Your browser doesn't support javascript.
loading
Show: 20 | 50 | 100
Results 1 - 20 de 44
Filter
Add more filters

Country/Region as subject
Publication year range
1.
J Invertebr Pathol ; 204: 108104, 2024 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38608751

ABSTRACT

The silkworm, Bombyx mori, stands out as one of the few economically valuable insects within the realm of model organisms. However, Bombyx mori nucleopolyhedrovirus (BmNPV) poses a significant threat, decreasing the quality and quantity of silkworm cocoons. Over the past few decades, a multitude of researchers has delved into the mechanisms that underlie silkworm resistance to BmNPV, employing diverse methodologies and approaching the problem from various angles. Despite this extensive research, the role of alternative splicing (AS) in the silkworm's response to BmNPV infection has been largely unexplored. This study leveraged both third-generation (Oxford Nanopore Technologies) and second-generation (Illumina) high-throughput sequencing technologies to meticulously identify and analyze AS patterns in the context of BmNPV response, utilizing two distinct silkworm strains-the susceptible strain 306 and the resistant strain NB. Consequently, we identified five crucial genes (Dsclp, LOC692903, LOC101743583, LOC101742498, LOC101743809) that are linked to the response to BmNPV infection through AS and differential expression. Additionally, a thorough comparative analysis was conducted on their diverse transcriptomic expression profiles, including alternative polyadenylation, simple sequence repeats, and transcription factors.


Subject(s)
Alternative Splicing , Bombyx , Nucleopolyhedroviruses , Transcriptome , Animals , Bombyx/virology , Bombyx/genetics , Nucleopolyhedroviruses/genetics , Disease Resistance/genetics
2.
Nat Mater ; 21(9): 1029-1034, 2022 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35710631

ABSTRACT

Spin-orbit torque (SOT)-driven deterministic control of the magnetic state of a ferromagnet with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy is key to next-generation spintronic applications including non-volatile, ultrafast and energy-efficient data-storage devices. However, field-free deterministic switching of perpendicular magnetization remains a challenge because it requires an out-of-plane antidamping torque, which is not allowed in conventional spin-source materials such as heavy metals and topological insulators due to the system's symmetry. The exploitation of low-crystal symmetries in emergent quantum materials offers a unique approach to achieve SOTs with unconventional forms. Here we report an experimental realization of field-free deterministic magnetic switching of a perpendicularly polarized van der Waals magnet employing an out-of-plane antidamping SOT generated in layered WTe2, a quantum material with a low-symmetry crystal structure. Our numerical simulations suggest that the out-of-plane antidamping torque in WTe2 is essential to explain the observed magnetization switching.

3.
New Phytol ; 237(5): 1667-1683, 2023 03.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36444526

ABSTRACT

One of the strategies that plants adopt to cope with an unfavorable environment is to sacrifice their growth for tolerance. Although moderate salt stress can induce root growth inhibition, the molecular mechanisms regulating this process have yet to be elucidated. Here, we found that overexpression of a zinc finger-homeodomain family transcription factor, HOMEOBOX PROTEIN 24 (HB24), led to longer primary roots than in the wild-type in the presence of 125 mM NaCl, whereas this phenotype was reversed for the hb24 loss-of-function mutant, indicating a negative impact of HB24 on salt-induced root growth inhibition. We then found that salt stress triggered the degradation of HB24 via the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway, as mediated by a plant U-box type E3 ubiquitin ligase 30 (PUB30) that directly targets HB24. We verified that HB24 is able to directly bind to the promoters of Sugars Will Eventually be Exported Transporter 11/12 (SWEET11/12) to regulate their expression in roots. Through genetic and biochemical assays, we further demonstrated that the HB24-SWEET11 module plays a negative role in salt-induced root growth inhibition. Therefore, we propose that under salt stress, PUB30 mediates HB24's degradation, thereby downregulating the expression of SWEET11, resulting in reduced sucrose supply and root growth inhibition.


Subject(s)
Arabidopsis Proteins , Arabidopsis , Plant Roots , Salt Stress , Sucrose , Arabidopsis/genetics , Arabidopsis/metabolism , Arabidopsis Proteins/genetics , Arabidopsis Proteins/metabolism , Down-Regulation/genetics , Down-Regulation/physiology , Gene Expression Regulation, Plant , Homeodomain Proteins/genetics , Homeodomain Proteins/metabolism , Membrane Transport Proteins/metabolism , Plant Roots/genetics , Plant Roots/growth & development , Plant Roots/metabolism , Plants, Genetically Modified/metabolism , Salt Stress/genetics , Salt Stress/physiology , Stress, Physiological/genetics , Sucrose/metabolism , Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases/metabolism
4.
PLoS Genet ; 16(11): e1009159, 2020 11.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33175846

ABSTRACT

Tumor metastasis is the major cause of poor prognosis and mortality in colorectal cancer (CRC). However, early diagnosis of highly metastatic CRC is currently difficult. In the present study, we screened for a novel biomarker, GDNF family receptor alpha 1 (GFRA1) based on the expression and methylation data in CRC patients from The Cancer Genome Altlas (TCGA), followed by further analysis of the correlation between the GFRA1 expression, methylation, and prognosis of patients. Our results show DNA hypomethylation-mediated upregulation of GFRA1 in invasive CRC, and it was found to be correlated with poor prognosis of CRC patients. Furthermore, GFRA1 methylation-modified sequences were found to have potential as methylation diagnostic markers of highly metastatic CRC. The targeted demethylation of GFRA1 by dCas9-TET1CD and gRNA promoted CRC metastasis in vivo and in vitro. Mechanistically, demethylation of GFRA1 induces epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) by promoting AKT phosphorylation and increasing c-Jun expression in CRC cells. Collectively, our findings indicate that GFRA1 hypomethylation can promote CRC invasion via inducing EMT, and thus, GFRA1 methylation can be used as a biomarker for the early diagnosis of highly metastasis CRC.


Subject(s)
Biomarkers, Tumor/genetics , Colorectal Neoplasms/genetics , Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition/genetics , Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Receptors/genetics , Lung Neoplasms/genetics , Animals , Cell Proliferation/genetics , Cohort Studies , Colorectal Neoplasms/diagnosis , Colorectal Neoplasms/mortality , Colorectal Neoplasms/pathology , Computational Biology , DNA Demethylation , DNA Methylation , Datasets as Topic , Disease-Free Survival , Female , Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic , HCT116 Cells , HT29 Cells , Humans , Lung Neoplasms/secondary , Mice , Neoplasm Invasiveness/genetics , Phosphorylation/genetics , Prognosis , Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/metabolism , Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-jun/metabolism , RNA-Seq , Up-Regulation , Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays
5.
Phys Rev Lett ; 128(24): 247204, 2022 Jun 17.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35776458

ABSTRACT

The effect of spin currents on the magnetic order of insulating antiferromagnets (AFMs) is of fundamental interest and can enable new applications. Toward this goal, characterizing the spin-orbit torques (SOTs) associated with AFM-heavy-metal (HM) interfaces is important. Here we report the full angular dependence of the harmonic Hall voltages in a predominantly easy-plane AFM, epitaxial c-axis oriented α-Fe_{2}O_{3} films, with an interface to Pt. By modeling the harmonic Hall signals together with the α-Fe_{2}O_{3} magnetic parameters, we determine the amplitudes of fieldlike and dampinglike SOTs. Out-of-plane field scans are shown to be essential to determining the dampinglike component of the torques. In contrast to ferromagnetic-heavy-metal heterostructures, our results demonstrate that the fieldlike torques are significantly larger than the dampinglike torques, which we correlate with the presence of a large imaginary component of the interface spin-mixing conductance. Our work demonstrates a direct way of characterizing SOTs in AFM-HM heterostructures.

6.
Nat Mater ; 19(6): 655-662, 2020 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32094497

ABSTRACT

Unlike the wide-ranging dynamic control of electrical conductivity, there does not exist an analogous ability to tune thermal conductivity by means of electric potential. The traditional picture assumes that atoms inserted into a material's lattice act purely as a source of scattering for thermal carriers, which can only reduce thermal conductivity. In contrast, here we show that the electrochemical control of oxygen and proton concentration in an oxide provides a new ability to bi-directionally control thermal conductivity. On electrochemically oxygenating the brownmillerite SrCoO2.5 to the perovskite SrCoO3-δ, the thermal conductivity increases by a factor of 2.5, whereas protonating it to form hydrogenated SrCoO2.5 effectively reduces the thermal conductivity by a factor of four. This bi-directional tuning of thermal conductivity across a nearly 10 ± 4-fold range at room temperature is achieved by using ionic liquid gating to trigger the 'tri-state' phase transitions in a single device. We elucidated the effects of these anionic and cationic species, and the resultant changes in lattice constants and lattice symmetry on thermal conductivity by combining chemical and structural information from X-ray absorption spectroscopy with thermoreflectance thermal conductivity measurements and ab initio calculations. This ability to control multiple ion types, multiple phase transitions and electronic conductivity that spans metallic through to insulating behaviour in oxides by electrical means provides a new framework for tuning thermal transport over a wide range.

7.
Can Pharm J (Ott) ; 154(2): 110-119, 2021.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33868522

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that begins in childhood and often persists into adulthood. ADHD increases the risk of various negative impacts, and pharmacists are well positioned to address these issues in the community. OBJECTIVES: This survey study aims to first identify pharmacists' ADHD knowledge gaps and experience with ADHD management and to second assess their preferences for continuing education and their experience with sleep-related issues in ADHD. METHODS: A survey was sent to Part A Ontario pharmacists with active licenses who opted in to receive research-related emails (n = 6022). Descriptive statistics were used to analyze survey data, while free-form answers were pooled and evaluated for common themes and trends. RESULTS: A total of 238 complete responses were received. The average self-reported ADHD knowledge was 5.8 ± 1.96 on a 10-point scale. There was no correlation between the number of years of practice as a pharmacist, the number of working hours per week or the location of practice on pharmacists' self-reported knowledge scores. There was a significant difference in self-reported knowledge of ADHD between pharmacists who were not aware of the Canadian ADHD Resource Alliance (CADDRA) guidelines (5.1 ± 2.1) and those who refer to it for standard of care (7.1 ± 1.5). Almost all pharmacists (95%) indicated they could benefit from additional ADHD education, with a strong preference for "online continuing education modules" (81%). The majority of responders considered psychostimulant ADHD medication as the major possible contributor to sleep disturbances (47%) in ADHD, highlighting a need for further education on the inconclusive link between ADHD medication effects on sleep. CONCLUSION: The study results raise the concern that pharmacists may require additional ADHD education but also show the lack of awareness of available resources, such as the CADDRA guidelines. Can Pharm J (Ott) 2021;154:xx-xx.

8.
Carcinogenesis ; 41(2): 235-244, 2020 04 22.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31802101

ABSTRACT

DNA methylation plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of various diseases, including colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the global and temporal DNA methylation pattern during initiation and progression of colitis-associated cancer (CAC) are still unknown, including the potential therapeutic strategy of targeting methylation for CAC. In the present study, the global DNA methylation pattern was determined at different time points during CAC using DNA methylation sequencing, followed by the Starburst plot integrating alterations and potential functional prediction analysis. After demonstrating the regulatory role of DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) on the expression of hub-genes in CRC cells, DNMT inhibitors were administered to treat CAC mice. Our results indicated that 811 genes were hypermethylated at different time points during initiation and progression of CAC. Genes that were downregulated and hypermethylated during CAC, including hub-genes BAD and inositol polyphosphate phosphatase-like 1 (INPPL1), were involved in MAPK signaling pathways, kit receptor signaling pathways, apoptosis and EGF/EGFR signaling pathways. Upregulated DNMTs (DNMT1, DNMT3A and DNMT3B) mediated downregulation and hypermethylation of BAD and INPPL1 in CAC and CRC cells. Low doses of DNMT inhibitors (decitabine (DAC) and azacitidine (AZA)) exerted efficient antitumor effects in CAC, accompanied with upregulation of BAD and INPPL1 expression, and apoptosis induction. In summary, the present study demonstrates the temporal DNA methylation pattern during CAC and provides a novel therapeutic strategy for treating this disease.


Subject(s)
Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic/administration & dosage , Colitis/pathology , Colorectal Neoplasms/genetics , DNA (Cytosine-5-)-Methyltransferases/metabolism , DNA Methylation/drug effects , Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic/drug effects , Animals , Apoptosis/drug effects , Apoptosis/genetics , Azacitidine/administration & dosage , Azoxymethane/toxicity , Carcinogenesis/drug effects , Carcinogenesis/genetics , Cell Line, Tumor , Colitis/chemically induced , Colitis/diagnostic imaging , Colon/diagnostic imaging , Colon/drug effects , Colon/pathology , Colonoscopy , Colorectal Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging , Colorectal Neoplasms/drug therapy , Colorectal Neoplasms/pathology , DNA (Cytosine-5-)-Methyltransferases/antagonists & inhibitors , Decitabine/administration & dosage , Disease Models, Animal , Disease Progression , Dose-Response Relationship, Drug , Humans , Intestinal Mucosa/diagnostic imaging , Intestinal Mucosa/drug effects , Intestinal Mucosa/pathology , Male , Mice , Molecular Targeted Therapy/methods , Phosphatidylinositol-3,4,5-Trisphosphate 5-Phosphatases/genetics , Up-Regulation , bcl-Associated Death Protein/genetics
9.
J Cell Mol Med ; 24(1): 189-201, 2020 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31578820

ABSTRACT

SARI (suppressor of AP-1, regulated by IFN) impaired tumour growth by promoting apoptosis and inhibiting cell proliferation and tumour angiogenesis in various cancers. However, the role of SARI in regulating tumour-associated inflammation microenvironment is still elusive. In our study, the colitis-dependent and -independent primary model were established in SARI deficiency mice and immuno-reconstructive mice to investigate the functional role of SARI in regulating tumour-associated inflammation microenvironment and primary colon cancer formation. The results have shown that SARI deficiency promotes colitis-associated cancer (CAC) development only in the presence of colon inflammation. SARI inhibited tumour-associated macrophages (TAM) infiltration in colon tissues, and SARI deficiency in bone marrow cells has no observed role in the promotion of intestinal tumorigenesis. Mechanism investigations indicated that SARI down-regulates p-STAT1 and STAT1 expression in colon cancer cells, following inhibition of MCP-1/CCR2 axis activation during CAC development. Inverse correlations between SARI expression and macrophage infiltration, MCP-1 expression and p-STAT1 expression were also demonstrated in colon malignant tissues. Collectively, our results prove the inhibition role of SARI in colon cancer formation through regulating TAM infiltration.


Subject(s)
Basic-Leucine Zipper Transcription Factors/physiology , Chemokine CCL2/metabolism , Colitis-Associated Neoplasms/prevention & control , Colitis/complications , Colonic Neoplasms/prevention & control , Inflammation/physiopathology , Tumor-Associated Macrophages/immunology , Animals , Basic-Leucine Zipper Transcription Factors/genetics , Basic-Leucine Zipper Transcription Factors/metabolism , Cell Transformation, Neoplastic/metabolism , Cell Transformation, Neoplastic/pathology , Chemokine CCL2/genetics , Colitis-Associated Neoplasms/etiology , Colitis-Associated Neoplasms/metabolism , Colitis-Associated Neoplasms/pathology , Colonic Neoplasms/etiology , Colonic Neoplasms/metabolism , Colonic Neoplasms/pathology , Female , Humans , Male , Mice , Mice, Knockout , Receptors, CCR2/genetics , Receptors, CCR2/metabolism , Signal Transduction , Tumor Suppressor Proteins/genetics , Tumor Suppressor Proteins/metabolism
10.
Mol Ther ; 27(1): 244-260, 2019 01 02.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30527756

ABSTRACT

Immunotherapy based on the immune checkpoint blockade has emerged as the most promising approach for cancer therapy. However, the proportion of colorectal cancer patients who benefit from immunotherapy is small due to the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Hence, combination immunotherapy is an ideal strategy to overcome this limitation. In this study, we developed a novel combination of CSF-1R (colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor) inhibitor (PLX3397), oncolytic viruses, and anti-PD-1 antibody. Our results demonstrated that the triple treatment synergistically conferred significant tumor control and prolonged the survival of mouse models of colon cancer. Approximately 43% and 82% of mice bearing the CT26 and MC38 tumor, respectively, survived long term following the triple treatment. This combination therapy reprogrammed the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment toward a CD8+ T cell-biased anti-tumor immunity by increasing T cell infiltration in the tumor and augmenting anti-tumor CD8+ T cell function. Our results provide a robust strategy for clinical combination therapy.


Subject(s)
Oncolytic Viruses/physiology , Programmed Cell Death 1 Receptor/immunology , Receptor, Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor/antagonists & inhibitors , Aminopyridines/pharmacology , Animals , B7-H1 Antigen/metabolism , CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/metabolism , Colonic Neoplasms/metabolism , Female , Flow Cytometry , Humans , Immunotherapy/methods , Mice , Mice, Inbred BALB C , Mice, Inbred C57BL , Oncolytic Viruses/genetics , Pyrroles/pharmacology , Receptor, Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor/metabolism , Tumor Microenvironment/drug effects , Tumor Microenvironment/immunology
11.
Int J Legal Med ; 133(2): 427-428, 2019 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29526015

ABSTRACT

There is currently no large population data-based data set in Kashgar Prefecture Uyghur. The allele frequencies of 18 autosomal short tandem repeat (STR) loci included in the DNATyper™ 19 kit were evaluated in 2600 Uyghur individuals living in Kashgar Prefecture, Northwest China. The values of combined power of discrimination (CPD) and combined probability of exclusion (CPE) of all 18 autosomal STR loci were 0.99999999999999999998235 and 0.99999998670, respectively. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that the Uyghur population has a closer relationship with the Xinjiang-Kazakh, Inner Mongolia-Mongolian, and other three Uyghur populations. In addition, our results are consistent with the hypothesis that Uyghur population is an admixture of Eastern Asian and European populations.


Subject(s)
Ethnicity/genetics , Gene Frequency , Genetics, Population , Microsatellite Repeats , China , DNA Fingerprinting , Humans , Phylogeny , Polymerase Chain Reaction , Principal Component Analysis
12.
Int J Legal Med ; 132(3): 733-734, 2018 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29151122

ABSTRACT

Short tandem repeats (STRs) play a vitally important role in forensics. Population data is needed to improve the field. There is currently no large population data-based data set in Chamdo Tibetan. In our study, the allele frequencies and forensic statistical parameters of 18 autosomal STR loci (D5S818, D21S11, D7S820, CSF1PO, D2S1338, D3S1358, VWA, D8S1179, D16S539, PentaE, TPOX, TH01, D19S433, D18S51, FGA, D6S1043, D13S317, and D12S391) included in the DNATyper™19 kit were investigated in 2249 healthy, unrelated Tibetan subjects living in Tibet Chamdo, Southwest China. The combined power of discrimination and the combined probability of exclusion of all 18 loci were 0.9999999999999999999998174 and 0.99999994704, respectively. Furthermore, the genetic relationship between our Tibetan group and 33 previously published populations was also investigated. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that the Chamdo Tibetan population is more closely related genetically with the Lhasa Tibetan group. Our results suggest that these autosomal STR loci are highly polymorphic in the Tibetan population living in Tibet Chamdo and can be used as a powerful tool in forensics, linguistics, and population genetic analyses.


Subject(s)
Ethnicity/genetics , Genetics, Population , Polymorphism, Genetic , China , DNA Fingerprinting , Gene Frequency , Humans , Microsatellite Repeats , Phylogeny , Tibet/ethnology
13.
Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi ; 43(13): 2784-2788, 2018 Jul.
Article in Zh | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30111032

ABSTRACT

To study the effect of serum containing Xihuang pill on the proliferation of human breast cancer cell lines MDA-MB-435 and MCF-7 and the gene and protein expressions of Bcl-2, Bax, TP53, in order to explore the effect and mechanism of Xihuang pill in resisting breast cancer. The serum of the rats was prepared by the method of MTT assay. The expressions of Bcl-2 and Bax were detected by RT-PCR. The serum levels of Bcl-2 and Bax and the mRNA expression of TP53 were detected by immunofluorescence. The rats with serum containing Xihuang pill could inhibit the proliferation of MDA-MB-435 cells and MCF-7 cells (P<0.05). The serum containing Xihuang pill increased TP53 and Bax in MDA-MB-435 cells (P<0.05), and the ratio of Bcl-2/Bax was decreased (P<0.05). Meanwhile, the serum containing Xihuang pill could up-regulate the mRNA expression of Bax in MCF-7 cells and decrease the expression of Bcl (P<0.05), but there was no significant difference between the expression of TP53mRNA and Bax protein expressions after the treatment of MCF-7 cells with Xihuang pill serum. Serum containing Xihuang pill can induce the apoptosis of human breast cancer cells, and the mechanism of estrogen receptor-negative breast cancer cell apoptosis may be induced by up-regulating the mRNA expression of TP53, which can induce the expression of Bax and promote the metastasis of Bax to mitochondria, and ultimately play the role of inducing apoptosis.


Subject(s)
Apoptosis , Breast Neoplasms , Animals , Cell Proliferation , Drugs, Chinese Herbal , Humans , MCF-7 Cells , Rats , bcl-2-Associated X Protein
14.
Angew Chem Int Ed Engl ; 56(1): 328-332, 2017 01 02.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27897364

ABSTRACT

Precisely engineering the electrical conductivity represents a promising strategy to design efficient catalysts towards oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Here, we demonstrate a versatile partial cation exchange method to fabricate lamellar Ag-CoSe2 nanobelts with controllable conductivity. The electrical conductivity of the materials was significantly enhanced by the addition of Ag+ cations of less than 1.0 %. Moreover, such a trace amount of Ag induced a negligible loss of active sites which was compensated through the effective generation of active sites as shown by the excellent conductivity. Both the enhanced conductivity and the retained active sites contributed to the remarkable electrocatalytic performance of the Ag-CoSe2 nanobelts. Relative to the CoSe2 nanobelts, the as-prepared Ag-CoSe2 nanobelts exhibited a higher current density and a lower Tafel slope towards OER. This strategy represents a rational design of efficient electrocatalysts through finely tuning their electrical conductivities.

16.
Front Pharmacol ; 15: 1374485, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38741593

ABSTRACT

Background: Fufang Xiaohuoluo pill (FFXHL) is a commonly used prescription in clinical practice for treating rheumatoid arthritis in China, yet its specific mechanism remains unclear. This study aims to elucidate the pharmacological mechanisms of FFXHL using both in vivo and in vitro experiments. Methods: The collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) rat model was established to evaluate FFXHL's therapeutic impact. Parameters that include paw swelling, arthritis scores, and inflammatory markers were examined to assess the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of FFXHL. Human fibroblast-like synoviocytes (MH7A cells) is activated by tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) were used to explore the anti-inflammatory mechanism on FFXHL. Results: Our findings indicate that FFXHL effectively reduced paw swelling, joint pain, arthritis scores, and synovial pannus hyperplasia. It also lowered serum levels of TNF-α, interleukin-1ß (IL1ß), and interleukin-6 (IL-6). Immunohistochemical analysis revealed decreased expression of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) p65 in FFXHL-treated CIA rat joints. In vitro experiments demonstrated FFXHL's ability to decrease protein secretion of IL-1ß and IL-6, suppress mRNA expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) -3, -9, and -13, reduce reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and inhibit NF-κB p65 translocation in TNF-α stimulated MH7A cells. FFXHL also suppressed protein levels of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), c-Jun Nterminal kinase (JNK), p38 MAP kinase (p38), protein kinase B (Akt), p65, inhibitor of kappa B kinase α/ß (IKKα/ß), Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), and myeloid differentiation primary response 88 (MyD88) induced by TNF-α in MH7A cells. Conclusion: The findings imply that FFXHL exhibits significant anti-inflammatory and antiarthritic effects in both CIA rat models and TNF-α-induced MH7A cells. The potential mechanism involves the inactivation of TLR4/MyD88, mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), NF-κB, and Akt pathways by FFXHL.

17.
Front Mol Neurosci ; 17: 1359294, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38706874

ABSTRACT

Parkinson's disease (PD), ranking as the second most prevalent neurodegenerative disorder globally, presents a pressing need for innovative animal models to deepen our understanding of its pathophysiology and explore potential therapeutic interventions. The development of such animal models plays a pivotal role in unraveling the complexities of PD and investigating promising treatment avenues. In this study, we employed transcriptome sequencing on BmN cells treated with 1 µg/ml rotenone, aiming to elucidate the underlying toxicological mechanisms. The investigation brought to light a significant reduction in mitochondrial membrane potential induced by rotenone, subsequently triggering mitophagy. Notably, the PTEN induced putative kinase 1 (PINK1)/Parkin pathway emerged as a key player in the cascade leading to rotenone-induced mitophagy. Furthermore, our exploration extended to silkworms exposed to 50 µg/ml rotenone, revealing distinctive motor dysfunction as well as inhibition of Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) gene expression. These observed effects not only contribute valuable insights into the impact and intricate mechanisms of rotenone exposure on mitophagy but also provide robust scientific evidence supporting the utilization of rotenone in establishing a PD model in the silkworm. This comprehensive investigation not only enriches our understanding of the toxicological pathways triggered by rotenone but also highlights the potential of silkworms as a valuable model organism for PD research.

18.
J Agric Food Chem ; 72(18): 10376-10390, 2024 May 08.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38661058

ABSTRACT

20(S)-Protopanaxadiol (PPD) is one of the bioactive ingredients in ginseng and possesses neuroprotective properties. Brain-type creatine kinase (CK-BB) is an enzyme involved in brain energy homeostasis via the phosphocreatine-creatine kinase system. We previously identified PPD as directly bound to CK-BB and activated its activity in vitro. In this study, we explored the antidepressive effects of PPD that target CK-BB. First, we conducted time course studies on brain CK-BB, behaviors, and hippocampal structural plasticity responses to corticosterone (CORT) administration. Five weeks of CORT injection reduced CK-BB activity and protein levels and induced depression-like behaviors and hippocampal structural plasticity impairment. Next, a CK inhibitor and an adeno-associated virus-targeting CKB were used to diminish CK-BB activity or its expression in the brain. The loss of CK-BB in the brain led to depressive behaviors and morphological damage to spines in the hippocampus. Then, a polyclonal antibody against PPD was used to determine the distribution of PPD in the brain tissues. PPD was detected in the hippocampus and cortex and observed in astrocytes, neurons, and vascular endotheliocytes. Finally, different PPD doses were used in the chronic CORT-induced depression model. Treatment with a high dose of PPD significantly increased the activity and expression of CK-BB after long-term CORT injection. In addition, PPD alleviated the damage to depressive-like behaviors and structural plasticity induced by repeated CORT injection. Overall, our study revealed the critical role of CK-BB in mediating structural plasticity in CORT-induced depression and identified CK-BB as a therapeutic target for PPD, allowing us to treat stress-related mood disorders.


Subject(s)
Antidepressive Agents , Corticosterone , Creatine Kinase, BB Form , Depression , Sapogenins , Animals , Humans , Male , Mice , Rats , Antidepressive Agents/pharmacology , Antidepressive Agents/administration & dosage , Brain/metabolism , Brain/drug effects , Creatine Kinase, BB Form/metabolism , Creatine Kinase, BB Form/genetics , Depression/chemically induced , Depression/drug therapy , Disease Models, Animal , Hippocampus/drug effects , Hippocampus/metabolism , Mice, Inbred C57BL , Panax/chemistry , Plant Extracts/pharmacology , Plant Extracts/administration & dosage , Rats, Sprague-Dawley , Sapogenins/pharmacology
19.
Neural Regen Res ; 19(4): 833-845, 2024 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37843219

ABSTRACT

A growing body of evidence suggests that the gut microbiota contributes to the development of neurodegenerative diseases via the microbiota-gut-brain axis. As a contributing factor, microbiota dysbiosis always occurs in pathological changes of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. High-throughput sequencing technology has helped to reveal that the bidirectional communication between the central nervous system and the enteric nervous system is facilitated by the microbiota's diverse microorganisms, and for both neuroimmune and neuroendocrine systems. Here, we summarize the bioinformatics analysis and wet-biology validation for the gut metagenomics in neurodegenerative diseases, with an emphasis on multi-omics studies and the gut virome. The pathogen-associated signaling biomarkers for identifying brain disorders and potential therapeutic targets are also elucidated. Finally, we discuss the role of diet, prebiotics, probiotics, postbiotics and exercise interventions in remodeling the microbiome and reducing the symptoms of neurodegenerative diseases.

20.
J Ginseng Res ; 47(5): 662-671, 2023 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37720572

ABSTRACT

Background: 20(S)-protopanaxadiol (PPD), a ginsenoside metabolite, has prominent benefits for the central nervous system, especially in improving learning and memory. However, its transcriptional targets in brain tissue remain unknown. Methods: In this study, we first used mass spectrometry-based drug affinity responsive target stability (DARTS) to identify the potential proteins of ginsenosides and intersected them with the transcription factor library. Second, the transcription factor PURA was confirmed as a target of PPD by biolayer interferometry (BLI) and molecular docking. Next, the effect of PPD on the transcriptional levels of target genes of PURA in brain tissues was determined by qRT-PCR. Finally, bioinformatics analysis was used to analyze the potential biological features of these target proteins. Results: The results showed three overlapping transcription factors between the proteomics of DARTS and transcription factor library. BLI analysis further showed that PPD had a higher direct interaction with PURA than parent ginsenosides. Subsequently, BLI kinetic analysis, molecular docking, and mutations in key amino acids of PURA indicated that PPD specifically bound to PURA. The results of qRT-PCR showed that PPD could increase the transcription levels of PURA target genes in brain. Finally, bioinformatics analysis showed that these target proteins were involved in learning and memory function. Conclusion: The above-mentioned findings indicate that PURA is a transcription target of PPD in brain, and PPD upregulate the transcription levels of target genes related to cognitive dysfunction by binding PURA, which could provide a chemical and biological basis for the study of treating cognitive impairment by targeting PURA.

SELECTION OF CITATIONS
SEARCH DETAIL