Inactivated Pseudomonas PE(△Ⅲ)exotoxin fused to neutralizing epitopes of PEDV S proteins produces a specific immune response in mice

Porcine epidemic diarrhea(PED)caused by the porcine epidemic diarrhea virus(PEDV),is a severe infectious and devastating swine disease that leads to serious economic losses in the swine industry worldwide.An increased number of PED cases caused by variant PEDV have been reported in many countries since 2010.S protein is the main immunogenic protein containing some B-cell epitopes that can induce neutralizing antibodies of PEDV.In this study,the construction,expression and purification of Pseudomonas aeruginosa exotoxin A(PE)without domain Ⅲ(PE△Ⅲ)as a vector was performed for the delivery of PEDV S-A or S-B.PE(△Ⅲ)PEDV S-A and PE(△Ⅲ)PEDV S-B recombinant proteins were confirmed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and Western blot analysis.The immunogenicity of PEDV S-A and PEDV S-B subunit vaccines were evaluated in mice.The results showed that PEDV-S-B vaccine could not only induce specific humoral and Th1 type-dominant cellular immune responses,but also stimulate PEDV-specific mucosal immune responses in mice.PEDV-S-B subunit vaccine is a novel candidate mucosal vaccine against PEDV infection.

Roles of host proteases in the entry of SARS-CoV-2

The spike protein(S)of SARS-CoV-2 is responsible for viral attachment and entry,thus a major factor for host suscep-tibility,tissue tropism,virulence and pathogenicity.The S is divided with S1 and S2 region,and the S1 contains the receptor-binding domain(RBD),while the S2 contains the hydrophobic fusion domain for the entry into the host cell.Numerous host proteases have been implicated in the activation of SARS-CoV-2 S through various c leavage sites.In this article,we review host proteases including furin,trypsin,transmembrane protease serine 2(TMPRSS2)and cathepsins in the activation of SARS-CoV-2 S.Many betacoronaviruses including SARS-CoV-2 have polybasic residues at the S1/S2 site which is subjected to the cleavage by furin.The S1/S2 cleavage facilitates more assessable RBD to the receptor ACE2,and the binding triggers further conformational changes and exposure of the S2'site to proteases such as type Il transmembrane serine proteases(TTPRs)including TMPRSS2.In the presence of TMPRSS2 on the target cells,SARS-CoV-2 can utilize a direct entry route by fusion of the viral envelope to the cellular membrane.In the absence of TMPRSS2,SARS-CoV-2 enter target cells via endosomes where multiple cathepsins cleave the S for the successful entry.Additional host proteases involved in the cleavage of the S were discussed.This article also includes roles of 3C-like protease inhibitors which have inhibitory activity against cathepsin L in the entry of SARS-CoV-2,and discussed the dual roles of such inhibitors in virus replication.

Screening of hepatocyte proteins binding to complete S protein of hepatitis B virus by yeast-two hybrid system

AIM: To investigate the biological function of complete S protein and to look for proteins interacting with complete S protein in hepatocytes. METHODS: We constructed bait plasmid expressing complete S protein of HBV by cloning the gene of complete S protein into pGBKT7, then the recombinant plasmid DNA was transformed into yeast AH109 (a type). The transformed yeast AH109 was mated with yeast Y187 (α type) containing liver cDNA library plasmid in 2×YPDA medium. Diploid yeast was plated on synthetic dropout nutrient medium (SD/-Trp-Leu-His-Ade) containing X-α-gal for selection and screening. After extracting and sequencing of plasmids from positive (blue) colonies, we underwent sequence analysis by bioinformatics. RESULTS: Nineteen colonies were selected and sequenced. Among them, five colonies were Homo sapiens solute carrier family 25, member 23 (SLC25A23), one was Homo sapiens calrer.iculin, one was human serum albumin (ALB) gene, one was Homo sapiens metallothionein 2A, two were Homo sapiens betaine-homocysteine methyltransferase, three were Homo sapiens Na+ and H+coupled amino acid transport system N, one was Homo sapiens CD81 antigen (target of anti-proliferative antibody 1) (CD81), three were Homo sapiens diazepam binding inhibitor, two colonies were new genes with unknown function. CONCLUSION: The yeast-two hybrid system is an effective method for identifying hepatocyte proteins interacting with complete S protein of HBV. The complete S protein may bind to different proteins i.e., its multiple functions in vivo.

Identification of AOSC-binding proteins in neurons

Acidic oligosaccharide sugar chain （AOSC）, a D-mannuronic acid oligosaccharide, derived from brownalgaepolysaccharide, has been completed Phase I clinical trial in China as an anti-Alzheimer＇s Disease （AD） drug candidate. The identification of AOSC-binding protein（s） in neurons is very important for understanding its action mechanism. To determine the binding protein（s） of AOSC in neurons mediating its anti-AD activities, confocal microscopy, affinity chromatography, and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry （LC-MS/MS） analysis were used. Confocal microscopy analysis shows that AOSC binds to SH-SY5Y cells in concentration-, time-, and temperature-dependent fashions. The AOSC binding proteins were purified by affinity chromatography and identified by LC-MS/MS analysis. The results showed that there are 349 proteins binding AOSC, including clathrin, adaptor protein-2 （AP-2） and amyloid precursor protein （APP）. These results suggest that the binding/entrance of AOSC to neurons is probably responsible for anti-AD activities.

GSPT1 Functions as a Tumor Promoter in Human Liver Cancer

Objective This study analyzed the role of G1 to S phase transition 1 protein(GSPT1)in promoting progression of liver cancer cells.Methods A bioinformatics database was used to analyze the expression levels of GSPT1 in liver cancer tissues and the prognosis of patients.Subsequently,Western blotting and quantitative PCR were used to verify the expression levels of GSPT1 between normal hepatocytes and hepatoma cells.We used a CRISPR/Cas9 system to construct knockouts of GSPT1 in HepG2 and HCCLM9 liver cancer cells.The effect of GSPT1 on liver cancer cell migration and invasion was analyzed using flow cytometry,migration,and tumor formation assays.Results The Cancer Genome Atlas Liver Hepatocellular Carcinoma dataset indicated that GSPT1 expression was upregulated in liver cancer cell lines,and patients with liver cancer had poor prognosis.Knockout of GSPT1 in cells significantly inhibited tumor proliferation,cell migration,and growth in vivo.Conclusion In this study,we found that GSPT1 promotes the migration and invasion of liver cancer cells.

Future of the current anticoronaviral agents: A viewpoint on thevalidation for the next COVIDs and pandemics

Despite the global decline in the severity of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases, the disease stillrepresents a major concern to the relevant scientific and medical communities. The primary concern of drug scientists,virologists, and other concerned specialists in this respect is to find ready-to-use suitable and potent anticoronaviraltherapies that are broadly effective against the different species/strains of the coronaviruses in general, not only againstthe current and previous coronaviruses (e.g., the recently-appeared severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2“SARS-CoV-2”), i.e., effective antiviral agents for treatment and/or prophylaxis of any coronaviral infections, includingthose of the coming ones from the next species and strains (if any). As an expert in this field, I tried, in this up-to-dateperspective “viewpoint” article, to evaluate the suitability and applicability of using the currently-availableanticoronaviral agents for the next coronavirus diseases (COVIDs) and coronaviral pandemics, highlighting the mostimportant general guidelines that should be considered in the next pandemics from the therapeutic points of view.

Molecular Cloning and Bioinformatical Analysis of a cDNA Encoding Mitochondrial 50S Ribosomal Protein L21 from Hevea brasiliensis Muell. Arg.

[Objective] ＂Tapping panel dryness （TPD）＂, a syndrome known as tapping incision blocked partly or entirely during latex exploiting, has become the most important factor causing great losses for rubber production. Aiming to elucidate the molecular mechanism of tapping panel dryness occurrence, this study carried out molecular cloning and bioinformatical analysis of a mRPL21 cDNA sequence, a gene associated with TPD. [Method] In a preliminary study, an expressed sequence tag （EST） encoding a deduced protein homologous to mitochondrial 50S ribosomal protein L21 （mRPL21）, which showed to be down-regulated in the latex of TPD-affected rubber trees, was isolated by suppression subtractive hybridization （SSH）. After ESTs assembling and RT-PCR validation, an 853 bp cDNA sequence with an open reading frame （ORF） was cloned, which was named as HbmRPL21 under GenBank accession number of HM230670. [Result] Bioinformatical analysis suggests that HbmRPL21 encodes a deduced polypeptide of 271 amino acids with a theoretical molecular weight （Mw） of 30.52 kDa and isolectric point （pI） of 8.40, and HbmRPL21 is a mitochondrion-targeted protein with a conserved domain of Ribosomal_L21p involving translation. Homology analysis reveals high amino acid sequence identity of mRPL21 from plants, while diversity of that between plant and animal kingdom. [Conclusion] This study laid the basis for further revealing the biological functions of mRPL21 in TPD-affected rubber trees.

Three cases of retroperitoneal schwannoma diagnosed by EUS-FNA

Schwannomas are peripheral nerve tumors that are typically solitary and benign.Their diagnosis is largely based on surgically resected specimens.Recently,a number of case reports have indicated that retroperitoneal schwannomas could be diagnosed with endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA).We report the diagnosis of three cases of schwannoma using EUS-FNA.Subjects were two males and one female,ages 22,40,and 46 years,respectively,all of whom were symptom-free.Imaging findings showed well-circumscribed round tumors.However,as the tumors could not be diagnosed using these findings alone,EUS-FNA was performed.Hematoxylin-eosin staining of the resulting tissue fragments revealed bland spindle cells with nuclear palisading.There was no disparity in nuclear sizes.Immunostaining revealed S-100 protein positivity and all cases were diagnosed as schwannomas.Ki-67 indexes were 3%-15%,2%-3%,and 3%,respectively.No case showed any signs of malignancy.As most schwannomas are benign tumors and seldom become malignant,we observed these patients without therapy.All tumors demonstrated no enlargement and no change in characteristics.Schwannomas are almost always benign and can be observed following diagnosis by EUS-FNA.

Charge‑Transfer Resonance and Electromagnetic Enhancement Synergistically Enabling MXenes with Excellent SERS Sensitivity for SARS‑CoV‑2 S Protein Detection

The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 has seriously threatened human health.Rapidly and sensitively detecting SARSCoV-2 viruses can help control the spread of viruses.However,it is an arduous challenge to apply semiconductor-based substrates for virus SERS detection due to their poor sensitivity.Therefore,it is worthwhile to search novel semiconductor-based substrates with excellent SERS sensitivity.Herein we report,for the first time,Nb2C and Ta2C MXenes exhibit a remarkable SERS enhancement,which is synergistically enabled by the charge transfer resonance enhancement and electromagnetic enhancement.Their SERS sensitivity is optimized to 3.0×10^6 and 1.4×10^6 under the optimal resonance excitation wavelength of 532 nm.Additionally,remarkable SERS sensitivity endows Ta2C MXenes with capability to sensitively detect and accurately identify the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein.Moreover,its detection limit is as low as 5×10^−9 M,which is beneficial to achieve real-time monitoring and early warning of novel coronavirus.This research not only provides helpful theoretical guidance for exploring other novel SERS-active semiconductor-based materials but also provides a potential candidate for the practical applications of SERS technology.

Transactivating effect of complete S protein of hepatitis B virus and cloning of genes transactivated by complete S protein using suppression subtractive hybridization technique

AIM: To investigate the transactivating effect of complete S protein of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and to construct a subtractive cDNA library of genes transactivated by complete S protein of HBV by suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH) technique and to clone genes associated with its transactivation activity, and to pave the way for elucidating the pathogenesis of hepatitis B virus infection. METHODS: pcDNA3.1(-)-complete S containing full-length HBV S gene was constructed by insertion of HBV complete S gene into BamH I/Kpn I sites. HepG2 cells were cotransfected with pcDNA3.1(-)-complete S and pSV-lacZ. After 48 h, cells were collected and detected for the expression of β-galactosidase (β-gal). Suppression subtractive hybridization and bioinformatics techniques were used. The mRNA of HepG2 cells transfected with pcDNA3.Incomplete S and pcDNA3.1(-) empty vector was isolated, and detected for the expression of complete S protein by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method, and cDNA was synthesized. After digestion with restriction enzyme RsaI, cDNA fragments were obtained. Tester cDNA was then divided into two groups and ligated to the specific adaptors 1 and 2, respectively. After tester cDNA had been hybridized with driver cDNA twice and underwent nested PCR twice, amplified cDNA fragments were subcloned into pGEM-Teasy vectors to set up the subtractive library. Amplification of the library was carried out within E. coli strain DH5α. The cDNA was sequenced and analyzed in GenBank with BLAST search after polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification. RESULTS: The complete S mRNA could be detected by RT-PCR in HepG2 cells transfected with the pcDNA3.1(-)-complete S. The activity of β-gal in HepG2 cells transfected with the pcDNA3.1(-)-complete s was 6.9 times higher than that of control plasmid. The subtractive library of genes transactivated by HBV complete S protein was constructed successfully. The amplified library contains 86 positive clones. Colony PCR showed that 86 clones contained DNA inserts of 200-1 000 bp, respectively. Sequence analysis was performed in 35 clones randomly, and the full length sequences were obtained with bioinformatics method and searched for homologous DNA sequence from GenBank, altogether 33 coding sequences were obtained. These cDNA sequences might be target genes transactivated by complete S protein of HBV. Moreover, two unknown genes were discovered, full length coding sequences were obtained by bioinformatics techniques, one of them was named complete S transactivated protein 1 (CSTP1) and registered in GenBank (AY553877). CONCLUSION: The complete S gene of HBV has a transactivating effect on SV40 early promoter. A subtractive cDNA library of genes transactivated by HBV complete S protein using SSH technique has been constructed successfully. The obtained sequences may be target genes transactivated by HBV complete S protein among which some genes coding proteins are involved in cell cycle regulation, metabolism, immunity, signal transduction, cell apoptosis and formation mechanism of hepatic carcinoma.

Effect of moxibustion on mTOR-mediated autophagy in rotenone-induced Parkinson's disease model rats

Defects in autophagy-mediated clearance of α-synuclein may be one of the key factors leading to progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. Moxibustion therapy for Parkinson’s disease has been shown to have a positive effect, but the underlying mechanism remains unknown. Based on this, we explored whether moxibustion could protect dopaminergic neurons by promoting autophagy mediated by mammalian target of rapamycin （mTOR）, with subsequent elimination of α-syn. A Parkinson’s disease model was induced in rats by subcutaneous injection of rotenone at the back of their necks, and they received moxibustion at Zusanli （ST36）, Guanyuan （CV4）and Fengfu （GV16）, for 10 minutes at every point, once per day, for 14 consecutive days. Model rats without any treatment were used as a sham control. Compared with the Parkinson’s disease group, the moxibustion group showed significantly greater tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactivity and expression of light chain 3-II protein in the substantia nigra, and their behavioral score, α-synuclein immunoreactivity,the expression of phosphorylated mTOR and phosphorylated ribosomal protein S6 kinase （p-p70S6K） in the substantia nigra were significantly lower. These results suggest that moxibustion can promote the autophagic clearance of α-syn and improve behavioral performance in Parkinson’s disease model rats. The protective mechanism may be associated with suppression of the mTOR/p70S6K pathway.

Analysis of the human Atox 1 homologue in Wilson patients

AIM: To analyze the metallochaperone antioxidant-1 (Atox1) gene sequence in Wilson disease patients. METHODS: Mutation analysis of the four exons of the Atox1 gene including the intron- exon boundaries was performed in 63 Wilson disease patients by direct sequencing. RESULTS: From 63 selected patients no mutations were identified after the entire coding region including the intron- exon boundaries of Atox1 were sequenced. One known polymorphism within the Atox1 gene (5’UTR -99 T>C) in 31 (49%) of the Wilson patients as well as one previously undescribed variation (5’UTR -68 C>T) in 2 of the Wilson patients could be detected. Statistical analyses revealed that the existence of a variation within the Atox1- gene showed a tendency towards an earlier onset of the disease. CONCLUSION: Based on the data of this study, no major role can be attributed to Atox1 in the pathophysiology or clinical variation of Wilson disease.

Effects of electroacupuncture on the expression of p70 ribosomal protein S6 kinase and ribosomal protein S6 in the hippocampus of rats with vascular dementia

This study investigated the mechanism underlying electroacupuncture therapy for vascular dementia through electroacupuncture at the acupoints of Baihui （DU20）, Dazhui （DU14）, and bilateral Shenshu （BL23） in a rat model of vascular dementia produced by bilateral middle cerebral artery occlusion. Morris water maze test showed that electroacupuncture improved the learning ability of vascular dementia rats. Western blot assay revealed that the expression of p70 ribosomal protein S6 kinase and ribosomal protein S6 in vascular dementia rats was significantly increased after electroacupuncture, compared with the model group that was not treated with acupuncture. The average escape latency was also shortened after electroacupuncture, and escape strategies in the spatial probe test improved from edge and random searches, to linear and trending swim pathways. The experimental findings indicate that electroacupuncture improves learning and memory ability by up-regulating expression of p70 ribosomal protein S6 kinase and ribosomal protein S6 in the hippocampus of vascular dementia rats.

Association between thrombotic risk factors and extent of fibrosis in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver diseases

AIM: To evaluate the prevalence of genetic and acquired prothrombotic risk factors and their association with the extent of fibrosis and fatty infiltration in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).METHODS: Forty-four patients with chronic hepatitis (28 men and 16 women, with mean age of 45±11 and 49±12 years, respectively) constituted the patient population of this study. The groups were divided as follows: 15 patients with fatty liver (FL); 15 with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH); 14 with chronic viral hepatitis (CH) diagnosed by histology and liver technetium scan or ultrasound; and 10 healthy individuals. Thrombophilic, coagulation factors and genetic mutations were diagnosed by standard hemostatic and molecular coagulation assays.RESULTS: Activated protein C (APC) resistance and protein S were the most prevalent thrombotic risk factors (6% and 10% in NAFLD vs 21% and 14% in CH; P＜0.01 and P＜0.05, respectively). One thrombotic risk factor was identified in 41% of patients (23% mild fibrosis, 18% severe fibrosis) and two thrombotic risk factors in 6% of patients with NAFLD and severe fibrosis. While no differences in APC ratio, lupus anticoagulant, fibrinogen, factor V Leiden,prothrombin, and MTHFR mutation were found. Protein S levels were significantly lower in NASH patients than in patients with FL alone (92±19 vs106±2, P＜0.01). Protein C levels were markedly higher in patients with NAFLD and mild or severe fibrosis as compared to the patients with CH, respectively (128±40 vs96±14, P＜0.001 or 129±36 vs 88±13, P＜0.01).CONCLUSION: Up to 46% of patients with NAFLD may have thrombotic risk factors, and the presence of thrombotic risk factors is correlated with the extent of hepatic fibrosis,suggesting a crucial role of the coagulation system in the pathogenesis of hepatic fibrosis.

Benign intratesticular schwannoma:a rare finding

Schwannoma is a peripheral nerve tumour, occasionally located in the genitourinary tract. We described an extremely rare case of intratesticular neurinoma in a 79-year-old patient. （Asian JAndrol 2006 Jan; 8： 101-103）

Inhibitory effects of rapamycin on the different stages of hepatic fibrosis

AIM: To investigate and compare the inhibitory effects of rapamycin in the different stages of liver fibrosis.

Synthesis,Expression and Purification of S1 and S2 Fragments of SARS S Protein in E.coli

[Objective] To obtain pure recombinant S1 and S2 of SARS S protein. [Method] Using asymmetric PCR and ligation with endonuclease, S1 and S2 fragments of SARSV HK strain S gene were synthesized. Then, these two fragments were inserted into plasmid pET28a to obtain recombinant vectors pET28a-S1 and pET28a-S2, respectively. These recombinant vectors were transformed into E. coli BL21, and expression of S1 and S2 fragments were induced by IPTG. The conditions of expression and purification were optimized. [Result] The S1 and S2 fragments were amplified and successfully expressed in E. coli. [Conclusion] This research provides detection antigens for follow-up development of SARS vaccine.

Glial fibrillary acidic protein levels are associated with global histone H4 acetylation after spinal cord injury in rats

Emerging evidence has suggested global histone H4 acetylation status plays an important role in neural plasticity. For instance, the imbalance of this epigenetic marker has been hypothesized as a key factor for the development and progression of several neurological diseases. Likewise, astrocytic reactivity-a wellknown process that markedly influences the tissue remodeling after a central nervous system injury-is crucial for tissue remodeling after spinal cord injury（SCI）. However, the linkage between the above-mentioned mechanisms after SCI remains poorly understood. We sought to investigate the relation between both glial fibrillary acidic protein（GFAP） and S100 calcium-binding protein B（S100B）（astrocytic reactivity classical markers） and global histone H4 acetylation levels. Sixty-one male Wistar rats（aged ~3 months） were divided into the following groups： sham; 6 hours post-SCI; 24 hours post-SCI; 48 hours post-SCI; 72 hours post-SCI; and 7 days post-SCI. The results suggested that GFAP, but not S100B was associated with global histone H4 acetylation levels. Moreover, global histone H4 acetylation levels exhibited a complex pattern after SCI, encompassing at least three clearly defined phases（first phase： no changes in the 6, 24 and 48 hours post-SCI groups; second phase： increased levels in the 72 hours post-SCI group; and a third phase： return to levels similar to control in the 7 days post-SCI group）. Overall, these findings suggest global H4 acetylation levels exhibit distinct patterns of expression during the first week post-SCI, which may be associated with GFAP levels in the perilesional tissue. Current data encourage studies using H4 acetylation as a possible biomarker for tissue remodeling after spinal cord injury.

S100 protein expression during induced Schwann cell-like cell differentiation of rat bone marrow mesenchymal cells in vitro

BACKGROUND： S100 protein can promote axonal growth. Therefore, transplantation of induced bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells （MSCs） that can secrete S100 may provide a beneficial microenvironment for neural regeneration. OBJECTIVE： To explore the changes in S100 expression during rat MSCs differentiation into Schwann ceils in vitro. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： This cytology experiment was performed at the Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University in China, from January 2006 to May 2007. MATERIALS： The rabbit anti-S100 polyclonal antibody was purchased from Dako, Denmark; the mouse anti-rat S100 monoclonal antibody was purchased from Sigma, USA. METHODS： MSCs were cultured from adult Sprague-Dawley rat femur and tibia. Cell proliferation was determined by the MTT method and CD markers, and cell cycle was measured by flow cytometry. MSCs were induced to differentiate into SC cells. SC cells were stained for S100 protein, glial fibrillary acidic protein, and low-affinity nerve growth factor receptor. S100 protein and mRNA levels were evaluated by flow cytometry, Western blot, and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： S100 protein and mRNA expression. RESULTS： MSCs exhibited high amplification potential over eight passages. Prior to induction, the majority of MSCs were at the G0/G1 phase of the cell cycle. After induction, MSCs displayed morphology changes similar to Schwann cells. Moreover, induction increased S100 mRNA levels. Immunofluorescence showed that MSCs expressed S100 protein, glial fibrillary acidic protein, and low-affinity nerve growth factor receptor at 7 days of induction. Induction also increased S100 protein levels compared with untreated MSCs. CONCLUSION： MSCs are capable of differentiating into Schwann cells-like cells under conditional induction in vitro, with increasing S100 mRNA and protein expression.

The S100 protein family and its application in cardiac diseases

The S100 protein family is the largest group of EF-hand signaling proteins in humans. The members of the S100 protein family are expressed in many tissues and play different functions. Many diseases are related to S100 proteins, which function as new biochemical markers especially in cardiac diseases. The most studied members, protein S100Β and protein S100A1, exhibit activities in cardiac diseases, and these immunohistochemical expressions or serum levels have been used in predicting neurologic outcome after resuscitation of cardiac arrest or recovery of cardioprotective function.