Formosa maritima sp. nov., isolated from coastal sediment.

A Gram-stain-negative, strictly aerobic, gliding-motile, rod-shaped and orange-pigmented bacterium, designated 1494T, was isolated from marine sediment collected off the coast of Weihai, PR China. Strain 1494T was found to grow at 4-37 °C (optimum, 30 °C), at pH 6.0-9.0 (pH 7.0) and in the presence of 0-8 % (w/v) NaCl (2 %). Cells were positive for oxidase and catalase activity. The results of 16S rRNA gene based phylogenetic analysis revealed that strain 1494T belonged to the genus Formosa and exhibited the highest sequence similarity to Formosa spongicola KCTC 22662 T (98.4 %). Menaquinone-6 (MK-6) was detected as the major respiratory quinone. The dominant cellular fatty acids were iso-C15 : 1 G and iso-C15 : 0. The DNA G+C content of strain 1494T was 31.1 mol%. The major polar lipids included phosphatidylethanolamine, one unidentified phospholipid and one unidentified lipid. Based on its phylogenetic and phenotypic characteristics, strain 1494T is considered to represent a novel species from the genus Formosa, for which the name Formosa maritima sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 1494T (=KCTC 72531T=MCCC 1H00385T).

Seonamhaeicola maritimus sp. nov., isolated from coastal sediment.

A Gram-stain-negative, facultatively anaerobic, non-motile, rod-shaped and orange-pigmented bacterium, designated 1505T, was isolated from marine sediment that was obtained off the coast of Weihai, PR China. Strain 1505T was found to grow at 10-35 °C (optimum, 28 °C), at pH 6.0-9.0 (optimum, 7.5) and in the presence of 1-4 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 2 %). Cells were positive for oxidase and catalase activity. The 16S rRNA gene based phylogenetic analysis revealed that the nearest phylogenetic neighbours of strain 1505T were Seonamhaeicola algicola Gy8T (97.1 %), Seonamhaeicola marinus B011T (96.3 %) and Seonamhaeicola aphaedonensis KCTC 32578T (95.6 %). Based on phylogenomic analysis, the average nucleotide identity values between strain 1505T and S. algicola Gy8T, S. marinus B011T and S. aphaedonensis KCTC 32578T were 75.9, 76.0 and 77.7 %, respectively; the digital DNA-DNA hybridization values based on the draft genomes between strain 1505T and S. algicola Gy8T, S. marinus B011T and S. aphaedonensis KCTC 32578T were 20.0, 20.7 and 21.4 %, respectively. Menaquinone-6 (MK-6) was detected as the major respiratory quinone. The dominant cellular fatty acids were iso-C15 : 1 G and C18 : 1ω9c. The DNA G+C content of strain 1505T was 33.3 mol%. The polar lipids included phosphatidylethanolamine, six aminolipids and four unidentified lipids. Based on its phylogenetic and phenotypic characteristics, strain 1505T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Seonamhaeicola, for which the name Seonamhaeicola maritimus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 1505T (=KCTC 72528T=MCCC 1H00389T).

Isolation, identification, and characterization of diesel-oil-degrading bacterial strains indigenous to Changqing oil field, China.

In the present study, 12 indigenous diesel-oil-degrading bacteria were isolated from the petroleum-contaminated soils of the Changqing oil field (Xi'an, China). Measurement of the diesel-oil degradation rates of these strains by the gravimetric method revealed that they ranged from 42% to 66% within 2 weeks. The highest degradation rates were observed from strains CQ8-1 (66%), CQ8-2 (62.6%), and CQ11 (59%), which were identified as Bacillus thuringiensis, Ochrobactrum anthropi, and Bordetella bronchialis, respectively, based on their 16S rDNA sequences. Moreover, the physiological and biochemical properties of these three strains were analyzed by Gram staining, catalase, oxidase, and Voges-Proskauer tests. Transmission electron microscopy showed that all three strains were rod shaped with flagella. Gas chromatography and mass spectrometric analyses indicated that medium- and long-chain n-alkanes in diesel oil (C11-C29) were degraded to different degrees by B. thuringiensis, O. anthropi, and B. bronchialis, and the degradation rates gradually decreased as the carbon numbers increased. Overall, the results of this study indicate strains CQ8-1, CQ8-2, and CQ11 might be useful for environmentally friendly and cost-effective bioremediation of oil-contaminated soils.

Effect of ethanol treatment on the quality and volatiles production of blueberries after harvest.

BACKGROUND: Blueberries are appreciated by consumers for their rich natural antioxidants and their good nutritional and health functions. However, blueberries are very perishable due to microbial infection and metabolic aging after harvest. Ethanol has been shown to have the effect of controlling postharvest microorganisms and improving storage quality of fruits and vegetables. This study aimed to clarify the effects of ethanol on the appearance quality and flavor attributes of postharvest blueberries. Blueberries were treated with ethanol (250, 500, and 1000 µL L-1 ) and stored at 0 ± 0.5 °C, 90% relative humidity (RH), for 40 days. RESULTS: The results indicated that ethanol treatment could slow the decline of blueberry firmness and reduce the decay rate significantly in a dose-dependent manner. The soluble solids content (SSC) and titratable acidity (TA) of ethanol-treated blueberries increased significantly (P < 0.05), improving the taste of the blueberries. The activities of alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and pyruvate decarboxylase (PDC) were stimulated with the accumulation of ethanol in blueberries, which catalyzed the conversion of ethanol, acetaldehyde, and pyruvate, increasing their levels in blueberries. More volatiles, especially esters, were detected in ethanol-treated blueberries, e.g. methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, ethyl propanoate, ethyl isobutyrate, ethyl 2-methylbutanoate, ethyl isovalerate, ethyl 3-methyl-2-butenoate, diethyl sebacate, and isopropyl myristate. CONCLUSION: The preservative effect of ethanol on blueberry was significantly affected by ethanol concentration. In this study, the effect of 500 µL L-1 ethanol fumigation on blueberry was the best in terms of appearance quality (firmness and decay rate) and flavor attributes (SSC, TA, and volatiles). © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

Chengkuizengella sediminis gen. nov. sp. nov., isolated from sediment.

A Gram-stain-positive, aerobic, motile, endospore-forming bacterium, designated strain J15A17T, was isolated from sediment of the South China Sea. The strain was oxidase-positive and catalase-negative. Optimal growth occurred at 33 °C, pH 7.5 and in the presence of 3 % (w/v) NaCl. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, the strain showed closest similarity (92.8 %) to Paenibacillus puldeungensis strain CAU 9324T. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that the isolate forms a separate branch within the family Paenibacillaceae, with the genus Cohnella as the most closely related genus. The DNA G+C content of strain J15A17T was 37.4 mol%. The strain contained MK-7 as the sole respiratory quinone; anteiso-C15 : 0 and iso-C16 : 0 were the major cellular fatty acids; and its polar lipid pattern consisted of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, glycolipid and four unidentified phospholipids. The strain displayed the peptidoglycan type A4α l-Lys-d-Asp in the cell wall. Phylogenetic, physiological, biochemical and morphological differences between strain J15A17T and its closest relatives in the genera Cohnella, Fontibacillus and Paenibacillus suggest that strain J15A17T (=KCTC 33759T=MCCC 1H00137T) represents the type strain of a novel species in a new genus within the family Paenibacillaceae, Chengkuizengella sediminis gen. nov. sp. nov.

Paraliobacillus sediminis sp. nov., isolated from East China sea sediment.

A Gram-strain-positive, facultatively anaerobic, motile, endospore-forming, slightly halophilic bacterium, designated strain 126C4T, was isolated from sediment from the East China Sea. The strain was catalase-positive and oxidase-negative. Optimal growth occurred at 28-30 °C, pH 7.0-7.5 and in the presence of 3-5 % (w/v) NaCl. Phylogenetic analyses, based on 16S rRNA gene sequence comparisons, showed that strain 126C4T was a member of the genus Paraliobacillus, with 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities to Paraliobacillus quinghaiensis YIM-C158T and Paraliobacillus ryukyuensis O15-7T of 96.2 % and 95.3 %, repectively. The DNA G+C content was 39.6 mol%. The strain contained MK-7 as the sole respiratory quinone, anteiso-C15 : 0, C16 : 0, iso-C15 : 0 and iso-C16 : 0 as the major cellular fatty acids, and its polar lipid pattern comprised diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, three glycolipids and four unknown phospholipids. On the basis of its phylogenetic position, phenotypic traits and chemotaxonomic characteristics, it is suggested that strain 126C4T represents a novel species of the genus Paraliobacillus, for which the name Paraliobacillus sediminis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 126C4T (=KCTC 33762T=MCCC 1H00136T).

Growth of Salmonella spp. and Escherichia coli O157:H7 on Fresh-Cut Fruits Stored at Different Temperatures.

The objective of this work was to determine the growth potential of Salmonella spp. and Escherichia coli O157:H7 on fresh-cut honeydew melon, cantaloupe, watermelon, pitaya, mango, papaya, and pineapple stored at 5°C, 13°C, and 25°C. The results showed that both pathogens were able to grow on fresh-cut fruits except fresh-cut pineapple at 13°C and 25°C. Salmonella spp. grew more rapidly on fresh-cut honeydew melon, cantaloupe, watermelon, and mango than did E. coli O157:H7 at 13°C. The growth of both species was inhibited on fresh-cut pineapple, with that of Salmonella spp. being particularly pronounced. Naturally occurring microbiota populations on fresh-cut fruits increased significantly at 13°C and 25°C, but no significant changes in growth were observed for Salmonella spp., E. coli O157:H7, or natural microbiota species at 5°C. The study therefore emphasizes the importance of strict temperature control from processing to consumption, including transportation, distribution, storage, and handling in supermarkets and by consumers.

Low-level transcutaneous electrical stimulation of the auricular branch of vagus nerve ameliorates left ventricular remodeling and dysfunction by downregulation of matrix metalloproteinase 9 and transforming growth factor ß1.

Vagus nerve stimulation improves left ventricular (LV) remodeling by downregulation of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) and transforming growth factor ß1 (TGF-ß1). Our previous study found that low-level transcutaneous electrical stimulation of the auricular branch of the vagus nerve (LL-TS) could be substituted for vagus nerve stimulation to reverse cardiac remodeling. So, we hypothesize that LL-TS could ameliorate LV remodeling by regulation of MMP-9 and TGF-ß1 after myocardial infarction (MI). Twenty-two beagle dogs were randomly divided into a control group (MI was induced by permanent ligation of the left coronary artery, n = 8), an LL-TS group (MI with long-term intermittent LL-TS, n = 8), and a normal group (sham ligation without stimulation, n = 6). At the end of 6 weeks follow-up, LL-TS significantly reduced LV end-systolic and end-diastolic dimensions, improved ejection fraction and ratio of early (E) to late (A) peak mitral inflow velocity. LL-TS attenuated interstitial fibrosis and collagen degradation in the noninfarcted myocardium compared with the control group. Elevated level of MMP-9 and TGF-ß1 in LV tissue and peripheral plasma were diminished in the LL-TS treated dogs. LL-TS improves cardiac function and prevents cardiac remodeling in the late stages after MI by downregulation of MMP-9 and TGF-ß1 expression.

Response surface methodology (RSM) in evaluation of the vitamin C concentrations in microwave treated milk.

During the microwave treatment process of the milk, response surface methodology (RSM) based on three-level three-factorial Box-Behnken design was used. The response vitamin C concentration was studied. The predicted value of model (11.84 µg/mL) was in excellent accordance with experimental value (11.83 µg/mL). Milk layer thickness was the most significant factor that affects the measured responses, and the effects of microwave time and microwave power were dependent on milk layer thickness levels. The variables microwave time,milk layer thickness and microwave power have the opposite effect on vitamin C concentration in milk treated by microwave. Synergistic interactions between milk layer thickness and microwave power was highly significant (p < 0.0001).

Carotid baroreceptor stimulation prevents arrhythmias induced by acute myocardial infarction through autonomic modulation.

: Electrical carotid baroreceptor stimulation (CBS) has shown therapeutic potential for resistant hypertension and heart failure by resetting autonomic nervous system, but the impacts on arrhythmias remains unclear. This study evaluated the effects of CBS on ventricular electrophysiological properties in normal dog heart and arrhythmias after acute myocardial infarction (AMI). In the acute protocol, anesthetized open chest dogs were exposed to 1 hour left anterior descending coronary occlusion as AMI model. Dogs were received either sham treatment (Control group, n = 8) or CBS (CBS group, n = 8), started 1 hour before AMI. CBS resulted in pronounced prolongation of ventricular effective refractory period and reduction of the maximum action potential duration restitution slope (from 0.85 ± 0.15 in the baseline state to 0.67 ± 0.09 at the end of 1 hour, P < 0.05) before AMI. Number of premature ventricular contractions (277 ± 168 in the Control group vs. 103 ± 84 in the CBS group, P < 0.05) and episodes of ventricular tachycardia/ventricular fibrillation (7 ± 3 in the Control group vs. 3 ± 2 in the CBS group, P < 0.05) was decreased compared with the control group during AMI. CBS buffered low-frequency/high-frequency ratio raise during AMI. Ischemic size was not affected by CBS. CBS may have a beneficial impact on ventricular arrhythmias induced by AMI through modulation of autonomic tone.

Quantitative Detection of Gastrointestinal Tumor Markers Using a Machine Learning Algorithm and Multicolor Quantum Dot Biosensor.

This work was to explore the application value of gastrointestinal tumor markers based on gene feature selection model of principal component analysis (PCA) algorithm and multicolor quantum dots (QDs) immunobiosensor in the detection of gastrointestinal tumors. Based on the PCA method, the neighborhood rough set algorithm was introduced to improve it, and the tumor gene feature selection model (OPCA) was established to analyze its classification accuracy and accuracy. Four kinds of coupled biosensors were fabricated based on QDs, namely, 525 nm Cd Se/Zn S QDs-carbohydrate antigen 125 (QDs525-CA125 McAb), 605 nm Cd Se/Zn S QDs-cancer antigen 19-9 (QDs605-CA19-9 McAb), 645 nm Cd Se/Zn S QDs-anticancer embryonic antigen (QDs 645-CEA McAb), and 565 nm Cd Se/Zn S QDs-anti-alpha-fetoprotein (QDs565-AFP McAb). The quantum dot-antibody conjugates were identified and quantified by fluorescence spectroscopy and ultraviolet absorption spectroscopy. The results showed that the classification precision of OPCA model in colon tumor and gastric cancer datasets was 99.52% and 99.03%, respectively, and the classification accuracy was 94.86% and 94.2%, respectively, which were significantly higher than those of other algorithms. The fluorescence values of AFP McAb, CEA McAb, CA19-9 McAb, and CA125 McAb reached the maximum when the conjugation concentrations were 25 µg/mL, 20 µg/mL, 30 µg/mL, and 30 µg/m, respectively. The highest recovery rate of AFP was 98.51%, and its fluorescence intensity was 35.78 ± 2.99, which was significantly higher than that of other antigens (P < 0.001). In summary, the OPCA model based on PCA algorithm can obtain fewer feature gene sets and improve the accuracy of sample classification. Intelligent immunobiosensors based on machine learning algorithms and QDs have potential application value in gastrointestinal gene feature selection and tumor marker detection, which provides a new idea for clinical diagnosis of gastrointestinal tumors.

The Mechanism of Microbial-Ferromanganese Nodule Interaction and the Contribution of Biomineralization to the Formation of Oceanic Ferromanganese Nodules.

Ferromanganese nodules are an important mineral resource in the seafloor; however, the genetic mechanism is still unknown. The biomineralization of microorganisms appears to promote ferromanganese nodule formation. To investigate the possible mechanism of microbial-ferromanganese nodule interaction, to test the possibility of marine microorganisms as deposition template for ferromanganese nodules minerals, the interactions between Jeotgalibacillus campisalis strain CW126-A03 and ferromanganese nodules were studied. The results showed that strain CW126-A03 increased ion concentrations of Fe, Mn, and other metal elements in solutions at first. Then, metal ions were accumulated on the cells' surface and formed ultra-micro sized mineral particles, even crystalline minerals. Strain CW126-A03 appeared to release major elements in ferromanganese nodules, and the cell surface may be a nucleation site for mineral precipitation. This finding highlights the potentially important role of biologically induced mineralization (BIM) in ferromanganese nodule formation. This BIM hypothesis provides another perspective for understanding ferromanganese nodules' genetic mechanism, indicating the potential of microorganisms in nodule formation.

Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in a Simulated Lung Transplant Setting Differentially Regulates Transcriptomic Profiles between Human Lung Endothelial and Epithelial Cells.

Current understanding of mechanisms of ischemia-reperfusion-induced lung injury during lung preservation and transplantation is mainly based on clinical observations and animal studies. Herein, we used cell and systems biology approaches to explore these mechanisms at transcriptomics levels, especially by focusing on the differences between human lung endothelial and epithelial cells, which are crucial for maintaining essential lung structure and function. Human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells and human lung epithelial cells were cultured to confluent, subjected to different cold ischemic times (CIT) to mimic static cold storage with preservation solution, and then subjected to warm reperfusion with a serum containing culture medium to simulate lung transplantation. Cell morphology, viability, and transcriptomic profiles were studied. Ischemia-reperfusion injury induced a CIT time-dependent cell death, which was associated with dramatic changes in gene expression. Under normal control conditions, endothelial cells showed gene clusters enriched in the vascular process and inflammation, while epithelial cells showed gene clusters enriched in protein biosynthesis and metabolism. CIT 6 h alone or after reperfusion had little effect on these phenotypic characteristics. After CIT 18 h, protein-biosynthesis-related gene clusters disappeared in epithelial cells; after reperfusion, metabolism-related gene clusters in epithelial cells and multiple gene clusters in the endothelial cells also disappeared. Human pulmonary endothelial and epithelial cells have distinct phenotypic transcriptomic signatures. Severe cellular injury reduces these gene expression signatures in a cell-type-dependent manner. Therapeutics that preserve these transcriptomic signatures may represent new treatment to prevent acute lung injury during lung transplantation.

Effect of Ethanol Vapor Treatment on the Growth of Alternaria alternata and Botrytis cinerea and Defense-Related Enzymes of Fungi-Inoculated Blueberry During Storage.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of ethanol vapor on the inhibition of Alternaria alternata and Botrytis cinerea in postharvest blueberry and the induction of defense-related enzymes (DREs) activities in fungi-inoculated blueberries stored at 0±0.5°C for 16days. Results indicated that ethanol vapor markedly inhibited the mycelial growth of A. alternata and B. cinerea in a dose-dependent manner, with inhibition rates of 9.1% (250µlL-1), 36.4% (500µlL-1), and 5.5% (1,000µlL-1) on A. alternata and 14.2% (250µlL-1), 44.7% (500µlL-1), and 76.6% (1,000µlL-1) on B. cinerea, respectively. Meanwhile, ethanol vapor also enhanced the activities of DREs in fungi-inoculated blueberries, including ß-1,3-glucanase (GLU), chitinase (CHI), phenylalnine ammonialyase (PAL), peroxidase (POD), and polyphenol oxidase (PPO). In particular, 500µlL-1 ethanol vapor increased the activities of DREs by 84.7% (GLU), 88.0% (CHI), 37.9% (PAL), 85.5% (POD), and 247.0% (PPO) in A. alternata-inoculated blueberries and 103.8% (GLU), 271.1% (CHI), 41.1% (PAL), 148.3% (POD), and 74.4% (PPO) in B. cinerea-inoculated blueberries, respectively. But, the activity of PPO was decreased by 55.2 and 31.9% in 500µlL-1 ethanol-treated blueberries inoculated with A. alternata and B. cinerea, respectively, after 8days of storage. Moreover, the surface structure and ultrastructure of 500µlL-1 ethanol-treated blueberry fruit cells were more integrated than those of other treatments. The findings of the present study suggest that ethanol could be used as an activator of defense responses in blueberry against Alternaria and Botrytis rots, by activating DREs, having practical application value in the preservation of postharvest fruit and vegetables.

Diversity and community structure of archaea in deep subsurface sediments from the tropical Western pacific.

Archaeal 16S rRNA gene clone libraries using PCR amplicons from eight different layers of the MD06-3051 core were obtained from the tropical Western Pacific sediments. A total of 768 clones were randomly selected, and 264 representative clones were sequenced by restriction fragment length polymorphism. Finally, 719 valid clones and 104 operational taxonomic units were identified after chimera-check and > or =97% similarity analysis. The phylogenetic analysis of 16S rDNA sequences obtained from sediment samples were very diverse and showed stratification with depth. Majority of the members were most closely related to uncultivated groups and physiologically uncharacterized assemblages. All phylotypes were affiliated with Crenarchaeota (76%) and Euryarchaeota (24%), respectively. Deep-sea archaeal group (DSAG, 41% of total clones) and miscellaneous crenarchaeotic group (MCG, 29% of total clones) belonging to Crenarchaeota were the most predominant archaeal 16S rDNA phylotypes in clone libraries. Phylotypes in this study shared high similarity with those in subsurface sediments from Peru Margin sites, which indicated that different geographical zones might host similar members of archaeal populations based on similar sedimentary environments. In our study, members of DSAG and MCG seemed to dominate certain layers of the nonhydrate sediments, suggesting a wide ecophysiological adaptation than previously appreciated. The spatial distribution and community structure of these groups might vary with the different geochemical gradients of the environment.

Microbial Community Dynamics and Metabolome Changes During Spontaneous Fermentation of Northeast Sauerkraut From Different Households.

Sauerkraut, one of the most popular traditional fermented vegetable foods in northern China, has been widely consumed for thousands of years. In this study, the physicochemical characteristics, microbial composition and succession, and metabolome profile were elucidated during the fermentation of traditional northeast sauerkraut sampled from different households. The microbial community structure as determined by high-throughput sequencing (HTS) technology demonstrated that Firmicutes and Proteobacteria were the predominant phyla and Weissella was the most abundant genus in all samples. Except for Weissella, higher relative abundance of Clostridium was observed in #1 sauerkraut, Clostridium and Enterobacter in #2 sauerkraut, and Lactobacillus in #3 sauerkraut, respectively. Meanwhile, Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed significant variances in the volatilome profile among different homemade sauerkraut. Acids and lactones were dominant in the #1 sauerkraut. The #2 sauerkraut had significantly higher contents of alcohols, aldehydes, esters, sulfides, and free amino acids (FAAs). In comparison, higher contents of terpenes and nitriles were found in the #3 sauerkraut. Furthermore, the potential correlations between the microbiota and volatilome profile were explored based on Spearman's correlation analysis. Positive correlations were found between Clostridium, Enterobacter, Lactobacillus, Leuconostoc, Weissella and most volatile compounds. Pseudomonas, Chloroplast, Rhizobium, Aureimonas, and Sphingomonas were negatively correlated with volatile compounds in sauerkraut. This study provided a comprehensive picture of the dynamics of microbiota and metabolites profile during the fermentation of different homemade northeast sauerkraut. The elucidation of correlation between microbiota and volatile compounds is helpful for guiding future improvement of the fermentation process and manufacturing high-quality sauerkraut.

HDAC6-specific inhibitor suppresses Th17 cell function via the HIF-1α pathway in acute lung allograft rejection in mice.

Background: Previous animal experiments and clinical studies indicated the critical role of Th17 cells in lung transplant rejection. Therefore, the downregulation of Th17 cell function in lung transplant recipients is of great interest. Methods: We established an orthotopic mouse lung transplantation model to investigate the role of histone deacetylase 6-specific inhibitor (HDAC6i), Tubastatin A, in the suppression of Th17 cells and attenuation of pathologic lesions in lung allografts. Moreover, mechanism studies were conducted in vitro. Results: Tubastatin A downregulated Th17 cell function in acute lung allograft rejection, prolonged the survival of lung allografts, and attenuated acute rejection by suppressing Th17 cell accumulation. Consistently, exogenous IL-17A supplementation eliminated the protective effect of Tubastatin A. Also, hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) was overexpressed in a lung transplantation mouse model. HIF-1α deficiency suppressed Th17 cell function and attenuated lung allograft rejection by downregulating retinoic acid-related orphan receptor γt (ROR γt) expression. We showed that HDAC6i downregulated HIF-1α transcriptional activity under Th17-skewing conditions in vitro and promoted HIF-1α protein degradation in lung allografts. HDAC6i did not affect the suppression of HIF-1α-/- naïve CD4+ T cell differentiation into Th17 cell and attenuation of acute lung allograft rejection in HIF-1α-deficient recipient mice. Conclusion: These findings suggest that Tubastatin A downregulates Th17 cell function and suppresses acute lung allograft rejection, at least partially, via the HIF-1α/ RORγt pathway.

Comprehensive analysis of differentially expressed long non-coding RNAs in non-small cell lung cancer.

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the primary subtype of lung cancer. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been reported to serve prominent roles in cancer progression. However, the expression patterns and potential roles of lncRNAs in NSCLC remain to be elucidated. In the present study, four public datasets were analyzed to identify differentially expressed lncRNAs (DElncs) in NSCLC. A further dataset, GSE19188, was analyzed to validate the findings. A total of 38 upregulated and 31 downregulated lncRNAs were identified in NSCLC, compared with samples from healthy controls. Among these, 12 lncRNAs were associated with the progression of NSCLC, and dysregulated between high grade (stage III and IV) and low grade (stage II) NSCLC samples. Moreover, dysregulation of lncRNA-SIGLEC17P, GGTA1P, A2M-AS1, LINC00938, GVINP1, LINC00667 and TMPO-AS1 was associated with overall survival time in patients with NSCLC. Co-expression analyses, combined with the construction of protein-protein interaction networks, were performed to reveal the potential roles of key lncRNAs in NSCLC. The present study revealed a series of lncRNAs involved in the progression of NSCLS, which may serve as novel biomarkers for the disease.

Identification and expression of a ferritin homolog in amphioxus Branchiostoma belcheri: evidence for its dual role in immune response and iron metabolism.

Ferritin plays a key role in cellular iron metabolism including iron storage and detoxification, which has been identified in a wide range of organisms including bacteria, fungi, plants and animals. However, little information is available regarding ferritin in the protochordates to date. Here we demonstrate the presence of a ferritin gene homolog, BbFRT, in amphioxus Branchiostoma belcheri. Analysis of the BbFRT 5'-UTR indicated the existence of a putative iron-responsive element (IRE) with a predicated stem-loop structure. BbFRT encoded a deduced protein of 172 amino acids with the conserved motif for ferroxidase center typical of heavy chains of vertebrate ferritins. Sequence comparison showed that BbFRT shared more identity to H-chains (68%) of vertebrate ferritins than to the L-chains (46-51%). Both in situ hybridization histochemistry and immunohistochemical staining revealed that BbFRT was ubiquitously expressed in B. belcheri. In addition, BbFRT expression was up-regulated by 1.6-fold and 1.5-fold, respectively, following exposure to LPS at both transcriptional and translational levels. Similarly, exposure to iron resulted in about 1.6-fold increase in BbFRT in the humoral fluids. These suggest that BbFRT seems a protein with a dual function functioning in both immune response and iron metabolism.