灰毡毛忍冬MADS-box基因家族鉴定与CMB1基因克隆

目的鉴定灰毡毛忍冬Lonicera macranthoides MADS-box家族基因并进行生物信息学分析与表达模式验证,克隆湘蕾型和野生型灰毡毛忍冬MADS-box家族成员CMB1全长。方法基于转录组数据,利用在线工具对灰毡毛忍冬MADS-box进行生物信息学分析,并利用qRT-PCR验证MADS-box基因在不同品种中的表达模式,通过RT-PCR、RACE技术克隆湘蕾型和野生型灰毡毛忍冬CMB1基因全长。结果28个灰毡毛忍冬MADS-box蛋白长度为89~359 aa,碱性蛋白占比85.7%,不稳定蛋白占比96.4%,亲水性蛋白占比96.4%,均定位于细胞核,均为无跨膜结构的非分泌蛋白。转录组显示,与野生型比较,湘蕾型中28个MADS-box基因有17.86%表达下调,MIKCC型基因中有18.75%表达下调。克隆得到在两个品种的灰毡毛忍冬花中高度特异性表达的CMB1基因全长,均包含一个738 bp的ORF,编码245个氨基酸。CMB1基因在两个品种的花中表达量存在显著差异(P<0.01),且与茎、叶相比,在花中高度特异性表达(P<0.01)。结论基于灰毡毛忍冬转录组数据,鉴定了28个MADS-box家族基因,克隆得到湘蕾型与野生型灰毡毛忍冬CMB1基因全长,为进一步研究灰毡毛忍冬花发育、优良表型形成的分子机制提供研究基础与理论依据。

辣椒MIKC型MADS-box基因家族鉴定及胁迫响应

MADS-box家族在花的诱导和发育中作用广泛,有些基因在明显不相关的发育阶段具有多种功能。本研究通过生物信息学对辣椒MIKC型MADS-box家族系统发育树、保守结构、基因特征、GO和KEGG富集分析、时空表达等进行系统分析。在辣椒中共鉴定到25条MIKC_MADS基因,均具有MIKC_MADS的N端SRF-TF和C端K-box保守结构域,氨基酸数为122~278 aa,为两性亲水性蛋白。Motif分析发现,25条CaMADS-box基因均含有Motif1、Motif2、Motif4共3个保守基序。染色体定位发现,25条基因不均匀地分布在12条染色体上,其中染色体Chr02定位基因最多,共计5条基因。共线性分析发现MIKC_MADS在野生种Chiltepin中存在多个共线性区块。GO富集分析发现,MIKC_MADS主要参与植物生长初期发育过程,主要是花器官、胚乳发育过程,KEGG富集到甘氨酸、丝氨酸和苏氨酸代谢(ko00260),乙醛酸盐和二羧酸盐代谢(ko00630),碳代谢(ko01200)。顺式作用元件发现,与光响应元件、水杨酸、胚乳等元件相关。在时空表达过程中,MIKC_MADS在茎、叶、芽和花过程表达呈现上调表达趋势。

辣椒MADS-box转录因子CaRIN基因克隆、表达与功能分析

【目的】探究MADS-box家族基因RIN的表达特征和功能,解析其对辣椒类胡萝卜素代谢的影响。【方法】基于辣椒果实发育转录组,通过RT-PCR克隆辣椒MADS-box转录因子CaRIN基因CDS全长,分析其生物信息学、表达模式、亚细胞定位、转录活性等,并探讨VIGS诱导CaRIN基因沉默对类胡萝卜素代谢的影响。【结果】(1)CaRIN基因CDS全长732 bp,编码243个氨基酸,蛋白分子质量为27.95 kD,等电点(pI)为7.06,其编码蛋白具有典型的MEF2_like MADS结构域,属MICK型转录因子。(2)CaRIN基因主要在花和果实中表达,具有组织特异性;CaRIN定位在细胞核,并且具有转录激活活性。(3)CaRIN基因启动子具有ABRE等多个激素应答元件,外源脱落酸和乙烯利均能加速果实转红,诱导CaRIN及相关基因高表达。(4)VIGS诱导沉默CaRIN基因后,类胡萝卜素代谢途径基因PSY1、CCS、PDS、CRTZ、LCYB和NCED1表达水平降低为对照组的0.27~0.59倍,且果实总类胡萝卜素含量(0.379 mg/g)较对照(0.650 mg/g)显著降低。【结论】CaRIN是辣椒果实类胡萝卜素代谢过程的重要调控因子。

基于转录组信息的辣椒MADS-box转录因子家族分析

MADS-box转录因子广泛存在于植物中,在生长发育和次生代谢过程中发挥重要作用。为探究MADS-box转录因子家族在辣椒素不同积累时期的表达情况。利用辣椒素不同积累时期转录组数据,鉴定辣椒MADS-box转录因子家族成员,并进行亚细胞定位、保守基序、系统进化树和染色体定位分析,对其功能进行初步分析。结果表明,在辣椒转录组数据中共鉴定出95个MADS-box转录因子;含有105~395个氨基酸;分子质量为11.55~44.46 ku;理论等电点为5.16~10.01;主要在细胞核表达,均含有MADS保守结构域,系统发育分析表明,MADS蛋白可分为8个亚家族。有73条CaMADS家族成员定位到12条染色体上。差异表达的MADS-box基因有26个,其中6个基因在C1 vs C2时期上调,在C2 vs C3时期下调。基于KEGG富集和蛋白互作预测到CaMADS13可能参与辣椒中木质素的合成。CaMADS24可能参与辣椒素和木质素合成前体香豆酰辅酶A的合成。利用生物信息学分析,鉴定了辣椒MADS-box家族转录因子,为深入研究辣椒素次生代谢中的分子调控机制提供理论基础。

大豆MADS-box基因功能研究进展

MADS-box是植物体内一种重要的转录因子,其家族成员具有典型的MIKC结构、高度保守的N端MADS以及保守性较低的I域和C端。MADS-box基因广泛表达于植物的根、茎、叶、花、芽等组织部位,并参与调控花期、花器官发育、种子发育及非生物胁迫响应等过程。近年来的研究报道显示,不同MADS-box基因的表达模式不尽相同,其功能也存在较大差异。本文概述了大豆MADS-box基因家族的结构及分类,总结了大豆MADS-box基因家族花发育ABCDE模型中相关成员及SVP、SOC1、FLC等基因的研究进展。最后对大豆MADS-box的研究提出了展望,为今后进一步挖掘和利用该类转录因子基因进行大豆遗传改良和种质创新提供参考依据。

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.

柳属植物花发育相关的MADS-box基因家族成员鉴定与表达分析

【目的】利用基因组和转录组数据鉴定分析花发育相关的MADS-box基因家族成员的结构特征及表达模式,为柳属花被缺失的分子机制研究提供理论依据。【方法】通过生物信息学方法鉴定柳属的长梗柳(Salix dunnii)、欧蒿柳(S.viminalis)、红皮柳(S.purpurea)的MADS-box基因家族成员,并对3种柳树花发育相关的MADS-box基因系统发育关系、基因复制和丢失、基因结构和理化性质进行分析。根据雌雄花芽的转录组数据分析长梗柳花发育相关基因在花芽不同发育阶段的表达模式。【结果】在长梗柳、欧蒿柳和红皮柳中分别鉴定出82、82和98个MADS-box家族基因。3种柳树的花发育相关基因经历了基因复制和丢失,相同亚类基因结构和保守结构域相似,但部分A、B、C和E亚类基因的K-box结构域缺失。长梗柳花发育相关基因的表达结果显示,在雌花和雄花中具有不同的表达模式。其中,B亚类SdMADS26和SdMADS4基因表达量均偏低。【结论】柳属植物花发育相关基因中部分成员的基因结构和表达模式发生了变化,推测这些变化可能与柳属花被缺失相关。

朱红大杜鹃MADS-box基因家族的全基因组鉴定与特征分析

MADS-box是在植物生长发育过程中扮演重要角色的一类转录因子,特别是花器官形成、开花时间控制及果实发育与成熟等过程。本研究基于朱红大杜鹃(Rhododendron griersonianum Balf.f.et Forrest)全基因组测序数据,利用生物信息学方法从中鉴定出81个MADS-box基因,并进行了分析。根据系统发育关系和蛋白结构将MADS-box分为两类:Type-Ⅰ型包含24个基因,Type-Ⅱ型包含57个基因,这些基因不均匀地分布于12条染色体上;81个MADS-box基因中,存在6对片段复制和1对串联复制基因,且它们经历了纯化选择作用;同时,基因启动子区域含有光响应、植物生长、激素反应和胁迫响应等顺式作用元件。综上,本研究鉴定了朱红大杜鹃的MADS-box家族转录因子,为深入研究其MADS-box蛋白的生物学功能提供了基础。

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.

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).

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.

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.

Responses of growth performance,antioxidant function,small intestinal morphology and mRNA expression of jejunal tight junction protein to dietary iron in yellow-feathered broilers

This study aimed to investigate the dose-effect of iron on growth performance,antioxidant function.intestinal morphology,and mRNA expression of jejunal tight junction protein in 1-to21-d-old yellow-feathered broilers.A total of 7201-d-old yellow-feathered maleb roilers were allocated to 9 treatments with 8 replicate cages of 10 birds per cage.The dietary treatments were consisted of a basal diet(contained 79.6 mg Fe kg^(-1))supplemented with 0,20,40,60,80,160,320,640,and 1,280 mg Fe kg^(-1)in the form of FeSO_(4)·7H_(2)O.Compared with the birds in the control group,birds supplemented with 20mg Fe kg^(-1)had higher average daily gain(ADG)(P<0.0001).Adding 640 and 1,280 mg Fe kg^(-1)significantly decreased ADG(P<0.0001)and average daily feed intake(ADFI)(P<0.0001)compared with supplementation of 20mg Fe kg^(-1).Malondialdehyde(MDA)concentration in plasma and duodenum increased linearly(P<0.0001),but MDA concentration in liver and jejunum increased linearly(P<0.05)or quadratically(P<0.05)with increased dietary Fe concentration.The villus height(VH)in duodenum and jejunum,and the ratio of villus height to crypt depth(V/C)in duodenum decreased linearly(P?0.05)as dietary Feincreased.As dietary Fe increased,the jejunal relative mRNA abundance of claudin-1 decreased linearly(P=0.001),but the jejunal relative mRNA abundance of zona occludens-1(ZO-1)and occludin decreased linearly(P?0.05)or quadratically(P?0.05).Compared with the supplementation of 20 mg Fe kg^(-1),the supplementation of640 mg Fe kg^(-1)or higher increased(P?0.05)MDA concentrations in plasma,duodenum,and jejunum,decreased VH in the duodenum and jejunum,and the addition of 1,280 mg Fe kg^(-1)reduced(P?0.05)the jejunal tight junction protein(claudin-1,ZO-1,occludin)mRNA abundance.In summary,640 mg of supplemental Fe kg^(-1)or greater was associated with decreased growth performance,increased oxidative stress,disrupted intestinal morphology,and reduced mRNA expression of jejunal tight junction protein.

Emulsifying property,antioxidant activity,and bitterness of soybean protein isolate hydrolysate obtained by Corolase PP under high hydrostatic pressure

Enzymatic hydrolysis of proteins can enhance their emulsifying properties and antioxidant activities.However,the problem related to the hydrolysis of proteins was the generation of the bitter taste.Recently,high hydrostatic pressure(HHP)treatment has attracted much interest and has been used in several studies on protein modification.Hence,the study aimed to investigate the effects of enzymatic hydrolysis by Corolase PP under different pressure treatments(0.1,100,200,and 300 MPa for 1-5 h at 50℃)on the emulsifying property,antioxidant activity,and bitterness of soybean protein isolate hydrolysate(SPIH).As observed,the hydrolysate obtained at 200 MPa for 4 h had the highest emulsifying activity index(47.49 m^(2)/g)and emulsifying stability index(92.98%),and it had higher antioxidant activities(44.77%DPPH free radical scavenging activity,31.12%superoxide anion radical scavenging activity,and 61.50%copper ion chelating activity).At the same time,the enhancement of emulsion stability was related to the increase of zeta potential and the decrease of mean particle size.In addition,the hydrolysate obtained at 200 MPa for 4 h had a lower bitterness value and showed better palatability.This study has a broad application prospect in developing food ingredients and healthy foods.

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.

Interplay between the glymphatic system and neurotoxic proteins in Parkinson’s disease and related disorders:current knowledge and future directions

Parkinson’s disease is a common neurodegenerative disorder that is associated with abnormal aggregation and accumulation of neurotoxic proteins,includingα-synuclein,amyloid-β,and tau,in addition to the impaired elimination of these neurotoxic protein.Atypical parkinsonism,which has the same clinical presentation and neuropathology as Parkinson’s disease,expands the disease landscape within the continuum of Parkinson’s disease and related disorders.The glymphatic system is a waste clearance system in the brain,which is responsible for eliminating the neurotoxic proteins from the interstitial fluid.Impairment of the glymphatic system has been proposed as a significant contributor to the development and progression of neurodegenerative disease,as it exacerbates the aggregation of neurotoxic proteins and deteriorates neuronal damage.Therefore,impairment of the glymphatic system could be considered as the final common pathway to neurodegeneration.Previous evidence has provided initial insights into the potential effect of the impaired glymphatic system on Parkinson’s disease and related disorders;however,many unanswered questions remain.This review aims to provide a comprehensive summary of the growing literature on the glymphatic system in Parkinson’s disease and related disorders.The focus of this review is on identifying the manifestations and mechanisms of interplay between the glymphatic system and neurotoxic proteins,including loss of polarization of aquaporin-4 in astrocytic endfeet,sleep and circadian rhythms,neuroinflammation,astrogliosis,and gliosis.This review further delves into the underlying pathophysiology of the glymphatic system in Parkinson’s disease and related disorders,and the potential implications of targeting the glymphatic system as a novel and promising therapeutic strategy.

Optimizing the Bacillus thuringiensis(Bt)protein concentration in cotton:Coordinated application of exogenous amino acids and EDTA to reduce spatiotemporal variability in boll and leaf toxins

During the boll formation stage,cotton bolls exhibit the lowest expression of Bacillus thuringiensis(Bt)insecticidal proteins.Resistance to insects varies notably among different organs,which poses challenges for controlling cotton bollworms.Consequently,an experimental strategy was designed in the 2020-2021 cotton growing season to coordinate the enhancement of protein synthesis and the attenuation of degradation.Two Bt cultivars of Gossypium hirsutum,namely the hybrid Sikang 3 and the conventional Sikang 1,were used as test materials.Three treatments were applied at the peak flowering period:CK(the control),T1(amino acids),and T2(amino acids and EDTA).The results show that,in comparison to the CK group,the Bt protein contents were significantly increased in both cotton bolls and their subtending leaves under the T1 and T2 treatments.The maximum levels of increase observed were 67.5%in cotton bolls and 21.7%in leaves.Moreover,the disparity in Bt protein content between cotton bolls and their subtending leaves notably decreased by 31.2%.Correlation analysis suggested that the primary physiological mechanisms for augmenting Bt protein content involve increased protein synthesis and reduced protein catabolism,which are independent of Bt gene expression levels.Stepwise regression and path analysis revealed that elevating the soluble protein content and transaminase activity,while reducing the catabolic enzyme activities,are instrumental in enhancing the Bt protein content.Consequently,the coordinated application of amino acids and EDTA emerges as a strategy that can improve the overall resistance of Bt cotton and mitigate the spatiotemporal variations in Bt toxin concentrations in both cotton bolls and leaves.

Effects of improved amino acid balance diet on lysine mammary utilization, whole body protein turnover and muscle protein breakdown on lactating sows

Background The study objective was to test the hypothesis that low crude protein(CP)diet with crystalline amino acids(CAA)supplementation improves Lys utilization efficiency for milk production and reduces protein turnover and muscle protein breakdown.Eighteen lactating multiparous Yorkshire sows were allotted to 1 of 2 isocaloric diets(10.80 MJ/kg net energy):control(CON;19.24%CP)and reduced CP with“optimal”AA profile(OPT;14.00%CP).Sow body weight and backfat were recorded on d 1 and 21 of lactation and piglets were weighed on d 1,14,18,and 21 of lactation.Between d 14 and 18,a subset of 9 sows(CON=4,OPT=5)was infused with a mixed solution of 3-[methyl-2H3]histidine(bolus injection)and[13C]bicarbonate(priming dose)first,then a constant 2-h[13C]bicarbonate infusion followed by a 6-h primed constant[1-13C]lysine infusion.Serial blood and milk sampling were performed to determine plasma and milk Lys enrichment,Lys oxidation rate,whole body protein turnover,and muscle protein breakdown.Results Over the 21-d lactation period,compared to CON,sows fed OPT had greater litter growth rate(P<0.05).Compared to CON,sows fed OPT had greater efficiency of Lys(P<0.05),Lys mammary flux(P<0.01)and whole-body protein turnover efficiency(P<0.05).Compared to CON,sows fed OPT tended to have lower whole body protein breakdown rate(P=0.069).Muscle protein breakdown rate did not differ between OPT and CON(P=0.197).Conclusion Feeding an improved AA balance diet increased efficiency of Lys and reduced whole-body protein turnover and protein breakdown.These results imply that the lower maternal N retention observed in lactating sows fed improved AA balance diets in previous studies may be a result of greater partitioning of AA towards milk rather than greater body protein breakdown.

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.

Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound reduces alveolar bone resorption during orthodontic treatment via Lamin A/C-Yes-associated protein axis in stem cells

BACKGROUND The bone remodeling during orthodontic treatment for malocclusion often requires a long duration of around two to three years,which also may lead to some complications such as alveolar bone resorption or tooth root resorption.Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound(LIPUS),a noninvasive physical therapy,has been shown to promote bone fracture healing.It is also reported that LIPUS could reduce the duration of orthodontic treatment;however,how LIPUS regulates the bone metabolism during the orthodontic treatment process is still unclear.AIM To investigate the effects of LIPUS on bone remodeling in an orthodontic tooth movement(OTM)model and explore the underlying mechanisms.METHODS A rat model of OTM was established,and alveolar bone remodeling and tooth movement rate were evaluated via micro-computed tomography and staining of tissue sections.In vitro,human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells(hBMSCs)were isolated to detect their osteogenic differentiation potential under compression and LIPUS stimulation by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction,Western blot,alkaline phosphatase(ALP)staining,and Alizarin red staining.The expression of Yes-associated protein(YAP1),the actin cytoskeleton,and the Lamin A/C nucleoskeleton were detected with or without YAP1 small interfering RNA(siRNA)application via immunofluorescence.RESULTS The force treatment inhibited the osteogenic differentiation potential of hBMSCs;moreover,the expression of osteogenesis markers,such as type 1 collagen(COL1),runt-related transcription factor 2,ALP,and osteocalcin(OCN),decreased.LIPUS could rescue the osteogenic differentiation of hBMSCs with increased expression of osteogenic marker inhibited by force.Mechanically,the expression of LaminA/C,F-actin,and YAP1 was downregulated after force treatment,which could be rescued by LIPUS.Moreover,the osteogenic differentiation of hBMSCs increased by LIPUS could be attenuated by YAP siRNA treatment.Consistently,LIPUS increased alveolar bone density and decreased vertical bone absorption in vivo.The decreased expression of COL1,OCN,and YAP1 on the compression side of the alveolar bone was partially rescued by LIPUS.CONCLUSION LIPUS can accelerate tooth movement and reduce alveolar bone resorption by modulating the cytoskeleton-Lamin A/C-YAP axis,which may be a promising strategy to reduce the orthodontic treatment process.