[Hemicellulose modification and cell wall genetic improvement in plants].

Hemicellulose, as a primary component of plant cell walls, constitutes approximately one third of cell wall dry matter and ranks as the second abundant renewable biomass resource in the nature after cellulose. Hemicellulose is tightly cross-linked with cellulose, lignin and other components in the plant cell wall, leading to lignocellulose recalcitrance. However, precise genetic modifications of plant cell walls can significantly improve the saccharification efficiency of lignocellulose while ensuring normal plant growth and development. We comprehensively review the research progress in the structural distribution of hemicellulose in plant cell walls, the cross-linking between hemicellulose and other components of the cell wall, and the impact of hemicellulose modification on the saccharification efficiency of the cell wall, proving a reference for the genetic improvement of energy crops.

Sirt5-mediated lysine desuccinylation regulates oxidative stress adaptation in Magnaporthe oryzae during host intracellular infection.

Plant pathogenic fungi elaborate numerous detoxification strategies to suppress host reactive oxygen species (ROS), but their coordination is not well-understood. Here, we show that Sirt5-mediated protein desuccinylation in Magnaporthe oryzae is central to host ROS detoxification. SIRT5 encodes a desuccinylase important for virulence via adaptation to host oxidative stress. Quantitative proteomics analysis identified a large number of succinylated proteins targeted by Sirt5, most of which were mitochondrial proteins involved in oxidative phosphorylation, TCA cycle, and fatty acid oxidation. Deletion of SIRT5 resulted in hypersuccinylation of detoxification-related enzymes, and significant reduction in NADPH : NADP+ and GSH : GSSG ratios, disrupting redox balance and impeding invasive growth. Sirt5 desuccinylated thioredoxin Trx2 and glutathione peroxidase Hyr1 to activate their enzyme activity, likely by affecting proper folding. Altogether, this work demonstrates the importance of Sirt5-mediated desuccinylation in controlling fungal process required for detoxifying host ROS during M. oryzae infection.

Sorafenib is an antagonist of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor.

Sorafenib is an orally administered inhibitor of several tyrosine protein kinases. Treatment with sorafenib induces autophagy, which may suppress the growth of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and other cancers. Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is activated by xenbiotics and is involved in detoxification, but also plays other physiological roles. The following results were obtained. ITE and ß-NF are endogenous and synthetic AhR ligands, respectively. One µM sorafenib can strongly suppress baseline as well as 0.5 µM ITE- and 1 µM ß-NF-induced transcriptional activity of the aryl hydrocarbon response element (AHRE) in both human and mouse cells. Cytochrome p450 (CYP) 1A1 is mainly transcribed by activated AhR. Sorafenib (2-15 µM) strongly and dose-dependently suppressed baseline as well as 2 µM ITE- and 10 µM ß-NF-induced CYP1A1 mRNA and protein expression. Ligand-activated AhR translocates from the cytoplasm to the nucleus. While sorafenib was found to suppress AhR activity, the drug alone was able to induce AhR translocation into the nucleus. Sorafenib's antagonistic action on AhR was comparable to that of the known AhR antagonist CH-223191 in human liver and ovarian cell lines. In summary, we demonstrate that sorafenib is a potent AhR antagonist and likely endocrine disruptor of the AhR. Moreover, sorafenib offers potential benefit for diseases treatable through AhR suppression strategies. Further investigation is warranted into sorafenib's AhR antagonistic behavior.

Nano-Laminated Metal Oxides/Polyamide Stretchable Moisture- and Gas-Barrier Films by Integrated Atomic/Molecular Layer Deposition.

Stretchable barrier films capable of maintaining high levels of moisture- and gas-barrier performance under significant mechanical strains are a critical component for wearable/flexible electronics and other devices, but realization of stretchable moisture-barrier films has not been possible due to the inevitable issues of strain-induced rupturing compounded with moisture-induced swelling of a stretched barrier film. This study demonstrates nanolaminated polymer/metal oxide stretchable moisture-barrier films fabricated by a novel molecular layer deposition (MLD) process of polyamide-2,3 (PA-2,3) integrated with atomic layer deposition (ALD) metal oxide processes and an in situ surface-functionalization technique. The PA-2,3 surface upon in situ functionalization with H2O2 vapor offers adequate surface chemisorption sites for rapid nucleation of ALD oxides, minimizing defects at the PA-2,3/oxide interfaces in the nanolaminates. The integrated ALD/MLD process enables facile deposition and precise structural control of many-layered oxide/PA-2,3 nanolaminates, where the large number of PA-2,3 nanolayers provide high tolerance against mechanical stretching and flexing thanks to their defect-decoupling and stress-buffering functions, while the large number of oxide nanolayers shield against swelling by moisture. Specifically, a nanolaminate with 72 pairs of alternating 2 nm (5 cycles) PA-2,3 and 0.5 nm HfO2 (five cycles) maintains its water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) at the 10-6 g/m2 day level upon 10% tensile stretching and 2 mm-radius bending, a significant breakthrough for the wearable/flexible electronics technologies.

Cyproterone acetate acts as a disruptor of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor.

Prostate cancer is a major cause of death in males. Cyproterone acetate (CPA), the steroidal anti-androgen for part of androgen deprivation therapy, may block the androgen-receptor interaction and then reduce serum testosterone through its weak anti-gonadotropic action. In addition to CPA inducing hepatitis, CPA is known to cause liver tumors in rats also. Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a cytoplasmic receptor and regulates multiple physiological functions. CYP1A1 is an AhR-targeted gene. We found that CPA induced CYP1A1 expression, transcriptional activity of the aryl hydrocarbon response element (AHRE), and the nuclear localization of AhR in mouse Hepa-1c1c7 cells. However, CPA suppressed CYP1A1 mRNA expression and the transcriptional activity of AHRE in human HepG2 and MCF7 cells, and also decreased AhR ligand-induced CYP1A1 protein expression and transcriptional activity of AHRE in HepG2 cells. In summary, CPA is an AhR agonist in mouse cells, but an AhR antagonist in human cells. Accordingly, CPA potentially plays a role as an endocrine disruptor of the AhR. This study helps us to understand why CPA induces acute hepatitis, gene mutation, and many other side effects. In addition, it may trigger further studies investigating the relationships between CPA, glucocorticoid receptor and castration-resistant prostate cancer in the future.

[Modified nucleosides in eukaryotic messenger RNAs and their roles in developmental regulation].

Epigenetic nucleoside modifications are critical for the stability and translational efficiency of messenger RNA. Depending on the organism, developmental stage, and tissue/organ investigated, the location and abundance of these nucleoside modifications may differ, which in turn influence the splicing event, half-life time of mature mRNA, as well as translation efficiency. Among the approximately 170 RNA nucleoside modifications, only a handful are found in mRNAs. The low abundance and high organ specificity make it a challenging work to study the role of each specific mRNA nucleoside modification. However, with the technical advances in recent years, including meRIP, great progress has been achieved, especially on the function of m6A and m5C epigenetic markers in eukaryotes. This review summarizes recent progress on nucleoside modifications of messenger RNAs, on their distribution on transcripts and their role in regulating growth anddevelopment. We also discuss the technical bottleneck and key issues for future investigation.

Activation of aryl hydrocarbon receptor reduces carbendazim-induced cell death.

Carbendazim inhibits microtubule assembly, thus blocking mitosis and inhibiting cancer cell proliferation. Accordingly, carbendazim is being explored as an anticancer drug. Data show that carbendazim increased mRNA and protein expressions and promoter activity of CYP1A1. In addition, carbendazim activated transcriptional activity of the aryl hydrocarbon response element, and induced nuclear translocation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), a sign the AhR is activated. Carbendazim-induced CYP1A1 expression was blocked by AhR antagonists, and was abolished in AhR signal-deficient cells. Results demonstrated that carbendazim activated the AhR, thereby stimulating CYP1A1 expression. In order to understand whether AhR-induced metabolic enzymes turn carbendazim into less-toxic metabolites, Hoechst 33342 staining to reveal carbendazim-induced nuclear changes and flow cytometry to reveal the subG0/G1 population were applied to monitor carbendazim-induced cell apoptosis. Carbendazim induced less apoptosis in Hepa-1c1c7 cells than in AhR signal-deficient Hepa-1c1c7 mutant cells. Pretreatment with ß-NF, an AhR agonist that highly induces CYP1A1 expression, decreased carbendazim-induced cell death. In addition, the lower the level of AhR was, the lower the vitality present in carbendazim-treated cells, including hepatoma cells and their derivatives with AhR RNA interference, also embryonic kidney cells, bladder carcinoma cells, and AhR signal-deficient Hepa-1c1c7 cells. In summary, carbendazim is an AhR agonist. The toxicity of carbendazim was lower in cells with the AhR signal. This report provides clues indicating that carbendazim is more potent at inducing cell death in tissues without than in those with the AhR signal, an important reference for applying carbendazim in cancer chemotherapy.

Expression and function of CXCR2, CXCR7 of acute leukemic cells in rat.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the expression and function of chemokine receptor CXCR2 and CXCR7 in the rat with acute leukemia. METHODS: Flow cytometry and RT-PCR were used to detect the CXCR2, CXCR7 expression on the bone marrow cell surface of the acute leukemia group and the control group. RESULTS: The bone marrow cell surface CXCR2, CXCR7 relative fluorescence intensity of the observation group was significantly higher than the control group (P<0.05). The CXCR7 expression of the extramedullary infiltration group was significantly higher than non-extramedullary infiltration group (P<0.05). The CXCR2, CXCR7mRNA median expression level of the observation group was higher than the control group. The CXCR2 expression and CXCR7 expression of the observation group was positively correlated, and the correlation coefficient was 0.782 (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The chemokine receptor CXCR2 and CXCR7 are highly expressed in acute leukemia, which may be associated with the occurrence of leukemia.

Expression and function of CXCR2, CXCR7 of acute leukemic cells in rat

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the expression and function of chemokine receptor CXCR2 and CXCR7 in the rat with acute leukemia.@*METHODS@#Flow cytometry and RT-PCR were used to detect the CXCR2, CXCR7 expression on the bone marrow cell surface of the acute leukemia group and the control group.@*RESULTS@#The bone marrow cell surface CXCR2, CXCR7 relative fluorescence intensity of the observation group was significantly higher than the control group (P<0.05). The CXCR7 expression of the extramedullary infiltration group was significantly higher than non-extramedullary infiltration group (P<0.05). The CXCR2, CXCR7mRNA median expression level of the observation group was higher than the control group. The CXCR2 expression and CXCR7 expression of the observation group was positively correlated, and the correlation coefficient was 0.782 (P<0.01).@*CONCLUSIONS@#The chemokine receptor CXCR2 and CXCR7 are highly expressed in acute leukemia, which may be associated with the occurrence of leukemia.

The effects of tai chi chuan combined with vibration training on balance control and lower extremity muscle power.

The aim of this study was to determine whether performing Tai Chi Chuan on a customized vibration platform could enhance balance control and lower extremity muscle power more efficiently than Tai Chi Chuan alone in an untrained young population. Forty-eight healthy young adults were randomly assigned to the following three groups: a Tai Chi Chuan combined with vibration training group (TCV), a Tai Chi Chuan group (TCC) or a control group. The TCV group underwent 30 minutes of a reformed Tai Chi Chuan program on a customized vibration platform (32 Hz, 1 mm) three times a week for eight weeks, whereas the TCC group was trained without vibration stimuli. A force platform was used to measure the moving area of a static single leg stance and the heights of two consecutive countermovement jumps. The activation of the knee extensor and flexor was also measured synchronously by surface electromyography in all tests. The results showed that the moving area in the TCV group was significantly decreased by 15.3%. The second jump height in the TCV group was significantly increased by 8.14%, and the activation of the knee extensor/flexor was significantly decreased in the first jump. In conclusion, Tai Chi Chuan combined with vibration training can more efficiently improve balance control, and the positive training effect on the lower extremity muscle power induced by vibration stimuli still remains significant because there is no cross-interaction between the two different types of training methods. Key pointsEight weeks of Tai Chi Chuan combined with vibration training can more efficiently improve balance control for an untrained young population.The positive training effect on the lower extremity muscle power induced by vibration stimuli during Tai Chi Chuan movements still remains significant because of SSC mechanism.Combining Tai Chi Chuan with vibration training is more efficient and does not decrease the overall training effects due to a cross-interaction of each other.

[Comparison of clinical implications of p16 deletion in childhood and adult B-lineage acute lymphoblastic leukemia].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate and compare the clinical implications of p16 deletion in childhood and adult B-lineage acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL). METHODS: A total of 129 cases of de novo childhood (73 cases) and adult (56 cases) B-ALL were examined genetically and immunologically using G-banding techniqhe, interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization (I-FISH) and immunophenotyping by flow cytometry, and their clinical data were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: Of 73 childhood cases, the prevalences of homozygous deletion, hemizygous deletion and no deletion of p16 were 24.7% (18 cases), 6.8% (5 cases) and 68.5% (50 cases) respectively, and of 56 adult cases, the incidences as of 14.3% (8 cases), 8.9% (5 cases) and 76.8% (43 cases) respectively. The incidence of p16 deletion between the two groups had no significant difference (P = 0.338). In both groups, patients with or without p16 deletion had no significant difference in terms of white blood cells (WBC) count at diagnosis, BM blast percentage, chromosome karyotype, extra-infiltration and CR1 rate. Of note, there were 2 cases, each in childhood and adult, showed no deletion at the time of diagnosis, their p16 deletions occurred at relapse. The deletion of p16 was associated with poor overall survival and event-free survival (EFS) in both childhood and adults. According to the standard of NCI risk stratification, we divided patients of two groups into standard and high risk category respectively, and performed further analysis. The significance of different risk category in children and adults was disparity. The overall survival (OS) rates of deletion and no deletion of p16 were 45.3% and 79.8% (P = 0.006) in children, and 7.7% and 22.6% (P = 0.002) in adults, respectively. EFS rates of deletion and no deletion of p16 were 33.5% and 58.1% (P = 0.008) in children, and 0 and 10.9% (P < 0.01) in adults, respectively. Of the standard risk category in children, OS rates of deletion and no deletion of p16 were 46.8% and 89.3% (P = 0.015) respectively, and EFS rates of deletion and no deletion of p16 as of 40.9% and 82.1% (P = 0.007) respectively. Of the high risk category in children, OS rates of deletion and no deletion of p16 were 41.7% and 67.4% (P = 0.193) respectively, and EFS rates of deletion and no deletion of p16 were 25.0% and 25.6% (P = 0.305) respectively. Of the standard risk category in adults, OS rates of deletion and no deletion of p16 were 20.0% and 46.9% (P = 0.092) respectively, and EFS rates of deletion and no deletion of p16 were 0 and 25.0% (P = 0.062) respectively. Of the high risk category in adults, OS rates of deletion and no deletion of p16 were 0 and 12.4% (P < 0.001) respectively, and EFS rate of deletion and no deletion of p16 was 0 and 4.8%(P < 0.001), respectively. CONCLUSION: This study indicated that deletion of p16 was associated with poor prognosis in both childhood and adult B-ALL, which highlighted an important significance to define the status of p16 in both childhood and adult B-ALL for predicting prognosis and guiding clinical intervention.

[Treatment efficacy of imatinib mesylate versus allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for patients with chronic myeloid leukemia in chronic phase].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the treatment efficacy of imatinib mesylate versus allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) for patients with chronic myeloid leukemia in chronic phase. METHODS: The efficacy, overall survival, progression-free survival and adverse events were evaluated in 198 patients on these two therapies from February 2002 to December 2012 at our hospital. One hundred and fifteen cases in imatinib group (n = 115) received imatinib at an initial daily dose of 400 mg and then dose was adjusted according to blood routine test and therapy response. All patients were evaluated for hematologic, cytogenetic and molecular responses every 1-3 months. The allo-HSCT group (n = 83) received myeloablative preconditioning regimen and methotrexate (MTX) and cyclosporine A (CsA) were used for graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) partially plus mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) and antihuman thymocyte globulin (ATG). The engraftment evidence and evolution of cytogenetic and molecular response was conventionally detected after allo-HSCT. RESULTS: In imatinib group, 59 of 86 (68.6%) cases achieved complete cytogenetic response (CCyR) in the 12 months after therapy, while 67 of 70 (95.7%) cases achieved CCyR in allo-HSCT group. The relapse rates of two groups were 14.8% (17/115) , 12.3% (10/81) respectively. The adverse reaction of imatinib in imatinib group was obviously much more tolerable for patients compared with frequently occurred GVHD and infection in allo-HSCT group. The 10-year cumulative overall survival (OS) rate was 93.9% in imatinib group and 77.1% in allo-HSCT group (P = 0.015). And the 10-year cumulative progression-free survival (PFS) rate was 86.1% in imatinib group versus 88.0% in allo-HSCT group (P = 0.508) . For Sokal rating stratified analysis, the cumulative OS rates of two groups were 96.4% and 68.0% (P = 0.049) for intermediate-risk patients, 92.6% and 57.1% (P = 0.017) for high-risk patients while the cumulative PFS rates of two groups were 89.3% and 88.0% for intermediate-risk patients (P = 0.942), 70.4% and 85.7% for high-risk patients (P = 0.405). The rates of OS and PFS were not significantly different for low-risk patients. The cumulative OS rates of two groups were 94.7% and 73.5% (P = 0.009) for those ≥ 30 years old and the cumulative PFS rates of two groups 84.2% and 94.1% respectively (P = 0.147). CONCLUSION: Imatinib mesylate is superior to allo-HSCT for patients with chronic myeloid leukemia in chronic phase.

Comparison of clinical implications of p16 deletion in childhood and adult B-lineage acute lymphoblastic leukemia / 中华血液学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate and compare the clinical implications of p16 deletion in childhood and adult B-lineage acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 129 cases of de novo childhood (73 cases) and adult (56 cases) B-ALL were examined genetically and immunologically using G-banding techniqhe, interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization (I-FISH) and immunophenotyping by flow cytometry, and their clinical data were retrospectively analyzed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Of 73 childhood cases, the prevalences of homozygous deletion, hemizygous deletion and no deletion of p16 were 24.7% (18 cases), 6.8% (5 cases) and 68.5% (50 cases) respectively, and of 56 adult cases, the incidences as of 14.3% (8 cases), 8.9% (5 cases) and 76.8% (43 cases) respectively. The incidence of p16 deletion between the two groups had no significant difference (P = 0.338). In both groups, patients with or without p16 deletion had no significant difference in terms of white blood cells (WBC) count at diagnosis, BM blast percentage, chromosome karyotype, extra-infiltration and CR1 rate. Of note, there were 2 cases, each in childhood and adult, showed no deletion at the time of diagnosis, their p16 deletions occurred at relapse. The deletion of p16 was associated with poor overall survival and event-free survival (EFS) in both childhood and adults. According to the standard of NCI risk stratification, we divided patients of two groups into standard and high risk category respectively, and performed further analysis. The significance of different risk category in children and adults was disparity. The overall survival (OS) rates of deletion and no deletion of p16 were 45.3% and 79.8% (P = 0.006) in children, and 7.7% and 22.6% (P = 0.002) in adults, respectively. EFS rates of deletion and no deletion of p16 were 33.5% and 58.1% (P = 0.008) in children, and 0 and 10.9% (P < 0.01) in adults, respectively. Of the standard risk category in children, OS rates of deletion and no deletion of p16 were 46.8% and 89.3% (P = 0.015) respectively, and EFS rates of deletion and no deletion of p16 as of 40.9% and 82.1% (P = 0.007) respectively. Of the high risk category in children, OS rates of deletion and no deletion of p16 were 41.7% and 67.4% (P = 0.193) respectively, and EFS rates of deletion and no deletion of p16 were 25.0% and 25.6% (P = 0.305) respectively. Of the standard risk category in adults, OS rates of deletion and no deletion of p16 were 20.0% and 46.9% (P = 0.092) respectively, and EFS rates of deletion and no deletion of p16 were 0 and 25.0% (P = 0.062) respectively. Of the high risk category in adults, OS rates of deletion and no deletion of p16 were 0 and 12.4% (P < 0.001) respectively, and EFS rate of deletion and no deletion of p16 was 0 and 4.8%(P < 0.001), respectively.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>This study indicated that deletion of p16 was associated with poor prognosis in both childhood and adult B-ALL, which highlighted an important significance to define the status of p16 in both childhood and adult B-ALL for predicting prognosis and guiding clinical intervention.</p>

Stereoisomers ginsenosides-20(S)-Rg3 and -20(R)-Rg3 differentially induce angiogenesis through peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma.

Ginsenosides are considered the major constituents that are responsible for most of the pharmacological actions of ginseng. However, some ginsenosides exist as stereoisomeric pairs, detailed and molecular exposition based on the structural differences of ginsenoside stereoisomers has not been emphasized in most studies. Here we explore the functional differences of ginsenoside Rg3 stereoisomers on angiogenesis. In this study, we demonstrated the distinctive differential angiogenic activities of 20(S)-Rg3 and 20(R)-Rg3 stereoisomers. 20(S)-Rg3 at micromolar concentration promotes human endothelial cells proliferation, migration and tube formation in vitro, as well as ex vivo endothelial sprouting. The effects induced by 20(S)-Rg3 are significantly more potent than 20(R)-Rg3. These effects are partially mediated through the activation of AKT/ERK-eNOS signaling pathways. Moreover, knockdown of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPARγ) by specific small interference RNA abolished the 20(S)-Rg3-induced angiogenesis, indicating that PPARγ is responsible for mediating the angiogenic activity of Rg3. Using reporter gene assay, the PPARγ agonist activity of 20(S)-Rg3 has been found 10-fold higher than that of 20(R)-Rg3. Computer modeling also revealed the differential binding is due to the chiral center of 20(S)-Rg3 can form a critical hydrogen bond with Tyr473 of PPARγ ligand binding domain. The present study elucidated the differential angiogenic effects of Rg3 stereoisomers by acting as agonist of PPARγ. The results shed light on the structural difference between two ginsenoside stereoisomers that can lead to significant differential physiological outcomes which should be carefully considered in the future development of ginsenoside-based therapeutics.

[Preimplantation genetic diagnosis for beta-thalassemia].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) and preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) for the couples at risk of having children with beta-thalassemia. METHODS: Four couples carrying different thalassemia mutations received standard IVF treatment. Embryo biopsy was conducted. Single blastomeres were genotyped by a protocol involving primer extension preamplification, nested polymerase chain reaction and reverse dot-blot analysis. Only the unaffected embryos were transferred to the uterus. RESULTS: A total of 97 oocytes were retrieved from the four female carriers. Among them, 83% showed two pronuclei. Embryo biopsy was performed on 47 of these embryos. The amplification efficiency was 84.8%. The average ADO rate was 14.9%. Ten unaffected embryos were transferred. A twin pregnancy with one blighted ovum was confirmed at 7 weeks' gestation by ultrasonography and one normal baby and one carrier of thalassemia mutation were born finally. CONCLUSION: This unaffected pregnancy resulting from PGD for beta-thalassemia demonstrates that PGD technique can be a powerful diagnostic tool for couples carrying beta-thalassemia mutations who desire a healthy child and wish to avoid abortion of an affected fetus.