Background Supplementation of choline chloride in culture medium programs the preimplantation bovine embryo to increase weaning weight of the resultant calf.Here,it was hypothesized that similar programming actions of...Background Supplementation of choline chloride in culture medium programs the preimplantation bovine embryo to increase weaning weight of the resultant calf.Here,it was hypothesized that similar programming actions of choline can be induced by feeding rumen-protected choline(RPC)to beef cows during the periconceptional period.Results A preliminary experiment was conducted to determine changes in circulating concentrations of choline and its metabolites after RPC supplementation.Suckled beef cows were individually fed 0,30,60,and 90 g of RPC(i.e.,0,8.6,17.3 and 25.9 g choline chloride)and blood samples were collected at random times after feeding.There were no differences in plasma concentrations of choline or its metabolites between groups.In the second experiment,effects of feeding 60 g/d RPC from d-1 to 7 relative to timed artificial insemination were examined for suckled beef cows.Feeding RPC did not affect pregnancy or calving rates,pregnancy losses,plasma concentrations of pregnancy-associated glycoproteins,gestation length or calf birth weight.Calves from RPC fed dams were lighter than control calves at~118 days of age(range 75–150;age included in the statistical model)and at weaning at~248 days of age.There was no effect of treatment on hip height at~118 days of age although there was a trend for RPC calves to be shorter at weaning.Weight/height ratio was lower for RPC than control at both 118 and 248 days of age.Treatment did not affect testis weight at~118 days of age.Conclusions Supplementation of RPC during the periconceptional period programmed development to alter calf phenotype in the postnatal period.The net result,reduced body weight,was the opposite of the phenotype caused by the addition of choline to embryo culture medium.展开更多
Background:The medicinal material known as Os Draconis(Longgu)originates from fossilized remains of ancient mammals and is widely used in treating emotional and mental conditions.However,fossil resources are nonrenewa...Background:The medicinal material known as Os Draconis(Longgu)originates from fossilized remains of ancient mammals and is widely used in treating emotional and mental conditions.However,fossil resources are nonrenewable,and clinical demand is increasingly difficult to meet,leading to a proliferation of counterfeit products.During prolonged geological burial,static pressure from the surrounding strata severely compromises the microstructural integrity of osteons in Os Draconis,but Os Draconis still largely retains the structural features of mammalian bone.Methods:Using verified authentic Os Draconis samples over 10,000 years old as a baseline,this study summarizes the ultrastructural characteristics of genuine Os Draconis.Employing electron probe microanalysis and optical polarized light microscopy,we examined 28 batches of authentic Os Draconis and 31 batches of counterfeits to identify their ultrastructural differences.Key points for ultrastructural identification of Os Draconis were compiled,and a new identification approach was proposed based on these differences.Results:Authentic Os Draconis exhibited distinct ultrastructural markers:irregularly shaped osteons with traversing fissures,deformed/displaced Haversian canals,and secondary mineral infill(predominantly calcium carbonate).Counterfeits showed regular osteon arrangements,absent traversal fissures,and homogeneous hydroxyapatite composition.Lab-simulated samples lacked structural degradation features.EPMA confirmed calcium carbonate infill in fossilized Haversian canals,while elemental profiles differentiated lacunae types(void vs.mineral-packed).Conclusion:The study established ultrastructural criteria for authentic Os Draconis identification:osteon deformation,geological fissures penetrating bone units,and heterogenous mineral deposition.These features,unattainable in counterfeits or modern processed bones,provide a cost-effective,accurate identification method.This approach bridges gaps in TCM material standardization and supports quality control for clinical applications.展开更多
Background:Cyperi Rhizoma,derived from Cyperus rotundus L.,is a widely used medicinal herb in traditional Chinese medicine(TCM),with Shandong Province recognized as its geo-authentic habitat.However,the quality of Cyp...Background:Cyperi Rhizoma,derived from Cyperus rotundus L.,is a widely used medicinal herb in traditional Chinese medicine(TCM),with Shandong Province recognized as its geo-authentic habitat.However,the quality of Cyperi Rhizoma varies significantly across different regions,potentially influencing its therapeutic efficacy.This study investigates the influence of geographic origin on the chemical composition and overall quality of Cyperi Rhizoma.Methods:A comprehensive approach,including traditional quality assessment,GC-MS(g as c hromatography-m ass s pectrometry),RP-HPLC(r everse p hase h igh-p erformance l iquid c hromatography),and FT-IR(f ourier t ransform i nfrared s pectroscopy)techniques,was employed to analyze Cyperi Rhizoma samples from Shandong Province.These methods examined the physical appearance,chemical profile,and content variations,particularly focusing onα-cyperone.Results:Traditional quality assessments revealed noticeable differences in the external characteristics of the samples.GC-MS analysis identified a variety of unique chemical constituents,while RP-HPLC and FT-IR showed significant variations inα-cyperone content,with higher levels found in Shandong samples.Conclusion:These results demonstrate that geographic origin is a critical determinant of Cyperi Rhizoma quality,with Shandong specimens exhibiting superiorα-cyperone levels and characteristic phytochemical profiles.This validates the geo-authenticity concept in TCM and provides actionable data for developing evidence-based quality standards,suggesting that provenance should be prioritized in medicinal material selection and pharmacopeial specifications.展开更多
Different light wavelengths have specific effects on plant growth and development.Narrow-bandwidth light-emitting diode(LED)lighting may be used to directionally manipulate size,color and metabolites in high-value fru...Different light wavelengths have specific effects on plant growth and development.Narrow-bandwidth light-emitting diode(LED)lighting may be used to directionally manipulate size,color and metabolites in high-value fruits and vegetables.In this report,Red Russian kale(Brassica napus)seedlings were grown under specific light conditions and analyzed for photomorphogenic responses,pigment accumulation and nutraceutical content.The results showed that this genotype responds predictably to darkness,blue and red light,with suppression of hypocotyl elongation,development of pigments and changes in specific metabolites.However,these seedlings were relatively hypersensitive to far-red light,leading to uncharacteristically short hypocotyls and high pigment accumulation,even after growth under very low fluence rates(,1 mmol m^(-2) s^(-1)).General antioxidant levels and aliphatic glucosinolates are elevated by far-red light treatments.Sequential treatments of darkness,blue light,red light and far-red light were applied throughout sprout development to alter final product quality.These results indicate that sequential treatment with narrow-bandwidth light may be used to affect key economically important traits in high-value crops.展开更多
German biochemist and cell physiologist,Otto H.Warburg(Figure 1),made a groundbreaking discovery in 1923.Specifically,tumors were shown to consume large amounts of glucose and ferment glucose into lactate,even in the ...German biochemist and cell physiologist,Otto H.Warburg(Figure 1),made a groundbreaking discovery in 1923.Specifically,tumors were shown to consume large amounts of glucose and ferment glucose into lactate,even in the presence of oxygen—a phenomenon termed"aerobic glycolysis"1,2.This phenomenon,later named the Warburg effect by Efraim Racker in the 1970s,remains pivotal in cancer research3.展开更多
Organism development is a systems level process. It has benefited greatly from the recent technological advances in the field of systems biology. DNA microarray, phenome, interactome and transcriptome mapping, the new...Organism development is a systems level process. It has benefited greatly from the recent technological advances in the field of systems biology. DNA microarray, phenome, interactome and transcriptome mapping, the new generation of deep sequencing technologies, and faster and better computational and modeling approaches have opened new frontiers for both systems biologists and developmental biologists to reexamine the old developmental biology questions, such as pattern formation, and to tackle new problems, such as stem cell reprogramming. As showcased in the International Developmental Systems Biology Symposium organized by Chinese Academy of Sciences, developmental systems biology is flourishing in many perspectives, from the evolution of developmental systems, to the underlying genetic and molecular pathways and networks, to the genomic, epigenomic and noncoding levels, to the computational analysis and modeling. We believe that the field will continue to reap rewards into the future with these new approaches.展开更多
The internal structures of cells as the basic units of life are a major wonder of the microscopic world.Cellular images provide an intriguing window to help explore and understand the composition and function of these...The internal structures of cells as the basic units of life are a major wonder of the microscopic world.Cellular images provide an intriguing window to help explore and understand the composition and function of these structures.Scientific imagery combined with artistic expression can further expand the potential of imaging in educational dissemination and interdisciplinary applications.展开更多
Objective:To assess the effects of turmeric extract and its compounds on oxidative stress,inflammation,and apoptosis in acetaminophen-induced liver injury.Methods:HepG2 cells were administered with acetaminophen(40 mM...Objective:To assess the effects of turmeric extract and its compounds on oxidative stress,inflammation,and apoptosis in acetaminophen-induced liver injury.Methods:HepG2 cells were administered with acetaminophen(40 mM)to induce hepatotoxicity,followed by treatment with turmeric extract and its isolated compounds including curcumin,demethoxycurcumin,bis-demethoxycurcumin and ar-turmerone at 5,25,and 125μg/mL.IL-1β,IL-6,and IL-10 levels were quantified with ELISA kits.Further,qRT-PCR was used to analyze the mRNA expression of JNK,Casp-9,and Casp-3.Meanwhile,the levels of nitric oxide and lactate dehydrogenase were analyzed using colorimetric assay.Results:Acetaminophen administration caused an increase in the levels of lactate dehydrogenase,nitric oxide,IL-1β,IL-6,and the mRNA expression of JNK,Casp-9,and Casp-3 in HepG2 cells while reducing IL-10 levels.Treatment with turmeric extract,curcumin,demethoxycurcumin,bis-demethoxycurcumin,and ar-turmerone lowered IL-1β,IL-6,nitric oxide,and lactate dehydrogenase levels,downregulated the mRNA expression of JNK,Casp-9,and Casp-3,and increased IL-10 levels.Conclusions:Turmeric extract and its compounds have significant hepatoprotective activity and could be further explored for the treatment of liver damage.展开更多
Sexual selection is thought to play a major role in the evolution of color due to the correlation between a signaler’s physiological state and the displayed color.As such,researchers often investigate how color corre...Sexual selection is thought to play a major role in the evolution of color due to the correlation between a signaler’s physiological state and the displayed color.As such,researchers often investigate how color correlates to the quality of the signaler.However,research on the relationship between color and individual quality is often taxonomically limited and researchers typically investigate how color phenotypes relate to one index of quality,such as a linear measure of body size.Here,we investigated the relationship among body size,claw size,claw muscle mass,lipid content,and the color of the claw in male fiddler crabs(Leptuca uruguayensis)which wield an exaggerated claw that varies in color from brown to red.We hypothesized that if the color was correlated to one or more indices of male quality,the color displayed on the claws of male L.uruguayensis could be under sexual selection.We found L.uruguayensis claw color varies substantially among the individuals we photographed.However,we did not find a correlation between claw color and indices of quality;neither brightness nor hue correlated to the indices of quality we measured.Our findings suggest that claw color in L.uruguayensis is unlikely to have evolved to signal quality,but may instead function as a species identity or as a non-indicator sexual signal.展开更多
Soils play a critical role in the global carbon cycle, and can be major source or sink of CO2 depending upon land use, vegetation type and soil management practices. Fine roots are important component of a forest ecos...Soils play a critical role in the global carbon cycle, and can be major source or sink of CO2 depending upon land use, vegetation type and soil management practices. Fine roots are important component of a forest ecosystem in terms of water and nutrient uptake. In this study the effects of thinning and litter fall removal on fine root production and soil organic carbon content were examined in 20-year-old Masson pine （Pinus resinosa） plantations in Huitong, Hunan Province of China in the growing seasons of 2004 and 2005. The results showed that fine root production was significantly lower in the thinning plots than in the control plots, with a decrease of 58% and 14% in 2004 and 2005 growing seasons, respectively. Litter fall removal significantly increased fine root production by 14% in 2004. Soil temperature （Tsoil） and soil moisture （Msoil） were higher in the thinning plots than those in the controls. Litter fall removal had significant effects on Tsoil and Msoil. Soil organic carbon content was higher in the thinning plots but was lower in the plots with litter fall removal compared with that in the controls. Our results also indicated that annual production of fine roots resulted in small carbon accumulation in the upper layers of the soil, and removal of tree by thinning resulted in a significant increase of carbon storage in Masson pine plantations.展开更多
During development and in the context of different morphogenetic events, epithelial cells undergo a process called epithelial to mesenchymal transition or transdifferentiation （EMT）. In this process, the cells lose ...During development and in the context of different morphogenetic events, epithelial cells undergo a process called epithelial to mesenchymal transition or transdifferentiation （EMT）. In this process, the cells lose their epithelial characteristics, including their polarity and specialized cell-cell contacts, and acquire a migratory behavior, allowing them to move away from their epithelial cell community and to integrate into surrounding tissue, even at remote locations. EMT illustrates the differentiation plasticity during development and is complemented by another process, called mesenchymal to epithelial transition （MET）. While being an integral process during development, EMT is also recapitulated under pathological conditions, prominently in fibrosis and in invasion and metastasis of carcinomas. Accordingly, EMT is considered as an important step in tumor progression. TGF-β signaling has been shown to play an important role in EMT. In fact, adding TGF-β to epithelial cells in culture is a convenient way to induce EMT in various epithelial cells. Although much less characterized, epithelial plasticity can also be regulated by TGF-β-related bone morphogenetic proteins （BMPs）, and BMPs have been shown to induce EMT or MET depending on the developmental context. In this review, we will discuss the induction of EMT in response to TGF-β, and focus on the under- lying signaling and transcription mechanisms.展开更多
N^6-methyladenosine(m^6 A) is an essential RNA modification that regulates key cellular processes, including stem cell renewal,cellular differentiation, and response to DNA damage. Unsurprisingly, aberrant m^6 A methy...N^6-methyladenosine(m^6 A) is an essential RNA modification that regulates key cellular processes, including stem cell renewal,cellular differentiation, and response to DNA damage. Unsurprisingly, aberrant m^6 A methylation has been implicated in the development and maintenance of diverse human cancers. Altered m^6 A levels affect RNA processing, mRNA degradation, and translation of mRNAs into proteins, thereby disrupting gene expression regulation and promoting tumorigenesis. Recent studies have reported that the abnormal expression of m^6 A regulatory enzymes affects m^6 A abundance and consequently dysregulates the expression of tumor suppressor genes and oncogenes, including MYC, SOCS2, ADAM19, and PTEN. In this review, we discuss the specific roles of m^6 A missing space "writers", "erasers", and "readers" in normal physiology and how their altered expression promotes tumorigenesis. We also describe the potential of exploiting the aberrant expression of these enzymes for cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and the development of novel therapies.展开更多
The tumor suppressor PTEN controls a variety of biological processes including cell proliferation, growth, migration, and death. As a master cellular regulator, PTEN itself is also subjected to deliberated regulation ...The tumor suppressor PTEN controls a variety of biological processes including cell proliferation, growth, migration, and death. As a master cellular regulator, PTEN itself is also subjected to deliberated regulation to ensure its proper function. Defects in PTEN regulation have a profound impact on carcinogenesis. In this review, we briefly discuss recent advances concerning PTEN regulation and how such knowledge facilitates our understanding and further exploration of PTEN biology. The carboxyl-tail of PTEN, which appears to be associated with multiple types of posttranslational regulation, will be under detailed scrutiny. Further, a comparative analysis of PTEN and p53 suggests while p53 needs to be activated to suppress tumorigenesis （a dormant gatekeeper）, PTEN is probably a constitutive surveillant against cancer development, thus a default gatekeeper.展开更多
Influenza A viruses are important human pathogens causing periodic pandemic threats. Nonstructural protein 1 （NS1） protein of influenza A virus （NS1A） shields the virus against host defense. Here, we report the cr...Influenza A viruses are important human pathogens causing periodic pandemic threats. Nonstructural protein 1 （NS1） protein of influenza A virus （NS1A） shields the virus against host defense. Here, we report the crystal structure of NS1A RNA-binding domain （RBD） bound to a double-stranded RNA （dsRNA） at 1.7A. NS1A RBD forms a homodimer to recognize the major groove of A-form dsRNA in a length-independent mode by its conserved concave surface formed by dimeric anti-parallel a-helices, dsRNA is anchored by a pair of invariable arginines （Arg38） from both monomers by extensive hydrogen bonds. In accordance with the structural observation, isothermal titration calorimetry assay shows that the unique Arg38-Arg38 pair and two Arg35-Arg46 pairs are crucial for dsRNA binding, and that Ser42 and Thr49 are also important for dsRNA binding. Agrobacterium co-infiltration assay further supports that the unique Arg38 pair plays important roles in dsRNA binding in vivo.展开更多
DNA mismatch repair （MMR） processes the chemically induced mispairs following treatment with clinically important nucleoside analogs such as 6-thioguanine （6-TG） and 5-fluorouracil （5-FU）. MMR processing of thes...DNA mismatch repair （MMR） processes the chemically induced mispairs following treatment with clinically important nucleoside analogs such as 6-thioguanine （6-TG） and 5-fluorouracil （5-FU）. MMR processing of these drugs has been implicated in activation of a prolonged G2/M cell cycle arrest for repair and later induction of apoptosis and/or autophagy for irreparable DNA damage. In this study, we investigated the role of Bcl2 and adenovirus EIB Nineteen-kilodalton Interacting Protein （BNIP3） in the activation of autophagy, and the temporal relationship between a G2/M cell cycle arrest and the activation of BNIP3-mediated autophagy following MMR processing of 6-TG and 5-FU. We found that BNIP3 protein levels are upregulated in a MLHI （MMR＋）-dependent manner following 6-TG and 5-FU treatment. Subsequent small-interfering RNA （siRNA）-mediated BNIP3 knockdown abrogates 6-TG- induced autophagy. We also found that p53 knockdown or inhibition of mTOR activity by rapamycin cotreatment impairs 6-TG- and 5-FU-induced upregulation of BNIP3 protein levels and autophagy. Furthermore, suppression of Checkpoint kinase 1 （Chkl） expression with a subsequent reduction in 6-TG-induced G2/M cell cycle arrest by Chkl siRNA promotes the extent of 6-TG-induced autophagy. These findings suggest that BNIP3 mediates 6-TG- and 5-FU-induced autophagy in a p53- and mTOR-dependent manner. Additionally, the duration of Chkl-activated G2/ M cell cycle arrest determines the level of autophagy following MMR processing of these nucleoside analogs.展开更多
ASocial insect colonies and the workers comprising them, each exhibit consistent individual differences in behavior, also known as ＇personalities＇. Because the behavior of social insect colonies emerges from the act...ASocial insect colonies and the workers comprising them, each exhibit consistent individual differences in behavior, also known as ＇personalities＇. Because the behavior of social insect colonies emerges from the actions of their workers, individual variation among workers＇ personality may be important in determining the variation we observe among colonies. The reproduc- tive unit of social insects, on which natural selection acts, is the colony, not individual workers. Therefore, it is important to un- derstand what mechanisms govern the observed variation among colonies. Here I propose three hypotheses that address how con- sistent individual differences in the behavior of workers may lead to consistent individual differences in the behavior of colonies： 1. Colonies differ consistently in their average of worker personality; 2. The distribution but not the average of worker personali- ties varies consistently among colonies; and 3. Colony personality does not emerge from its worker personality composition but from consistent external constraints. I review evidence supporting each of these hypotheses and suggest methods to further inves-tigate them. The study of how colony personality emerges from the personalities of the workers comprising them may shed light on the mechanisms underlying consistent individual differences in the behavior of other animals .展开更多
基金supported by the L.E.“Red”Larson Endowment and grants number 2020-67015-30821 and 2023-67015-40730 from the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative of USDA-NIFAsupported by the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan。
文摘Background Supplementation of choline chloride in culture medium programs the preimplantation bovine embryo to increase weaning weight of the resultant calf.Here,it was hypothesized that similar programming actions of choline can be induced by feeding rumen-protected choline(RPC)to beef cows during the periconceptional period.Results A preliminary experiment was conducted to determine changes in circulating concentrations of choline and its metabolites after RPC supplementation.Suckled beef cows were individually fed 0,30,60,and 90 g of RPC(i.e.,0,8.6,17.3 and 25.9 g choline chloride)and blood samples were collected at random times after feeding.There were no differences in plasma concentrations of choline or its metabolites between groups.In the second experiment,effects of feeding 60 g/d RPC from d-1 to 7 relative to timed artificial insemination were examined for suckled beef cows.Feeding RPC did not affect pregnancy or calving rates,pregnancy losses,plasma concentrations of pregnancy-associated glycoproteins,gestation length or calf birth weight.Calves from RPC fed dams were lighter than control calves at~118 days of age(range 75–150;age included in the statistical model)and at weaning at~248 days of age.There was no effect of treatment on hip height at~118 days of age although there was a trend for RPC calves to be shorter at weaning.Weight/height ratio was lower for RPC than control at both 118 and 248 days of age.Treatment did not affect testis weight at~118 days of age.Conclusions Supplementation of RPC during the periconceptional period programmed development to alter calf phenotype in the postnatal period.The net result,reduced body weight,was the opposite of the phenotype caused by the addition of choline to embryo culture medium.
基金supported by the Scientific and Technological Innovation Project of the China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences(CI2021A04013)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(82204610)+1 种基金the Qihang Talent Program(L2022046)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Public Welfare Research Institutes(ZZ15-YQ-041 and L2021029).
文摘Background:The medicinal material known as Os Draconis(Longgu)originates from fossilized remains of ancient mammals and is widely used in treating emotional and mental conditions.However,fossil resources are nonrenewable,and clinical demand is increasingly difficult to meet,leading to a proliferation of counterfeit products.During prolonged geological burial,static pressure from the surrounding strata severely compromises the microstructural integrity of osteons in Os Draconis,but Os Draconis still largely retains the structural features of mammalian bone.Methods:Using verified authentic Os Draconis samples over 10,000 years old as a baseline,this study summarizes the ultrastructural characteristics of genuine Os Draconis.Employing electron probe microanalysis and optical polarized light microscopy,we examined 28 batches of authentic Os Draconis and 31 batches of counterfeits to identify their ultrastructural differences.Key points for ultrastructural identification of Os Draconis were compiled,and a new identification approach was proposed based on these differences.Results:Authentic Os Draconis exhibited distinct ultrastructural markers:irregularly shaped osteons with traversing fissures,deformed/displaced Haversian canals,and secondary mineral infill(predominantly calcium carbonate).Counterfeits showed regular osteon arrangements,absent traversal fissures,and homogeneous hydroxyapatite composition.Lab-simulated samples lacked structural degradation features.EPMA confirmed calcium carbonate infill in fossilized Haversian canals,while elemental profiles differentiated lacunae types(void vs.mineral-packed).Conclusion:The study established ultrastructural criteria for authentic Os Draconis identification:osteon deformation,geological fissures penetrating bone units,and heterogenous mineral deposition.These features,unattainable in counterfeits or modern processed bones,provide a cost-effective,accurate identification method.This approach bridges gaps in TCM material standardization and supports quality control for clinical applications.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.82204610)Qihang Talent Program(L2022046)+1 种基金the Scientific and Technological Innovation Project of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences(CI2021A04013)Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Public Welfare Research Institutes(ZZ15-YQ-041 and L2021029).
文摘Background:Cyperi Rhizoma,derived from Cyperus rotundus L.,is a widely used medicinal herb in traditional Chinese medicine(TCM),with Shandong Province recognized as its geo-authentic habitat.However,the quality of Cyperi Rhizoma varies significantly across different regions,potentially influencing its therapeutic efficacy.This study investigates the influence of geographic origin on the chemical composition and overall quality of Cyperi Rhizoma.Methods:A comprehensive approach,including traditional quality assessment,GC-MS(g as c hromatography-m ass s pectrometry),RP-HPLC(r everse p hase h igh-p erformance l iquid c hromatography),and FT-IR(f ourier t ransform i nfrared s pectroscopy)techniques,was employed to analyze Cyperi Rhizoma samples from Shandong Province.These methods examined the physical appearance,chemical profile,and content variations,particularly focusing onα-cyperone.Results:Traditional quality assessments revealed noticeable differences in the external characteristics of the samples.GC-MS analysis identified a variety of unique chemical constituents,while RP-HPLC and FT-IR showed significant variations inα-cyperone content,with higher levels found in Shandong samples.Conclusion:These results demonstrate that geographic origin is a critical determinant of Cyperi Rhizoma quality,with Shandong specimens exhibiting superiorα-cyperone levels and characteristic phytochemical profiles.This validates the geo-authenticity concept in TCM and provides actionable data for developing evidence-based quality standards,suggesting that provenance should be prioritized in medicinal material selection and pharmacopeial specifications.
基金This work was performed under light sources purchased through the National Science Foundation Grant#IOS-0746756(KMF).
文摘Different light wavelengths have specific effects on plant growth and development.Narrow-bandwidth light-emitting diode(LED)lighting may be used to directionally manipulate size,color and metabolites in high-value fruits and vegetables.In this report,Red Russian kale(Brassica napus)seedlings were grown under specific light conditions and analyzed for photomorphogenic responses,pigment accumulation and nutraceutical content.The results showed that this genotype responds predictably to darkness,blue and red light,with suppression of hypocotyl elongation,development of pigments and changes in specific metabolites.However,these seedlings were relatively hypersensitive to far-red light,leading to uncharacteristically short hypocotyls and high pigment accumulation,even after growth under very low fluence rates(,1 mmol m^(-2) s^(-1)).General antioxidant levels and aliphatic glucosinolates are elevated by far-red light treatments.Sequential treatments of darkness,blue light,red light and far-red light were applied throughout sprout development to alter final product quality.These results indicate that sequential treatment with narrow-bandwidth light may be used to affect key economically important traits in high-value crops.
基金supported by a Stanford Maternal and Child Health Research Institute Research Scholar Award (2020)an American Cancer Society Research Scholar Grant (RSG-20-036-01)an Agilent Solutions Innovation Research Award (SIRA) to J.Y.
文摘German biochemist and cell physiologist,Otto H.Warburg(Figure 1),made a groundbreaking discovery in 1923.Specifically,tumors were shown to consume large amounts of glucose and ferment glucose into lactate,even in the presence of oxygen—a phenomenon termed"aerobic glycolysis"1,2.This phenomenon,later named the Warburg effect by Efraim Racker in the 1970s,remains pivotal in cancer research3.
基金the China National Science Foundation (NSF) (No. 30588001, 30620120433)National Basic Research Program of China (No. 2006CB910700)funds from the Chinese Acad-emy of Sciences to J.-D.J.H. and NSF fellowship to T.A.
文摘Organism development is a systems level process. It has benefited greatly from the recent technological advances in the field of systems biology. DNA microarray, phenome, interactome and transcriptome mapping, the new generation of deep sequencing technologies, and faster and better computational and modeling approaches have opened new frontiers for both systems biologists and developmental biologists to reexamine the old developmental biology questions, such as pattern formation, and to tackle new problems, such as stem cell reprogramming. As showcased in the International Developmental Systems Biology Symposium organized by Chinese Academy of Sciences, developmental systems biology is flourishing in many perspectives, from the evolution of developmental systems, to the underlying genetic and molecular pathways and networks, to the genomic, epigenomic and noncoding levels, to the computational analysis and modeling. We believe that the field will continue to reap rewards into the future with these new approaches.
基金supported by the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(No.226-2024-00038),China.
文摘The internal structures of cells as the basic units of life are a major wonder of the microscopic world.Cellular images provide an intriguing window to help explore and understand the composition and function of these structures.Scientific imagery combined with artistic expression can further expand the potential of imaging in educational dissemination and interdisciplinary applications.
基金funded by Maranatha Christian University,Bandung,Indonesia for Productive Lecturer Research under grant number:011/SK/ADD/UKM/IV/2024.
文摘Objective:To assess the effects of turmeric extract and its compounds on oxidative stress,inflammation,and apoptosis in acetaminophen-induced liver injury.Methods:HepG2 cells were administered with acetaminophen(40 mM)to induce hepatotoxicity,followed by treatment with turmeric extract and its isolated compounds including curcumin,demethoxycurcumin,bis-demethoxycurcumin and ar-turmerone at 5,25,and 125μg/mL.IL-1β,IL-6,and IL-10 levels were quantified with ELISA kits.Further,qRT-PCR was used to analyze the mRNA expression of JNK,Casp-9,and Casp-3.Meanwhile,the levels of nitric oxide and lactate dehydrogenase were analyzed using colorimetric assay.Results:Acetaminophen administration caused an increase in the levels of lactate dehydrogenase,nitric oxide,IL-1β,IL-6,and the mRNA expression of JNK,Casp-9,and Casp-3 in HepG2 cells while reducing IL-10 levels.Treatment with turmeric extract,curcumin,demethoxycurcumin,bis-demethoxycurcumin,and ar-turmerone lowered IL-1β,IL-6,nitric oxide,and lactate dehydrogenase levels,downregulated the mRNA expression of JNK,Casp-9,and Casp-3,and increased IL-10 levels.Conclusions:Turmeric extract and its compounds have significant hepatoprotective activity and could be further explored for the treatment of liver damage.
基金funded by Fundacao de Amparoà Pesquisa do Estado de Sao Paulo(process no:2016/22679-3)funded through an undergraduate student scholarship for scientific research provided by Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico(CNPq,process no:144202/2018-2).
文摘Sexual selection is thought to play a major role in the evolution of color due to the correlation between a signaler’s physiological state and the displayed color.As such,researchers often investigate how color correlates to the quality of the signaler.However,research on the relationship between color and individual quality is often taxonomically limited and researchers typically investigate how color phenotypes relate to one index of quality,such as a linear measure of body size.Here,we investigated the relationship among body size,claw size,claw muscle mass,lipid content,and the color of the claw in male fiddler crabs(Leptuca uruguayensis)which wield an exaggerated claw that varies in color from brown to red.We hypothesized that if the color was correlated to one or more indices of male quality,the color displayed on the claws of male L.uruguayensis could be under sexual selection.We found L.uruguayensis claw color varies substantially among the individuals we photographed.However,we did not find a correlation between claw color and indices of quality;neither brightness nor hue correlated to the indices of quality we measured.Our findings suggest that claw color in L.uruguayensis is unlikely to have evolved to signal quality,but may instead function as a species identity or as a non-indicator sexual signal.
基金Supported by the "948" Grant of the National Forestry Administration of China (No.2007-4-19)the Special Grantof Chinese Forestry Public Benefits (Nos.200804030 and 2007-4-15)the Provincial Fund for Distinguished Young Scholars of Hunan, China (No.07JJ1004)
文摘Soils play a critical role in the global carbon cycle, and can be major source or sink of CO2 depending upon land use, vegetation type and soil management practices. Fine roots are important component of a forest ecosystem in terms of water and nutrient uptake. In this study the effects of thinning and litter fall removal on fine root production and soil organic carbon content were examined in 20-year-old Masson pine （Pinus resinosa） plantations in Huitong, Hunan Province of China in the growing seasons of 2004 and 2005. The results showed that fine root production was significantly lower in the thinning plots than in the control plots, with a decrease of 58% and 14% in 2004 and 2005 growing seasons, respectively. Litter fall removal significantly increased fine root production by 14% in 2004. Soil temperature （Tsoil） and soil moisture （Msoil） were higher in the thinning plots than those in the controls. Litter fall removal had significant effects on Tsoil and Msoil. Soil organic carbon content was higher in the thinning plots but was lower in the plots with litter fall removal compared with that in the controls. Our results also indicated that annual production of fine roots resulted in small carbon accumulation in the upper layers of the soil, and removal of tree by thinning resulted in a significant increase of carbon storage in Masson pine plantations.
文摘During development and in the context of different morphogenetic events, epithelial cells undergo a process called epithelial to mesenchymal transition or transdifferentiation （EMT）. In this process, the cells lose their epithelial characteristics, including their polarity and specialized cell-cell contacts, and acquire a migratory behavior, allowing them to move away from their epithelial cell community and to integrate into surrounding tissue, even at remote locations. EMT illustrates the differentiation plasticity during development and is complemented by another process, called mesenchymal to epithelial transition （MET）. While being an integral process during development, EMT is also recapitulated under pathological conditions, prominently in fibrosis and in invasion and metastasis of carcinomas. Accordingly, EMT is considered as an important step in tumor progression. TGF-β signaling has been shown to play an important role in EMT. In fact, adding TGF-β to epithelial cells in culture is a convenient way to induce EMT in various epithelial cells. Although much less characterized, epithelial plasticity can also be regulated by TGF-β-related bone morphogenetic proteins （BMPs）, and BMPs have been shown to induce EMT or MET depending on the developmental context. In this review, we will discuss the induction of EMT in response to TGF-β, and focus on the under- lying signaling and transcription mechanisms.
基金Justin Jong-Leong Wong holds a Fellowship from the Cancer Institute of NSW and receives funding from the National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia (Grant No 1128175, 1129901 and 1126306)
文摘N^6-methyladenosine(m^6 A) is an essential RNA modification that regulates key cellular processes, including stem cell renewal,cellular differentiation, and response to DNA damage. Unsurprisingly, aberrant m^6 A methylation has been implicated in the development and maintenance of diverse human cancers. Altered m^6 A levels affect RNA processing, mRNA degradation, and translation of mRNAs into proteins, thereby disrupting gene expression regulation and promoting tumorigenesis. Recent studies have reported that the abnormal expression of m^6 A regulatory enzymes affects m^6 A abundance and consequently dysregulates the expression of tumor suppressor genes and oncogenes, including MYC, SOCS2, ADAM19, and PTEN. In this review, we discuss the specific roles of m^6 A missing space "writers", "erasers", and "readers" in normal physiology and how their altered expression promotes tumorigenesis. We also describe the potential of exploiting the aberrant expression of these enzymes for cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and the development of novel therapies.
基金supported by USDA-ARS National Program NP301 project "Response of Diverse Rice Germplasm to Biotic and Abiotic Stresses Project No. 6225-21000-008-00D"
文摘The tumor suppressor PTEN controls a variety of biological processes including cell proliferation, growth, migration, and death. As a master cellular regulator, PTEN itself is also subjected to deliberated regulation to ensure its proper function. Defects in PTEN regulation have a profound impact on carcinogenesis. In this review, we briefly discuss recent advances concerning PTEN regulation and how such knowledge facilitates our understanding and further exploration of PTEN biology. The carboxyl-tail of PTEN, which appears to be associated with multiple types of posttranslational regulation, will be under detailed scrutiny. Further, a comparative analysis of PTEN and p53 suggests while p53 needs to be activated to suppress tumorigenesis （a dormant gatekeeper）, PTEN is probably a constitutive surveillant against cancer development, thus a default gatekeeper.
文摘Influenza A viruses are important human pathogens causing periodic pandemic threats. Nonstructural protein 1 （NS1） protein of influenza A virus （NS1A） shields the virus against host defense. Here, we report the crystal structure of NS1A RNA-binding domain （RBD） bound to a double-stranded RNA （dsRNA） at 1.7A. NS1A RBD forms a homodimer to recognize the major groove of A-form dsRNA in a length-independent mode by its conserved concave surface formed by dimeric anti-parallel a-helices, dsRNA is anchored by a pair of invariable arginines （Arg38） from both monomers by extensive hydrogen bonds. In accordance with the structural observation, isothermal titration calorimetry assay shows that the unique Arg38-Arg38 pair and two Arg35-Arg46 pairs are crucial for dsRNA binding, and that Ser42 and Thr49 are also important for dsRNA binding. Agrobacterium co-infiltration assay further supports that the unique Arg38 pair plays important roles in dsRNA binding in vivo.
文摘DNA mismatch repair （MMR） processes the chemically induced mispairs following treatment with clinically important nucleoside analogs such as 6-thioguanine （6-TG） and 5-fluorouracil （5-FU）. MMR processing of these drugs has been implicated in activation of a prolonged G2/M cell cycle arrest for repair and later induction of apoptosis and/or autophagy for irreparable DNA damage. In this study, we investigated the role of Bcl2 and adenovirus EIB Nineteen-kilodalton Interacting Protein （BNIP3） in the activation of autophagy, and the temporal relationship between a G2/M cell cycle arrest and the activation of BNIP3-mediated autophagy following MMR processing of 6-TG and 5-FU. We found that BNIP3 protein levels are upregulated in a MLHI （MMR＋）-dependent manner following 6-TG and 5-FU treatment. Subsequent small-interfering RNA （siRNA）-mediated BNIP3 knockdown abrogates 6-TG- induced autophagy. We also found that p53 knockdown or inhibition of mTOR activity by rapamycin cotreatment impairs 6-TG- and 5-FU-induced upregulation of BNIP3 protein levels and autophagy. Furthermore, suppression of Checkpoint kinase 1 （Chkl） expression with a subsequent reduction in 6-TG-induced G2/M cell cycle arrest by Chkl siRNA promotes the extent of 6-TG-induced autophagy. These findings suggest that BNIP3 mediates 6-TG- and 5-FU-induced autophagy in a p53- and mTOR-dependent manner. Additionally, the duration of Chkl-activated G2/ M cell cycle arrest determines the level of autophagy following MMR processing of these nucleoside analogs.
文摘ASocial insect colonies and the workers comprising them, each exhibit consistent individual differences in behavior, also known as ＇personalities＇. Because the behavior of social insect colonies emerges from the actions of their workers, individual variation among workers＇ personality may be important in determining the variation we observe among colonies. The reproduc- tive unit of social insects, on which natural selection acts, is the colony, not individual workers. Therefore, it is important to un- derstand what mechanisms govern the observed variation among colonies. Here I propose three hypotheses that address how con- sistent individual differences in the behavior of workers may lead to consistent individual differences in the behavior of colonies： 1. Colonies differ consistently in their average of worker personality; 2. The distribution but not the average of worker personali- ties varies consistently among colonies; and 3. Colony personality does not emerge from its worker personality composition but from consistent external constraints. I review evidence supporting each of these hypotheses and suggest methods to further inves-tigate them. The study of how colony personality emerges from the personalities of the workers comprising them may shed light on the mechanisms underlying consistent individual differences in the behavior of other animals .
