Identification of key genes in sepsis by WGCNA.

When the body damages its own tissues in response to an infection, sepsis develops. Medical treatments are limited. It's important to understand the molecular mechanism behind sepsis pathogenesis and identify potential molecular treatment targets. We made two modules based on how genes work together by using WGCNA analysis. The light-green GSE131761 module and the blue GSE137342 module had the strongest links to sepsis. A gene ontology (GO) analysis showed that most of the genes in the lightgreen module were involved in the inflammatory response, specific granule, and immune receptor activity. Most of the genes in the blue module were significantly more likely to have the GO terms proteasomal protein catabolic process, ubiquitin ligase complex, and ubiquitin-like protein transferase activity. The KEGG analysis showed that the genes in module lightgreen were mostly involved in the TNF signaling pathway, while the genes in module blue were mostly involved in the Prion disease pathway. There were two hub genes that were found. In the end, ANKRD22 and VNN1 were singled out as crucial genes. This study used WGCNA to investigate sepsis-associated susceptibility modules and genes. Our study identified two modules and two key genes as essential components in sepsis etiology, which may improve our understanding of its molecular mechanisms.

MdPP2C24/37, Protein Phosphatase Type 2Cs from Apple, Interact with MdPYL2/12 to Negatively Regulate ABA Signaling in Transgenic Arabidopsis.

The phytohormone abscisic acid (ABA) plays an important role in the ability of plants to cope with drought stress. As core members of the ABA signaling pathway, protein phosphatase type 2Cs (PP2Cs) have been reported in many species. However, the functions of MdPP2Cs in apple (Malus domestica) are unclear. In this study, we identified two PP2C-encoding genes, MdPP2C24/37, with conserved PP2C catalytic domains, using sequence alignment. The nucleus-located MdPP2C24/37 genes were induced by ABA or mannitol in apple. Genetic analysis revealed that overexpression of MdPP2C24/37 in Arabidopsis thaliana led to plant insensitivity to ABA or mannitol treatment, in terms of inhibiting seed germination and overall seedling establishment. The expression of stress marker genes was upregulated in MdPP2C24/37 transgenic lines. At the same time, MdPP2C24/37 transgenic lines displayed inhibited ABA-mediated stomatal closure, which led to higher water loss rates. Moreover, when exposed to drought stress, chlorophyll levels decreased and MDA and H2O2 levels accumulated in the MdPP2C24/37 transgenic lines. Further, MdPP2C24/37 interacted with MdPYL2/12 in vitro and vivo. The results indicate that MdPP2C24/37 act as negative regulators in response to ABA-mediated drought resistance.

Involvement of superoxide dismutase in oxidative stress in the oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis: molecular cloning and expression profiles.

BACKGROUND: Bactrocera dorsalis, one of the most economically important fruit fly pests in East Asia, is well adapted to various environmental conditions. Pesticides, pathogens and other stresses can cause oxidative damage in most organisms. The superoxide dismutase (SOD) family contains some of the most important enzymes in the antioxidant protection system of the fruit fly and other organisms. RESULTS: Four full-length cDNA sequences encoding one MnSOD (BdSOD2-1) and three Cu-ZnSODs (BdSOD1-1, BdSOD1-2 and BdSOD1-3) were cloned. The expression profiles of these four genes under different stresses showed them to be involved in response to detrimental conditions including heavy metals, pesticides, extreme temperatures and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stresses. More specifically, the expression levels of these genes were found to be depressed in the presence of copper, zinc and manganese. The expression of all four SOD genes increased upon exposure to lead, cadmium, low temperature (0 °C) and LPS stresses. Only BdSOD1-3 transcription increased significantly at high temperature (40 °C) exposure. The expressions levels of BdSOD1-2 and BdSOD1-3 increased significantly in the presence of ß-cypermethrin and malathion, but only the expression of BdSOD2-1 increased in the presence of avermectin treatment. CONCLUSION: These different expression profiles suggest that the four BdSODs play different roles and respond to different oxidative stresses in B. dorsalis. Some BdSODs undergo specific reaction in the response to specific oxidative stresses.