The Features of Shared Genes among Transcriptomes Probed in Atopic Dermatitis, Psoriasis, and Inflammatory Acne: S100A9 Selection as the Target Gene.

BACKGROUND: Atopic dermatitis (AD), psoriasis (PS), and inflammatory acne (IA) are well-known as inflammatory skin diseases. Studies of the transcriptome with altered expression levels have reported a large number of dysregulated genes and gene clusters, particularly those involved in inflammatory skin diseases. OBJECTIVE: To identify genes commonly shared in AD, PS, and IA that are potential therapeutic targets, we have identified consistently dysregulated genes and disease modules that overlap with AD, PS, and IA. METHODS: Microarray data from AD, PS, and IA patients were downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), and identification of differentially expressed genes from microarrays of AD, PS, and IA was conducted. Subsequently, gene ontology and gene set enrichment analysis, detection of disease modules with known disease-associated genes, construction of the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, and PPI sub-mapping analysis of shared genes were performed. Finally, the computational docking simulations between the selected target gene and inhibitors were conducted. RESULTS: We identified 50 shared genes (36 up-regulated and 14 down-regulated) and disease modules for each disease. Among the shared genes, 20 common genes in PPI network were detected such as LCK, DLGAP5, SELL, CEP55, CDC20, RRM2, S100A7, S100A9, MCM10, AURKA, CCNB1, CHEK1, BTC, IL1F7, AGTR1, HABP4, SERPINB13, RPS6KA4, GZMB, and TRIP13. Finally, S100A9 was selected as the target gene for therapeutics. Docking simulations between S100A9 and known inhibitors indicated several key binding residues, and based on this result, we suggested several cannabinoids such as WIN-55212-2, JZL184, GP1a, Nabilone, Ajulemic acid, and JWH-122 could be potential candidates for a clinical study for AD, PS, and IA via inhibition of S100A9-related pathway. CONCLUSION: Overall, our approach may become an effective strategy for discovering new disease candidate genes for inflammatory skin diseases with a reevaluation of clinical data.

Diphenolic boldine, an aporphine alkaloid: inhibitory effect evaluation on α-glucosidase by molecular dynamics integrating enzyme kinetics.

Screening α-glucosidase inhibitors with novel structures is an important field in the development of anti-diabetic drugs due to their application in postprandial hyperglycemia control. Boldine is one of the potent natural antioxidants with a wide range of pharmacological activities. Virtual screening and biochemical inhibition kinetics combined with molecular dynamics simulations were conducted to verify the inactivation function of boldine on α-glucosidase. A series of inhibition kinetics and spectrometry detections were conducted to analyze the α-glucosidase inhibition. Computational simulations of molecular dynamics/docking analyses were conducted to detect boldine docking sites' details and evaluate the key binding residues. Boldine displayed a typical reversible and mixed-type inhibition manner. Measurements of circular dichroism and fluorescence spectrum showed boldine changed the secondary structure and loosened the tertiary conformation of target α-glucosidase. The computational molecular dynamics showed that boldine could block the active pocket site through close interaction with binding key residues, and two phenolic hydroxyl groups of boldine play a core function in α-glucosidase inhibition via ligand binding. This investigation reveals the boldine function on interaction with the α-glucosidase active site, which provides a new inhibitor candidate.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Inhibitory effect of acarbose on tyrosinase: application of molecular dynamics integrating inhibition kinetics.

Due to its clinical and cosmetic applications, investigators have paid attention to tyrosinase (TYR) inhibitor development. In this study, a TYR inhibition study with acarbose was investigated to gain insights into the regulation of the catalytic function. Biochemical assay results indicated that acarbose was turned to be an inhibitor of TYR in a reversible binding manner and probed as a distinctive mixed-type inhibitor via measurement of double-reciprocal kinetic (Ki = 18.70 ± 4.12 mM). Time-interval kinetic measurement indicated that TYR catalytic function was gradually inactivated by acarbose in a time-dependent behavior displaying with a monophase process that was evaluated by semi-logarithmic plotting. Spectrofluorimetric measurement by integrating with a hydrophobic residue detector (1-anilinonaphthalene-8-sulfonate) showed that the high dose of acarbose derived a conspicuous local structural deformation of the TYR catalytic site pocket. Computational docking simulation showed that acarbose bound to key residues such as HIS61, TYR65, ASN81, HIS244, and HIS259. Our study extends an understanding of the functional application of acarbose and proposes that acarbose is an alternative candidate drug for a whitening agent via direct retardation of TYR catalytic function and it would be applicable for the relevant skin hyperpigmentation disorders concerning the dermatologic clinical purpose.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Ultra-stretchable and biodegradable elastomers for soft, transient electronics.

As rubber-like elastomers have led to scientific breakthroughs in soft, stretchable characteristics-based wearable, implantable electronic devices or relevant research fields, developments of degradable elastomers with comparable mechanical properties could bring similar technological innovations in transient, bioresorbable electronics or expansion into unexplored areas. Here, we introduce ultra-stretchable, biodegradable elastomers capable of stretching up to ~1600% with outstanding properties in toughness, tear-tolerance, and storage stability, all of which are validated by comprehensive mechanical and biochemical studies. The facile formation of thin films enables the integration of almost any type of electronic device with tunable, suitable adhesive strengths. Conductive elastomers tolerant/sensitive to mechanical deformations highlight possibilities for versatile monitoring/sensing components, particularly the strain-tolerant composites retain high levels of conductivities even under tensile strains of ~550%. Demonstrations of soft electronic grippers and transient, suture-free cardiac jackets could be the cornerstone for sophisticated, multifunctional biodegradable electronics in the fields of soft robots and biomedical implants.

Study on the pattern of spermatogenesis during the breeding season of the Chinese soft-shelled turtle, Pelodiscus sinensis (Reptilia: Trionychidae).

The Chinese soft-shelled turtle, Pelodiscus sinensis (Reptilia: Trionychidae) is a typical seasonal breeding species and its spermatogenesis pattern is complex. In this study, the process of sperm cell development was studied using histology. The process of sperm cell development may be divided into six stages based on a combination of different cell types in the seminiferous epithelium. A close examination revealed two patterns of sperm cell development in the seminiferous tubules during the breeding season. The first is a normal sperm cell development pattern, in which the process of sperm cell development and maturation are completed in the seminiferous epithelium without round spermatozoa in the lumen. The second is rapid sperm cell development, in which the first batches of round spermatozoa fall off the seminiferous epithelium before they mature, thus beginning a second batch of sperm cell development. The round sperm cells are shed into the lumen and further mature in the seminiferous tubules and epididymis. This rapid sperm cell development process of the Chinese soft-shelled turtle is rare in other vertebrate species and may be an adaptation to cope with seasonal breeding. The results of this study provide insight into the theory of seasonal reproduction in reptiles.

Seasonal spermatogenesis, epididymal storage, and creatine kinase expression in Pelodiscus sinensis.

The soft-shelled turtle, Pelodiscus sinensis, is an important economic aquaculture species. Its reproduction exhibits seasonality; however, there is a lack of systematic studies focused on sperm maturation and epididymal storage. The testes and epididymides of P. sinensis were sampled from March to December. The seasonal reproduction and maturation of the spermatozoa were examined by anatomy, hematoxylin and eosin staining, AB-PAS staining, and immunohistochemistry. Spermatogenesis exhibited obvious seasonality in P. sinensis. It was found that the spermatogenic epithelium was most active during June to September, whereas the diameter of the epididymal tubules was smallest during June to October. As key enzymes of ATP metabolism, creatine kinases were highly expressed in the epididymal tubule epithelium during the breeding season, which may be important for the regulation of sperm maturation. In addition, the epididymal tubule epithelium changed with the season in June to September, the epididymal tubule epithelium proliferated to form villous structures, and secreted a large number of glycoproteins, which may be related to the rapid maturation of sperm during the breeding season. In conclusion, this study provided insights into the spermatogenesis of P. sinensis through histological analysis and enriched our understanding of reproduction in reptiles.

Characterization and tissue expression analysis of mitochondrial creatine kinases (types I and II) from Pelodiscus sinensis.

The aim of this study was to characterize the functions of the mitochondrial creatine kinases in the Chinese soft-shelled turtle Pelodiscus sinensis (PSCK-MT1 and PSCK-MT2) to characterize function in relation to hibernation. Computational prediction via molecular dynamics simulations showed that PSCK-MT1 had stronger kinase- and creatine-binding affinity than PSCK-MT2. We measured PSCK-MT1 and PSCK-MT2 levels in the myocardium, liver, spleen, lung, kidney, and ovary of P. sinensis before and after hibernation and found that the expression of these enzymes was the most significantly upregulated in the ovary. We enumerated the ovarian follicles and evaluated the physiological indices of P. sinensis and discovered that fat was the main form of energy storage in P. sinensis. Moreover, both PSCK-MTs promoted follicular development during hibernation. Immunohistochemistry was used to study follicular development and revealed that both PSCK-MTs were expressed primarily in the follicular fluid and granulosa layer before and after hibernation. We found that PSCK-MT1 and PSCK-MT2 could play important roles in ovarian follicular development under hibernation. Hence, both PSCK-MTs probably function effectively under the conditions of low temperature and oxygen during hibernation. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Characterization and activity-folding relationship of serine protease from Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba).

Euphausia superba (Antarctic krill) serine protease (ESP) was investigated to gain insights into the activity-structural relationship, folding behavior, and regulation of the catalytic function. We purified ESP from the krill muscle and characterized biochemical distinctions via enzyme kinetics. Studies of inhibition kinetics and unfolding in the presence of a serine residue modifier, such as phenylmethanesulfonyl fluoride, were conducted. Structural characterizations were measured by spectrofluorimetry, including 1-anilinonaphthalene-8-sulfonate dye labeling for hydrophobic residues. The computational simulations such as docking and molecular dynamics were finally conducted to detect key residues and folding behaviors in a nano-second range. The kinetic parameters of ESP were measured as KmBANH = 0.97 ± 0.15 mM and kcat/KmBANH = 4.59 s-1/mM. The time-interval kinetics measurements indicated that ESP inactivation was transformed from a monophase to a biphase process to form a thermodynamically stable state. Spectrofluorimetry measurements showed that serine is directly connected to the regional folding of ESP. Several osmolytes such as proline and glycine only partially protected the inactive form of ESP by serine modification. Computational molecular dynamics and docking simulations showed that three serine residues (Ser183, Ser188, and Ser207) and Cys184, Val206, and Gly209 are key residues of catalytic functions. Our study revealed the functional roles of serine residues as key residues of catalytic function at the active site and of the structural conformation as key folding factors, where ESP displays a flexible property of active site pocket compared to the overall structure.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Application of Computational Simulation Integrating Inhibition Kinetics for Detecting Tyrosinase Inhibitor: Salsalate Is a New Inhibitor.

BACKGROUND: Tyrosinase inhibitor developments have been widely attended by investigators for their various applications. OBJECTIVE: A combination of virtual screening of docking simulations and biochemical inhibition kinetics was performed to find a new inhibitor of tyrosinase for the clinical application of an antipigment agent. METHODS: We conducted docking simulations to detect tyrosinase key binding residues and used the detected binding residues to screen the NCBI PubChem database for probing tyrosinase binding compounds. The serial inhibition kinetics and spectrofluorimetry measurements were performed to validate the inhibitory effect on tyrosinase. RESULTS: We have detected 200 candidates and categorized them into four clusters. Among them, we successfully confirmed salsalate as a new inhibitor of tyrosinase measured by serial enzyme kinetics. Salsalate was detected as a reversible inhibitor of tyrosinase displaying a typical mixedtype inhibition manner (IC50 = 22.19 ± 1.01 mM; Ki = 19.98 ± 2.11 mM). Spectrofluorimetry measurement by integrating with 1-anilinonaphthalene-8-sulfonate showed that salsalate mainly induced a slight regional conformation distortion of the tyrosinase active site accompanied by a slight hydrophobic disruption. CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that salsalate is a potential anti-pigment drug via inhibition of tyrosinase activity and it might be applicable for dermatologic clinical application. Also, our study enlarges an insight into the salsalate drug application.

Seasonal expression of cytoplasmic creatine kinase in the epididymal epithelium of Pelodiscus sinensis.

During hibernation of Pelodiscus sinensis, sperm mature and are stored in the epididymis. We investigated seasonal changes in the morphology of epithelial cells of the epididymis of P. sinensis and changes in expression of cytoplasmic creatine kinase (CK). We found that the epididymal epithelium proliferates rapidly to form multiple layers from June to September, while the epididymal epithelial cells are arranged in a single layer from October to May. From the March before the mating period to the end of the mating period in September, a large amount of neutral glycoprotein is secreted in the epididymal epithelium and in the sperm aggregation area; after October, the glycoprotein in the epididymis decreases. At sperm maturation, cytoplasmic CK is expressed abundantly in the villous epithelium, which is formed by proliferation of epididymal epithelial cells. During hibernation and reproduction, the epididymal epithelium of P. sinensis exhibits different proliferation and secretion patterns as the animal adapts to two types of sperm storage. Cytoplasmic CK may participate in regulating the energy metabolism of the epididymal epithelium; it is an important enzyme for regulating sperm maturation.

A study of Pb2+ induced unfolding and aggregation of arginine kinase from Euphausia superba: kinetics and computational simulation integrating study.

Arginine kinase is a crucial phosphagen kinase in invertebrates, which is associated to the environmental stress response, plays a key role in cellular energy metabolism. In this study, we investigated the Pb2+-induced inhibition and aggregation of Euphausia superba arginine kinase (ESAK) and found that significantly inactivated ESAK in a dose-dependent manner (IC50 = 0.058 ± 0.002 mM). Spectrofluorimetry results showed that Pb2+ induced tertiary structural changes via the internal polarity increased and the non-polarity decreased in ESAK and directly induced ESAK aggregation. The ESAK aggregation process induced by Pb2+ occurred with multi-phase kinetics. The addition of osmolytes did not show protective effect on Pb2+-induced inactivation of ESAK. The computational molecular dynamics (MD) simulation showed that three Pb2+ interrupt the entrance of the active site of ESAK and it could be the reason on the loss of activity of ESAK. Several important residues of ESAK were detected that were importantly contributed the conformation and catalytic function of ESAK. Our study showed that Pb2+-induced misfolding of ESAK and the complete loss of activity irreversibly, which cannot be recovered by osmolytes.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Detection of Melanogenesis and Anti-Apoptosis-Associated Melanoma Factors: Array CGH and PPI Mapping Integrating Study.

BACKGROUND: We investigated melanogenesis- and anti-apoptosis-related melanoma factors in melanoma cells (TXM1, TXM18, A375P, and A375SM). OBJECTIVE: To find melanoma associated hub factor, high-throughput screening-based techniques integrating with bioinformatics were investigated. METHODS: Array CGH analysis was conducted with a commercial system. Total genomic DNAs prepared individually from each cell line with control DNA were properly labeled with Cy3-dCTP and Cy5-dCTP and hybridizations and subsequently performed data treatment by the log2 green (G; test) to red (R; reference) fluorescence ratios (G/R). Gain or loss of copy number was judged by spots with log2-transformed ratios. PPI mapping analysis of detected candidate genes based on the array CGH results was conducted using the human interactome in the STRING database. Energy minimization and a short Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulation using the implicit solvation model in CHARMM were performed to analyze the interacting residues between YWHAZ and YWHAB. RESULTS: Three genes (BMP-4, BFGF, LEF-1) known to be involved in melanogenesis were found to lose chromosomal copy numbers, and Chr. 6q23.3 was lost in all tested cell lines. Ten hub genes (CTNNB1, PEX13, PEX14, PEX5, IFNG, EXOSC3, EXOSC1, EXOSC8, UBC, and PEX10) were predicted to be functional interaction factors in the network of the 6q23.3 locus. The apoptosis-associated genes E2F1, p50, BCL2L1, and BIRC7 gained, and FGF2 lost chromosomal copy numbers in the tested melanoma cell lines. YWHAB, which gained chromosomal copy numbers, was predicted to be the most important hub protein in melanoma cells. Molecular dynamics simulations for binding YWHAB and YWHAZ were conducted, and the complex was predicted to be energetically and structurally stable through its 3 hydrogen-bond patterns. The number of interacting residues is 27. CONCLUSION: Our study compares genome-wide screening interactomics predictions for melanoma factors and offers new information for understanding melanogenesis- and anti-apoptosis-associated mechanisms in melanoma. Especially, YWHAB was newly detected as a core factor in melanoma cells.

Yes-Associated Protein Is Required for ZO-1-Mediated Tight-Junction Integrity and Cell Migration in E-Cadherin-Restored AGS Gastric Cancer Cells.

Yes-associated protein (YAP) regulates numerous cellular homeostasis processes and malignant transformation. We found that YAP influences ZO-1-mediated cell migration using E-cadherin-restored EC96 cells derived from gastric malignant AGS cells. Ectopic expression of E-cadherin enhanced straightforward migration of cells, in comparison to the meandering movement of parental AGS cells. In EC96 cells, YAP and ZO-1 expression increased but nuclear YAP levels and activity were reduced. Nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) mediated the increase in ZO-1 expression, possibly stabilizing cytoplasmic YAP post-translationally. Downregulation of YAP expression using siYAP RNA or stable knock-down inhibited straightforward cell migration by fragmenting ZO-1 containing tight junctions (TJs) but not adherens junctions, implying involvement of YAP in ZO-1-mediated cell migration. The association of YAP with ZO-1 was mediated by angiomotin (AMOT) because downregulation of AMOT dissociated YAP from ZO-1 and reduced cell migration. E-cadherin restoration in malignant cancer cells induced NF-κB signaling to enhance ZO-1 expression and subsequently stabilize YAP. At high expression levels, YAP associates with ZO-1 via AMOT at TJs, influencing ZO-1-mediated cell migration and maintaining TJ integrity.

Tyrosinase-mediated melanogenesis in melanoma cells: Array comparative genome hybridization integrating proteomics and bioinformatics studies.

We investigated the tyrosinase-associated melanogenesis in melanoma cells by using OMICS techniques. We characterized the chromosome copy numbers, including Chr 11q21 where the tyrosinase gene is located, from several melanoma cell lines (TXM13, G361, and SK-MEL-28) by using array CGH. We revealed that 11q21 is stable in TXM13 cells, which is directly related to a spontaneous high melanin pigment production. Meanwhile, significant loss of copy number of 11q21 was found in G361 and SK-MEL-28. We further profiled the proteome of TXM13 cells by LC-ESI-MSMS and detected more than 900 proteins, then predicted 11 hub proteins (YWHAZ; HSP90AA1; HSPA5; HSPA1L; HSPA9; HSP90B1; HSPA1A; HSPA8; FKSG30; ACTB; DKFZp686DQ972) by using an interactomic algorithm. YWHAZ (25% interaction in the network) is thought to be a most important protein as a linking factor between tyrosinase-triggered melanogenesis and melanoma growth. Bioinformatic tools were further applied for revealing various physiologic mechanisms and functional classification. The results revealed clues for the spontaneous pigmentation capability of TXM13 cells, contrary to G361 and SK-MEL-28 cells, which commonly have depigmentation properties during subculture. Our study comparatively conducted the genome-wide screening and proteomic profiling integrated interactomics prediction for TXM13 cells and suggests new insights for studying both melanogenesis and melanoma.

Functional study of acetaldehyde dehydrogenase 1 (ALDH1) in keratinocytes: microarray integrating bioinformatics approaches.

The function of acetaldehyde dehydrogenase 1 (ALDH1) has been gradually elucidated in several diseases, especially in various cancers. However, the role of ALDH1 in skin-related diseases has been mostly unknown. Previously, we found that ALDH1 is involved in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis (AD). In this study, we used high-throughput screening (HTS) approaches to identify critical factors associated with ALDH1 in human keratinocytes to reveal its functions in skin. We overexpressed ALDH1 in human HaCaT keratinocytes and then conducted serial HTS studies, a DNA microarray and antibody array integrated with bioinformatics algorithms. Together, those tests identified several novel genes associated with the function of ALDH1 in keratinocytes, as well as AD, including CTSG and CCL11. In particular, GNB3, GHSR, TAS2R9, FFAR1, TAS2R16, CCL21, GPR32, NPFFR1, GPR15, FBXW12, CCL19, EDNRA, FFAR3, and RXFP3 proteins were consistently detected as hub proteins in the PPI maps. By integrating the datasets obtained from these HTS studies and using the strengths of each method, we obtained new insights into the functional role of ALDH1 in skin keratinocytes. The approach used here could contribute to the clinical understanding of ALDH1-associated applications for the treatment of AD.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

A Knock-Down Cell-Based Study for the Functional Analysis of Chloride Intracellular Channel 1 (CLIC1): Integrated Proteomics and Microarray Study.

BACKGROUND: Previously, we detected that chloride intracellular channel 1 (CLIC1) was involved in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis (AD). OBJECTIVE: In this study, we aimed to use high-throughput screening (HTS) approaches to identify critical factors associated with the function of CLIC1 in knock-down cells. METHODS: We down-regulated CLIC1 in human A549 cells via siRNA and then conducted serial HTS studies, including proteomics integrated with a microarray and the implementation of bioinformatics algorithms. RESULTS: Together, these approaches identified several important proteins and genes associated with the function of CLIC1. These proteins and genes included tumor rejection antigen (gp96) 1, nucleophosmin, annexin I, keratin 1 and 10, FLNA protein, enolase 1, and metalloprotease 1, which were found using two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE) proteomics. Separately, NTNG1, SEMA5A, CLEC3A, GRPR, GNGT2, GRM5, GRM7, DNMT3B, CXCR5, CCL11, CD86, IL2, MNDA, TLR5, IL23R, DPP6, DLGAP1, CAT, GSTA1, GSTA2, GSTA5, CYP2E1, ADH1A, ESR1, ARRDC3, A1F1, CCL5, CASP8, DNTT, SQSTM1, PCYT1A, and SLCO4C1 were found using a DNA microarray integrated with PPI mapping. CONCLUSION: CCL11 is thought to be a particularly critical gene among the candidate genes detected in this study. By integrating the datasets and utilizing the strengths of HTS, we obtained new insights into the functional role of CLIC1, including the use of CLIC1-associated applications in the treatment of human diseases such as AD.

Biochemical Study of Fibrinolytic Protease from Euphausia superba Possessing Multifunctional Serine Protease Activity.

BACKGROUND: Fibrinolytic protease from Euphausia superba (EFP) was isolated. OBJECTIVE: Biochemical distinctions, regulation of the catalytic function, and the key residues of EFP were investigated. METHODS: The serial inhibition kinetic evaluations coupled with measurements of fluorescence spectra in the presence of 4-(2-aminoethyl) benzene sulfonyl fluoride hydrochloride (AEBSF) was conducted. The computational molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were also applied for a comparative study. RESULTS: The enzyme behaved as a monomeric protein with a molecular mass of about 28.6 kD with Km BApNA = 0.629 ± 0.02 mM and kcat/Km BApNA = 7.08 s-1/mM. The real-time interval measurements revealed that the inactivation was a first-order reaction, with the kinetic processes shifting from a monophase to a biphase. Measurements of fluorescence spectra showed that serine residue modification by AEBSF directly caused conspicuous changes of the tertiary structures and exposed hydrophobic surfaces. Some osmolytes were applied to find protective roles. These results confirmed that the active region of EFP is more flexible than the overall enzyme molecule and serine, as the key residue, is associated with the regional unfolding of EFP in addition to its catalytic role. The MD simulations were supportive to the kinetics data. CONCLUSION: Our study indicated that EFP has an essential serine residue for its catalyst function and associated folding behaviors. Also, the functional role of osmolytes such as proline and glycine that may play a role in defense mechanisms from environmental adaptation in a krill's body was suggested.

Thermal stable characteristics of acid- and pepsin-soluble collagens from the carapace tissue of Chinese soft-shelled turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis).

The carapace from the Chinese soft-shelled turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis) is used as a traditional Chinese medicine. Acid-soluble collagen (ASC) and pepsin-soluble collagen (PSC) from turtle carapace were isolated and characterized to screen novel collagen material in this study. Yields of 1.0% and 2.8% were obtained for ASC and PSC which contained glycine as the major amino acid and had high imino acid content. Both collagens had maximum ultraviolet absorption peaks of 220 nm. SDS-PAGE revealed that the structure of both collagens was similar, belonging to type I collagen. Relative viscosities of collagens were decreased as the temperature increased. Collagens showed minimum solubility at pH 8 and maximum solubility at a salt concentration of 3%. The denaturation temperature (Td) of PSC was higher whereas the melting temperature was lower than that of ASC. Both ASC and PSC appeared to be spongy like microstructure with fibrillar pores shown by scanning electron microscopy. The results suggest that collagens isolated from turtle carapace has high thermal stability with potential uses as new substitute for mammalian collagen in medicinal, food or biomaterial fields. However, their biological or pharmacological activities are needed to be further studied.

Comparative studies of the expression of creatine kinase isoforms under immune stress in Pelodiscus sinensis.

The expression and localization of different isoforms of creatine kinase in Pelodiscus sinensis (PSCK) were studied to reveal the role of PSCK isozymes (PSCK-B, PSCK-M, PSCK-S) under bacterial infection-induced immunologic stress. The computational molecular dynamics simulations predicted that PSCK-S would mostly possess a kinase function in a structural aspect when compared to PSCK-B and PSCK-M. The assay of biochemical parameters such as total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT), and the content of ATP were measured along with total PSCK activity in different tissue samples under bacterial infection. The expression detections of PSCK isozymes in vitro and in vivo were overall well-matched where PSCK isozymes were expressed differently in P. sinensis tissues. The results showed that PSCK-B mostly contributes to the spleen, followed by the liver and myocardium; PSCK-M mostly contributes to the liver, followed by the myocardium and skeletal muscle, while PSCK-S contributes to the spleen and is uniquely expressed in skeletal muscle. Our study suggests that the various alterations of PSCK isozymes in tissues of P. sinensis are prone to defense the bacterial infection and blocking energetic imbalance before severe pathogenesis turned on in P. sinensis.

The omics based study for the role of superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) in keratinocytes: RNA sequencing, antibody-chip array and bioinformatics approaches.

In this study, we aimed to identify critical factors associated with superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) in human keratinocytes through gene and protein expression profiling approaches. After recombinant SOD2 was exogenously added to culture media, we conducted serial OMICS studies, which included RNA sequencing analysis, integrated antibody-chip arrays, and the implementation of bioinformatics algorithms, in order to reveal genes and proteins that are possibly associated with SOD2 in keratinocytes. These approaches identified several novel genes and proteins in keratinocytes that are associated with exogenous SOD2. These novel genes included DCT, which was up-regulated, and CD38, GPR151, HCK, KIT, and AFP, which were down-regulated. Among them, CD38 and KIT were also predicted as hub proteins in PPI mappings. By integrating the datasets obtained from these complementary high-throughput OMICS studies and utilizing the strengths of each method, we obtained new insights into the functional role of externally added SOD2 in skin cells and into several critical genes that are thought to play important roles in SOD2-associated skin function. The approach used here could help contribute to our clinical understanding of SOD2-associated applications and may be broadly applicable to a wider range of diseases. AbbreviationsSOD2superoxide dismutase 2DAVIDthe database for annotation, visualization and integrated discoveryKEGGKyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and GenomesPPIprotein-protein interactionsHTSHigh-throughput screeningCommunicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.