Filamentous GLS1 promotes ROS-induced apoptosis upon glutamine deprivation via insufficient asparagine synthesis.

GLS1 orchestrates glutaminolysis and promotes cell proliferation when glutamine is abundant by regenerating TCA cycle intermediates and supporting redox homeostasis. CB-839, an inhibitor of GLS1, is currently under clinical investigation for a variety of cancer types. Here, we show that GLS1 facilitates apoptosis when glutamine is deprived. Mechanistically, the absence of exogenous glutamine sufficiently reduces glutamate levels to convert dimeric GLS1 to a self-assembled, extremely low-Km filamentous polymer. GLS1 filaments possess an enhanced catalytic activity, which further depletes intracellular glutamine. Functionally, filamentous GLS1-dependent glutamine scarcity leads to inadequate synthesis of asparagine and mitogenome-encoded proteins, resulting in ROS-induced apoptosis that can be rescued by asparagine supplementation. Physiologically, we observed GLS1 filaments in solid tumors and validated the tumor-suppressive role of constitutively active, filamentous GLS1 mutants K320A and S482C in xenograft models. Our results change our understanding of GLS1 in cancer metabolism and suggest the therapeutic potential of promoting GLS1 filament formation.

Low-dose metformin targets the lysosomal AMPK pathway through PEN2.

Metformin, the most prescribed antidiabetic medicine, has shown other benefits such as anti-ageing and anticancer effects1-4. For clinical doses of metformin, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) has a major role in its mechanism of action4,5; however, the direct molecular target of metformin remains unknown. Here we show that clinically relevant concentrations of metformin inhibit the lysosomal proton pump v-ATPase, which is a central node for AMPK activation following glucose starvation6. We synthesize a photoactive metformin probe and identify PEN2, a subunit of γ-secretase7, as a binding partner of metformin with a dissociation constant at micromolar levels. Metformin-bound PEN2 forms a complex with ATP6AP1, a subunit of the v-ATPase8, which leads to the inhibition of v-ATPase and the activation of AMPK without effects on cellular AMP levels. Knockout of PEN2 or re-introduction of a PEN2 mutant that does not bind ATP6AP1 blunts AMPK activation. In vivo, liver-specific knockout of Pen2 abolishes metformin-mediated reduction of hepatic fat content, whereas intestine-specific knockout of Pen2 impairs its glucose-lowering effects. Furthermore, knockdown of pen-2 in Caenorhabditis elegans abrogates metformin-induced extension of lifespan. Together, these findings reveal that metformin binds PEN2 and initiates a signalling route that intersects, through ATP6AP1, the lysosomal glucose-sensing pathway for AMPK activation. This ensures that metformin exerts its therapeutic benefits in patients without substantial adverse effects.

Ectosomal PKM2 Promotes HCC by Inducing Macrophage Differentiation and Remodeling the Tumor Microenvironment.

Tumor-derived extracellular vesicles are important mediators of cell-to-cell communication during tumorigenesis. Here, we demonstrated that hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)-derived ectosomes remodel the tumor microenvironment to facilitate HCC progression in an ectosomal PKM2-dependent manner. HCC-derived ectosomal PKM2 induced not only metabolic reprogramming in monocytes but also STAT3 phosphorylation in the nucleus to upregulate differentiation-associated transcription factors, leading to monocyte-to-macrophage differentiation and tumor microenvironment remodeling. In HCC cells, sumoylation of PKM2 induced its plasma membrane targeting and subsequent ectosomal excretion via interactions with ARRDC1. The PKM2-ARRDC1 association in HCC was reinforced by macrophage-secreted cytokines/chemokines in a CCL1-CCR8 axis-dependent manner, further facilitating PKM2 excretion from HCC cells to form a feedforward regulatory loop for tumorigenesis. In the clinic, ectosomal PKM2 was clearly detected in the plasma of HCC patients. This study highlights a mechanism by which ectosomal PKM2 remodels the tumor microenvironment and reveals ectosomal PKM2 as a potential diagnostic marker for HCC.

A protein palmitoylation cascade regulates microtubule cytoskeleton integrity in Plasmodium.

Morphogenesis of many protozoans depends on a polarized establishment of cytoskeletal structures. In malaria-causing parasites, this can be observed when a round zygote develops into an elongated motile ookinete within the mosquito stomach. This morphogenesis is mediated by the pellicle cytoskeletal structures, including the inner membrane complex (IMC) and the underlying subpellicular microtubules (SPMs). How the parasite maintains the IMC-SPM connection and establishes a dome-like structure of SPM to support cell elongation is unclear. Here, we show that palmitoylation of N-terminal cysteines of two IMC proteins (ISP1/ISP3) regulates the IMC localization of ISP1/ISP3 and zygote-to-ookinete differentiation. Palmitoylation of ISP1/ISP3 is catalyzed by an IMC-residing palmitoyl-S-acyl-transferase (PAT) DHHC2. Surprisingly, DHHC2 undergoes self-palmitoylation at C-terminal cysteines via its PAT activity, which controls DHHC2 localization in IMC after zygote formation. IMC-anchored ISP1 and ISP3 interact with microtubule component ß-tubulin, serving as tethers to maintain the proper structure of SPM during zygote elongation. This study identifies the first PAT-substrate pair in malaria parasites and uncovers a protein palmitoylation cascade regulating microtubule cytoskeleton.

Nutrient Deficiency and an Algicidal Bacterium Improved the Lipid Profiles of a Novel Promising Oleaginous Dinoflagellate, Prorocentrum donghaiense, for Biodiesel Production.

The lipid production potentials of 8 microalgal species were investigated. Among these 8 species, the best strain was a dominant bloom-causing dinoflagellate, Prorocentrum donghaiense; this species had a lipid content of 49.32% ± 1.99% and exhibited a lipid productivity of 95.47 ± 0.99 mg liter-1 day-1, which was 2-fold higher than the corresponding values obtained for the oleaginous microalgae Nannochloropsis gaditana and Phaeodactylum tricornutum. P. donghaiense, which is enriched in C16:0 and C22:6, is appropriate for commercial docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) production. Nitrogen or phosphorus stress markedly induced lipid accumulation to levels surpassing 75% of the dry weight, increased the C18:0 and C17:1 contents, and decreased the C18:5 and C22:6 contents, and these effects resulted in decreases in the unsaturated fatty acid levels and changes in the lipid properties of P. donghaiense such that the species met the biodiesel specification standards. Compared with the results obtained under N-deficient conditions, the enhancement in the activity of alkaline phosphatase of P. donghaiense observed under P-deficient conditions partly alleviated the adverse effects on the photosynthetic system exerted by P deficiency to induce the production of more carbohydrates for lipogenesis. The supernatant of the algicidal bacterium Paracoccus sp. strain Y42 culture lysed P. donghaiense without decreasing its lipid content, which resulted in facilitation of the downstream oil extraction process and energy savings through the lysis of algal cells. The Y42 supernatant treatment improved the lipid profiles of algal cells by increasing their C16:0, C18:0, and C18:1 contents and decreasing their C18:5 and C22:6 contents, which is favorable for biodiesel production. IMPORTANCE This study demonstrates the high potential of Prorocentrum donghaiense, a dominant bloom-causing dinoflagellate, for lipid production. Compared with previously studied oleaginous microalgae, P. donghaiense exhibit greater potential for practical application due to its higher biomass and lipid contents. Nutrient deficiency and the algicidal bacterium Paracoccus sp. strain Y42 improved the suitability of the lipid profile of P. donghaiense for biodiesel production. Furthermore, Paracoccus sp. Y42 effectively lysed algal cells, which facilitates the downstream oil extraction process for biodiesel production and results in energy savings through the lysing of algal cells. This study provides a more promising candidate for the production of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) for human nutritional products and of microalgal biofuel as well as a more cost-effective method for breaking algal cells. The high lipid productivity of P. donghaiense and algal cell lysis by algicidal bacteria contribute to reductions in the production cost of microalgal oil.

A Genome-Wide View of Transcriptional Responses during Aphis glycines Infestation in Soybean.

Soybean aphid (Aphis glycines Matsumura) is one of the major limiting factors in soybean production. The mechanism of aphid resistance in soybean remains enigmatic as little information is available about the different mechanisms of antibiosis and antixenosis. Here, we used genome-wide gene expression profiling of aphid susceptible, antibiotic, and antixenotic genotypes to investigate the underlying aphid-plant interaction mechanisms. The high expression correlation between infested and non-infested genotypes indicated that the response to aphid was controlled by a small subset of genes. Plant response to aphid infestation was faster in antibiotic genotype and the interaction in antixenotic genotype was moderation. The expression patterns of transcription factor genes in susceptible and antixenotic genotypes clustered together and were distant from those of antibiotic genotypes. Among them APETALA 2/ethylene response factors (AP2/ERF), v-myb avian myeloblastosis viral oncogene homolog (MYB), and the transcription factor contained conserved WRKYGQK domain (WRKY) were proposed to play dominant roles. The jasmonic acid-responsive pathway was dominant in aphid-soybean interaction, and salicylic acid pathway played an important role in antibiotic genotype. Callose deposition was more rapid and efficient in antibiotic genotype, while reactive oxygen species were not involved in the response to aphid attack in resistant genotypes. Our study helps to uncover important genes associated with aphid-attack response in soybean genotypes expressing antibiosis and antixenosis.

Algicidal Activity of Novel Marine Bacterium Paracoccus sp. Strain Y42 against a Harmful Algal-Bloom-Causing Dinoflagellate, Prorocentrum donghaiense.

Prorocentrum donghaiense blooms occur frequently in the Yangtze River estuary and the adjacent East China Sea. These blooms have damaged marine ecosystems and caused enormous economic losses over the past 2 decades. Thus, highly efficient, low-cost, ecofriendly approaches must be developed to control P. donghaiense blooms. In this study, a bacterial strain (strain Y42) was identified as Paracoccus sp. and was used to lyse P. donghaiense The supernatant of the strain Y42 culture was able to lyse P. donghaiense, and the algicidal activity of this Y42 supernatant was stable with different temperatures and durations of light exposure and over a wide pH range. In addition to P. donghaiense, Y42 showed high algicidal activity against Alexandrium minutum, Scrippsiella trochoidea, and Skeletonema costatum, suggesting that it targets primarily Pyrrophyta. To clarify the algicidal effects of Y42, we assessed algal lysis and determined the chlorophyll a contents, photosynthetic activity, and malondialdehyde contents of P. donghaiense after exposure to the Y42 supernatant. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy analyses showed that the Y42 supernatant disrupted membrane integrity and caused algal cell breakage at the megacytic zone. Photosynthetic pigment loss and significant declines in both photosynthetic efficiency and the electron transport rate indicated that the Y42 supernatant damaged the photosynthetic system of P. donghaiense Malondialdehyde overproduction indicated that the Y42 supernatant caused lipid peroxidation and oxidative damage to membrane systems in the algal cell, ultimately leading to death. The findings of this study reveal the potential of Y42 to remove algal cells from P. donghaiense blooms.IMPORTANCEP. donghaiense is one of the most common dinoflagellate species that form harmful algal blooms, which frequently cause serious ecological pollution and pose health hazards to humans and other animals. Screening for bacteria with high algicidal activity against P. donghaiense and studying their algicidal processes and characteristics will contribute to an understanding of their algicidal effects and provide a theoretical basis for preventing algal blooms and reducing their harm to the environment. This study reports the algicidal activity and characteristics of Paracoccus against P. donghaiense The stability of the algicidal activity of Paracoccus in different environments (including different temperature, pH, and sunlight conditions) indicates its potential for use in the control of P. donghaiense blooms.

Olig2-Targeted G-Protein-Coupled Receptor Gpr17 Regulates Oligodendrocyte Survival in Response to Lysolecithin-Induced Demyelination.

Demyelinating diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, are known to result from acute or chronic injury to the myelin sheath and inadequate remyelination; however, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we performed genome occupancy analysis by chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing in oligodendrocytes in response to lysolecithin-induced injury and found that Olig2 and its downstream target Gpr17 are critical factors in regulating oligodendrocyte survival. After injury to oligodendrocytes, Olig2 was significantly upregulated and transcriptionally targeted the Gpr17 locus. Gpr17 activation inhibited oligodendrocyte survival by reducing the intracellular cAMP level and inducing expression of the pro-apoptotic gene Xaf1 The protein kinase A signaling pathway and the transcription factor c-Fos mediated the regulatory effects of Gpr17 in oligodendrocytes. We showed that Gpr17 inhibition elevated Epac1 expression and promoted oligodendrocyte differentiation. The loss of Gpr17, either globally or specifically in oligodendrocytes, led to an earlier onset of remyelination after myelin injury in mice. Similarly, pharmacological inhibition of Gpr17 with pranlukast promoted remyelination. Our findings indicate that Gpr17, an Olig2 transcriptional target, is activated after injury to oligodendrocytes and that targeted inhibition of Gpr17 promotes oligodendrocyte remyelination. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Genome occupancy analysis of oligodendrocytes in response to lysolecithin-mediated demyelination injury revealed that Olig2 and its downstream target Gpr17 are part of regulatory circuitry critical for oligodendrocyte survival. Gpr17 inhibits oligodendrocyte survival through activation of Xaf1 and cell differentiation by reducing Epac1 expression. The loss of Gpr17 in mice led to precocious myelination and an earlier onset of remyelination after demyelination. Pharmacological inhibition of Gpr17 promoted remyelination, highlighting the potential for Gpr17-targeted therapeutic approaches in demyelination diseases.

Orphan nuclear receptor TR3 acts in autophagic cell death via mitochondrial signaling pathway.

Autophagy is linked to cell death, yet the associated mechanisms are largely undercharacterized. We discovered that melanoma, which is generally resistant to drug-induced apoptosis, can undergo autophagic cell death with the participation of orphan nuclear receptor TR3. A sequence of molecular events leading to cellular demise is launched by a specific chemical compound, 1-(3,4,5-trihydroxyphenyl)nonan-1-one, newly acquired from screening a library of TR3-targeting compounds. The autophagic cascade comprises TR3 translocation to mitochondria through interaction with the mitochondrial outer membrane protein Nix, crossing into the mitochondrial inner membrane through Tom40 and Tom70 channel proteins, dissipation of mitochondrial membrane potential by the permeability transition pore complex ANT1-VDAC1 and induction of autophagy. This process leads to excessive mitochondria clearance and irreversible cell death. It implicates a new approach to melanoma therapy through activation of a mitochondrial signaling pathway that integrates a nuclear receptor with autophagy for cell death.

A R2R3-MYB transcription factor from Lablab purpureus induced by drought increases tolerance to abiotic stress in Arabidopsis.

Few regulators for drought tolerance have been identified in Lablab purpureus which is a multipurpose leguminous crop. The transcription factor MYB is involved in regulatory networks in response to abiotic and biotic stresses in plants. A novel R2R3-MYB factor in L. purpureus has been identified. An suppression subtraction hybridization (SSH) library was constructed using root tissues of L. purpureus MEIDOU 2012 from well-watered and water-stress treatments that were subjected to drought stress for 10 days. In addition, the cDNA of LpMYB1 was identified based on the SSH library. The cDNA of LpMYB1 is 858 bp and encodes a 285-amino acid protein with a calculated mass of 33.4 kDa. The LpMYB1 protein localizes to the nucleus and has transactivation activity with the activation domain in the C terminal region of the protein. In LpMYB1 overexpressed Arabidopsis, the tolerance of transgenic seedlings to drought and salt was improved, and the germination potential of transgenic seeds increase in the presence of NaCl or ABA. LpMYB1 is a drought-responsive R2R3-MYB factor that can increase the drought and salt tolerance of LpMYB1-overexpressed Arabidopsis.

The soybean R2R3 MYB transcription factor GmMYB100 negatively regulates plant flavonoid biosynthesis.

Soybean flavonoids, a group of important signaling molecules in plant-environment interaction, ubiquitously exist in soybean and are tightly regulated by many genes. Here we reported that GmMYB100, a gene encoding a R2R3 MYB transcription factor, is involved in soybean flavonoid biosynthesis. GmMYB100 is mainly expressed in flowers, leaves and immature embryo, and its level is decreased after pod ripening. Subcellular localization assay indicates that GmMYB100 is a nuclear protein. GmMYB100 has transactivation ability revealed by a yeast functional assay; whereas bioinformatic analysis suggests that GmMYB100 has a negative function in flavonoid biosynthesis. GmMYB100-overexpression represses the transcript levels of flavonoid-related genes in transgenic soybean hairy roots and Arabidopsis, and inhibits isoflavonoid (soybean) and flavonol (Arabidopsis) production in transgenic plants. Furthermore, the transcript levels of six flavonoid-related genes and flavonoid (isoflavonoid and flavone aglycones) accumulation are elevated in the GmMYB100-RNAi transgenic hairy roots. We also demonstrate that GmMYB100 protein depresses the promoter activities of soybean chalcone synthase and chalcone isomerase. These findings indicate that GmMYB100 is a negative regulator in soybean flavonoid biosynthesis pathway.

Deaggregation of mutant Plasmodium yoelii de-ubiquitinase UBP1 alters MDR1 localization to confer multidrug resistance.

Mutations in a Plasmodium de-ubiquitinase UBP1 have been linked to antimalarial drug resistance. However, the UBP1-mediated drug-resistant mechanism remains unknown. Through drug selection, genetic mapping, allelic exchange, and functional characterization, here we show that simultaneous mutations of two amino acids (I1560N and P2874T) in the Plasmodium yoelii UBP1 can mediate high-level resistance to mefloquine, lumefantrine, and piperaquine. Mechanistically, the double mutations are shown to impair UBP1 cytoplasmic aggregation and de-ubiquitinating activity, leading to increased ubiquitination levels and altered protein localization, from the parasite digestive vacuole to the plasma membrane, of the P. yoelii multidrug resistance transporter 1 (MDR1). The MDR1 on the plasma membrane enhances the efflux of substrates/drugs out of the parasite cytoplasm to confer multidrug resistance, which can be reversed by inhibition of MDR1 transport. This study reveals a previously unknown drug-resistant mechanism mediated by UBP1 through altered MDR1 localization and substrate transport direction in a mouse model, providing a new malaria treatment strategy.

Effect of Origin, Seed Coat Color, and Maturity Group on Seed Isoflavones in Diverse Soybean Germplasm.

Soybeans are grown worldwide owing to their protein, oil, and beneficial bioactive compounds. Genetic and environmental factors influence soybean seed isoflavones. In the present study, we profiled the seed isoflavones in world diverse soybean germplasm grown in two locations over two years in China. Significant differences (p < 0.001) were observed between the accessions, accession origins, seed coat colors, and maturity groups for individual and total isoflavone (TIF) content. TIF content of the soybean accessions ranged from 677.25 µg g-1 to 5823.29 µg g-1, representing an 8-fold difference. USA soybean accessions showed the highest mean TIF content (3263.07 µg g-1), followed by Japan (2521.26 µg g-1). Soybean with black seed coat showed the highest (3236.08 µg g-1) TIF concentration. Furthermore, isoflavone levels were significantly higher in late-maturity groups. Correlation analysis revealed significant positive associations between individual and TIF content. Malonyldaidzin and malonylgenistin showed higher correlations with TIF content (r = 0.92 and r = 0.94, respectively). The soybean accessions identified as having high and stable TIF content can be utilized in the food and pharmaceutical industries and breeding programs to develop soybean varieties with enhanced isoflavone content.

AMPK targets PDZD8 to trigger carbon source shift from glucose to glutamine.

The shift of carbon utilization from primarily glucose to other nutrients is a fundamental metabolic adaptation to cope with decreased blood glucose levels and the consequent decline in glucose oxidation. AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) plays crucial roles in this metabolic adaptation. However, the underlying mechanism is not fully understood. Here, we show that PDZ domain containing 8 (PDZD8), which we identify as a new substrate of AMPK activated in low glucose, is required for the low glucose-promoted glutaminolysis. AMPK phosphorylates PDZD8 at threonine 527 (T527) and promotes the interaction of PDZD8 with and activation of glutaminase 1 (GLS1), a rate-limiting enzyme of glutaminolysis. In vivo, the AMPK-PDZD8-GLS1 axis is required for the enhancement of glutaminolysis as tested in the skeletal muscle tissues, which occurs earlier than the increase in fatty acid utilization during fasting. The enhanced glutaminolysis is also observed in macrophages in low glucose or under acute lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatment. Consistent with a requirement of heightened glutaminolysis, the PDZD8-T527A mutation dampens the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines in macrophages in mice treated with LPS. Together, we have revealed an AMPK-PDZD8-GLS1 axis that promotes glutaminolysis ahead of increased fatty acid utilization under glucose shortage.

The orphan receptor TR3 suppresses intestinal tumorigenesis in mice by downregulating Wnt signalling.

AIMS: Wnt signalling is involved in cellular homeostasis and development. Dysregulation of the Wnt signalling pathway has been linked to colorectal cancer. The orphan nuclear receptor TR3 plays important roles in proliferation and apoptosis. In this study, we investigated how TR3 suppresses intestinal tumorigenesis by regulating Wnt signalling. METHODS: Intestinal polyps were quantified in Apc(min/+), Apc(min/+)/TR3(-/-) and Apc(min/+)/villin-TR3 mice. Wnt signalling activity was evaluated by assessing ß-galactosidase activity in a BAT-Gal reporter strain. The TR3 agonist cytosporone B was used to evaluate the role of TR3 in intestinal tumorigenesis. Crosstalk between TR3 and ß-catenin/TCF4 was analysed by molecular methods in colorectal cancer cells. The phosphorylation of TR3 by glycogen synthase kinase (GSK) 3ß and the correlation between GSK3ß activity and TR3 phosphorylation were evaluated in clinical samples and colorectal cancer cells. RESULTS: TR3 was found to significantly suppress Wnt signalling activity and the proliferation of intestinal epithelial cells. Apc(min/+)/TR3(-/-) mice developed more intestinal polyps than Apc(min/+)/TR3(+/+) mice, whereas either transgenic overexpression of TR3 in the intestine or treatment with cytosporone B in Apc(min/+) mice significantly decreased intestinal tumour number. Mechanistically, TR3 disrupted the association of ß-catenin and TCF4 on chromatin and facilitated the recruitment of transcriptional co-repressors to the promoters of Wnt signalling target genes. However, TR3 was phosphorylated by GSK3ß in most clinical colorectal cancers, which attenuated the inhibitory activity of TR3 towards Wnt signalling. CONCLUSIONS: TR3 is a negative regulator of Wnt signalling and thus significantly suppresses intestinal tumorigenesis in Apc(min/+) mice. This inhibitory effect of TR3 may be paradoxically overcome through phosphorylation by GSK3ß in clinical colorectal cancers.

Orphan receptor TR3 participates in cisplatin-induced apoptosis via Chk2 phosphorylation to repress intestinal tumorigenesis.

Cisplatin is a widely used antitumor agent that induces aggressive cancer cell death via triggering cellular proteins involved in apoptosis. Here, we demonstrate that cisplatin effectively induces orphan nuclear receptor TR3 phosphorylation by activating Chk2 kinase activity and promoting cross talk between these two proteins, thereby contributing to the repression of intestinal tumorigenesis via apoptosis. Mechanistic analysis has demonstrated that Chk2-induced phosphorylation enables TR3 to bind to its response elements on the promoters of the BRE and RNF-7 genes, leading to the negative regulation of these two anti-apoptotic genes. Furthermore, the induction of apoptosis by cisplatin is mediated by TR3, and knockdown of TR3 reduces cisplatin-induced apoptosis in colon cancer cells by 27%. The role of TR3 in cisplatin chemotherapy is further clarified in mouse models. In Apc(min/+) mice, cisplatin inhibits intestinal tumorigenesis by 70% in a TR3 phosphorylation-dependent manner; however, the loss of TR3 function in Apc(min/+)/TR3(-/-) mice leads to the failure of cisplatin-induced repression of tumorigenesis. Consistently, xenografts derived from TR3 knockdown colon cancer cells are insensitive to cisplatin treatment, whereas a significant curative effect (50% inhibition) is observed in xenografts with functional TR3. Taken together, our study reveals a novel cross talk between Chk2 and TR3 and sheds light on the mechanism of cisplatin-induced apoptosis through TR3. Therefore, TR3 may be a new target of cisplatin for colon cancer therapy.

Increased sulfur-containing amino acid content and altered conformational characteristics of soybean proteins by rebalancing 11S and 7S compositions.

Soybean proteins are limited by their low contents of methionine and cysteine. Herein, 7S globulin accumulation was reduced using RNA interference to silence CG-ß-1 expression, and the content of the A2B1a subunit was largely increased under the soybean seed-specific oleosin8 promoter. The results showed that the sulfur-containing amino acid content in soybean seeds drastically improved, reaching 79.194 nmol/mg, and the 11S/7S ratio had a 1.89-fold increase compared to the wild-type acceptor. The secondary structures of 11S globulin were also altered, and the ß-sheet content increased with decreasing ß-turn content, which was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy and circular dichroism analysis. Our findings suggested that raising the accumulation of 11S glycinin at the expense of reducing the content of 7S globulin is an attractive and precise engineering strategy to increase the amount of sulfur-containing amino acids, and soybean proteins with A2B1a subunits of 11S isolates improved, and ß-subunits of 7S fractions reduced simultaneously might be an effective new material for food production.

A Novel Algicidal Bacterium, Microbulbifer sp. YX04, Triggered Oxidative Damage and Autophagic Cell Death in Phaeocystis globosa, Which Causes Harmful Algal Blooms.

Phaeocystis globosa causes severe marine pollution by forming harmful algal blooms and releasing hemolytic toxins and is therefore harmful to marine ecosystems and aquaculture industries. In this study, Microbulbifer sp. YX04 exerted high algicidal activity against P. globosa by producing and secreting metabolites. The algicidal activity of the YX04 supernatant was stable after exposure to different temperatures (-80 to 100°C) and pH values (4 to 12) for 2 h, suggesting that algicidal substances could temporarily be stored under these temperature and pH value conditions. To explore the algicidal process and mechanism, morphological and structural changes, oxidative stress, photosynthesis, autophagic flux, and global gene expression were investigated. Biochemical analyses showed that the YX04 supernatant induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) overproduction, which caused lipid peroxidation and malondialdehyde (MDA) accumulation in P. globosa. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observation and the significant decrease in both maximum photochemical quantum yield (Fv/Fm) and relative electron transfer rate (rETR) indicated damage to thylakoid membranes and destruction of photosynthetic system function. Immunofluorescence, immunoblot, and TEM analyses indicated that cellular damage caused autophagosome formation and triggered large-scale autophagic flux in P. globosa. Transcriptome analysis revealed many P. globosa genes that were differentially expressed in response to YX04 stress, most of which were involved in photosynthesis, respiration, cytoskeleton, microtubule, and autophagosome formation and fusion processes, which may trigger autophagic cell death. In addition to P. globosa, the YX04 supernatant showed high algicidal activity against Thalassiosira pseudonana, Thalassiosira weissflogii, Skeletonema costatum, Heterosigma akashiwo, and Prorocentrum donghaiense. This study highlights multiple mechanisms underlying YX04 supernatant toxicity toward P. globosa and its potential for controlling the occurrence of harmful algal blooms. IMPORTANCEP. globosa is one of the most notorious harmful algal bloom (HAB)-causing species, which can secrete hemolytic toxins, frequently cause serious ecological pollution, and pose a health hazard to animals and humans. Hence, screening for bacteria with high algicidal activity against P. globosa and studies on the algicidal characteristics and mechanism will contribute to providing an ecofriendly microorganism-controlling agent for preventing the occurrence of algal blooms and reducing the harm of algal blooms to the environment. Our study first reported the algicidal characteristic and mechanism of Microbulbifer sp. YX04 against P. globosa and demonstrated that P. globosa shows different response mechanisms, including movement ability, antioxidative systems, photosynthetic systems, gene expression, and cell death mode, to adapt to the adverse environment when algicidal compounds are present.

Apical anchorage and stabilization of subpellicular microtubules by apical polar ring ensures Plasmodium ookinete infection in mosquito.

Morphogenesis of many protozoans depends on a polarized establishment of cortical cytoskeleton containing the subpellicular microtubules (SPMTs), which are apically nucleated and anchored by the apical polar ring (APR). In malaria parasite Plasmodium, APR emerges in the host-invading stages, including the ookinete for mosquito infection. So far, the fine structure and molecular components of APR as well as the underlying mechanism of APR-mediated apical positioning of SPMTs are largely unknown. Here, we resolve an unprecedented APR structure composed of a top ring plus approximate 60 radiating spines. We report an APR-localizing and SPMT-binding protein APR2. APR2 disruption impairs ookinete morphogenesis and gliding motility, leading to Plasmodium transmission failure in mosquitoes. The APR2-deficient ookinetes display defective apical anchorage of APR and SPMT due to the impaired integrity of APR. Using protein proximity labeling, we obtain a Plasmodium ookinete APR proteome and validate ten undescribed APR proteins. Among them, APRp2 and APRp4 directly interact with APR2 and also mediate the apical anchorage of SPMTs. This study sheds light on the molecular basis of APR in the organization of Plasmodium ookinete SPMTs.