Lacticaseibacillus paracasei completely utilizes fructooligosacchrides in the human gut through ß-fructosidase (FosE).

The fecal microbiota of two healthy adults was cultivated in a medium containing commercial fructooligosaccharides [FOS; 1-kestose (GF2), nystose (GF3), and 1F-fructofuranosylnystose (GF4)]. Initially, the proportions of lactobacilli in the two feces samples were only 0.42% and 0.17%; however, they significantly increased to 7.2% and 4.8%, respectively, after cultivation on FOS. Most FOS-utilizing isolates could utilize only GF2; however, Lacticaseibacillus paracasei strain Lp02 could fully consume GF3 and GF4 too. The FOS operon (fosRABCDXE) was present in Lc. paracasei Lp02 and another Lc. paracasei strain, KCTC 3510T, but fosE was only partially present in the non-FOS-degrading strain KCTC 3510T. In addition, the top six upregulated genes in the presence of FOS were fosABCDXE, particularly fosE. FosE is a ß-fructosidase that hydrolyzes both sucrose and all three FOS. Finally, a genome-based analysis suggested that fosE is mainly observed in Lc. paracasei, and only 13.5% (61/452) of their reported genomes were confirmed to include it. In conclusion, FosE allows the utilization of FOS, including GF3 and GF4 as well as GF2, by some Lc. paracasei strains, suggesting that this species plays a pivotal role in FOS utilization in the human gut.

RepID represses megakaryocytic differentiation by recruiting CRL4A-JARID1A at DAB2 promoter.

BACKGROUND: Megakaryocytes (MKs) are platelet precursors, which arise from hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). While MK lineage commitment and differentiation are accompanied by changes in gene expression, many factors that modulate megakaryopoiesis remain to be uncovered. Replication initiation determinant protein (RepID) which has multiple histone-code reader including bromodomain, cryptic Tudor domain and WD40 domains and Cullin 4-RING E3 ubiquitin ligase complex (CRL4) recruited to chromatin mediated by RepID have potential roles in gene expression changes via epigenetic regulations. We aimed to investigate whether RepID-CRL4 participates in transcriptional changes required for MK differentiation. METHODS: The PCR array was performed using cDNAs derived from RepID-proficient or RepID-deficient K562 erythroleukemia cell lines. Correlation between RepID and DAB2 expression was examined in the Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia (CCLE) through the CellMinerCDB portal. The acceleration of MK differentiation in RepID-deficient K562 cells was determined by estimating cell sizes as well as counting multinucleated cells known as MK phenotypes, and by qRT-PCR analysis to validate transcripts of MK markers using phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)-mediated MK differentiation condition. Interaction between CRL4 and histone methylation modifying enzymes were investigated using BioGRID database, immunoprecipitation and proximity ligation assay. Alterations of expression and chromatin binding affinities of RepID, CRL4 and histone methylation modifying enzymes were investigated using subcellular fractionation followed by immunoblotting. RepID-CRL4-JARID1A-based epigenetic changes on DAB2 promoter were analyzed by chromatin-immunoprecipitation and qPCR analysis. RESULTS: RepID-deficient K562 cells highly expressing MK markers showed accelerated MKs differentiation exhibiting increases in cell size, lobulated nuclei together with reaching maximum levels of MK marker expression earlier than RepID-proficient K562 cells. Recovery of WD40 domain-containing RepID constructs in RepID-deficient background repressed DAB2 expression. CRL4A formed complex with histone H3K4 demethylase JARID1A in soluble nucleus and loaded to the DAB2 promoter in a RepID-dependent manner during proliferation condition. RepID, CRL4A, and JARID1A were dissociated from the chromatin during MK differentiation, leading to euchromatinization of the DAB2 promoter. CONCLUSION: This study uncovered a role for the RepID-CRL4A-JARID1A pathway in the regulation of gene expression for MK differentiation, which can form the basis for the new therapeutic approaches to induce platelet production. Video Abstract.

Differential dynamics of cullin deneddylation via COP9 signalosome subunit 5 interaction.

Cullin-RING E3 ubiquitin ligases (CRLs) spatiotemporally regulate the proteasomal degradation of numerous cellular proteins involved in cell cycle control, DNA replication, and maintenance of genome stability. Activation of CRLs is controlled via neddylation by NEDD8-activating, -conjugating, and -attaching enzymes to the C-terminus of scaffold cullins (CULs), whereas the COP9 signalosome (CSN) inactivates CRLs via deneddylation. Here, we show that the deneddylation rate of each CUL is differentially modulated. Dose- or time-dependent treatment with pevonedistat, a small molecule inhibitor of NEDD8-activating enzyme (NAE), rapidly inhibits neddylation in most CULs, including CUL1, CUL3, CUL4A/B, and CUL5, whereas the deneddylation of CUL2 is slowly increased. We revealed that the different deneddylation speeds of each CUL depend on its binding strength with CSN5, the catalytic core of the CSN complex. Immunoprecipitation analysis revealed that CUL2 has a lower binding affinity for CSN5 than other CULs. Consistently, released cells treated with CSN5 inhibitor showed that CUL2 was slowly converted to the deneddylated form compared to the rapid deneddylation of other CULs. These findings provide mechanistic insights into the different dynamics of CULs in neddylation-deneddylation conversion.

The differentially expressed gene signatures of the Cullin 3-RING ubiquitin ligases in neuroendocrine cancer.

Cullin-RING ubiquitin E3 ligase (CRLs) composed of four components including cullin scaffolds, adaptors, substrate receptors, and RING proteins mediates the ubiquitination of approximately 20% of cellular proteins that are involved in numerous biological processes. While CRLs deregulation contributes to the pathogenesis of many diseases, including cancer, how CRLs deregulation occurs is yet to be fully investigated. Here, we demonstrate that components of CRL3 and its transcriptional regulators are possible prognosis marker of neuroendocrine (NE) cancer. Analysis of Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia (CCLE) through the CellMinerCDB portal revealed that expression of CRL3 scaffold Cullin 3 (CUL3) highly correlates with NE signature, and CUL3 silencing inhibited NE cancer proliferation. Moreover, subset of 151 BTB (Bric-a-brac, Tramtrack, Broad complex) domain-containing proteins that have dual roles as substrate receptors and adaptor subunits in CRL3, as well as the expression of transcription factors (TFs) that control the transcription of BTB genes were upregulated in NE cancer. Analysis using published ChIP-sequencing data in small cell lung cancer (SCLC), including NE or non-NE SCLC verified that gene promoter of candidates which show high correlation with NE signature enriched H3K27Ac. These observations suggest that CRL3 is a master regulator of NE cancer and knowledge of specifically regulated CRL3 genes in NE cancer may accelerate new therapeutic approaches.

Fictibacillus marinisediminis sp. nov., a nitrate-reducing bacterium isolated from marine sediment in Hupo Basin, Republic of Korea.

An isolate, designated strain KIGAM418T was isolated from marine mud below 192 m depth in the Hupo Basin, Republic of Korea. Strain KIGAM418T was Gram-stain positive, spore-forming, rod-shaped, facultatively anaerobic, and grew at 10‒45 °C, in 0‒2% (w/v) NaCl at pH 4.0‒12.0. The strain tested positive for catalase, oxidase, and motility. Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence indicated that strain KIGAM418T was related to the genus Fictibacillus. The strain showed the highest similarity to Fictibacillus rigui WPCB074T (98.0-98.1%) and Fictibacillus solisalsi YC1T (97.2-97.8%). The diagnostic diamino acid of the cell wall was meso-diaminopimelic acid. The major fatty acids were characterized as anteiso-C15:0 and iso-C15:0. Strain KIGAM418T possessed diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, and phosphatidylethanolamine as the major polar lipids and menaquinone-7 as the predominant menaquinone. The genome size and G + C content were 4.56 Mb and 43.2 mol%, respectively. According to predicted functional genes of the genome, the category of amino acid transport and metabolism was mainly distributed. Based on the polyphasic taxonomic data, strain KIGAM418T represents a novel species of the genus Fictibacillus, for which the name Fictibacillus marinisediminis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is KIGAM418T (= KCTC 43291 T = JCM 34437 T).

Fibrivirga algicola gen. nov., sp. nov., an algicidal bacterium isolated from a freshwater river.

An aerobic, gram-stain-negative, pink-colored, non-motile and rod-shaped algicidal bacterium, designated as JA-25T was isolated from freshwater in Geumgang River, Republic of Korea. Strain JA-25T grew at 15-30 °C and pH 6-9, and did not require NaCl. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain JA-25T belongs to the family 'Spirosomaceae' and is most closely related to Fibrella aestuarina BUZ 2T (93.6%). Strain JA-25T showed < 90% sequence similarity to other members of the family 'Spirosomaceae'. The average nucleotide identity(ANI), in silico DNA-DNA hybridization and average amino acid identity(AAI) values based on the genomic sequences of JA-25T and F. aestuarina BUZ 2T were 74.4, 20.5, and 73.6%, respectively. Strain JA-25T showed an algicidal effect on the marine flagellate alga Heterocapsa triquetra, but no effect on fresh water cyanobacterium (Nostoc). In genome analysis, RIPP-like peptides were detected and predicted to resemble the indolmycin biosynthetic gene cluster, which possibly influence its algicidal effect. Furthermore, a bacteriorhodopsin gene with photoheterotrophic characteristics was detected. The genomic DNA G + C content was 52.5 mol%. The major cellular fatty acids were summed feature 3 (C16:1 ω6c/C16:1 ω7c), C16:1 ω5c, C16:0 (> 10%). The major respiratory quinone was menaquinone 7 and major polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, two unidentified aminolipids, two phospholipids, and five unidentified lipids. Considering the phylogenetic inference, phenotypic, and chemotaxonomic data, strain JA-25T should be classified as a novel species in the novel genus Fibrivirga, with the proposed name Fibrivirga algicola sp. nov. The type strain is JA-25T (= KCCM 43334T = NBRC 114259T).

Genome analysis of 1-deoxynojirimycin (1-DNJ)-producing Bacillus velezensis K26 and distribution of Bacillus sp. harboring a 1-DNJ biosynthetic gene cluster.

1-Deoxynojirumycin (1-DNJ) is a representative iminosugar with α-glucosidase inhibition (AGI) activity. In this study, the full genome sequencing of 1-DNJ-producing Bacillus velezensis K26 was performed. The genome consists of a circular chromosome (4,047,350 bps) with two types of putative virulence factors, five antibiotic resistance genes, and seven secondary metabolite biosynthetic gene clusters. Genomic analysis of a wide range of Bacillus species revealed that a 1-DNJ biosynthetic gene cluster was commonly present in four Bacillus species (B. velezensis, B. pseudomycoides, B. amyloliquefaciens, and B. atrophaeus). In vitro experiments revealed that the increased mRNA expression levels of the three 1-DNJ biosynthetic genes were closely related to increased AGI activity. Genomic comparison and alignment of multiple gene sequences indicated the conservation of the 1-DNJ biosynthetic gene cluster in each Bacillus species. This genomic analysis of Bacillus species having a 1-DNJ biosynthetic gene cluster could provide a basis for further research on 1-DNJ-producing bacteria.

Expression, purification, and characterization of glutamate decarboxylase from human gut-originated Lactococcus garvieae MJF010.

Human gut-originated lactic acid bacteria were cultivated, and high γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-producing Lactococcus garvieae MJF010 was identified. To date, despite the importance of GABA, no studies have investigated GABA-producing Lactococcus species, except for Lc. lactis. A recombinant glutamate decarboxylase of the strain MJF010 (rLgGad) was successfully expressed in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3) with a size of 53.9 kDa. rLgGad could produce GABA, which was verified using the silylation-derivative fragment ions of GABA. The purified rLgGad showed the highest GABA-producing activity at 35 °C and pH 5. rLgGad showed a melting temperature of 43.84 °C. At 30 °C, more than 80% of the activity was maintained even after 7 h; however, it rapidly decreased at 50 °C. The kinetic parameters, Km, Vmax, and kcat, of rLgGad were 2.94 mM, 0.023 mM/min, and 12.3 min- 1, respectively. The metal reagents of CaCl2, MgCl2, and ZnCl2 significantly had positive effects on rLgGad activity. However, most coenzymes including pyridoxal 5'-phosphate showed no significant effects on enzyme activity. In conclusion, this is the first report of Gad from Lc. garvieae species and provides important enzymatic information related to GABA biosynthesis in the Lactococcus genus.

Limnovirga soli gen. nov., sp. nov., isolated from river sediment.

A cream-coloured, Gram-stain-negative, rod-shaped bacterium, designated strain KSC-6T, was isolated from soil sampled at the Gapcheon River watershed in Daejeon, Republic of Korea. The organism does not require NaCl for growth and grows at pH 6.0-8.0 (optimum, pH 7.0) and 10-37 °C (optimum, 25 °C). Phylogenetic trees based on the 16S rRNA gene sequences reveal that strain KSC-6T belongs to the family Chitinophagaceae within the order Chitinophagales and is most closely related to Panacibacter ginsenosidivorans Gsoil 1550T (95.9% similarity). The genomic DNA G+C content was 38.9 mol%. The major cellular fatty acids (>8 %) of strain KCS-6T were iso-C15:0, iso-C15 : 1 G and iso-C17 : 0 3-OH. The predominant respiratory quinone was menaquinone 7 and the predominant polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, five unidentified aminolipids and two unidentified lipids. Based on genome analyses, low digital DNA-DNA hybridization, average nucleotide identity and average amino acid identity values with closely related genera, and differential chemotaxonomic and physiological properties, we suggest that strain KCS-6T represents a novel species in a new genus in the family Chitinophagaceae, for which the name Limnovirga soli gen. nov., sp. nov. (type strain KCS-6T=KCCM 43337T=NBRC 114336T) is proposed.

Hymenobacter lutimineralis sp. nov., belonging to the family Hymenobacteraceae, isolated from zeolite.

A red-pigmented bacterial strain, designated KIGAM108T, within the family Hymenobacteraceae was isolated from zeolite in the Gampo-41 mine of the Gyeongju, Republic of Korea. This strain was a Gram-negative, strictly aerobic, non-spore forming, rod-shaped bacterium. Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence of strain KIGAM108T found that it was related to the genus Hymenobacter, with similarities of 96.6, 96.4, 95.5, and 95.0% to H. fastidiosus VUG-A124T, H. algoricola VUG-A23aT, H. crusticola MIMBbqt21T, and H. daecheongensis DSM 21074T, respectively. Strain KIGAM108T grew in the presence of 0-0.5% (w/v) NaCl at 4-37 °C and pH 6.0-10.0. This isolate contained MK-7 as a respiratory quinone. The polar lipids of strain KIGAM108T were identified as phosphatidylethanolamine, two unidentified aminophospholipids, one unidentified phospholipid and five unidentified lipids. The major fatty acids profile showed summed feature 3 (C16:1ω6c and/or C16:1ω7c) (22.3%), anteiso-C15:0 (17.1%), C16:1ω5c (13.3%), and iso-C15:0 (11.0%). The genomic DNA G + C content was 60.0 mol%. Based on the polyphasic taxonomic data, strain KIGAM108T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Hymenobacter, for which the name Hymenobacter lutimineralis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is KIGAM108T (=KCTC 72263T =JCM 33444T).

Genome Analysis of Enterococcus mundtii Pe103, a Human Gut-Originated Pectinolytic Bacterium.

Pectin exists in significant amounts in vegetables and fruits as a component of the plant cell wall. In human diet, pectin is not degraded by the human digestive enzymes due to its complex structure; only gut bacteria degrade pectin in the large intestine. To date, although pectin is one of the most important sources of dietary fiber in human diet, there have been only few reports on human gut-originated pectinolytic bacteria. In this study, the strain Enterococcus mundtii Pe103, a bacterium with pectin-degrading activity, was isolated from the feces of a healthy Korean adult female. Culture experiments revealed that it could grow on pectin as the sole carbon source by degrading pectin to approximately 35% within 13 h. We report the complete genome data of human gut E. mundtii Pe103. It consists of a circular chromosome (3,084,146 bps) and two plasmids (63,713 and 56,223 bps). Genomic analysis suggested that at least nine putative enzymes related to pectin degradation are present in E. mundtii Pe103. These enzymes may be involved in the degradation of pectin. The whole genome information of E. mundtii Pe103 could improve the understanding of the mechanism underlying the degradation of pectin by human gut microbiota.

The effect of resistant starch (RS) on the bovine rumen microflora and isolation of RS-degrading bacteria.

Resistant starch (RS) in the diet reaches the large intestine without degradation, where it is decomposed by the commensal microbiota. The fermentation of RS produces secondary metabolites including short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which have been linked to a variety of physiological and health effects. Therefore, the availability of RS as a prebiotic is a current issue. The objectives of this study were (1) to use metagenomics to observe microbial flora changes in Bos taurus coreanae rumen fluid in the presence of RS and (2) to isolate RS-degrading microorganisms. The major microbial genus in a general rumen fluid was Succiniclasticum sp., whereas Streptococcus sp. immediately predominated after the addition of RS into the culture medium and was then drastically replaced by Lactobacillus sp. The presence of Bifidobacterium sp. was also observed continuously. Several microorganisms with high RS granule-degrading activity were identified and isolated, including B. choerinum FMB-1 and B. pseudolongum FMB-2. B. choerinum FMB-1 showed the highest RS-hydrolyzing activity and degraded almost 60% of all substrates tested. Coculture experiments demonstrated that Lactobacillus brevis ATCC 14869, which was isolated from human feces, could grow using reducing sugars generated from RS by B. choerinum FMB-1. These results suggest that Bifidobacterium spp., especially B. choerinum FMB-1, are the putative primary degrader of RS in rumen microbial flora and could be further studied as probiotic candidates.

Pyrodictium delaneyi sp. nov., a hyperthermophilic autotrophic archaeon that reduces Fe(III) oxide and nitrate.

A hyperthermophilic, autotrophic iron and nitrate reducer, strain Su06T, was isolated from an active deep-sea hydrothermal vent chimney on the Endeavour Segment in the north-eastern Pacific Ocean. It was obligately anaerobic, hydrogenotrophic and reduced Fe(III) oxide to magnetite and NO3- to N2. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that the strain was more than 97 % similar to other species of the genera Pyrodictium and Hyperthermus. Therefore, overall genome relatedness index analyses were performed to establish whether strain Su06T represents a novel species. For each analysis, strain Su06T was most similar to Pyrodictium occultum PL-19T. Relative to this strain, the average nucleotide identity score for strain Su06T was 72 %, the genome-to-genome direct comparison score was 13-19 % and the species identification score at the protein level was 89 %. For each analysis, strain Su06T was below the species delineation cutoff. Based on its whole genome sequence and its unique phenotypic characteristics, strain Su06T is suggested to represent a novel species of the genus Pyrodictium, for which the name Pyrodictium delaneyi is proposed. The type strain is Su06T (=DSM 28599T=ATCC BAA-2559T).

Lithium-functionalized metal-organic frameworks that show >10 wt% H2 uptake at ambient temperature.

We have used grand canonical Monte Carlo simulations with a first-principles-based force field to show that metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) with Li functional groups (i.e. C-Li bonds) allow for exceptional H2 uptake at ambient temperature. For example, at 298 K and 100 bar, IRMOF-1-4Li shows a total H2 uptake of 5.54 wt% and MOF-200-27Li exhibits a total H2 uptake of 10.30 wt%, which are much higher than the corresponding values with pristine MOFs. Li-functionalized MOF-200 (MOF-200-27Li) shows 11.84 wt% H2 binding at 243 K and 100 bar. These hydrogen-storage capacities exceed the 2015 DOE target of 5.5 wt% H2. Moreover, the incorporation of Li functional groups into MOFs provides more benefits, such as higher delivery amount, for H2 uptake than previously reported Li-doped MOFs.

Resistant starch utilization by Bifidobacterium, the beneficial human gut bacteria.

Resistant starch (RS) reaches the large intestine largely intact, where it is fermented by the gut microbiota, resulting in the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) that have beneficial effects on the human body. Bifidobacteria are a major species widely used in the probiotic field, and are increased in the gut by RS, indicating their importance in RS metabolism in the intestine. Bifidobacteria have a genetic advantage in starch metabolism as they possess a significant number of starch-degrading enzymes and extraordinary three RS-degrading enzymes, allowing them to utilize RS. However, to date, only three species of RS-degrading bifidobacteria have been reported as single isolates B. adolescentis, B. choerinum, and B. pseudolongum. In this review, we describe recent studies on RS utilization by Bifidobacterium, based on their biochemical characteristics and genetic findings. This review provides a crucial understanding of how bifidobacteria survive in specific niches with abundant RS such as the human gut.

Complete genome sequence of a novel species of Brevundimonas (strain NIBR10).

The complete genome sequence of strain NIBR10 was sequenced using PacBio RS II (Pacific Biosciences) sequencing platform. The 4,006,378-bp genome has a G + C content of 66.89% and around 3,832 coding sequences. Genomic data will provide valuable research for natural taxonomy and comparative genomics of the genus Brevundimonas.

4,4'-Diaponeurosporene Production as C30 Carotenoid with Antioxidant Activity in Recombinant Escherichia coli.

Carotenoids, a group of isoprenoid pigments, are naturally synthesized by various microorganisms and plants, and are industrially used as ingredients in food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical product formulations. Although several types of carotenoids and diverse microbial carotenoid producers have been reported, studies on lactic acid bacteria (LAB)-derived carotenoids are relatively insufficient. There is a notable lack of research focusing on C30 carotenoids, the functional characterizations of their biosynthetic genes and their mass production by genetically engineered microorganisms. In this study, the biosynthesis of 4,4'-diaponeurosporene in Escherichia coli harboring the core biosynthetic genes, dehydrosqualene synthase (crtM) and dehydrosqualene desaturase (crtN), from Lactiplantibacillus plantarum subsp. plantarum KCCP11226 was constructed to evaluate and enhance 4,4'-diaponeurosporene production and antioxidant activity. The production of 4,4'-diapophytoene, a substrate of 4,4'-diaponeurosporene, was confirmed in E. coli expressing only the crtM gene. In addition, recombinant E. coli carrying both C30 carotenoid biosynthesis genes (crtM and crtN) was confirmed to biosynthesize 4,4'-diaponeurosporene and exhibited a 6.1-fold increase in carotenoid production compared to the wild type and had a significantly higher antioxidant activity compared to synthetic antioxidant, butylated hydroxytoluene. This study presents the discovery of an important novel E. coli platform in consideration of the industrial applicability of carotenoids.

RepID represses megakaryocytic differentiation by recruiting CRL4A-JARID1A at DAB2 promoter.

Background Megakaryocytes (MKs) are platelet precursors, which arise from hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). While MK lineage commitment and differentiation are accompanied by changes in gene expression, many factors that modulate megakaryopoiesis remain to be uncovered. Replication origin binding protein (RepID) which has multiple histone-code reader including bromodomain, cryptic Tudor domain and WD40 domains and Cullin 4-RING ubiquitin ligase complex (CRL4) recruited to chromatin mediated by RepID have potential roles in gene expression changes via epigenetic regulations. We aimed to investigate whether RepID-CRL4 participates in transcriptional changes required for MK differentiation. Methods The PCR array was performed using cDNAs derived from RepID-proficient or RepID-deficient K562 erythroleukemia cell lines. Correlation between RepID and DAB2 expression was examined in the Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia (CCLE) through the CellMinerCDB portal. The acceleration of MK differentiation in RepID-deficient K562 cells was determined by estimating cell sizes as well as counting multinucleated cells known as MK phenotypes, and by qRT-PCR analysis to validate transcripts of MK markers using phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)-mediated MK differentiation condition. Interaction between CRL4 and histone methylation modifying enzymes were investigated using BioGRID database, immunoprecipitation and proximity ligation assay. Alterations of expression and chromatin binding affinities of RepID, CRL4 and histone methylation modifying enzymes were investigated using subcellular fractionation followed by immunoblotting. RepID-CRL4-JARID1A-based epigenetic changes on DAB2 promoter were analyzed by chromatin-immunoprecipitation and qPCR analysis. Results RepID-deficient K562 cells highly expressing MK markers showed accelerated MKs differentiation exhibiting increases in cell size, lobulated nuclei together with reaching maximum levels of MK marker expression earlier than RepID-proficient K562 cells. Recovery of WD40 domain-containing RepID constructs in RepID-deficient background repressed DAB2 expression. CRL4A formed complex with histone H3K4 demethylase JARID1A in soluble nucleus and loaded to the DAB2 promoter in a RepID-dependent manner during proliferation condition. RepID, CRL4A, and JARID1A were dissociated from the chromatin during MK differentiation, leading to euchromatinization of the DAB2 promoter. Conclusion This study uncovered a role for the RepID-CRL4A-JARID1A pathway in the regulation of gene expression for MK differentiation, which can form the basis for the new therapeutic approaches to induce platelet production.

Identification of tissue-specific targeting peptide.

Using phage display technique, we identified tissue-targeting peptide sets that recognize specific tissues (bone-marrow dendritic cell, kidney, liver, lung, spleen and visceral adipose tissue). In order to rapidly evaluate tissue-specific targeting peptides, we performed machine learning studies for predicting the tissue-specific targeting activity of peptides on the basis of peptide sequence information using four machine learning models and isolated the groups of peptides capable of mediating selective targeting to specific tissues. As a representative liver-specific targeting sequence, the peptide "DKNLQLH" was selected by the sequence similarity analysis. This peptide has a high degree of homology with protein ligands which can interact with corresponding membrane counterparts. We anticipate that our models will be applicable to the prediction of tissue-specific targeting peptides which can recognize the endothelial markers of target tissues.

High-yield enzymatic bioconversion of hydroquinone to α-arbutin, a powerful skin lightening agent, by amylosucrase.

α-Arbutin (α-Ab) is a powerful skin whitening agent that blocks epidermal melanin biosynthesis by inhibiting the enzymatic oxidation of tyrosine and L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA). α-Ab was effectively synthesized from hydroquinone (HQ) by enzymatic biotransformation using amylosucrase (ASase). The ASase gene from Deinococcus geothermalis (DGAS) was expressed and efficiently purified from Escherichia coli using a constitutive expression system. The expressed DGAS was functional and performed a glycosyltransferase reaction using sucrose as a donor and HQ as an acceptor. The presence of a single HQ bioconversion product was confirmed by thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The HQ bioconversion product was isolated by silica gel open column chromatography and its chemical structure determined by 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). The product was determined to be hydroquinone-O-α-D-glucopyranoside with a glucose molecule linked to HQ through an α-glycosidic bond. However, the production yield of the transfer reaction was significantly low (1.3%) due to the instability of HQ in the reaction mixture. The instability of HQ was considerably improved by antioxidant agents, particularly ascorbic acid, implying that HQ is labile to oxidation. A maximum yield of HQ transfer product of 90% was obtained at a 10:1 molar ratio of donor (sucrose) and acceptor (HQ) molecules in the presence of 0.2 mM ascorbic acid.