Hydrogen sulfide(H_(2)S)is a toxic,essential gas used in various biological and physical processes and has been the subject of many targeted studies on its role as a new gas transmitter.These studies have mainly focus...Hydrogen sulfide(H_(2)S)is a toxic,essential gas used in various biological and physical processes and has been the subject of many targeted studies on its role as a new gas transmitter.These studies have mainly focused on the production and pharmacological side effects caused by H_(2)S.Therefore,effective strategies to remove H_(2)S has become a key research topic.Furthermore,the development of novel nanoplatforms has provided new tools for the targeted removal of H_(2)S.This paper was performed to review the association between H_(2)S anddisease,relatedH_(2)S inhibitory drugs,aswell as H_(2)S responsive nanoplatforms(HRNs).This review first analyzed the role of H_(2)S in multiple tissues and conditions.Second,common drugs used to eliminate H_(2)S,as well as their potential for combination with anticancer agents,were summarized.Not only the existing studies on HRNs,but also the inhibition H_(2)S combined with different therapeutic methods were both sorted out in this review.Furthermore,this review provided in-depth analysis of the potential of HRNs about treatment or detection in detail.Finally,potential challenges of HRNs were proposed.This study demonstrates the excellent potential of HRNs for biomedical applications.展开更多
Haplotypic information in diploid organisms provides valuable information on human evolutionary history and plays an important role in identifying a candidate gene in the etiology of complex genetic diseases. However,...Haplotypic information in diploid organisms provides valuable information on human evolutionary history and plays an important role in identifying a candidate gene in the etiology of complex genetic diseases. However, haplotypes of diploid individuals cannot be acquired easily. Molecular haplotyping methods are very costly and have low throughput, and current genotyping and sequenc- ing methods do not provide information on the linkage phase in diploid organisms. The application of statistical methods to infer the haplotype phase in samples of diploid sequences is a very cost-effective approach.展开更多
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have great potential for treating various diseases, especially those related to tissue damage involving immune reactions. Various studies have demonstrated that MSCs are strongly immuno...Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have great potential for treating various diseases, especially those related to tissue damage involving immune reactions. Various studies have demonstrated that MSCs are strongly immunosuppressive in vitro and in vivo. Our recent studies have shown that un-stimulated MSCs are indeed incapable of immunosuppression; they become potently immunosuppressive upon stimulation with the supernatant of activated lymphocytes, or with combinations of IFN-γ, with TNF-α, IL-1α or IL-1β. This observation revealed that under certain circumstances, inflammatory cytokines can actually become immunosuppressive. We showed that there is a species variation in the mechanisms of MSC-mediated immunosuppression: immunosuppression by cytokine-primed mouse MSCs is mediated by nitric oxide (NO), whereas immunosuppression by cytokine-primed human MSCs is executed through indoleamine 2, 3-dioxygenase (IDO). Additionally, upon stimulation with the inflammatory cytokines, both mouse and human MSCs secrete several leukocyte chemokines that apparently serve to attract immune cells into the proximity with MSCs, where NO or IDO is predicted to be most active. Therefore, immunosuppression by inflammatory cytokine-stimulated MSCs occurs via the concerted action of chemokines and immune-inhibitory NO or IDO produced by MSCs. Thus, our results provide novel information about the mechanisms of MSC-mediated immunosuppression and for better application of MSCs in treating tissue injuries induced by immune responses.展开更多
Berberine is identified to lower the serum cholesterol level in human and hamster through the induction of low density lipoproteins (LDL) receptor in hepatic cells. To evaluate its potential in preventing atheroscle...Berberine is identified to lower the serum cholesterol level in human and hamster through the induction of low density lipoproteins (LDL) receptor in hepatic cells. To evaluate its potential in preventing atherosclerosis, the effect of berberine on atherosclerosis development in apolipoprotcin E-deficient (apoE^-/-) mice was investigated. In apoE^-/- mice, berberine induced in rivo foam cell formation and promoted atheroselerosis development. The foam cell formation induced by berberinc was also observed in mouse RAW264.7 cells, as well as in mouse and human primary macrophages. By inducing scavenger receptor A (SR-A) expression in macrophages, berberine increased the uptake of modified LDL (DiO-Ac-LDL). Bcrberine-induced SR-A expression was also observed in macrophage foam cells in vivo and in the cells at atherosclerotic lesion. Analysis in RAW264.7 cells indicated that berberine induced SR-A expression by suppressing PTEN expression, which led to sustained Akt activation. Our results suggest that to evaluate the potential of a cholesterol-reducing compound in alleviating atherosclerosis, its effect on the ceils involved in atherosclerosis development, such as macrophages, should also be considered. Promotion of foam cell formation could counter-balance the beneficial effect of lowering serum cholesterol.展开更多
Phagocytosis and subsequent degradation of pathogens by macrophages play a pivotal role in host innate immune responses to microbial infection. Recent studies have shown that Toll-like receptors (TLRs) play an impor...Phagocytosis and subsequent degradation of pathogens by macrophages play a pivotal role in host innate immune responses to microbial infection. Recent studies have shown that Toll-like receptors (TLRs) play an important role in promoting the clearance of bacteria by up-regulating the phagocytic activity of macrophages. However, information regarding the signaling mechanism of TLR-mediated phagocytosis is still limited. Here, we provide evidence that the stimulation of TLR4 with LPS leads to activation of multiple signaling pathways including MAP kinases, phosphatidylinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), and small GTPases in the murine macrophage-like cell line RAW264.7. Specific inhibition of Cdc42/Rac or p38 MAP kinase, but not PI3K, reduced TLR4-induced phagocytosis of bacteria. Moreover, we have found that either inhibition of actin polymerization by cytochalasin D or the knockdown of actin by RNAi markedly reduced the activation of Cdc42 and Rac by LPS. TLR4-induced activation of Cdc42 and Rac appears to be independent of MyD88. Taken together, our results described a novel actin-Cdc42/Rac pathway through which TLRs can specifically provoke phagocytosis.展开更多
The rice Eui (ELONGATED UPPERMOST INTERNODE) gene encodes a cytochrome P450 monooxygenase that deactivates bioactive gibberellins (GAs). In this study, we investigated controlled expression of the Eui gene and its...The rice Eui (ELONGATED UPPERMOST INTERNODE) gene encodes a cytochrome P450 monooxygenase that deactivates bioactive gibberellins (GAs). In this study, we investigated controlled expression of the Eui gene and its role in plant development. We found that Eui was differentially induced by exogenous GAs and that the Eui promoter had the highest activity in the vascular bundles. The eui mutant was defective in starch granule development in root caps and Eui overexpression enhanced starch granule generation and gravity responses, revealing a role for GA in root starch granule development and gravity responses. Experiments using embryoless half-seeds revealed that RAmylA and GAmyb were highly upregulated in eui aleurone ceils in the absence of exogenous GA. In addition, the GA biosynthesis genes GA3oxl and GA20ox2 were downregulated and GA2oxl was upregulated in eui seedlings. These results indicate that EUI is involved in GA homeostasis, not only in the internodes at the heading stage, but also in the seedling stage, roots and seeds. Disturbing GA homeostasis affected the expression of the GA signaling genes GID1 (GIBBERELLIN INSENSITIVE DWARF 1), GID2 and SLR1. Transgenic RNA interference of the Eui gene effectively increased plant height and improved heading performance. By contrast, the ectopic expression of Eui under the promoters of the rice GA biosynthesis genes GA3ox2 and GA2Oox2 significantly reduced plant height. These results demonstrate that a slight increase in Eui expression could dramatically change rice morphology, indicating the practical application of the Eui gene in rice molecular breeding for a high yield potential.展开更多
Dysregulation of β-site APP-cleaving enzyme (BACE) and/or γ-secretase leads to anomalous production of amyloid-β peptide (Aβ) and contributes to the etiology of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Since these secreta...Dysregulation of β-site APP-cleaving enzyme (BACE) and/or γ-secretase leads to anomalous production of amyloid-β peptide (Aβ) and contributes to the etiology of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Since these secretases mediate proteolytic processing of numerous proteins, little success has been achieved to treat AD by secretase inhibitors because of inevitable undesired side effects. Thus, it is of importance to unravel the regulatory mechanisms of these secretases. Here, we show that δ-opioid receptor (DOR) promotes the processing of Aβ precursor protein (APP) by BACE1 and γ-secretase, but not that of Notch, N-cadherin or APLP. Further investigation reveals that DOR forms a complex with BACE1 and γ-seeretase, and activation of DOR mediates the co-endocytic sorting of the secretases/ receptor complex for APP endoproteolysis. Dysfunction of the receptor retards the endocytosis of BACE1 and γ-secretase and thus the production of Aβ Consistently, knockdown or antagonization of DOR reduces secretase activities and ameliorates Aβ pathology and Aβ-dependent behavioral deficits, but does not affect the processing of Notch, N-cadherin or APLP in AD model mice. Our study not only uncovers a molecular mechanism for the formation of a DOR/secretase complex that regulates the specificity of secretase for Aβ production but also suggests that intervention of either formation or trafficking of the GPCR/secretase complex could lead to a new strategy against AD, potentially with fewer side effects.展开更多
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is deeply rooted in ancient Chinese culture and has been practiced by Chinese people for thousands of years in order to maintain their health and fight against disease. This ancient ...Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is deeply rooted in ancient Chinese culture and has been practiced by Chinese people for thousands of years in order to maintain their health and fight against disease. This ancient Chinese wisdom has accumulated from the long struggle to cope with various diseases through hundreds or even thousands of trial-and-error practices. However, due to its empirical character, TCM has long been criticized as being deficient in scientific evidence, and is still not widely accepted by the mainstream conventional medical system. The complexity of the chemical components of TCM and the clarification of its mechanisms remain an enormous challenge in the conversion of TCM into an evidence-based medicine. Thanks to incredible progress in biomedical research, TCM has evolved at an astonishing pace in various aspects, as indicated by the 2015 Nobel Prize awarded to Professor Youyou Tu for her discovery of artemisinin.展开更多
Leaf morphogenesis requires the establishment of adaxlal-abaxlal polarity after primordium initiation from the snoot apical meristem (SAM). Several families of transcription factors are known to play critical roles ...Leaf morphogenesis requires the establishment of adaxlal-abaxlal polarity after primordium initiation from the snoot apical meristem (SAM). Several families of transcription factors are known to play critical roles in promoting adaxial or abaxial leaf fate. Recently, post-transcriptional gene silencing pathways have been shown to regulate the establishment of leaf polarity, providing novel and exciting insights into leaf development. For example, microRNAs (miR 165/166) and a trans-acting siRNA (TAS3-derived tasiR-ARF) have been shown to repress the expression of several key transcription factor genes. In addition, yet another level of regulation, post-translational regulation, has been revealed recently by studies on the role of the 26S proteasome in leaf polarity. Although our understanding regarding the molecular mecha- nisms underlying establishment of adaxial-abaxial polarity has greatly improved, there is still much that remains elusive. This review aims to discuss recent progress, as well as the remaining questions, regarding the molecular mechanisms underlying leaf polarity formation.展开更多
For proper chromosome segregation, all kinetochores must achieve bipolar microtubule (MT) attachment and subsequently align at the spindle equator before anaphase onset. The MT minus end-directed motor dynein/dynact...For proper chromosome segregation, all kinetochores must achieve bipolar microtubule (MT) attachment and subsequently align at the spindle equator before anaphase onset. The MT minus end-directed motor dynein/dynactin binds kinetoehores in prometaphase and has long been implicated in chromosome congression. Unfortunately, inactivation of dynein usually disturbs spindle organization, thus hampering evaluation of its kinetochore roles. Here we specifically eliminated kinetochore dynein/dynactin by RNAi-mediated depletion of ZW10, a protein essential for kinetochore localization of the motor. Time-lapse microscopy indicated markedly-reduced congression efficiency, though congressing chromosomes displayed similar velocities as in control cells. Moreover, cells frequently failed to achieve full chromosome alignment, despite their normal spindles. Confocal microcopy revealed that the misaligned kinetochores were monooriented or unattached and mostly lying outside the spindle, suggesting a difficulty to capture MTs from the opposite pole. Kinetoehores on monoastral spindles were dispersed farther away from the pole and exhibited only mild oscillation. Furthermore, inactivating dynein by other means generated similar phenotypes. Therefore, kinetochore dynein produces on monooriented kinetochores a poleward pulling force, which may contribute to efficient bipolar attachment by facilitating their proper microtubule captures to promote congression as well as full chromosome alignment.展开更多
We have previously reported that the human ACAT1 gene produces a chimeric mRNA through the interchromosomal processing of two discontinuous RNAs transcribed from chromosomes 1 and 7. The chimeric mRNA uses AUG1397-139...We have previously reported that the human ACAT1 gene produces a chimeric mRNA through the interchromosomal processing of two discontinuous RNAs transcribed from chromosomes 1 and 7. The chimeric mRNA uses AUG1397-1399 and GGC1274-1276 as translation initiation codons to produce normal 50-kDa ACAT1 and a novel enzymatically active 56-kDa isoform, respectively, with the latter being authentically present in human cells, including human monocyte- derived macrophages. In this work, we report that RNA secondary structures located in the vicinity of the GGC1274-1276 codon are required for production of the 56-kDa isoform. The effects of the three predicted stem-loops (nt 1255-1268, 1286-1342 and 1355-1384) were tested individually by transfecting expression plasmids into cells that contained the wild-type, deleted or mutant stem-loop sequences linked to a partial ACAT1 AUG open reading frame (ORF) or to the ORFs of other genes. The expression patterns were monitored by western blot analyses. We found that the upstream stem-loop1255-1268 from chromosome 7 and downstream stem-loop1286-1342 from chromosome 1 were needed for production of the 56-kDa isoform, whereas the last stem-loop135s-1384 from chromosome 1 was dispensable. The results of experi- ments using both monocistronic and bicistronic vectors with a stable hairpin showed that translation initiation from the GGC1274-1276 codon was mediated by an internal ribosome entry site (IRES). Further experiments revealed that translation initiation from the GGC1274-1276 codon requires the upstream AU-constituted RNA secondary structure and the downstream GC-rich structure. This mechanistic work provides further support for the biological significance of the chimeric nature of the human ACAT1 transcript.展开更多
Recent progress in bioinorganic chemistry studies of rare earth elements (REE) in animal cells was outlined, and the definition of REE′s biological intelligence as well as their mechanism were also explained. The mig...Recent progress in bioinorganic chemistry studies of rare earth elements (REE) in animal cells was outlined, and the definition of REE′s biological intelligence as well as their mechanism were also explained. The migration of REE from weathering rocks to the environment is accelerated by various anthropogenic activities, which can eventually result in the entrance of REE into animal and human bodies via food chain. REE can be found in body tissues such as brain, blood, muscle as well as bone. Based on their geochemical properties, REE in low dose show their unique biological intelligence by intervening in the process of signal transduction and its regulation, arteriosclerosis and blood clotting prevention, anticancer, and the promotion of cellular defense enzymes′ activities, nucleic acid metabolism enzymes as well as ATPases, etc. The meaning of REE′s biological intelligence refers to physicochemical properties-based capability to choose the targets (e.g., biometals) in biomolecules for the chelation or replacement of REE, and change the structures and functions of biomolecules, and consequently impact or control the biological functions or behaviors in living organisms. The regulation of various cellular processes caused by REE is mainly via antagonism or replacement of essential target biometals like calcium or via chelation of organic molecules, thereby embodying the unparalleled biological intelligence of REE. Additionally, the dosage effect of REE was also discussed from the angles of yin-yang dichotomy, bioavailability, entropy and evolution. In order to make full use of REE′s biological intelligence in the application for medicine, more detailed studies concerning dosage effect of REE and REE bioaccumulation in organisms should be conducted in future research.展开更多
BACKGROUND: Choosing proper donor cells is one of keys in experimental and clinical studies on cell replacement therapy (CRT) for treating Parkinson disease (PD). Embryonic mesencephalic precursor cells (MPCs) ...BACKGROUND: Choosing proper donor cells is one of keys in experimental and clinical studies on cell replacement therapy (CRT) for treating Parkinson disease (PD). Embryonic mesencephalic precursor cells (MPCs) can stably differentiate into dopaminergic neuron after in vitro proliferated culture. As compared with embryonic stem cell and neural stem cell strains, cell composition of embryonic MPCs after primary culture is also the most close to that of embryonic mesencephalic ventral cell suspension without proliferated culture. Successful experience accumulated in the latter suggests that primary cultured embryonic MPCs might be the most potential donor cells in clinical application with CRT for treating PD so far. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the feasibility of primary cultured embryonic precursor cells cultured primarily as donor cells in CRT for treating PD in rats. DESIGN : A randomized and controlled trial taking SD rats as experimental animals.SETTING: Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University.MATERIALS: This experiment was carried out at the Institute of Neuroscience, Shanghai Institute for Biological Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences from July 2003 to June 2004. Totally 26 female SD rats, with body mass of 200 to 220 g, were provided by Shanghai Experimental Animal Center of Chinese Academy of Sciences. METHODS : Stereotaxic injection of 6-hydroxydopamine into the medial forebrain bundle were perfored to develop PD model rat. Among 26 SD rats, 20 rats achieved a more than 5 turns/min in apomorphine induced rotation test, reaching the standard of PD model rats. Immunohistochemical detection was performed on 1 out of 20 model rats after execution, and the other 19 rats were randomly divided into control group (n=5), sham transplantation group (n=5)and cell grafted group (n=9). Primary cultured E12 MPC cell suspension (1.2×10^11 L^-1)were used as donor cells. 4μL primary cultured E12 MPC cell suspension prepared freshly was injected into the lesioned corpus striatum of rats in cell grafted group, and 4μL D-Hank's solution was injected in sham transplantation group in the same way. There was no injection in control group. Apomorphine-induced rotation rate of PD rats were recorded respectively in cell grafted group and sham transplantation group pre-operation (initial value) and at postoperative 2, 4, 6 and 16 weeks. Apomorphine-induced rotation rate of PD rats was recorded in control group at postoperative 2 months (initial value) and following 2,4,6 and 16 weeks. To determine TH antigen with immunohistological ABC method (DAB developing) at 6 months post-transplantation to investigate the differentiation and survival of donor cells in the host body.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Apomorphine-induced rotation behavior before and after transplantation and the survival and differentiation of implanted cells in the host body at 6 months post-transplantation. RESULTS: Among 19 model rats, one rat died after transplantation respectively in the cell grafted group and sham transplantation group; finally 17 model rats entered the stage of result analysis. Relative apomorphine-induced rotation rate was significantly decreased in the cell grafted group as compared with that before transplantation , with significant difference (P 〈 0.01 .P 〈 0.05);the mean value of relative apomorphine-induced rotation rate was significantly decreased at postoperative 16 weeks in cell grafted group as compared with that of corresponding relative rotation rate in control group , also with significant difference (P 〈 0.05).Immunohistological results showed that donor cells could differentiate into large and multi-polar dopaminergic neurons in the host body. CONCLUSION : Primary cultured embryonic MPCs can be used as the donor cells in CRT for treating PD.展开更多
Interferon regulatory factor (IRF)3 is critical for the transcriptional induction of chemokines and cytokines during viral or bacterial invasion. The kinases Tank binding kinase (TBK)1 and Ikappa B kinase (IKK)...Interferon regulatory factor (IRF)3 is critical for the transcriptional induction of chemokines and cytokines during viral or bacterial invasion. The kinases Tank binding kinase (TBK)1 and Ikappa B kinase (IKK)ε can phosphorylate the C-terminal part of IRF3 and play important roles in IRF3 activation. In this study, we show that another kinase, c-Jun-NH2-terminal kinase (JNK), phosphorylates IRF3 on its N-terminal serine 173 residue, and TAK1 can stimu- late IRF3 phosphorylation via JNK. JNK specific inhibitor SP600125 inhibits the N-terminal phosphorylation with- out affecting the C-terminal phosphorylation. In addition, IRF3-mediated gene expressions on lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or polyinosinic-cytidylic acid (polyI:C) treatment are severely impaired by SP600125, as well as for reporter gene assay of IRF3 activation. Knockdown of TAK1 further confirmed these observations. Interestingly, constitu- tive active IRF3(5D) can be inhibited by SP600125; JNK1 can synergize the action of IRF3(5D), but not the S173A- IRF3(5D) mutant. More importantly, polyI:C failed to induce the phosphorylation of mutant S173A and SP600125 dramatically abrogated IRF3 phosphorylation and dimerization that was stimulated by polyhC. Thus, this study demonstrates that the TAK1-JNK cascade is required for IRF3 function, in addition to TBK1/IKKε, uncovering a new mechanism for mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase to regulate the innate immunity.展开更多
The bystin-like (BYSL) gene was previously characterized to encode an accessory protein for cell adhesion that participates in early embryo implantation. It is also involved in 40S ribosomal subunit biogenesis and i...The bystin-like (BYSL) gene was previously characterized to encode an accessory protein for cell adhesion that participates in early embryo implantation. It is also involved in 40S ribosomal subunit biogenesis and is found to be expressed in rapidly growing embryo and cancer cell lines. In order to explore the role of BYSL in cancer cell proliferation and growth, we used hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) as a model. Here, we report that BYSL is crucial for HCC cell growth both in vitro and in vivo. Expression levels of BYSL mRNA and protein in human HCC specimens were markedly increased compared with those seen in adjacent non-cancerous tissue. In vitro, inhibition of BYSL by short hairpin RNA decreased HCC cell proliferation, induced apoptosis and partially arrested the cell cycle in the G2/M phase. In vivo, HCC cells treated with BYSL siRNA failed to form tumors in nude mice after subcutaneous implantation. To determine the cellular basis for BYSL RNAi-induced cell growth arrest, BYSL subcellular localization in mitotic and interphase HepG2 cells was examined. BYSL was present at multiple stages during nucleologenesis, including in nucleolus-derived foci (NDF), perichromosomal regions and the prenucleolar body (PNB) during mitosis. BYSL depletion remarkably suppressed NDF and PNB formation, and disrupted nucleoli assembly after mitosis, resulting in increased apoptosis and reduced tolerance of HCC cells to serum starvation. Taken together, our studies indicate that upregulated BYSL expression plays a role in hepatocarcinogenesis.展开更多
Dear Editor, We examined myelin formation by oligodendrocytes co-transplanted with immunosuppressive mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) were grafted into the mouse retina, and gr...Dear Editor, We examined myelin formation by oligodendrocytes co-transplanted with immunosuppressive mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) were grafted into the mouse retina, and graft survival and maturation was determined with or without adjunctive MSCs. Green fluorescent protein (GFP)-labeled MSCs were present at 2 but not 6 weeks post transplant,展开更多
Although much progress has been made in understanding how floral organ identity is determined during the floral development, less is known about how floral organ is elaborated in the late floral developmental stages. ...Although much progress has been made in understanding how floral organ identity is determined during the floral development, less is known about how floral organ is elaborated in the late floral developmental stages. Here we describe a novel floral mutant, wrinkled petals and stamens1 (wps1), which shows defects in the development of petals and stamens. Genetic analysis indicates that wpsl mutant is corresponding to a single recessive locus at the long arm of chromosome 3. The early development of floral organs in wpsl mutant is similar to that in wild type, and the malfunction of the mutant commences in late developmental stages, displaying a defect on the appearance of petals and stamens. In the mature flower, petals and stamen filaments in the mutant are wrinkled or folded, and the cellular morphology under L1 layer of petals and stamen filaments is abnormal. It is found that the expression patterns of floral organ identity genes are not affected in wpsl mutants compared with that of wild type, consistent with the unaltered development of all floral organs. Furthermore, the identities of epidermal cells in different type of petals are maintained. The histological analysis shows that in wpsl flowers all petals are irregularly folded, and there are knotted structures in the petals, while the shape and arrangement of inner cells are malformed and unorganized. Based on these results, we propose that Wpsl acts downstream to the class B floral organ identity genes, and functions to modulate the cellular differentiation during the late flower developmental stages.展开更多
Dear Editor, Acid-sensing ion channel 1 (ASIC1) is an ion channel that is capable of transporting Na+ through the cell membrane upon activation by extracellular (EC) protons. Owing to essential physiological and ...Dear Editor, Acid-sensing ion channel 1 (ASIC1) is an ion channel that is capable of transporting Na+ through the cell membrane upon activation by extracellular (EC) protons. Owing to essential physiological and pharmacological functions in the central nervous system, ASIC 1 has been appreciated as an important neuronal receptor and drug target [1]. The mechanic and dynamic fundamen- tal of channel activation and ion permeation of ASIC1 and other members of ASICs has not been fully understood. The recent low-pH crystal structure of the chicken ASIC1 (cASIC1) at 1.9 A resolution has revealed the overall organization of the channel [2]. Structurally, ASIC1 is a homotrimer, forming a chalice-like architecture. Each subunit is composed of two domains, a large EC domain and a transmembrane (TM) domain.展开更多
Dear Editor, Both the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe and the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae are popular model organisms, and studies using these models have provided many informative clues for solvin...Dear Editor, Both the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe and the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae are popular model organisms, and studies using these models have provided many informative clues for solving fundamental biological questions [1], such as DNA replication, cell cycle regulation and gene transcription. Since the completion of genome sequencing of these fungi [2, 3],展开更多
基金supported by National Key Research and Development Program of China(contract No.2019YFA0904800)National Nature Science Foundation of China(32030065,31722033,92049304 to Y.Z.)+5 种基金Shanghai Sailing Program(contract No.21YF1410300)Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality(contract No.10DZ2220500)The Shanghai Committee of Science and Technology(grant No.11DZ2260600)Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for CellMetabolism(Y.Z.)Research Unit of New Techniques for Live-cell Metabolic Imaging(Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences,2019-I2M-5-013 to Y.Z.)the State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering,the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities.
文摘Hydrogen sulfide(H_(2)S)is a toxic,essential gas used in various biological and physical processes and has been the subject of many targeted studies on its role as a new gas transmitter.These studies have mainly focused on the production and pharmacological side effects caused by H_(2)S.Therefore,effective strategies to remove H_(2)S has become a key research topic.Furthermore,the development of novel nanoplatforms has provided new tools for the targeted removal of H_(2)S.This paper was performed to review the association between H_(2)S anddisease,relatedH_(2)S inhibitory drugs,aswell as H_(2)S responsive nanoplatforms(HRNs).This review first analyzed the role of H_(2)S in multiple tissues and conditions.Second,common drugs used to eliminate H_(2)S,as well as their potential for combination with anticancer agents,were summarized.Not only the existing studies on HRNs,but also the inhibition H_(2)S combined with different therapeutic methods were both sorted out in this review.Furthermore,this review provided in-depth analysis of the potential of HRNs about treatment or detection in detail.Finally,potential challenges of HRNs were proposed.This study demonstrates the excellent potential of HRNs for biomedical applications.
文摘Haplotypic information in diploid organisms provides valuable information on human evolutionary history and plays an important role in identifying a candidate gene in the etiology of complex genetic diseases. However, haplotypes of diploid individuals cannot be acquired easily. Molecular haplotyping methods are very costly and have low throughput, and current genotyping and sequenc- ing methods do not provide information on the linkage phase in diploid organisms. The application of statistical methods to infer the haplotype phase in samples of diploid sequences is a very cost-effective approach.
文摘Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have great potential for treating various diseases, especially those related to tissue damage involving immune reactions. Various studies have demonstrated that MSCs are strongly immunosuppressive in vitro and in vivo. Our recent studies have shown that un-stimulated MSCs are indeed incapable of immunosuppression; they become potently immunosuppressive upon stimulation with the supernatant of activated lymphocytes, or with combinations of IFN-γ, with TNF-α, IL-1α or IL-1β. This observation revealed that under certain circumstances, inflammatory cytokines can actually become immunosuppressive. We showed that there is a species variation in the mechanisms of MSC-mediated immunosuppression: immunosuppression by cytokine-primed mouse MSCs is mediated by nitric oxide (NO), whereas immunosuppression by cytokine-primed human MSCs is executed through indoleamine 2, 3-dioxygenase (IDO). Additionally, upon stimulation with the inflammatory cytokines, both mouse and human MSCs secrete several leukocyte chemokines that apparently serve to attract immune cells into the proximity with MSCs, where NO or IDO is predicted to be most active. Therefore, immunosuppression by inflammatory cytokine-stimulated MSCs occurs via the concerted action of chemokines and immune-inhibitory NO or IDO produced by MSCs. Thus, our results provide novel information about the mechanisms of MSC-mediated immunosuppression and for better application of MSCs in treating tissue injuries induced by immune responses.
文摘Berberine is identified to lower the serum cholesterol level in human and hamster through the induction of low density lipoproteins (LDL) receptor in hepatic cells. To evaluate its potential in preventing atherosclerosis, the effect of berberine on atherosclerosis development in apolipoprotcin E-deficient (apoE^-/-) mice was investigated. In apoE^-/- mice, berberine induced in rivo foam cell formation and promoted atheroselerosis development. The foam cell formation induced by berberinc was also observed in mouse RAW264.7 cells, as well as in mouse and human primary macrophages. By inducing scavenger receptor A (SR-A) expression in macrophages, berberine increased the uptake of modified LDL (DiO-Ac-LDL). Bcrberine-induced SR-A expression was also observed in macrophage foam cells in vivo and in the cells at atherosclerotic lesion. Analysis in RAW264.7 cells indicated that berberine induced SR-A expression by suppressing PTEN expression, which led to sustained Akt activation. Our results suggest that to evaluate the potential of a cholesterol-reducing compound in alleviating atherosclerosis, its effect on the ceils involved in atherosclerosis development, such as macrophages, should also be considered. Promotion of foam cell formation could counter-balance the beneficial effect of lowering serum cholesterol.
基金Acknowledgments This work is supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (project 30321002 and 30471580), Shanghai E-research Institutes, and Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality (project 04DZ14902).
文摘Phagocytosis and subsequent degradation of pathogens by macrophages play a pivotal role in host innate immune responses to microbial infection. Recent studies have shown that Toll-like receptors (TLRs) play an important role in promoting the clearance of bacteria by up-regulating the phagocytic activity of macrophages. However, information regarding the signaling mechanism of TLR-mediated phagocytosis is still limited. Here, we provide evidence that the stimulation of TLR4 with LPS leads to activation of multiple signaling pathways including MAP kinases, phosphatidylinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), and small GTPases in the murine macrophage-like cell line RAW264.7. Specific inhibition of Cdc42/Rac or p38 MAP kinase, but not PI3K, reduced TLR4-induced phagocytosis of bacteria. Moreover, we have found that either inhibition of actin polymerization by cytochalasin D or the knockdown of actin by RNAi markedly reduced the activation of Cdc42 and Rac by LPS. TLR4-induced activation of Cdc42 and Rac appears to be independent of MyD88. Taken together, our results described a novel actin-Cdc42/Rac pathway through which TLRs can specifically provoke phagocytosis.
基金Abbreviations: double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) ELONGATED UPPER- MOST INTERNODE (Eui)+5 种基金 gibberellin (GA) GIBBERELLIN INSENSI- TIVE DWARF (GID) overexpression (OX) RNA interference (RNAi) slender rice (SLR) wild type (WT) We are grateful to Dr Shinjiro Yamaguchi (RIKEN, Ja- pan) for critical reading of the manuscript, and to Professor Yinong Yang (Penn. State University, USA) for the rice RNAi vector. This work was supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (30670186 and 30421001), and the Ministry of Science and Technology of China (2006AA10A102) to ZH.
文摘The rice Eui (ELONGATED UPPERMOST INTERNODE) gene encodes a cytochrome P450 monooxygenase that deactivates bioactive gibberellins (GAs). In this study, we investigated controlled expression of the Eui gene and its role in plant development. We found that Eui was differentially induced by exogenous GAs and that the Eui promoter had the highest activity in the vascular bundles. The eui mutant was defective in starch granule development in root caps and Eui overexpression enhanced starch granule generation and gravity responses, revealing a role for GA in root starch granule development and gravity responses. Experiments using embryoless half-seeds revealed that RAmylA and GAmyb were highly upregulated in eui aleurone ceils in the absence of exogenous GA. In addition, the GA biosynthesis genes GA3oxl and GA20ox2 were downregulated and GA2oxl was upregulated in eui seedlings. These results indicate that EUI is involved in GA homeostasis, not only in the internodes at the heading stage, but also in the seedling stage, roots and seeds. Disturbing GA homeostasis affected the expression of the GA signaling genes GID1 (GIBBERELLIN INSENSITIVE DWARF 1), GID2 and SLR1. Transgenic RNA interference of the Eui gene effectively increased plant height and improved heading performance. By contrast, the ectopic expression of Eui under the promoters of the rice GA biosynthesis genes GA3ox2 and GA2Oox2 significantly reduced plant height. These results demonstrate that a slight increase in Eui expression could dramatically change rice morphology, indicating the practical application of the Eui gene in rice molecular breeding for a high yield potential.
基金Supplementary information is linked to the online version of the paper on the Cell Research website.Acknowledgments We thank Dr David Westaway (University of Alberta) for TgCRND8 mice, Dr David Baltimore (California Institute of Technology) for lentiviral constructs, Dr Raphael Kopan (Washington University) for the plasmid of myc-tagged NotchAE and Dr Johan Lundkvist (Karolinska Institutet) for the plasmid of Gal4-driven luciferase reporter gene, the plasmid of APP/CTFI3-GVP and NAE-GVP. We appreciate Shunmei Xin, Shan Chen and Xianglu Zeng for their technical assistance. We thank all members of the lab for sharing reagents and advice. This research was supported by the Ministry of Science and Technology (2009ZX09103-684), the National Natural Science Foundation of China (30621091, 30625014, 30623003, 30871285 and 90713047), the Shanghai Municipal Commission for Science and Technology (07PJ14099 and 09JC1416400), and the Chinese Academy of Sciences (2007KIP204).
文摘Dysregulation of β-site APP-cleaving enzyme (BACE) and/or γ-secretase leads to anomalous production of amyloid-β peptide (Aβ) and contributes to the etiology of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Since these secretases mediate proteolytic processing of numerous proteins, little success has been achieved to treat AD by secretase inhibitors because of inevitable undesired side effects. Thus, it is of importance to unravel the regulatory mechanisms of these secretases. Here, we show that δ-opioid receptor (DOR) promotes the processing of Aβ precursor protein (APP) by BACE1 and γ-secretase, but not that of Notch, N-cadherin or APLP. Further investigation reveals that DOR forms a complex with BACE1 and γ-seeretase, and activation of DOR mediates the co-endocytic sorting of the secretases/ receptor complex for APP endoproteolysis. Dysfunction of the receptor retards the endocytosis of BACE1 and γ-secretase and thus the production of Aβ Consistently, knockdown or antagonization of DOR reduces secretase activities and ameliorates Aβ pathology and Aβ-dependent behavioral deficits, but does not affect the processing of Notch, N-cadherin or APLP in AD model mice. Our study not only uncovers a molecular mechanism for the formation of a DOR/secretase complex that regulates the specificity of secretase for Aβ production but also suggests that intervention of either formation or trafficking of the GPCR/secretase complex could lead to a new strategy against AD, potentially with fewer side effects.
文摘Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is deeply rooted in ancient Chinese culture and has been practiced by Chinese people for thousands of years in order to maintain their health and fight against disease. This ancient Chinese wisdom has accumulated from the long struggle to cope with various diseases through hundreds or even thousands of trial-and-error practices. However, due to its empirical character, TCM has long been criticized as being deficient in scientific evidence, and is still not widely accepted by the mainstream conventional medical system. The complexity of the chemical components of TCM and the clarification of its mechanisms remain an enormous challenge in the conversion of TCM into an evidence-based medicine. Thanks to incredible progress in biomedical research, TCM has evolved at an astonishing pace in various aspects, as indicated by the 2015 Nobel Prize awarded to Professor Youyou Tu for her discovery of artemisinin.
基金supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.30630041,90208009)the Ministry of Science and Technology of China(No.04JC14077)the Shanghai Scientific Committee(No.KSCX2-YW-N-016)to H Huang.
文摘Leaf morphogenesis requires the establishment of adaxlal-abaxlal polarity after primordium initiation from the snoot apical meristem (SAM). Several families of transcription factors are known to play critical roles in promoting adaxial or abaxial leaf fate. Recently, post-transcriptional gene silencing pathways have been shown to regulate the establishment of leaf polarity, providing novel and exciting insights into leaf development. For example, microRNAs (miR 165/166) and a trans-acting siRNA (TAS3-derived tasiR-ARF) have been shown to repress the expression of several key transcription factor genes. In addition, yet another level of regulation, post-translational regulation, has been revealed recently by studies on the role of the 26S proteasome in leaf polarity. Although our understanding regarding the molecular mecha- nisms underlying establishment of adaxial-abaxial polarity has greatly improved, there is still much that remains elusive. This review aims to discuss recent progress, as well as the remaining questions, regarding the molecular mechanisms underlying leaf polarity formation.
基金Acknowledgments The authors thank Qiongping Huang, Lirong Liu, and Wei Bian for technical assistance. We are grateful to Drs G Chan (Cross Cancer Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton Alberta, Canada) for antibodies to human ZW 10 and Rod, KH Choo (Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia) for anti-CREST serum, and E Fuchs (Rockefeller University, USA) for mRFP cDNA. This work was supported by the National Science Foundation of China (30330330, 30421005, and 30623003), Ministry of Science and Technology of China (2005CB522703 and 2007CB914501), and the Shanghai Municipal Council for Science and Technology (S048014317, 06DZ22032, and 058014578).
文摘For proper chromosome segregation, all kinetochores must achieve bipolar microtubule (MT) attachment and subsequently align at the spindle equator before anaphase onset. The MT minus end-directed motor dynein/dynactin binds kinetoehores in prometaphase and has long been implicated in chromosome congression. Unfortunately, inactivation of dynein usually disturbs spindle organization, thus hampering evaluation of its kinetochore roles. Here we specifically eliminated kinetochore dynein/dynactin by RNAi-mediated depletion of ZW10, a protein essential for kinetochore localization of the motor. Time-lapse microscopy indicated markedly-reduced congression efficiency, though congressing chromosomes displayed similar velocities as in control cells. Moreover, cells frequently failed to achieve full chromosome alignment, despite their normal spindles. Confocal microcopy revealed that the misaligned kinetochores were monooriented or unattached and mostly lying outside the spindle, suggesting a difficulty to capture MTs from the opposite pole. Kinetoehores on monoastral spindles were dispersed farther away from the pole and exhibited only mild oscillation. Furthermore, inactivating dynein by other means generated similar phenotypes. Therefore, kinetochore dynein produces on monooriented kinetochores a poleward pulling force, which may contribute to efficient bipolar attachment by facilitating their proper microtubule captures to promote congression as well as full chromosome alignment.
文摘We have previously reported that the human ACAT1 gene produces a chimeric mRNA through the interchromosomal processing of two discontinuous RNAs transcribed from chromosomes 1 and 7. The chimeric mRNA uses AUG1397-1399 and GGC1274-1276 as translation initiation codons to produce normal 50-kDa ACAT1 and a novel enzymatically active 56-kDa isoform, respectively, with the latter being authentically present in human cells, including human monocyte- derived macrophages. In this work, we report that RNA secondary structures located in the vicinity of the GGC1274-1276 codon are required for production of the 56-kDa isoform. The effects of the three predicted stem-loops (nt 1255-1268, 1286-1342 and 1355-1384) were tested individually by transfecting expression plasmids into cells that contained the wild-type, deleted or mutant stem-loop sequences linked to a partial ACAT1 AUG open reading frame (ORF) or to the ORFs of other genes. The expression patterns were monitored by western blot analyses. We found that the upstream stem-loop1255-1268 from chromosome 7 and downstream stem-loop1286-1342 from chromosome 1 were needed for production of the 56-kDa isoform, whereas the last stem-loop135s-1384 from chromosome 1 was dispensable. The results of experi- ments using both monocistronic and bicistronic vectors with a stable hairpin showed that translation initiation from the GGC1274-1276 codon was mediated by an internal ribosome entry site (IRES). Further experiments revealed that translation initiation from the GGC1274-1276 codon requires the upstream AU-constituted RNA secondary structure and the downstream GC-rich structure. This mechanistic work provides further support for the biological significance of the chimeric nature of the human ACAT1 transcript.
文摘Recent progress in bioinorganic chemistry studies of rare earth elements (REE) in animal cells was outlined, and the definition of REE′s biological intelligence as well as their mechanism were also explained. The migration of REE from weathering rocks to the environment is accelerated by various anthropogenic activities, which can eventually result in the entrance of REE into animal and human bodies via food chain. REE can be found in body tissues such as brain, blood, muscle as well as bone. Based on their geochemical properties, REE in low dose show their unique biological intelligence by intervening in the process of signal transduction and its regulation, arteriosclerosis and blood clotting prevention, anticancer, and the promotion of cellular defense enzymes′ activities, nucleic acid metabolism enzymes as well as ATPases, etc. The meaning of REE′s biological intelligence refers to physicochemical properties-based capability to choose the targets (e.g., biometals) in biomolecules for the chelation or replacement of REE, and change the structures and functions of biomolecules, and consequently impact or control the biological functions or behaviors in living organisms. The regulation of various cellular processes caused by REE is mainly via antagonism or replacement of essential target biometals like calcium or via chelation of organic molecules, thereby embodying the unparalleled biological intelligence of REE. Additionally, the dosage effect of REE was also discussed from the angles of yin-yang dichotomy, bioavailability, entropy and evolution. In order to make full use of REE′s biological intelligence in the application for medicine, more detailed studies concerning dosage effect of REE and REE bioaccumulation in organisms should be conducted in future research.
文摘BACKGROUND: Choosing proper donor cells is one of keys in experimental and clinical studies on cell replacement therapy (CRT) for treating Parkinson disease (PD). Embryonic mesencephalic precursor cells (MPCs) can stably differentiate into dopaminergic neuron after in vitro proliferated culture. As compared with embryonic stem cell and neural stem cell strains, cell composition of embryonic MPCs after primary culture is also the most close to that of embryonic mesencephalic ventral cell suspension without proliferated culture. Successful experience accumulated in the latter suggests that primary cultured embryonic MPCs might be the most potential donor cells in clinical application with CRT for treating PD so far. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the feasibility of primary cultured embryonic precursor cells cultured primarily as donor cells in CRT for treating PD in rats. DESIGN : A randomized and controlled trial taking SD rats as experimental animals.SETTING: Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University.MATERIALS: This experiment was carried out at the Institute of Neuroscience, Shanghai Institute for Biological Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences from July 2003 to June 2004. Totally 26 female SD rats, with body mass of 200 to 220 g, were provided by Shanghai Experimental Animal Center of Chinese Academy of Sciences. METHODS : Stereotaxic injection of 6-hydroxydopamine into the medial forebrain bundle were perfored to develop PD model rat. Among 26 SD rats, 20 rats achieved a more than 5 turns/min in apomorphine induced rotation test, reaching the standard of PD model rats. Immunohistochemical detection was performed on 1 out of 20 model rats after execution, and the other 19 rats were randomly divided into control group (n=5), sham transplantation group (n=5)and cell grafted group (n=9). Primary cultured E12 MPC cell suspension (1.2×10^11 L^-1)were used as donor cells. 4μL primary cultured E12 MPC cell suspension prepared freshly was injected into the lesioned corpus striatum of rats in cell grafted group, and 4μL D-Hank's solution was injected in sham transplantation group in the same way. There was no injection in control group. Apomorphine-induced rotation rate of PD rats were recorded respectively in cell grafted group and sham transplantation group pre-operation (initial value) and at postoperative 2, 4, 6 and 16 weeks. Apomorphine-induced rotation rate of PD rats was recorded in control group at postoperative 2 months (initial value) and following 2,4,6 and 16 weeks. To determine TH antigen with immunohistological ABC method (DAB developing) at 6 months post-transplantation to investigate the differentiation and survival of donor cells in the host body.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Apomorphine-induced rotation behavior before and after transplantation and the survival and differentiation of implanted cells in the host body at 6 months post-transplantation. RESULTS: Among 19 model rats, one rat died after transplantation respectively in the cell grafted group and sham transplantation group; finally 17 model rats entered the stage of result analysis. Relative apomorphine-induced rotation rate was significantly decreased in the cell grafted group as compared with that before transplantation , with significant difference (P 〈 0.01 .P 〈 0.05);the mean value of relative apomorphine-induced rotation rate was significantly decreased at postoperative 16 weeks in cell grafted group as compared with that of corresponding relative rotation rate in control group , also with significant difference (P 〈 0.05).Immunohistological results showed that donor cells could differentiate into large and multi-polar dopaminergic neurons in the host body. CONCLUSION : Primary cultured embryonic MPCs can be used as the donor cells in CRT for treating PD.
文摘Interferon regulatory factor (IRF)3 is critical for the transcriptional induction of chemokines and cytokines during viral or bacterial invasion. The kinases Tank binding kinase (TBK)1 and Ikappa B kinase (IKK)ε can phosphorylate the C-terminal part of IRF3 and play important roles in IRF3 activation. In this study, we show that another kinase, c-Jun-NH2-terminal kinase (JNK), phosphorylates IRF3 on its N-terminal serine 173 residue, and TAK1 can stimu- late IRF3 phosphorylation via JNK. JNK specific inhibitor SP600125 inhibits the N-terminal phosphorylation with- out affecting the C-terminal phosphorylation. In addition, IRF3-mediated gene expressions on lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or polyinosinic-cytidylic acid (polyI:C) treatment are severely impaired by SP600125, as well as for reporter gene assay of IRF3 activation. Knockdown of TAK1 further confirmed these observations. Interestingly, constitu- tive active IRF3(5D) can be inhibited by SP600125; JNK1 can synergize the action of IRF3(5D), but not the S173A- IRF3(5D) mutant. More importantly, polyI:C failed to induce the phosphorylation of mutant S173A and SP600125 dramatically abrogated IRF3 phosphorylation and dimerization that was stimulated by polyhC. Thus, this study demonstrates that the TAK1-JNK cascade is required for IRF3 function, in addition to TBK1/IKKε, uncovering a new mechanism for mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase to regulate the innate immunity.
文摘The bystin-like (BYSL) gene was previously characterized to encode an accessory protein for cell adhesion that participates in early embryo implantation. It is also involved in 40S ribosomal subunit biogenesis and is found to be expressed in rapidly growing embryo and cancer cell lines. In order to explore the role of BYSL in cancer cell proliferation and growth, we used hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) as a model. Here, we report that BYSL is crucial for HCC cell growth both in vitro and in vivo. Expression levels of BYSL mRNA and protein in human HCC specimens were markedly increased compared with those seen in adjacent non-cancerous tissue. In vitro, inhibition of BYSL by short hairpin RNA decreased HCC cell proliferation, induced apoptosis and partially arrested the cell cycle in the G2/M phase. In vivo, HCC cells treated with BYSL siRNA failed to form tumors in nude mice after subcutaneous implantation. To determine the cellular basis for BYSL RNAi-induced cell growth arrest, BYSL subcellular localization in mitotic and interphase HepG2 cells was examined. BYSL was present at multiple stages during nucleologenesis, including in nucleolus-derived foci (NDF), perichromosomal regions and the prenucleolar body (PNB) during mitosis. BYSL depletion remarkably suppressed NDF and PNB formation, and disrupted nucleoli assembly after mitosis, resulting in increased apoptosis and reduced tolerance of HCC cells to serum starvation. Taken together, our studies indicate that upregulated BYSL expression plays a role in hepatocarcinogenesis.
文摘Dear Editor, We examined myelin formation by oligodendrocytes co-transplanted with immunosuppressive mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) were grafted into the mouse retina, and graft survival and maturation was determined with or without adjunctive MSCs. Green fluorescent protein (GFP)-labeled MSCs were present at 2 but not 6 weeks post transplant,
基金The authors thank Mr Qin Peng Mong, Xiao Feng Li, Satoshi Tabata, Shusei Sato and Jun Yang for their help to conduct the experiment, and Dr Liang Huang for helpful revision of the manuscript. This research was financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 30430330).
文摘Although much progress has been made in understanding how floral organ identity is determined during the floral development, less is known about how floral organ is elaborated in the late floral developmental stages. Here we describe a novel floral mutant, wrinkled petals and stamens1 (wps1), which shows defects in the development of petals and stamens. Genetic analysis indicates that wpsl mutant is corresponding to a single recessive locus at the long arm of chromosome 3. The early development of floral organs in wpsl mutant is similar to that in wild type, and the malfunction of the mutant commences in late developmental stages, displaying a defect on the appearance of petals and stamens. In the mature flower, petals and stamen filaments in the mutant are wrinkled or folded, and the cellular morphology under L1 layer of petals and stamen filaments is abnormal. It is found that the expression patterns of floral organ identity genes are not affected in wpsl mutants compared with that of wild type, consistent with the unaltered development of all floral organs. Furthermore, the identities of epidermal cells in different type of petals are maintained. The histological analysis shows that in wpsl flowers all petals are irregularly folded, and there are knotted structures in the petals, while the shape and arrangement of inner cells are malformed and unorganized. Based on these results, we propose that Wpsl acts downstream to the class B floral organ identity genes, and functions to modulate the cellular differentiation during the late flower developmental stages.
基金These authors contributed equally to this work. Acknowledgments This work was supported by the State Key Program of Basic Research of China grants (2009CB918502 and 2006CB500803), China Postdoctoral Science Foundation grants (20080440095 and 20060400184), and the National Natural Science Foundation of China grants (20721003, 20720102040, 30830035 and 30621062).
文摘Dear Editor, Acid-sensing ion channel 1 (ASIC1) is an ion channel that is capable of transporting Na+ through the cell membrane upon activation by extracellular (EC) protons. Owing to essential physiological and pharmacological functions in the central nervous system, ASIC 1 has been appreciated as an important neuronal receptor and drug target [1]. The mechanic and dynamic fundamen- tal of channel activation and ion permeation of ASIC1 and other members of ASICs has not been fully understood. The recent low-pH crystal structure of the chicken ASIC1 (cASIC1) at 1.9 A resolution has revealed the overall organization of the channel [2]. Structurally, ASIC1 is a homotrimer, forming a chalice-like architecture. Each subunit is composed of two domains, a large EC domain and a transmembrane (TM) domain.
文摘Dear Editor, Both the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe and the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae are popular model organisms, and studies using these models have provided many informative clues for solving fundamental biological questions [1], such as DNA replication, cell cycle regulation and gene transcription. Since the completion of genome sequencing of these fungi [2, 3],