Structural and Functional Characterization of a Fish Type I Subgroup d IFN Reveals Its Binding to Receptors.

Teleost fish type I IFNs and the associated receptors from the cytokine receptor family B (CRFB) are characterized by remarkable diversity and complexity. How the fish type I IFNs bind to their receptors is still not fully understood. In this study, we demonstrate that CRFB1 and CRFB5 constitute the receptor pair through which type I subgroup d IFN (IFNd) from large yellow croaker, Larimichthys crocea, activates the conserved JAK-STAT signaling pathway as a part of the antiviral response. Our data suggest that L. crocea IFNd (LcIFNd) has a higher binding affinity with L. crocea CRFB5 (LcCRFB5) than with LcCRFB1. Furthermore, we report the crystal structure of LcIFNd at a 1.49-Å resolution and construct structural models of LcIFNd in binary complexes with predicted structures of extracellular regions of LcCRFB1 and LcCRFB5, respectively. Despite striking similarities in overall architectures of LcIFNd and its ortholog human IFN-ω, the receptor binding patterns between LcIFNd and its receptors show that teleost and mammalian type I IFNs may have differentially selected helices that bind to their homologous receptors. Correspondingly, key residues mediating binding of LcIFNd to LcCRFB1 and LcCRFB5 are largely distinct from the receptor-interacting residues in other fish and mammalian type I IFNs. Our findings reveal a ligand/receptor complex binding mechanism of IFNd in teleost fish, thus providing new insights into the function and evolution of type I IFNs.

[Integrated management during the perinatal period for total anomalous pulmonary venous connection]. / å®Œå ¨æ€§è‚ºé™è„‰å¼‚ä½è¿žæŽ¥çš„å›´ç”ŸæœŸä¸€ä½“åŒ–ç®¡ç†.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the clinical effectiveness of integrated management during the perinatal period for fetuses diagnosed with total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC) by prenatal echocardiography. METHODS: Clinical data of 64 cases of TAPVC fetuses diagnosed by prenatal echocardiography and managed with integrated perinatal care in Qingdao Women and Children's Hospital from January 2017 to December 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. Integrated perinatal care included multidisciplinary collaboration among obstetrics, fetal medicine, ultrasound, pediatric cardiology, pediatric anesthesia, and neonatology. RESULTS: Among the 64 TAPVC fetuses, there were 29 cases of supracardiac type, 27 cases of intracardiac type, 2 cases of infracardiac type, and 6 cases of mixed type. Chromosomal analysis was performed in 42 cases, and no obvious abnormalities were found. Among the 64 TAPVC fetuses, 37 were induced labor, and 27 were followed up until term birth. Among the 27 TAPVC cases, 2 cases accepted palliative care, 2 cases were referred to another hospital for treatment and lost to follow-up, while the remaining 23 cases underwent primary repair surgery. One case died within 6 months after the operation due to low cardiac output syndrome, while the other 22 cases were followed up for (2.1±0.3) years with good outcomes (2 cases underwent a second surgery within 1 year after the first operation due to anastomotic stenosis or pulmonary vein stenosis). CONCLUSIONS: TAPVC fetuses can achieve good outcomes with integrated management during the perinatal period.

Atypical Legionella GTPase effector hijacks host vesicular transport factor p115 to regulate host lipid droplet.

The intracellular bacterial pathogen Legionella pneumophila uses hundreds of effector proteins to manipulate multiple processes of the host cells to establish a replicative niche known as Legionella-containing vacuole (LCV). Biogenesis of the LCV has been known to depend on host small guanosine triphosphatases (GTPases), but whether bacterial effector GTPases are also involved remains unknown. Here, we show that an ankyrin repeat containing effector LegA15 localizes directly in host lipid droplets (LDs), leading to Golgi apparatus fragmentation of the host cells by hijacking the host vesicular transport factor p115. LegA15 is a GTPase with a unique catalytic mechanism, unlike any eukaryotic small GTPases. Moreover, the effector LegA15 co-opts p115 to modulate homeostasis of the host LDs in its GTPase-dependent manner. Together, our data reveal that an atypical GTPase effector regulates the host LDs through impeding the vesicle secretion system of the host cells for intracellular life cycle of Legionella.

A variant-proof SARS-CoV-2 vaccine targeting HR1 domain in S2 subunit of spike protein.

The emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants, commonly with many mutations in S1 subunit of spike (S) protein are weakening the efficacy of the current vaccines and antibody therapeutics. This calls for the variant-proof SARS-CoV-2 vaccines targeting the more conserved regions in S protein. Here, we designed a recombinant subunit vaccine, HR121, targeting the conserved HR1 domain in S2 subunit of S protein. HR121 consisting of HR1-linker1-HR2-linker2-HR1, is conformationally and functionally analogous to the HR1 domain present in the fusion intermediate conformation of S2 subunit. Immunization with HR121 in rabbits and rhesus macaques elicited highly potent cross-neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 and its variants, particularly Omicron sublineages. Vaccination with HR121 achieved near-full protections against prototype SARS-CoV-2 infection in hACE2 transgenic mice, Syrian golden hamsters and rhesus macaques, and effective protection against Omicron BA.2 infection in Syrian golden hamsters. This study demonstrates that HR121 is a promising candidate of variant-proof SARS-CoV-2 vaccine with a novel conserved target in the S2 subunit for application against current and future SARS-CoV-2 variants.

Assembly and purification of AvrSr35-induced Sr35 resistosome and determination of its structure by cryo-EM.

Sr35, a coiled-coil nucleotide-binding leucine-rich repeat receptor (CC-NLR) from the wheat species Triticum monococcum can directly recognize the pathogen avirulence factor AvrSr35 and confers immunity against wheat stem rust caused by Puccinia graminis f.sp. tritici race Ug99. Assembly of a stable Sr35 resistosome induced by AvrSr35 in vitro is usually limited by protein expression and low assembly efficiency. Here, we describe the expression and purification of AvrSr35 and Sr35, in vitro assembly of Sr35 resistosome for structure determination by cryo-EM. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Zhao et al. (2022).

Structural basis for the acetylation mechanism of the Legionella effector VipF.

The pathogen Legionella pneumophila, which is the causative agent of Legionnaires' disease, secrets hundreds of effectors into host cells via its Dot/Icm secretion system to subvert host-cell pathways during pathogenesis. VipF, a conserved core effector among Legionella species, is a putative acetyltransferase, but its structure and catalytic mechanism remain unknown. Here, three crystal structures of VipF in complex with its cofactor acetyl-CoA and/or a substrate are reported. The two GNAT-like domains of VipF are connected as two wings by two ß-strands to form a U-shape. Both domains bind acetyl-CoA or CoA, but only in the C-terminal domain does the molecule extend to the bottom of the U-shaped groove as required for an active transferase reaction; the molecule in the N-terminal domain folds back on itself. Interestingly, when chloramphenicol, a putative substrate, binds in the pocket of the central U-shaped groove adjacent to the N-terminal domain, VipF remains in an open conformation. Moreover, mutations in the central U-shaped groove, including Glu129 and Asp251, largely impaired the acetyltransferase activity of VipF, suggesting a unique enzymatic mechanism for the Legionella effector VipF.

Pathogen effector AvrSr35 triggers Sr35 resistosome assembly via a direct recognition mechanism.

Nucleotide-binding, leucine-rich repeat receptors (NLRs) perceive pathogen effectors to trigger plant immunity. The direct recognition mechanism of pathogen effectors by coiled-coil NLRs (CNLs) remains unclear. We demonstrate that the Triticum monococcum CNL Sr35 directly recognizes the pathogen effector AvrSr35 from Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici and report a cryo-electron microscopy structure of Sr35 resistosome and a crystal structure of AvrSr35. We show that AvrSr35 forms homodimers that are disassociated into monomers upon direct recognition by the leucine-rich repeat domain of Sr35, which induces Sr35 resistosome assembly and the subsequent immune response. The first 20 amino-terminal residues of Sr35 are indispensable for immune signaling but not for plasma membrane association. Our findings reveal the direct recognition and activation mechanism of a plant CNL and provide insights into biochemical function of Sr35 resistosome.

[Optimization of mulched drip irrigation amount for peanut based on AHC model in northwestern Liaoning, China]. / 基于AHC模型的辽西北花生膜下滴灌灌水量优化.

To evaluate the applicability of AHC (agro-hydrological chemical and crop systems simulator) model and explore the suitable irrigation amount for peanut (Arachis hypogaea) under mulched drip irrigation in the semi-arid areas of northwestern Liaoning Province, based on the two-year field experimental data of peanut in 2016 and 2017, the model parameters were firstly chosen for global sensitivity analysis. Then, module parameters of soil moisture and crop growth were calibrated and validated. Finally, AHC model was used to analyze the responses of peanut yield and water use efficiency (WUE) to different irrigation amounts. The results showed that the two extremely sensitive parameters of the model were saturated hydraulic conductivity in the first and second layers of soil. Root mean square error (RMSE) and mean relative error (MRE) between simulated and measured values of soil water content ranged from 0.02 to 0.03 cm3·cm-3 and 1.5% to 2.3%, respectively. The RMSE and MRE of leaf area index and plant height were 0.3-0.6, 4.2-4.5 cm, and 5.0%-8.9%, 5.2%-6.8%, respectively. The MRE of peanut yield and water consumption were both within 5%, indicating that the model was suitable for simulating soil moisture and peanut growth in the northwest Liaoning Province. With the increases of irrigation amounts, peanut yield increased and water use efficiency decreased. Considering both peanut yield and WUE, we recommend that the optimal mulched drip irrigation amounts for peanut in the semi-arid areas of Northwestern Liaoning in test year (normal year) was 80-97 mm.

Low-Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound Attenuates LPS-Induced Neuroinflammation and Memory Impairment by Modulation of TLR4/NF-κB Signaling and CREB/BDNF Expression.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the restorative role of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced neuroinflammation and memory impairments in a simulation of Alzheimer's disease. Mice subjected to LPS administration (250 µg/kg, i.p.) were treated with LIPUS daily for 7 days. The levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and inflammatory markers were estimated in brain tissue using western blot. After LIPUS treatment, the neuroprotective effects of LIPUS in mice were assessed by behavioral tests. LPS plus LIPUS-treated mice exhibited a significant increase in the average time spent in the target quadrant compared to the LPS-treated group. Compared with the LPS-treated group, LPS plus LIPUS-treated mice revealed a preference for the novel object. LIPUS treatment significantly attenuated LPS-induced increases in the expression of amyloid-beta (Aß) and amyloid precursor protein (APP) in the hippocampus region of LPS-treated mice. Furthermore, LIPUS significantly reduced the protein levels of TNF-α, IL-1ß, and IL-6 in the mice brain induced by LPS. LIPUS treatment induces neuroprotection by inhibiting the LPS-induced activation of TLR4/NF-κB inflammatory signaling and by enhancing the associated CREB/BDNF expression in LPS-treated mice. Our data showed that LIPUS attenuated LPS-induced memory impairment as well as amyloidogenesis via the suppression of neuroinflammatory activity and BDNF decline.

Transcranial Ultrasound Improves Behavioral Performance via Anti-Neuroinflammation.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the protective role of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced neuroinflammation and memory impairments in a mouse model. A 1.0 MHz focused ultrasound transducer was exploited to sonicate the brain noninvasively with 50 ms burst lengths at a 5% duty cycle, a repetition frequency of 1 Hz. Mice subjected to LPS administration (250 µg/kg, i.p.) were treated with LIPUS daily for 7 days. The levels of inflammatory markers were estimated in brain tissue using western blot. After LIPUS treatment, the neuroprotective effects of LIPUS in mice were assessed by behavioral analysis using the Morris water maze. The average escape latencies were significantly shortened in LPS plus LIPUS-treated mice from the sixth day of the acquisition phase. Furthermore, LIPUS significantly reduced the protein levels of TNF-α, IL-1ß, and IL-6 in the mice brain induced by LPS. LIPUS treatment shows neuroprotection by inhibiting LPS-induced activation of TLR4 inflammatory signaling. Our data showed that LIPUS attenuated LPS-induced memory impairment via suppression of neuroinflammatory activity.

Oxidative stress affects retinal pigment epithelial cell survival through epidermal growth factor receptor/AKT signaling pathway.

AIM: To investigate the cross-talk between oxidative stress and the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)/AKT signaling pathway in retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells. METHODS: Human RPE cell lines (ARPE-19 cell) were treated with different doses of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Cell viability was determined by a methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium assay. Cell proliferation was examined by a bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation assay. EGFR/AKT signaling was detected by Western blot. EGFR localization was also detected by immunofluorescence. In addition, EGFR/AKT signaling was intervened upon by EGFR inhibitor (erlotinib), PI3K inhibitor (A66) and AKT inhibitor (MK-2206), respectively. H2O2-induced oxidative stress was blocked by antioxidant N-acetylcysteine (NAC). RESULTS: EGF treatment increased ARPE-19 cell viability and proliferation through inducing phosphorylation of EGFR and AKT. H2O2 inhibited ARPE-19 cell viability and proliferation and also suppressed EGF-stimulated increase of RPE cell viability and proliferation by affecting the EGFR/AKT signaling pathway. EGFR inhibitor erlotinib blocked EGF-induced phosphorylation of EGFR and AKT, while A66 and MK-2206 only blocked EGF-induced phosphorylation of AKT. EGF-induced phosphorylation and endocytosis of EGFR were also affected by H2O2 treatment. In addition, antioxidant NAC attenuated H2O2-induced inhibition of ARPE-19 cell viability through alleviating reduction of EGFR, and phosphorylated and total AKT proteins. CONCLUSION: Oxidative stress affects RPE cell viability and proliferation through interfering with the EGFR/AKT signaling pathway. The EGFR/AKT signaling pathway may be an important target in oxidative stress-induced RPE cell dysfunction.

Purification and characterization of a novel lectin from Chinese leek seeds.

A novel lectin, CLSL, was purified from Chinese leek seeds by ion exchange chromatography on SP Sephadex C-25 and gel filtration chromatography on Sephadex G50. The lectin had a molecular weight of 23.6 kDa and was composed of two identical subunits linked by disulfide bonds, a conclusion based on SDS-PAGE under reducing and nonreducing conditions. CLSL was a glycoprotein with a carbohydrate content of 3.6%. It exerted potent agglutinating activity against rat red blood cells at a concentration of 8.9 µg/mL. Hemagglutination of rat erythrocytes was inhibited by d-fructose, mannitol, and sorbose at the concentration of 20 mM. The hemagglutinating activity of CLSL was maintained at 100 °C for 60 min and under acidic pH conditions but was lost at neutral and alkaline pH conditions. The hemagglutinating activity was stimulated by Ca(2+), Fe(2+), and Cu(2+) but inactivated by Ba(2+) at a concentration of 10 mM. Ba(2+)-mediated inactivation of CLSL was caused by CLSL conformational change induced by barium ions, according to the results of circular dichroism and fluorescence spectroscopy. Deconvolution of the CLSL circular dichroism indicated that it was an α-helical lectin with α-helix and ß-fold contents of 35.8% and 8.6%, respectively. CLSL could also selectively inhibit cell proliferation.

Large scale phosphoproteome profiles comprehensive features of mouse embryonic stem cells.

Embryonic stem cells are pluripotent and capable of unlimited self-renewal. Elucidation of the underlying molecular mechanism may contribute to the advancement of cell-based regenerative medicine. In the present work, we performed a large scale analysis of the phosphoproteome in mouse embryonic stem (mES) cells. Using multiplex strategies, we detected 4581 proteins and 3970 high confidence distinct phosphosites in 1642 phosphoproteins. Notably, 22 prominent phosphorylated stem cell marker proteins with 39 novel phosphosites were identified for the first time by mass spectrometry, including phosphorylation sites in NANOG (Ser-65) and RE1 silencing transcription factor (Ser-950 and Thr-953). Quantitative profiles of NANOG peptides obtained during the differentiation of mES cells revealed that the abundance of phosphopeptides and non-phosphopeptides decreased with different trends. To our knowledge, this study presents the largest global characterization of phosphorylation in mES cells. Compared with a study of ultimately differentiated tissue cells, a bioinformatics analysis of the phosphorylation data set revealed a consistent phosphorylation motif in human and mouse ES cells. Moreover, investigations into phosphorylation conservation suggested that phosphoproteins were more conserved in the undifferentiated ES cell state than in the ultimately differentiated tissue cell state. However, the opposite conclusion was drawn from this conservation comparison with phosphosites. Overall, this work provides an overview of phosphorylation in mES cells and is a valuable resource for the future understanding of basic biology in mES cells.

[Study on tissue culture and plant regeneration of the stem-tips and buds of Periploca forrestii].

OBJECTIVE: To establish the rapid propagation systems of the stem-tips and buds of Periploca forrestii. METHODS: Inserted the stem-tips and buds of Periploca forrestii into MS medium with different concentrations of 6-BA, NAA and 2.4-D and induced them growing into complete plants. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The optimal culture medium for bud induction is MS + 6-BA 1.0 mg/L + NAA 0.3 mg/L and the bud induction rate can reach 86.29%. The optimal culture medium for stem-tips induction is MS +6-BA 2.0 mg/L + NAA 0.5 mg/L and the bud induction rate can reach 86.29%. The optimal culture medium for bud multiplication is MS + 6-BA 2.0 mg/L + NAA 0.1 mg/L and the multiplication coefficient can reach 2.10. The best rooting medium is 1/2 MS + IBA 0.5 mg/L and the rooting rate is 53.33%.