Palmitoylation regulates myelination by modulating the ZDHHC3-Cadm4 axis in the central nervous system.

The downregulation of Cadm4 (Cell adhesion molecular 4) is a prominent feature in demyelination diseases, yet, the underlying molecular mechanism remains elusive. Here, we reveal that Cadm4 undergoes specific palmitoylation at cysteine-347 (C347), which is crucial for its stable localization on the plasma membrane (PM). Mutation of C347 to alanine (C347A), blocking palmitoylation, causes Cadm4 internalization from the PM and subsequent degradation. In vivo experiments introducing the C347A mutation (Cadm4-KI) lead to severe myelin abnormalities in the central nervous system (CNS), characterized by loss, demyelination, and hypermyelination. We further identify ZDHHC3 (Zinc finger DHHC-type palmitoyltransferase 3) as the enzyme responsible for catalyzing Cadm4 palmitoylation. Depletion of ZDHHC3 reduces Cadm4 palmitoylation and diminishes its PM localization. Remarkably, genetic deletion of ZDHHC3 results in decreased Cadm4 palmitoylation and defects in CNS myelination, phenocopying the Cadm4-KI mouse model. Consequently, altered Cadm4 palmitoylation impairs neuronal transmission and cognitive behaviors in both Cadm4-KI and ZDHHC3 knockout mice. Importantly, attenuated ZDHHC3-Cadm4 signaling significantly influences neuroinflammation in diverse demyelination diseases. Mechanistically, we demonstrate the predominant expression of Cadm4 in the oligodendrocyte lineage and its potential role in modulating cell differentiation via the WNT-ß-Catenin pathway. Together, our findings propose that dysregulated ZDHHC3-Cadm4 signaling contributes to myelin abnormalities, suggesting a common pathological mechanism underlying demyelination diseases associated with neuroinflammation.

DNA methylation and gene expression profiling reveal potential association of retinol metabolism related genes with hepatocellular carcinoma development.

Background: Aberrant DNA methylation patterns play a critical role in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the molecular mechanisms associated with these aberrantly methylated genes remain unclear. This study aimed to comprehensively investigate the methylation-driven gene expression alterations in HCC using a multi-omics dataset. Methods: Whole genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) and RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) techniques were used to assess the methylation and gene expression profiles of HCC tissues (HCCs) and normal adjacent tissues (NATs). The candidate genes' potential function was further investigated using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA seq) data. Results: We observed widespread hypomethylation in HCCs compared to NATs. Methylation levels in distinct genomic regions exhibited significant differences between HCCs and NATs. We identified 247,632 differentially methylated regions (DMRs) and 4,926 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between HCCs and NATs. Integrated analysis of DNA methylation and RNA-seq data identified 987 methylation-driven candidate genes, with 970 showing upregulation and 17 showing downregulation. Four genes involved in the retinol metabolic pathway, namely ADH1A, CYP2A6, CYP2C8, and CYP2C19, were identified as hyper-downregulated genes. Their expression levels could stratify HCCs into three subgroups with distinct survival outcomes, immune cell infiltration, and tumor microenvironments. Validation of these findings in an independent dataset yielded similar outcomes, confirming the high concordance and potential prognostic value of these genes. ScRNA seq data revealed the low expression of these genes in immune cells, emphasizing their role in promoting malignant cell proliferation and migration. In conclusion, this study provides insights into the molecular characteristics of HCC, revealing the involvement of retinol metabolism-related genes in the development and progression of HCC. These findings have implications for HCC diagnosis, prognosis prediction, and the development of therapeutic targets.

[Molecular biological identification of a case with A223B subtype].

OBJECTIVE: To study the molecular basis for a proband with A subtype B of the ABO blood group and explore the influence of amino acid variant on the activity of glycosyltransferase (GT). METHODS: A proband who had presented at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University on July 2, 2020 was selected as the study subject. Serological identification of the ABO blood groups of the proband and her family members were performed by gel card and test tube methods. The ABO gene of the proband was identified by PCR-sequence specific primers (PCR-SSP) and DNA sequencing. A 3D molecular homologous model was constructed to predict the impact of the variant on the stability of α-(1→3)-D-N-acetylgalactosamine transferase (GTA). RESULTS: The red blood cells of the proband, her mother and two younger brothers showed weak agglutination with anti-A and strong agglutination with anti-B. The sera showed 1~2+ agglutination with Ac and no agglutination with Bc. Based on the serological characteristics, the proband was identified as AwB subtype. Pedigree analysis suggested that the variant was inherited from her mother. The blood group of the proband was identified as A223B type by PCR-SSP. ABO gene sequencing analysis showed that the proband has harbored heterozygous variants of c.297A>G, c.467C>T, c.526C>G, c.657C>T, c.703G>A, c.796C>A, c.803G>C, c.930G>A and c.1055insA. Based on the results of clone sequencing, it was speculated that the genotype was ABO*A223/ABO*B.01. There were c.467C>T and c.1055insA variants compared with ABO*A1.01, and c.1055insA variant compared with ABO*A1.02. Homologous modeling showed that the C-terminal of A223 GT was significantly prolonged, and the local amino acids and hydrogen bond network have changed. CONCLUSION: Above results revealed the molecular genetics mechanism of A223B subtype. The c.1055insA variant carried by the proband may affect the enzymatic activity of GTA and ultimately lead to weakening of A antigen.

WITHDRAWN: Assessing the Impact of an Internet Plus-Oriented 5A Home Care Model on Complications in Patients Undergoing Tumor Immunotherapy during the Post-Epidemic Era.

This article has been withdrawn at the request of the author(s) and/or editor. The Publisher apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause.

Morphological changes in the digestive tract of the Chinese soft-shelled turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis) during embryonic development.

The digestive tract development of the Pelodiscus sinensis embryo is described through the observation of the embryonic morphology on hematoxylin and eosin stained tissue sections. During the first 9 days of embryonic development, the anterior intestine of the embryo divides into the oral cavity, pharyngeal cavity, esophagus, stomach, and small intestine, while the caudal intestine differentiates into the cloaca, the anterior and caudal tubes of the large intestine. Between days 10-24, the wall of the digestive tract forms a two-layer structure consisting of mucosa and submucosa. The endoderm evolves into epithelial tissue in each part of the digestive tract, the mesoderm goes from a dense cluster of cells to looser mesenchymal tissue then divides into loose connective tissue, mesothelium, and muscle tissue. There is no clear temporal boundary between development of mesenchymal tissue and the early loose connective tissue, which is a gradual process.

The palmitoylation of AEG-1 dynamically modulates the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Rationale: Protein palmitoylation is tightly related to tumorigenesis or tumor progression as many oncogenes or tumor suppressors are palmitoylated. AEG-1, an oncogene, is commonly elevated in a variety of human malignancies, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Although AEG-1 was suggested to be potentially modified by protein palmitoylation, the regulatory roles of AEG-1 palmitoylation in tumor progression of HCC has not been explored. Methods: Techniques as Acyl-RAC assay and point mutation were used to confirm that AEG-1 is indeed palmitoylated. Moreover, biochemical experiments and immunofluorescent microscopy were applied to examine the cellular functions of AEG-1 palmitoylation in several cell lines. Remarkably, genetically modified knock-in (AEG-1-C75A) and knockout (Zdhhc6-KO) mice were established and subjected to the treatment of DEN to induce the HCC mice model, through which the roles of AEG-1 palmitoylation in HCC is directly addressed. Last, HCQ, a chemical compound, was introduced to prove in principal that elevating the level of AEG-1 palmitoylation might benefit the treatment of HCC in xenograft mouse model. Results: We showed that AEG-1 undergoes palmitoylation on a conserved cysteine residue, Cys-75. Blocking AEG-1 palmitoylation exacerbates the progression of DEN-induced HCC in vivo. Moreover, it was demonstrated that AEG-1 palmitoylation is dynamically regulated by zDHHC6 and PPT1/2. Accordingly, suppressing the level of AEG-1 palmitoylation by the deletion of Zdhhc6 reproduces the enhanced tumor-progression phenotype in DEN-induced HCC mouse model. Mechanistically, we showed that AEG-1 palmitoylation adversely regulates its protein stability and weakens AEG-1 and staphylococcal nuclease and tudor domain containing 1 (SND1) interaction, which might contribute to the alterations of the RISC activity and the expression of tumor suppressors. For intervention, HCQ, an inhibitor of PPT1, was applied to augment the level of AEG-1 palmitoylation, which retards the tumor growth of HCC in xenograft model. Conclusion: Our study suggests an unknown mechanism that AEG-1 palmitoylation dynamically manipulates HCC progression and pinpoints that raising AEG-1 palmitoylation might confer beneficial effect on the treatment of HCC.

The metabolic profile elucidation of Lonicera japonica flos water extract and the metabolic characteristics evaluation of bioactive compounds in human gastrointestinal tract in vitro.

Lonicera japonica Flos (LJF) is taken orally as a health food and medicinal plant in China for a long time. The gastrointestinal metabolism of LJF was investigated in vitro by three independent models (gastric juice, intestinal juice, and human intestinal bacteria), qualitative analyzed by UPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap-MSn and quantified by HPLC-DAD. 72 prototype compounds were detected in LJF water extraction (LJF-WE), including 14 organic acids, 43 iridoids, 14 flavonoids and one other compound. The prototype and metabolic components of LJF-WE bio-transformed by simulated gastric fluid (70 and 12), intestinal fluid (69 and 12) and human fecal bacteria (29 and 70) were characterized, respectively. The metabolites were formed through desaccharization, isomerization, hydrogenation, methylation, dehydration, and then cyclization, glucuronization and dimethylation followed. 8 bioactive compounds including neochlorogenic acid, chlorogenic acid, cryptochlorogenic acid, sweroside, secoxyloganin, isochlorogenic acid B, isochlorogenic acid A and isochlorogenic acid C were much stable in simulated gastric fluid and intestinal fluid, compared with human fecal bacteria. Especially, sweroside and secoxyloganin with glucoside bonds degradated extraordinarily fast, because of the abundant ß-glucosidases in human fecal bacteria.

An integrated approach to uncover anti-tumor active materials of Curcumae Rhizoma-Sparganii Rhizoma based on spectrum-effect relationship, molecular docking, and ADME evaluation.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Curcumae Rhizoma-Sparganii Rhizoma (CR-SR), an ancient and classical herbal couple, has been extensively used for tumor treatment in clinic of traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs). AIM OF THE STUDY: The study aimed to uncover the anti-tumor active materials of CR-SR water decoction (CR:SR = 1:1) via an integrated approach of spectrum-effect relationship, molecular docking, and ADME evaluation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The anti-tumor activities toward A549, HepG2, Hela, BGC-823, and MCF-7 cells of the different polar elution fractions (DPEFs) of CR, SR, and CR-SR were determined by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. Likewise, the DPEFs' combinations of CR and SR were also tested. The chemical fingerprints of these fractions were profiled by HPLC. Meanwhile, HPLC-ESI-Q-TOF-MS/MS was applied for the identification of chemical components. The main effect-related compounds were screened out by spectrum-effect relationship and molecular docking method. The oral bioavailability and druggability of these active components were subsequently evaluated. Finally, five monomeric compounds were validated experimentally using HepG2 cells. RESULTS: The 80% ethanol elution fraction of CR, SR, and CR-SR showed strong anti-tumor effects toward five cells. Also, the combinations with the 80% ethanol elution fraction of CR and SR showed stronger tumor inhibition effects among the DPEFs' combinations of CR and SR. By spectrum-effect relationship, HPLC-MS, and molecular docking analysis, 24 main effect-related compounds seemed to have potential anti-tumor effects. ADME evaluation showed rutin performed low oral bioavailability and druggability. Therefore, we suppose that 23 compounds (including 4 unknown compounds) are the primary anti-tumor active components of CR-SR water decoction. Among them, zederone, curcumol, chlorogenic acid, calycosin, and curcumenol were validated successfully with good tumor inhibition effects. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, this study demonstrated that the multi-components of CR-SR contribute to its anti-tumor effects. It established a rapid and useful strategy to explore the active material basis of traditional Chinese herbal couples with a multi-technology integrated approach in practice, including chromatography, mass spectrometry, machine algorithm models, online databases, and in vitro cell experiments.

OsRbohB-mediated ROS production plays a crucial role in drought stress tolerance of rice.

KEY MESSAGE: We found that a rice NADPH oxidase gene OsRbohB contributes drought tolerance and its functions are involved in the interaction of the OsRbohB-mediated ROS production and ABA signaling. The plasma membrane NADPH oxidases, also known as respiratory burst oxidase homologs, are the key producers of ROS under both normal and stress conditions in plants. However, their functions in rice development and stress tolerance are still under investigation. Here, we found that a rice NADPH oxidase gene OsRbohB, also named OsNOX1, is expressed in all tissues examined throughout the development stages with higher transcripts in leaves. The transcriptional expression of OsRbohB is also strongly stimulated by dehydration, salt and several phytohormonal treatments. Compared with wide-type and the OsRbohB-overexpressing transgenic plants, osrbohB, a Tos17 insertion knockout mutant of OsRbohB, shows lower ROS production, abscisic acid (ABA) content and transcripts of a series of stress-related genes. The osrbohB mutant also exhibits lower seed germination rate, organ size and thousand seed weight, but higher stomatal aperture and sensitivity to drought. Moreover, a number of genes involved in plant development, stress response, transcriptional regulation, and particularly ABA signaling are differentially expressed in osrbohB plants under both normal growth and drought conditions. All these results suggest the roles of OsRbohB in drought tolerance of rice, which probably performed through the interaction of the OsRbohB-mediated ROS production and ABA signaling.

CAMTA3 negatively regulates disease resistance through modulating immune response and extensive transcriptional reprogramming in cassava.

As one of the important crops in the world, cassava production is seriously threatened by Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. manihotis (Xam) all year round. Calmodulin-binding transcription activators (CAMTAs) play key roles in biotic stress and abiotic stress in plants, however, their roles in cassava remain elusive. In this study, six MeCAMTAs were identified, and MeCAMTA3 with the highest induction upon Xam infection was confirmed as a transcription factor that binds to the vCGCGb motif. MeCAMTA3 negatively regulates plant disease resistance against Xam. On the one hand, MeCAMTA3 negatively regulated endogenous salicylic acid and reactive oxygen species accumulation, pathogenesis-related genes MePRs' transcripts and callose deposition during cassava-Xam interaction but not under control conditions. On the other hand, RNA sequencing showed extensive transcriptional reprogramming by MeCAMTA3, especially 18 genes with a vCGCGb motif in the promoter region in hormone signaling, antioxidant signaling and other disease resistance signaling. Notably, chromatin immunoprecipitation-polymerase chain reaction showed that eight of these genes might be directly regulated by MeCAMTA3 through transcriptional repression. In summary, MeCAMTA3 negatively regulates plant disease resistance against cassava bacterial blight through modulation of multiple immune responses during cassava-Xam interaction and extensive transcriptional reprogramming.

[Characterization of a novel allele of Aw33 subtype of the ABO blood group].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the molecular basis for an A subtype of the ABO blood group. METHODS: The forward and reverse typing of the ABO blood group were identified by gel card and test tube methods. The ABO gene of the patient was detected by PCR-sequence specific primer (PCR-SSP). Exons 1 to 7 of the ABO gene was amplified by PCR and sequenced. The ABO gene was also subjected to subclone sequencing for haplotype analysis. RESULTS: The patient's red cells showed weak agglutination with anti-A but non-agglutination with anti-B. The patient's serum showed 1+ agglutination with A cells and 4+ agglutination with B cells. Based on above serological characteristics, the patient was defined as Aw subtype of the ABO blood group. Sequencing analysis showed that the patient was heterozygous for c.106G>T, c.188G>A, c.189C>T, c.220C>T, c.297A>G, c.467C>T, c.543G>C, c.646T>A, c.681G>A, c.771C>T, c.829G>A, in addition with a c.261G deletion. Combined with the result of subclone sequencing, the ABO genotype of the patient was determined as ABO*AW.33. new/O.01.02, which harbored c.467C>T and c.543G>C variants compared with ABO*A1.01 and c.543G>C variant compared with ABO*A1.02. The novel allele has been submitted to GenBank with an accession number of MK302122. CONCLUSION: A novel allele of Aw33 subtype has been identified with its GTA transferase gene harboring c.467C>T and c.543G>C variants compared with A1.01.

Anti-tumor activity and linear-diarylheptanoids of herbal couple Curcumae Rhizoma-Sparganii Rhizoma and the single herbs.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Curcumae Rhizoma and Sparganii Rhizoma (CR-SR) are the classical herbal couple for activating blood circulation and treating tumor in clinics. AIM OF THE STUDY: To investigate the anti-tumor activity and to clarify the bioactive ingredients of herbal couple CR-SR and the single herbs Curcumae Rhizoma (CR) and Sparganii Rhizoma (SR). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The active fractions of CR-SR decoction were fractioned by column chromatography. And isolated compounds were characterized by IR, ESI-MS, 1D and 2D-NMR techniques. Detecting linear-diarylheptanoids in CR-SR, CR and SR was realized through UPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap MSn, based on the fragmentation pathways established in this study, comparison with MS data of isolated compounds and references. The anti-tumor activities of different solvent fractions from CR-SR, CR and SR, as well as isolated ingredients were tested by CCK-8 method. RESULTS: Ultimately, a new compound (1), having a sulfonic acid group at C-3, named demethoxyshogasulfonic acid, along with another structurally similar 17 known linear-diarylheptanoids were isolated. These linear-diarylheptanoids (1-18) were divided into 12 categories based on the differences of substituents at C-3 and C-5 on the straight chain of seven carbons. Six fragmentation pathways were established by summarizing MS data of the 18 isolated compounds collected from UPLC-MS. Based on that, and retention times and MS fragmentation ions, 47 linear-diarylheptanoids were identified in CR-SR and CR, in which 12 linear-diarylheptanoids were also detected in SR. Most importantly, 5 sulfonated linear-diarylheptanoids were new compounds detected in CR and CR-SR. And the biological assay indicated that compounds 1-4 and 12-15 significantly reduced the proliferation and inhibited colony formation of MCF-7 and HepG2 cells. CONCLUSION: The new compound (1) exhibited good anti-cancer activity, which suggests that a great effort has to be paid to investigate the bioactivity of sulfonated compounds. The fractions of CR-SR decoction exhibited stronger anti-tumor activities than that of CR and SR against 5 different cancer cells. As for chemical composition, it is the first time to report that diarylheptanoids are in Sparganiaceae and the sulfonated compounds in Zingiberaceae. Moreover, the linear-diarylheptanoids found in SR which being tested to possess good anti-tumor activity, plus those compounds in CR enhance the capacity of CR-SR. It shows importance of TCM compatibility.

Molecular functional analysis of auxin/indole-3-acetic acid proteins (Aux/IAAs) in plant disease resistance in cassava.

Auxin/indole-3-acetic acid proteins (Aux/IAAs) play important roles in auxin signaling pathways, with extensive involvement in plant development and plant response to abiotic and biotic stresses. Manihot esculenta (Cassava) is one of the most important biomass energy crops in tropical regions; however, the information about Aux/IAA proteins remain limited in cassava. In this study, 37 MeAux/IAA gene family members were identified in cassava and a phylogenetic analysis was performed. The transcript levels of MeAux/IAAs were commonly regulated by the pathogen Xanthomonas axonopodis pv manihotis (Xam), and some of them were specifically localized to the nucleus. Moreover, the overexpression of MeAux/IAAs confers an improved disease resistance against Xam in Nicotiana benthamiana, while MeAux/IAAs-silenced plants show disease sensitivity against Xam in cassava, as evidenced by the leaf phenotype and leaf bacterial population. Consistent with the disease resistance, MeAux/IAAs regulated the transcript levels of PATHOGENESIS-RELATED GENES (MePRs), reactive oxygen species accumulation and callose development in the plants' defense response. Taken together, gene profile and functional analysis identified several MeAux/IAAs as novel members in plant disease resistance, providing important information for further utilization of MeAux/IAAs.

Heat shock transcription factor 3 regulates plant immune response through modulation of salicylic acid accumulation and signalling in cassava.

As the terminal components of signal transduction, heat stress transcription factors (Hsfs) mediate the activation of multiple genes responsive to various stresses. However, the information and functional analysis are very limited in non-model plants, especially in cassava (Manihot esculenta), one of the most important crops in tropical areas. In this study, 32 MeHsfs were identified from the cassava genome; the evolutionary tree, gene structures and motifs were also analysed. Gene expression analysis found that MeHsfs were commonly regulated by Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. manihotis (Xam). Amongst these MeHsfs, MeHsf3 was specifically located in the cell nucleus and showed transcriptionally activated activity on heat stress elements (HSEs). Through transient expression in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves and virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) in cassava, we identified the essential role of MeHsf3 in plant disease resistance, by regulating the transcripts of Enhanced Disease Susceptibility 1 (EDS1) and pathogen-related gene 4 (PR4). Notably, as regulators of defence susceptibility, MeEDS1 and MePR4 were identified as direct targets of MeHsf3. Moreover, the disease sensitivity of MeHsf3- and MeEDS1-silenced plants could be restored by exogenous salicylic acid (SA) treatment. Taken together, this study highlights the involvement of MeHsf3 in defence resistance through the transcriptional activation of MeEDS1 and MePR4.

Multi-Response Extraction Optimization Based on Anti-Oxidative Activity and Quality Evaluation by Main Indicator Ingredients Coupled with Chemometric Analysis on Thymus quinquecostatus Celak.

Thymus quinquecostatus Celak is a species of thyme in China and it used as condiment and herbal medicine for a long time. To set up the quality evaluation of T. quinquecostatus, the response surface methodology (RSM) based on its 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity was introduced to optimize the extraction condition, and the main indicator components were found through an UPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap MSn method. The ethanol concentration, solid-liquid ratio, and extraction time on optimum conditions were 42.32%, 1:17.51, and 1.8 h, respectively. 35 components having 12 phenolic acids and 23 flavonoids were unambiguously or tentatively identified both positive and negative modes to employ for the comprehensive analysis in the optimum anti-oxidative part. A simple, reliable, and sensitive HPLC method was performed for the multi-component quantitative analysis of T. quinquecostatus using six characteristic and principal phenolic acids and flavonoids as reference compounds. Furthermore, the chemometrics methods (principal components analysis (PCA) and hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA)) appraised the growing areas and harvest time of this herb closely relative to the quality-controlled. This study provided full-scale qualitative and quantitative information for the quality evaluation of T. quinquecostatus, which would be a valuable reference for further study and development of this herb and related laid the foundation of further study on its pharmacological efficacy.

Melatonin biosynthesis enzymes recruit WRKY transcription factors to regulate melatonin accumulation and transcriptional activity on W-box in cassava.

Melatonin is widely involved in growth, development, and stress responses in plants. Although the melatonin synthesis enzymes have been identified in various plants, their interacting proteins remain unknown. Herein, overexpression of tryptophan decarboxylase 2 (MeTDC2)-interacting proteins, N-acetylserotonin O-methyltransferase 2 (MeASMT2) interacting proteins, and N-acetylserotonin O-methyltransferase 3 (MeASMT3) in cassava leaf protoplasts resulted in more melatonin than when other enzymes were overexpressed. Through yeast two-hybrid, 14 MeTDC2-interacting proteins, 24 MeASMT2 interacting proteins, and 9 MeASMT3-interacting proteins were identified. Notably, we highlighted MeWRKY20 and MeWRKY75 as common interacting proteins of the 3 enzymes, as evidenced by yeast two-hybrid, and in vivo bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC). Moreover, co-overexpression of MeTDC2/MeASMT2/3 with MeWRKY20/75 in cassava leaf protoplasts did not only activated the transcriptional activities of MeWRKY20 and MeWRKY75 on W-box, but also induced the effects of MeTDC2, MeASMT2/3 on endogenous melatonin levels. Taken together, 3 melatonin synthesis enzymes (MeTDC2, MeASMT2/3) interact with MeWRKY20/75 to form a protein complex in cassava. This information significantly extends the knowledge of the complex modulation of plant melatonin signaling.

RAV transcription factors are essential for disease resistance against cassava bacterial blight via activation of melatonin biosynthesis genes.

With 1 AP2 domain and 1 B3 domain, 7 MeRAVs in apetala2/ethylene response factor (AP2/ERF) gene family have been identified in cassava. However, the in vivo roles of these remain unknown. Gene expression assays showed that the transcripts of MeRAVs were commonly regulated after Xanthomonas axonopodis pv manihotis (Xam) and MeRAVs were specifically located in plant cell nuclei. Through virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) in cassava, we found that MeRAV1 and MeRAV2 are essential for plant disease resistance against cassava bacterial blight, as shown by the bacterial propagation of Xam in plant leaves. Through VIGS in cassava leaves and overexpression in cassava leave protoplasts, we found that MeRAV1 and MeRAV2 positively regulated melatonin biosynthesis genes and the endogenous melatonin level. Further investigation showed that MeRAV1 and MeRAV2 are direct transcriptional activators of 3 melatonin biosynthesis genes in cassava, as evidenced by chromatin immunoprecipitation-PCR in cassava leaf protoplasts and electrophoretic mobility shift assay. Moreover, cassava melatonin biosynthesis genes also positively regulated plant disease resistance. Taken together, this study identified MeRAV1 and MeRAV2 as common and upstream transcription factors of melatonin synthesis genes in cassava and revealed a model of MeRAV1 and MeRAV2-melatonin biosynthesis genes-melatonin level in plant disease resistance against cassava bacterial blight.

Microplate magnetic chemiluminescence immunoassay for detecting urinary survivin in bladder cancer.

Survivin is a tumor marker for bladder cancer; however the role of urinary survivin levels has not been fully elucidated due to the limitations of current detection methods. Based on two survivin-specific monoclonal antibodies (McAbs) already confirmed through enzyme linked immunosorbent assays, the present study aimed to establish a microplate magnetic chemiluminescence immunoassay (CLIA) for the detection of urinary survivin levels and evaluate its application for the diagnosis of patients with bladder cancer. Horseradish peroxidase and biotin conjugates were used to label two different anti-survivin McAbs, respectively. The labeled antibodies combined with survivin to form a sandwiched immune complex. The streptavidin magnetic particles (MPs) served as the solid phase and the separator. The relevant parameters involved in the immunoassay, including the immunoassay reagents used and the physicochemical parameters were optimized. Then, urine samples from 130 patients with bladder cancer and 113 healthy controls were detected, and analyzed using the established method. The method was linear to 1,000 ng/ml survivin with a detection limit of 0.83 ng/ml. The intra- and inter-assay coefficients of variation were <8, and <11%, respectively. The concentration of diluted survivin and the dilution ratios gave a linear correlation of 0.9989. The results demonstrated that the urinary survivin levels in patients with bladder cancer were significantly higher (P<0.001) compared with that in healthy controls. At a survivin concentration of 2.0884 ng/ml, the sensitivity and specificity were 86.9 and 61.9%, respectively. Furthermore, the urinary survivin levels were positively correlated with metastatic stage, histological stage and recurrence (P<0.01). In conclusion, the present study preliminarily proposed a microplate magnetic CLIA for survivin detection and further evaluated the value of urinary survivin as a diagnostic marker for bladder cancer.

The Genus Alnus, A Comprehensive Outline of Its Chemical Constituents and Biological Activities.

The genus Alnus (Betulaceae) is comprised of more than 40 species. Many species of this genus have a long history of use in folk medicines. Phytochemical investigations have revealed the presence of diarylheptanoids, polyphenols, flavonoids, terpenoids, steroids and other compounds. Diarylheptanoids, natural products with a 1,7-diphenylheptane structural skeleton, are the dominant constituents in the genus, whose anticancer effect has been brought into focus. Pure compounds and crude extracts from the genus exhibit a wide spectrum of pharmacological activities both in vitro and in vivo. This paper compiles 273 naturally occurring compounds from the genus Alnus along with their structures and pharmacological activities, as reported in 138 references.

Increased levels of LAPTM4B, VEGF and survivin are correlated with tumor progression and poor prognosis in breast cancer patients.

OBJECTIVE: This study explored the relationships among the expression of LAPTM4B, VEGF, and survivin and clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis in breast cancer patients. METHODS: The expression of these three molecules in 110 stage I-III breast cancer patients with clinicopathological and follow-up data was detected via immunohistochemistry. Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazard regression analyses were performed to assess the prognostic significance of these markers in breast cancer. Moreover, expression levels of these markers were evaluated in 5 breast cell lines via Western blot analysis. RESULTS: LAPTM4B, VEGF, and survivin were over-expressed in breast cancer specimens and highly expressed in MDA-MB-231 cells. VEGF and nuclear survivin expression was significantly correlated with LAPTM4B expression, and high levels of all three were associated with a tumor size >2cm, TNM stage II+III and lymph node metastasis, which had worse impacts on overall survival and progression-free survival in breast cancer patients. A multivariate Cox analysis identified LAPTM4B over-expression as an independent prognostic marker in breast cancer. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that LAPTM4B, VEGF, and nuclear survivin expression are significantly correlated in breast cancer, which may be predictive of prognosis as well as effective therapeutic targets for new anticancer therapies.