Na^(+)/K^(+)-ATPase:ion pump,signal transducer,or cytoprotective protein,and novel biological functions

Na^(+)/K^(+)-ATPase is a transmembrane protein that has important roles in the maintenance of electrochemical gradients across cell membranes by transporting three Na^(+)out of and two K^(+)into cells.Additionally,Na^(+)/K^(+)-ATPase participates in Ca^(2+)-signaling transduction and neurotransmitter release by coordinating the ion concentration gradient across the cell membrane.Na^(+)/K^(+)-ATPase works synergistically with multiple ion channels in the cell membrane to form a dynamic network of ion homeostatic regulation and affects cellular communication by regulating chemical signals and the ion balance among different types of cells.Therefo re,it is not surprising that Na^(+)/K^(+)-ATPase dysfunction has emerged as a risk factor for a variety of neurological diseases.However,published studies have so far only elucidated the important roles of Na^(+)/K^(+)-ATPase dysfunction in disease development,and we are lacking detailed mechanisms to clarify how Na^(+)/K^(+)-ATPase affects cell function.Our recent studies revealed that membrane loss of Na^(+)/K^(+)-ATPase is a key mechanism in many neurological disorders,particularly stroke and Parkinson's disease.Stabilization of plasma membrane Na^(+)/K^(+)-ATPase with an antibody is a novel strategy to treat these diseases.For this reason,Na^(+)/K^(+)-ATPase acts not only as a simple ion pump but also as a sensor/regulator or cytoprotective protein,participating in signal transduction such as neuronal autophagy and apoptosis,and glial cell migration.Thus,the present review attempts to summarize the novel biological functions of Na^(+)/K^(+)-ATPase and Na^(+)/K^(+)-ATPase-related pathogenesis.The potential for novel strategies to treat Na^(+)/K^(+)-ATPase-related brain diseases will also be discussed.

The biological functions and metabolic pathways of valine in swine

Valine is an essential amino acid and a type of branched-chain amino acid. Due to the involvement of branchedchain amino acids in various metabolic pathways, there has been a surge of interests in valine nutrition and its role in animal physiology. In pigs, the interactions between valine and other branched-chain amino acids or aromatic amino acids are complex. In this review, we delve into the interaction mechanism, metabolic pathways, and biological functions of valine. Appropriate valine supplementation not only enhances growth and reproductive performances, but also modulates gut microbiota and immune functions. Based on past observations and interpretations, we provide recommended feed levels of valine for weaned piglets, growing pigs, gilts, lactating sows, barrows and entire males. The summarized valine nutrient requirements for pigs at different stages offer valuable insights for future research and practical applications in animal husbandry.

Chemical constituents,biological functions and pharmacological effects for comprehensive utilization of Eucommia ulmoides Oliver

Eucommia ulmoides Oliver is a native plant and valuable tonic Chinese medicine in China with a long history,great economic value and comprehensive development potential.Traditionally,the comprehensive utilization rate of E.ulmoides Oliv.is still very low,only bark has been used as medicine and other parts of Eucommia ulmoides Oliv.cannot be fully utilized,even the leaves have been well utilized in food products in Japan in the past decades.In order to improve the comprehensive utilization efficiency of E.ulmoides Oliv.,in this review,we summarized the varieties and contents of main active compounds,biological functions and pharmacological effects in different parts of E.ulmoides Oliv.The findings suggest that other parts of E.ulmoides Oliv.could replace the bark of E.ulmoides Oliv.to some extent besides of their respective applications.The unique and extensive physiological functions between different parts of E.ulmoides Oliv.indicate that the comprehensive utilization of E.ulmoides Oliv.has a wide space to develop,which is also an effective way to protect E.ulmoides Oliv.resources and improve its the utilization rate.

MiR-19a-3p regulates the Forkhead box F2-mediated Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and affects the biological functions of colorectal cancer cells

BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer(CRC)is one of the most common malignancies worldwide.AIM To explore the expression of microRNA miR-19a-3p and Forkhead box F2(FOXF2)in patients with CRC and the relevant mechanisms.METHODS Sixty-two CRC patients admitted to the hospital were enrolled into the study group,and sixty healthy people from the same period were assigned to the control group.Elbow venous blood was sampled from the patients and healthy individuals,and blood serum was saved for later analysis.MiR-19a-3p mimics,miR-19a-3p inhibitor,miR-negative control,small interfering-FOXF2,and short hairpin-FOXF2 were transfected into HT29 and HCT116 cells.Then quantitative polymerase chain reaction was performed to quantify the expression of miR-19a-3p and FOXF2 in HT29 and HCT116 cells,and western blot(WB)analysis was conducted to evaluate the levels of FOXF2,glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta(GSK-3β),phosphorylated GSK-3β(p-GSK-3β),β-catenin,p-β-catenin,α-catenin,Ncadherin,E-cadherin,and vimentin.The MTT,Transwell,and wound healing assays were applied to analyze cell proliferation,invasion,and migration,respectively,and the dual luciferase reporter assay was used to determine the correlation of miR-19a-3p with FOXF2.RESULTS The patients showed high serum levels of miR-19a-3p and low levels of FOXF2,and the area under the curves of miR-19a-3p and FOXF2 were larger than 0.8.MiR-19a-3p and FOXF2 were related to sex,tumor size,age,tumor-nodemetastasis staging,lymph node metastasis,and differentiation of CRC patients.Silencing of miR-19a-3p and overexpression of FOXF2 suppressed the epithelialmesenchymal transition,invasion,migration,and proliferation of cells.WB analysis revealed that silencing of miR-19a-3p and FOXF2 overexpression significantly suppressed the expression of p-GSK-3β,β-catenin,N-cadherin,and vimentin;and increased the levels of GSK-3β,p-β-catenin,α-catenin,and Ecadherin.The dual luciferase reporter assay confirmed that there was a targeted correlation of miR-19a-3p with FOXF2.In addition,a rescue experiment revealed that there were no differences in cell proliferation,invasion,and migration in HT29 and HCT116 cells co-transfected with miR-19a-3p-mimics+sh-FOXF2 and miR-19a-3p-inhibitor+si-FOXF2 compared to the miR-negative control group.CONCLUSION Inhibiting miR-19a-3p expression can upregulate the FOXF2-mediated Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway,thereby affecting the epithelial-mesenchymal transition,proliferation,invasion,and migration of cells.Thus,miR-19a-3p is likely to be a therapeutic target in CRC.

Recent Advances in Deciphering the Mechanisms and Biological Functions of DNA Demethylation

5-Methylcytosine (5mC) is a dynamic and reversible epigenetic modification in genomic DNA of higher eukaryotes.It has been well-established that the demethylation of 5mC occurs through the ten-eleven translocation (TET)-mediated oxidation of 5mC followed by thymine DNA glycosylase (TDG)-initiated base excision repair (BER).Recent findings also have identified an alternative pathway of DNA demethylation.In this pathway,TET enzymes directly oxidize 5mC to form 5-formylcytosine (5fC) or 5-carboxylcytosine (5caC).These modified bases can undergo direct deformylation or decarboxylation,respectively.Additionally,DNA demethylation can also occur through the deamination of 5mC and 5hmC,resulting in the production of thymine and 5-hydroxymethyluracil (5hmU),respectively.Various DNA demethylation pathways possess critical functional implications and roles in biological processes.This Recent Advances article will focus on the studies of mechanisms and biological functions of DNA demethylation,shedding light on the reversible nature of the epigenetic modification of 5mC.

Classification,biosynthesis,and biological functions of triterpene esters in plants

Triterpene esters comprise a class of secondary metabolites that are synthesized by decorating triterpene skeletons with a series of oxidation,glycosylation,and acylation modifications.Many triterpene esters with important bioactivities have been isolated and identified,including those with applications in the pesticide,pharmaceutical,and cosmetic industries.They also play essential roles in plant defense against pests,dis-eases,physical damage(as part of the cuticle),and regulation of root microorganisms.However,there has been no recent summary of the biosynthetic pathways and biological functions of plant triterpene esters.Here,we classify triterpene esters intofive categories based on their skeletons andfind that C-3 oxidation may have a significant effect on triterpenoid acylation.Fatty acid and aromatic moieties are common li-gands present in triterpene esters.We further analyze triterpene ester synthesis-related acyltransferases(TEsACTs)in the triterpene biosynthetic pathway.Using an evolutionary classification of BAHD acyltrans-ferases(BAHD-ATs)and serine carboxypeptidase-like acyltransferases(SCPL-ATs)in Arabidopsis thaliana and Oryza sativa,we classify 18 TEsACTs with identified functions from 11 species.All the triterpene-skel-eton-related TEsACTs belong to BAHD-AT clades IIIa and I,and the only identified TEsACT from the SCPL-AT family belongs to the CP-I subfamily.This comprehensive review of the biosynthetic pathways and bioactivities of triterpene esters provides a foundation for further study of their bioactivities and applica-tions in industry,agricultural production,and human health.

Octacosanol and health benefits:Biological functions and mechanisms of action

Octacosanol is a widely distributed natural higher aliphatic alcohol that can be isolated and purified from rice bran,sugarcane,beeswax,insect wax,etc.Octacosanol exerts various biological effects,including anti-fatigue,anti-hypoxia,antioxidant,anti-inflammatory,antitumor,etc.Meanwhile,it has the effects of regulating the body's immune function and energy metabolism and has potential benefits for cardiovascular disease,cerebrovascular disorders,diabetes,Parkinson's disease,and others.Octacosanol is primarily responsible for regulating multiple signaling pathways,such as AMPK,PI3K/Akt,and MAPK/NF-κB,to achieve different physiological functions.This review systemically summarized the progress in characterization,extraction and purification,biological functions,molecular mechanisms,and bioavailability of octacosanol.This study will provide a reference for many investigators to further explore the physiological functions of higher aliphatic alcohols and apply them as supplements in functional foods.

Biological Functions and Research Methods of Long Noncoding RNAs

Long noncoding RNAs(lncRNAs)are functional RNA molecules which are longer than 200 nucleotides in length that do not encode proteins;instead,they regulate target gene expression at transcriptional,posttranscriptional,and epigenetic levels.LncRNAs play important roles in various biological processes such as dosage compensation,genomic imprinting,cell cycle regulation,and cell differentiation.Although their characterizations have been relatively straightforward with recent advances in modern biology,the functions of lncRNAs are largely unknown.Herein,we discuss the biological functions and research methods of lncRNAs.

Autophagy and beyond:Unraveling the complexity of UNC-51-like kinase 1(ULK1)from biological functions to therapeutic implications

UNC-51-like kinase 1(ULK1),as a serine/threonine kinase,is an autophagic initiator in mammals and a homologous protein of autophagy related protein(Atg)1 in yeast and of UNC-51 in Caenorhabditis elegans.ULK1 is well-known for autophagy activation,which is evolutionarily conserved in protein transport and indispensable to maintain cell homeostasis.As the direct target of energy and nutrition-sensing kinase,ULK1 may contribute to the distribution and utilization of cellular resources in response to metabolism and is closely associated with multiple pathophysiological processes.Moreover,ULK1 has been widely reported to play a crucial role in human diseases,including cancer,neurodegenerative diseases,cardiovascular disease,and infections,and subsequently targeted small-molecule inhibitors or activators are also demonstrated.Interestingly,the non-autophagy function of ULK1 has been emerging,indicating that non-autophagy-relevant ULK1 signaling network is also linked with diseases under some specific contexts.Therefore,in this review,we summarized the structure and functions of ULK1 as an autophagic initiator,with a focus on some new approaches,and further elucidated the key roles of ULK1 in autophagy and non-autophagy.Additionally,we also discussed the relationships between ULK1 and human diseases,as well as illustrated a rapid progress for better understanding of the discovery of more candidate small-molecule drugs targeting ULK1,which will provide a clue on novel ULK1-targeted therapeutics in the future.

Methylation reactions at dopaminergic nerve endings, serving as biological off-switches in managing dopaminergic functions

The mechanisms for the regulation of synaptic dopamine （DA） include its release from presynaptic vesicles, its interaction with post-synaptic and pre-synaptic DA receptors, the reuptake of DA, via dopamine transporter （DAT）, the diffusion of DA and its metabolism by mono-amine oxidase （MAO） and cate- chol-O-methyl transferase （COMT）. DA controls complex and specialized functions including, movements, behavior, mood, perception, reward, and more recently, neurogenesis （Popolo et al., 2004; Reimer et al., 2013） and neuroregeneration （Hoglinger et al., 2004; Yang et al., 2008）. These functions are varied and of high fidelity. Movement, as an example, requires regulatory mechanisms for initiating, stopping, slowing-down speed- ing-up, changing directions, for governing the relentless urges to move in the young and sedentariness in the old as well as in motor-freezing, catalepsy, tremor and stereotypy.

Mechanical properties modulation and biological applications of DNA hydrogels

DNA hydrogels are three-dimensional polymer networks constructed using DNA as the structural building block.Due to the tight binding between hydrophilic groups on DNA chains and water molecules,they exhibit outstanding plasticity and fluid thermodynamic properties,making them one of the best choices for mimicking natural biological tissues.By controlling the backbone building blocks,gelation conditions,and cross-linking methods of DNA hydrogels,hydrogels with different mechanical strengths can be obtained,thus expanding their applications in the field of biology.This review first introduces the relationship between the mechanical properties of DNA hydrogels and their structure,elucidates the approaches and strategies for mechanical property modulation,and focuses on the scheme of controllable design to modulate the mechanical properties of DNA hydrogels for applications in biosensing,cellular function regulation,and bone tissue engineering.Furthermore,this review outlines the future development directions and challenges faced in the mechanical property modulation of DNA hydrogels,providing useful information for the precise design of DNA hydrogels for biological research.

Biological function of resveratrol and its application in animal production:a review

With the prohibition of antibiotics in feed,plant functional substances have been widely studied as feed additives.Resveratrol,a natural stilbene,and a non-flavonoid polyphenol found in plants,possesses antioxidant,anti-inflammatory,and metabolic regulatory features.Resveratrol generated intense scientific and public interest,primarily due to its widely reported ability to prevent cancer,delay aging and alleviate related metabolic diseases.Recently,resveratrol has been studied and applied as a feed additive in animal production.This review focuses on the outline of the absorption and metabolism and biological functions of resveratrol and summarizes the application of dietary resveratrol in animal production up to the present,including pigs,poultry,and ruminants.In pigs,dietary resveratrol improved intestinal health,mitochondrial function,meat quality,and more.In poultry,studies have shown that dietary resveratrol improves growth performance and meat and egg quality and alleviates heat stress induced adverse effects.There are few studies on dietary resveratrol in ruminants;however previous studies have indicated that dietary resveratrol increases nutrient digestibility and reduces methane emissions in sheep.It is hoped that this review could provide a specific theoretical basis and research ideas for the research and application of resveratrol.

The biological function of type I receptors of bone morphogenetic protein in bone

Bone morphogenetic proteins （BMPs） have multiple roles in skeletal development, homeostasis and regeneration. BMPs signal via type I and type II serine/threonine kinase receptors （BMPRI and BMPRII）. In recent decades, genetic studies in humans and mice have demonstrated that perturbations in BMP signaling via BMPRI resulted in various diseases in bone, cartilage, and muscles. In this review, we focus on all three types of BMPRI, which consist of activin-like kinase 2 （ALK2, also called type IA activin receptor）, activin- llke kinase 3 （ALK3, also called BMPRIA）, and activin-like kinase 6 （ALK6, also called BMPRIB）. The research areas covered include the current progress regarding the roles of these receptors during myogenesis, chondrogenesis, and osteogenesis. Understanding the physiological and pathological functions of these receptors at the cellular and molecular levels will advance drug development and tissue regeneration for treating musculoskeletal diseases and bone defects in the future.

Chemical and biological flocculation process to treat municipal sewage and analysis of biological function

The pilot scale experimental apparatus and the procedure of the chemical and biological flocculation process to verify the feasibility in treating Shanghai municipal sewage were introduced in this paper. In addition, the biological function of the process was discussed. The results of optimal running showed that in the reaction tank, the concentration of mixed liquor suspended solid(MLSS) was 2 g/L, hydraulic retention time(HRT) was 35 min, dosage of liquid polyaluminium chloride(PAC) was 60 mg/L, and the concentration of polyacrylamide(PAM) was 0 5 mg/L. The effluent average concentrations of COD Cr , TP, SS and BOD 5 were 50 mg/L, 0 62 mg/L, 18 mg/L, and 17 mg/L, respectively. These were better than the designed demand. In addition, the existence of biological degradation in this system was proven by several methods. The removal efficiencies of the chemical and biological flocculation process were 20% higher than that of the chemical flocculation process above at the same coagulant dosage. The treatment process under different situations was evaluated on a pilot scale experiment, and the results provided magnificent parameters and optimal condition for future operation of the plant.

Biological roles and potential clinical values of circular RNAs in gastrointestinal malignancies

Circular RNAs(circ RNAs),a class of endogenous RNA molecules,are produced by alternative splicing of precursor RNA and are covalently linked at the 5′and 3′ends.Recent studies have revealed that dysregulated circ RNAs are closely related to the occurrence and progression of gastrointestinal malignancies.Accumulating evidence indicates that circ RNAs,including circ PVT1,circ LARP4,circ-SFMBT2,cir-ITCH,circ RNA_100782,circ_100395,circ-DONSON,hsa_circ_0001368,circ NRIP1,circ FAT1(e2),circ CCDC66,circ SMARCA5,circ-ZNF652,and circ_0030235 play important roles in the proliferation,differentiation,invasion,and metastasis of cancer cells through a variety of mechanisms,such as acting as micro RNA sponges,interacting with RNA-binding proteins,regulating gene transcription and alternative splicing,and being translated into proteins.With the characteristics of high abundance,high stability,extensive functions,and certain tissue-,time-and diseasespecific expressions,circ RNAs are expected to provide novel perspectives for the diagnoses and treatments of gastrointestinal malignancies.

Over-expression of LRIG1 Suppresses Biological Function of Pituitary Adenoma via Attenuation of PI3K/AKT and Ras/Raf/ERK Pathways In Vivo and In Vitro

Pituitary adenomas（PAs） are well known as a common intracranial benign tumor, and a portion of PAs are refractory to current therapeutic methods. Erb B receptors family signaling pathway regulates the expression of PAs activation associated gene. Inhibition of epidermal growth factor receptor（EGFR） can inhibit proliferation of PAs. Leucine-rich repeats and immunoglobulin-like domains protein 1（ LRIG1）, a negative mediated gene of Erb B receptors family, plays a role in many tumors. However, there are seldom researches about the functional role of LRIG1 in PAs. The aim of this study is to explore the potential effect of LRIG1 and its regulating mechanism in PAs. First, we investigated the role of LRIG1 in cell migration, invasion of PAs with transfected LRIG1 or control. Then, we explored its impact on cell proliferation and apoptosis of PAs in vivo. To study the regulating mechanism of LRIG1, we examined the expression of molecular factor of PI3K/AKT and Ras/Raf/ERK pathway using Western blotting in vitro and RT-PCR in vitro and in vivo. It was found that LRIG1 over-expression inhibited cell migration, invasion and proliferation, and promoted apoptosis of PAs in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, LRIG1 suppressed the expression of signaling of PI3K/AKT and Ras/Raf/ERK pathways in PAs. LRIG1, as a negative mediated gene of tumor, can inhibit biological function of PAs via inhibiting PI3K/AKT and Ras/Raf/ERK pathways, and it might be a new target for gene therapy of PAs.

Biological Function of REE in Plants & Microbes

Rare earth elements （REE） and their compounds years. The bioinorganic chemical research of REE during the are widely applied in agronomic and medical fields for many past few years indicates that REE play important roles in the promotion of photosynthetic rate as well as root absorption, regulation of hormone and nitrogen metabolism, and suppression of microbes, etc. The metallic or non-metallic targets of key biomolecule in various physiological processes can be chosen by REE for the chelation or replacement, which enables REE to regulate the biological functions or behaviors of those biomolecule and consequently leads to significant embodiment of biological function of REE in plants and microbes. Overdose of REE, however, shows an inhibitory effect on living organisms. Therefore, this paper proposes two suggestions that will be available in the extension of full use of REE＇s biological function. One is to obey the dose law of REE and control REE concentrations within a safe range. The other is to further test the bioaccumulation and long-period influence of REE on organisms.

Effect of microRNA-143-3p-mediated CTNND1 on the biological function of lung cancer cells

Lung cancer poses a serious threat to human life with high incidence and miRNA is an important biomarkerin tumors. This study aimed to explore the effect of miR-143-3p on the biological function of lung cancer cells and theunderlying mechanism. Eighty-seven samples of lung cancer tissues and 81 samples of tumor-adjacent tissues from patients undergoing radical lung cancer surgery in our hospital were collected. The lung cancer cells and lung fibroblastcells (HFL-1) were purchased, and then miR-143-3p-mimics, miR-NC, si-CTNND1, and NC were transfected into A549 and PC-9 cells to establish cell models. MiR-143-3p and CTNND1 expression levels were measured by the qRT-PCR, Bax, Bcl-2, and CTNND1 expression levels by the Western Blot (WB), and cell proliferation, invasion, and apoptosis by the MTT assay, Transwell assay, and flow cytometry. Dual luciferase report assay was used to determinethe relationship between miR-143-3p and CTNND1. In this study, miR-143-3p was lowly expressed in lung cancer and CTNND1 was highly expressed in lung cancer. The overexpression of miR-143-3p inhibited cell proliferation and invasion, promoted cell apoptosis, significantly increased Bax protein expression, and decreased Bcl-2 protein expression. The inhibition of CTNND1 led to opposite biological characteristic in cells. The dual luciferase reporter assay demonstrated that miR-143-3p was a target region of CTNND1. Such results suggest that miR-143-3p can inhibitthe proliferation and invasion of lung cancer cells by regulating the expression of CTNND1 and promote the apoptosisof lung cancer cells, sott is expected to be a potential target for lung cancer.

Biological Function Research Progress of FABP5

The intracellular Fatty Acid Binding Proteins （FABPs） are a well-conserved family which functions as lipid chaperones. Recent findings also reveal that they are crucial mediators of lipid metabolism, cell growth and differentiation, cellular signaling and gene transcription. Ongoing studies are identifying the mechanistic complexity and vast biological diversity of different isoforms of FABPs. This paper introduced the biological function of FABP5 in inflammatory, metabolic diseases and milk fat synthesis.

TM9SF1 promotes bladder cancer cell growth and infiltration

BACKGROUND Bladder cancer(BC)is the most common urological tumor.It has a high recur-rence rate,displays tutor heterogeneity,and resists chemotherapy.Furthermore,the long-term survival rate of BC patients has remained unchanged for decades,which seriously affects the quality of patient survival.To improve the survival rate and prognosis of BC patients,it is necessary to explore the molecular mechanisms of BC development and progression and identify targets for treatment and intervention.Transmembrane 9 superfamily member 1(TM9SF1),also known as MP70 and HMP70,is a member of a family of nine transmembrane superfamily proteins,which was first identified in 1997.TM9SF1 can be expressed in BC,but its biological function and mechanism in BC are not clear.AIM To investigate the biological function and mechanism of TM9SF1 in BC.Overexpression of TM9SF1 increased the in vitro proliferation,migration,and invasion of BC cells by promoting the entry of BC cells into the G2/M phase.Silencing of TM9SF1 inhibited in vitro proliferation,migration,and invasion of BC cells and blocked BC cells in the G1 phase.CONCLUSION TM9SF1 may be an oncogene in BC.