP12 protein showed redox-dependent changes in quaternary structure as visualized by altered electrophoretic mobility in non-reducing SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The oxidized oligomer was reduced by high dithiothreitol concentrations, and also by E. coli thioredoxin TrxA with low dithiothreitol （DTF） concentrations or NADPH plus NADPH-dependent thioredoxin reductase. From Western blots, the SAP12 protein amount was estimated to be in the range of 0.5 ngμg^-1 leaf protein. SAP12 protein decreased under salt and cold stress. These data suggest a redox state-linked function of SAP12 in plant cells particularly under cold and salt stress.
