The Special Expression and Comparison of the c-kit Protein in Spermatogenesis of Three Species of Locusts of Arcypteridae

The aim of this study was to elucidate the expression and regulation of the c.kit protein in spermatogenesis of locusts. Immunohistochemistry and biological statistics were used to investigate the expression of the c-kit protein in four representative phases of spermatogenesis of three dominant species of locusts of Arcypteridae （Orthoptera： Acridoidea）, namely, Omocestus viridulus （Linnaeus）, Euchorthippus unicolor （Ikonn.）, and Euchorthippus vittatus Zheng, and so on, in Siping area of Jilin Province, China. The results revealed the following： （1） There was weak positive expression of the c-kit protein in spermatogonia and the positive granules were thinner; （2） there was a strong positive expression of the c-kit protein in primary spermatocyte and the positive granules became the largest than in all developmental stages; （3） the c-kit protein positive expression became stronger in secondary spermatocyte, while the positive granules became thinner; （4） there was strong positive expression of the c-kit protein and the positive granules were thinner in mature sperm, which were distributed on its head and tail; （5） there were strong positive protein granules massing at the end of spermary; （6） the positive intensity of the c-kit protein in spermatogenesis was significantly different among different species of locusts. The data suggested that the c-kit protein may play a crucial role in spermatogenesis as well as maintain the physiological action of sperms and fertilization, regulate the developmental speed of spermatogenesis, and/or maintain species isolation, etc.

基于drop-off ddPCR方法检测急性髓系白血病C-KIT基因N822位点突变及其临床应用

目的:建立急性髓系白血病(acute myeloid leukemia, AML)患者C-KIT基因N822位点突变的drop-off微滴式数字PCR(droplet digital PCR,ddPCR)定量检测方法,并评价其临床应用价值。方法:针对C-KIT基因第17外显子设计一对引物及探针,优化drop-off ddPCR反应条件及体系,评价该方法的特异性、灵敏度、重复性,使用所建立的方法对140例已行Sanger测序的AML初诊患者骨髓标本进行检测,并用二代测序(next generation sequencing, NGS)验证结果;用drop-off ddPCR对3例阳性患者化疗后C-KIT突变频率进行动态监测。结果:drop-off ddPCR检测C-KIT基因N822位点突变的最适退火温度为54℃,空白检测限为1.62拷贝数/μL,最低检测下限为10.12拷贝数/μL,线性良好。140例AML初诊患者样本中Sanger测序检出2例阳性(1.4%),而ddPCR共检出突变7例(5.0%),突变频率为0.29%~7.41%;进一步应用常规NGS方法对ddPCR阳性样本进行验证,共检出阳性3例(2.1%),等位基因频率为1.26%~8.00%。动态监测3例阳性患者C-KIT突变频率,结果显示治疗达完全缓解时C-KIT突变频率明显下降甚至降低至0。结论:本研究建立了检测C-KIT基因N822位点突变的drop-off ddPCR技术,具有良好的方法学检测性能,其灵敏度高于Sanger测序和NGS,有望用于阳性患者缓解后的可检测残留疾病监测及治疗指导。

哺乳动物毛色候选基因c-KIT的研究进展

哺乳动物的皮毛颜色主要受毛发中黑色素的种类和数量影响。c-KIT基因编码一种酪氨酸激酶跨膜受体,被称为肥大/干细胞生长因子受体,与黑色素生物合成相关。c-KIT基因突变会抑制干细胞生长因子受体功能,导致黑色素细胞的生成、成熟、增殖、分化和迁移等过程受到影响。本文就哺乳动物毛色形成的机制和主效基因、c-KIT基因的作用机理及其对哺乳动物毛色的影响进行综述,以期为深入研究哺乳动物毛色遗传机制以及不同毛色的选种和选育提供参考依据。

温胃阳汤对功能性消化不良大鼠肥大细胞活化及SCF/c-Kit信号通路的影响

目的:基于肥大细胞活化及干细胞因子(stem cell factor,SCF)/受体酪氨酸激酶c-Kit信号通路探讨温胃阳汤治疗大鼠功能性消化不良的作用机制。方法:将60只SD大鼠随机分为空白组,模型组,雷尼替丁组及温胃阳汤低、中、高剂量组,每组10只。空白组大鼠不予造模,其他各组采用夹尾刺激加不规则喂养复合番泻叶法建立大鼠功能性消化不良模型,模型建立后,空白组及模型组灌胃给予生理盐水,温胃阳汤低、中、高剂量组和雷尼替丁组则分别用温胃阳汤(0.743 g/mL、1.485 g/mL和2.970 g/mL)及盐酸雷尼替丁胶囊(3 g/L)灌胃。治疗结束后,以碳墨推进法测定小肠推进率;采用甲苯胺蓝染色观察大鼠十二指肠组织肥大细胞并计数;ELISA测定大鼠十二指肠中肥大细胞类胰蛋白酶(mast cell tryptase,MCT)和组胺(histamine,HA)的含量;RT-qPCR检测十二指肠中SCF和c-Kit mRNA的表达;Western blot和免疫组化检测十二指肠中SCF和c-Kit蛋白的表达水平。结果:与模型组相比,温胃阳汤治疗显著提高大鼠的小肠推进率(P<0.05);ELISA结果显示,温胃阳汤治疗可减少大鼠十二指肠黏膜组织肥大细胞数量及MCT和HA含量(P<0.05);Western blot和免疫组化结果表明,温胃阳汤治疗可上调大鼠十二指肠组织c-Kit和SCF蛋白的表达水平(P<0.05),增加SCF和c-Kit阳性细胞数(P<0.05);RT-qPCR结果显示,WWYD治疗可上调大鼠十二指肠组织c-Kit和SCF mRNA的表达(P<0.01)。而且,小肠推进率分别与MCT和HA含量呈负相关,与SCF和c-Kit的表达呈正相关。结论:温胃阳汤能促进大鼠十二指肠动力,其作用机制可能与抑制大鼠十二指肠MCT和HA的生成,及激活SCF/c-Kit信号通路有关。

Major royal-jelly proteins intake modulates immune functions and gut microbiota in mice

In this study,we investigated the effects of major royal jelly proteins(MRJPs)on the estrogen,gut microbiota,and immunological responses in mice.Mice given 250 or 500 mg/kg,not 125 mg/kg of MRJPs,enhanced the proliferation of splenocytes in response to mitogens.The splenocytes and mesenteric lymphocytes activated by T-cell mitogens(Con A and anti-CD3/CD28 antibodies)released high levels of IL-2 but low levels of IFN-γand IL-17A.The release of IL-4 was unaffected by MRJPs.Additionally,splenocytes and mesenteric lymphocytes activated by LPS were prevented by MRJPs at the same dose as that required for producing IL-1βand IL-6,two pro-inflammatory cytokines.The production of IL-1β,IL-6,and IFN-γwas negatively associated with estrogen levels,which were higher in the MRJP-treated animals than in the control group.Analysis of the gut microbiota revealed that feeding mice 250 mg/kg of MRJPs maintained the stability of the natural intestinal microflora of mice.Additionally,the LEf Se analysis identified biomarkers in the MRJP-treated mice,including Prevotella,Bacillales,Enterobacteriales,Gammaproteobacteria,Candidatus_Arthromitus,and Shigella.Our results showed that MRJPs are important components of royal jelly that modulate host immunity and hormone levels and help maintain gut microbiota stability.

GmSTF accumulation mediated by DELLA protein GmRGAs contributes to coordinating light and gibberellin signaling to reduce plant height in soybean

Plant height influences plant architecture,lodging resistance,and yield performance.It is modulated by gibberellic acid(GA)metabolism and signaling.DELLA proteins,acting as central repressors of GA signaling,integrate various environmental and hormonal signals to regulate plant growth and development in Arabidopsis.We examined the role of two DELLA proteins,GmRGAa and GmRGAb,in soybean plant height control.Knockout of these proteins led to longer internodes and increased plant height,primarily by increasing cell elongation.GmRGAs functioned under different light conditions,including red,blue,and far-red light,to repress plant height.Interaction studies revealed that GmRGAs interacted with the blue light receptor GmCRY1b.Consistent with this,GmCRY1b partially regulated plant height via GmRGAs.Additionally,DELLA proteins were found to stabilize the protein GmSTF1/2,a key positive regulator of photomorphogenesis.This stabilization led to increased transcription of GmGA2ox-7b and subsequent reduction in plant height.This study enhances our understanding of DELLA-mediated plant height control,offering Gmrgaab mutants for soybean structure and yield optimization.

The pathogenic mechanism of TAR DNA-binding protein 43(TDP-43)in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

The onset of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is usually characterized by focal death of both upper and/or lower motor neurons occurring in the motor cortex,basal ganglia,brainstem,and spinal cord,and commonly involves the muscles of the upper and/or lower extremities,and the muscles of the bulbar and/or respiratory regions.However,as the disease progresses,it affects the adjacent body regions,leading to generalized muscle weakness,occasionally along with memory,cognitive,behavioral,and language impairments;respiratory dysfunction occurs at the final stage of the disease.The disease has a complicated pathophysiology and currently,only riluzole,edaravone,and phenylbutyrate/taurursodiol are licensed to treat amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in many industrialized countries.The TAR DNA-binding protein 43 inclusions are observed in 97%of those diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.This review provides a preliminary overview of the potential effects of TAR DNAbinding protein 43 in the pathogenesis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis,including the abnormalities in nucleoplasmic transport,RNA function,post-translational modification,liquid-liquid phase separation,stress granules,mitochondrial dysfunction,oxidative stress,axonal transport,protein quality control system,and non-cellular autonomous functions(e.g.,glial cell functions and prion-like propagation).

Crosstalk between Wnt and bone morphogenetic protein signaling during osteogenic differentiati

Mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs)originate from many sources,including the bone marrow and adipose tissue,and differentiate into various cell types,such as osteoblasts and adipocytes.Recent studies on MSCs have revealed that many transcription factors and signaling pathways control osteogenic development.Osteogenesis is the process by which new bones are formed;it also aids in bone remodeling.Wnt/β-catenin and bone morphogenetic protein(BMP)signaling pathways are involved in many cellular processes and considered to be essential for life.Wnt/β-catenin and BMPs are important for bone formation in mammalian development and various regulatory activities in the body.Recent studies have indicated that these two signaling pathways contribute to osteogenic differen-tiation.Active Wnt signaling pathway promotes osteogenesis by activating the downstream targets of the BMP signaling pathway.Here,we briefly review the molecular processes underlying the crosstalk between these two pathways and explain their participation in osteogenic differentiation,emphasizing the canonical pathways.This review also discusses the crosstalk mechanisms of Wnt/BMP signaling with Notch-and extracellular-regulated kinases in osteogenic differentiation and bone development.

基于SCF/C-kit信号通路探讨益髓破血方改善脑出血小鼠肠动力“通腑”作用机制

目的观察益髓破血方对脑出血小鼠排便情况与结肠组织干细胞因子(stem cell factor,SCF)/酪氨酸激酶受体(kit proto-oncogene,C-kit)信号通路的影响,探讨益髓破血方调节脑出血小鼠肠动力通腑作用机制。方法将54只SPF级健康雄性C57BL/6J小鼠随机均分为假手术组、模型组与方剂治疗组,采用鼠尾自体血注入法制作实验性脑出血模型,假手术组只进针不注射。方剂治疗组给予1 g/mL益髓破血方悬浊液灌胃,假手术组、模型组给予等体积生理盐水灌胃,每天1次。观察各组小鼠排便情况,记录第1天、第3天、第7天同时段6 h内的排便量以及末次灌胃后首次排便间隔时间,并于相同时间分段点处死小鼠取材,采用免疫组化和Western Blot法检测小鼠结肠组织中的SCF、C-kit蛋白。结果与假手术组比较,模型组小鼠第1天、第3天、第7天各6 h内排便量显著减少(P<0.05),末次灌胃首次排便时间明显滞后(P<0.05),结肠组织中SCF、C-kit蛋白表达显著减少(P<0.05),且随周期延长呈逐渐降低趋势;与模型组比较,方剂治疗组第1天、第3天、第7天各6 h内排便量相对增多(P<0.05),首次排便时间缩短(P<0.05),SCF、C-kit蛋白表达水平升高(P<0.05),且随时间推移逐渐向正常量恢复。结论益髓破血方干预治疗脑出血小鼠,可以增加肠动力,促进排便,发挥通腑作用使肠功能恢复,改善脑出血后便秘,其机制可能与SCF/C-kit信号通路有关。

基于SCF/c-kit信号通路探讨理气通便方对气滞型慢传输型便秘大鼠肠道动力的影响

目的 基于SCF/c-kit信号通路探讨理气通便方对气滞型慢传输型便秘(STC)大鼠肠道动力的影响。方法 将36只Wistar雌性大鼠按随机数字表法分为对照组6只和造模组30只。造模组采用“洛哌丁胺混悬液+夹尾刺激”复制气滞型STC大鼠模型,连续刺激14 d。当大鼠表现出激惹、易怒、烦躁等情况,正常喂养饲料时出现大便干硬、排便数量减少等表现时,说明气滞型便秘模型造模成功。将造模成功的大鼠按照随机数字表法分为模型组、西药组、低剂量组、中剂量组和高剂量组各6只,低、中、高剂量组分别按5.15、10.3、20.6 g/(kg·d)给予理气通便方药液灌胃;西药组按0.18 mg/(kg·d)给予琥珀酸普芦卡必利片混悬液灌胃;对照组和模型组按10 mL/(kg·d)给予无菌水灌胃,每日1次,连续灌胃14 d。比较6组末次给药后6 h的粪便排出量、粪便含水量和小肠推进率;HE染色观察结肠组织病理变化;免疫组化检测结肠组织c-kit蛋白表达水平;Western blot检测结肠组织c-kit、SCF蛋白表达量。结果 HE染色显示:对照组大鼠结肠黏膜完整,杯状细胞和腺体排列整齐,未见炎症细胞聚集;模型组结肠黏膜出现肠腺排列欠整齐,黏膜下层间质血管扩张;各给药组结肠黏膜肠腺排列整齐,未观察到明显上皮损伤。与对照组比较,模型组粪便排出量、粪便含水量和小肠推进率均明显降低(P<0.05),结肠组织c-kit蛋白表达水平和c-kit、SCF蛋白表达量均明显降低(P<0.05)。与模型组比较,西药组、中剂量组、高剂量组粪便排出量、粪便含水率和小肠推进率均明显提高(P<0.05),低剂量组粪便排出量和粪便含水率均明显提高(P<0.05);给药组结肠组织c-kit蛋白表达水平均明显提高(P<0.05);低、中、高剂量组结肠组织c-kit蛋白表达量均明显提高(P<0.05),高剂量组SCF蛋白表达量明显提高(P<0.05)。结论 理气通便方可提高气滞型STC模型大鼠结肠组织中ICC的表达及调控SCF/c-kit信号通路,恢复对胃肠道节律的正常调控来改善便秘的症状。

二陈汤通过调控SCF/C-kit通路介导的痰湿型脑出血急性期胃肠功能障碍的研究

目的通过观察二陈汤对痰湿证脑出血急性期大鼠胃肠组织干细胞因子(stemcellfactor,SCF)/干细胞因子受体(C-kit)信号通路的动态变化的影响,探讨痰湿型体质与脑出血急性期胃肠功能障碍的关系及二陈汤的作用机制。方法将60只SD大鼠随机均分为空白组、假手术组、模型组、莫沙必利组(0.27 mg/d)、二陈汤低剂量组和二陈汤高剂量组(217、434 mg/d),每组10只。除空白组、假手术组外其余各组均采用自体血注入法制备大鼠脑出血模型,各组按剂量给予灌胃,空白组、假手术组、模型组给予生理盐水灌胃,每天2次,于给药7天处死大鼠,采用苏木精—伊红(hematoxylin-eosin,HE)染色法观察大鼠胃肠黏膜细胞形态变化,采用实时荧光定量PCR(Real-time PCR,RT-PCR)法和蛋白印迹(Western blot,WB)法检测大鼠胃、小肠组织中的SCF、C-kit蛋白及mRNA的表达水平。结果光镜下见空白组、假手术组大鼠胃肠黏膜细胞结构完整、形态规则,偶见轻微充血现象;模型组见组织细胞充血、水肿、炎性细胞浸润明显、组织糜烂;莫沙必利组及二陈汤低、高剂量组胃肠黏膜各层次欠清晰、排列不规则,部分组织可见组织细胞充血、水肿、炎性细胞浸润,此3组中以二陈汤低剂量组胃肠黏膜表现最为严重。模型组大鼠胃肠组织中SCF、C-kit mRNA表达水平较空白组、假手术组显著降低(P<0.05),莫沙必利组、二陈汤低剂量组、二陈汤高剂量组的表达增加(P<0.05),莫沙必利组和二陈汤高剂量组大鼠胃组织中的SCF mRNA表达显著增加(P<0.05),二陈汤高剂量组C-kit mRNA表达显著增加(P<0.05);小肠组织中的SCF、C-kit mRNA含量随二陈汤浓度提高而增加(P<0.05)。与模型组相比,莫沙必利组、二陈汤低、高剂量组大鼠胃肠组织中SCF、C-kit蛋白表达水平较模型组显著升高(P<0.05),三组中以莫沙必利及高剂量二陈汤效果更佳(P<0.05)。结论脑出血急性期痰湿型胃肠黏膜损伤及功能障碍的作用机制与SCF/C-kit信号通路相关蛋白及mRNA的表达降低有关,二陈汤可通过此机制进行有效干预,上调相关蛋白及mRNA的表达,有利于脑出血急性期胃肠功能障碍恢复。

Impact of apolipoprotein E isoforms on sporadic Alzheimer's disease:beyond the role of amyloid beta

The impact of apolipoprotein E(ApoE)isoforms on sporadic Alzheimer's disease has long been studied;however,the influences of apolipoprotein E gene(APOE)on healthy and pathological human brains are not fully understood.ApoE exists as three common isoforms(ApoE2,ApoE3,and ApoE4),which differ in two amino acid residues.Traditionally,ApoE binds cholesterol and phospholipids and ApoE isoforms display diffe rent affinities for their receptors,lipids transport and distribution in the brain and periphery.The role of ApoE in the human depends on ApoE isoforms,brain regions,aging,and neural injury.APOE E4 is the strongest genetic risk factor for sporadic Alzheimer's disease,considering its role in influencing amyloid-beta metabolism.The exact mechanisms by which APOE gene variants may increase or decrease Alzheimer's disease risk are not fully understood,but APOE was also known to affect directly and indirectly tau-mediated neurodegeneration,lipids metabolism,neurovascular unit,and microglial function.Consistent with the biological function of ApoE,ApoE4 isoform significantly alte red signaling pathways associated with cholesterol homeostasis,transport,and myelination.Also,the rare protective APOE variants confirm that ApoE plays an important role in Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis.The objectives of the present mini-review were to describe classical and new roles of various ApoE isoforms in Alzheimer's disease pathophysiology beyond the deposition of amyloid-beta and to establish a functional link between APOE,brain function,and memory,from a molecular to a clinical level.APOE genotype also exerted a heterogeneous effect on clinical Alzheimer's disease phenotype and its outcomes.Not only in learning and memory but also in neuro psychiatric symptoms that occur in a premorbid condition.Cla rifying the relationships between Alzheimer's disease-related pathology with neuropsychiatric symptoms,particularly suicidal ideation in Alzheimer's disease patients,may be useful for elucidating also the underlying pathophysiological process and its prognosis.Also,the effects of anti-amyloid-beta drugs,recently approved for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease,could be influenced by the APOE genotype.

Inhibition of protein degradation increases the Bt protein concentration in Bt cotton

Bacillus thuringiensis(Bt)cotton production is challenged by two main problems,i.e.,the low concentration of Bt protein at the boll setting stage and the lowest insect resistance in bolls among all the cotton plant’s organs.Therefore,increasing the Bt protein concentration at the boll stage,especially in bolls,has become the main goal for increasing insect resistance in cotton.In this study,two protein degradation inhibitors(ethylene diamine tetra acetic acid(EDTA)and leupeptin)were sprayed on the bolls,subtending leaves,and whole cotton plants at the peak flowering stage of two Bt cultivars(medium maturation Sikang 1(SK1))and early maturation Zhongmian 425(ZM425)in 2019 and 2020.The Bt protein content and protein degradation metabolism were assessed.The results showed that the Bt protein concentrations were enhanced by 21.3 to 38.8%and 25.0 to 38.6%in the treated bolls of SK1 and ZM425 respectively,while they were decreased in the subtending leaves of these treated bolls.In the treated leaves,the Bt protein concentrations increased by 7.6 to 23.5%and 11.2 to 14.9%in SK1 and ZM425,respectively.The combined application of EDTA and leupeptin to the whole cotton plant increased the Bt protein concentrations in both bolls and subtending leaves.The Bt protein concentrations in bolls were higher,increasing by 22.5 to 31.0%and 19.6 to 32.5%for SK1 and ZM425,respectively.The organs treated with EDTA or/and leupeptin showed reduced free amino acid contents,protease and peptidase activities and significant enhancements in soluble protein contents.These results indicated that inhibiting protein degradation could improve the protein content,thus increasing the Bt protein concentrations in the bolls or/and leaves of cotton plants.Therefore,the increase in the Bt protein concentration without yield reduction suggested that these two protein degradation inhibitors may be applicable for improving insect resistance in cotton production.

Mutation in a non-force-bearing region of protein L influences force-dependent unfolding behavior

Single-molecule magnetic tweezers(MTs) have revealed multiple transition barriers along the unfolding pathway of several two-state proteins, such as GB1 and Csp. In this study, we utilized MTs to measure the force-dependent folding and unfolding rates of both protein L(PLWT) and its Y47W mutant(PLY47W) where the mutation point is not at the force-bearing β-strands. The measurements were conducted within a force range of 3–120 pN. Notably, the unfolding rates of both PLWT and PWY47W exhibit distinct force sensitivities below 50 pN and above 60 pN, implying a two-barrier free energy landscape. Both PLWT and PLY47W share the same force-dependent folding rate and the same transition barriers,but the unfolding rate of PLY47W is faster than that of PLWT. Our finding demonstrates that the residue outside of the force-bearing region will also affect the force-induced unfolding dynamics.

Essential proteins identification method based on four-order distances and subcellular localization information

Essential proteins are inseparable in cell growth and survival. The study of essential proteins is important for understanding cellular functions and biological mechanisms. Therefore, various computable methods have been proposed to identify essential proteins. Unfortunately, most methods based on network topology only consider the interactions between a protein and its neighboring proteins, and not the interactions with its higher-order distance proteins. In this paper, we propose the DSEP algorithm in which we integrated network topology properties and subcellular localization information in protein–protein interaction(PPI) networks based on four-order distances, and then used random walks to identify the essential proteins. We also propose a method to calculate the finite-order distance of the network, which can greatly reduce the time complexity of our algorithm. We conducted a comprehensive comparison of the DSEP algorithm with 11 existing classical algorithms to identify essential proteins with multiple evaluation methods. The results show that DSEP is superior to these 11 methods.

5-Fluorouracil dose escalation generated desensitized colorectal cancer cells with reduced expression of protein methyltransferases and no epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition potential

Background:Colorectal cancer(CRC)is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers.In many cases,the poor prognosis of advanced CRC is associated with resistance to treatment with chemotherapeutic drugs such as 5-Fluorouracil(5-FU).The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition(EMT)and dysregulation in protein methylation are two mechanisms associated with chemoresistance in many cancers.This study looked into the effect of 5-FU dose escalation on EMT and protein methylation in CRC.Materials and Methods:HCT-116,Caco-2,and DLD-1 CRC cell lines were exposed to dose escalation treatment of 5-FU.The motility and invasive potentials of the cells before and after treatment with 5-FU were investigated through wound healing and invasion assays.This was followed by aWestern blot which analyzed the protein expressions of the epithelial marker E-cadherin,mesenchymal marker vimentin,and the EMT transcription factor(EMTTF),the snail family transcriptional repressor 1(Snail)in the parental and desensitized cells.Western blotting was also conducted to study the protein expressions of the protein methyltransferases(PMTs),Euchromatic histone lysine methyltransferase 2(EHMT2/G9A),protein arginine methyltransferase(PRMT5),and SET domain containing 7/9(SETD7/9)along with the global lysine and arginine methylation profiles.Results:The dose escalation method generated 5-FU desensitized CRC cells with distinct morphological features and increased tolerance to high doses of 5-FU.The 5-FU desensitized cells experienced a decrease in migration and invasion when compared to the parental cells.This was reflected in the observed reduction in E-cadherin,vimentin,and Snail in the desensitized cell lines.Additionally,the protein expressions of EHMT2/G9A,PRMT5,and SETD7/9 also decreased in the desensitized cells and global protein lysine and arginine methylation became dysregulated with 5-FU treatment.Conclusion:This study showed that continuous,dose-escalation treatment of 5-FU in CRC cells generated 5-FU desensitized cancer cells that seemed to be less aggressive than parental cells.

Systematic Analysis of Post-Translational Modifications for Increased Longevity of Biotherapeutic Proteins

Protein-based therapeutics (PPTs) are drugs used to treat a variety of different conditions in the human body by alleviating enzymatic deficiencies, augmenting other proteins and drugs, modulating signal pathways, and more. However, many PPTs struggle from a short half-life due to degradation caused by irreversible protein aggregation in the bloodstream. Currently, the most researched strategies for improving the efficiency and longevity of PPTs are post-translational modifications (PTMs). The goal of our research was to determine which type of PTM increases longevity the most for each of three commonly-used therapeutic proteins by comparing the docking scores (DS) and binding free energies (BFE) from protein aggregation and reception simulations. DS and BFE values were used to create a quantitative index that outputs a relative number from −1 to 1 to show reduced performance, no change, or increased performance. Results showed that methylation was the most beneficial for insulin (p < 0.1) and human growth hormone (p < 0.0001), and both phosphorylation and methylation were somewhat optimal for erythropoietin (p < 0.1 and p < 0.0001, respectively). Acetylation consistently provided the worst benefits with the most negative indices, while methylation had the most positive indices throughout. However, PTM efficacy varied between PPTs, supporting previous studies regarding how each PTM can confer different benefits based on the unique structures of recipient proteins.

γ-Aminobutyric acid alleviates litchi thaumatin-like protein-induced inflammation and reduces gut microbial translocation

Previous research reported litchi thaumatin-like protein(LcTLP)could lead to inflammation,which is a factor causing the adverse reactions after excessive intake of litchi.As a main amino acid in litchi pulp,γ-aminobutyric acid(GABA)was found with anti-inflammatory effect.Therefore,this study aimed to investigate the effects of GABA on LcTLP-induced inflammation through RAW264.7 macrophages and C57BL mice models.In vitro study showed GABA could effectively regulate the level of inflammatory cytokines(interleukin(IL)-1β,IL-6,IL-10,and prostaglandin E2)and Ca2+in cells,and inhibit the phosphorylation of p65,IκB,p38,c-Jun N-terminal kinase(JNK)and extracellular signal-regulated kinase(ERK).These results indicate GABA alleviated inflammation through nuclear factor-κB and mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway signaling pathways.In vivo experiment was performed to verify the anti-inflammatory effect of GABA,and the results demonstrated that GABA reduced the inflammation and oxidative stress in the liver of LcTLP-treated mice,as it down-regulated the pro-inflammatory cytokines,malondialdehyde,aspartate transferase,and alanine transaminase.The relative expression of phosphorylated p38,JNK and ERK in mice liver with GABA treatment were reduced to 65%,39%and 80%of the control group,respectively.Furthermore,GABA treatment enriched probiotic bacteria and decreased pathogenic bacteria in mice gut,which reveals GABA could effectively reduce the translocation of gut microbiota.

鼠性成熟前期睾丸扭转对性成熟期健侧睾丸C-kit、PI3K表达的影响研究

目的 探究鼠性成熟前期睾丸扭转后,对处于不同状态的扭转睾丸,特别是扭转疑似坏死睾丸,采取何种手术方式(复位/切除),可最大限度地降低性成熟期健侧睾丸生精功能的损害。方法 采用Turner法制作鼠性成熟前期的睾丸扭转模型,56只3周龄雄性SD鼠,随机分成7组,每组8只。任选一组行假手术,作为对照组(CG);余6组分别制作扭转未坏死睾丸复位组(NNTR)/切除组(NNTO),扭转疑似坏死睾丸复位组(SNTR)/切除组(SNTO),以及扭转坏死睾丸复位组(NTR)/切除组(NTO)。术后饲养6周至性成熟期,脱颈法处死大鼠,切取对侧睾丸石蜡包埋行免疫组化SP法检测睾丸精原干细胞因子受体(C-kit)、磷酯酰肌醇-3-激酶(PI3K)的表达。结果 鼠性成熟期健侧睾丸组织生精细胞及间质细胞C-kit、PI3K的积分光密度(IOD)值:NNTR和NNTO组C-kit、PI3K的IOD值组间比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);SNTR和SNTO组C-kit、PI3K的IOD值组间比较差异也无统计学意义(P>0.05);NTR和NTO组C-kit、PI3K的IOD值组间比较差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。与CG组C-kit、PI3K的IOD值比较,NNTR、NNTO及NTO组中C-kit、PI3K的IOD值均无统计学意义(P>0.05);而SNTR、SNTO及NTR组中C-kit、PI3K的IOD值均降低,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论 鼠性成熟前期扭转疑似坏死睾丸、无论切除与复位,对性成熟期健侧睾丸仅轻微损害,应予以保留;性成熟前期扭转坏死睾丸的切除,对性成熟期健侧睾丸具有保护作用,应尽可能切除。

Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) Model-Based Prediction for Protein Content in Cowpea

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) is a multi-purpose legume with high quality protein for human consumption and livestock. The objective of this work was to develop near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) prediction models to estimate protein content in cowpea. A total of 116 cowpea breeding lines with a wide range of protein contents (19.28 % to 32.04%) were selected to build the model using whole seed and ground seed samples. Partial least-squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) regression technique with different pre-treatments (derivatives, standard normal variate, and multiplicative scatter correction) were carried out to develop the protein prediction model. Results showed: 1) spectral plots of both the whole seed and ground seed showed higher spectral scatter at higher wavelengths (>1450 nm), 2) data pre-processing affects prediction accuracy for bot whole seed and ground seed samples, 3) prediction using ground seed samples (0.64 R2 0.85) is better than the whole seed (0.33 R2 0.78), and 4) the data pre-processing second derivative with standard normal variate has the best prediction (R2_whole seed = 0.78, R2_ground seed = 0.85). The results will be of interest in cowpea breeding programs aimed at improving total seed protein content.