Screening, identification, and mechanism analysis of starch-degrading bacteria during curing process in tobacco leaf.

Tobacco, a vital economic crop, had its quality post-curing significantly influenced by starch content. Nonetheless, the existing process parameters during curing were inadequate to satisfy the starch degradation requirements. Microorganisms exhibit inherent advantages in starch degradation, offering significant potential in the tobacco curing process. Our study concentrated on the microbial populations on the surface of tobacco leaves and in the rhizosphere soil. A strain capable of starch degradation, designated as BS3, was successfully isolated and identified as Bacillus subtilis by phylogenetic tree analysis based on 16SrDNA sequence. The application of BS3 on tobacco significantly enhanced enzyme activity and accelerated starch degradation during the curing process. Furthermore, analyses of the metagenome, transcriptome, and metabolome indicated that the BS3 strain facilitated starch degradation by regulating surface microbiota composition and affecting genes related to starch hydrolyzed protein and key metabolites in tobacco leaves. This study offered new strategies for efficiently improving the quality of tobacco leaves.

Nitric oxide-induced lipophagic defects contribute to testosterone deficiency in rats with spinal cord injury.

Introduction: Males with acute spinal cord injury (SCI) frequently exhibit testosterone deficiency and reproductive dysfunction. While such incidence rates are high in chronic patients, the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Methods and results: Herein, we generated a rat SCI model, which recapitulated complications in human males, including low testosterone levels and spermatogenic disorders. Proteomics analyses showed that the differentially expressed proteins were mostly enriched in lipid metabolism and steroid metabolism and biosynthesis. In SCI rats, we observed that testicular nitric oxide (NO) levels were elevated and lipid droplet-autophagosome co-localization in testicular interstitial cells was decreased. We hypothesized that NO impaired lipophagy in Leydig cells (LCs) to disrupt testosterone biosynthesis and spermatogenesis. As postulated, exogenous NO donor (S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine (SNAP)) treatment markedly raised NO levels and disturbed lipophagy via the AMPK/mTOR/ULK1 pathway, and ultimately impaired testosterone production in mouse LCs. However, such alterations were not fully observed when cells were treated with an endogenous NO donor (L-arginine), suggesting that mouse LCs were devoid of an endogenous NO-production system. Alternatively, activated (M1) macrophages were predominant NO sources, as inducible NO synthase inhibition attenuated lipophagic defects and testosterone insufficiency in LCs in a macrophage-LC co-culture system. In scavenging NO (2-4-carboxyphenyl-4,4,5,5-tetramethylimidazoline-1-oxyl-3-oxide (CPTIO)) we effectively restored lipophagy and testosterone levels both in vitro and in vivo, and importantly, spermatogenesis in vivo. Autophagy activation by LYN-1604 also promoted lipid degradation and testosterone synthesis. Discussion: In summary, we showed that NO-disrupted-lipophagy caused testosterone deficiency following SCI, and NO clearance or autophagy activation could be effective in preventing reproductive dysfunction in males with SCI.

Combined Effects of Polystyrene Nanosphere and Homosolate Exposures on Estrogenic End Points in MCF-7 Cells and Zebrafish.

BACKGROUND: Micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) and homosalate (HMS) are ubiquitous emerging environmental contaminants detected in human samples. Despite the well-established endocrine-disrupting effects (EDEs) of HMS, the interaction between MNPs and HMS and its impact on HMS-induced EDEs remain unclear. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the influence of MNPs on HMS-induced estrogenic effects and elucidate the underlying mechanisms in vitro and in vivo. METHODS: We assessed the impact of polystyrene nanospheres (PNSs; 50 nm, 1.0mg/L) on HMS-induced MCF-7 cell proliferation (HMS: 0.01-1µM, equivalent to 2.62-262µg/L) using the E-SCREEN assay and explored potential mechanisms through transcriptomics. Adult zebrafish were exposed to HMS (0.0262-262µg/L) with or without PNSs (50 nm, 1.0mg/L) for 21 d. EDEs were evaluated through gonadal histopathology, fertility tests, steroid hormone synthesis, and gene expression changes in the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonad-liver (HPGL) axis. RESULTS: Coexposure of HMS and PNSs resulted in higher expression of estrogen receptor α (ESR1) and the mRNAs of target genes (pS2, AREG, and PGR), a greater estrogen-responsive element transactivation activity, and synergistic stimulation on MCF-7 cell proliferation. Knockdown of serum and glucocorticoid-regulated kinase 1 (SGK1) rescued the MCF-7 cell proliferation induced by PNSs alone or in combination with HMS. In zebrafish, coexposure showed higher expression of SGK1 and promoted ovary development but inhibited spermatogenesis. In addition, coexposure led to lower egg hatchability, higher embryonic mortality, and greater larval malformation. Coexposure also modulated steroid hormone synthesis genes (cyp17a2, hsd17[Formula: see text]1, esr2b, vtg1, and vtg2), and resulted in higher 17ß-estradiol (E2) release in females. Conversely, males showed lower testosterone, E2, and gene expressions of cyp11a1, cyp11a2, cyp17a1, cyp17a2, and hsd17[Formula: see text]1. DISCUSSION: PNS exposure exacerbated HMS-induced estrogenic effects via SGK1 up-regulation in MCF-7 cells and disrupting the HPGL axis in zebrafish, with gender-specific patterns. This offers new mechanistic insights and health implications of MNP and contaminant coexposure. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP13696.

Dynamic molecular architecture and substrate recruitment of cullin3-RING E3 ligase CRL3KBTBD2.

Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase α, a heterodimer of catalytic p110α and one of five regulatory subunits, mediates insulin- and insulin like growth factor-signaling and, frequently, oncogenesis. Cellular levels of the regulatory p85α subunit are tightly controlled by regulated proteasomal degradation. In adipose tissue and growth plates, failure of K48-linked p85α ubiquitination causes diabetes, lipodystrophy and dwarfism in mice, as in humans with SHORT syndrome. Here we elucidated the structures of the key ubiquitin ligase complexes regulating p85α availability. Specificity is provided by the substrate receptor KBTBD2, which recruits p85α to the cullin3-RING E3 ubiquitin ligase (CRL3). CRL3KBTBD2 forms multimers, which disassemble into dimers upon substrate binding (CRL3KBTBD2-p85α) and/or neddylation by the activator NEDD8 (CRL3KBTBD2~N8), leading to p85α ubiquitination and degradation. Deactivation involves dissociation of NEDD8 mediated by the COP9 signalosome and displacement of KBTBD2 by the inhibitor CAND1. The hereby identified structural basis of p85α regulation opens the way to better understanding disturbances of glucose regulation, growth and cancer.

Effects of four polyphenols on mouse wound healing and the gene expression profile of resveratrol action.

Studies have demonstrated the potent effects of polyphenols on cutaneous wound healing. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying polyphenol activity are incompletely understood. Herein, mice were experimentally wounded, intragastrically treated with four polyphenols, resveratrol, tea polyphenols, genistein, and quercetin; and monitored for 14 days. Resveratrol was the most effective compound, promoting wound healing starting at day 7 after wounding, by enhancing cell proliferation and reducing apoptosis and subsequently promoting epidermal and dermal repair, collagen synthesis and scar maturation. RNA sequencing was performed in control and resveratrol-treated tissues on day 7 after wounding. Resveratrol treatment upregulated 362 genes and downregulated 334 genes. Gene Ontology enrichment analysis showed that differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were associated with different biological processes (keratinization, immunity, and inflammation), molecular functions (cytokine and chemokine activities), and cellular components (extracellular region and matrix). Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis indicated that DEGs were predominantly enriched in inflammatory and immunological pathways, including cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, chemokine signaling, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) signaling. These results show that resveratrol accelerates wound healing by promoting keratinization and dermal repair and attenuating immune and inflammatory responses.

Cryo-EM structure and molecular mechanism of abscisic acid transporter ABCG25.

Abscisic acid (ABA) is one of the plant hormones that regulate various physiological processes, including stomatal closure, seed germination and development. ABA is synthesized mainly in vascular tissues and transported to distal sites to exert its physiological functions. Many ABA transporters have been identified, however, the molecular mechanism of ABA transport remains elusive. Here we report the cryogenic electron microscopy structure of the Arabidopsis thaliana adenosine triphosphate-binding cassette G subfamily ABA exporter ABCG25 (AtABCG25) in inward-facing apo conformation, ABA-bound pre-translocation conformation and outward-facing occluded conformation. Structural and biochemical analyses reveal that the ABA bound with ABCG25 adopts a similar configuration as that in ABA receptors and that the ABA-specific binding is dictated by residues from transmembrane helices TM1, TM2 and TM5a of each protomer at the transmembrane domain interface. Comparison of different conformational structures reveals conformational changes, especially those of transmembrane helices and residues constituting the substrate translocation pathway during the cross-membrane transport process. Based on the structural data, a 'gate-flipper' translocation model of ABCG25-mediated ABA cross-membrane transport is proposed. Our structural data on AtABCG25 provide new clues to the physiological study of ABA and shed light on its potential applications in plants and agriculture.

Molecular mechanism underlying regulation of Arabidopsis CLCa transporter by nucleotides and phospholipids.

Chloride channels (CLCs) transport anion across membrane to regulate ion homeostasis and acidification of intracellular organelles, and are divided into anion channels and anion/proton antiporters. Arabidopsis thaliana CLCa (AtCLCa) transporter localizes to the tonoplast which imports NO3- and to a less extent Cl- from cytoplasm. The activity of AtCLCa and many other CLCs is regulated by nucleotides and phospholipids, however, the molecular mechanism remains unclear. Here we determine the cryo-EM structures of AtCLCa bound with NO3- and Cl-, respectively. Both structures are captured in ATP and PI(4,5)P2 bound conformation. Structural and electrophysiological analyses reveal a previously unidentified N-terminal ß-hairpin that is stabilized by ATP binding to block the anion transport pathway, thereby inhibiting the AtCLCa activity. While AMP loses the inhibition capacity due to lack of the ß/γ- phosphates required for ß-hairpin stabilization. This well explains how AtCLCa senses the ATP/AMP status to regulate the physiological nitrogen-carbon balance. Our data further show that PI(4,5)P2 or PI(3,5)P2 binds to the AtCLCa dimer interface and occupies the proton-exit pathway, which may help to understand the inhibition of AtCLCa by phospholipids to facilitate guard cell vacuole acidification and stomatal closure. In a word, our work suggests the regulatory mechanism of AtCLCa by nucleotides and phospholipids under certain physiological scenarios and provides new insights for future study of CLCs.

Expression, purification, and microscopic characterization of the tumor suppressor KLHL6.

Kelch-like protein 6 (KLHL6) plays a critical role in preventing the development and survival of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) through its involvement in the ubiquitin proteasome system. Specifically, KLHL6 binds to cullin3 (Cul3) and the substrate, facilitating the assembly of the E3 ligase responsible for substrate ubiquitination. It is imperative to investigate the precise function of KLHL6 by conducting a structural analysis of its interaction with Cul3. Here, we present the expression, purification, and characterization of the full-length KLHL6. Our findings demonstrate that the addition of a Sumo-tag significantly enhances the production of KLHL6, while also improving its stability and solubility. Moreover, through gel filtration and negative staining electron microscopy (EM), we observed that KLHL6 adopts a homomultimeric form in solution. Additionally, we found that the presence of Cul3NTD enhances the stability and homogeneity of KLHL6 by forming a complex. Consequently, the successful expression and purification of full-length KLHL6 serve as a foundation for further investigations into the structure and function of the KLHL6/Cullin3/Rbx1 substrate complex, as well as provide a potential strategy for studying other proteins within the KLHL family that possess similar characteristics.

Loss of Raptor induces Sertoli cells into an undifferentiated state in mice.

In mammals, testis development is triggered by the expression of the sex-determining Y-chromosome gene SRY to commit the Sertoli cell (SC) fate at gonadal sex determination in the fetus. Several genes have been identified to be required to promote the testis pathway following SRY activation (i.e., SRY box 9 (SOX9)) in an embryo; however, it largely remains unknown about the genes and the mechanisms involved in stabilizing the testis pathway after birth and throughout adulthood. Herein, we report postnatal males with SC-specific deletion of Raptor demonstrated the absence of SC unique identity and adversely acquired granulosa cell-like characteristics, along with loss of tubular architecture and scattered distribution of SCs and germ cells. Subsequent genome-wide analysis by RNA sequencing revealed a profound decrease in the transcripts of testis genes (i.e., Sox9, Sox8, and anti-Mullerian hormone (Amh)) and, conversely, an increase in ovary genes (i.e., LIM/Homeobox gene 9 (Lhx9), Forkhead box L2 (Foxl2) and Follistatin (Fst)); these changes were further confirmed by immunofluorescence and quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. Importantly, co-immunofluorescence demonstrated that Raptor deficiency induced SCs dedifferentiation into a progenitor state; the Raptor-mutant gonads showed some ovarian somatic cell features, accompanied by enhanced female steroidogenesis and elevated estrogen levels, yet the zona pellucida 3 (ZP3)-positive terminally feminized oocytes were not observed. In vitro experiments with primary SCs suggested that Raptor is likely involved in the fibroblast growth factor 9 (FGF9)-induced formation of cell junctions among SCs. Our results established that Raptor is required to maintain SC identity, stabilize the male pathway, and promote testis development.

Synoviolin inhibits the inflammatory cytokine secretion of Müller cells by reducing NLRP3.

The pro-inflammatory cytokines secreted by Müller cells aggregate retinal cell loss and vascularization in diabetic retinopathy (DR). The deubiquitinase BRCA1-BRCA2-containing complex subunit 3 (BRCC3)-mediated nucleotide-binding domain and leucine-rich repeat receptor containing a pyrin domain 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activation participate in this progress. This study aims to clarify whether the E3 ubiquitin ligase synoviolin (SYVN1) relieves DR via regulating the BRCC3/NLRP3 axis. The DR model was established using streptozotocin-induced mice. Immunofluorescence staining with anti-CD31, anti-glutamine synthetase, and anti-vimentin was performed to identify DR and Müller cells. Levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-1ß, tumor necrosis factor-α, IL-6, and IL-18, in murine serum and Müller cell supernatants were determined. Co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) and ubiquitination assays were used to clarify the interactions among SYVN1, BRCC3, and NLRP3. SYVN1 was reduced and BRCC3 was increased in DR retina and high glucose (HG)-induced Müller cells. Overexpressing 1 promoted the ubiquitination and degradation of BRCC3 and reduced the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines in HG-induced Müller cells. The simultaneous overexpression of 1 and Brcc3 restored the reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines caused by the overexpression of 1 alone. Co-IP experiments confirmed the interaction between BRCC3 and NLRP3. SYVN1-mediated BRCC3 downregulation promoted NLRP3 ubiquitination and reduced pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion. 1 overexpression reduced retinal vascularization and inflammatory cytokine secretion in DR mice. SYVN1 has a protective effect on DR, whose molecular mechanisms are partly through SYVN1-mediated ubiquitination of BRCC3 and the subsequent downregulation of NLRP3.

Analysis of the mTOR Interactome using SILAC technology revealed NICE-4 as a novel regulator of mTORC1 activity.

The evolutionarily conserved mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) forms two functionally distinct complexes, -the mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) and mTOR complex 2 (mTORC2)-which differ in their subunit composition. Although the function of mTORC1 has been studied extensively, the interaction between mTORC1 and the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) remains unclear. To facilitate a thorough understanding of the mechanismby which UPS regulates mTORC1 activity, steady isotope labeling with amino acids in cell culture (SILAC) technology was used to screen for potential mTORC1-interacting UPS members. Fourteen previously unknown proteins bound to mTOR in HEK293 cells with a SILAC ratio (heavy/light, H/L) above 2, five of which are components of the UPS. Subsequent immunoprecipitation analysis confirmed that ubiquitin-relevant protein 2-like (UBAP2L, also known as NICE-4) binds to both mTOR and Raptor, but not Rictor, suggesting that NICE-4 specifically interacts with mTORC1, but not mTORC2. Interestingly, NICE-4 is essential for basic mTORC1 activity in both HeLa cancer cells and HEK293 cells. In addition, NICE-4 depletion markedly suppressed proliferation of both HeLa and HEK293 cells as well as survival of HeLa cells. Collectively, these results revealed the identity of novel mTOR-interacting UPS proteins and established NICE-4 as a critical UPS member that maintains mTORC1 activity.

Digital gene expression analysis of the response to Ralstonia solanacearum between resistant and susceptible tobacco varieties.

Tobacco bacterial wilt (TBW) caused by Ralstonia solanacearum is the most serious soil-borne disease of tobacco. However, molecular mechanism information of R. solanacearum resistance is limited to tobacco, hindering better breeding of resistant tobacco. In this study, the expression profiles of the rootstalks of Yunyan87 (susceptible cultivar) and Fandi3 (resistant cultivar) at different stages after R. solanacearum infection were compared to explore molecular mechanisms of tobacco resistance against the bacterium. Findings from gene-expression profiling indicated that the number of upregulated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) at 3 and 7 days post-inoculation (dpi) increased significantly in the resistant cultivar. WRKY6 and WRKY11 family genes in WRKY transcription factors, ERF5 and ERF15 family genes in ERFs transcription factors, and genes encoding PR5 were significantly upregulated in the resistant cultivar response to the infection. For the first time, WRKY11 and ERF15 were found to be possibly involved in disease-resistance. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis demonstrated glutathione metabolism and phenylpropane pathways as primary resistance pathways to R. solanacearum infection. In the resistant cultivar, DEGs encoding CYP450, TCM, CCoAOMT, 4CL, PAL, CCR, CSE, and CADH, involved in the synthesis of plant antitoxins such as flavonoids, stilbenoids, and lignins, enriched in the phenylpropane pathway were upregulated at 3 and 7 dpi. Furthermore, a pot experiment was performed to verify the role of flavonoids in controlling TBW. This study will strongly contribute to a better understanding of molecular interactions between tobacco plants and R. solanacearum.

Adenylate kinase 1 deficiency disrupts mouse sperm motility under conditions of energy stress†.

Mammalian spermatozoa are highly polarized cells characterized by compartmentalized cellular structures and energy metabolism. Adenylate kinase (AK), which interconverts two ADP molecules into stoichiometric amounts of ATP and AMP, plays a critical role in buffering adenine nucleotides throughout the tail to support flagellar motility. Yet the role of the major AK isoform, AK1, is still not well characterized. Here, by using a proteomic analysis of testis biopsy samples, we found that AK1 levels were significantly decreased in nonobstructive azoospermia patients. This result was further verified by immunohistochemical staining of AK1 on a tissue microarray. AK1 was found to be expressed in post-meiotic round and elongated spermatids in mouse testis and subsequent mature sperm in the epididymis. We then generated Ak1 knockout mice, which showed that AK1 deficiency did not induce any defects in testis development, spermatogenesis, or sperm morphology and motility under physiological conditions. We further investigated detergent-modeled epididymal sperm and included individual or mixed adenine nucleotides to mimic energy stress. When only ADP was available, Ak1 disruption largely compromised sperm motility, manifested as a smaller beating amplitude and higher beating frequency, which resulted in less effective forward swimming. The energy restriction/recover experiments with intact sperm further addressed this finding. Besides, decreased AK activity was observed in sperm of a male fertility disorder mouse model induced by cadmium chloride. These results cumulatively demonstrate that AK1 was dispensable for testis development, spermatogenesis, or sperm motility under physiological conditions, but was required for sperm to maintain a constant adenylate energy charge to support sperm motility under conditions of energy stress.

Integrative analyses of biomarkers and pathways for adipose tissue after bariatric surgery.

We explored potential biomarkers and molecular mechanisms regarding multiple benefits after bariatric surgery. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) for subcutaneous adipose tissue (AT) after bariatric surgery were identified by analyzing two expression profiles from the GEO. Subsequently, enrichment analysis, GSEA, PPI network, and gene-microRNAs and gene-TFs networks were interrogated to identify hub genes and associated pathways. Co-expressed DEGs included one that was up-regulated and 22 that were down-regulated genes. The enrichment analyses indicated that down-regulated DEGs were significantly involved in inflammatory responses. GSEA provided comprehensive evidence that most genes enriched in pro-inflammation pathways, while gene-sets after surgery enriched in metabolism. We identified nine hub genes in the PPI network, most of which were validated as highly expressed and hypomethylated in obesity by Attie Lab Diabetes and DiseaseMeth databases, respectively. DGIdb was also applied to predict potential therapeutic agents that might reverse abnormally high hub gene expression. Bariatric surgery induces a significant shift from an obese pro-inflammatory state to an anti-inflammatory state, with improvement in adipocyte metabolic function - representing key mechanisms whereby AT function improves after bariatric surgery. Our study deepens a mechanistic understanding of the benefits of bariatric surgery and provides potential biomarkers or treatment targets for further research.

ETS2 promotes epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in renal fibrosis by targeting JUNB transcription.

Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays an important role in the progression of renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis, a common mechanism leading to end-stage renal failure. V-ets erythroblastosis virus E26 oncogene homolog 2 (ETS2), a transcription factor, exhibits diverse roles in pathogenesis; however, its role in renal fibrosis is not yet fully understood. In this study, we detected the expression of ETS2 in an animal model of renal fibrosis and evaluated the potential role of ETS2 in tubular EMT induced by TGF-ß1. We found that ETS2 and profibrogenic factors, alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and fibronectin (FN), were significantly increased in the unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO)-induced renal fibrosis model in mice. In vitro, TGF-ß1 induced a high expression of ETS2 dependent on Smad3 and ERK signaling pathway in human proximal tubular epithelial cells (HK2). Knockdown of ETS2 abrogated TGF-ß1-mediated expression of profibrogenic factors vimentin, α-SMA, collagen I, and FN in HK2 cells. Mechanistically, ETS2 promoted JUNB expression in HK2 cells after TGF-ß1 stimulation. Furthermore, luciferase and Chromatin Immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays revealed that the binding of ETS2 to three EBS motifs on the promoter of JUNB triggered its transcription. Notably, silencing JUNB reversed the ETS2-induced upregulation of the profibrogenic factors in HK2 cells after TGF-ß1 stimulation. These findings suggest that ETS2 mediates TGF-ß1-induced EMT in renal tubular cells through JUNB, a novel pathway for preventing renal fibrosis.

C-myc contributes to the release of Müller cells-derived proinflammatory cytokines by regulating lncRNA MIAT/XNIP pathway.

Müller cells-derived proinflammatory cytokines exert important roles in the development of DR, while the molecular mechanisms of its release were not fully elucidated. Present study aims to investigate the mechanism underlying the regulation of c-myc on the release of Müller Cells-derived proinflammatory cytokines. Streptozotocin was utilized to induce diabetes mellitus (DM) rat and glucose was used to stimulate Müller cells. The interaction between c-myc, lncRNA MIAT and TXNIP was determined by the luciferase reporter, CHIP, RNA pull-down, RIP and ubiquitylation assays. Increased c-myc protein level and concentrations of IL-1ß, TNF-α and IL-6 were found in DM rats and high glucose stimulated Müller cells. After glucose stimulation, c-myc promoted the releases of IL-1ß, TNF-α and IL-6. The up-regulation of MIAT under glucose treatment was mediated by c-myc binding to its promoter. MIAT interacted with TXNIP and increased TXNIP protein level by inhibiting its ubiquitination degradation. C-myc regulated TXNIP expression through MIAT in glucose induced Müller cells. Under glucose treatment, c-myc facilitated the release of Müller cells-derived IL-1ß, TNF-α and IL-6 by regulating MIAT/TXNIP pathway. The in vivo study further indicated that c-myc knockdown attenuated DR progression in vivo. Our results suggested a mechanism by which c-myc facilitates the release of Müller Cells-derived proinflammatory cytokines by regulating MIAT/TXNIP pathway.

Nitrogen removal from iron oxide red wastewater via partial nitritation-Anammox based on two-stage zeolite biological aerated filter.

Partial nitritation-anaerobic ammonium oxidation (PN-Anammox) was successfully applied for high-strength ammonium iron oxide red wastewater (IORW) treatment based on stable PN performance of zeolite-biological aerated filter (ZBAF). By separating Na2CO3 dosage avoid the high free ammonia (FA) inhibited nitritation, two-stage ZBAF was applied for achieving efficient PN with Na2CO3 as the alkalinity donor and saving about 40.0% of the alkalinity cost compared to NaHCO3. Moreover, Anammox was used for further nitrogen removal from IORW and stable total nitrogen (TN) removal was obtained at the influent NH4+-N concentration of 567 mg/L and TN removal efficiency kept above 70.0% after 100 days operation. High throughput sequencing-based approaches showed that Nitrosomoadaceae (AOB) and Kuenenia was dominance in two-stage ZBAF and Anammox samples respectively, while Nitrospire and Nitrobacter (NOB) undetected. The combined process should have advantages for similar high-strength ammonium wastewater treatment.

Downregulation of MicroRNA 29a/b exacerbated diabetic retinopathy by impairing the function of Müller cells via Forkhead box protein O4.

BACKGROUND: Diabetic retinopathy is a neurological disease, which can lead to blindness in severe cases. The pathogenesis underlying diabetic retinopathy is unclear. The aim of this study was to explore the role of dysregulated microRNA 29a/b in the onset and progression of diabetic retinopathy. METHODS: Diabetes mellitus was induced in rats using 60 mg/kg of streptozotocin. Glucose (5.5 and 25 mM) was used to stimulate rat retinal Müller cells. Real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analyses were used to determine gene expression. A luciferase reporter assay was conducted to validate the relationship of microRNA 29a/b with glioma-associated oncogene homolog 1 and Forkhead box protein O4. RESULTS: The expression of microRNA 29a/b and glutamine synthetase decreased in both diabetes mellitus rats and rat retinal Müller cells stimulated with high glucose, whereas the expression of sonic hedgehog, glioma-associated oncogene homolog 1, glial fibrillary acidic protein, and vascular endothelial growth factor, as well as the content of glutamate, increased. Dysregulated microRNA 29a/b was directly regulated by the sonic hedgehog-glioma-associated oncogene homolog 1 signalling pathway, and microRNA 29a and microRNA 29b targeted Forkhead box protein O4 and regulated its expression. CONCLUSION: Downregulation of microRNA 29a/b, mediated by the sonic hedgehog-glioma-associated oncogene homolog 1 signalling pathway, exacerbated diabetic retinopathy by upregulating Forkhead box protein O4.

Osteoblasts support megakaryopoiesis through production of interleukin-9.

Severe thrombocytopenia is a significant challenge in patients undergoing myelosuppressive chemotherapy for malignancies. Understanding the biology of platelet-producing megakaryocytes development in the bone marrow microenvironment may facilitate the development of novel therapies to stimulate platelet production and prevent thrombocytopenia. We report here that osteoblasts supported megakaryopoiesis by secreting interleukin-9 (IL-9), which stimulated IL-9 receptor (IL-9R)/Stat3 signaling in promoting megakaryopoiesis. IL-9 production in osteoblasts was negatively regulated by the mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling in a NF-κB-dependent manner. Constitutive activation of mTORC1 inhibited IL-9 production in osteoblasts and suppressed megakaryocytic cells expansion, whereas mTORC1 inactivation increased IL-9 production and enhanced megakaryocyte and platelet numbers in mice. In mouse models, we showed that IL-9 administration stimulated megakaryopoiesis, whereas neutralizing endogenous IL-9 or IL-9R depletion inhibited the process. Importantly, we found that low doses of IL-9 efficiently prevented chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia (CIT) and accelerated platelet recovery after CIT. These data indicate that IL-9 is an essential regulator of megakaryopoiesis and a promising therapeutic agent for treatment of thrombocytopenia such as CIT.