Description of Salinimicrobium tongyeongense sp. nov., isolated from seawater.

A Gram-stain-negative, non-motile by gliding and moderately halophilic rod-shaped bacterium HN-2-9-2T was isolated from seawater in Tongyeong, Republic of Korea. The strain grew at concentrations of 0.5‒7 % (w/v) NaCl, at pH 5.5‒8.5 and in a temperature range of 18‒45 °C. HN-2-9-2T shared the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence percentage with Salinimicrobium xinjiangense BH206T (98.2 %). The average nucleotide identity (ANI), average amino acid identity (AAI) and digital DNA-DNA hybridisation (dDDH) values between HN-2-9-2T and the S. xinjiangense BH206T were 76.0 %, 81.9 % and 19.7 %, respectively. The genome comprised 3 509 958 bp with a DNA G+C content of 43.0%. HN-2-9-2T contained MK-6 as the sole menaquinone. The predominant fatty acids were iso-C15 : 0, anteiso-C15 : 0, iso-C17 : 0 3-OH, iso-C16 : 0, iso-C15 : 1G and summed feature 9, comprising iso-C17 : 1ω6c/C16 : 1 10-methyl. The polar lipids contained phosphatidylethanolamine, one unidentified phospholipid, two unidentified aminolipids, an unidentified glycolipid and six unidentified lipids. The polyphasic taxonomic properties indicate that the strain represents a novel species within the genus Salinimicrobium, for which the name Salinimicrobium tongyeongense sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is HN-2-9-2T (=KCTC 82934T=NBRC 115920T).

Description of Brachybacterium sillae sp. nov., a thermophilic bacterium isolated from a hot spring.

The taxonomic position of strain EF45031T, isolated from the Neungam Carbonate hot spring, was examined using the polyphasic taxonomic approach. Strain EF45031T shared the highest percentage of 16S rRNA gene sequence with Brachybacterium nesterenkovii CIP 104813 T (97.7%). The average nucleotide identity (ANI), average amino acid identity (AAI), and digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) values between strain EF45031T and the type strains B. nesterenkovii CIP 104813 T and B. phenoliresistens Phenol-AT were 77.0%, 69.15%, 21.9% and 75.73%, 68.81%, 20.5%, respectively. Phylogenomic analysis using an up-to-date bacterial core gene (UBCG) set revealed that strain EF45031T belonged to the genus Brachybacterium. Growth occurred between 25 and 50 ℃ at pH 6.0-9.0 and could tolerate salinity up to 5% (w/v). Strain had anteiso-C15:0 and anteiso-C17:0 as major fatty acids. Menaquinone-7 (MK-7) was the predominant respiratory menaquinone. The polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, three aminolipids, and two unidentified glycolipids. The cell-wall peptidoglycan contained meso-diaminopimelic acid as a diagnostic diamino acid. The genome comprised 2,663,796 bp, with a G + C content of 70.9%. Stress-responsive periplasmic chaperone/protease coding genes were identified in the genome of EF45031T and were not detected in other Brachybacterium species. The polyphasic taxonomic properties indicate that the strain represents a novel species within the genus Brachybacterium, for which the name Brachybacterium sillae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is EF45031T (= KCTC 49702 T = NBRC 115869 T).

Antimelanogenesis Effects of Theasinensin A.

Theasinensin A (TSA) is a major group of catechin dimers mainly found in oolong tea and black tea. This compound is also manufactured with epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) as a substrate and is refined after the enzyme reaction. In previous studies, TSA has been reported to be effective against inflammation. However, the effect of these substances on skin melanin formation remains unknown. In this study, we unraveled the role of TSA in melanogenesis using mouse melanoma B16F10 cells and normal human epidermal melanocytes (NHEMs) through reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), Western blotting analysis, luciferase reporter assay, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay analysis. TSA inhibited melanin formation and secretion in α-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH)-induced B16F10 cells and NHEMs. TSA down-regulated the mRNA expression of tyrosinase (Tyr), tyrosinase-related protein 1 (Tyrp1), and Tyrp2, which are all related to melanin formation in these cells. TSA was able to suppress the activities of certain proteins in the melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) signaling pathway associated with melanin synthesis in B16F10 cells: cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) response element-binding protein (CREB), protein kinase A (PKA), tyrosinase, and microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF). We also confirmed α-MSH-mediated CREB activities through a luciferase reporter assay, and that the quantities of cAMP were reduced by TSA in the enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) results. Based on these findings, TSA should be considered an effective inhibitor of hyperpigmentation.

Mesorhizobium terrae sp. nov., a novel species isolated from soil in Jangsu, Korea.

A gram-negative, white-pigmented, aerobic, rod-shaped bacterium, designated as strain NIBRBAC000500504T, was isolated from soil in Jangsu, Korea. Optimal growth of this strain was observed at 25 °C, pH 7.0, and in the presence of 0% (w/v) NaCl. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain NIBRBAC000500504T belonged to the genus Mesorhizobium and was closely related to Mesorhizobium shangrilense LMG 24762T (98.3% sequence similarity), Mesorhizobium australicum LMG 24608T (98.2%), Mesorhizobium qingshengii LMG 26793T (98.1%), Mesorhizobium ciceri ATCC 51585T (98.0%), Mesorhizobium loti DSM 2626T (98.0%), Mesorhizobium sophorae LMG 28223T (97.9%), Mesorhizobium waitakense LMG 28227T (97.8%), and Mesorhizobium cantuariense LMG 28225T (97.8%). Next-generation sequencing analysis indicated that the genome of strain NIBRBAC000500504T comprised a circular chromosome (5,731,152 bp, G+C content: 63.26%) and a plasmid (293,638 bp, G+C content: 61.39%) with 5672 coding sequences, 50 tRNAs, and 6 rRNAs. The major respiratory isoprenoid quinone was Q10; the major polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, and phosphatidylcholine; the major fatty acids were summed feature 8 (comprising C18:1 ω7c/C18:1 ω6c), C19:0 cyclo ω8c, C16:0, and C18:1 ω7c 11-methyl; and the G+C content of the genomic DNA was 62.9 mol%. The DNA-DNA relatedness values between NIBRBAC000500504T and its closest type strains were low. On the basis of these polyphasic taxonomic data, it is proposed that strain NIBRBAC000500504T represents a novel species of the genus Mesorhizobium, with the type strain being NIBRBAC000500504T (= KCTC 72278T = JCM 33432T).

Echinicola strongylocentroti sp. nov., isolated from a sea urchin Strongylocentrotus intermedius.

A yellowish-orange-pigmented marine bacterium, designated MEBiC08714T was isolated from a sea urchin Strongylocentrotus intermedius collected at the west edge of the East Sea of Korea. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that MEBiC08714T was affiliated with the genus Echinicola and that the strain was most closely related to Echinicola vietnamensis KCTC 12713T (96.9 %), followed by 'Echinicola shivajiensis' JCM 17847 (96.3 %), Echinicola jeungdonensis KCTC 23122T (96.1 %), and Echinicola pacifica KCTC 12368T (95.0 %). Cells were strictly aerobic, Gram-stain-negative, rod shaped, flexirubin-type pigments-negative and motile by gliding. Growth was observed at 20-35 °C (optimum 25 °C), at pH 6-11 (optimum pH 7.0), and with 0-13 % NaCl (optimum 2 %). This strain was able to hydrolyze agar and starch. The polar lipids of MEBiC08714T contained phosphatidylethanolamine, an unidentified phospholipid, and four unidentified lipids. The major fatty acids were iso-C15 : 0 (27.5 %), iso-C17 : 0 3-OH (11.5 %), anteiso-C15 : 0 (5.2 %), summed feature 3 (C16:1ω7c and/or C16:1ω6c, 20.3 %) and summed feature 9 (iso-C17 : 1ω9c and/or10-methyl C16 : 06, 6.3 %). The DNA G+C content was 44.2 mol% and the major respiratory quinone was MK-7. On the basis of these polyphasic taxonomic data, MEBiC08714T represents a novel species of the genus Echinicola, for which the name Echinicola strongylocentroti sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is MEBiC08714T (=KCTC 52052T=JCM 31307T).

Euphorbia humifusa Willd exerts inhibition of breast cancer cell invasion and metastasis through inhibition of TNFα-induced MMP-9 expression.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is the most common type of malignancy in women worldwide. Euphorbia humifusa Willd (EuH) is a plant that is widely used as a traditional medicine. However, no systemic studies on the anti-cancer effects of EuH have been reported. The aim of this study is to evaluate the anti-metastatic effect of the EuH. METHODS: Ethyl acetate fraction was prepared from EuH methanol extracts (EA/EuH). Inhibitory effect of EA/EuH on cell migration was determined using an in vitro scratch-wound healing assay. The anti-invasive activity was determined by in vitro three-dimensional spheroid culture system and in vivo syngenic experimental lung metastasis experiment. Gene expression profiles were analyzed by using RT-PCR, real-time PCR, and luciferase reporter assay systems. RESULTS: Ethyl acetate fraction from the EuH extract (EA/EuH) inhibited the migration and invasive capabilities of highly metastatic MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells and attenuated syngeneic lung metastasis of mouse 4 T1 breast cancer cells in vivo. Mechanistically, EA/EuH decreased tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα)-induced matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 mRNA expression through the inhibition of NF-κB activity in MDA-MB-231 cells. CONCLUSION: EuH may be beneficial in the prevention of invasion and metastasis of early stage breast cancer and can be served as an anti-metastatic agent or adjuvant therapy against metastatic breast cancer.

Psychroserpens jangbogonensis sp. nov., a psychrophilic bacterium isolated from Antarctic marine sediment.

A Gram-staining-negative, yellow-pigmented, aerobic, rod-shaped and non-motile bacterium, PAMC 27130(T), was isolated from the marine sediment of the Ross Sea, Antarctica. The temperature, pH and NaCl tolerance ranges for growth were 4-20 °C, pH 6.0-9.0 and 0.5-5.0 % (w/v) NaCl, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain PAMC 27130(T) belonged to the genus Psychroserpens and was closely related to Psychroserpens mesophilus, Psychroserpens damuponensis and Psychroserpens burtonensis with 97.2, 94.7 and 94.2 % sequence similarities, respectively. Genomic relatedness analyses based on average nucleotide identity and genome-to-genome distance showed that strain PAMC 27130(T) could be clearly distinguished from other species of the genus Psychroserpens . The genomic DNA G+C content was 32.7 mol%. The major fatty acids (>10 %) were C20 : 4ω6c (13.2 %), iso-C15 : 0 (12.3 %), iso-C15 : 1 G (11.7 %) and iso-C15 : 0 3-OH (10.0 %). The major respiratory isoprenoid quinone was menaquinone-6 (MK-6) and the polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, two unidentified aminolipids, an unidentified phospholipid, an unidentified aminophospholipid and three unidentified lipids. On the basis of genotypic and phenotypic data collected in this study, it is proposed that strain PAMC 27130(T) represents a novel species of the genus Psychroserpens, for which the name Psychroserpens jangbogonensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is PAMC 27130(T) ( = KCTC 42128(T) = JCM 30228(T)).

Sediminicola arcticus sp. nov., a psychrophilic bacterium isolated from deep-sea sediment, and emended description of the genus Sediminicola.

A Gram-stain-negative, rod-shaped and non-motile strain, designated PAMC 27266(T), was isolated from deep-sea sediment of the Arctic Ocean. Analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence of strain PAMC 27266(T) showed closest affiliation with the genus Sediminicola . Phylogenetic analyses revealed that strain PAMC 27266(T) formed a robust clade with Sediminicola luteus CNI-3(T), with which it shared 98.9% 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity. Genomic relatedness analyses based on the average nucleotide identity and genome-to-genome distance showed that strain PAMC 27266(T) is clearly distinguished from S. luteus . Cells of strain PAMC 27266(T) grew optimally at 15 °C and pH 6.5-7.5 in the presence of 3.5% (w/v) sea salts. The major polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, two unidentified aminophospholipids and two unidentified lipids. The only respiratory quinone was menaquinone-6. The major cellular fatty acids (>10%) were C16 : 1ω6c and/or C16 : 1ω7c and C15 : 0. The genomic DNA G+C content was 37.9 mol%. Based on the phylogenetic, genomic, chemotaxonomic and phenotypic data presented, we propose strain PAMC 27266(T) ( =KCCM 43038(T) =JCM 19894(T)) as the type strain of a novel species, with the name Sediminicola arcticus sp. nov.

Algibacter psychrophilus sp. nov., a psychrophilic bacterium isolated from marine sediment.

A Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, yellow-pigmented, flexirubin-negative, rod-shaped, non-motile and psychrophilic bacterial strain, PAMC 27237T, was isolated from marine sediment of the Ross Sea, Antarctica. Strain PAMC 27237T grew at 0-20 °C (optimally at 17 °C), at pH 5.0-9.5 (optimally at pH 7.0) and in the presence of 0-3.5 % (w/v) NaCl (optimally at 1.5-2.5 %). The major fatty acids (≥5 %) were iso-C17 : 0 3-OH, C17 : 0 2-OH, anteiso-C15 : 0, summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω6c/C16 : 1ω7c), iso-C15 : 0 3-OH, anteiso-C17 : 1ω9c, anteiso-C15 : 1 A, iso-C16 : 0 3-OH and iso-C15 : 1 G. The major polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, two unidentified aminolipids, four unidentified lipids and a glycolipid. The major respiratory quinone was MK-6. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence revealed that strain PAMC 27237T belongs to the genus Algibacter, showing high similarities with the type strains of Algibacter agarivorans (97.2 %), Algibacter agarilyticus (97.0 %) and Algibacter mikhailovii (96.4 %). Average nucleotide identity values between strain PAMC 27237T and the type strains of A. agarivorans and A. agarilyticuswere 83.1 and 84.2 %, respectively, and mean genome-to-genome distances were 22.4-24.2 %, indicating that strain PAMC 27237T is clearly distinguished from the most closely related species of the genus Algibacter. The genomic DNA G+C content calculated from genome sequences was 33.5 mol%. Based on the phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic data presented, strain PAMC 27237T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Algibacter, for which the name Algibacter psychrophilus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is PAMC 27237T ( = KCTC 42130T = JCM 30370T).

Lacinutrix jangbogonensis sp. nov., a psychrophilic bacterium isolated from Antarctic marine sediment and emended description of the genus Lacinutrix.

A Gram-negative, strictly aerobic, non-motile, rod-shaped and psychrophilic bacterial strain, PAMC 27137(T), was isolated from the marine sediment of the Ross Sea, Antarctica. Strain PAMC 27137(T) was observed to grow at 4-10 °C, at pH 6.5-7.5 and in the presence of 2.5-4.0 % (w/v) sea salts. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence indicated that strain PAMC 27137(T) belongs to the genus Lacinutrix showing the high similarities with Lacinutrix mariniflava JCM 13824(T) (97.6 %) and Lacinutrix algicola JCM 13825(T) (97.1 %). Genomic relatedness analyses based on the average nucleotide identity and the genome-to-genome distance showed that strain PAMC 27137(T) is clearly distinguished from the most closely related Lacinutrix species. The major fatty acids (>5 %) were identified as iso-C15:1 G (19.9 %), iso-C15:0 (19.3 %), iso-C17:0 3-OH (11.3 %), summed feature 9 (C16:0 10-methyl and/or iso-C17:1 ω9c as defined by MIDI, 9.1 %), iso-C15:0 3-OH (7.5 %), and anteiso-C15:1 A (5.8 %). The polar lipids were found to consist of phosphatidylethanolamine, an unidentified aminolipid, an unidentified aminophospholipid, and five unidentified phospholipids. The major respiratory quinone was identified as MK-6. The genomic DNA G+C content was determined to be 32.1 mol%. Based on the data from this polyphasic taxonomic study, strain PAMC 27137(T) is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Lacinutrix, for which the name Lacinutrix jangbogonensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is PAMC 27137(T) (=KCTC 32573(T)=JCM 19883(T)).

Isolation and characterization of novel 3,3'-iminodipropionitrile biodegrading Paracoccus communis, from an industrial wastewater treatment bioreactor.

Until now, bacteria able to degrade, 3,3'-iminodipropionitrile (IDPN), a neurotoxin that destroys vestibular hair cells, causing ototoxicity, culminating in irreversible movement disorders, had never been isolated. The aim of this study was to isolate a novel IDPN-biodegrading microorganism and characterize its metabolic pathway. Enrichment was performed by inoculating activated sludge from a wastewater treatment bioreactor that treated IDPN-contaminated wastewater in M9 salt medium, with IDPN as the sole carbon source. A bacterial strain with a spherical morphology that could grow at high concentrations was isolated on a solid medium. Growth of the isolated strain followed the Monod kinetic model. Based on the 16S rRNA gene, the isolate was Paracoccus communis. Whole-genome sequencing revealed that the isolated P. communis possessed the expected full metabolic pathway for IDPN biodegradation. Transcriptome analyses confirmed the overexpression of the gene encoding hydantoinase/oxoprolinase during the exponential growth phase under IDPN-fed conditions, suggesting that the enzyme involved in cleaving the imine bond of IDPN may promote IDPN biodegradation. Additionally, the newly discovered P. communis isolate seems to metabolize IDPN through cleavage of the imine bond in IDPN via nitrilase, nitrile hydratase, and amidase reactions. Overall, this study lays the foundation for the application of IDPN-metabolizing bacteria in the remediation of IDPN-contaminated environments.

Isolation and Characterization of Thermophilic Bacteria from Hot Springs in Republic of Korea.

Thermophiles that produce extracellular hydrolases are of great importance due to their applications in various industries. Thermophilic enzymes are of interest for industrial applications due to their compatibility with industrial processes, and the availability of the organisms is essential to develop their full potential. In this study, a culture-dependent approach was used to identify thermophilic bacteria from five hot springs in Republic of Korea. Characterization, taxonomic identification, and extracellular hydrolase (amylase, lipase, and protease) activity of 29 thermophilic bacterial isolates from the Neungam carbonate, Mungang sulfur, Deokgu, Baegam, and Dongnae hot springs were investigated. Identification based on the full-length 16S rRNA gene sequence revealed that strains belonged to the phylum Bacillota and were classified as Aeribacillus, Bacillus, Caldibacillus, Geobacillus, and Thermoactinomyces genera. It was found that 22 isolates could produce at least one extracellular enzyme. Geobacillus, representing 41.4% of the isolates, was the most abundant. The highest amount of proteolytic and lipolytic enzymes was secreted by strains of the genus Geobacillus, whereas Caldibacillus species produced the highest amount of amylolytic enzyme. The Geobacillus species producing hydrolytic extracellular enzymes appeared to be the most promising.

Enrichment of Ca. Jettenia in sequencing batch reactors operated with low nitrogen loading rate and high influent nitrogen concentration.

To apply the anammox processes into the mainstream of domestic wastewater treatment plants, two laboratory-scale sequence batch reactors have been developed and used with two different activated sludges seeded in each sequence batch reactors with gradually increases influent total nitrogen concentrations under low nitrogen loading rates. During 320 days of operation, both sequence batch reactors showed high specific anammox activity (0.68 - 0.75 kgN kg-1VSS d-1) and a nitrogen removal efficiency of 97.50%. To monitor changes in microbial community dynamics during enrichment, high-throughput sequencing analysis was performed. Members taxonomically affiliated with Candidatus Jettenia were markedly enriched and predominant in both sequence batch reactors in response to the increasing influent total nitrogen concentrations. These results suggest that Candidatus Jettenia might be a prominent anammox genus under low nitrogen loading rate with high total nitrogen concentration conditions and could be suitably applied to the mainstream process of domestic wastewater treatment systems.

Microbiome degrading linear alkylbenzene sulfonate in activated sludge.

As the most widely used anionic surfactant, linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS) requires biological alkane degradation when it is treated using an activated sludge (AS) process in a wastewater treatment plant because of its structural carboxylic unavailability. As consumption of LAS is gradually increasing, LAS loading into the WWTP is accordingly increasing. However, fewer studies have examined the involvement of the AS microbial community in the LAS degradation. In this study, metagenomic approaches were used to define microbiomes involved in LAS degradation in AS, with a particular focus on ω-hydroxylation. The abundance and diversity of alkane-degrading genes were investigated, and these genes were integrated with reconstructed metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs). Additionally, the association of functional genes and MAGs with respect to LAS degradation was investigated. The results showed that alkB and cytochrome P450 genes were only shared within specific MAGs. Unique sets of genes with diverse abundances were detected in each sample. The MAGs with the alkB and cytochrome P450 genes were strongly associated with the other MAGs and involved in positive commensal interactions. The findings provided significant insights into how the AS microbiomes, which have continuously treated anionic surfactants for decades, potentially metabolize LAS and interact with commensal bacteria.

COVID-19 Vaccine: Critical Questions with Complicated Answers.

COVID-19 has caused extensive human casualties with significant economic impacts around the globe, and has imposed new challenges on health systems worldwide. Over the past decade, SARS, Ebola, and Zika also led to significant concerns among the scientific community. Interestingly, the SARS and Zika epidemics ended before vaccine development; however, the scholarly community and the pharmaceutical companies responded very quickly at that time. Similarly, when the genetic sequence of SARSCoV-2 was revealed, global vaccine companies and scientists have stepped forward to develop a vaccine, triggering a race toward vaccine development that the whole world is relying on. Similarly, an effective and safe vaccine could play a pivotal role in eradicating COVID-19. However, few important questions regarding SARS-CoV-2 vaccine development are explored in this review.

Adaptogenic effects of Panax ginseng on modulation of immune functions.

Traditional medicinal practices have used natural products such as adaptogens to treat inflammatory, autoimmune, neurodegenerative, bacterial, and viral diseases since the early days of civilization. Panax ginseng Myer is a common herb used in East Asian countries for millennia, especially in Korea, China, and Japan. Numerous studies indicate that ginseng can modulate the immune system and thereby prevent diseases. Although the human immune system comprises many different types of cells, multiple studies suggest that each type of immune cell can be controlled or stimulated by ginseng or its derivatives. Provisional lists of ginseng's potential for use against viruses, bacteria, and other microorganisms suggest it may prove to be a valuable pharmaceutical resource, particularly if higher-quality evidence can be found. Here, we reviewed the role of ginseng as an immune-modulating agent in attempt to provide a valuable starting point for future studies on the herb and the human immune system.

Factors Influencing Infertility-related Quality of Life in Women Undergoing Assisted Reproductive Techniques: Focusing on Depression and Resilience.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate factors affecting on infertility-related quality of life in women undergoing assisted reproductive techniques focusing on depression and resilience. METHODS: With correlational survey design, 125 infertile women who were receiving inpatient and outpatient treatment in K university hospital in D city completed a structured questionnaire. RESULTS: There was a significant negative correlation between depression and resilience and between the depression and the quality of life. There was a significant positive correlation between resilience and the quality of life. The factors affecting on infertility-related quality of life were depression, burden of expenses, and relationship with husband which explained 48% in the quality of life. CONCLUSION: It is necessary to develop and apply nursing programs that include individual counseling and education for infertile couple. Social support including financial support and better environment for these women will be also essential.

Complete Genome Sequence of a Psychrotolerant Denitrifying Bacterium, Janthinobacterium svalbardensis PAMC 27463.

We report here the complete genome sequence of Janthinobacterium svalbardensis PAMC 27463 isolated from a freshwater lake on Barton Peninsula on King George Island, Antarctica. The genome consists of a chromosome with 6,274,078 bp which contains 5,585 genes, including 121 RNA genes.

Complete genome sequence of Pseudomonas antarctica PAMC 27494, a bacteriocin-producing psychrophile isolated from Antarctica.

Antimicrobial-producing, cold-adapted microorganisms have great potential for biotechnological applications in food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. Pseudomonas antarctica PAMC 27494, a psychrophile exhibiting antimicrobial activity, was isolated from an Antarctic freshwater sample. Here we report the complete genome of P. antarctica PAMC 27494. The strain contains a gene cluster encoding microcin B which inhibits DNA regulations by targeting the DNA gyrase. PAMC 27494 may produce R-type pyocins and also contains a complete set of proteins for the biosynthesis of adenosylcobalamin and possibly induces plant growth by supplying pyrroloquinoline quionone molecules.

The UPR inducer DPP23 inhibits the metastatic potential of MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells by targeting the Akt-IKK-NF-κB-MMP-9 axis.

(E)-3-(3,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-1-(2-methoxyphenyl)prop-2-en-1-one (DPP23) is a synthetic polyphenol derivative that selectively induces apoptosis in cancer cells through the unfolded protein response pathway. In the present study, we evaluated the effect of DPP23 on tumour invasion and metastasis. Here, we show that DPP23 inhibited tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFα)-induced motility, F-actin formation, and the invasive capability of MDA-MB-231 cells. DPP23 inhibited NF-κB-dependent MMP-9 expression at the transcriptional level. Akt is involved in the activation of IKK, an upstream regulator of NF-κB. DPP23 inhibited IKK and Akt, and knockdown of Akt2 significantly inhibited TNFα-induced IKK phosphorylation. We found that DPP23 bound to the catalytic domain of Akt2, as revealed by an in silico molecular docking analysis. These results suggest that DPP23 prevents TNFα-induced invasion of highly metastatic MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells by inhibiting Akt-IKK-NF-κB axis-mediated MMP-9 gene expression. In addition, DPP23 attenuated experimental liver metastasis in a syngenic intrasplenic transplantation model using 4T1 mouse mammary carcinoma cells. Collectively, these results suggest that DPP23 could be used as a potential platform for the prevention of invasion and metastasis of early-stage breast cancer or as an adjuvant for chemo/radiotherapy.