Antibody evasion by the P.1 strain of SARS-CoV-2.

Terminating the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic relies upon pan-global vaccination. Current vaccines elicit neutralizing antibody responses to the virus spike derived from early isolates. However, new strains have emerged with multiple mutations, including P.1 from Brazil, B.1.351 from South Africa, and B.1.1.7 from the UK (12, 10, and 9 changes in the spike, respectively). All have mutations in the ACE2 binding site, with P.1 and B.1.351 having a virtually identical triplet (E484K, K417N/T, and N501Y), which we show confer similar increased affinity for ACE2. We show that, surprisingly, P.1 is significantly less resistant to naturally acquired or vaccine-induced antibody responses than B.1.351, suggesting that changes outside the receptor-binding domain (RBD) impact neutralization. Monoclonal antibody (mAb) 222 neutralizes all three variants despite interacting with two of the ACE2-binding site mutations. We explain this through structural analysis and use the 222 light chain to largely restore neutralization potency to a major class of public antibodies.

A phosphate starvation response-centered network regulates mycorrhizal symbiosis.

To secure phosphorus (P) from soil, most land plants use a direct phosphate uptake pathway via root hairs and epidermis and an indirect phosphate uptake pathway via mycorrhizal symbiosis. The interaction between these two pathways is unclear. Here, we mapped a network between transcription factors and mycorrhizal symbiosis-related genes using Y1H. Intriguingly, this gene regulatory network is governed by the conserved P-sensing pathway, centered on phosphate starvation response (PHR) transcription factors. PHRs are required for mycorrhizal symbiosis and regulate symbiosis-related genes via the P1BS motif. SPX-domain proteins suppress OsPHR2-mediated induction of symbiosis-related genes and inhibit mycorrhizal infection. In contrast, plants overexpressing OsPHR2 show improved mycorrhizal infection and are partially resistant to P-mediated inhibition of symbiosis. Functional analyses of network nodes revealed co-regulation of hormonal signaling and mycorrhizal symbiosis. This network deciphers extensive regulation of mycorrhizal symbiosis by endogenous and exogenous signals and highlights co-option of the P-sensing pathway for mycorrhizal symbiosis.

SARS-CoV-2 variants B.1.351 and P.1 escape from neutralizing antibodies.

The global spread of SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 is devastating health systems and economies worldwide. Recombinant or vaccine-induced neutralizing antibodies are used to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the recently emerged SARS-CoV-2 variants B.1.1.7 (UK), B.1.351 (South Africa), and P.1 (Brazil) harbor mutations in the viral spike (S) protein that may alter virus-host cell interactions and confer resistance to inhibitors and antibodies. Here, using pseudoparticles, we show that entry of all variants into human cells is susceptible to blockade by the entry inhibitors soluble ACE2, Camostat, EK-1, and EK-1-C4. In contrast, entry of the B.1.351 and P.1 variant was partially (Casirivimab) or fully (Bamlanivimab) resistant to antibodies used for COVID-19 treatment. Moreover, entry of these variants was less efficiently inhibited by plasma from convalescent COVID-19 patients and sera from BNT162b2-vaccinated individuals. These results suggest that SARS-CoV-2 may escape neutralizing antibody responses, which has important implications for efforts to contain the pandemic.

The pseudogene GBP1P1 suppresses influenza A virus replication by acting as a protein decoy for DHX9.

Recently, substantial evidence has demonstrated that pseudogene-derived long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) as regulatory RNAs have been implicated in basic physiological processes and disease development through multiple modes of functional interaction with DNA, RNA, and proteins. Here, we report an important role for GBP1P1, the pseudogene of guanylate-binding protein 1, in regulating influenza A virus (IAV) replication in A549 cells. GBP1P1 was dramatically upregulated after IAV infection, which is controlled by JAK/STAT signaling. Functionally, ectopic expression of GBP1P1 in A549 cells resulted in significant suppression of IAV replication. Conversely, silencing GBP1P1 facilitated IAV replication and virus production, suggesting that GBP1P1 is one of the interferon-inducible antiviral effectors. Mechanistically, GBP1P1 is localized in the cytoplasm and functions as a sponge to trap DHX9 (DExH-box helicase 9), which subsequently restricts IAV replication. Together, these studies demonstrate that GBP1P1 plays an important role in antagonizing IAV replication.IMPORTANCELong noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are extensively expressed in mammalian cells and play a crucial role as regulators in various biological processes. A growing body of evidence suggests that host-encoded lncRNAs are important regulators involved in host-virus interactions. Here, we define a novel function of GBP1P1 as a decoy to compete with viral mRNAs for DHX9 binding. We demonstrate that GBP1P1 induction by IAV is mediated by JAK/STAT activation. In addition, GBP1P1 has the ability to inhibit IAV replication. Importantly, we reveal that GBP1P1 acts as a decoy to bind and titrate DHX9 away from viral mRNAs, thereby attenuating virus production. This study provides new insight into the role of a previously uncharacterized GBP1P1, a pseudogene-derived lncRNA, in the host antiviral process and a further understanding of the complex GBP network.

The AP-1 adaptor complex is essential for intracellular trafficking of the ORF2 capsid protein and assembly of Hepatitis E virus.

Although the Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is an emerging global health burden, little is known about its interaction with the host cell. HEV genome encodes three proteins including the ORF2 capsid protein that is produced in different forms, the ORF2i protein which is the structural component of viral particles, and the ORF2g/c proteins which are massively secreted but are not associated with infectious material. We recently demonstrated that the endocytic recycling compartment (ERC) is hijacked by HEV to serve as a viral factory. However, host determinants involved in the subcellular shuttling of viral proteins to viral factories are unknown. Here, we demonstrate that the AP-1 adaptor complex plays a pivotal role in the targeting of ORF2i protein to viral factories. This complex belongs to the family of adaptor proteins that are involved in vesicular transport between the trans-Golgi network and early/recycling endosomes. An interplay between the AP-1 complex and viral protein(s) has been described for several viral lifecycles. In the present study, we demonstrated that the ORF2i protein colocalizes and interacts with the AP-1 adaptor complex in HEV-producing or infected cells. We showed that silencing or drug-inhibition of the AP-1 complex prevents ORF2i protein localization in viral factories and reduces viral production in hepatocytes. Modeling of the ORF2i/AP-1 complex also revealed that the S domain of ORF2i likely interacts with the σ1 subunit of AP-1 complex. Hence, our study identified for the first time a host factor involved in addressing HEV proteins (i.e. ORF2i protein) to viral factories.

Accurate determination of house dust mite sensitization in asthma and allergic rhinitis through cytometric detection of Der p 1 and Der p 2 binding on basophils (CytoBas).

BACKGROUND: House dust mite (HDM) is the most common allergen trigger globally for allergic rhinitis and atopic asthma. OBJECTIVES: To expedite accurate confirmation of allergen sensitization, we designed fluorescent allergen tetramers to directly stain specific IgE on basophils to detect specific allergen sensitization using the flow cytometric CytoBas assay. METHODS: Recombinant proteins of major HDM allergens (component), Der f 1, Der p 1, and Der p 2 were biotinylated and conjugated with fluorochrome streptavidins as tetramers. Blood samples from 64 patients who are HDM-allergic and 26 controls that are non-HDM-sensitized were incubated with allergen tetramers for evaluation of basophil binding (CytoBas) and activation (BAT) with flow cytometry. RESULTS: The tetramers effectively bound and activated basophils from patients who are allergic but not from controls who are nonsensitized. CytoBas with Der p 1 as a single allergen had comparable sensitivity and specificity (92% and 100%) to BAT (91% and 100%) in detecting allergen sensitization, as did CytoBas with Der p 2 (95% and 96%) to BAT (95% and 87%). A positive staining for Der p 1 and/or Der p 2 in CytoBas was 100% sensitive and 96% specific for HDM allergy. CONCLUSIONS: CytoBas has diagnostic accuracy for group 1 and group 2 HDM allergens that is comparable to BAT, but with additional advantages of multiple allergen components in a single tube and no requirement for in vitro basophil activation. These findings endorse a single, multiplex CytoBas assay for accurate and component-resolved diagnosis of aeroallergen sensitization in patients with allergic asthma and/or rhinitis.

Proteomic Profiling of Unannotated Microproteins in Human Placenta Reveals XRCC6P1 as a Potential Negative Regulator of Translation.

Ribosome profiling and mass spectrometry have revealed thousands of previously unannotated small and alternative open reading frames (sm/alt-ORFs) that are translated into micro/alt-proteins in mammalian cells. However, their prevalence across human tissues and biological roles remains largely undefined. The placenta is an ideal model for identifying unannotated microproteins and alt-proteins due to its considerable protein diversity that is required to sustain fetal development during pregnancy. Here, we profiled unannotated microproteins and alt-proteins in human placental tissues from preeclampsia patients or healthy individuals by proteomics, identified 52 unannotated microproteins or alt-proteins, and demonstrated that five microproteins can be translated from overexpression constructs in a heterologous cell line, although several are unstable. We further demonstrated that one microprotein, XRCC6P1, associates with translation initiation factor eIF3 and negatively regulates translation when exogenously overexpressed. Thus, we revealed a hidden sm/alt-ORF-encoded proteome in the human placenta, which may advance the mechanism studies for placenta development as well as placental disorders such as preeclampsia.

PIN1P1 is activated by CREB1 and promotes gastric cancer progression via interacting with YBX1 and upregulating PIN1.

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play critical roles in the carcinogenesis and progression of cancers. However, the role and mechanism of the pseudogene lncRNA PIN1P1 in gastric carcinoma remain unclear. The expression and effects of lncRNA PIN1P1 in gastric cancer were investigated. The transcriptional regulation of CREB1 on PIN1P1 was determined by ChIP and luciferase assays. The mechanistic model of PIN1P1 in gastric cancer was further explored by RNA pull-down, RIP and western blot analysis. PIN1P1 was overexpressed in gastric cancer tissues, and upregulated PIN1P1 predicted poor prognosis in patients. CREB1 was directly combined with the promoter region of PIN1P1 to promote the transcription of PIN1P1. CREB1-mediated enhanced proliferation, migration and invasion could be partially reversed by downregulation of PIN1P1. Overexpressed PIN1P1 promoted the proliferation, migration and invasion of gastric cancer cells, whereas decreased PIN1P1 showed the opposite effects. PIN1P1 directly interacted with YBX1 and promoted YBX1 protein expression, leading to upregulation of PIN1, in which E2F1 may be involved. Silencing of YBX1 during PIN1P1 overexpression could partially rescue PIN1 upregulation. PIN1, the parental gene of PIN1P1, was elevated in gastric cancer tissues, and its upregulation was correlated with poor patient outcomes. PIN1 facilitated gastric cancer cell proliferation, migration and invasion. To sum up, CREB1-activated PIN1P1 could promote gastric cancer progression through YBX1 and upregulating PIN1, suggesting that it is a potential target for gastric cancer.

The P1 protein of wheat yellow mosaic virus exerts RNA silencing suppression activity to facilitate virus infection in wheat plants.

Wheat yellow mosaic virus (WYMV) causes severe wheat viral disease in Asia. However, the viral suppressor of RNA silencing (VSR) encoded by WYMV has not been identified. Here, the P1 protein encoded by WYMV RNA2 was shown to suppress RNA silencing in Nicotiana benthamiana. Mutagenesis assays revealed that the alanine substitution mutant G175A of P1 abolished VSR activity and mutant Y10A VSR activity remained only in younger leaves. P1, but not G175A, interacted with gene silencing-related protein, N. benthamiana calmodulin-like protein (NbCaM), and calmodulin-binding transcription activator 3 (NbCAMTA3), and Y10A interacted with NbCAMTA3 only. Competitive Bimolecular fluorescence complementation and co-immunoprecipitation assays showed that the ability of P1 disturbing the interaction between NbCaM and NbCAMTA3 was stronger than Y10A, Y10A was stronger than G175A. In vitro transcript inoculation of infectious WYMV clones further demonstrated that VSR-defective mutants G175A and Y10A reduced WYMV infection in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), G175A had a more significant effect on virus accumulation in upper leaves of wheat than Y10A. Moreover, RNA silencing, temperature, and autophagy have significant effects on the accumulation of P1 in N. benthamiana. Taken together, WYMV P1 acts as VSR by interfering with calmodulin-associated antiviral RNAi defense to facilitate virus infection in wheat, which has provided clear insights into the function of P1 in the process of WYMV infection.

AlphaFold2-guided description of CoBaHMA, a novel family of bacterial domains within the heavy-metal-associated superfamily.

Three-dimensional (3D) structure information, now available at the proteome scale, may facilitate the detection of remote evolutionary relationships in protein superfamilies. Here, we illustrate this with the identification of a novel family of protein domains related to the ferredoxin-like superfold, by combining (i) transitive sequence similarity searches, (ii) clustering approaches, and (iii) the use of AlphaFold2 3D structure models. Domains of this family were initially identified in relation with the intracellular biomineralization of calcium carbonates by Cyanobacteria. They are part of the large heavy-metal-associated (HMA) superfamily, departing from the latter by specific sequence and structural features. In particular, most of them share conserved basic amino acids  (hence their name CoBaHMA for Conserved Basic residues HMA), forming a positively charged surface, which is likely to interact with anionic partners. CoBaHMA domains are found in diverse modular organizations in bacteria, existing in the form of monodomain proteins or as part of larger proteins, some of which are membrane proteins involved in transport or lipid metabolism. This suggests that the CoBaHMA domains may exert a regulatory function, involving interactions with anionic lipids. This hypothesis might have a particular resonance in the context of the compartmentalization observed for cyanobacterial intracellular calcium carbonates.

Hippocampal TMEM55B overexpression in the 5XFAD mouse model of Alzheimer's disease.

Dysfunction of the endosomal-lysosomal network is a notable feature of Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology. Dysfunctional endo-lysosomal vacuoles accumulate in dystrophic neurites surrounding amyloid ß (Aß) plaques and may be involved in the pathogenesis and progression of Aß aggregates. Trafficking and thus maturation of these dysfunctional vacuoles is disrupted in the vicinity of Aß plaques. Transmembrane protein 55B (TMEM55B), also known as phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 4-phosphatase 1 (PIP4P1) is an endo-lysosomal membrane protein that is necessary for appropriate trafficking of endo-lysosomes. The present study tested whether overexpression of TMEM55B in the hippocampus could prevent plaque-associated axonal accumulation of dysfunctional endo-lysosomes, reduce Aß plaque load, and prevent hippocampal-dependent learning and memory deficits in the 5XFAD mouse models of Aß plaque pathology. Immunohistochemical analyses revealed a modest but significant reduction in the accumulation of endo-lysosomes in dystrophic neurites surrounding Aß plaques, but there was no change in hippocampal-dependent memory or plaque load. Overall, these data indicate a potential role for TMEM55B in reducing endo-lysosomal dysfunction during AD-like Aß pathology.

Co-targeting SKP2 and KDM5B inhibits prostate cancer progression by abrogating AKT signaling with induction of senescence and apoptosis.

BACKGROUND: Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second-leading cause of cancer mortalities in the United States and is the most commonly diagnosed malignancy in men. While androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is the first-line treatment option to initial responses, most PCa patients invariably develop castration-resistant PCa (CRPC). Therefore, novel and effective treatment strategies are needed. The goal of this study was to evaluate the anticancer effects of the combination of two small molecule inhibitors, SZL-P1-41 (SKP2 inhibitor) and PBIT (KDM5B inhibitor), on PCa suppression and to delineate the underlying molecular mechanisms. METHODS: Human CRPC cell lines, C4-2B and PC3 cells, were treated with small molecular inhibitors alone or in combination, to assess effects on cell proliferation, migration, senescence, and apoptosis. RESULTS: SKP2 and KDM5B showed an inverse regulation at the translational level in PCa cells. Cells deficient in SKP2 showed an increase in KDM5B protein level, compared to that in cells expressing SKP2. By contrast, cells deficient in KDM5B showed an increase in SKP2 protein level, compared to that in cells with KDM5B intact. The stability of SKP2 protein was prolonged in KDM5B depleted cells as measured by cycloheximide chase assay. Cells deficient in KDM5B were more vulnerable to SKP2 inhibition, showing a twofold greater reduction in proliferation compared to cells with KDM5B intact (p < 0.05). More importantly, combined inhibition of KDM5B and SKP2 significantly decreased proliferation and migration of PCa cells as compared to untreated controls (p < 0.005). Mechanistically, combined inhibition of KDM5B and SKP2 in PCa cells abrogated AKT activation, resulting in an induction of both cellular senescence and apoptosis, which was measured via Western blot analysis and senescence-associated ß-galactosidase (SA-ß-Gal) staining. CONCLUSIONS: Combined inhibition of KDM5B and SKP2 was more effective at inhibiting proliferation and migration of CRPC cells, and this regimen would be an ideal therapeutic approach of controlling CRPC malignancy.

Choice overload interferes with early processing and necessitates late compensation: Evidence from electroencephalogram.

Having a multitude of choices can be advantageous, yet an abundance of options can be detrimental to the decision-making process. Based on existing research, the present study combined electroencephalogram and self-reported methodologies to investigate the neural mechanisms underlying the phenomenon of choice overload. Behavioural data suggested that an increase in the number of options led to negative evaluations and avoidance of choice tendencies, even in the absence of time pressure. Event-related potential results indicated that the large choice set interfered with the early visual process, as evidenced by the small P1 amplitude, and failed to attract more attentional resources in the early stage, as evidenced by the small amplitude of P2 and N2. However, the LPC amplitude was increased in the late stage, suggesting greater investment of attentional resources and higher emotional arousal. Multivariate pattern analysis revealed that the difference between small and large choice set began at around 120 ms, and the early and late stages were characterised by opposite activation patterns. This suggested that too many options interfered with early processing and necessitate continued processing at a later stage. In summary, both behavioural and event-related potential (ERP) results confirm the choice overload effect, and it was observed that individuals tend to subjectively exaggerate the choice overload effect.

Application of LAMP coupled with NALF for precise detection of mycoplasma pneumoniae.

Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP),as the most commonly infected respiratory pathogen in community-acquired pneumonia in preschool children,has becoming a prominent factor affecting children's respiratory health.Currently, there is a lack of easy, rapid, and accurate laboratory testing program for MP infection, which causes comparatively difficulty for clinical diagnostic.Here,we utilize loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) to amplify and characterize the P1 gene of MP, combined with nucleic acid lateral flow (NALF) for fast and visuallized detection of MP.Furthermore, we evaluated and analyzed the sensitivity, specificity and methodological consistency of the method.The results showed that the limit of detection(LoD) of MP-LAMP-NALF assay was down to 100 copys per reaction and there was no cross-reactivity with other pathogens infected the respiratory system. The concordance rate between MP-LAMP-NALF assay with quantitative real-time PCR was 94.3 %,which exhibiting excellent testing performance.We make superior the turnaround time of the MP-LAMP-NALF assay, which takes only about 50 min. In addition, there is no need for precision instruments and no restriction on the laboratory site.Collectively, LAMP-NALF assay targeting the P1 gene for Mycoplasma pneumoniae detection was a easy, precise and visual test which could be widely applied in outpatient and emergency departments or primary hospitals.When further optimized, it could be used as "point-of-care testing" of pathogens or multiple testing for pathogens.

A viral protein competitively bound to rice CIPK23 inhibits potassium absorption and facilitates virus systemic infection in rice.

Potassium (K+) plays a crucial role as a macronutrient in the growth and development of plants. Studies have definitely determined the vital roles of K+ in response to pathogen invasion. Our previous investigations revealed that rice plants infected with rice grassy stunt virus (RGSV) displayed a reduction in K+ content, but the mechanism by which RGSV infection subverts K+ uptake remains unknown. In this study, we found that overexpression of RGSV P1, a specific viral protein encoded by viral RNA1, results in enhanced sensitivity to low K+ stress and exhibits a significantly lower rate of K+ influx compared to wild-type rice plants. Further investigation revealed that RGSV P1 interacts with OsCIPK23, an upstream regulator of Shaker K+ channel OsAKT1. Moreover, we found that the P1 protein recruits the OsCIPK23 to the Cajal bodies (CBs). In vivo assays demonstrated that the P1 protein competitively binds to OsCIPK23 with both OsCBL1 and OsAKT1. In the nucleus, the P1 protein enhances the binding of OsCIPK23 to OsCoilin, a homologue of the signature protein of CBs in Arabidopsis, and facilitates their trafficking through these CB structures. Genetic analysis indicates that mutant in oscipk23 suppresses RGSV systemic infection. Conversely, osakt1 mutants exhibited increased sensitivity to RGSV infection. These findings suggest that RGSV P1 hinders the absorption of K+ in rice plants by recruiting the OsCIPK23 to the CB structures. This process potentially promotes virus systemic infection but comes at the expense of inhibiting OsAKT1 activity.

A Zinc Finger Motif in the P1 N Terminus, Highly Conserved in a Subset of Potyviruses, Is Associated with the Host Range and Fitness of Telosma Mosaic Virus.

P1 is the first protein translated from the genomes of most viruses in the family Potyviridae, and it contains a C-terminal serine-protease domain that cis-cleaves the junction between P1 and HCPro in most cases. Intriguingly, P1 is the most divergent among all mature viral factors, and its roles during viral infection are still far from understood. In this study, we found that telosma mosaic virus (TelMV, genus Potyvirus) in passion fruit, unlike TelMV isolates present in other hosts, has two stretches at the P1 N terminus, named N1 and N2, with N1 harboring a Zn finger motif. Further analysis revealed that at least 14 different potyviruses, mostly belonging to the bean common mosaic virus subgroup, encode a domain equivalent to N1. Using the newly developed TelMV infectious cDNA clones from passion fruit, we demonstrated that N1, but not N2, is crucial for viral infection in both Nicotiana benthamiana and passion fruit. The regulatory effects of N1 domain on P1 cis cleavage, as well as the accumulation and RNA silencing suppression (RSS) activity of its cognate HCPro, were comprehensively investigated. We found that N1 deletion decreases HCPro abundance at the posttranslational level, likely by impairing P1 cis cleavage, thus reducing HCPro-mediated RSS activity. Remarkably, disruption of the Zn finger motif in N1 did not impair P1 cis cleavage and HCPro accumulation but severely debilitated TelMV fitness. Therefore, our results suggest that the Zn finger motif in P1s plays a critical role in viral infection that is independent of P1 protease activity and self-release, as well as HCPro accumulation and silencing suppression. IMPORTANCE Viruses belonging to the family Potyviridae represent the largest group of plant-infecting RNA viruses, including a variety of agriculturally and economically important viral pathogens. Like all picorna-like viruses, potyvirids employ polyprotein processing as the gene expression strategy. P1, the first protein translated from most potyvirid genomes, is the most variable viral factor and has attracted great scientific interest. Here, we defined a Zn finger motif-encompassing domain (N1) at the N terminus of P1 among diverse potyviruses phylogenetically related to bean common mosaic virus. Using TelMV as a model virus, we demonstrated that the N1 domain is key for viral infection, as it is involved both in regulating the abundance of its cognate HCPro and in an as-yet-undefined key function unrelated to protease processing and RNA silencing suppression. These results advance our knowledge of the hypervariable potyvirid P1s and highlight the importance for infection of a previously unstudied Zn finger domain at the P1 N terminus.

3T 31P/1H calf muscle coil for 1H and 31P MRI/MRS integrated with NIRS data acquisition.

PURPOSE: Our aim was to design and build a 3T 31P/1H calf coil that is capable of providing both good 31P and 1H transmit and receive performance, as well as being capable of accommodating a near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) device for simultaneous NIRS data and MRI/MRS acquisition. METHOD: In this work, we propose a new 3T 31P/1H birdcage combination design consisting of two co-centrically positioned birdcages on the same surface to maximize transmit efficiency and sensitivity for both nuclei. The 31P birdcage is a high-pass birdcage, whereas the 1H birdcage is a low-pass one to minimize coupling. The diameter of the 31P/1H birdcage combination was designed to be large enough to accommodate a NIRS device for simultaneous NIRS data and MRI/MRS acquisition. RESULTS: The one-layer coil structure of the birdcage combination significantly streamlines the mechanical design and coil assembly process. Full-wave simulation results show that the 31P and 1H are very well decoupled with each other, and the 1H and 31P SNR surpasses that of their standalone counterparts in the central area. Experiment results show that the inclusion of a NIRS device does not significantly affect the performance of the coil, thus enabling simultaneous NIRS and MRI readouts during exercise. CONCLUSION: Our findings demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of this dual-tuned coil design for combined NIRS and MRS measurements, offering potential benefits for studying metabolic and functional changes in the skeletal muscle in vivo.

The phosphate starvation response regulator PHR2 antagonizes arbuscule maintenance in Medicago.

Phosphate starvation response (PHR) transcription factors play essential roles in regulating phosphate uptake in plants through binding to the P1BS cis-element in the promoter of phosphate starvation response genes. Recently, PHRs were also shown to positively regulate arbuscular mycorrhizal colonization in rice and lotus by controlling the expression of many symbiotic genes. However, their role in arbuscule development has remained unclear. In Medicago, we previously showed that arbuscule degradation is controlled by two SPX proteins that are highly expressed in arbuscule-containing cells. Since SPX proteins bind to PHRs and repress their activity in a phosphate-dependent manner, we investigated whether arbuscule maintenance is also regulated by PHR. Here, we show that PHR2 is a major regulator of the phosphate starvation response in Medicago. Knockout of phr2 showed reduced phosphate starvation response, symbiotic gene expression, and fungal colonization levels. However, the arbuscules that formed showed less degradation, suggesting a negative role for PHR2 in arbuscule maintenance. This was supported by the observation that overexpression of PHR2 led to enhanced degradation of arbuscules. Although many arbuscule-induced genes contain P1BS elements in their promoters, we found that the P1BS cis-elements in the promoter of the symbiotic phosphate transporter PT4 are not required for arbuscule-containing cell expression. Since both PHR2 and SPX1/3 negatively affect arbuscule maintenance, our results indicate that they control arbuscule maintenance partly via different mechanisms. While PHR2 potentiates symbiotic gene expression and colonization, its activity in arbuscule-containing cells needs to be tightly controlled to maintain a successful symbiosis in Medicago.

The primate-specific presence of interferon regulatory factor-5 pseudogene 1.

Interferon regulatory factor 5 (IRF5) is a key transcription factor in inflammatory and immune responses, with its dysregulation linked to autoimmune diseases. Using bioinformatic approaches, including Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST) for sequence similarity searches, BLAST-Like Alignment Tool (BLAT) for genome-wide alignments, and several phylogenetics software, such as Multiple Alignment using Fast Fourier Transform (MAFFT), for phylogenetic analyses, we characterized the structure, origin, and evolutionary history of the human IRF5 pseudogene 1 (IRF5P1). Our analyses reveal that IRF5P1 is a chimeric processed pseudogene containing sequences derived from multiple sources, including IRF5-like sequences from disparate organisms. We find that IRF5P1 is specific to higher primates, likely originating through an ancient retroviral integration event approximately 60 million years ago. Interestingly, IRF5P1 resides within the triple QxxK/R motif-containing (TRIQK) gene, and its antisense strand is predominantly expressed as part of the TRIQK pre-messenger RNA (mRNA). Analysis of publicly available RNA-seq data suggests potential expression of antisense IRF5P1 RNA. We hypothesize that this antisense RNA may regulate IRF5 expression through complementary binding to IRF5 mRNA, with human genetic variants potentially modulating this interaction. The conservation of IRF5P1 in the primate lineage suggests its positive effects on primate evolution and innate immunity. This study highlights the importance of investigating pseudogenes and their potential regulatory roles in shaping lineage-specific immune adaptations.

Influence of Menstrual Cycle and Oral Contraceptive Phases on Bone (re)modelling Markers in Response to Interval Running.

To explore how sex hormone fluctuations may affect bone metabolism, this study aimed to examine P1NP and ß-CTX-1 concentrations across the menstrual and oral contraceptive (OC) cycle phases in response to running. 17ß-oestradiol, progesterone, P1NP and ß-CTX-1 were analysed pre- and post-exercise in eight eumenorrheic females in the early-follicular, late-follicular, and mid-luteal phases, while 8 OC users were evaluated during the withdrawal and active pill-taking phases. The running protocol consisted of 8 × 3min treadmill runs at 85% of maximal aerobic speed. 17ß-oestradiol concentrations (pg·ml-1) were lower in early-follicular (47.22 ± 39.75) compared to late-follicular (304.95 ± 235.85;p = < 0.001) and mid-luteal phase (165.56 ± 80.6;p = 0.003) and higher in withdrawal (46.51 ± 44.09) compared to active pill-taking phase (10.88 ± 11.24;p < 0.001). Progesterone (ng·ml-1) was higher in mid-luteal (13.214 ± 4.926) compared to early-follicular (0.521 ± 0.365; p < 0.001) and late-follicular phase (1.677 ± 2.586;p < 0.001). In eumenorrheic females, P1NP concentrations (ng·ml-1) were higher in late-follicular (69.97 ± 17.84) compared to early-follicular (60.96 ± 16.64;p = 0.006;) and mid-luteal phase (59.122 ± 11.77;p = 0.002). ß-CTX-1 concentrations (ng·ml-1) were lower in mid-luteal (0.376 ± 0.098) compared to late-follicular (0.496 ± 0.166; p = 0.001) and early-follicular phase (0.452 ± 0.148; p = 0.039). OC users showed higher post-exercise P1NP concentrations in withdrawal phase (61.75 ± 8.32) compared to post-exercise in active pill-taking phase (45.45 ± 6;p < 0.001). Comparing hormonal profiles, post-exercise P1NP concentrations were higher in early-follicular (66.91 ± 16.26;p < 0.001), late-follicular (80.66 ± 16.35;p < 0.001) and mid-luteal phases (64.57 ± 9.68;p = 0.002) to active pill-taking phase. These findings underscore the importance of studying exercising females with different ovarian hormone profiles, as changes in sex hormone concentrations affect bone metabolism in response to running, showing a higher post-exercise P1NP concentrations in all menstrual cycle phases compared with active pill-taking phase of the OC cycle.