Genome-Wide Identification and Characterization of Tomato Fatty Acid ß-Oxidase Family Genes KAT and MFP.

Fatty acids and their derivatives play a variety of roles in living organisms. Fatty acids not only store energy but also comprise membrane lipids and act as signaling molecules. There are three main proteins involved in the fatty acid ß-oxidation pathway in plant peroxisomes, including acyl-CoA oxidase (ACX), multifunctional protein (MFP), and 3-ketolipoyl-CoA thiolase (KAT). However, genome-scale analysis of KAT and MFP has not been systemically investigated in tomatoes. Here, we conducted a bioinformatics analysis of KAT and MFP genes in tomatoes. Their physicochemical properties, protein secondary structure, subcellular localization, gene structure, phylogeny, and collinearity were also analyzed. In addition, a conserved motif analysis, an evolutionary pressure selection analysis, a cis-acting element analysis, tissue expression profiling, and a qRT-PCR analysis were conducted within tomato KAT and MFP family members. There are five KAT and four MFP family members in tomatoes, which are randomly distributed on four chromosomes. By analyzing the conserved motifs of tomato KAT and MFP family members, we found that both KAT and MFP members are highly conserved. In addition, the results of the evolutionary pressure selection analysis indicate that the KAT and MFP family members have evolved mainly from purifying selection, which makes them more structurally stable. The results of the cis-acting element analysis show that SlKAT and SlMFP with respect may respond to light, hormones, and adversity stresses. The tissue expression analysis showed that KAT and MFP family members have important roles in regulating the development of floral organs as well as fruit ripening. The qRT-PCR analysis revealed that the expressions of SlKAT and SlMFP genes can be regulated by ABA, MeJA, darkness, NaCl, PEG, UV, cold, heat, and H2O2 treatments. These results provide a basis for the involvement of the SlKAT and SlMFP genes in tomato floral organ development and abiotic stress response, which lay a foundation for future functional study of SlKAT and SlMFP in tomatoes.

Predictive value of von Willebrand factor for venous thrombosis in patients with chronic heart failure complicated with atrial fibrillation after anticoagulant therapy.

BACKGROUND: We investigated the value of von Willebrand factor (vWF) in predicting venous thrombosis in patients with chronic heart failure complicated with atrial fibrillation after anticoagulation therapy. METHODS: Totally, 126 patients with chronic heart failure complicated with atrial fibrillation who were treated with anticoagulant therapy and 60 healthy individuals were enrolled. One year after anticoagulant therapy, venous thrombosis occurred in 19 patients. Clinical data of patients were collected. The plasma vWF activity was detected and compared. The logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the influencing factors of vWF. ROC curve was used to evaluate the predictive value of plasma vWF. RESULTS: Plasma vWF activity was significantly higher in patients with heart failure and atrial fibrillation than control subjects (P < 0.01). The vWF activity in patients with venous thrombosis was significantly higher than that in patients without venous thrombosis (P < 0.01). ROC curve analysis showed that the cut-off value of vWF activity for venous thrombosis within one year after anticoagulant therapy was 267.5%, and the AUC was 0.742 (95% CI: 0.764-0.921, P < 0.05). The sensitivity was 80.0%, and the specificity was 63.6%. Factors of diabetes, myocardial ischemia, old myocardial infarction, and lower extremity atherosclerosis, but not sex, age, coronary heart disease, hypertension, and cardiac function, had significant effect on vWF activity (P < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that vWF activity was significantly related with atherosclerosis of lower limbs and old myocardial infarction, but not significantly related with diabetes and myocardial ischemia. The risk of venous thrombosis in patients with vWF activity greater than 267.5% was 10.667 times higher than that in patients with vWF activity less than 267.5% (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The vWF activity greater than 267.5% has clinical predictive value for the risk of lower extremity venous thrombosis in patients with chronic heart failure complicated with atrial fibrillation within 1 year of anticoagulant therapy.

The complete genome sequence of Bifidobacterium longum LTBL16, a potential probiotic strain from healthy centenarians with strong antioxidant activity.

B. longum LTBL16 is a potential probiotic strain that was isolated from healthy centenarians in Bama, China. In vitro experiments show that B. longum LTBL16 has a strong antioxidant activity and the complete genome of B. longum LTBL16 was sequenced in this work. The genome consists of one 2,430,682 bp circular chromosome that is plasmid free. The circular chromosome has a GC content of 61.23% and contains 2071 coding sequences (CDSs), 4 rRNA manipulators and 55 tRNA coding genes. Genetic analysis showed that at least five protein-coding genes were associated with antioxidant activity, and the abundance of these genes may be related to free radical scavenging rates and oxygen tolerance. In addition, the safety of B. longum LTBL16 was evaluated using a virulence factor database and antibiotic resistance gene database. The results indicate that B. longum LTBL16 has the good potential for the development and utilization as a probiotic.

Identification and control of a poliomyelitis outbreak in Xinjiang, China.

BACKGROUND: The last case of infection with wild-type poliovirus indigenous to China was reported in 1994, and China was certified as a poliomyelitis-free region in 2000. In 2011, an outbreak of infection with imported wild-type poliovirus occurred in the province of Xinjiang. METHODS: We conducted an investigation to guide the response to the outbreak, performed sequence analysis of the poliovirus type 1 capsid protein VP1 to determine the source, and carried out serologic and coverage surveys to assess the risk of viral propagation. Surveillance for acute flaccid paralysis was intensified to enhance case ascertainment. RESULTS: Between July 3 and October 9, 2011, investigators identified 21 cases of infection with wild-type poliovirus and 23 clinically compatible cases in southern Xinjiang. Wild-type poliovirus type 1 was isolated from 14 of 673 contacts of patients with acute flaccid paralysis (2.1%) and from 13 of 491 healthy persons who were not in contact with affected persons (2.6%). Sequence analysis implicated an imported wild-type poliovirus that originated in Pakistan as the cause of the outbreak. A public health emergency was declared in Xinjiang after the outbreak was confirmed. Surveillance for acute flaccid paralysis was enhanced, with daily reporting from all public and private hospitals. Five rounds of vaccination with live, attenuated oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV) were conducted among children and adults, and 43 million doses of OPV were administered. Trivalent OPV was used in three rounds, and monovalent OPV type 1 was used in two rounds. The outbreak was stopped 1.5 months after laboratory confirmation of the index case. CONCLUSIONS: The 2011 outbreak in China showed that poliomyelitis-free countries remain at risk for outbreaks while the poliovirus circulates anywhere in the world. Global eradication of poliomyelitis will benefit all countries, even those that are currently free of poliomyelitis.

An outbreak following importation of wild poliovirus in Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, China, 2011.

BACKGROUND: After more than 10 years without a case of wild poliovirus (WPV) in China, an outbreak occurred in 2011 in Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. METHODS: Acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) case surveillance was strengthened with epidemiological investigations and specimen collection and serological surveys were conducted among hospitalized patients. RESULTS: There were 21 WPV cases and 23 clinical compatible polio cases reported. WPV was isolated from 14 contacts of AFP cases and 13 in the healthy population. Incidence of WPV and clinical compatible polio cases were both highest among children <1 years, however, 24/44 (54.5%) polio cases were reported among adults aged 15-39 years. CONCLUSIONS: High coverage of routine immunization should be maintained among children until WPV transmission is globally eradicated. Expansion of AFP case surveillance and use of serologic surveys to estimate population immunity should be conducted rapidly to guide preparedness and response planning for future WPV outbreaks.

Qualitative and Semiquantitative Analysis of Fecal Bifidobacterium Species in Centenarians Living in Bama, Guangxi, China.

Centenarians constitute a significant subpopulation in the Bama County of Guangxi province in China. The beneficial effects of intestinal microbiota, especially bifidobacteria of centenarians, have been widely accepted; however, knowledge about Bifidobacterium species in centenarians is not adequate. The aim of this study was to investigate the quantity and prevalence of fecal Bifidobacterium in healthy longevous individuals. Fecal samples from eight centenarians from Bama (aged 100 to 108 years), eight younger elderlies from Bama (aged 80 to 99 years), and eight younger elderlies from Nanning (aged 80 to 99 years) were analyzed using denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis, species-specific clone library, and quantitative polymerase chain reaction technology (qPCR). A total of eight different Bifidobacterium species were detected. B. dentium, B. longum, B. thermophilum, B. pseudocatenulatum/B. catenulatum, and B. adolescentis were common in fecal of centenarians and young elderly. B. minimum, B. saecularmay/B. pullorum/B. gallinarum, and B. mongoliense were found in centenarians but were absent in the younger elderlies. In addition, Bifidobacterium species found in centenarians were different from those found in Bama young elderly and Nanning young elderly, and the principal differences were the significant increase in the population of B. longum (P < 0.05) and B. dentium (P < 0.05) and the reduction in the frequency of B. adolescentis (P < 0.05), respectively. Centenarians tend to have more complex fecal Bifidobacterium species than young elderlies from different regions.

Complete genome sequence analysis of two human enterovirus C99 strains isolated in Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region, China, in 2011.

Human enterovirus C99 (EV-C99) is a new member of the species Enterovirus C, and although only a few EV-C99 sequences have been obtained thus far, the strain has been identified on four continents. In 2011, two EV-C99 strains were isolated from two healthy children in Xinjiang, China, and to our knowledge, this is the first finding of EV-C99 in China. The two strains, designated HT-XEBGH09F and KSSC-ALXHH01F, showed 78.8-86.6 % similarity to other EV-C99 strains and exhibited intra-serotypic genetic recombination within the P2 coding regions. These findings reflect high genetic divergence among the EV-C99 strains.

Frailty and Health-Related Quality of Life in Elderly Patients Undergoing Esophageal Cancer Surgery: A Longitudinal Study.

PURPOSE: This study aims to elucidate the longitudinal alterations in frailty and health-related quality of life experienced by elderly patients undergoing surgical treatment for esophageal cancer. Additionally, it seeks to ascertain the impact of preoperative frailty on postoperative health-related quality of life over time. METHODS: 131 patients were included in the prospective study. Patients' frailty and health-related quality-of-life were assessed utilizing the Tilburg and European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 at preoperative, 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months, postoperatively. Statistical analyses were performed using generalized estimating equations, repeated-measures analysis of variance, and linear mixed models (LMMs). RESULTS: Out of 131 patients, 28.2% had frailty before surgery, and the prevalence of frailty consistently higher after surgery compared with baseline (67.9%, 51.9%, and 39.7%). There was no significant change in frailty scores in preoperative frail patients within 3 months following surgery (p = .496, p < .999, p < .999); whereas in preoperative non-frail patients, the frailty scores increased at 1 week (p < .001) and then decreased at 1 month (p = .014), followed by no change at 3 months. In addition, preoperative frail patients had significantly worse global quality-of-life (ß = -4.24 (-8.31; -.18), p = .041), physical functioning (ß = -9.87 (-14.59; -5.16), p < .001), role functioning (ß = -10.04 (-15.76; -4.33), p = .001), and social functioning (ß = -8.58 (-15.49; -1.68), p = .015), compared with non-frail patients. CONCLUSIONS: A significant proportion of participants exhibited a high prevalence of preoperative frailty. These patients, who were preoperatively frail, exhibited a marked reduction in health-related quality-of-life, a more gradual recovery across various functional domains, and an increased symptom burden during the follow-up period. Therefore, it is crucial to meticulously identify and closely monitor patients with preoperative frailty for any changes in their postoperative physiology, role, and social functioning.

Study on mNGS Technique in Diagnosing Pneumocystis jirovecii Pneumonia in Non-HIV-Infected Patients.

Objective: To investigate the value of metagenomic Next-Generation Sequencing (mNGS) in diagnosing Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP) in non-human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients. Methods: In this retrospective study, non-HIV-infected patients with PJP and those diagnosed with non-PJP from August 2022 to December 2024 were selected as subjects. The presence of Pneumocystis jirovecii (PJ) and other co-pathogens in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was analyzed, and the diagnostic efficacy of NGS, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and serum 1,3-ß-D-glucan (BDG) in PJP was compared with the reference standard of clinical compound diagnosis. Results: Eighty-nine non-HIV-infected patients were recruited, with dyspnea as the primary symptom (69.66%) and solid malignant tumor as the most common underlying disease (20.22%). Taking clinical compound diagnosis as the reference standard, the sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value and positive predictive value of mNGS were higher than those detected by PCR and serum BDG. Among 42 non-HIV-infected patients with PJP who underwent mNGS and conventional pathogen detection of BALF, 6 had simple PJ infection and 36 had combined PJ infection. The detection rate of mNGS in mixed infections was significantly higher than that of conventional pathogen detection (85.71 vs 61.70%, P = 0.012). A total of 127 pathogens were detected in BALF using mNGS, among which fungi had the highest detection rate (46.46%). The fungi, viruses and bacteria detected were mainly Pneumocystis jirovecii, human gammaherpesvirus 4 and Acinetobacter baumannii. Conclusion: mNGS is highly effective in diagnosing non-HIV-infected patients with PJP and exhibits ideal performance in the detection of co-pathogens. In addition, it has certain value for clinical diagnosis and guidance of targeted anti-infective drug treatment.

Complete genome sequence of two coxsackievirus A1 strains that were cytotoxic to human rhabdomyosarcoma cells.

Coxsackievirus A1 (CVA1) belongs to human enterovirus species C within the family Picornaviridae, order Picornavirales. Two Chinese CVA1 isolates, HT-THLH02F/XJ/CHN/2011 and KS-ZPH01F/XJ/CHN/2011, were isolated from stool specimens of two healthy children in the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region of China. They were found to elicit cytopathic effects in a human rhabdomyosarcoma cell line, and complete genome sequences of these two CVA1 isolates revealed that natural intertypic recombination events occurred between CVA1 and CVA22.

Rubella epidemic caused by genotype 1E rubella viruses in Beijing, China, in 2007-2011.

BACKGROUND: A series of different rubella vaccination strategies were implemented to control rubella and prevent congenital rubella virus infection in Beijing, China. The rubella vaccine was available in 1995 in Beijing, and was introduced into the Beijing immunization program (vaccine recipients at their own expense vaccination) in 2000, and was introduced into the National Expanded Program on Immunization (vaccine recipients free vaccination) in 2006. Rubella virological surveillance started in Beijing in 2007. RESULTS: The reported rubella incidence rate has decreased dramatically due to the introduction of the vaccine in Beijing since 1995. However, rubella epidemics occurred regardless in 2001 and 2007. The incidence rate among the floating population has gradually increased since 2002, reaching 2 or more times that in the permanent resident population. The peak age of rubella cases gradually changed from <15 years of age to adults after 2005. Phylogenetic analysis was performed and a phylogenetic tree was constructed based on the World Health Organization standard sequence window for rubella virus isolates. All Beijing rubella virus isolates belong to genotype 1E/cluster1 and were clustered interspersed with viruses from other provinces in China. The effective number of infections indicated by a Bayesian skyline plot remained constant from 2007 to 2011. CONCLUSIONS: The proportion of rubella cases among the floating population has increased significantly in Beijing since 2002, and the disease burden gradually shifted to the older age group (15- to 39-year olds), which has become a major group with rubella infection since 2006. Genotype 1E rubella virus continuously caused a rubella epidemic in Beijing in 2007-2011 and was the predominant virus, and all Beijing genotype 1E viruses belong to cluster 1, which is also widely circulated throughout the country.

Validation of a Droplet Digital PCR (ddPCR) Assay to Detect Cyanobacterial 16S rDNA in Human Lung Tissue.

Cyanobacteria produce a variety of secondary metabolites, including toxins that may contribute to the development of disease. Previous work was able to detect the presence of a cyanobacterial marker in human nasal and broncoalveolar lavage samples; however, it was not able to determine the quantification of the marker. To further research the relationship between cyanobacteria and human health, we validated a droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) assay to simultaneously detect the cyanobacterial 16S marker and a human housekeeping gene in human lung tissue samples. The ability to detect cyanobacteria in human samples will allow further research into the role cyanobacteria plays in human health and disease.

VPS9D1-AS1, a novel long-non-coding RNA, acts as a tumor promoter by regulating the miR-324-5p/ITGA2 axis in colon adenocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Colon adenocarcinoma (COAD) is among the most common malignancies worldwide. Elucidating the function and mechanism of action of the lncRNA VPS9D1-AS1 in COAD will be of great value for identifying potential therapeutic targets. METHODS: Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis was used to measure the expression levels of lncRNA VPS9D1-AS1 in COAD tissues and cell lines. After knocking down the expression of VPS9D1-AS1 in two COAD cell lines, namely SW1116 and LoVo, their proliferation rate was measured by the 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (Edu) incorporation and cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) viability assays, migration and invasion abilities were assessed by wound healing and Transwell assays, and apoptosis rate was measured withflow cytometry. Additionally, the dual luciferase reporter assay system was used to investigate the targeting of miR-324-5p to VPS9D1-AS1 and ITGA2 3'-UTR. The inhibitory effects of the miR-324-5p/ITGA2 axis on the function of VPS9D1-AS1 were also examined. In vivo tumorigenesis assay was performed in nude mice injected with VPS9D1-AS1 shRNA or control shRNA lentivirus-transfected LoVo cells. RESULTS: VPS9D1-AS1 was found to be upregulated in COAD tissues and cell lines. VPS9D1-AS1 knockdown inhibited the COAD cell proliferation, migration and invasion and increased the apoptosis rate. In addition, we have demonstrated that miR-324-5p targets VPS9D1-AS1 and ITGA2 3'-UTR, and miR-324-5p silencing or forced ITGA2 expression attenuated the effect of VPS9D1-AS1 knockdown. CONCLUSION: This study identified a novel competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) pathway that potentially associates with the oncogenic functions of VPS9D1-AS1, miR-324-5p, and ITGA2 in COAD, which could contribute to the identification of new therapeutic approaches targeting COAD.

Purification of acidic lignocellulose hydrolysate using anion-exchange resin: Multicomponent adsorption, kinetic and thermodynamic study.

Acid hydrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass to produce high value-added products presents a breathtaking industrial application foreground. However, the hydrolysate under harsh conditions contains extremely complex degradations, resulting in many restrictions or lethal toxicity on the following utilization and bioconversion. In this study, the anion-exchange resin 335 was exploited to separate and purify main degradations from the acidic corncob-hydrolysate. A comprehensive investigation was explored on equilibrium isotherms, adsorption kinetics, and thermodynamic parameters of the representative substances in the hydrolysate. The results indicated that the removal of acetic acid, furfural, and lignin reached 90.13%, 92.58%, and 94.85% respectively, while the loss rate of xylose was well controlled within 20%. Based on these studies, various models and parameters were evaluated to uncover the mechanisms. In conclusion, this work offered a theoretical basis for the application in the separation and purification of acidic lignocellulose-hydrolysate and further bioconversion.

The aldolase inhibitor aldometanib mimics glucose starvation to activate lysosomal AMPK.

The activity of 5'-adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is inversely correlated with the cellular availability of glucose. When glucose levels are low, the glycolytic enzyme aldolase is not bound to fructose-1,6-bisphosphate (FBP) and, instead, signals to activate lysosomal AMPK. Here, we show that blocking FBP binding to aldolase with the small molecule aldometanib selectively activates the lysosomal pool of AMPK and has beneficial metabolic effects in rodents. We identify aldometanib in a screen for aldolase inhibitors and show that it prevents FBP from binding to v-ATPase-associated aldolase and activates lysosomal AMPK, thereby mimicking a cellular state of glucose starvation. In male mice, aldometanib elicits an insulin-independent glucose-lowering effect, without causing hypoglycaemia. Aldometanib also alleviates fatty liver and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis in obese male rodents. Moreover, aldometanib extends lifespan and healthspan in both Caenorhabditis elegans and mice. Taken together, aldometanib mimics and adopts the lysosomal AMPK activation pathway associated with glucose starvation to exert physiological roles, and might have potential as a therapeutic for metabolic disorders in humans.

miR-23b-3p Inhibits the Oncogenicity of Colon Adenocarcinoma by Directly Targeting NFE2L3.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: MicroR-23b-3p (miR-23b-3p) has been found to be abnormally expressed in a variety of malignant tumors and to play a role in tumor inhibition or promotion. However, the regulatory mechanism of miR-23b-3p in COAD remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical significance of miR-23b-3p expression in COAD cells and to explore its role and regulatory mechanism in the growth of COAD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to measure miR-23b-3p expression in COAD tissues and cell lines. After transfecting miR-23b-3p mimics into two human COAD cell lines (SW620 and LoVo), the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), colony formation, and 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) assays were used to detect cell proliferation, the Transwell assay was used to measure cell migration and invasion capacity, and flow cytometry was used to evaluate cell apoptosis in vitro. In addition, a luciferase reporter assay was used to determine whether miR-23b-3p targets NFE2L3. The downstream regulatory mechanisms of miR-23b-3p action in COAD cells were also investigated. For in vivo tumorigenesis assay, COAD cells stably overexpressing miR-23b-3p were injected subcutaneously into the flank of nude mice to obtain tumors. RESULTS: Significantly decreased expression of miR-23b-3p was detected in COAD tissues and cell lines. Exogenous miR-23b-3p expression inhibited cell proliferation, migration, and invasion and promoted cell apoptosis of COAD cells in vitro. Nuclear factor erythroid 2 like 3 (NFE2L3) was identified as a direct target gene of miR-23b-3p. In addition, reintroduction of NFE2L3 partially abolished the anticancer effects of miR-23b-3p on COAD cells. Furthermore, miR-23b-3p overexpression hindered the growth of COAD cells in vivo. CONCLUSION: miR-23b-3p inhibited the oncogenicity of COAD cells in vitro and in vivo by directly targeting NFE2L3, suggesting the importance of the miR-23b-3p/NFE2L3 pathway in the development of COAD.

A cost-practical cell-recycling process for xylonic acid bioproduction from acidic lignocellulosic hydrolysate with whole-cell catalysis of Gluconobacter oxydans.

Xylonic acid (XA), as a bio-based platform chemical, is of considerable interest for xylose bioconversion. The whole-cell catalysis of Gluconobacter oxydans presents a promising application potential, while the hard works of cell culture still severely hinder XA business from the crude toxics-containing lignocellulosic hydrolysate. Hence, the bacterial cells should be recycled to reduce commercial production cost. The implementation of diatomite detoxification not only absorbs most of the degraded inhibitors in hydrolysate, but also confines the sugar contents loss with 10% and allows the bacterial cells to maintain 90% bioconversion performance during cell-recycling operation. Additionally, a scale-up of XA bioproduction was achieved in a sealed oxygen supply fermenter. Finally, 210 g XA was produced from 1000 g corncob originated hydrolysate within 24 h of whole-cell catalysis. Diatomite treatment provides an efficient and cost-practical approach for the commercial bioproduction of biochemicals like XA from lignocellulosic biomass.

Conserved WCPL and CX4C domains mediate several mating adhesin interactions in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Several adhesins are induced by pheromones during mating in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, including Aga1p, Aga2p, Sag1p (Agalpha1p), and Fig2p. These four proteins all participate in or influence a well-studied agglutinin interaction mediated by Aga1p-Aga2p complexes and Sag1p; however, they also play redundant and essential roles in mating via an unknown mechanism. Aga1p and Fig2p both contain repeated, conserved WCPL and CX(4)C domains. This study was directed toward understanding the mechanism underlying the collective requirement of agglutinins and Fig2p for mating. Apart from the well-known agglutinin interaction between Aga2p and Sag1p, three more pairs of interactions in cells of opposite mating type were revealed by this study, including bilateral heterotypic interactions between Aga1p and Fig2p and a homotypic interaction between Fig2p and Fig2p. These four pairs of adhesin interactions are collectively required for maximum mating efficiency and normal zygote morphogenesis. GPI-less, epitope-tagged forms of Aga1p and Fig2p can be co-immunoprecipitated from the culture medium of mating cells in a manner dependent on the WCPL and CX(4)C domains in the R1 repeat of Aga1p. Using site-directed mutagenesis, the conserved residues in Aga1p that interact with Fig2p were identified. Aga1p is involved in two distinct adhesive functions that are independent of each other, which raises the possibility for combinatorial interactions of this protein with its different adhesion receptors, Sag1 and Fig2p, a property of many higher eukaryotic adhesins.

Novel lncRNA SFTA1P Promotes Tumor Growth by Down-Regulating miR-4766-5p via PI3K/AKT/mTOR Signaling Pathway in Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common malignancy worldwide with a high mortality rate. lncRNA SFTA1P is highly expressed in HCC. We aimed to study the role of SFTA1P in HCC and its relationship with miR-4766-5p. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The levels of SFTA1P in HCC tissues and cell lines were determined. Relationship between SFTA1P and clinical features and prognosis was studied. The influence of SFTA1P on HCC cell viability, migration, invasion and apoptosis was studied in vitro. Rescue experiments were conducted after the binding site between SFTA1P and miR-4766-5p confirmed by dual-luciferase assay. The protein expression of AKT, p-AKT, mTOR and p-mTOR in HCC cells with knockdown of SFTA1P was determined by Western blotting. A tumor study in nude mice was conducted in order to assess the effects of SFTA1P on tumor growth characteristics. RESULTS: SFTA1P was up-regulated in HCC tissues and cell lines. SFTA1P expression was closely related to tumor size, vascular invasion and TNM stage. Knockdown of SFTA1P inhibited HCC cell viability, migration and invasion and promoted cell apoptosis. MiR-4766-5p was a target of SFTA1P and knockdown of SFTA1P could decrease the protein expression of p-AKT and p-mTOR. Rescue experiments showed that miR-4766-5p mimics could attenuate the promoting role of SFTA1P on HCC cell viability, invasion and migration, and inhibiting role on cell apoptosis. Moreover, we used nude mice models and also found that the knockdown of SFTA1P reduced tumor volume and weight. CONCLUSION: lncRNA SFTA1P could promote tumor development in HCC by down-regulating miR-4766-5p expression via PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. It may be a potential therapeutic target for HCC.

Removal of fermentation inhibitors from pre-hydrolysis liquor using polystyrene divinylbenzene resin.

BACKGROUND: The presence of soluble lignin, furfural and hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) in industrial pre-hydrolysis liquor (PHL) from the pulping process can inhibit its bioconversion into bioethanol and other biochemicals. Although various technologies have been developed to remove these inhibitors, certain amounts of sugars are also inevitably removed during the treatment process. Hence, polystyrene divinylbenzene (PS-DVB) resin was used as an adsorptive material to simultaneously remove fermentation inhibitors while retaining sugars with high yields to improve the fermentability of PHL after acid hydrolysis by enriching its xylose concentration. The fermentability of acid-hydrolyzed PHL (A-PHL) was evaluated by the bioconversion into ethanol and xylosic acid (XA) after treatment with PS-DVB resin. RESULTS: The results showed that the highest xylose concentration (101.1 g/L) in PHL could be obtained by acid hydrolysis at 100 °C for 80 min with 4% acid, while the concentration of fermentation inhibitors (furfural, HMF and lignin) in PHL could also be significantly improved during the acid-hydrolysis process. After treatment with PS-DVB resin, not only were 97% of lignin, 92% of furfural, and 97% of HMF removed from A-PHL, but also 96% of xylose was retained for subsequent fermentation. With resin treatment, the fermentability of A-PHL could be improved by 162-282% for ethanol production from A-PHL containing 30-50 g/L xylose and by 18-828% for XA production from A-PHL containing 90-150 g/L xylose. CONCLUSIONS: These results confirmed that PS-DVB resin can remove inhibitors from PHL before producing value-added products by bioconversion. In addition, this work will ideally provide a concept for producing value-added chemicals from pre-hydrolysis liquor, which is regarded as the waste stream in the pulping process.