Objectives:Limosilactobacillus reuteri is a beneficial Lactobacillus widely used in foods and supplements to promote overall health.Some studies also suggest it supports skin health and prevents allergies and cardiova...Objectives:Limosilactobacillus reuteri is a beneficial Lactobacillus widely used in foods and supplements to promote overall health.Some studies also suggest it supports skin health and prevents allergies and cardiovascular disease.However,research on its skin-protective effects against photoaging has not been conducted.This study evaluated the potential of culture broths fromthree L.reuteri strains(DS0333,DS0384,and DS0385)to inhibit skin photoaging.Methods:To assess their anti-photoaging potential,the culture broths were examined for antioxidant capacity,melanin inhibition,and collagen synthesis promotion.Radical scavenging activity was tested using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl(DPPH)and 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)(ABTS)assays.The biosynthetic activity of melanin and associated protein markers involved in melanogenesis was examined in a B16F10 mouse melanoma model.Type I procollagen synthesis and matrix metalloproteinase-1(MMP-1)inhibition were evaluated in ultraviolet B(UVB)-damaged human dermal fibroblasts(HDFs).Results:The culture broths exhibited concentrationdependent antioxidant activity and significantly suppressed melanin synthesis triggered byα-melanocyte-stimulating hormone(α-MSH).Transcription factors involved inmelanogenesis,namelymicrophthalmia-associated transcription factor(MITF),tyrosinase-related protein 1(TRP-1),and 2(TRP-2),were significantly downregulated following treatment.Treatment with culture broths also enhanced type I procollagen production and inhibited MMP-1 activity and protein expression in UVB-exposed HDFs.Among the strains,DS0333 demonstrated the strongest efficacy and was further investigated.It enhanced the proliferation of skin cells and attenuated the levels of age-associated markers such as MMP-1,mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK),and activator protein 1(AP-1).High-performance liquid chromatography(HPLC)analysis identified phenyllactic acid(PLA)as the predominant active compound.Conclusions:These results indicate that DS0333 culture broth exhibits strong anti-aging effects and can be applied in functional cosmetics aimed at promoting skin health.展开更多
AIM:To investigate the efficacy of Eleutherine bulbosa(Mill.)Urb.bulb extract(EBE)on the 3D human retinoblastoma cancer cells(WERI-Rb-1)spheroids and explore its apoptotic mechanism.METHODS:The 3D WERI-Rb-1 and human ...AIM:To investigate the efficacy of Eleutherine bulbosa(Mill.)Urb.bulb extract(EBE)on the 3D human retinoblastoma cancer cells(WERI-Rb-1)spheroids and explore its apoptotic mechanism.METHODS:The 3D WERI-Rb-1 and human retinal pigmented epithelium cells(ARPE-19)spheroids were developed using type 1 murine collagen that was excised from the rat tail tendon and cultured via hanging drop and embedded techniques.The cytotoxic activity was examined by Alamar blue assay meanwhile,the morphological characteristics were assessed by 4’,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole(DAPI)and scanning electron microscopy(SEM).The mRNA and protein expressions of apoptotic and antioxidant signal transduction pathways were explored to ascertain its molecular mechanisms.The statistical analysis was carried out using GraphPad Prism.RESULTS:The Alamar blue assay portrayed higher half maximal inhibitory concentration(IC50)values of EBE and cisplatin on 3D WERI-Rb-1 model as compared to the previous study on 2D model.The results of DAPI and SEM illustrated apoptotic features upon treatment with EBE and cisplatin in a dose-dependent manner on 3D WERI-Rb-1 model.The mRNA and protein levels of apoptotic and antioxidant-related pathways were significantly affected by EBE and cisplatin,respectively(P<0.05).The regulation of gene and protein expressions of 3D WERI-Rb-1 spheroids differed from the 2D study,suggesting that the tumor microenvironment of extracellular matrix(ECM)collagen matrix hindered the EBE treatment efficacy,leading to apoptotic evasion.CONCLUSION:A significant inhibition effect of EBE is observed on the 3D WERI-Rb-1 spheroids.The presence of ECM causes an increase in cytotoxic resistance upon treatment with EBE and cisplatin.展开更多
Strategies for increasing rice yield are needed to keep pace with the expected global population growth and sustainably address the challenges posed by climate change.In Southeast Asian countries,rice farming benefits...Strategies for increasing rice yield are needed to keep pace with the expected global population growth and sustainably address the challenges posed by climate change.In Southeast Asian countries,rice farming benefits from the use of Azolla spp.for nitrogen supply.By virtue of their symbiosis with the nitrogen-fixing cyanobacterium Trichormus azollae,Azolla spp.are ferns that release nitrogen into the environment upon biomass decomposition.However,whether and to what extent actively growing Azolla plants influence the development of co-cultivated rice seedlings remains unclear.To address this,rice(Oryza sativa L.var.Kitaake)seedlings were co-cultivated hydroponically with Azolla filiculoides for up to two months.Morphological changes in rice roots and aerial organs were assessed alongside nitric oxide assays in rice roots,root transcriptomics,and targeted hormonomics of rice roots,leaves,and growth media.Here,we showed that co-cultivation with actively growing A.filiculoides alters rice root architecture by inducing a nitric oxide boost and accelerates leaf and tiller differentiation and proliferation.Overall,this study provides an in-depth analysis of the morphogenetic effects of co-cultivated A.filiculoides on rice during early vegetative growth.It also paves the way for studies assessing whether A.filiculoides co-cultivation primes rice plants to better withstand abiotic and biotic stresses.展开更多
Drought stress is a major factor affecting plant growth and crop yield production.Plant extracts as natural biostimulants hold great potential to strengthen plants to overcome drought impacts.To explore the effect of ...Drought stress is a major factor affecting plant growth and crop yield production.Plant extracts as natural biostimulants hold great potential to strengthen plants to overcome drought impacts.To explore the effect of Polygonum minus extract(PME)in enhancing drought tolerance in plants,a study was set up in a glasshouse environment using 10 different treatment combinations.PME foliar application were designed in CRD and effects were closely observed related to the growth,physiology,and antioxidant system changes in maize(Zea mays L.)under well-watered and drought conditions.The seaweed extract(SWE)was used as a comparison.Plants subjected to drought stress exhibited a significant reduction in fresh weight,dry weight,relative water content(RWC),and soluble sugar,but they stimulated the phenolic,flavonoid,proline,glutathione(GSH),malondialdehyde(MDA)and antioxidant enzyme(catalase,CAT;peroxidase,POD;superoxide dismutase,SOD)activities.Foliar application of PME improved fresh and dry weight(FW:33.1%~41.4%;DW:48.0%~43.1%),chlorophyll content(Chl b:87.9%~100.76%),soluble sugar(23.6%~49.3%),and soluble protein(48.6%~56.9%)as well as antioxidant enzyme activities(CAT and POD)compared to CK under drought conditions.while decreasing the level of MDA.Notably,the mitigating effect of PME application with high concentration was more effective than those of SWE.Our study reveals that PME could alleviate drought stress by regulating osmoprotectant content and antioxidant defense system and can be used as an economical and environmentally friendly biostimulants for promoting maize growth under drought stress.展开更多
Background Oxidative stress,caused by an imbalance in the production and elimination of intracellular reactive oxygen species(ROS),has been recognized for its detrimental effects on mammalian embryonic development.Lut...Background Oxidative stress,caused by an imbalance in the production and elimination of intracellular reactive oxygen species(ROS),has been recognized for its detrimental effects on mammalian embryonic development.Luteolin(Lut)has been documented for its protective effects against oxidative stress in various studies.However,its specific role in embryonic development remains unexplored.This study aims to investigate the influence of Lut on porcine embryonic development and to elucidate the underlying mechanism.Results After undergoing parthenogenetic activation(PA)or in vitro fertilization,embryos supplemented with 0.5μmol/L Lut displayed a significant enhancement in cleavage and blastocyst formation rates,with an increase in total cell numbers and a decrease in the apoptosis rate compared to the control.Measurements on D2 and D6 revealed that embryos with Lut supplementation had lower ROS levels and higher glutathione levels compared to the control.Moreover,Lut supplementation significantly augmented mitochondrial content and membrane potential.Intriguingly,activation of the Nrf2/Keap1 signaling pathway was observed in embryos supplemented with Lut,leading to the upregulation of antioxidant-related gene transcription levels.To further validate the relationship between the Nrf2/Keap1 signaling pathway and effects of Lut in porcine embryonic development,we cultured PA embryos in a medium supplemented with brusatol,with or without the inclusion of Lut.The positive effects of Lut on developmental competence were negated by brusatol treatment.Conclusions Our findings indicate that Lut-mediated activation of the Nrf2/Keap1 signaling pathway contributes to the enhanced production of porcine embryos with high developmental competence,and offers insight into the mechanisms regulating early embryonic development.展开更多
Objective:To address the lack of research on invasive group B Streptococcus(GBS)infections in Malaysia and Southeast Asia through a comprehensive analysis of GBS isolates obtained from hospitals.Methods:Medical record...Objective:To address the lack of research on invasive group B Streptococcus(GBS)infections in Malaysia and Southeast Asia through a comprehensive analysis of GBS isolates obtained from hospitals.Methods:Medical records from patients with GBS infection isolated from the sterile site,such as blood and cerebrospinal fluid from 14 July 2019 to 15 December 2020,were reviewed from six major hospitals in Peninsular Malaysia.Inclusion criteria were invasive GBS,sterile sites and non-repeated GBS isolated from the same patients in the same admission.Viable isolates were re-identified for GBS and serotyped.Results:A total of 118 patients were eligible,with a majority of non-pregnant adults(76.3%).Over half of the patients(62.7%)had underlying medical conditions,with diabetes as the most common disease,followed by respiratory disease,renal disease,cardiovascular disease and skin and soft tissue disease.The most common manifestations were sepsis,followed by soft tissue abscess,diabetic foot ulcer,wet gangrene and cellulitis.The overall mortality was 7.6%.The most common serotype was serotype桋.Conclusions:Invasive GBS infection among non-pregnant adults showed a rising trend,particularly among diabetic individuals.The study underscores the importance of reducing risk factors and highlights the necessity of developing GBS vaccination as a preventive strategy for both infants and adults.展开更多
The bioconversion of 4-hydroxy-2-keto acid derivatives via aldol condensation of formaldehyde and pyruvate has received substantial attention as potential source of chemicals for production of amino acids,hydroxy carb...The bioconversion of 4-hydroxy-2-keto acid derivatives via aldol condensation of formaldehyde and pyruvate has received substantial attention as potential source of chemicals for production of amino acids,hydroxy carboxylic acids,and chiral aldehydes.We developed an environmentally friendly biocatalyst consisting of a novel thermostable class II pyruvate aldolase from Deinococcus radiodurans with maltose-binding protein(MBP-DrADL),which has specific activity of 46.3μmol min-1 mg-1.Surprisingly,MBP-DrADL maintained over 60%of enzyme activity for 4 days at 50 to 65°C,we used MBP-DrADL as the best candidate enzyme to produce 2-keto-4-hydroxybutyrate(2-KHB)from formaldehyde and pyruvate via aldol condensation.The optimum reaction conditions for 2-KHB production were 50°C,pH 8.0,5 mM Mg2+,100 mM formaldehyde,and 200 mM pyruvate.Under these optimized conditions,MBP-DrADL produced 76.5 mM(8.94 g L-1)2-KHB over 60 min with a volumetric productivity of 8.94 g L-1 h-1 and a specific productivity of 357.6 mg mg-enzyme-1 h-1.Furthermore,2-KHB production was improved by continuous addition of substrates,which produced approximately 124.8 mM(14.6 g L-1)of 2-KHB over 60 min with a volumetric productivity and specific productivity of 14.6 g L-1 h-1 and 583.4 mg mg-enzyme-1 h-1,respectively.MBP-DrADL showed the highest specific productivity for 2-KHB production yet reported.Our study provides a highly efficient biocatalyst for the synthesis of 2-KHB and lays the foundation for large-scale production and application of high-value compounds from formaldehyde.展开更多
Background:Picropodophllotoxin(PPT),a principal component of Podophyllum hexandrum root,demonstrates various beneficial biological activities in multiple cancer types,including antitumor and antiproliferative properti...Background:Picropodophllotoxin(PPT),a principal component of Podophyllum hexandrum root,demonstrates various beneficial biological activities in multiple cancer types,including antitumor and antiproliferative properties.Despite its known effects,the specific mechanisms by which PPT induces apoptosis in oral squamous cell carcinoma(OSCC)cells lack full clarification.Aims:This study aimed to evaluate the role of PPT in inducing apoptosis in OSCC cells by targeting signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3)and to investigate the underlying molecular pathways.Methods:Human OSCC cell lines(HN22 and HSC4)were treated with PPT.Cell viability,colony formation,and apoptotic morphological changes were evaluated.Reactive oxygen species(ROS)generation and mitochondrial function were assessed using tetramethyl rhodamine methyl ester,MitoSOX,and 2′,7′-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate(DCFH-DA)assays following PPT treatment.The expression of apoptosis markers,including cleaved Poly(ADP-Ribose)Polymerase(c-PARP)and other target proteins,was measured using western blotting.ROS involvement was further confirmed using the ROS scavenger N-acetylcysteine(NAC).Results:Treatment with PPT resulted in a substantial reduction in cell viability,a decrease in colony formation capacity,and evident morphological changes in OSCC cells.These effects were dose-and time-dependent,as evidenced by increased expression of c-PARP.PPT-induced apoptosis was mediated by excessive ROS generation,which was almost completely blocked by NAC pretreatment.Conclusions:These findings suggest that PPT may serve as a promising therapeutic agent for treating human oral cancer by inhibiting the STAT3 pathway and inducing ROS-mediated apoptosis.展开更多
Background:Parkinson’s disease(PD)is a common neurodegenerative disease,characterized by symptoms like tremors,muscle rigidity,and slowmovement.Themain cause of these symptoms is the loss of dopamineproducing neurons...Background:Parkinson’s disease(PD)is a common neurodegenerative disease,characterized by symptoms like tremors,muscle rigidity,and slowmovement.Themain cause of these symptoms is the loss of dopamineproducing neurons in a brain area called the substantia nigra.Various genetic and environmental factors contribute to this neuronal loss.Once symptoms of PD begin,they worsen with age,which also impacts several critical cellular processes.Leucine-rich repeat kinase 2(LRRK2)is a gene associated with PD.Certain mutations in LRRK2,such as G2019S,increase its activity,disrupting cellular mechanisms necessary for healthy neuron function,including autophagy and lysosomal activity.Exposure to rotenone(RTN)promotes LRRK2 activity in neurons and contributes to cellular senescence andα-syn accumulation.Methods:In this study,human dopaminergic progenitor cells were reprogrammed to study the effects of RTN with the co-treatment of LRRK2 inhibitor on cellular senescence.We measured the cellular senescence using quantifying proteins of senescence markers,such as p53,p21,Rb,phosphorylated Rb,andβ-galatocidase,and the enzymatic activity of senescence-associatedβ-galatocidase.And we estimated the levels of accumulatedα-synuclein(α-syn),which is increased via the impaired autophagy-lysosomal pathway by cellular senescence.Then,we evaluated the association of the G2019S LRRK2 mutation and senescence-associatedβ-galatocidase and the levels of accumulated or secretedα-syn,and the neuroinflammatory responses mediated by the secretedα-syn in rat primary microglia were determined using the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines.Results:RTN raised senescence markers and affected the phosphorylation of Rab10,a substrate of LRRK2.The inhibiting agent MLI2 reduced these senescence markers and Rab10 phosphorylations.Additionally,RTN increasedα-syn levels in the neurons,while MLI2 aided in degrading it.When focusing on cells from PD patients with the G2019S mutation,an increase in cellular senescence and release ofα-syn was observed,provoking neuroinflammation.Treatment with the LRRK2 inhibitor MLI2 decreased both cellular senescence andα-syn secretion,thereby mitigating inflammatory responses.Conclusion:Overall,inhibiting LRRK2 may provide a beneficial strategy formanaging PD.展开更多
Influenza,a highly contagious respiratory infectious disease caused by an influenza virus,is a threat to public health worldwide.Avian influenza viruses(AIVs)have the potential to cause the next pandemic by crossing t...Influenza,a highly contagious respiratory infectious disease caused by an influenza virus,is a threat to public health worldwide.Avian influenza viruses(AIVs)have the potential to cause the next pandemic by crossing the species barrier through mutation of viral genome.Here,we investigated the pathogenicity of AIVs obtained from South Korea and Mongolia during 2018–2019 by measuring viral titers in the lungs and extrapulmonary organs of mouse models.In addition,we assessed the pathogenicity of AIVs in ferret models.Moreover,we compared the ability of viruses to replicate in mammalian cells,as well as the receptor-binding preferences of AIV isolates.Genetic analyses were finally performed to identify the genetic relationships and amino acid substitutions between viral proteins during mammalian adaptation.Of the 24 AIV isolates tested,A/Mallard/South Korea/KNU2019-34/2019(KNU19-34;H1N1)caused severe bodyweight loss and high mortality in mice.The virus replicated in the lungs,kidneys,and heart.Importantly,KNU19-34-infected ferrets showed high viral loads in both nasal washes and lungs.KNU19-34 replicated rapidly in A549 and bound preferentially to human likeα2,6-linked sialic acids rather than to avian-likeα2,3-linked sialic acids,similar to the pandemic A/California/04/2009(H1N1)strain.Gene segments of KNU19-34 were distributed in Egypt and Asia lineages from 2015 to 2018,and the virus had several amino acid substitutions compared to H1N1 AIV isolates that were non-pathogenic in mice.Collectively,the data suggest that KNU19-34 has zoonotic potential and the possibility of new mutations responsible for mammalian adaptation.展开更多
Infiltration and activation of peripheral immune cells are critical in the progression of multiple sclerosis and its experimental animal model,experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis(EAE).This study investigates the...Infiltration and activation of peripheral immune cells are critical in the progression of multiple sclerosis and its experimental animal model,experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis(EAE).This study investigates the role of high mobility group box 1(HMGB1)in oligodendrocyte precursor cells(OPCs)in modulating pathogenic T cells infiltrating the central nervous system through the blood-brain barrier(BBB)by using OPC-specific HMGB1 knockout(KO)mice.We found that HMGB1 released from OPCs promotes BBB disruption,subsequently allowing increased immune cell infiltration.The migration of CD4+T cells isolated from EAE-induced mice was enhanced when co-cultured with OPCs compared to oligodendrocytes(OLs).OPC-specific HMGB1 KO mice exhibited lower BBB permeability and reduced immune cell infiltration into the CNS,leading to less damage to the myelin sheath and mitigated EAE progression.CD4+T cell migration was also reduced when co-cultured with HMGB1 knock-out OPCs.Our findings reveal that HMGB1 secretion from OPCs is crucial for regulating immune cell infiltration and provides insights into the immunomodulatory function of OPCs in autoimmune diseases.展开更多
AIM： To investigate alternative or subordinate pathways involved in colorectal tumorigenesis and tumor growth, possibly determining at-risk populations and predicting responses to treatment. METHODS： Using microarra...AIM： To investigate alternative or subordinate pathways involved in colorectal tumorigenesis and tumor growth, possibly determining at-risk populations and predicting responses to treatment. METHODS： Using microarray gene-expression analysis, we analyzed patterns of gene expression relative to canonical molecular changes and clinicopathological features in 84 sporadic colorectal cancer patients, standardized by tumor location. Subsets of differentially expressed genes were confirmed by real-time reverse-transcript polymerase chain reaction （RT-PCR）. RESULTS： The largest number of genes identified as being differentially expressed was by tumor location, and the next largest number by lymphovascular or neural invasion of tumor cells and by mismatch repair （NMR） defects. Amongst biological processes, the immune response was significantly implicated in entire molecular changes observed during colorectal tumorigenesis （P 〈 0.001）. Amongst 47 differentially expressed genes, seven （PISD, NIBP, BAI2, STOML1, MRPL21, MRPL16, and MKKS） were newly found to correlate with tumorigenesis and tumor growth. Most location-associated molecular changes had distinct effects on gene expression, but the effects of the latter were sometimes contradictory. CONCLUSION： We show that several differentially expressed genes were associated with canonical molecular changes in sporadic colorectal cancers, possibly constituting alternative or subordinate pathways of tumorigenesis. As tumor location was the dominant factor influencing differential gene expression, location-specific analysis may identify location-associated pathways and enhance the accuracy of class prediction.展开更多
AIM: To investigate p53 mutation and p21 expression in hepatocarcinogenesis induced by hepatitis B virus (HBV) and aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) in tree shrews, and to reveal the role of these genes in hepatocarcinogenesis.METH...AIM: To investigate p53 mutation and p21 expression in hepatocarcinogenesis induced by hepatitis B virus (HBV) and aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) in tree shrews, and to reveal the role of these genes in hepatocarcinogenesis.METHODS: Tree shrews were divided into four groups:group A, those infected with HBV and fed with AFB1 (n = 39);group B, those infected with HBV alone (n = 28); group C,those fed with AFB1 alone (n = 29); and group D, normal controls (n = 20). The tree shrews underwent liver biopsies once every 15 wk. Expression of p53 and p21 proteins and genes in the biopsies and tumor tissues of the experimental tree shrews was detected, respectively, by immunohistochemistry,and by Southem blotting and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and sequencing.RESULTS: The incidence of hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC) was higher in group A (66.7%) than that in group B (3.57%) and C (30%). The time of HCC occurrence was also earlier in group A than that in group C (120.0±16.6 wk vs 153.3±5.8 wk, respectively, P<0.01). p53 protein was not detected by immunohistochemistry in all groups before the 75^th wk of the experiment. At the 105^th wk, the positive rates fo p53 were 78.6%, 60% and 71.4% in groups A, B and C, respectively, which were significantly higher than that in group D (10%) (all P<0.05). An abnormal band of p53 gene was observed in groups A and C. The mutation points of p53gene in tree shrews with HCC were at codons 275, 78 and 13. The nucleotide sequence and amino acid sequence of tree shrew's wild-type p53 showed 91.7% and 93.4% homologies with those of human p53,respectively. The immunopositivity for p21 was found before HCC development. The incidence of HCC was significantly higher in tree shrews that were positive for p21 than those negative for p21 (80.0% vs 11.0%, P<0.001).The incidence of HCC in p21 positive animals in group A was significantly higher than those positive for p21 in group C (P<O.05).CONCLUSION: A remarkable synergistic effect on HCC development exists between HBV and AFB1. p53 mutation promotes the development of HCC. HBV and AFB1 may synergistically induce p53 gene mutation, and stimulate ras gene expression, ras gene is activated at the earlier stage during hepatocarcinogenesis, p21 protein may be an early marker, and the alterations of p53 may be a late event in the development of HCC.展开更多
AIM:To investigate the role of hepatitis B virus X-protein(HBx)-induced reactive oxygen species(ROS)on liver carcinogenesis in HBx transgenic mice and HepG2-HBx cells.METHODS:Cell growth rate was analyzed,and through ...AIM:To investigate the role of hepatitis B virus X-protein(HBx)-induced reactive oxygen species(ROS)on liver carcinogenesis in HBx transgenic mice and HepG2-HBx cells.METHODS:Cell growth rate was analyzed,and through western blotting,mitogenic signaling was observed.Endogenous ROS from wild and HBx transgenic mice and HepG2-Mock and HBx cells were assayed by FACS-calibur.Identification of oxidized and reduced phosphatase and tensin homolog(PTEN)was analyzed through N-ethylmaleimide alkylation,nonreducing electrophoresis.RESULTS:We observed that the cell-proliferation-related phosphoinositide 3-kinase/Akt pathway is activated by HBx in vivo and in vitro.Increased ROS were detected by HBx.Tumor suppressor PTEN,via dephosphorylation of Akt,was oxidized and inactivated by increased ROS.Increased oxidized PTEN activated the mitogenic pathway through over-activated Akt.However,treatment with ROS scavenger N-acetyl cysteine can reverse PTEN to a reduced form.Endogenously produced ROS also stimulated HBx expression.CONCLUSION:HBx induced ROS promoted Akt pathways via oxidized inactive PTEN.HBx and ROS maintained a positive regulatory loop,which aggravated carcinogenesis.展开更多
Previous studies have demonstrated the possible role of several aquaporins in seed germination. But systematic investigation of the role ofaquaporin family members in this process is lacking. Here, the developmental r...Previous studies have demonstrated the possible role of several aquaporins in seed germination. But systematic investigation of the role ofaquaporin family members in this process is lacking. Here, the developmental regulation of plasma membrane intrinsic protein （PIP） expression throughout germination and post-germination processes in rice embryos was analyzed. The expression patterns of the PIPs suggest these aquaporins play different roles in seed germination and seedling growth. Partial silencing of the water channel genes, OsPIP1;1 and OsPIP1：3, reduced seed germination while over-expression of OsPIP1：3 promoted seed germination under water-stress conditions. Moreover, spatial expression analysis indicates that OsPIP1：3 is expressed predominantly in embryo during seed germination. Our data also revealed that the nitric oxide （NO） donors, sodium nitroprusside （SNP） and S-nitrosoglutathione （GSNO）, promoted seed germination; furthermore, the NO scavenger, 2-（4-carboxyphenyl）-4,4,5,5-tetramethylimidazoline-1-oxyl-3-oxide, inhibited germination and reduced the stimulative effects of SNP and GSNO on rice germination. Exogenous NO stimulated the transcription of OsPIP1：1, OsPIP1：2, OsPIP1：3 and OsPIP2：8 in germinating seeds. These results suggest that water channels play an important role in seed germination, acting, at least partly, in response to the NO signaling pathway.展开更多
Gastric cancer is a complex disease that is affected by multiple genetic and environmental factors. For the precise diagnosis and effective treatment of gastric cancer, the heterogeneity of the disease must be simplif...Gastric cancer is a complex disease that is affected by multiple genetic and environmental factors. For the precise diagnosis and effective treatment of gastric cancer, the heterogeneity of the disease must be simplified; one way to achieve this is by dividing the disease into subgroups. Toward this effort, recent advances in high-throughput sequencing technology have revealed four molecular subtypes of gastric cancer, which are classified as Epstein-Barr viruspositive, microsatellite instability, genomically stable, and chromosomal instability subtypes. We anticipate that this molecular subtyping will help to extend our knowledge for basic research purposes and will be valuable for clinical use. Here, we review the genomic and epigenomic heterogeneity of the four molecular subtypes of gastric cancer. We also describe a mutational meta-analysis and a reanalysis of DNA methylation that were performed using previously reported gastric cancer datasets.展开更多
Background:Increasing understanding on the functions of amino acids (AA) has led to new commercial applications and expansion of the worldwide markets.However,the current technologies rely heavily on non-food grade mi...Background:Increasing understanding on the functions of amino acids (AA) has led to new commercial applications and expansion of the worldwide markets.However,the current technologies rely heavily on non-food grade microorganism and chemical synthesis for the production of AA.Several studies reported that lactic acid bacteria (LAB) have the capability of producing AA owing to their well-established proteolytic system and amino acid biosynthesis genes.Hence,the objectives of this study were to explore the extracellular proteolytic activity of LAB isolated from various Malaysian fermented foods and their potential to produce AA extracellularly as feed supplements.Results:All the studied LAB isolates were versatile extracellular protease producers,whereby extracellular protease activities were detected from acidic to alkaline pH (pH 5,pH 6.5,pH 8) using qualitative and quantitative proteolytic assays.The highest proteolytic activity at pH 5 (15.76 U/mg) and pH 8 (19.42 U/mg) was achieved by Lactobacillus plantarum RG14,while Lactobacillus plantarum RS5 exhibited the highest proteolytic activity of 17.22 U/mg at pH 6.5.As for the results of AA production conducted in de Man,Rogosa and Sharpe medium and analysed by high pressure liquid chromatography system,all LAB isolates were capable of producing an array of AA.Generally,Pediococcus sp.showed greater ability for AA production as compared to Lactobacillus sp.Moreover,the studied LAB were able to produce a few major feed supplement AA such as methionine,lysine,threonine and tryptophan.P.pentosaceus TL-3 recorded the highest methionine and threonine productivity of 3.72 mg/L/h and 5.58 mg/L/h respectively.However,L.plantarum I-UL4 demonstrated a lysine productivity of 1.24 mg/L/h,while P.acidilactici TP-6 achieved up to 1.73 mg/L/h of tryptophan productivity.Conclusion:All the 17 studied LAB isolates possessed versatile extracellular proteolytic system and have vast capability of producing various amino acids including a few major feed supplement AA such as methionine,lysine,threonine and tryptophan.Despite AA production was strain dependent,the studied LAB isolates possessed vast potential and can be exploited further as a bio-agent or an alternative amino acids and bioactive peptide producers.展开更多
BACKGROUND Genomic profiling of tumors has contributed to the understanding of colorectal cancer(CRC), facilitating diagnosis, prognosis and selection of treatments,including targeted regimens. A report suggested that...BACKGROUND Genomic profiling of tumors has contributed to the understanding of colorectal cancer(CRC), facilitating diagnosis, prognosis and selection of treatments,including targeted regimens. A report suggested that a 19-gene-based risk classifier(TCA19) was a prognostic tool for patients with stage III CRC. The survival outcomes in patients with stage IV CRC are still poor and appropriate selection of targeted therapies and immunotherapies is challenging.AIM To assess clinical implication of TCA19 in patients with stage IV CRC, and to identify TCA19 with involvement in immune-oncology.METHODS A retrospective review of the medical records of 60 patients with stage IV CRC was conducted, assessing clinicopathological variables and progression-free survival(PFS). TCA19 gene expression was determined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction(qPCR) in matched normal and tumor tissues taken from the study cohort. Expression of potential immune-oncology regulatory proteins and targets was examined by immunohistochemistry(IHC), western blot, immunofluorescence staining in tissues from a validation cohort of 10 patients, and in CRC cell lines co-cultured with monocyte in vitro.RESULTS In the patients with TCA19 score higher than the median, the PFS rates of eight patients who received the targeted regimens were significantly higher than the PFS rates of four patients who received 5-fluorouracil-based regimen(P = 0.041).In multivariate analysis, expression of signaling lymphocytic activation molecule family, member 7(SLAMF7) and triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 1(TREM1) was associated with PFS in the 60-patient cohort. After checking another 10 validate set, the expression of the IHC, the level of real-time qPCR,and the level of western blot were lower for SLAMF7 and higher for TREM7 in primary and metastatic tumors than in normal tissues. In CRC cells expressing SLAMF7 that were co-cultured with a monocytic cell line, levels of CD 68 and CD73 were significantly lower at day 5 of co-culture than at day 0.CONCLUSION The TCA19 score might be prognostic for target-regimen-specific PFS in stage IV CRC. Down-regulation of SLAMF7 and up-regulation of TREM1 occur in primary and metastatic tumor tissues.展开更多
AIM: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional bowel disorder. Its major symptom is bowel dysmotility, yet the mechanism of the symptom is poorly understood. Since the neurokinin-1 receptor (NK1R)-mediated signal...AIM: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional bowel disorder. Its major symptom is bowel dysmotility, yet the mechanism of the symptom is poorly understood. Since the neurokinin-1 receptor (NK1R)-mediated signaling in the gut is important in the control of normal bowel motor function,we aimed to investigate whether the NK1R-mediated bowel motor function was altered in IBS, using a rat IBS model that was previously reported to show colonic dysmotility in response to restraint stress.METHODS: IBS symptoms were produced in male SpragueDawley rats by inducing colitis with acetic acid. Rats were left to recover from colitis for 6 d, and used for experiments 7 d post-induction of colitis. Motor activities of distal colon were recorded in vitro.RESULTS: The contractile sensitivity of isolated colon to a NK1R agonist [Sar9, Met(O2)11]-substance P (1-30 nmol/L)was higher in IBS rats than that in normal rats. After the enteric neurotransmission was blocked by tetrodotoxin (TTX, 1 μmol/L), the contractile sensitivity to the NK1R agonist was increased in normal colon but not in IBS rat colon. The NK1R agonist-induced contraction was not different between the two groups when the agonist was challenged to the TTX-treated colon or the isolated colonic myocytes. A nitric oxide synthase inhibitor Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, 100 μmol/L) augmented the NK1R agonist-induced contraction only in normal rat colon.CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the NK1R-meidated colonic motor response is increased in IBS rats, due to the decrease in the nitrergic inhibitory neural component.展开更多
基金supported by a Korea Innovation Foundation(INNOPOLIS)grant funded by the Korean government(Ministry of Science and ICT)through a science and technology project that opens the future of the region(grant number:2021-DD-UP-0380).
文摘Objectives:Limosilactobacillus reuteri is a beneficial Lactobacillus widely used in foods and supplements to promote overall health.Some studies also suggest it supports skin health and prevents allergies and cardiovascular disease.However,research on its skin-protective effects against photoaging has not been conducted.This study evaluated the potential of culture broths fromthree L.reuteri strains(DS0333,DS0384,and DS0385)to inhibit skin photoaging.Methods:To assess their anti-photoaging potential,the culture broths were examined for antioxidant capacity,melanin inhibition,and collagen synthesis promotion.Radical scavenging activity was tested using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl(DPPH)and 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)(ABTS)assays.The biosynthetic activity of melanin and associated protein markers involved in melanogenesis was examined in a B16F10 mouse melanoma model.Type I procollagen synthesis and matrix metalloproteinase-1(MMP-1)inhibition were evaluated in ultraviolet B(UVB)-damaged human dermal fibroblasts(HDFs).Results:The culture broths exhibited concentrationdependent antioxidant activity and significantly suppressed melanin synthesis triggered byα-melanocyte-stimulating hormone(α-MSH).Transcription factors involved inmelanogenesis,namelymicrophthalmia-associated transcription factor(MITF),tyrosinase-related protein 1(TRP-1),and 2(TRP-2),were significantly downregulated following treatment.Treatment with culture broths also enhanced type I procollagen production and inhibited MMP-1 activity and protein expression in UVB-exposed HDFs.Among the strains,DS0333 demonstrated the strongest efficacy and was further investigated.It enhanced the proliferation of skin cells and attenuated the levels of age-associated markers such as MMP-1,mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK),and activator protein 1(AP-1).High-performance liquid chromatography(HPLC)analysis identified phenyllactic acid(PLA)as the predominant active compound.Conclusions:These results indicate that DS0333 culture broth exhibits strong anti-aging effects and can be applied in functional cosmetics aimed at promoting skin health.
基金Supported by Universiti Putra Malaysia,Serdang,Selangor,Malaysia(UPM/700-2/1/GPB/2017/9549900).
文摘AIM:To investigate the efficacy of Eleutherine bulbosa(Mill.)Urb.bulb extract(EBE)on the 3D human retinoblastoma cancer cells(WERI-Rb-1)spheroids and explore its apoptotic mechanism.METHODS:The 3D WERI-Rb-1 and human retinal pigmented epithelium cells(ARPE-19)spheroids were developed using type 1 murine collagen that was excised from the rat tail tendon and cultured via hanging drop and embedded techniques.The cytotoxic activity was examined by Alamar blue assay meanwhile,the morphological characteristics were assessed by 4’,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole(DAPI)and scanning electron microscopy(SEM).The mRNA and protein expressions of apoptotic and antioxidant signal transduction pathways were explored to ascertain its molecular mechanisms.The statistical analysis was carried out using GraphPad Prism.RESULTS:The Alamar blue assay portrayed higher half maximal inhibitory concentration(IC50)values of EBE and cisplatin on 3D WERI-Rb-1 model as compared to the previous study on 2D model.The results of DAPI and SEM illustrated apoptotic features upon treatment with EBE and cisplatin in a dose-dependent manner on 3D WERI-Rb-1 model.The mRNA and protein levels of apoptotic and antioxidant-related pathways were significantly affected by EBE and cisplatin,respectively(P<0.05).The regulation of gene and protein expressions of 3D WERI-Rb-1 spheroids differed from the 2D study,suggesting that the tumor microenvironment of extracellular matrix(ECM)collagen matrix hindered the EBE treatment efficacy,leading to apoptotic evasion.CONCLUSION:A significant inhibition effect of EBE is observed on the 3D WERI-Rb-1 spheroids.The presence of ECM causes an increase in cytotoxic resistance upon treatment with EBE and cisplatin.
基金carried out within the PRIN project 2017 (Prot.2017N5LBZK): A multidisciplinary approach to gain sustainable improvement of rice productivity through the co-cultivation with the fern Azolla and its cyanobacterial symbiont financed by the Italian Ministry of Research (MUR), the Agritech National Research Center that received funding from the European Union Next-Generation EU (PIANO NAZIONALE DI RIPRESA E RESILIENZA (PNRR) – MISSIONE 4 COMPONENTE 2, INVESTIMENTO 1.4 – D.D. 1032 17/06/2022, CN00000022)within the Tow Ards Next GENeration Crops Project, reg. no. CZ.02.01.01/00/22_008/0004581 of the ERDF program Johannes Amos Comeniusfunded by ‘ON Foods’ - Research and innovation network on food and nutrition Sustainability, Safety and Security – Working ON Foods B83C22004790001 PE_00000003 project.
文摘Strategies for increasing rice yield are needed to keep pace with the expected global population growth and sustainably address the challenges posed by climate change.In Southeast Asian countries,rice farming benefits from the use of Azolla spp.for nitrogen supply.By virtue of their symbiosis with the nitrogen-fixing cyanobacterium Trichormus azollae,Azolla spp.are ferns that release nitrogen into the environment upon biomass decomposition.However,whether and to what extent actively growing Azolla plants influence the development of co-cultivated rice seedlings remains unclear.To address this,rice(Oryza sativa L.var.Kitaake)seedlings were co-cultivated hydroponically with Azolla filiculoides for up to two months.Morphological changes in rice roots and aerial organs were assessed alongside nitric oxide assays in rice roots,root transcriptomics,and targeted hormonomics of rice roots,leaves,and growth media.Here,we showed that co-cultivation with actively growing A.filiculoides alters rice root architecture by inducing a nitric oxide boost and accelerates leaf and tiller differentiation and proliferation.Overall,this study provides an in-depth analysis of the morphogenetic effects of co-cultivated A.filiculoides on rice during early vegetative growth.It also paves the way for studies assessing whether A.filiculoides co-cultivation primes rice plants to better withstand abiotic and biotic stresses.
基金This paper was supported by Universiti Putra Malaysia,Innohub Grant Scheme(Vote No.9005004)D’Khairan Farm Sdn Bhd(Vote No.6300349).
文摘Drought stress is a major factor affecting plant growth and crop yield production.Plant extracts as natural biostimulants hold great potential to strengthen plants to overcome drought impacts.To explore the effect of Polygonum minus extract(PME)in enhancing drought tolerance in plants,a study was set up in a glasshouse environment using 10 different treatment combinations.PME foliar application were designed in CRD and effects were closely observed related to the growth,physiology,and antioxidant system changes in maize(Zea mays L.)under well-watered and drought conditions.The seaweed extract(SWE)was used as a comparison.Plants subjected to drought stress exhibited a significant reduction in fresh weight,dry weight,relative water content(RWC),and soluble sugar,but they stimulated the phenolic,flavonoid,proline,glutathione(GSH),malondialdehyde(MDA)and antioxidant enzyme(catalase,CAT;peroxidase,POD;superoxide dismutase,SOD)activities.Foliar application of PME improved fresh and dry weight(FW:33.1%~41.4%;DW:48.0%~43.1%),chlorophyll content(Chl b:87.9%~100.76%),soluble sugar(23.6%~49.3%),and soluble protein(48.6%~56.9%)as well as antioxidant enzyme activities(CAT and POD)compared to CK under drought conditions.while decreasing the level of MDA.Notably,the mitigating effect of PME application with high concentration was more effective than those of SWE.Our study reveals that PME could alleviate drought stress by regulating osmoprotectant content and antioxidant defense system and can be used as an economical and environmentally friendly biostimulants for promoting maize growth under drought stress.
基金supported by the Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology(KRIBB)Research Initiative Program(KGM4252331,KGM5382322),Republic of Korea.
文摘Background Oxidative stress,caused by an imbalance in the production and elimination of intracellular reactive oxygen species(ROS),has been recognized for its detrimental effects on mammalian embryonic development.Luteolin(Lut)has been documented for its protective effects against oxidative stress in various studies.However,its specific role in embryonic development remains unexplored.This study aims to investigate the influence of Lut on porcine embryonic development and to elucidate the underlying mechanism.Results After undergoing parthenogenetic activation(PA)or in vitro fertilization,embryos supplemented with 0.5μmol/L Lut displayed a significant enhancement in cleavage and blastocyst formation rates,with an increase in total cell numbers and a decrease in the apoptosis rate compared to the control.Measurements on D2 and D6 revealed that embryos with Lut supplementation had lower ROS levels and higher glutathione levels compared to the control.Moreover,Lut supplementation significantly augmented mitochondrial content and membrane potential.Intriguingly,activation of the Nrf2/Keap1 signaling pathway was observed in embryos supplemented with Lut,leading to the upregulation of antioxidant-related gene transcription levels.To further validate the relationship between the Nrf2/Keap1 signaling pathway and effects of Lut in porcine embryonic development,we cultured PA embryos in a medium supplemented with brusatol,with or without the inclusion of Lut.The positive effects of Lut on developmental competence were negated by brusatol treatment.Conclusions Our findings indicate that Lut-mediated activation of the Nrf2/Keap1 signaling pathway contributes to the enhanced production of porcine embryos with high developmental competence,and offers insight into the mechanisms regulating early embryonic development.
基金the Research Grants from Universiti Putra Malaysia(UPM/800-3/3/1/GPB/2020/9683800)Ministry of Higher Education under the Fundamental Research Grant Scheme(FRGS/1/2023/WAB04/UPM/01/4).
文摘Objective:To address the lack of research on invasive group B Streptococcus(GBS)infections in Malaysia and Southeast Asia through a comprehensive analysis of GBS isolates obtained from hospitals.Methods:Medical records from patients with GBS infection isolated from the sterile site,such as blood and cerebrospinal fluid from 14 July 2019 to 15 December 2020,were reviewed from six major hospitals in Peninsular Malaysia.Inclusion criteria were invasive GBS,sterile sites and non-repeated GBS isolated from the same patients in the same admission.Viable isolates were re-identified for GBS and serotyped.Results:A total of 118 patients were eligible,with a majority of non-pregnant adults(76.3%).Over half of the patients(62.7%)had underlying medical conditions,with diabetes as the most common disease,followed by respiratory disease,renal disease,cardiovascular disease and skin and soft tissue disease.The most common manifestations were sepsis,followed by soft tissue abscess,diabetic foot ulcer,wet gangrene and cellulitis.The overall mortality was 7.6%.The most common serotype was serotype桋.Conclusions:Invasive GBS infection among non-pregnant adults showed a rising trend,particularly among diabetic individuals.The study underscores the importance of reducing risk factors and highlights the necessity of developing GBS vaccination as a preventive strategy for both infants and adults.
基金supported by Grants from the C1 Gas Refinery Program,funded by the Ministry of Science and ICT(NRF-2018M3D3A1A01056181)the Enzyme engineering for next generation biorefinery(NRF-2022M3J5A1056169 and NRF-2022M3J5A1085239)from National Research Foundation(NRF)the Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and the Biotechnology(KRIBB)Research Initiative Program.
文摘The bioconversion of 4-hydroxy-2-keto acid derivatives via aldol condensation of formaldehyde and pyruvate has received substantial attention as potential source of chemicals for production of amino acids,hydroxy carboxylic acids,and chiral aldehydes.We developed an environmentally friendly biocatalyst consisting of a novel thermostable class II pyruvate aldolase from Deinococcus radiodurans with maltose-binding protein(MBP-DrADL),which has specific activity of 46.3μmol min-1 mg-1.Surprisingly,MBP-DrADL maintained over 60%of enzyme activity for 4 days at 50 to 65°C,we used MBP-DrADL as the best candidate enzyme to produce 2-keto-4-hydroxybutyrate(2-KHB)from formaldehyde and pyruvate via aldol condensation.The optimum reaction conditions for 2-KHB production were 50°C,pH 8.0,5 mM Mg2+,100 mM formaldehyde,and 200 mM pyruvate.Under these optimized conditions,MBP-DrADL produced 76.5 mM(8.94 g L-1)2-KHB over 60 min with a volumetric productivity of 8.94 g L-1 h-1 and a specific productivity of 357.6 mg mg-enzyme-1 h-1.Furthermore,2-KHB production was improved by continuous addition of substrates,which produced approximately 124.8 mM(14.6 g L-1)of 2-KHB over 60 min with a volumetric productivity and specific productivity of 14.6 g L-1 h-1 and 583.4 mg mg-enzyme-1 h-1,respectively.MBP-DrADL showed the highest specific productivity for 2-KHB production yet reported.Our study provides a highly efficient biocatalyst for the synthesis of 2-KHB and lays the foundation for large-scale production and application of high-value compounds from formaldehyde.
基金supported by the Korea Institute of Toxicology(KIT)Research Program[No.2710008763(KK-2401-01)]the Korea Environmental Industry&Technology Institute(KEITI)through the Core Technology Development Project for Environmental Diseases Prevention and Management[No.2480000072(RS-2021-KE001705)]。
文摘Background:Picropodophllotoxin(PPT),a principal component of Podophyllum hexandrum root,demonstrates various beneficial biological activities in multiple cancer types,including antitumor and antiproliferative properties.Despite its known effects,the specific mechanisms by which PPT induces apoptosis in oral squamous cell carcinoma(OSCC)cells lack full clarification.Aims:This study aimed to evaluate the role of PPT in inducing apoptosis in OSCC cells by targeting signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3)and to investigate the underlying molecular pathways.Methods:Human OSCC cell lines(HN22 and HSC4)were treated with PPT.Cell viability,colony formation,and apoptotic morphological changes were evaluated.Reactive oxygen species(ROS)generation and mitochondrial function were assessed using tetramethyl rhodamine methyl ester,MitoSOX,and 2′,7′-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate(DCFH-DA)assays following PPT treatment.The expression of apoptosis markers,including cleaved Poly(ADP-Ribose)Polymerase(c-PARP)and other target proteins,was measured using western blotting.ROS involvement was further confirmed using the ROS scavenger N-acetylcysteine(NAC).Results:Treatment with PPT resulted in a substantial reduction in cell viability,a decrease in colony formation capacity,and evident morphological changes in OSCC cells.These effects were dose-and time-dependent,as evidenced by increased expression of c-PARP.PPT-induced apoptosis was mediated by excessive ROS generation,which was almost completely blocked by NAC pretreatment.Conclusions:These findings suggest that PPT may serve as a promising therapeutic agent for treating human oral cancer by inhibiting the STAT3 pathway and inducing ROS-mediated apoptosis.
基金supportedby a grant from the Korean Fundfor Regenerative Medicine(KFRM),which is funded by the Korean government’s Ministry of Science and ICT and the Ministry of Health&Welfare(23A0102L1 to Janghwan Kim)by KRIBB Research Initiative Program(KGM5362521 to Janghwan Kim)+1 种基金supported by a grant fromthe National Research Foundation of Korea(NRF)which is funded by theMinistry of Science and ICT(MSIT)of the Korean government(RS-2023-NR077070 to SungWoo Park).
文摘Background:Parkinson’s disease(PD)is a common neurodegenerative disease,characterized by symptoms like tremors,muscle rigidity,and slowmovement.Themain cause of these symptoms is the loss of dopamineproducing neurons in a brain area called the substantia nigra.Various genetic and environmental factors contribute to this neuronal loss.Once symptoms of PD begin,they worsen with age,which also impacts several critical cellular processes.Leucine-rich repeat kinase 2(LRRK2)is a gene associated with PD.Certain mutations in LRRK2,such as G2019S,increase its activity,disrupting cellular mechanisms necessary for healthy neuron function,including autophagy and lysosomal activity.Exposure to rotenone(RTN)promotes LRRK2 activity in neurons and contributes to cellular senescence andα-syn accumulation.Methods:In this study,human dopaminergic progenitor cells were reprogrammed to study the effects of RTN with the co-treatment of LRRK2 inhibitor on cellular senescence.We measured the cellular senescence using quantifying proteins of senescence markers,such as p53,p21,Rb,phosphorylated Rb,andβ-galatocidase,and the enzymatic activity of senescence-associatedβ-galatocidase.And we estimated the levels of accumulatedα-synuclein(α-syn),which is increased via the impaired autophagy-lysosomal pathway by cellular senescence.Then,we evaluated the association of the G2019S LRRK2 mutation and senescence-associatedβ-galatocidase and the levels of accumulated or secretedα-syn,and the neuroinflammatory responses mediated by the secretedα-syn in rat primary microglia were determined using the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines.Results:RTN raised senescence markers and affected the phosphorylation of Rab10,a substrate of LRRK2.The inhibiting agent MLI2 reduced these senescence markers and Rab10 phosphorylations.Additionally,RTN increasedα-syn levels in the neurons,while MLI2 aided in degrading it.When focusing on cells from PD patients with the G2019S mutation,an increase in cellular senescence and release ofα-syn was observed,provoking neuroinflammation.Treatment with the LRRK2 inhibitor MLI2 decreased both cellular senescence andα-syn secretion,thereby mitigating inflammatory responses.Conclusion:Overall,inhibiting LRRK2 may provide a beneficial strategy formanaging PD.
基金funded by grants from the National Research Foundation of Korea(NRF)grant funded by the Korea government(2018M3A9H4055203 and 2023R1A2C2003679)from the Korea Health Technology R&D Project through the Korea Health Industry Development Institute(KHIDI),funded by the Ministry of Health&Welfare,Republic of Korea(HV23C1857)from KRIBB Research Initiative Program(KGM9942421).
文摘Influenza,a highly contagious respiratory infectious disease caused by an influenza virus,is a threat to public health worldwide.Avian influenza viruses(AIVs)have the potential to cause the next pandemic by crossing the species barrier through mutation of viral genome.Here,we investigated the pathogenicity of AIVs obtained from South Korea and Mongolia during 2018–2019 by measuring viral titers in the lungs and extrapulmonary organs of mouse models.In addition,we assessed the pathogenicity of AIVs in ferret models.Moreover,we compared the ability of viruses to replicate in mammalian cells,as well as the receptor-binding preferences of AIV isolates.Genetic analyses were finally performed to identify the genetic relationships and amino acid substitutions between viral proteins during mammalian adaptation.Of the 24 AIV isolates tested,A/Mallard/South Korea/KNU2019-34/2019(KNU19-34;H1N1)caused severe bodyweight loss and high mortality in mice.The virus replicated in the lungs,kidneys,and heart.Importantly,KNU19-34-infected ferrets showed high viral loads in both nasal washes and lungs.KNU19-34 replicated rapidly in A549 and bound preferentially to human likeα2,6-linked sialic acids rather than to avian-likeα2,3-linked sialic acids,similar to the pandemic A/California/04/2009(H1N1)strain.Gene segments of KNU19-34 were distributed in Egypt and Asia lineages from 2015 to 2018,and the virus had several amino acid substitutions compared to H1N1 AIV isolates that were non-pathogenic in mice.Collectively,the data suggest that KNU19-34 has zoonotic potential and the possibility of new mutations responsible for mammalian adaptation.
基金supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea(NRF)funded by the government of the Republic of Korea[2023R1A2C1004955]the Technology Innovation Program funded by the Ministry of Trade,Industry&Energy(Korea)(20009707)+1 种基金the Basic Science Research Program through the National Research Foundation of Korea(NRF)funded by the Ministry of Education(2020R1A6A3A01099056)the Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology funded by the Ministry of Trade,Industry and Energy(P0025489).
文摘Infiltration and activation of peripheral immune cells are critical in the progression of multiple sclerosis and its experimental animal model,experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis(EAE).This study investigates the role of high mobility group box 1(HMGB1)in oligodendrocyte precursor cells(OPCs)in modulating pathogenic T cells infiltrating the central nervous system through the blood-brain barrier(BBB)by using OPC-specific HMGB1 knockout(KO)mice.We found that HMGB1 released from OPCs promotes BBB disruption,subsequently allowing increased immune cell infiltration.The migration of CD4+T cells isolated from EAE-induced mice was enhanced when co-cultured with OPCs compared to oligodendrocytes(OLs).OPC-specific HMGB1 KO mice exhibited lower BBB permeability and reduced immune cell infiltration into the CNS,leading to less damage to the myelin sheath and mitigated EAE progression.CD4+T cell migration was also reduced when co-cultured with HMGB1 knock-out OPCs.Our findings reveal that HMGB1 secretion from OPCs is crucial for regulating immune cell infiltration and provides insights into the immunomodulatory function of OPCs in autoimmune diseases.
基金Supported by The Basic Research Program of the Korea Science & Engineering Foundation,No.R01-2006-000-10021-0the Korea Health 21 R&D Project,Ministry of Health & Welfare No.A062254
文摘AIM： To investigate alternative or subordinate pathways involved in colorectal tumorigenesis and tumor growth, possibly determining at-risk populations and predicting responses to treatment. METHODS： Using microarray gene-expression analysis, we analyzed patterns of gene expression relative to canonical molecular changes and clinicopathological features in 84 sporadic colorectal cancer patients, standardized by tumor location. Subsets of differentially expressed genes were confirmed by real-time reverse-transcript polymerase chain reaction （RT-PCR）. RESULTS： The largest number of genes identified as being differentially expressed was by tumor location, and the next largest number by lymphovascular or neural invasion of tumor cells and by mismatch repair （NMR） defects. Amongst biological processes, the immune response was significantly implicated in entire molecular changes observed during colorectal tumorigenesis （P 〈 0.001）. Amongst 47 differentially expressed genes, seven （PISD, NIBP, BAI2, STOML1, MRPL21, MRPL16, and MKKS） were newly found to correlate with tumorigenesis and tumor growth. Most location-associated molecular changes had distinct effects on gene expression, but the effects of the latter were sometimes contradictory. CONCLUSION： We show that several differentially expressed genes were associated with canonical molecular changes in sporadic colorectal cancers, possibly constituting alternative or subordinate pathways of tumorigenesis. As tumor location was the dominant factor influencing differential gene expression, location-specific analysis may identify location-associated pathways and enhance the accuracy of class prediction.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.39260033Natural Science Foundation of Guangxi,No.0143058
文摘AIM: To investigate p53 mutation and p21 expression in hepatocarcinogenesis induced by hepatitis B virus (HBV) and aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) in tree shrews, and to reveal the role of these genes in hepatocarcinogenesis.METHODS: Tree shrews were divided into four groups:group A, those infected with HBV and fed with AFB1 (n = 39);group B, those infected with HBV alone (n = 28); group C,those fed with AFB1 alone (n = 29); and group D, normal controls (n = 20). The tree shrews underwent liver biopsies once every 15 wk. Expression of p53 and p21 proteins and genes in the biopsies and tumor tissues of the experimental tree shrews was detected, respectively, by immunohistochemistry,and by Southem blotting and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and sequencing.RESULTS: The incidence of hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC) was higher in group A (66.7%) than that in group B (3.57%) and C (30%). The time of HCC occurrence was also earlier in group A than that in group C (120.0±16.6 wk vs 153.3±5.8 wk, respectively, P<0.01). p53 protein was not detected by immunohistochemistry in all groups before the 75^th wk of the experiment. At the 105^th wk, the positive rates fo p53 were 78.6%, 60% and 71.4% in groups A, B and C, respectively, which were significantly higher than that in group D (10%) (all P<0.05). An abnormal band of p53 gene was observed in groups A and C. The mutation points of p53gene in tree shrews with HCC were at codons 275, 78 and 13. The nucleotide sequence and amino acid sequence of tree shrew's wild-type p53 showed 91.7% and 93.4% homologies with those of human p53,respectively. The immunopositivity for p21 was found before HCC development. The incidence of HCC was significantly higher in tree shrews that were positive for p21 than those negative for p21 (80.0% vs 11.0%, P<0.001).The incidence of HCC in p21 positive animals in group A was significantly higher than those positive for p21 in group C (P<O.05).CONCLUSION: A remarkable synergistic effect on HCC development exists between HBV and AFB1. p53 mutation promotes the development of HCC. HBV and AFB1 may synergistically induce p53 gene mutation, and stimulate ras gene expression, ras gene is activated at the earlier stage during hepatocarcinogenesis, p21 protein may be an early marker, and the alterations of p53 may be a late event in the development of HCC.
基金Supported by The 21st century Frontier Program in the Functional Human Genome Project,No.HGM0200934the International Collaboration Program of Science and Technology,No. FGM0600914+1 种基金the Research Program for New Drug Target Discovery Grant from the Ministry of Education,Science & Technology,No.NBM3300711the KRIBB Research Initiative Program Grant,No.KGM3320911
文摘AIM:To investigate the role of hepatitis B virus X-protein(HBx)-induced reactive oxygen species(ROS)on liver carcinogenesis in HBx transgenic mice and HepG2-HBx cells.METHODS:Cell growth rate was analyzed,and through western blotting,mitogenic signaling was observed.Endogenous ROS from wild and HBx transgenic mice and HepG2-Mock and HBx cells were assayed by FACS-calibur.Identification of oxidized and reduced phosphatase and tensin homolog(PTEN)was analyzed through N-ethylmaleimide alkylation,nonreducing electrophoresis.RESULTS:We observed that the cell-proliferation-related phosphoinositide 3-kinase/Akt pathway is activated by HBx in vivo and in vitro.Increased ROS were detected by HBx.Tumor suppressor PTEN,via dephosphorylation of Akt,was oxidized and inactivated by increased ROS.Increased oxidized PTEN activated the mitogenic pathway through over-activated Akt.However,treatment with ROS scavenger N-acetyl cysteine can reverse PTEN to a reduced form.Endogenously produced ROS also stimulated HBx expression.CONCLUSION:HBx induced ROS promoted Akt pathways via oxidized inactive PTEN.HBx and ROS maintained a positive regulatory loop,which aggravated carcinogenesis.
基金This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.30670172)by the Korea Foundation for International Cooperation of Science and Technology(K/C0S)through a grant provided by the Korean Ministry of Science and Technology.
文摘Previous studies have demonstrated the possible role of several aquaporins in seed germination. But systematic investigation of the role ofaquaporin family members in this process is lacking. Here, the developmental regulation of plasma membrane intrinsic protein （PIP） expression throughout germination and post-germination processes in rice embryos was analyzed. The expression patterns of the PIPs suggest these aquaporins play different roles in seed germination and seedling growth. Partial silencing of the water channel genes, OsPIP1;1 and OsPIP1：3, reduced seed germination while over-expression of OsPIP1：3 promoted seed germination under water-stress conditions. Moreover, spatial expression analysis indicates that OsPIP1：3 is expressed predominantly in embryo during seed germination. Our data also revealed that the nitric oxide （NO） donors, sodium nitroprusside （SNP） and S-nitrosoglutathione （GSNO）, promoted seed germination; furthermore, the NO scavenger, 2-（4-carboxyphenyl）-4,4,5,5-tetramethylimidazoline-1-oxyl-3-oxide, inhibited germination and reduced the stimulative effects of SNP and GSNO on rice germination. Exogenous NO stimulated the transcription of OsPIP1：1, OsPIP1：2, OsPIP1：3 and OsPIP2：8 in germinating seeds. These results suggest that water channels play an important role in seed germination, acting, at least partly, in response to the NO signaling pathway.
基金Supported by Grants from the genomics program of the National Research Foundation of Korea funded by the Ministry of ScienceICT+4 种基金and Future PlanningNRF-2012M3A9D1054670 and NRF-2014M3C9A3068554(to Kim SY)Basic Science Research Program through the National Research Foundation of Korea funded by the Ministry of EducationNRF-2013R1A1A2006621(to Kim M)the Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology research initiative grant
文摘Gastric cancer is a complex disease that is affected by multiple genetic and environmental factors. For the precise diagnosis and effective treatment of gastric cancer, the heterogeneity of the disease must be simplified; one way to achieve this is by dividing the disease into subgroups. Toward this effort, recent advances in high-throughput sequencing technology have revealed four molecular subtypes of gastric cancer, which are classified as Epstein-Barr viruspositive, microsatellite instability, genomically stable, and chromosomal instability subtypes. We anticipate that this molecular subtyping will help to extend our knowledge for basic research purposes and will be valuable for clinical use. Here, we review the genomic and epigenomic heterogeneity of the four molecular subtypes of gastric cancer. We also describe a mutational meta-analysis and a reanalysis of DNA methylation that were performed using previously reported gastric cancer datasets.
基金The Long-Term Research Grant(LRGS)of the Ministry of Education of Malaysia supported this work
文摘Background:Increasing understanding on the functions of amino acids (AA) has led to new commercial applications and expansion of the worldwide markets.However,the current technologies rely heavily on non-food grade microorganism and chemical synthesis for the production of AA.Several studies reported that lactic acid bacteria (LAB) have the capability of producing AA owing to their well-established proteolytic system and amino acid biosynthesis genes.Hence,the objectives of this study were to explore the extracellular proteolytic activity of LAB isolated from various Malaysian fermented foods and their potential to produce AA extracellularly as feed supplements.Results:All the studied LAB isolates were versatile extracellular protease producers,whereby extracellular protease activities were detected from acidic to alkaline pH (pH 5,pH 6.5,pH 8) using qualitative and quantitative proteolytic assays.The highest proteolytic activity at pH 5 (15.76 U/mg) and pH 8 (19.42 U/mg) was achieved by Lactobacillus plantarum RG14,while Lactobacillus plantarum RS5 exhibited the highest proteolytic activity of 17.22 U/mg at pH 6.5.As for the results of AA production conducted in de Man,Rogosa and Sharpe medium and analysed by high pressure liquid chromatography system,all LAB isolates were capable of producing an array of AA.Generally,Pediococcus sp.showed greater ability for AA production as compared to Lactobacillus sp.Moreover,the studied LAB were able to produce a few major feed supplement AA such as methionine,lysine,threonine and tryptophan.P.pentosaceus TL-3 recorded the highest methionine and threonine productivity of 3.72 mg/L/h and 5.58 mg/L/h respectively.However,L.plantarum I-UL4 demonstrated a lysine productivity of 1.24 mg/L/h,while P.acidilactici TP-6 achieved up to 1.73 mg/L/h of tryptophan productivity.Conclusion:All the 17 studied LAB isolates possessed versatile extracellular proteolytic system and have vast capability of producing various amino acids including a few major feed supplement AA such as methionine,lysine,threonine and tryptophan.Despite AA production was strain dependent,the studied LAB isolates possessed vast potential and can be exploited further as a bio-agent or an alternative amino acids and bioactive peptide producers.
基金Korea Research Foundation,No.2016R1E1A1A02919844 to Kim JC and No.2017R1A2B1009062 to Roh SAMinistry of Science,ICT,and Future Planning,Republic of Koreathe Asan Institute for Life Sciences,No.2016-710 to Lee JL
文摘BACKGROUND Genomic profiling of tumors has contributed to the understanding of colorectal cancer(CRC), facilitating diagnosis, prognosis and selection of treatments,including targeted regimens. A report suggested that a 19-gene-based risk classifier(TCA19) was a prognostic tool for patients with stage III CRC. The survival outcomes in patients with stage IV CRC are still poor and appropriate selection of targeted therapies and immunotherapies is challenging.AIM To assess clinical implication of TCA19 in patients with stage IV CRC, and to identify TCA19 with involvement in immune-oncology.METHODS A retrospective review of the medical records of 60 patients with stage IV CRC was conducted, assessing clinicopathological variables and progression-free survival(PFS). TCA19 gene expression was determined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction(qPCR) in matched normal and tumor tissues taken from the study cohort. Expression of potential immune-oncology regulatory proteins and targets was examined by immunohistochemistry(IHC), western blot, immunofluorescence staining in tissues from a validation cohort of 10 patients, and in CRC cell lines co-cultured with monocyte in vitro.RESULTS In the patients with TCA19 score higher than the median, the PFS rates of eight patients who received the targeted regimens were significantly higher than the PFS rates of four patients who received 5-fluorouracil-based regimen(P = 0.041).In multivariate analysis, expression of signaling lymphocytic activation molecule family, member 7(SLAMF7) and triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 1(TREM1) was associated with PFS in the 60-patient cohort. After checking another 10 validate set, the expression of the IHC, the level of real-time qPCR,and the level of western blot were lower for SLAMF7 and higher for TREM7 in primary and metastatic tumors than in normal tissues. In CRC cells expressing SLAMF7 that were co-cultured with a monocytic cell line, levels of CD 68 and CD73 were significantly lower at day 5 of co-culture than at day 0.CONCLUSION The TCA19 score might be prognostic for target-regimen-specific PFS in stage IV CRC. Down-regulation of SLAMF7 and up-regulation of TREM1 occur in primary and metastatic tumor tissues.
文摘AIM: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional bowel disorder. Its major symptom is bowel dysmotility, yet the mechanism of the symptom is poorly understood. Since the neurokinin-1 receptor (NK1R)-mediated signaling in the gut is important in the control of normal bowel motor function,we aimed to investigate whether the NK1R-mediated bowel motor function was altered in IBS, using a rat IBS model that was previously reported to show colonic dysmotility in response to restraint stress.METHODS: IBS symptoms were produced in male SpragueDawley rats by inducing colitis with acetic acid. Rats were left to recover from colitis for 6 d, and used for experiments 7 d post-induction of colitis. Motor activities of distal colon were recorded in vitro.RESULTS: The contractile sensitivity of isolated colon to a NK1R agonist [Sar9, Met(O2)11]-substance P (1-30 nmol/L)was higher in IBS rats than that in normal rats. After the enteric neurotransmission was blocked by tetrodotoxin (TTX, 1 μmol/L), the contractile sensitivity to the NK1R agonist was increased in normal colon but not in IBS rat colon. The NK1R agonist-induced contraction was not different between the two groups when the agonist was challenged to the TTX-treated colon or the isolated colonic myocytes. A nitric oxide synthase inhibitor Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, 100 μmol/L) augmented the NK1R agonist-induced contraction only in normal rat colon.CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the NK1R-meidated colonic motor response is increased in IBS rats, due to the decrease in the nitrergic inhibitory neural component.
