Promoter methylation-regulated miR-148a-3p inhibits lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) progression by targeting MAP3K9.

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) characterized by high metastasis and mortality is the leading subtype of non-small cell lung cancer. Evidence shows that some microRNAs (miRNAs) may act as oncogenes or tumor suppressor genes, leading to malignant tumor occurrence and progression. To better understand the molecular mechanism associated with miRNA methylation in LUAD progression and clinical outcomes, we investigated the correlation between miR-148a-3p methylation and the clinical features of LUAD. In the LUAD cell lines and tumor tissues from patients, miR-148a-3p was found to be significantly downregulated, while the methylation of miR-148a-3p promoter was notably increased. Importantly, miR-148a-3p hypermethylation was closely associated with lymph node metastasis. We demonstrated that mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase kinase kinase 9 (MAP3K9) was the target of miR-148a-3p and that MAP3K9 levels were significantly increased in both LUAD cell lines and clinical tumor tissues. In A549 and NCI-H1299 cells, overexpression of miR-148a-3p or silencing MAP3K9 significantly inhibited cell growth, migration, invasion and cytoskeleton reorganization accompanied by suppressing the epithelial-mesenchymal transition. In a nude mouse xenograft assay we found that tumor growth was effectively inhibited by miR-148a-3p overexpression. Taken together, the promoter methylation-associated decrease in miR-148a-3p could lead to lung cancer metastasis by targeting MAP3K9. This study suggests that miR-148a-3p and MAP3K9 may act as novel therapeutic targets for the treatment of LUAD and have potential clinical applications.

ß-TrCP suppresses the migration and invasion of trophoblast cells in preeclampsia by down-regulating Snail.

Insufficient trophoblast invasion has been shown to contribute to the occurrence and progression of preeclampsia (PE). Recently, beta-transducin repeat containing E3 ubiquitin protein (ß-TrCP) was shown to function as a ubiquitination regulator in regulating the proliferation and invasion of various cell types. In this study, we employed an in vitro model of trophoblasts to investigate the role played by ß-TrCP in the pathogenesis of PE. The levels of ß-TrCP in newly delivered placentas from 15 pregnant women with PE and 15 healthy pregnant women were detected by quantitative real-time PCR and western blot assays. The effects of ß-TrCP on cell migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in two trophoblast cell lines (HTR-8/SVneo and TEV-1) were examined using wound healing assays, Transwell assays, and western blot assays, respectively. Rescue experiments were performed by treating ß-TrCP knockdown or ß-TrCP expressing trophoblasts with si-Snail transfection or a proteasome inhibitor (MG132). ß-TrCP mRNA and protein expression levels were significantly increased in the PE placentas when compared to the normal control placentas. ß-TrCP overexpression significantly inhibited cell migration and invasion, while silencing of ß-TrCP promoted cell migration and invasion of the two trophoblast cell lines. Furthermore, we demonstrated that ß-TrCP-mediated ubiquitination might inhibit the EMT process of trophoblasts by down-regulating Snail expression. Our results suggest that both ß-TrCP mRNA and protein expression were up-regulated in the PE placentas. ß-TrCP impeded the migration and invasion of trophoblasts by suppressing Snail expression. This implicates the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway in the pathogenesis of PE, and suggests ß-TrCP as a potential target for treating PE.

ADP-ribosylation factors improve biomass yield and salinity tolerance in transgenic switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.).

KEY MESSAGE: PvArf regulate proline biosynthesis by physically interacting with PvP5CS1 to improve salt tolerance in switchgrass. The genetic factors that contribute to stress resiliency are yet to be determined. Here, we identified three ADP-ribosylation factors, PvArf1, PvArf-B1C, and PvArf-related, which contribute to salinity tolerance in transgenic switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.). Switchgrass overexpressing each of these genes produced approximately twofold more biomass than wild type (WT) under normal growth conditions. Transgenic plants accumulated modestly higher levels of proline under normal conditions, but this level was significantly increased under salt stress providing better protection to transgenic plants compared to WT. We found that PvArf genes induce proline biosynthesis genes under salt stress to positively regulate proline accumulation, and further demonstrated that PvArf physically interact with PvP5CS1. Moreover, the transcript levels of two key ROS-scavenging enzyme genes were significantly increased in the transgenic plants compared to WT, leading to reduced H2O2 accumulation under salt stress conditions. PvArf genes also protect cells against stress-induced changes in Na+ and K+ ion concentrations. Our findings uncover that ADP-ribosylation factors are key determinants of biomass yield in switchgrass, and play pivotal roles in salinity tolerance by regulating genes involved in proline biosynthesis.

Work engagement as a mediator between organizational commitment and job satisfaction among community health-care workers in China: a cross-sectional study.

The purpose of this study was to explore levels of organizational commitment, job satisfaction and work engagement among community health-care workers in China, and to examine spatial relationships of variables. Data were collected by Organizational Commitment Scale, Job Satisfaction Scale and Utrecht Work Engagement Scale from 1404 community health-care workers in Guangzhou and Shenzhen cities. Structural equation model was used to analyze relationships among three variables. Medium levels of organizational commitment, job satisfaction and work engagement were found among community health-care workers. Organizational commitment was positively correlated to work engagement (r = 0.564) and job satisfaction (r = 0.550). The path analysis indicated that total effect (ß = 0.598) of organizational commitment on job satisfaction (R2 = 0.52) consisted of a direct effect (ß = 0.264) and an indirect effect (ß = 0.334), which was mediated positively by work engagement. Improvement in work engagement may lead to higher level of job satisfaction and organizational commitment.

Inside out: high-efficiency plant regeneration and Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of upland and lowland switchgrass cultivars.

KEY MESSAGE: Selection of pre-embryogenic callus from a core structure from mature seed-derived callus is the key for high-efficiency plant regeneration and transformation of switchgrass different cultivars. Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) has been identified as a dedicated biofuel crop. For its trait improvement through biotechnological approaches, we have developed a highly efficient plant regeneration and genetic transformation protocol for both lowland and upland cultivars. We identified and separated a pre-embryogenic "core" structure from the seed-derived callus, which often leads to development of highly regenerative type II calluses. From the type II callus, plant regeneration rate of lowland cultivars Alamo and Performer reaches 95%, and upland cultivars Blackwell and Dacotah, 50 and 76%, respectively. The type II callus was also amenable for Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. Transformation efficiency of 72.8% was achieved for lowland cultivar Alamo, and 8.0% for upland cultivar Dacotah. PCR, Southern blot and GUS staining assays were performed to verify the transgenic events. High regenerative callus lines could be established in 3 months, and transgenic plants could be obtained in 2 months after Agrobacterium infection. To our knowledge, this is the first report on successful plant regeneration and recovery of transgenic plants from upland switchgrass cultivars by Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. The method presented here could be helpful in breaking through the bottleneck of regeneration and transformation of lowland and upland switchgrass cultivars and probably other recalcitrant grass crops.

Multiplex epitope detection: a new method overcomes limitations of antibody arrays.

Antibody arrays have been used as an effective method for simultaneously detecting multiple proteins such as cytokines. However, their use in quantifying a large number of cellular proteins has the following limitations: (i) unsuitable for simultaneously detecting proteins that may form complexes with each other; (ii) incapable of quantitatively detecting more than one epitope of each protein such as phospho- and nonphospho-epitopes; and (iii) incapable of simultaneously detecting multiple biomarkers on solid surfaces such as formalin-fixed tissue sections. Using a novel multiple epitope detection (MED) technique, we have overcome these limitations and have improved upon currently available antibody-based protein detection technologies. The MED technique employs primary antibody detection of epitopes within fixed cells or tissue, followed by elution of bound antibodies, and subsequent quantification of the eluted antibodies by an epitope array. Using the MED method, we demonstrate accurate detection of individual proteins even in complex with each other, simultaneous quantitative detection of phospho- and nonphospho-epitopes on a protein, and sensitive detection of multiple biomarkers on formalin-fixed tissue sections.

Placental homing peptide guides HIF1α­silenced exosomes conjugates for targeted enhancement of invasion of trophoblast cells.

There is a current lack of availability of therapeutics to treat Preeclampsia (PE), primarily due to the risk of harm to the fetus. Hypoxia­inducible factor­1α (HIF1α) is highly expressed in trophoblast cells and suppresses their invasive ability. Extensive studies have confirmed the positive effects of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)­derived exosomes on PE. The aim of the present study was to develop a method for targeted delivery of HIF1α­silenced exosomes to the placenta. HIF1α was overexpressed in JEG­3 cells. Then, the glucose uptake, lactate production, proliferation and invasion of HIF1α­elevated JEG­3 cells were detected. Exosomal membrane protein lysosome­associated membrane glycoprotein 2b and placental homing peptide CCGKRK gene sequence amplified by PCR were conjugated using short hairpin RNA­HIF1α (sh­HIF1α) sequence (exo­pep­sh­HIF1α), which were then transfected into MSCs cultured in vitro. Exosomes were isolated from the supernatant of the aforementioned MSCs and identified by determining the size and exosomal markers. Finally, the invasion ability of MSCs­derived exosomes treated JEG­3 cells were detected using Transwell assays. HIF1α was demonstrated to remarkably promote the uptake of glucose and the production of lactate in JEG­3 cells. In addition, high levels of HIF1α facilitated the proliferation of JEG­3 cells, while suppressing their invasion ability. Bone marrow derived MSCs were cultured in vitro and exosomes were successfully isolated from these cells. Exo­pep­sh­HIF1α significantly reduced placental HIF1α expression, and induced significant enhancement of placental invasion. Overall, placental homing peptide­guided HIF1α­silenced exosomes effectively facilitated the invasion of placental trophoblasts, which could be used for the targeted delivery of payloads to the placenta and serve as a novel placenta­specific therapeutic approach.

Mycobacteriaceae Phenome Atlas (MPA): A Standardized Atlas for the Mycobacteriaceae Phenome Based on Heterogeneous Sources.

The bacterial family Mycobacteriaceae includes pathogenic and nonpathogenic bacteria, and systematic research on their genome and phenome can give comprehensive perspectives for exploring their disease mechanism. In this study, the phenotypes of Mycobacteriaceae were inferred from available phenomic data, and 82 microbial phenotypic traits were recruited as data elements of the microbial phenome. This Mycobacteriaceae phenome contains five categories and 20 subcategories of polyphasic phenotypes, and three categories and eight subcategories of functional phenotypes, all of which are complementary to the existing data standards of microbial phenotypes. The phenomic data of Mycobacteriaceae strains were compiled by literature mining, third-party database integration, and bioinformatics annotation. The phenotypes were searchable and comparable from the website of the Mycobacteriaceae Phenome Atlas (MPA, https://www.biosino.org/mpa/). A topological data analysis of MPA revealed the co-evolution between Mycobacterium tuberculosis and virulence factors, and uncovered potential pathogenicity-associated phenotypes. Two hundred and sixty potential pathogen-enriched pathways were found by Fisher's exact test. The application of MPA may provide novel insights into the pathogenicity mechanism and antimicrobial targets of Mycobacteriaceae. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s43657-023-00101-5.

The relationship between hsa_circ_0051326 and HLA-G expression in the blood of patients with pre-eclampsia.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the relationship between hsa_circ_0051326 and HLA-G expression in the blood of patients with pre-eclampsia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to detect the hsa_circ_0051326 expression level. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), qRT-PCR, and western blotting were used to detect HLA-G expression in blood in 50 patients with pre-eclampsia and 50 normal pregnant women. RESULTS: HLA-G protein expression level was decreased significantly in the blood of patients with pre-eclampsia. hsa_circ_0051326 and HLA-G mRNA in blood were decreased significantly in the pre-eclampsia patients compared with normal pregnant women. There was a positive correlation between the expression of serum hsa_circ_0051326 with HLA-G mRNA. CONCLUSIONS: Serum hsa_circ_0051326 was a new diagnostic biomarker for pre-eclampsia with equivalent efficiency of HLA-G. Maternal serum hsa_circ_0051326 level may pre-diagnose potentially pre-eclampsia before delivery.

Mining of novel secondary metabolite biosynthetic gene clusters from acid mine drainage.

Acid mine drainage (AMD) is usually acidic (pH < 4) and contains high concentrations of dissolved metals and metalloids, making AMD a typical representative of extreme environments. Recent studies have shown that microbes play a key role in AMD bioremediation, and secondary metabolite biosynthetic gene clusters (smBGCs) from AMD microbes are important resources for the synthesis of antibacterial and anticancer drugs. Here, 179 samples from 13 mineral types were used to analyze the putative novel microorganisms and secondary metabolites in AMD environments. Among 7,007 qualified metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) mined from these datasets, 6,340 MAGs could not be assigned to any GTDB species representative. Overall, 11,856 smBGCs in eight categories were obtained from 7,007 qualified MAGs, and 10,899 smBGCs were identified as putative novel smBGCs. We anticipate that these datasets will accelerate research in the field of AMD bioremediation, aid in the discovery of novel secondary metabolites, and facilitate investigation into gene functions, metabolic pathways, and CNPS cycles in AMD.

MicroRNA­524­5p regulates the proliferation and invasion of HTR­8/SVneo trophoblasts by targeting NUMB in the Notch signaling pathway.

Preeclampsia is a pregnancy disorder that is primarily associated with maternal and neonatal or fetal morbidity and mortality. The discovery of dysregulated microRNAs (miRs) and their roles in preeclampsia has provided new insight into the mechanisms involved in pregnancy­related disorders. In the present study, quantitative PCR demonstrated that the expression levels of miR­524­5p were lower in patients with preeclampsia than those in normal pregnant women. Cell Counting Kit­8 and Transwell assays indicated that overexpression of miR­524­5p promoted the proliferation and invasion of HTR­8/SVneo cells, whereas inhibition of miR­524­5p suppressed HTR­8/SVneo cell proliferation and invasion. Furthermore, NUMB endocytic adaptor protein (NUMB), a negative regulator of the Notch signaling pathway and a target gene of miR­524­5p, limited the effects of miR­524­5p on HTR­8/SVneo cell invasion and migration. The present study demonstrated that miR­524­5p regulated the proliferation and invasion of HTR­8/SVneo cells at least partly by targeting NUMB to regulate the Notch signaling pathway.

MiR-135a-5p promotes the migration and invasion of trophoblast cells in preeclampsia by targeting ß-TrCP.

BACKGROUND: MiR-135a-5p is an important regulator of cell migration and invasion in several diseases. However, the biological functions and mechanisms of miR-135a-5p in women with preeclampsia (PE) remain unclear. METHODS: The levels of miR-135a-5p and beta-transducin repeat containing E3 ubiquitin protein ligase (ß-TrCP) expression in samples of placenta tissue from PE patients and healthy control subjects were determined by quantitative real-time PCR. The effects of miR-135a-5p and ß-TrCP on cell migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in two trophoblast cell lines (HTR-8/SVneo and TEV-1) were examined using wound healing, Transwell, and western blot assays, respectively. A luciferase reporter assay was performed to confirm the association between miR-135a-5p and ß-TrCP, and an in vivo mouse model was established and used to analyze the effect of ß-TrCP on PE clinical phenotypes. RESULTS: We found that miR-135a-5p expression was significantly decreased and negatively correlated with ß-TrCP expression in the placental tissues of pregnant women with PE. Cellular function experiments showed that overexpression of miR-135a5p promoted the migration and invasion of trophoblast cells in vitro. Furthermore, ß-TrCP was confirmed as a target gene of miR-135a-5p in trophoblast cells. Notably, overexpression of ß-TrCP significantly reversed the effect of miR-135a-5p on migration and invasion of trophoblast cells. At the molecular level, decreases in E-cadherin levels and increases in N-cadherin, Vimentin, and ß-catenin levels that were induced by miR-135a-5p overexpression were attenuated by ß-TrCP overexpression. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrate that miR-135a-5p promotes the migration and invasion of trophoblast cells by targeting ß-TrCP.

DEVD-NucView488: a novel class of enzyme substrates for real-time detection of caspase-3 activity in live cells.

Live-cell detection of intracellular enzyme activity requires that substrates are cell-permeable and that the generated products are easily detected and retained in cells. Our objective was to create a novel fluorogenic substrate that could be used for real-time detection of apoptosis in living cells. We have synthesized a highly cell-permeable caspase-3 substrate, DEVD-NucView488, by linking a fluorogenic DNA-binding dye to the caspase-3 recognition sequence that renders the dye nonfunctional. On substrate cleavage, the dye is released and becomes highly fluorescent on binding to DNA. DEVD-NucView488 detected caspase-3 activation within a live-cell population much earlier and with higher sensitivity compared with other apoptosis reagents that are currently available. Furthermore, cells incubated with DEVD-NucView488 exhibited no toxicity and normal apoptotic progression. DEVD-NucView488 is an ideal substrate for kinetic studies of caspase-3 activation because it detects caspase-3 activity in real-time and also efficiently labels DNA in nuclei of caspase-3-activated cells for real-time fluorescent visualization of apoptotic morphology. The strategy utilized in the design of this fluorogenic substrate can be applied in future endeavors to develop substrates for detecting real-time intracellular enzyme activity.

Hypoxia-induced microRNA-141 regulates trophoblast apoptosis, invasion, and vascularization by blocking CXCL12ß/CXCR2/4 signal transduction.

BACKGROUND: An impaired trophoblast invasion ability contributes to the development of pre-eclampsia (PE), and can be induced by the altered expression of various microRNAs (miRs). MiR-141 and CXCL12ß (C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 12) signaling regulate trophoblast invasion and vascularization capabilities during PE pathogenesis; however, their interactions and underlying mechanisms of action remain unclear. We investigated how miR-141 modulates trophoblast invasion, with a focus on its interaction with CXCL12ß signaling. METHODS: A PE model was established by using HTR-8/SVneo cells, which were first cultured with 2% O2 for 48 h, and then with 5% O2. The expression of miR-141 in human villous trophoblast HTR-8/SVneo cells was modulated with mimics or an inhibitor, and analyzed by quantitative RT-PCR. CXCL12ß levels were determined by ELISA. Cell apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry, and the invasion and vascularization capabilities of trophoblasts were evaluated by Transwell and tube formation assays, respectively. Binding of miR-141 with CXCL12ß mRNA was verified by the dual luciferase assay. Protein levels were estimated by western blotting. RESULTS: MiR-141 expression was significantly induced by hypoxia in HTR-8/SVneo cells. MiR-141 was found to promote apoptosis and inhibit the invasion and vascularization abilities of HTR-8/SVneo cells under conditions of hypoxia. MiR-141 could directly bind with the 3'UTR region of CXCL12ß mRNA and inhibit its translation. In addition, we proved that miR-141 could inhibit the invasion and vascularization abilities, and promote the apoptosis of HTR-8/SVneo cells by targeting CXCL12ß under hypoxic conditions. Furthermore, we demonstrated that arachidonic acid could reverse the invasion and apoptosis abilities of HTR-8/SVneo cells mediated by CXCL12ß during hypoxia. In terms of mechanism, MiR-141 could downregulate MMP2, p62, and LC3B expression, and upregulate ROCK1 and RhoA expression in HTR-8/SVneo cells by targeting the CXCL12ß gene during hypoxia. The effects of CXCL12ßon HTR-8/SVneo cells could be reversed by arachidonic acid (ARA). CONCLUSION: Induction of miR-141 by hypoxia promotes apoptosis, and inhibits the invasion and vascularization capabilities of HTR-8/SVneo cells by suppressing the CXCL12ß and CXCR2/4 signaling pathways.

Proline improves switchgrass growth and development by reduced lignin biosynthesis.

Transgenic switchgrass overexpressing Lolium perenne L. delta1-pyrroline 5-carboxylate synthase (LpP5CS) in group I (TG4 and TG6 line) and group II (TG1 and TG2 line) had significant P5CS and ProDH enzyme activities, with group I plants (TG4 and TG6) having higher P5CS and lower ProDH enzyme activity, while group II plants had higher ProDH and lower P5CS enzyme activity. We found group II transgenic plants showed stunted growth, and the changed proline content in overexpressing transgenic plants may influence the growth and development in switchgrass. RNA-seq analysis showed that KEGG enrichment included phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathway among group I, group II and WT plants, and the expression levels of genes related to lignin biosynthesis were significantly up-regulated in group II. We also found that lignin content in group II transgenic plants was higher than that in group I and WT plants, suggesting that increased lignin content may suppress switchgrass growth and development. This study uncover that proline can appropriately reduce lignin biosynthesis to improve switchgrass growth and development. Therefore, appropriate reduction in lignin content and increase in biomass are important for bioenergy crop to lower processing costs for biomass fermentation-derived fuels.

Overexpression of the Lolium perenne L. delta1-pyrroline 5-carboxylate synthase (LpP5CS) gene results in morphological alterations and salinity tolerance in switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.).

In plants, Δ1-pyrroline- 5-carboxylate synthase (P5CS) is the rate-limiting enzyme in proline biosynthesis. In this study, we introduced the LpP5CS (Lolium perenne L.) gene into switchgrass by Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. The transgenic lines (TG) were classified into two groups based on their phenotypes and proline levels. The group I lines (TG4 and TG6) had relatively high proline levels and improved biomass yield. The group II lines (TG1 and TG2) showed low proline levels, severely delayed flowering, stunted growth and reduced biomass yield. Additionally, we used RNA-seq analysis to detect the most significant molecular changes, and we analyzed differentially expressed genes, such as flowering-related and CYP450 family genes. Moreover, the biomass yield, physiological parameters, and expression levels of reactive oxygen species scavenger-related genes under salt stress all indicated that the group I plants exhibited significantly increased salt tolerance compared with that of the control plants, in contrast to the group II plants. Thus, genetic improvement of switchgrass by overexpressing LpP5CS to increase proline levels is feasible for increasing plant stress tolerance.

Induction of HSF1 expression is associated with sporadic colorectal cancer.

AIM: To explore the activation of signal transduction pathways related with the carcinogenesis of sporadic colon cancers. METHODS: A gene array monitoring the activation of 8 signal transduction pathways (PathwayFinder GEArray) was used to screen the differentially expressed genes between colorectal cancer and normal colon tissues. The differentially expressed genes were further analyzed by RT-PCR, using RNA derived from colorectal cancer and normal colon tissue of 35 patients. RESULTS: The expression of HSF1, HSF27, HSP90 and iNOS was increased in colon cancer tissues compared to normal colon tissue using PathwayFinder GEArray. The RT-PCR results showed that the expression of HSF1 was increased in 86% (30/35) patients and the expression of iNOS was increased in 63% (22/35) patients. CONCLUSION: The induction of HSF1 gene expression is associated with sporadic colon cancer. HSF1 induces heat shock stress signaling pathway, which might play a role in the carcinogenesis of sporadic colorectal cancer.

[Induction of HSF1 expression and sporadic colorectal cancer].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the activation of the signal transduction pathways related with the carcinogenesis of sporadic colon cancers. METHODS: A gene microarray monitoring activation of 8 signal transduction pathways (PathwayFinder GEArray) was used to screen the differentially expressed genes between colorectal cancer and normal colon tissue. The differentially expressed genes were further analyzed by RT-PCR, using RNA extracted from cancer tissue and matched normal colon mucosa of 35 patients with colorectal cancer. RESULTS: The expression of hsf1, hsf27 and inos was increased in colon cancer compared with normal colon mucosa using PathwayFinder GEArray. The RT-PCR results showed that the expression of hsf1 was detected in 86% of patients(30/35)and the expression of inos detected in 63% patients(22/35). CONCLUSION: Hsf1 induces heat shock stress signaling pathway, which might play a role in the carcinogenesis of sporadic colorectal cancer.