Waxy maize is a specialty maize that produces mainly amylopectin starch with special food or industrial values. The objective of this study was to overcome the limitations of wx mutant allele acquisition and breeding ...Waxy maize is a specialty maize that produces mainly amylopectin starch with special food or industrial values. The objective of this study was to overcome the limitations of wx mutant allele acquisition and breeding efficiency by conversion of parental lines from normal to waxy maize. The intended mutation activity was achieved by in vivo CRISPR/Cas9 machinery involving desired-target mutation of the Wx locus in the ZC01 background,abbreviated as ZC01-DTM^(wx). Triple selection was applied to segregants to obtain high genome background recovery with transgene-free wx mutations. The targeted mutation was identified, yielding six types of mutations among progeny crossed with ZC01-DTM^(wx).The amylopectin contents of the endosperm starch in mutant lines and hybrids averaged94.9%, while those of the wild-type controls were significantly(P < 0.01) lower, with an average of 76.9%. Double selection in transgene-free lines was applied using the Bar strip test and Cas9 PCR screening. The genome background recovery ratios of the lines were determined using genome-wide SNP data. That of lines used as male parents was as high as98.19% and that of lines used as female parents was as high as 86.78%. Conversion hybrids and both parental lines showed agronomic performance similar to that of their wild-type counterparts. This study provides a practical example of the efficient extension of CRISPR/Cas9 targeted mutation to industrial hybrids for transformation of a recalcitrant species.展开更多
Aim: To specifically express the Asp567Gly human follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) under the control of its promoter to evaluate the phenotypic consequences in the presence of normal pituitary function. Met...Aim: To specifically express the Asp567Gly human follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) under the control of its promoter to evaluate the phenotypic consequences in the presence of normal pituitary function. Methods: We produced transgenic mice overexpressing the Asp567Gly human FSHR under the control of a 1.5kb 5' flanking region fragment of its promoter. Results: Mice were phenotypically normal and fertile. In males, mRNA could be detected in the testis and the brain, indicating that the 1.5kb promoter fragment drives expression not only in the gonads. The testis weight/body weight ratio and the testosterone levels in transgenic and non-transgenic litter mates were similar. By in situ hybridisation we found that the transgenic FSHR was highly expressed in Sertoli cells, spermatocytes and round spermatids. However, a radioligand receptor assay failed to show a significant difference in total FSHR binding sites in testis homogenates of transgenic and wild type animals, suggesting that the transgenic FSHR is probably not translated into functional receptor protein. Conclusion: A 1.5kb 5 '-region of the human FSHR drives mRNA expression of the transgene in the testis but leads to ectopic expression in germ cells and in the brain. No phenotypic consequences could be documented due to the lack of protein expression.展开更多
We previously reported a spotted-leaf mutant pelota（originally termed HM_（47）） in rice displaying arrested growth and enhanced resistance to multiple races of Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae. Here, we report the map...We previously reported a spotted-leaf mutant pelota（originally termed HM_（47）） in rice displaying arrested growth and enhanced resistance to multiple races of Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae. Here, we report the mapbased cloning of the causal gene OsPELOTA（originally termed spl^（HM47））. We identified a single base substitution from T to A at position 556 in the coding sequence of OsPELOTA, effectively mutating phenylalanine to isoleucine at position 186 in the translated protein sequence. Both functional complementation and over-expression could rescue the spotted-leaf phenotype. OsPELOTA, a paralogue to eukaryotic release factor 1（eRF_1）, shows high sequence similarity to Drosophila Pelota and also localizes to the endoplasmic reticulum and plasma membrane.OsPELOTA is constitutively expressed in roots, leaves,sheaths, stems, and panicles. Elevated levels of salicylic acid and decreased level of jasmonate were detected in the pelota mutant. RNA-seq analysis confirmed that genes responding to salicylic acid were upregulated in the mutant. Our results indicate that the rice PELOTA protein is involved in bacterial leaf blight resistance by activating the salicylic acid metabolic pathway.展开更多
The NLRP3 inflammasome plays a critical role in various inflammatory conditions.However,despite extensive research in targeted drug development for NLRP3,including MCC950,clinical success remains elusive.Here,we disco...The NLRP3 inflammasome plays a critical role in various inflammatory conditions.However,despite extensive research in targeted drug development for NLRP3,including MCC950,clinical success remains elusive.Here,we discovered that the activated NLRP3 inflammasome complex(disc-NLRP3)and the activating mutation L351P exhibited resistance to MCC950.Through investigations using the small-molecule compound polydatin,HSP90αwas found to stabilize both the resting(cage-NLRP3)and activated state(disc-NLRP3)of NLRP3 complexes,sustaining its activation.Our mechanistic studies revealed that polydatin specifically targets HSP90α,binding to it directly and subsequently interfering with the HSP90α-NLRP3 interaction.This disruption leads to the dissipation of cage-NLRP3,disc-NLRP3 complexes and NLRP3 L351P.Importantly,genetic and pharmacological inactivation of HSP90αeffectively reduced NLRP3 inflammasome activation and alleviated cerulein-induced acute pancreatitis.These therapeutic effects highlight the clinical potential of HSP90αinhibition.Our findings demonstrate that HSP90αis crucial for the stability of both the resting and activated states of the NLRP3 inflammasome during its sustained activation,and targeting HSP90αrepresents a promising therapeutic strategy for diseases driven by the NLRP3 inflammasome.展开更多
Small ubiquitin-like modifier （SUMO） conjugation affects a broad range of processes in plants, including growth, flower initiation, pathogen defense, and responses to abiotic stress. Here, we investigate in vivo and...Small ubiquitin-like modifier （SUMO） conjugation affects a broad range of processes in plants, including growth, flower initiation, pathogen defense, and responses to abiotic stress. Here, we investigate in vivo and in vitro a SUMO conjugating enzyme with a Cys to Ser change in the active site, and show that it has a dominant negative effect. In planta expression significantly perturbs normal development, leading to growth retardation, early flowering and gene expression changes. We suggest that the mutant protein can serve as a probe to investigate sumoylation, also in plants for which poor genetic infrastructure precludes analysis via loss-of-function mutants.展开更多
Inborn errors of the signal transducer and activator of transcription 1(STAT1)result in four types of immunodeficiency disease with varying degrees of impaired STAT1 function:autosomal recessive(AR)complete STAT1 defi...Inborn errors of the signal transducer and activator of transcription 1(STAT1)result in four types of immunodeficiency disease with varying degrees of impaired STAT1 function:autosomal recessive(AR)complete STAT1 deficiency,AR partial STAT1 deficiency,autosomal dominant(AD)STAT1 deficiency,and AD STAT1 gain-of-function(STAT1-GOF).Of which,the STAT1-GOF mutations promote a clinical syndrome of immune dysregulation characterized by recurrent infections,especially chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis(CMC)and Talaromyces marneffei infection and predisposition to humoral autoimmunity.STAT1-GOF mutations lead to enhanced phosphorylation of STAT1(pSTAT1),delayed dephosphorylation,and impaired nuclear dephosphorylation.As a result,the development of T helper(Th)17 cells is impaired,limiting the production of interleukin(IL)-17,which plays an important role in antifungal immunity.Additionally,mutations can also cause a decrease in the proportion of CD4^(+),CD8^(+),and natural killer(NK)cells.Recent research demonstrated that in the absence of overt infection,STAT-GOF mice can disrupt naïve CD4^(+)T cell homeostasis and promote expansion and differentiation of abnormal T-follicular helper/T-helper 1-like(Tfh/Th1-like)T cells and germinal center-like(GC-like)B cells,and thus reminds us of the complex molecular mechanism of autoimmune disease with/without fungal infection,which may further involve specific clinical treatment including antifungal and anti-autoimmunity therapies.In addition,sex and location of mutation were also associated with the clinical phenotype.Individuals with DNA binding domain(DBD)mutations had a higher prevalence of autoimmunity and aberrant B cell activation.Disrupted CD4^(+)T cell homeostasis occurred sooner and more robustly in females,highlighting the importance of specific treatment to normalize STAT1 expression and restore immune tolerance in patients with STAT1-GOF syndrome.Herein,we provide a comprehensive review of STAT1-GOF aiming to further clarify the regulatory mechanism of cellular and humoral immune deficiency in patients with fungal infection with or without autoimmunity.展开更多
基金supported the National Transgenic Science and Technology Program(2019ZX08010-003)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(31771808)+3 种基金the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2016YFD0101803)the Key Area Research and Development Program of Guangdong Province(2018B020202008)Beijing Municipal Science and Technology Commission(D171100007717001)National Engineering Laboratory for Crop Molecular Breeding。
文摘Waxy maize is a specialty maize that produces mainly amylopectin starch with special food or industrial values. The objective of this study was to overcome the limitations of wx mutant allele acquisition and breeding efficiency by conversion of parental lines from normal to waxy maize. The intended mutation activity was achieved by in vivo CRISPR/Cas9 machinery involving desired-target mutation of the Wx locus in the ZC01 background,abbreviated as ZC01-DTM^(wx). Triple selection was applied to segregants to obtain high genome background recovery with transgene-free wx mutations. The targeted mutation was identified, yielding six types of mutations among progeny crossed with ZC01-DTM^(wx).The amylopectin contents of the endosperm starch in mutant lines and hybrids averaged94.9%, while those of the wild-type controls were significantly(P < 0.01) lower, with an average of 76.9%. Double selection in transgene-free lines was applied using the Bar strip test and Cas9 PCR screening. The genome background recovery ratios of the lines were determined using genome-wide SNP data. That of lines used as male parents was as high as98.19% and that of lines used as female parents was as high as 86.78%. Conversion hybrids and both parental lines showed agronomic performance similar to that of their wild-type counterparts. This study provides a practical example of the efficient extension of CRISPR/Cas9 targeted mutation to industrial hybrids for transformation of a recalcitrant species.
文摘Aim: To specifically express the Asp567Gly human follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) under the control of its promoter to evaluate the phenotypic consequences in the presence of normal pituitary function. Methods: We produced transgenic mice overexpressing the Asp567Gly human FSHR under the control of a 1.5kb 5' flanking region fragment of its promoter. Results: Mice were phenotypically normal and fertile. In males, mRNA could be detected in the testis and the brain, indicating that the 1.5kb promoter fragment drives expression not only in the gonads. The testis weight/body weight ratio and the testosterone levels in transgenic and non-transgenic litter mates were similar. By in situ hybridisation we found that the transgenic FSHR was highly expressed in Sertoli cells, spermatocytes and round spermatids. However, a radioligand receptor assay failed to show a significant difference in total FSHR binding sites in testis homogenates of transgenic and wild type animals, suggesting that the transgenic FSHR is probably not translated into functional receptor protein. Conclusion: A 1.5kb 5 '-region of the human FSHR drives mRNA expression of the transgene in the testis but leads to ectopic expression in germ cells and in the brain. No phenotypic consequences could be documented due to the lack of protein expression.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (31471572)the Ministry of Science and Technology of China (2016YFD0101104)
文摘We previously reported a spotted-leaf mutant pelota（originally termed HM_（47）） in rice displaying arrested growth and enhanced resistance to multiple races of Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae. Here, we report the mapbased cloning of the causal gene OsPELOTA（originally termed spl^（HM47））. We identified a single base substitution from T to A at position 556 in the coding sequence of OsPELOTA, effectively mutating phenylalanine to isoleucine at position 186 in the translated protein sequence. Both functional complementation and over-expression could rescue the spotted-leaf phenotype. OsPELOTA, a paralogue to eukaryotic release factor 1（eRF_1）, shows high sequence similarity to Drosophila Pelota and also localizes to the endoplasmic reticulum and plasma membrane.OsPELOTA is constitutively expressed in roots, leaves,sheaths, stems, and panicles. Elevated levels of salicylic acid and decreased level of jasmonate were detected in the pelota mutant. RNA-seq analysis confirmed that genes responding to salicylic acid were upregulated in the mutant. Our results indicate that the rice PELOTA protein is involved in bacterial leaf blight resistance by activating the salicylic acid metabolic pathway.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(82273933,82073856,82230116,and 82473929)Innovation Team and Talents Cultivation Program of National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine(no.ZYYCXTD-C-202208)Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(020814380199).
文摘The NLRP3 inflammasome plays a critical role in various inflammatory conditions.However,despite extensive research in targeted drug development for NLRP3,including MCC950,clinical success remains elusive.Here,we discovered that the activated NLRP3 inflammasome complex(disc-NLRP3)and the activating mutation L351P exhibited resistance to MCC950.Through investigations using the small-molecule compound polydatin,HSP90αwas found to stabilize both the resting(cage-NLRP3)and activated state(disc-NLRP3)of NLRP3 complexes,sustaining its activation.Our mechanistic studies revealed that polydatin specifically targets HSP90α,binding to it directly and subsequently interfering with the HSP90α-NLRP3 interaction.This disruption leads to the dissipation of cage-NLRP3,disc-NLRP3 complexes and NLRP3 L351P.Importantly,genetic and pharmacological inactivation of HSP90αeffectively reduced NLRP3 inflammasome activation and alleviated cerulein-induced acute pancreatitis.These therapeutic effects highlight the clinical potential of HSP90αinhibition.Our findings demonstrate that HSP90αis crucial for the stability of both the resting and activated states of the NLRP3 inflammasome during its sustained activation,and targeting HSP90αrepresents a promising therapeutic strategy for diseases driven by the NLRP3 inflammasome.
基金supported by the Max Planck Societythe German Research Foundation DFG (SFB 635 to G.C., and SPP 1365 and grant BA1158/3–1 to A.B.)+1 种基金the Austrian Research Foundation FWF (grant P 21215 to A.B.)pre-doctoral fellowships from the International Max Planck Research School to R.B. and R.H
文摘Small ubiquitin-like modifier （SUMO） conjugation affects a broad range of processes in plants, including growth, flower initiation, pathogen defense, and responses to abiotic stress. Here, we investigate in vivo and in vitro a SUMO conjugating enzyme with a Cys to Ser change in the active site, and show that it has a dominant negative effect. In planta expression significantly perturbs normal development, leading to growth retardation, early flowering and gene expression changes. We suggest that the mutant protein can serve as a probe to investigate sumoylation, also in plants for which poor genetic infrastructure precludes analysis via loss-of-function mutants.
基金supported in part by the National Science and Technology Major Project(No.2021 YFC2301803)Shenzhen Fund for Guangdong Provincial High-Level Clinical Key Specialties(No.SZGSP011)+2 种基金Science and Technology Program of Shenzhen,China(No.JCYJ 20230807143411023)the clinical research project of Shenzhen Third Peoples Hospital(No.G2022044)the Teaching Quality and Teaching Reform Project of Education Department of Guangdong Province:Experimental Teaching Demonstration Center of Emerging Infectious Diseases(Y01411846).
文摘Inborn errors of the signal transducer and activator of transcription 1(STAT1)result in four types of immunodeficiency disease with varying degrees of impaired STAT1 function:autosomal recessive(AR)complete STAT1 deficiency,AR partial STAT1 deficiency,autosomal dominant(AD)STAT1 deficiency,and AD STAT1 gain-of-function(STAT1-GOF).Of which,the STAT1-GOF mutations promote a clinical syndrome of immune dysregulation characterized by recurrent infections,especially chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis(CMC)and Talaromyces marneffei infection and predisposition to humoral autoimmunity.STAT1-GOF mutations lead to enhanced phosphorylation of STAT1(pSTAT1),delayed dephosphorylation,and impaired nuclear dephosphorylation.As a result,the development of T helper(Th)17 cells is impaired,limiting the production of interleukin(IL)-17,which plays an important role in antifungal immunity.Additionally,mutations can also cause a decrease in the proportion of CD4^(+),CD8^(+),and natural killer(NK)cells.Recent research demonstrated that in the absence of overt infection,STAT-GOF mice can disrupt naïve CD4^(+)T cell homeostasis and promote expansion and differentiation of abnormal T-follicular helper/T-helper 1-like(Tfh/Th1-like)T cells and germinal center-like(GC-like)B cells,and thus reminds us of the complex molecular mechanism of autoimmune disease with/without fungal infection,which may further involve specific clinical treatment including antifungal and anti-autoimmunity therapies.In addition,sex and location of mutation were also associated with the clinical phenotype.Individuals with DNA binding domain(DBD)mutations had a higher prevalence of autoimmunity and aberrant B cell activation.Disrupted CD4^(+)T cell homeostasis occurred sooner and more robustly in females,highlighting the importance of specific treatment to normalize STAT1 expression and restore immune tolerance in patients with STAT1-GOF syndrome.Herein,we provide a comprehensive review of STAT1-GOF aiming to further clarify the regulatory mechanism of cellular and humoral immune deficiency in patients with fungal infection with or without autoimmunity.
