Phylogenomic analyses sheds new light on the phylogeny and diversification of Corydalis DC. in Himalaya-Hengduan Mountains and adjacent regions.

The Himalaya-Hengduan Mountains (HHM), a renowned biodiversity hotspot of the world, harbors the most extensive habitats for alpine plants with extraordinary high levels of endemism. Although the general evolution pattern has been elucidated, the underlying processes driving spectacular radiations in many species-rich groups remain elusive. Corydalis DC. is widely distributed throughout the Northern Hemisphere containing more than 500 species, with high diversity in HHM and adjacent regions. Using 95 plastid genes, 3,258,640 nuclear single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and eight single-copy nuclear genes (SCNs) generated from genome skimming data, we reconstructed a robust time-calibrated phylogeny of Corydalis comprising more than 100 species that represented all subgenera and most sections. Molecular dating indicated that all main clades of Corydalis began to diverge in the Eocene, with the majority of extant species in HHM emerged from a diversification burst after the middle Miocene. Global pattern of mean divergence times indicated that species distributed in HHM were considerably younger than those in other regions, particularly for the two most species-rich clades (V and VI) of Corydalis. The early divergence and the recent diversification of Corydalis were most likely promoted by the continuous orogenesis and climate change associated with the uplift of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau (QTP). Our study demonstrates the effectivity of phylogenomic analyses with genome skimming data on the phylogeny of species-rich taxa, and sheds lights on how the uplift of QTP has triggered the evolutionary radiations of large plant genera in HHM and adjacent regions.

Role of MicroRNAs in Dietary Interventions for Obesity and Obesity-Related Diseases.

Obesity and related metabolic syndromes pose a serious threat to human health and quality of life. A proper diet is a safe and effective strategy to prevent and control obesity, thus maintaining overall health. However, no consensus exists on the connotations of proper diet, and it is attributed to various factors, including "nutritional dark matter" and the "matrix effect" of food. Accumulating evidence confirms that obesity is associated with the in vivo levels of miRNAs, which serve as potential markers and regulatory targets for obesity onset and progression; food-derived miRNAs can regulate host obesity by targeting the related genes or gut microbiota across the animal kingdom. Host miRNAs mediate food nutrient-gut microbiota-obesity interactions. Thus, miRNAs are important correlates of diet and obesity onset. This review outlines the recent findings on miRNA-mediated food interventions for obesity, thereby elucidating their potential applications. Overall, we provide new perspectives and views on the evaluation of dietary nutrition, which may bear important implications for dietary control and obesity prevention.

Chromatin Accessibility and Transcriptional Landscape during Inhibition of Salmonella enterica by Lactobacillus reuteri in IPEC-J2 Cells.

Lactobacillus reuteri is a probiotic with bacteriostatic effects, which can effectively inhibit the activity of pathogens. However, the molecular mechanism underlying the inhibition of pathogens by L. reuteri in intestinal cells remains unclear. Using the porcine intestinal cell line IPEC-J2 as a model, we combined RNA-seq and ATAC-seq methods to delineate the porcine genome-wide changes in biological processes and chromatin accessibility in IPEC-J2 cells stimulated by Salmonella enterica BNCC186354, as well as L. reuteri ATCC 53608. Overall, we found that many porcine transcripts were altered after S. enterica BNCC186354 treatment, while L. reuteri ATCC 53608 treatment partially restored this alteration, such as salmonella infection and PI3K/AKT and MAPK pathways. Combined analysis of these two datasets revealed that 26 genes with similar trends overlapped between gene expression and chromatin accessibility. In addition, we identified potential host functional transcription factors (TFs), such as GATA1, TAL1, TBP, RUNX1, Gmeb1, Gfi1b, RARA, and RXRG, in IPEC-J2 cells that might play a critical role and are targeted by L. reuteri ATCC 53608. Moreover, we verified that PI3K/AKT, MAPK, and apoptosis pathways are potentially regulated by S. enterica BNCC186354 but restored by L. reuteri ATCC 53608. The PI3K/AKT pathway was activated by L. reuteri ATCC 53608, thereby potentially inhibiting S. enterica BNCC186354 infection. In conclusion, our data provide new insights into the expression pattern of functional genes and the epigenetic alterations in IPEC-J2 cells underlying the bacteriostatic action of L. reuteri ATCC 53608.

Isolation and purification of Tartary buckwheat polysaccharides and their effect on gut microbiota.

Tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum) is rich in polysaccharides that can be utilized by the gut microbiota (GM) and provide several health benefits. However, the mechanisms underlying the action of these polysaccharides remain unclear to date. In this study, Tartary buckwheat polysaccharides (TBP) were purified, and five fractions were obtained. The composition of these fractions was determined using ion chromatography. Different TBP components were investigated regarding their probiotic effect on three species of Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus rhamnosus. In addition, the effect of TBP on GM and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) was evaluated. Results showed that the probiotic effect of TBP fraction was dependent on their composition. The polysaccharides present in different fractions had specific probiotic effects. TBP-1.0, mainly composed of fucose, glucose, and d-galactose, exhibited the strongest proliferation effect on L. rhamnosus, while TBP-W, rich in glucose, d-galactose, and fructose, had the best promoting effect on Bifidobacterium longum and Bifidobacterium adolescentis growth. Furthermore, TBP-0.2, composed of d-galacturonic acid, d-galactose, xylose, and arabinose, exhibited its highest impact on Bifidobacterium breve growth. The composition of GM was significantly altered by adding TBP during fecal fermentation, with an increased relative abundance of Lactococcus, Phascolarctobacterium, Bacteroidetes, and Shigella. Simultaneously, the level of SCFA was also significantly increased by TBP. Our findings indicate that Tartary buckwheat can provide specific dietary polysaccharide sources to modulate and maintain GM diversity. They provide a basis for Tartary buckwheat commercial utilization for GM modulation.

Total saponins from quinoa bran alleviate high-fat diet-induced obesity and systemic inflammation via regulation of gut microbiota in rats.

In recent years, biologically active ingredients derived from natural plants or functional foods have raised considerable interests for its anti-obesity effect. Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) is a traditional staple food in the Andean regions of Peru which contains a variety of bioactive components. This study aimed to investigate the potential therapeutic effect of total saponins extracted from quinoa bran (TSQ) on obese rats and explore whether the underlying mechanism is related to intestinal microbiota. Results showed that TSQ could decrease the body weight gain and visceral fat accumulation in the obese rats. Moreover, trends in ameliorating insulin resistance and improved glucose tolerance were observed. Indeed, Pearson's correlations analysis revealed that the variation in gut microbial composition was highly correlated to insulin resistance, IL-6, and LPS levels. Collectively, these results suggest that the prevention of obesity and inflammation by TSQ may be mediated by the modulation of gut microbial composition.

Comprehensive evolutionary analysis of the TCP gene family: Further insights for its origin, expansion, and diversification.

TCP proteins are plant-specific transcription factors, which are involved in a broad range of physiological processes of plant growth and development. However, the origin and evolutionary history of this gene family is not fully resolved. Here, we present a genome-wide survey of TCP genes in 59 species (including 42 genomes and 17 transcriptomes) covering all main lineages of green plants, and reconstruct the evolutionary history of this gene family. Our results suggested that the origin of TCP genes predated the emergence of land plants, possibly in the common ancestor of Phragmoplastophyta. The TCP gene family gradually experienced a continuous expansion and grew from a few members in algae, moss and lycophytes to dozens, and sometimes over 50 members in angiosperms. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that at least four subclades (Class I and three subclades of Class II) have been occurred in the ancestor of spermatophyte (seed plant). Both dispersed duplication and segmental duplication or whole-genome duplication (WGD) contributed significantly to the expansion of the TCP gene family over the course of evolution. Our findings provide a comprehensive evolutionary analysis of the TCP gene family and highlight the importance of gene duplications in the evolution of this plant-specific transcription factors.

Molecular-docking-guided design, palladium-catalyzed synthesis and anticancer activity of paclitaxel-benzoxazoles hybrids.

A series of new paclitaxel-benzoxazoles hybrids were designed based on both the molecular docking mode of beta-tubulin with paclitaxel derivatives (7a and 7g), and the activity-structure relationship of C-13 side chain in paclitaxel. Palladium-catalyzed direct Csp2-H arylation of benzoxazoles with different aryl-bromides was used as the key synthetic strategy for the aryl-benzoxazoles moieties in the hybrids. Twenty-six newly synthesized hybrids were screened for their antiproliferative activity against human cancer cell lines such as human breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231) and liver hepatocellular cells (HepG2) by the MTT assay and results were compared with paclitaxel. Interestingly, most hybrids (7a-7e, 7i, 7k, 7l, 7A, 7B, 7D and 7E) showed significantly active against both cell lines at concentration of 50 µM, which indicated that the hybrid strategy is effective to get structural simplified paclitaxel analogues with high anti-tumor activity.

In Vitro Effects of Tartary Buckwheat-Derived Nanovesicles on Gut Microbiota.

Evidence suggests that plant-derived nanovesicles may play a significant role in human health. Tartary buckwheat has several physiological activities; however, its underlying health-promoting mechanism remains unclear. In this study, first, Tartary buckwheat-derived nanovesicles (TBDNs) were collected, their structures were analyzed, and microRNA sequencing was performed. Next, target prediction and functional verification were conducted. Finally, the effects of TBDNs on gut microbiota and short-chain fatty acid levels were evaluated. The average size of TBDNs was 141.8 nm diameter. Through the sequencing analyses, 129 microRNAs, including 11 novel microRNAs were identified. Target gene prediction showed that some microRNAs could target functional genes in Escherichia coli and Lactobacillus rhamnosus-related physiological processes. TBDNs significantly promoted the growth of E. coli and L. rhamnosus, enhanced the diversity of fecal microorganisms and increased the short-chain fatty acid levels. These findings provided a new nutritional perspective for Tartary buckwheat and were conducive to promote the development and utilization of Tartary buckwheat.

Mechanical ventilation induces lung and brain injury through ATP production, P2Y1 receptor activation and dopamine release.

Mechanical ventilation can induce lung injury and exacerbate brain injury due to lung-brain interaction. The current study sought to investigate the mechanism of lung-brain interaction induced by mechanical ventilation and offer theoretical insight into the management of ventilator-induced brain injury. The experimental mice were assigned into the spontaneously breathing group and the mechanical ventilation group and injected with dopamine (DA) receptor antagonist haloperidol or P2Y1 receptor antagonist MRS2279 before ventilation. In vitro assay was conducted using lung epithelial cells MLE-12 hippocampal neuron cells and HT-22. Mouse recognition function and lung injury were examined. The condition and concentration of neurons in the hippocampus were observed. The levels of several inflammatory factors, DA, adenosine triphosphate (ATP), P2Y1R, and dysbindin-1 were detected. Mechanical ventilation induced lung and brain injury in mice, manifested in increased inflammatory factors in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and hippocampus, prolonged escape latency, and swimming distance and time in the target quadrant with a weakened concentration of neurons in the hippocampus. Our results presented elevated ATP and P2Y1R expressions in the mechanically ventilated mice and stretched MLE-12 cells. The mechanically ventilated mice and P2Y1 receptor activator MRS2365-treated HT-22 cells presented with elevated levels of DA and dysbindin-1. Inactivation of P2Y1 receptor in the hippocampus or blockage of DA receptor alleviated brain injury induced by mechanical ventilation in mice. To conclude, the current study elicited that lung injury induced by mechanical ventilation exacerbated brain injury in mice by increasing ATP production, activating the P2Y1 receptor, and thus promoting DA release.

[High-flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy in prostate-targeted needle biopsy in high-risk patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effect of high-flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy (HFNC) from that of conventional nasal cannula oxygen therapy (CNC) on oxygenation during prostate-targeted needle biopsy under total intravenous anesthesia in high-risk patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). METHODS: We randomly assigned 64 high-risk OSAS patients to two groups of an equal number to receive HFNC and CNC, respectively, under total intravenous anesthesia. We recorded the incidence rates of SpO2<95% and the lowest SpO2 during surgery, the mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR) and oxygen saturation (SpO2) upon entering the operation room (T0), at the beginning (T1) and the end of surgery (T2) and at 30 minutes postoperatively (T3), as well as arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) and arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2) at T0 and T2, and the incidence rates of airway intervention and adverse events, followed by comparison of the parameters between the two groups. RESULTS: Both the lowest SpO2 and PaO2 were significantly increased in the HFNC group compared with those in the CNC group (P < 0.05) while no statistically significant difference was observed in PaCO2 between the two groups (P > 0.05). The intraoperative incidence rates of hypoxia, airway intervention, choking and body movement were remarkably lower in the HFNC than in the CNC group (P < 0.05), but there were no statistically significant differences in the operation time, anesthesia duration and propofol dosage between the two groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: HFNC may provide more adequate oxygenation, improve airway management, and reduce the incidence of hypoxemia in high-risk OSAS patients during prostate biopsy under total intravenous anesthesia.

Insights into Health-Promoting Effects of Plant MicroRNAs: A Review.

Plant-derived microRNAs (miRNAs) play a significant role in human health and are "dark nutrients", as opposed to traditional plant nutrients, as well as important components of food diversification. Studies have revealed that multiple plant-derived miRNA pathways affect human health. First, plant miRNAs regulate plant growth and development and accumulation of metabolites, which alters the food quality and thus indirectly interferes with the health of the host. Moreover, when absorbed in vivo, some miRNAs may target the host cell mRNAs to affect protein expression. In addition, plant miRNAs target and reshape the human gut microbiota (GM), which interferes with the physiology and metabolism of the host. Therefore, miRNAs play a significant role in the cross-kingdom communication of plants, GM, and the host and in maintaining a balance of the three. Future contributions of plant miRNAs can bring new perspectives and opportunities to better understand food nutrition and health care research, which will facilitate the right exploitation of plant resources.

Complete chloroplast genome sequences of Corydalis edulis and Corydalis shensiana (Papaveraceae).

Corydalis DC., the largest genus of Papaveraceae, was recognized as one of the most taxonomically challenging plant taxa. Due to the lack of genetic information used in previous studies, species discrimination and taxonomic assignment in Corydalis have not been fully solved. Here, the complete chloroplast genomes were reported for Corydalis edulis Maxim. and Corydalis shensiana Liden, with their genome sizes being 154,395 and 155,938 bp, respectively. Both of the chloroplast genomes comprise two inverted repeat (IR) regions, separated by a large single-copy (LSC) region and a small single-copy (SSC) region, and encode 130 genes, including 85 protein-coding genes, 8 ribosomal RNA genes, 37 transfer RNA genes. Our study will provide novel insight into the molecular phylogeny and classification of Corydalis.

Coarse Cereals and Legume Grains Exert Beneficial Effects through Their Interaction with Gut Microbiota: A Review.

Coarse cereals and legume grains (CCLGs) are rich in specific macro- and functional elements that are considered important dietary components for maintaining human health. Therefore, determining the precise nutritional mechanism involved in exerting the health benefits of CCLGs can help understand dietary nutrition in a better manner. Evidence suggests that gut microbiota play a crucial role in the function of CCLGs via their complicated interplay with CCLGs. First, CCLGs modulate gut microbiota and function. Second, gut microbiota convert CCLGs into compounds that perform different functions. Third, gut microbiota mediate interactions among different CCLG components. Therefore, using gut microbiota to expound the nutritional mechanism of CCLGs is important for future studies. A precise and rapid gut microbiota research model is required to screen and evaluate the quality of CCLGs. The outcomes of such research may promote the rapid discovery, classification, and evaluation of CCLG resources, thereby opening a new opportunity to guide nutrition-based development of CCLG products.

Genomic insights into historical population dynamics, local adaptation, and climate change vulnerability of the East Asian Tertiary relict Euptelea (Eupteleaceae).

The warm-temperate and subtropical climate zones of East Asia are a hotspot of plant species richness and endemism, including a noticeable number of species-poor Tertiary relict tree genera. However, little is understood about when East Asian Tertiary relict plants diversified, how they responded demographically to past environmental change, and to what extent their current genomic composition (and adaptive capacity) might mitigate the effects of global warming. Here, we obtained genomic (RAD-SNP) data for 171 samples from two extant species of Euptelea in China (24 E. pleiosperma populations) and Japan (11 E. polyandra populations) to elucidate their divergence and demographic histories, genome-wide associations with current environmental variables, and genomic vulnerability to future climate change. Our results indicate that Late Miocene changes in climate and/or sea level promoted species divergence, whereas Late Pliocene uplifting in southwest China likely fostered lineage divergence within E. pleiosperma. Its subsequent range expansion into central/east (CE) China bears genomic signatures of climate-driven selection, yet extant CE populations are predicted to be most vulnerable to future climate change. For E. polyandra, geography was the only significant predictor of genomic variation. Our findings indicate a profound impact of Late Neogene geological and climate change on the evolutionary history of Euptelea, with much stronger signals of local adaptation left in China than in Japan. This study deepens our understanding of the complex evolutionary forces that influence the distribution of genetic variation of Tertiary relict trees, and provides insights into their susceptibility to global change and potential for adaptive responses. Our results lay the groundwork for future conservation and restoration programs for Euptelea.

Correction: LRP6 promotes invasion and metastasis of colorectal cancer through cytoskeleton dynamics.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.22759.].

Interaction with adipocytes induces lung adenocarcinoma A549 cell migration and tumor growth.

Adipocytes have been demonstrated to promote the progression of various tumors through modulation of cancer cell metabolism. However, their role in lung cancer progression remains undetermined. In the present study, adipocytes and lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells were cultured in a Transwell co­culture system. Cancer cells were additionally cultured in conditioned medium, obtained from adipocytes or co­cultured cells. A MTT and colony formation assay were performed to assess A549 cell proliferation. The expression of epithelial­mesenchymal transition protein markers E­cadherin and vimentin were measured by western blotting. A549 cell migration and invasion was determined with wound healing, Transwell and Matrigel assays. Oil Red­O staining was used to evaluate intracellular lipid content. Colorimetric assays were utilized to detect free fatty acid, glucose uptake, lactate production and triglyceride content in cells. The results revealed a reciprocal interaction between adipocytes and A549 cells, which significantly enhanced A549 cell proliferation and metastasis; whereas, the expression of E­cadherin was decreased and vimentin was increased in A549 cells. Additionally, A549 cells exhibited metabolic reprogramming in vitro following co­culture with adipocytes. It was demonstrated that lipid droplets accumulation, glucose consumption and lactate production increased in tumor cells exposed to adipocytes. Furthermore, adipocytes co­cultured with A549 cells exhibited a decrease in the number and size of lipid droplets, a decrease in the intracellular triglyceride content and a significant increase in the release of free fatty acids. These findings highlighted the crucial role of adipocytes in the modulation of lung adenocarcinoma A549 cell metabolism and suggested the involvement of adipocytes in lung cancer progression.

Inferring spatial patterns and drivers of population divergence of Neolitsea sericea (Lauraceae), based on molecular phylogeography and landscape genomics.

The relative roles of geography, climate and ecology in driving population divergence and (incipient) speciation has so far been largely neglected in studies addressing the evolution of East Asia's island flora. Here, we employed chloroplast and ribosomal DNA sequences and restriction site-associated DNA sequencing (RADseq) loci to investigate the phylogeography and drivers of population divergence of Neolitsea sericea. These data sets support the subdivision of N. sericea populations into the Southern and Northern lineages across the 'Tokara gap'. Two distinct sublineages were further identified for the Northern lineage of N. sericea from the RADseq data. RADseq was also used along with approximate Bayesian computation to show that the current distribution and differentiation of N. sericea populations resulted from a combination of relatively ancient migration and successive vicariant events that likely occurred during the mid to late Pleistocene. Landscape genomic analyses showed that, apart from geographic barriers, barrier, potentially local adaptation to different climatic conditions appears to be one of the major drivers for lineage diversification of N. sericea.

Effect of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG supernatant on serotonin transporter expression in rats with post-infectious irritable bowel syndrome.

AIM: To evaluate the effect of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG supernatant (LGG-s) on the expression of serotonin transporter (SERT) in rats with post-infectious irritable bowel syndrome (PI-IBS). METHODS: Campylobacter jejuni 81-176 (1010 CFU/mL) was used to induce intestinal infection to develop a PI-IBS model. After evaluation of the post-infectious phase by biochemical tests, DNA agarose gel electrophoresis, abdominal withdrawal reflex (AWR) test, and the intestinal motility test, four PI-IBS groups received different concentrations of LGG-s for 4 wk. The treatments were maintained for 1.0, 2.0, 3.0 or 4.0 wk during the experiment, and the colons and brains were removed for later use each week. SERT mRNA and protein levels were detected by real-time PCR and Western blot, respectively. RESULTS: The levels of SERT mRNA and protein in intestinal tissue were higher in rats treated with LGG-s than in control rats and PI-IBS rats gavaged with PBS during the whole study. Undiluted LGG-s up-regulated SERT mRNA level by 2.67 times compared with the control group by week 2, and SERT mRNA expression kept increasing later. Double-diluted LGG-s was similar to undiluted-LGG-s, resulting in high levels of SERT mRNA. Triple-diluted LGG-s up-regulated SERT mRNA expression level by 6.9-times compared with the control group, but SERT mRNA expression decreased rapidly at the end of the second week. At the first week, SERT protein levels were basically comparable in rats treated with undiluted LGG-s, double-diluted LGG-s, and triple-diluted LGG-s, which were higher than those in the control group and PBS-treated PI-IBS group. SERT protein levels in the intestine were also comparable in rats treated with undiluted LGG-s, double-diluted LGG-s, and triple-diluted LGG-s by the second and third weeks. SERT mRNA and protein levels in the brain had no statistical difference in the groups during the experiment. CONCLUSION: LGG-s can up-regulate SERT mRNA and protein levels in intestinal tissue but has no influence in brain tissue in rats with PI-IBS.

Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium longum supernatants upregulate the serotonin transporter expression in intestinal epithelial cells.

Background/Aims: Probiotics play a role in relieving irritable bowel syndrome (IBS); however, the underlying mechanism is yet unclear. The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of the supernatants of Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium longum on the expression of serotonin transporter (SERT) messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) and protein. Materials and Methods: HT-29 and Caco-2 cells were treated with different concentrations of L. acidophilus and B. longum supernatants for 12 h and 24 h, respectively. SERT mRNA and proteins levels were detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction (real-time PCR) and Western-blotting. Results: The mRNA levels of SERT in HT-29 and Caco-2 cells treated with different concentrations of L. acidophilus or B. longum supernatants for 12 h and 24 h, each, were higher than that in the control groups. In addition, the expression of the protein in both cells was also upregulated, which was approximately similar to that of the corresponding mRNA. Conclusions: L. acidophilus and B. longum supernatants can upregulate SERT mRNA and protein levels in intestinal epithelial cells.