MiR-124-3p negatively impacts embryo implantation via suppressing uterine receptivity formation and embryo development.

During embryo implantation, blastocyst interacts with the receptivity endometrium and the endometrial epithelium secretes nurturing fluid to support embryonic development. Interferon-λ (IFN-λ) is a novel, non-redundant regulator that participates in the fetal-maternal interaction; however, the precise molecular mechanism underlying its impact on uterine receptivity remains elusive. Here, microarray profiling revealed that 149 specific miRNAs were differentially expressed in the human endometrial cells following IFN-λ treatment. In particular, miR-124-3p expression was significantly reduced after IFN-λ treatment (p < 0.05). An in vivo mouse pregnancy model showed that miR-124-3p overexpression notably decreased embryo implantation rate and led to an aberrant epithelial phenotype. Furthermore, miR-124-3p negatively impacted the migration and proliferation of endometrial cells, and hindered embryonic developmental competence in terms of blastocyst formation and global DNA re-methylation. Downstream analysis showed that LIF, MUC1 and BCL2 are potential target genes for miR-124-3p, which was confirmed using western blotting and immunofluorescence assays. In conclusion, IFN-λ-driven downregulation of miR-124-3p during embryo implantation modulates uterine receptivity. The dual functional role of miR-124-3p suggests a cross-talk model wherein, maternal endometrial miRNA acts as a transcriptomic modifier of the peri-implantation endometrium and embryo development.

Clinicopathological and molecular features of indolent natural killer-cell lymphoproliferative disorder of the gastrointestinal tract.

AIMS: Indolent natural killer (NK) cell lymphoproliferative disorder of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract (iNKLPD) is a rare, recently recognised neoplasm. Most of the reported tumours are confined to the GI tract, while a small subset of the tumours harbour JAK3 mutations. We collected four cases of iNKLPD with the goal of adding additional information to the current knowledge of this disease regarding the clinicopathological, immunohistochemical and molecular features. METHODS AND RESULTS: Similar features including medium- to large-sized lymphoid cells with variable amounts of pale or slightly eosinophilic cytoplasm, and no evidence of EBER, TCR rearrangement were found in four cases. JAK3 K563_C565del mutation was found in one of three cases that were subjected to targeted next-generation sequencing. Unique findings of our study include one iNKLPD encountered for the first time in nasopharynx, where lesions could be inadvertently diagnosed as extranodal NK/T cell lymphoma, and one iNKLPD located in the gallbladder extended deeply into muscular and adventitial layers. Exceptional CD8-positive expression was observed in one iNKLPD. In addition, positive staining of phospho-STAT5, phospho-STAT3 and phospho-p38 were found in our cases. None of the four patients received therapy for lymphoma, but all had a benign clinical outcome during a follow-up time of 20-99 months. CONCLUSIONS: We present four iNKLPDs with clinical, immunohistochemical and molecular features similar to the reported cases, as well as some unusual characters, which expand our knowledge on this disease, and further support the neoplastic nature of iNKLPDs.

An animal model for mitochondrial tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase deficiency reveals links between oxidative phosphorylation and retinal function.

Mitochondria maintain a distinct pool of ribosomal machinery, including tRNAs and tRNAs activating enzymes, such as mitochondrial tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase (YARS2). Mutations in YARS2, which typically lead to the impairment of mitochondrial protein synthesis, have been linked to an array of human diseases including optic neuropathy. However, the lack of YARS2 mutation animal model makes us difficult to elucidate the pathophysiology underlying YARS2 deficiency. To explore this system, we generated YARS2 knockout (KO) HeLa cells and zebrafish using CRISPR/Cas9 technology. We observed the aberrant tRNATyr aminoacylation overall and reductions in the levels in mitochondrion- and nucleus-encoding subunits of oxidative phosphorylation system (OXPHOS), which were especially pronounced effects in the subunits of complex I and complex IV. These deficiencies manifested the decreased levels of intact supercomplexes overall. Immunoprecipitation assays showed that YARS2 bound to specific subunits of complex I and complex IV, suggesting the posttranslational stabilization of OXPHOS. Furthermore, YARS2 ablation caused defects in the stability and activities of OXPHOS complexes. These biochemical defects could be rescued by the overexpression of YARS2 cDNA in the YARS2KO cells. In zebrafish, the yars2KO larva conferred deficient COX activities in the retina, abnormal mitochondrial morphology, and numbers in the photoreceptor and retinal ganglion cells. The zebrafish further exhibited the retinal defects affecting both rods and cones. Vision defects in yars2KO zebrafish recapitulated the clinical phenotypes in the optic neuropathy patients carrying the YARS2 mutations. Our findings highlighted the critical role of YARS2 in the stability and activity of OXPHOS and its pathological consequence in vision impairments.

Contribution of mitochondrial ND1 3394T>C mutation to the phenotypic manifestation of Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy.

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations have been associated with Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) and their pathophysiology remains poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the pathophysiology of a LHON susceptibility allele (m.3394T>C, p.30Y>H) in the Mitochondrial (MT)-ND1 gene. The incidence of m.3394T>C mutation was 2.7% in the cohort of 1741 probands with LHON. Extremely low penetrances of LHON were observed in 26 pedigrees carrying only m.3394T>C mutation, while 21 families bearing m.3394T>C, together with m.11778G>A or m.14484T>C mutation, exhibited higher penetrance of LHON than those in families carrying single mtDNA mutation(s). The m.3394T>C mutation disrupted the specific electrostatic interactions between Y30 of p.MT-ND1 with the sidechain of E4 and backbone carbonyl group of M1 of NDUFA1 (NADH dehydrogenase [ubiquinone] 1 alpha subcomplex subunit 1) of complex I, thereby altering the structure and function of complex I. We demonstrated that these cybrids bearing only m.3394T>C mutation caused mild mitochondrial dysfunctions and those harboring both m.3394T>C and m.11778G>A mutations exhibited greater mitochondrial dysfunctions than cybrids carrying only m.11778G>A mutation. In particular, the m.3394T>C mutation altered the stability of p.MT-ND1 and complex I assembly. Furthermore, the m.3394T>C mutation decreased the activities of mitochondrial complexes I, diminished mitochondrial ATP levels and membrane potential and increased the production of reactive oxygen species in the cybrids. These m.3394T>C mutation-induced alterations aggravated mitochondrial dysfunctions associated with the m.11778G>A mutation. These resultant biochemical defects contributed to higher penetrance of LHON in these families carrying both mtDNA mutations. Our findings provide new insights into the pathophysiology of LHON arising from the synergy between mitochondrial ND1 and ND4 mutations.

The comparison of fluticasone propionate/formoterol with fluticasone propionate/salmeterol for paediatric asthma: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

INTRODUCTION: The comparison of fluticasone propionate/formoterol (FP/FORM) with fluticasone propionate/salmeterol (FP/SAL) for paediatric asthma remains controversial. AIM: We conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to explore the efficacy and safety of FP/FORM versus FP/SAL for paediatric asthma. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We have searched PubMed, Embase, Web of science, EBSCO, and Cochrane library databases through August 2019 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effect of FP/FORM versus FP/SAL for paediatric asthma. This meta-analysis is performed using the random-effects model. RESULTS: Three RCTs are included in the meta-analysis. Overall for paediatric asthma, FP/FORM and FP/SAL demonstrate a comparable influence on FEVj (Std. MD = -0.01; 95% CI: -0.04 to 0.03; p = 0.62), FVC (Std. MD = 0; 95% CI: -0.07 to 0.06; p = 0.87), FEF25 (Std. MD = -1.69; 95% CI: -6.69 to 3.31; p = 0.51), FEF50 (Std. MD = 0.10; 95% CI: -0.12 to 0.33; p = 0.37), FEF75 (Std. MD = 0.01; 95% CI: -0.21 to 0.24; p = 0.91), asthma symptom scores (Std. MD = -0.03; 95% CI: -0.11 to 0.04; p = 0.43), sleep disturbance scores (Std. MD = 0.03; 95% CI: -0.19 to 0.24; p = 0.81) and adverse events (RR = 1.07; 95% CI: 0.83 to 1.38; p = 0.61). CONCLUSIONS: FP/FORM and FP/SAL show a comparable efficacy for paediatric asthma.

Contribution of the tRNAIle 4317A→G mutation to the phenotypic manifestation of the deafness-associated mitochondrial 12S rRNA 1555A→G mutation.

The 1555A→G mutation in mitochondrial 12S rRNA has been associated with aminoglycoside-induced and non-syndromic deafness in many individuals worldwide. Mitochondrial genetic modifiers are proposed to influence the phenotypic expression of m.1555A→G mutation. Here, we report that a deafness-susceptibility allele (m.4317A→G) in the tRNAIle gene modulates the phenotype expression of m.1555A→G mutation. Strikingly, a large Han Chinese pedigree carrying both m.4317A→G and m.1555A→G mutations exhibited much higher penetrance of deafness than those carrying only the m.1555A→G mutation. The m.4317A→G mutation affected a highly conserved adenine at position 59 in the T-loop of tRNAIle We therefore hypothesized that the m.4317A→G mutation alters both structure and function of tRNAIle Using lymphoblastoid cell lines derived from members of Chinese families (three carrying both m.1555A→G and m.4317A→G mutations, three harboring only m.1555A→G mutation, and three controls lacking these mutations), we found that the cell lines bearing both m.4317A→G and m.1555A→G mutations exhibited more severe mitochondrial dysfunctions than those carrying only the m.1555A→G mutation. We also found that the m.4317A→G mutation perturbed the conformation, stability, and aminoacylation efficiency of tRNAIle These m.4317A→G mutation-induced alterations in tRNAIle structure and function aggravated the defective mitochondrial translation and respiratory phenotypes associated with the m.1555A→G mutation. Furthermore, mutant cell lines bearing both m.4317A→G and m.1555A→G mutations exhibited greater reductions in the mitochondrial ATP levels and membrane potentials and increasing production of reactive oxygen species than those carrying only the m.1555A→G mutation. Our findings provide new insights into the pathophysiology of maternally inherited deafness arising from the synergy between mitochondrial 12S rRNA and tRNA mutations.

A hypertension-associated mitochondrial DNA mutation alters the tertiary interaction and function of tRNALeu(UUR).

Several mitochondrial tRNA mutations have been associated with hypertension, but their pathophysiology remains poorly understood. In this report, we identified a novel homoplasmic 3253T→C mutation in the mitochondrial tRNALeu(UUR) gene in a Han Chinese family with maternally inherited hypertension. The m.3253T→C mutation affected a highly conserved uridine at position 22 at the D-stem of tRNALeu(UUR), introducing a G-C base pairing (G13-C22) at the D-stem and a tertiary base pairing (C22-G46) between the D-stem and the variable loop. We therefore hypothesized that the m.3253T→C mutation altered both the structure and function of tRNALeu(UUR) Using cytoplasmic hybrid (cybrid) cell lines derived from this Chinese family, we demonstrated that the m.3253T→C mutation perturbed the conformation and stability of tRNALeu(UUR), as suggested by faster electrophoretic mobility of mutated tRNA relative to the wild-type molecule. Northern blot analysis revealed an ∼45% decrease in the steady-state level of tRNALeu(UUR) in the mutant cell lines carrying the m.3253T→C mutation, as compared with control cell lines. Moreover, an ∼35% reduction in aminoacylation efficiency of tRNALeu(UUR) was observed in the m.3253T→C mutant cells. These alterations in tRNALeu(UUR) metabolism impaired mitochondrial translation, especially for those polypeptides with a high proportion of Leu(UUR) codons, such as ND6. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the m.3253T→C mutation decreased the activities of mitochondrial complexes I and V, markedly diminished mitochondrial ATP levels and membrane potential, and increased the production of reactive oxygen species in the cells. In conclusion, our findings may provide new insights into the pathophysiology of maternally inherited hypertension.

The exome sequencing identified the mutation in YARS2 encoding the mitochondrial tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase as a nuclear modifier for the phenotypic manifestation of Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy-associated mitochondrial DNA mutation.

Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) is the most common mitochondrial disorder. Nuclear modifier genes are proposed to modify the phenotypic expression of LHON-associated mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations. By using an exome sequencing approach, we identified a LHON susceptibility allele (c.572G>T, p.191Gly>Val) in YARS2 gene encoding mitochondrial tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase, which interacts with m.11778G>A mutation to cause visual failure. We performed functional assays by using lymphoblastoid cell lines derived from members of Chinese families (asymptomatic individuals carrying m.11778G>A mutation, or both m.11778G>A and heterozygous p.191Gly>Val mutations and symptomatic subjects harboring m.11778G>A and homozygous p.191Gly>Val mutations) and controls lacking these mutations. The 191Gly>Val mutation reduced the YARS2 protein level in the mutant cells. The aminoacylated efficiency and steady-state level of tRNA(Tyr) were markedly decreased in the cell lines derived from patients both carrying homozygous YARS2 p.191Gly>Val and m.11778G>A mutations. The failure in tRNA(Tyr) metabolism impaired mitochondrial translation, especially for polypeptides with high content of tyrosine codon such as ND4, ND5, ND6 and COX2 in cells lines carrying homozygous YARS2 p.191Gly>Val and m.11778G>A mutations. The YARS2 p.191Gly>Val mutation worsened the respiratory phenotypes associated with m.11778G>A mutation, especially reducing activities of complexes I and IV. The respiratory deficiency altered the efficiency of mitochondrial ATP synthesis and increased the production of reactive oxygen species. Thus, mutated YARS2 aggravates mitochondrial dysfunctions associated with the m.11778G>A mutation, exceeding the threshold for the expression of blindness phenotype. Our findings provided new insights into the pathophysiology of LHON that were manifested by interaction between mtDNA mutation and mutated nuclear-modifier YARS2.

A deafness-associated tRNAAsp mutation alters the m1G37 modification, aminoacylation and stability of tRNAAsp and mitochondrial function.

In this report, we investigated the pathogenic mechanism underlying the deafness-associated mitochondrial(mt) tRNAAsp 7551A > G mutation. The m.7551A > G mutation is localized at a highly conserved nucleotide(A37), adjacent (3') to the anticodon, which is important for the fidelity of codon recognition and stabilization in functional tRNAs. It was anticipated that the m.7551A > G mutation altered the structure and function of mt-tRNAAsp The primer extension assay demonstrated that the m.7551A > G mutation created the m1G37 modification of mt-tRNAAsp Using cybrid cell lines generated by transferring mitochondria from lymphoblastoid cell lines derived from a Chinese family into mitochondrial DNA(mtDNA)-less (ρo) cells, we demonstrated the significant decreases in the efficiency of aminoacylation and steady-state level of mt-tRNAAsp in mutant cybrids, compared with control cybrids. A failure in metabolism of mt-tRNAAsp caused the variable reductions in mtDNA-encoded polypeptides in mutant cybrids. Impaired mitochondrial translation led to the respiratory phenotype in mutant cybrids. The respiratory deficiency lowed mitochondrial adenosine triphosphate production and increased the production of oxidative reactive species in mutant cybrids. Our data demonstrated that mitochondrial dysfunctions caused by the m.7551A > G mutation are associated with deafness. Our findings may provide new insights into the pathophysiology of maternally transmitted deafness that was manifested by altered nucleotide modification of mitochondrial tRNA.

Abscisic acid-responsive guard cell metabolomes of Arabidopsis wild-type and gpa1 G-protein mutants.

Individual metabolites have been implicated in abscisic acid (ABA) signaling in guard cells, but a metabolite profile of this specialized cell type is lacking. We used liquid chromatography-multiple reaction monitoring mass spectrometry for targeted analysis of 85 signaling-related metabolites in Arabidopsis thaliana guard cell protoplasts over a time course of ABA treatment. The analysis utilized ∼ 350 million guard cell protoplasts from ∼ 30,000 plants of the Arabidopsis Columbia accession (Col) wild type and the heterotrimeric G-protein α subunit mutant, gpa1, which has ABA-hyposensitive stomata. These metabolomes revealed coordinated regulation of signaling metabolites in unrelated biochemical pathways. Metabolites clustered into different temporal modules in Col versus gpa1, with fewer metabolites showing ABA-altered profiles in gpa1. Ca(2+)-mobilizing agents sphingosine-1-phosphate and cyclic adenosine diphosphate ribose exhibited weaker ABA-stimulated increases in gpa1. Hormone metabolites were responsive to ABA, with generally greater responsiveness in Col than in gpa1. Most hormones also showed different ABA responses in guard cell versus mesophyll cell metabolomes. These findings suggest that ABA functions upstream to regulate other hormones, and are also consistent with G proteins modulating multiple hormonal signaling pathways. In particular, indole-3-acetic acid levels declined after ABA treatment in Col but not gpa1 guard cells. Consistent with this observation, the auxin antagonist α-(phenyl ethyl-2-one)-indole-3-acetic acid enhanced ABA-regulated stomatal movement and restored partial ABA sensitivity to gpa1.

[Neuroendocrine differentiation and Wilms' tumor protein-1 expression in breast mucinous carcinoma and their significance].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate neuroendocrine differentiation and Wilms' tumor protein-1 (WT-1) expression in breast mucinous carcinoma and their clinicopathological significance. METHODS: The clinicopathological data of 65 patients with breast mucinous carcinoma, including 31 cases of mixed mucinous carcinoma, 23 cases of hypocellular pure mucinous carcinoma and 11 cases of hypercellular pure mucinous carcinoma, admitted in Taizhou Hospital from January 2010 to June 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. The expression of neuroendocrine markers and WT-1 was detected by immunohistochemistry staining in all cases. RESULTS: The mixed mucinous carcinomas and hypercelluar pure mucinous carcinomas had higher incidence of axillary lymph node metastasis and human epidermal recepter 2 (HER-2) positive than hypocellular pure mucinous carcinoma (all (P<0.01). However, the difference was not significant between mixed mucinous carcinomas and hypercellular pure mucinous carcinomas (all P>0.05). The expression of neuroendocrine marker was stronger in hypercellular mucinous carcinoma than that in mixed mucinous carcinoma and hypocellular mucinous carcinoma (all (P<0.05), but the difference was not statistically significant between mixed mucinous carcinoma and hypocellular pure mucinous carcinoma (P>0.05). The expression of WT-1 was weaker in mixed mucinous carcinoma than that in hypercellular and hypocellular pure mucinous carcinoma(all (P<0.05), but the difference was not statistically significant between hypercellular and hypocellular pure mucinous carcinoma (P>0.05). The mucinous carcinomas with lymph node metastasis had lower expression of neuroendocrine markers than those without lymph node metastasis ((P<0.01). The expression of WT-1 in breast mucinous carcinoma with lymph node metastasis trended lower than that in those without lymph node metastasis, but the difference was not statistically significant (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Hypercellular pure mucinous breast carcinoma has higher rates of lymph node metastasis and HER-2 amplification than hypocellular pure mucinous carcinoma, the sub-classification of breast pure mucinous carcinoma should be considered. Neuroendocrine differentiation and WT-1 expression may be helpful in distinguishing the subtypes of breast mucinous carcinoma. Breast mucinous carcinoma with neuroendocrine differentiation trends to have less lymph node metastasis.

Multi-level modeling of light-induced stomatal opening offers new insights into its regulation by drought.

Plant guard cells gate CO2 uptake and transpirational water loss through stomatal pores. As a result of decades of experimental investigation, there is an abundance of information on the involvement of specific proteins and secondary messengers in the regulation of stomatal movements and on the pairwise relationships between guard cell components. We constructed a multi-level dynamic model of guard cell signal transduction during light-induced stomatal opening and of the effect of the plant hormone abscisic acid (ABA) on this process. The model integrates into a coherent network the direct and indirect biological evidence regarding the regulation of seventy components implicated in stomatal opening. Analysis of this signal transduction network identified robust cross-talk between blue light and ABA, in which [Ca2+]c plays a key role, and indicated an absence of cross-talk between red light and ABA. The dynamic model captured more than 10(31) distinct states for the system and yielded outcomes that were in qualitative agreement with a wide variety of previous experimental results. We obtained novel model predictions by simulating single component knockout phenotypes. We found that under white light or blue light, over 60%, and under red light, over 90% of all simulated knockouts had similar opening responses as wild type, showing that the system is robust against single node loss. The model revealed an open question concerning the effect of ABA on red light-induced stomatal opening. We experimentally showed that ABA is able to inhibit red light-induced stomatal opening, and our model offers possible hypotheses for the underlying mechanism, which point to potential future experiments. Our modelling methodology combines simplicity and flexibility with dynamic richness, making it well suited for a wide class of biological regulatory systems.

Engineering the Spatial Distribution of Amphiphilic Molecule within Complex Coacervate Microdroplet via Modulating Charge Strength of Polyelectrolytes.

The investigation of the interplay between complex coacervate microdroplets and amphiphilic molecules offers valuable insights into the processes of prebiotic compartmentalization on the early Earth and presents a promising avenue for future advancements in biotechnology. Herein, the interaction between complex coacervate microdroplets and amphiphilic molecule (decanoic acid) is systematically investigated by varying charge strengths of negatively charged polyelectrolytes (DNA and PAA) and positively charged polyelectrolytes (PDDA and DEAE-Dextran). It is found that the interaction between amphiphilic molecule and complex coacervate microdroplets depended on the delicate balance between the interaction between decanoic acid and polyelectrolyte and the interaction between two polyelectrolytes. The different spatial distribution of amphiphilic molecule can result in differences in the internal microenvironment, which can further alter the uptake or exclusion of small molecules and biomolecules with different charges and polarities and functional biological process.

HRMS analysis of pesticides in vegetables from Shanghai and risk assessment.

A rapid analytical method for the simultaneous determination of 550 pesticide residues in vegetable samples was developed based on ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem Q/Orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q/Orbitrap-HRMS). To investigate the risk of exposure to pesticide residues through vegetable consumption, 704 leafy vegetable samples from Shanghai were analysed for multiple residues using this method. A total of 54 pesticide residues were identified in these vegetable samples and 302 samples contained one or more pesticide residue. The levels of the detected pesticides did not pose a health risk in the long term and were acceptable according to the results of the chronic dietary risk assessment. Risk rankings displayed that most of the pesticides were low to medium risk. The findings of this study provide a reference for future pesticide monitoring programmes.

Safety profiles and adverse reactions of azithromycin in the treatment of pediatric respiratory diseases: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Azithromycin (AZM) is an antimicrobial agent and frequently used in the treatment of pediatric respiratory diseases due to its well-recognized clinical efficacy. Despite some favorable findings from many studies, there is a lack of research reports focusing on the safety profiles and adverse reactions. METHODS: The randomized controlled trials of AZM in the treatment of pediatric respiratory diseases on internet databases were searched. The search databases included Chinese CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library. Two researchers of this study independently assessed the eligibility, risk of bias, and extracted the data. The included literature was meta-analyzed and subgroup analyzed by revman 5.1 software. RESULTS: A total of 14 eligible studies were included. The results of meta-analysis showed that the incidence of adverse reactions after AZM treatment was 24.20%, which was lower than 48.05% in the control group (OR = 0.42, 95% CI 0.12-0.72, P < .001). In the subgroup of sequential therapy, AZM had a lower incidence of adverse reactions in sequential therapy (OR = 0.29, 95% CI 0.09-0.60, P < .001). In the subgroup of intravenous administration, AZM had a lower the incidence of adverse reactions (OR = 0.57, 95% CI 0.12-0.84, P = .003). In the subgroup of oral administration, AZM had a lower the incidence of adverse reactions (OR = 0.45, 95% CI 0.13-0.69 P < .001). Overall, it was also found that the incidence of adverse reactions in the AZM subgroup was significantly lower than that in other treatment subgroup. CONCLUSION: AZM has fewer adverse reactions and better safety profiles, which make AZM a more attractive option in the treatment of pediatric respiratory diseases.

Stress responses to phenol in Arabidopsis and transcriptional changes revealed by microarray analysis.

Phenols are toxic, environmentally persistent products of the chemical industry that are capable of bioaccumulation and biomagnifications in the food chain. Little is known of how plants respond to this compound. To understand the transcriptional changes under phenol, microarray experiments on Arabidopsis thaliana were performed. Microarray results revealed numerous perturbations in signaling and metabolic pathways. The results indicated that the phenol response was related to reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and oxidative conditions, including ROS generated for pathogen defense.

Analysis of gene expression profile of Arabidopsis genes under trichloroethylene stresses with the use of a full-length cDNA microarray.

Trichloroethylene (TCE) is a widespread and persistent environmental contaminant. Plants are able to take up a range of harmful organic compounds, including some of the most abundant environmental pollutants like TCE. In this study, complementary DNA microarrays were constructed to have a better view of transcript expression in Arabidopsis thaliana during TCE-induced stress. The microarray analysis demonstrated the complexity of gene expression patterns resulting from TCE. A total of 1,020 transcripts were differentially up-regulated by TCE. Those genes might specifically contribute to the TCE transformation, conjugation, and compartmentation in plant. This study provides informative preliminary data for more in-depth analyses of TCE tolerance in Arabidopsis thaliana.

Effect of Pb toxicity on the growth and physiology of two ecotypes of Elsholtzia argyi and its alleviation by Zn.

Hydroponics experiments were conducted to underpin the nature of interactions between Zn, an essential micronutrient and Pb, a nonessential element on plant growth and root morphology, as well as antioxidant adaptation in mined ecotype (ME) and nonmined ecotype (NME) of Elsholtzia argyi. Plants were exposed to 50 µM Pb having normal Zn (0.5 µM), and two other treatments of the same Pb with low (0.05 µM) and high (20 µM) Zn, respectively for 12 days. Application of Pb with normal Zn caused adverse effects on the overall growth and antioxidant capacity of both ecotypes, however; effects were more pronounced in NME. The addition of high Zn along with Pb improved the growth and antioxidant capacity of both the ecotypes, while low Zn failed to show significant changes in NME plants; however slightly aggravated the Pb toxicity in the plants of ME. Zinc antagonized Pb concentrations in root and stem of both ecotypes and leaf of ME, while no significant differences were noted in Pb concentrations of NME leaf. It is suggested that in E. argyi, mechanisms of Pb and Zn uptake and translocation as well as their interactions within the plant cell may be different for both ecotypes and need to be further investigated.

Leber's Hereditary Optic Neuropathy Arising From the Synergy Between ND1 3635G>A Mutation and Mitochondrial YARS2 Mutations.

Purpose: To investigate the mechanism underlying the synergic interaction between Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON)-associated ND1 and mitochondrial tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase (YARS2) mutations. Methods: Molecular dynamics simulation and differential scanning fluorimetry were used to evaluate the structure and stability of proteins. The impact of ND1 3635G>A and YARS2 p.G191V mutations on the oxidative phosphorylation machinery was evaluated using blue native gel electrophoresis and enzymatic activities assays. Assessment of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in cell lines was performed by flow cytometry with MitoSOX Red reagent. Analysis of effect of mutations on autophagy was undertaken via flow cytometry for autophagic flux. Results: Members of one Chinese family bearing both the YARS2 p.191Gly>Val and m.3635G>A mutations exhibited much higher penetrance of optic neuropathy than those pedigrees carrying only the m.3635G>A mutation. The m.3635G>A (p.Ser110Asn) mutation altered the ND1 structure and function, whereas the p.191Gly>Val mutation affected the stability of YARS2. Lymphoblastoid cell lines harboring both m.3635G>A and p.191Gly>Val mutations revealed more reductions in the levels of mitochondrion-encoding ND1 and CO2 than cells bearing only the m.3635G>A mutation. Strikingly, both m.3635G>A and p.191Gly>Val mutations exhibited decreases in the nucleus-encoding subunits of complex I and IV. These deficiencies manifested greater defects in the stability and activities of complex I and complex IV and overproduction of ROS and promoted greater autophagy in cell lines harboring both m.3635G>A and p.191Gly>Val mutations compared with cells bearing only the m.3635G>A mutation. Conclusions: Our findings provide new insights into the pathophysiology of LHON arising from the synergy between ND1 3635G>A mutation and mitochondrial YARS2 mutations.

AtCPK6, a functionally redundant and positive regulator involved in salt/drought stress tolerance in Arabidopsis.

The calcium-dependent protein kinase (CDPK) family is needed in plant signaling during various physiological pathways. The Arabidopsis AtCPK6 gene belongs to the subclass of stress-inducible CDPKs, which is stimulated by salt and osmotic stress. To elucidate the physiological function of AtCPK6, transgenic Arabidopsis plants under the control of double CaMV 35S promoter were obtained. AtCPK6 over-expressing plants showed enhanced tolerance to salt/drought stresses. The elevated tolerance of the AtCPK6 over-expressing plants was confirmed by the change of proline and malondialdehyde (MDA). Real-time PCR analyses revealed that the expression levels of several stress-regulated genes were altered in AtCPK6 over-expressing plants. However, cpk6 mutant displayed no obvious difference with control. These results are likely to indicate that AtCPK6 is functionally redundant and a positive regulator involved in the tolerance to salt/drought stress in Arabidopsis.