Author Report for: Sun ZNo contact information in database for Sun Z
Fan R, Fan Z, Sun Z, Chen Y, Gui F Ref: Insects, 14:, 2023 : PubMed ESTHER: Fan_2023_Insects_14_ PubMedSearch: Fan 2023 Insects 14 PubMedID: 37504650 Abstract Frankliniella occidentalis is a highly destructive and invasive agricultural pest that has developed resistance to a variety of insecticide classes. Different planting structures and insecticide use frequency can directly affect the resistance development of F. occidentalis. In this study, the susceptibility of three field strains of F. occidentalis, collected over one year (April to November) from three habitat conditions (facility agriculture area, FA; open field crop area, OF; agroforestry intersection area, AI), to spinetoram, spinosad, emamectin benzoate, chlorfenapyr, acetamiprid, and imidacloprid were monitored and compared. At the same time, the detoxification enzyme activity of F. occidentalis in different habitats was determined. The results showed that the susceptibility of the F. occidentalis population in FA was significantly lower than that of populations from OF and AI. Among them, the F. occidentalis population in FA had developed low levels of resistance to spinetoram (RR = 9.18-fold), emamectin benzoate (RR = 5.47-fold), chlorfenapyr (RR = 6.67-fold), and acetamiprid (RR = 7.49-fold), and had developed moderate level resistance to imidacloprid (RR = 11.67-fold), while still being relatively sensitive to spinosad. The population of F. occidentalis from OF had developed low level resistance to spinetoram (RR = 5.24-fold) but was still relatively sensitive to the other five insecticides. The resistance of F. occidentalis from AI to six insecticides was at relatively sensitive levels. The results of the enzyme activities of detoxification enzymes, including carboxylesterase (CarE), glutathione S-transferase (GST), acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and the cytochrome P450 enzyme system (CYP450), revealed that the activities of the FA population of F. occidentalis were significantly higher than those of the other two populations. The change of CarE activity in F. occidentalis was consistent with that of spinetoram resistance, indicating that CarE may be involved in the metabolic resistance of F. occidentalis to spinetoram. Among the three populations, the resistance and detoxification enzyme activities of F. occidentalis of the FA population to six insecticides were higher than those of the other two populations. Our findings, along with other strategies, are expected to help with the resistance management of F. occidentalis in different habitats. Title: OsLDDT1, encoding a transmembrane structural DUF726 family protein, is essential for tapetum degradation and pollen formation in rice Sun Z, Liu K, Chen C, Chen D, Peng Z, Zhou R, Liu L, He D, Duan W and Sun L <7 more author(s)> Sun Z, Liu K, Chen C, Chen D, Peng Z, Zhou R, Liu L, He D, Duan W, Chen H, Huang C, Ruan Z, Zhang Y, Cao L, Zhan X, Cheng S, Sun L (- 7) Ref: Plant Sci, :111596, 2023 : PubMed ESTHER: Sun_2023_Plant.Sci__111596 PubMedSearch: Sun 2023 Plant.Sci 111596 PubMedID: 36657664 Gene_locus related to this paper: orysj-q10ss2 Abstract Formation of the pollen wall, which is mainly composed of lipid substances secreted by tapetal cells, is important to ensure pollen development in rice. Although several regulatory factors related to lipid biosynthesis during pollen wall formation have been identified in rice, the molecular mechanisms controlling lipid biosynthesis are unclear. We isolated the male-sterile rice mutant oslddt1 (leaked and delayed degraded tapetum 1). oslddt1 plants show complete pollen abortion resulting from delayed degradation of the tapetum and blocked formation of Ubisch bodies and pollen walls. OsLDDT1 (LOC_Os03g02170) encodes a DUF726 containing protein of unknown functionwith highly conserved transmembrane and alpha/beta Hydrolase domains. OsLDDT1 localizes to the endoplasmic reticulum and the gene is highly expressed in rice panicles. Genes involved in regulating fatty acid synthesis and formation of sporopollenin and pollen exine during anther developmentshowed significantly different expression patterns in oslddt1 plants. Interestingly, the wax and cutin contents in mature oslddt1-1 anthers were decreased by 74.07% and 72.22% compared to WT, indicating that OsLDDT1 is involved in fatty acid synthesis and affects formation of the anther epidermis. Our results provide as deeper understanding of the role of OsLDDT1 in regulating male sterility and also provide materials for hybrid rice breeding. Title: Development of a fluorescent sensor based on TPE-Fc and GSH-AuNCs for the detection of organophosphorus pesticide residues in vegetables Wang X, Yu H, Li Q, Tian Y, Gao X, Zhang W, Sun Z, Mou Y, Sun X and Li F <1 more author(s)> Wang X, Yu H, Li Q, Tian Y, Gao X, Zhang W, Sun Z, Mou Y, Sun X, Guo Y, Li F (- 1) Ref: Food Chem, 431:137067, 2023 : PubMed ESTHER: Wang_2023_Food.Chem_431_137067 PubMedSearch: Wang 2023 Food.Chem 431 137067 PubMedID: 37579609 Abstract A novel dual-signal fluorescent sensor was developed for detecting organophosphorus pesticides (OPs). It relies on the catalytic activities of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and choline oxidase (ChOx) to generate hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) through the conversion of acetylcholine (ACh) to choline.H(2)O(2) then oxidizes ferrocene-modified tetraphenylethylene (TPE-Fc) to its oxidized state (TPE-Fc(+)), resulting in enhanced cyan fluorescence due to aggregation. Simultaneously, ferrocene oxidation generates hydroxyl radicals (OH), causing a decrease in orange fluorescence of glutathione-synthesized gold nanoclusters (GSH-AuNCs). The presence of OPs restricts AChE activity, reducing H(2)O(2) production. Increasing OPs concentration leads to decreased cyan fluorescence and increased orange fluorescence, enabling visual OPs detection. The sensor has a linear dynamic range of 10-2000 ng/mL with a detection limit of 2.05 ng/mL. Smartphone-based color identification and a WeChat mini program were utilized for rapid OPs analysis with successful outcomes. Title: TPB-DMTP@S-CDs/MnO(2) Fluorescence Composite on a Dual-Emission-Capture Sensor Module for Fingerprint Recognition of Organophosphorus Pesticides Yuan L, Tian X, Fan Y, Sun Z, Zheng K, Zou X, Zhang W Ref: Analytical Chemistry, :, 2023 : PubMed ESTHER: Yuan_2023_Anal.Chem__ PubMedSearch: Yuan 2023 Anal.Chem PubMedID: 36689633 Abstract Residues of organophosphorus pesticides (OPs) raise considerable concern, while identifying OPs from unknown sources is still a challenge to onsite fluorescence techniques. Herein, a dual-emission-capture sensor module, based on a TPB-DMTP@S-CDs/MnO(2) fluorescence composite, is developed for OP fingerprint recognition. TPB-DMTP@S-CDs/MnO(2), synthesized by a hydrothermal method and self-assembly, is spectrographically validated as a dual-wavelength fluorescence source. OP-sensitive catalysis (acetylcholinesterase on acetylthiocholine chloride) is designed to regulate fluorescence by decomposing quenchable MnO(2). A flexibly fabricated sensor module supports the optimal dual-wavelength fluorescence excitations and captures and converts fluorescence emissions into equivalent photocurrents for feasible access. The most prominent finding is that dual-fluorescence emissions alternatively respond to levels, species, and multi-pH pretreatments of OPs due to varied MnO(2) sizes and distributions. Therefore, OP fingerprint recognition is conducted by refining the multidimensional information from fluorescence-triggered photocurrents and preset hydrolyzation using principal component analysis and the rule of maximum covariance. The recommended method provides a wide dynamic range (1 x 10(-6) - 12 microg mL(-1)), a good limit of detection (7.9 x 10(-7) microg mL(-1)), 15-day stability, and good selectivity to guarantee fingerprint recognition. For laboratory and natural samples, this method credibly identifies a single kind of OPs from multiple species at trace levels (10(-5) microg mL(-1)) and performs well in two-component and multicomponent analyses. Title: The metabolic resistance of Nilaparvata lugens to chlorpyrifos is mainly driven by the carboxylesterase CarE17 Lu K, Li Y, Xiao T, Sun Z Ref: Ecotoxicology & Environmental Safety, 241:113738, 2022 : PubMed ESTHER: Lu_2022_Ecotoxicol.Environ.Saf_241_113738 PubMedSearch: Lu 2022 Ecotoxicol.Environ.Saf 241 113738 PubMedID: 35679727 Abstract The involvement of carboxylesterases (CarEs) in resistance to chlorpyrifos has been confirmed by the synergism analysis in Nilaparvata lugens. However, the function of specific CarE gene in chlorpyrifos resistance and the transcriptional regulatory mechanism are obscure. Herein, the expression patterns of 29 CarE genes in the susceptible and chlorpyrifos-resistant strains were analyzed. Among them, CarE3, CarE17 and CarE19 were overexpressed in the resistant strain, and knockdown of either CarE gene by RNA interference significantly increased the susceptibility to chlorpyrifos. Remarkably, knockdown of CarE17 reduced the enzymatic activity of CarE by 88.63 % and showed a much greater effect on increasing chlorpyrifos toxicity than silencing other two CarE genes. Overexpression of CarE17 in Drosophila melanogaster decreased the toxicity of chlorpyrifos to transgenic fruit flies. Furthermore, the region between - 205 to + 256 of CarE17 promoter sequence showed the highest promoter activity, and 16 transcription factors (TFs) were predicted from this region. Among these TFs, Lim1beta and C15 were overexpressed in the resistant strain. Knockdown of either TF resulted in reduced CarE17 expression and a decrease in resistance of N. lugens to chlorpyrifos. These results indicate that the constitutive overexpression of Lim1beta and C15 induces CarE17 expression thus conferring chlorpyrifos resistance in N. lugens. Title: Characterization of feruloyl esterases from Pecoramyces sp. F1 and the synergistic effect in biomass degradation Ma J, Ma Y, Li Y, Sun Z, Sun X, Padmakumar V, Cheng Y, Zhu W Ref: World J Microbiol Biotechnol, 39:17, 2022 : PubMed ESTHER: Ma_2022_World.J.Microbiol.Biotechnol_39_17 PubMedSearch: Ma 2022 World.J.Microbiol.Biotechnol 39 17 PubMedID: 36409385 Abstract Feruloyl esterase (FAE; EC 3.1.1.73)cleaves the ester bondbetween ferulic acid (FA) and sugar, to assist the release of FAs and degradation of plant cell walls. In this study, two FAEs (Fae13961 and Fae16537) from the anaerobic fungus Pecoramyces sp. F1 were heterologously expressed in Pichia pastoris (P. pastoris). Compared with Fae16537, Fae13961 had higher catalytic efficiency. The optimum temperature and pH of both the FAEs were 45 and 7.0, respectively. They showed good stability-Fae16537 retained up to 80% activity after incubation at 37 for 24h. The FAEs activity was enhanced by Ca(2+) and reduced by Zn(2+), Mn(2+), Fe(2+) and Fe(3+). Additionally, the effect of FAEs on the hydrolytic efficiency of xylanase and cellulase was also determined. The FAE Fae13961 had synergistic effect with xylanase and it promoted the degradation of xylan substrates by xylanase, but it did not affect the degradation of cellulose substrates by cellulase. When Fae13961 was added in a mixture of xylanase and cellulase to degrade complex agricultural biomass, it significantly enhanced the mixture's ability to disintegrate complex substrates. These FAEs could serve as superior auxiliary enzymes for other lignocellulosic enzymes in the process of degradation of agricultural residues for industrial applications. Title: Fibroblast activation protein alpha: Comprehensive detection methods for drug target and tumor marker Song P, Pan Q, Sun Z, Zou L, Yang L Ref: Chemico-Biological Interactions, :109830, 2022 : PubMed ESTHER: Song_2022_Chem.Biol.Interact__109830 PubMedSearch: Song 2022 Chem.Biol.Interact 109830 PubMedID: 35104486 Abstract Fibroblast activation protein alpha (FAP-alpha, EC3.4.2. B28), a type II transmembrane proteolytic enzyme for the serine protease peptidase family. It is underexpressed in normal tissues but increased significantly in disease states, especially in neoplasm, which is a potencial biomarker to turmor diagnosis. The inhibition of FAP-alpha activity will retard tumor formation, which is expected to be a promising tumor therapeutic target. At present, although the FAP-alpha expression detection methods has diversification, a superlative detection means is necessary for the clinical diagnosis. This review covers the discovery and the latest advances in FAP-alpha, as well as the future research prospects. The tissue distribution, structural characteristics, small-molecule ligands and structure-activity relationship of major inhibitors of FAP-alpha were summarized in this review. Furthermore, a variety of detection methods including traditional detection methods and emerging probes detection were classified and compared, and the design strategy and kinetic parameters of these FAP-alpha probe substrates were summarized. In addition, these comprehensive information provides a series of practical and reliable assays for the optimal design principles of FAP-alpha probes, promoting the application of FAP-alpha as a disease marker in diagnosis, and a drug target in drug design. Title: The Relationship between Intracarotid Plaque Neovascularization and Lp (a) and Lp-PLA2 in Elderly Patients with Carotid Plaque Stenosis Sun C, Xi N, Sun Z, Zhang X, Wang X, Cao H, Jia X Ref: Dis Markers, 2022:6154675, 2022 : PubMed ESTHER: Sun_2022_Dis.Markers_2022_6154675 PubMedSearch: Sun 2022 Dis.Markers 2022 6154675 PubMedID: 35493296 Abstract The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between carotid plaque neovascularization and lipoprotein (a) [Lp (a)], lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) in elderly patients with carotid plaque stenosis. One hundred elderly patients with carotid plaque stenosis diagnosed in our hospital from January 2020 to January 2022 were retrospectively analyzed and divided into stable (n = 62) and unstable (n = 38) groups according to whether the plaque was stable or not. Plasma Lp (a), Lp-PLA2, apoA, and apoB levels were measured; intraplaque angiogenesis (IPN) scores were examined by contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) to assess IPN grade in patients; and Pearson correlation was used to analyze the relationship between plasma Lp (a) and Lp-PLA2 levels and plaque characteristics and angiogenesis. The maximum thickness and total thickness of carotid plaque in the unstable group were significantly greater than those in the stable group (P < 0.05); the IPN grade was mainly grade III and IV in the unstable group and grade II in the stable group, and the IPN score was significantly higher in the unstable group than in the stable group (P < 0.05); there was no significant difference in the plasma apoA and apoB levels between the two groups (P > 0.05), and the plasma Lp (a) and Lp-PLA2 levels were significantly higher in the unstable group than in the stable group (P < 0.05); the neovascular grade, plasma Lp-PLA2, and Lp (a) levels were significantly increased (P < 0.05); the plasma Lp (a) and Lp-PLA2 levels were positively correlated with the maximum plaque thickness, total plaque thickness, degree of stenosis, and angiogenesis (P < 0.05). The plasma levels of Lp (a) and Lp-PLA2 are positively correlated with intraplaque angiogenesis, and their levels can reflect the stability of carotid plaques. Title: Toxicological effects of tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate in oyster Crassostrea gigas using proteomic and phosphoproteomic analyses Yin C, Sun Z, Ji C, Li F, Wu H Ref: J Hazard Mater, 434:128824, 2022 : PubMed ESTHER: Yin_2022_J.Hazard.Mater_434_128824 PubMedSearch: Yin 2022 J.Hazard.Mater 434 128824 PubMedID: 35427976 Abstract As a typical organophosphorus pollutant, tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TDCIPP) has been widely detected in aquatic environment. Previous studies showed that protein phosphorylation might be a vital way of TDCIPP to exert multiple toxic effects. However, there is a lack of high-throughput investigations on how TDCIPP affected protein phosphorylation. In this study, the toxicological effects of TDCIPP were explored by proteomic and phosphoproteomic analyses together with traditional means in oysters Crassostrea gigas treated with 0.5, 5 and 50 microg/L TDCIPP for 28 days. Integration of omic analyses revealed that TDCIPP dysregulated transcription, energy metabolism, and apoptosis and cell proliferation by either directly phosphorylating pivotal proteins or phosphorylating their upstream signaling pathways. The U-shaped response of acetylcholinesterase activities suggested the neurotoxicity of TDCIPP in a hormesis manner. What's more, the increase in caspase-9 activity as well as the expression or phosphorylation alterations in eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E, cell division control protein 42 and transforming growth factor-beta1-induced protein indicated the disruption of homeostasis between apoptosis and cell proliferation, which was consistent with the observation of shedding of digestive cells. Overall, combination of proteomic and phosphoproteomic analyses showed the capability of identifying molecular events, which provided new insights into the toxicological mechanisms of TDCIPP. Title: Secondary metabolites of endophytic fungi isolated from Huperzia serrata Cao D, Sun P, Bhowmick S, Wei Y, Guo B, Mur LAJ, Sun Z Ref: Fitoterapia, :104970, 2021 : PubMed ESTHER: Cao_2021_Fitoterapia__104970 PubMedSearch: Cao 2021 Fitoterapia 104970 PubMedID: 34419561 Abstract The natural product Huperzine A isolated from Huperzia serrata is a targeted inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase that has been approved for clinical use in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Given the large demand for natural sources of Huperzine A, efforts have been made to explore whether Huperzine A (Hup. A) is also produced by endophytic fungi from H. serrata and, if so, identify its biosynthetic pathway. These studies have indicated that endophytic fungi from H. serrata represent a huge and largely untapped resource for natural products (including Hup. A) with chemical structures that have been optimized by evolution for biological and ecological relevance. To date, more than three hundred endophytic fungi have been isolated from H. serrata, of which 9 strains can produce Hup. A, whilst more than 20 strains produce other important metabolites, such as polyketones, xanthones, alkaloids, steroids, triterpenoids, furanone derivatives, tremulane sesquitepenes and diterpenoids. In total, 200 secondary metabolites have been characterized in endophytic fungi from H. serrata to date. Functionally, some have cholinesterase-inhibitory or antibacterial activity. This review also considers the different classes of secondary metabolites produced by endophytic fungi, along with their possible applications. We systematically describe the taxonomy, biology, and chemistry of these secondary metabolites. It also summarizes the biosynthetic synthesis of metabolites, including that of Hup. A. The review will aid researchers in obtaining a clearer understanding of this plant-endophyte relationship to better exploit the excellent resources it offers that may be utilized by pharmaceutical industries. Title: Activation of the NR2E nuclear receptor HR83 leads to metabolic detoxification-mediated chlorpyrifos resistance in Nilaparvata lugens Lu K, Li Y, Cheng Y, Li W, Song Y, Zeng R, Sun Z Ref: Pestic Biochem Physiol, 173:104800, 2021 : PubMed ESTHER: Lu_2021_Pestic.Biochem.Physiol_173_104800 PubMedSearch: Lu 2021 Pestic.Biochem.Physiol 173 104800 PubMedID: 33771269 Abstract Increased production of detoxification enzymes appears to be the primary route for insecticide resistance in many crop pests. However, the mechanisms employed by resistant insects for overexpression of detoxification genes involved in insecticide resistance remain obscure. We report here that the NR2E nuclear receptor HR83 plays a critical role in chlorpyrifos resistance by regulating the expression of detoxification genes in the brown planthopper (BPH), Nilaparvata lugens. HR83 was highly expressed in the fat body and ovary of adult females in chlorpyrifos-resistant BPHs. Knockdown of HR83 by RNA interference showed no effect on female fecundity, whereas caused a decrease of resistance to chlorpyrifos. This treatment also led to a dramatic reduction in the expression of multiple detoxification genes, including four UDP-glycosyltransferases (UGTs), three cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (P450s) and four carboxylesterases (CarEs). Among these HR83-regulated genes, UGT-1-3, UGT-2B10, CYP6CW1, CYP4CE1, CarE and Esterase E4-1 were over-expressed both in the fat body and ovary of the resistant BPHs. Functional analyses revealed that UGT-2B10, CYP4CE1, CarE and Esterase E4-1 are essential for the resistance of BPH to chlorpyrifos. Generally, this study implicates HR83 in the metabolic detoxification-mediated chlorpyrifos resistance and suggests that the regulation of detoxification genes may be an ancestral function of the NR2E nuclear receptor subfamily. Title: Ultrasmall Au nanoparticles modified 2D metalloporphyrinic metal-organic framework nanosheets with high peroxidase-like activity for colorimetric detection of organophosphorus pesticides Yang H, Sun Z, Qin X, Wu H, Zhang H, Liu G Ref: Food Chem, 376:131906, 2021 : PubMed ESTHER: Yang_2021_Food.Chem_376_131906 PubMedSearch: Yang 2021 Food.Chem 376 131906 PubMedID: 34968912 Abstract Ultrasmall Au nanoparticles (UsAuNPs) in the size range of 4.0-7.0 nm was successfully immobilized on the surface of 2D metalloporphyrinic metal-organic framework nanosheets (2D MOF). Firstly, The obtained hybrid nanomaterial, UsAuNPs/2D MOF, was fully characterized by TEM, HRTEM, element mapping images and XPS. Then, the peroxidase-like activity of UsAuNPs/2D MOF was comparatively studied with other hybrid nanozyme to explore the influence of AuNPs size on peroxidase-like activity. Further, UsAuNPs/2D MOF with outstanding peroxidase-like activity was selected to form ternary cascade enzyme reaction with acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and choline oxidase (ChOx). Based on the inhibitory effect of organophosphorus pesticides on AChE, a fast and sensitive colorimetric method was established for trichlorfon detection with the advantages of simple operation, low detection limit (1.7 microM), good linear range (1.7-42.4 microM) and high accuracy (recovery rate of 96.6-105.3%). Finally, this method was applied to visual analysis of trichlorfon concentration in tomatoes, cucumbers and eggplants. Title: Acupuncture of the Beishu acupoint participates in regulatory effects of ginsenoside Rg1 on T cell subsets of rats with chronic fatigue syndrome He J, Yu Q, Wu C, Sun Z, Wu X, Liu R, Zhang H Ref: Ann Palliat Med, 9:3436, 2020 : PubMed ESTHER: He_2020_Ann.Palliat.Med_9_3436 PubMedSearch: He 2020 Ann.Palliat.Med 9 3436 PubMedID: 33065794 Abstract BACKGROUND: There are close relationships between the spleen and limb muscles and thoughts. The study aims to test the effects of ginsenoside Rg1 in combination with acupuncture of the Beishu acupoint on T cell subsets of rats with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). METHODS: The model was set up by combining forced cold-water swimming with chronic restraint. The rats were randomly divided into blank control, model, ginsenoside, acupuncture, and ginsenoside plus acupuncture groups (n=10). For the acupuncture group, the Beishu acupoint was acupunctured on the 2nd day after modeling. For the ginsenoside group, the ginsenoside Rg1 solution was injected into the tail vein on the 2nd day after modeling. For the combination group, both processes were conducted. These groups were compared regarding exhausted swimming time, number of struggles, resting time, serum levels of IgA, IgG, IgM, IFN-alpha, IFN-beta, and IFN-gamma, lymphocyte transformation rate, T cell subsets, and skeletal muscle activities of malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidative capacity (T-AOC) and acetylcholinesterase (Ache). RESULTS: The exhausted swimming time, number of struggles, and resting time of combination group surpassed those in the ginsenoside and acupuncture groups significantly (P<0.05). The serum levels of IgA, IgG, IgM, IFN-beta, IFN-gamma, T-AOC, and Ache, together with CD3+ and CD8+ T cell percentages of combination groups, were significantly higher than those of ginsenoside and acupuncture groups. However, the IFN-alpha level, MDA activity, and CD4+ T cell percentage were significantly lower (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the CD4+/CD8+ T cell ratios of acupuncture, ginsenoside, and combination groups decreased significantly (P<0.05). Compared with the combination group, the ratio of the ginsenoside group increased significantly (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Both acupuncture of the Beishu acupoint and intravenous injection of ginsenoside Rg1 have anti-fatigue effects, and their combination works synergistically. This study supplies an experimental basis for joint therapy using acupuncture and drugs to combat fatigue synergistically. Title: Functional Characterization of two Carboxylesterase Genes Involved in Pyrethroid Detoxification in Helicoverpa armigera Li Y, Bai L, Zhao C, Xu J, Sun Z, Dong Y, Li D, Liu XL, Ma ZQ Ref: Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 68:3390, 2020 : PubMed ESTHER: Li_2020_J.Agric.Food.Chem_68_3390 PubMedSearch: Li 2020 J.Agric.Food.Chem 68 3390 PubMedID: 32096985 Gene_locus related to this paper: helam-d5g3d5, helam-d9iv61 Abstract Insect carboxylesterases are major enzymes involved in metabolism of xenobiotics including insecticides. Two carboxylesterase genes, CarE001A and CarE001H, were cloned from the destructive agricultural pest Helicoverpa armigera. Quantitative Real-Time PCR showed that CarE001A and CarE001H were predominantly expressed in fat body and midgut, respectively; developmental expression analyses found that the expression levels of both CarEs were significantly higher in fifth- instar larvae than in other life stages. Recombinant CarE001A and CarE001H expressed in the Escherichia coli exhibited high enzymatic activity toward alpha-naphthyl acetate. Inhibition assays showed that organophosphates had strong inhibition on CarEs activity compared to pyrethroids. Metabolism assays indicated that CarE001A and CarE001H were able to metabolize beta-cypermethrin and lambda-cyhalothrin. Homology modeling and molecular docking analyses demonstrated that beta-cypermethrin could fit nicely into the active pocket of both carboxylesterases. These results suggested that CarE001A and CarE001H could play important roles in the detoxification of pyrehtroids in H. armigera. Title: Cancer-derived exosomal TRIM59 regulates macrophage NLRP3 inflammasome activation to promote lung cancer progression Liang M, Chen X, Wang L, Qin L, Wang H, Sun Z, Zhao W, Geng B Ref: J Exp Clin Cancer Research, 39:176, 2020 : PubMed ESTHER: Liang_2020_J.Exp.Clin.Cancer.Res_39_176 PubMedSearch: Liang 2020 J.Exp.Clin.Cancer.Res 39 176 PubMedID: 32867817 Gene_locus related to this paper: human-ABHD5 Abstract BACKGROUND: Exosomes are emerging as important mediators of the cross-talk between tumor cells and the microenvironment. The communication between tumor-derived exosomes and macrophages has a critical role in facilitating tumor progression. However, the mechanisms by which exosomes modulate tumor development in lung cancer are not fully understood. METHODS: Short hairpin RNA mediated knockdown or exogenous expression of TRIM59 combined with in vitro and in vivo assays were performed to prove the functional significance of TRIM59. Western blotting, real-time PCR, co-immunoprecipitation, immunofluorescence (IF) staining assays, proximity ligation assay (PLA), ubiquitination assays, lactate secretion and lipid droplets content measurement, and rescue experiments were used to evaluate the mechanism. Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) cells were injected via subcutaneously or tail vein into C57BL/6 wild-type (WT) and transgenic mice to assess the role of TRIM59 in vivo. RESULTS: We demonstrated that tripartite motif-containing 59 (TRIM59) was expressed in lung cancer cells-derived exosomes, and can be transferred to macrophages through the exosomes. Activated macrophages by TRIM59 promote lung cancer progression in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistic investigations revealed that TRIM59 physically interacts with abhydrolase domain containing 5 (ABHD5) and directly induced the ubiquitination of ABHD5 and led to its proteasome-dependent degradation. ABHD5, an lipolytic co-activator, deficiency induced metabolic reprogramming and enabled NLRP3 inflammasome activation in macrophages. Further studies showed that the exacerbation of NLRP3 inflammasome activation by ABHD5 deficiency, provides a positive feedback loop to promote cancer progression by preferentially secrete the proinflammatory cytokine IL-1beta. CONCLUSIONS: Collectively, these data indicate that tumor-derived exosomal TRIM59 converts macrophages to tumor-promoting functions of macrophages via regulating ABHD5 proteasomal degradation, to activate NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathway to promote lung cancer progression by IL-1beta secretion. Our findings also indicate that tumor-derived exosomal TRIM59 has an important role in intercellular communication for fostering an inflammatory microenvironment and promoting lung metastasis. Title: Gene signatures of SARS-CoV/SARS-CoV-2-infected ferret lungs in short- and long-term models Liu HL, Yeh IJ, Phan NN, Wu YH, Yen MC, Hung JH, Chiao CC, Chen CF, Sun Z and Lai MD <3 more author(s)> Liu HL, Yeh IJ, Phan NN, Wu YH, Yen MC, Hung JH, Chiao CC, Chen CF, Sun Z, Jiang JZ, Hsu HP, Wang CY, Lai MD (- 3) Ref: Infect Genet Evol, 85:104438, 2020 : PubMed ESTHER: Liu_2020_Infect.Genet.Evol_85_104438 PubMedSearch: Liu 2020 Infect.Genet.Evol 85 104438 PubMedID: 32615317 Abstract Coronaviruses (CoVs) consist of six strains, and the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV), newly found coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) has rapidly spread leading to a global outbreak. The ferret (Mustela putorius furo) serves as a useful animal model for studying SARS-CoV/SARS-CoV-2 infection and developing therapeutic strategies. A holistic approach for distinguishing differences in gene signatures during disease progression is lacking. The present study discovered gene expression profiles of short-term (3 days) and long-term (14 days) ferret models after SARS-CoV/SARS-CoV-2 infection using a bioinformatics approach. Through Gene Ontology (GO) and MetaCore analyses, we found that the development of stemness signaling was related to short-term SARS-CoV/SARS-CoV-2 infection. In contrast, pathways involving extracellular matrix and immune responses were associated with long-term SARS-CoV/SARS-CoV-2 infection. Some highly expressed genes in both short- and long-term models played a crucial role in the progression of SARS-CoV/SARS-CoV-2 infection, including DPP4, BMP2, NFIA, AXIN2, DAAM1, ZNF608, ME1, MGLL, LGR4, ABHD6, and ACADM. Meanwhile, we revealed that metabolic, glucocorticoid, and reactive oxygen species-associated networks were enriched in both short- and long-term infection models. The present study showed alterations in gene expressions from short-term to long-term SARS-CoV/SARS-CoV-2 infection. The current result provides an explanation of the pathophysiology for post-infectious sequelae and potential targets for treatment. Title: Tailoring Particle-Enzyme Nanoconjugates for Biocatalysis at the Organic-Organic Interface Sun Z, Cai M, Hubner R, Ansorge-Schumacher MB, Wu C Ref: ChemSusChem, 13:6523, 2020 : PubMed ESTHER: Sun_2020_ChemSusChem_13_6523 PubMedSearch: Sun 2020 ChemSusChem 13 6523 PubMedID: 33078882 Abstract Nonaqueous Pickering emulsions (PEs) are a powerful platform for catalysis design, offering both a large interface contact and a preferable environment for water-sensitive synthesis. However, up to now, little progress has been made to incorporate insoluble enzymes into the nonaqueous system for biotransformation. Herein, we present biocatalytically active nonaqueous PEs, stabilized by particle-enzyme nanoconjugates, for the fast transesterification and esterification, and eventually for biodiesel synthesis. Our nanoconjugates are the hybrid biocatalysts tailor-made by loading hydrophilic Candida antarctica lipase B onto hydrophobic silica nanoparticles, resulting in not only catalytically active but highly amphiphilic particles for stabilization of a methanol-decane emulsion. The enzyme activity in these PEs is significantly enhanced, ca. 375-fold higher than in the nonaqueous biphasic control. Moreover, the PEs can be multiply reused without significant loss of enzyme performance. With this proof-of-concept, this system can be expanded for many advanced syntheses using different enzymes in the future. Title: Neuroprotective Effect of Resveratrol via Activation of Sirt1 Signaling in a Rat Model of Combined Diabetes and Alzheimer's Disease Ma X, Sun Z, Han X, Li S, Jiang X, Chen S, Zhang J, Lu H Ref: Front Neurosci, 13:1400, 2019 : PubMed ESTHER: Ma_2019_Front.Neurosci_13_1400 PubMedSearch: Ma 2019 Front.Neurosci 13 1400 PubMedID: 32038127 Abstract Background: Alzheimer's disease (AD) and diabetes mellitus (DM) often coexist in patients because having one of these conditions increases risk for the other. These two diseases share several pathophysiological mechanisms, such as specific inflammatory signaling pathways, oxidative stress, and cell apoptosis. It is still unclear exactly which mechanisms associated with DM are responsible for increased AD risk. Studies have found that even transient elevation of brain Abeta levels can allow T2DM to slightly disrupt the neural milieu in a way that encourages pathologies associated with the onset of memory deficits and AD. A recent study argues that a potential common pathogenetic mechanism underlying both DM and AD is evidenced by the cooccurrence of amyloid brain legions and deposits containing both tau and Abeta in pancreatic beta cells. Given these links, an investigation detailing disease mechanisms as well as treatment options for patients with cooccurring DM and AD is urgently needed. The biological effects of resveratrol relevant to DM and AD treatment include its abilities to modulate oxidative stress and reduce inflammation. A rat model of DM and concomitant AD was created for this study using intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin and hippocampal injection of Abeta1-40 to characterize resveratrol's potential protective action. Results: Resveratrol significantly increased the Sirt1 expression, inhibited the memory impairment, the increased acetylcholinesterase, malondialdehyde, interleukin-1beta and interleukin 6 levels, and the decreased levels of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione in this rat model of diabetes and concomitant AD. The Sirt 1 inhibitor EX527 partially reversed the effects of resveratrol. Conclusion: This study suggests that resveratrol may have a neuroprotective action through activation of Sirt1 signaling in diabetes and AD with concurrent onset. Title: Plasma levels of soluble ST2, but not IL-33, correlate with the severity of alcoholic liver disease Sun Z, Chang B, Huang A, Hao S, Gao M, Sun Y, Shi M, Jin L, Zhang W and Zou Z <6 more author(s)> Sun Z, Chang B, Huang A, Hao S, Gao M, Sun Y, Shi M, Jin L, Zhang W, Zhao J, Teng G, Han L, Tian H, Liang Q, Zhang JY, Zou Z (- 6) Ref: J Cell Mol Med, 23:887, 2019 : PubMed ESTHER: Sun_2019_J.Cell.Mol.Med_23_887 PubMedSearch: Sun 2019 J.Cell.Mol.Med 23 887 PubMedID: 30478965 Abstract Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is a complication that is a burden on global health and economy. Interleukin-33 (IL-33) is a newly identified member of the IL-1 cytokine family and is released as an "alarmin" during inflammation. Soluble suppression of tumourigenicity 2 (sST2), an IL-33 decoy receptor, has been reported as a new biomarker for the severity of systemic and highly inflammatory diseases. Here, we found the levels of plasma sST2, increased with the disease severity from mild to severe ALD. Importantly, the plasma sST2 levels in ALD patients not only correlated with scores for prognostic models (Maddrey's discriminant function, model for end-stage liver disease and Child-Pugh scores) and indexes for liver function (total bilirubin, international normalized ratio, albumin, and cholinesterase) but also correlated with neutrophil-associated factors as well as some proinflammatory cytokines. In vitro, lipopolysaccharide-activated monocytes down-regulated transmembrane ST2 receptor but up-regulated sST2 mRNA and protein expression and produced higher levels of tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha). By contrast, monocytes pretreated with recombinant sST2 showed decreased TNF-alpha production. In addition, although plasma IL-33 levels were comparable between healthy controls and ALD patients, we found the IL-33 expression in liver tissues from ALD patients was down-regulated at both RNA and protein levels. Immunohistochemical staining further showed that the decreased of IL-33-positive cells were mainly located in liver lobule area. These results suggested that sST2, but not IL-33, is closely related to the severity of ALD. Consequently, sST2 could be used as a potential biomarker for predicting the prognosis of ALD. Title: Inhibitory Influence of Panax notoginseng Saponins on Aspirin Hydrolysis in Human Intestinal Caco-2 Cells Sun Z, Wu Y, Yang B, Zhu B, Hu S, Lu Y, Zhao B, Du S Ref: Molecules, 23:, 2018 : PubMed ESTHER: Sun_2018_Molecules_23_ PubMedSearch: Sun 2018 Molecules 23 PubMedID: 29463025 Abstract Herb-drug interactions are important safety concerns in clinical practice. The interactions occur firstly in the intestinal absorption for orally administered drugs. Aspirin and Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS)-based drugs are often combined in China to prevent larger-artery atherosclerosis. Here, we aimed to characterize the aspirin transport across Caco-2 cell monolayers, a model of the intestinal absorption, and further to evaluate the influence of PNS on aspirin hydrolysis and the relating mechanisms. Transcellular transport of aspirin and the influence of PNS were explored using Caco-2 cell monolayers. The protein expression of human carboxylesterase 1 (hCE1) and hCE2 in Caco-2 cells after PNS treatment was analyzed by ELISA, and the mRNA level were determined by qRT-PCR. In the study, Caco-2 cells showed high level of hydrolase activity, and most aspirin was hydrolyzed inside the cells during the transport process. Interestingly, PNS were demonstrated to inhibit the esterase activities responsible for aspirin hydrolysis in Caco-2 cells. PNS could also decrease the protein expression of hCE1 and hCE2, whereas exhibited minor effect on the mRNA expression. These results indicated that oral administration of PNS-based drugs might inhibit the hydrolysis of aspirin during intestinal absorption thus promoting its bioavailability. Title: Effects of Panax Notoginseng Saponins on Esterases Responsible for Aspirin Hydrolysis In Vitro Sun Z, Wu Y, Liu S, Hu S, Zhao B, Li P, Du S Ref: Int J Mol Sci, 19:, 2018 : PubMed ESTHER: Sun_2018_Int.J.Mol.Sci_19_ PubMedSearch: Sun 2018 Int.J.Mol.Sci 19 PubMedID: 30322078 Abstract Herb(-)drug interactions strongly challenge the clinical combined application of herbs and drugs. Herbal products consist of complex pharmacological-active ingredients and perturb the activity of drug-metabolizing enzymes. Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS)-based drugs are often combined with aspirin in vascular disease treatment in China. PNS was found to exhibit inhibitory effects on aspirin hydrolysis using Caco-2 cell monolayers. In the present study, a total of 22 components of PNS were separated and identified by UPLC-MS/MS. Using highly selective probe substrate analysis, PNS exerted robust inhibitory potency on human carboxylesterase 2 (hCE2), while had a minor influence on hCE1, butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) and paraoxonase (PON). These effects were also verified through molecular docking analysis. PNS showed a concentration-dependent inhibitory effect on hydrolytic activity of aspirin in HepaRG cells. The protein level of hCE2 in HepaRG cells was suppressed after PNS treatment, while the level of BChE or PON1 in the extracellular matrix were elevated after PNS treatment. Insignificant effect was observed on the mRNA expression of the esterases. These findings are important to understand the underlying efficacy and safety of co-administration of PNS and aspirin in clinical practice. Title: DWARF14 is a non-canonical hormone receptor for strigolactone Yao R, Ming Z, Yan L, Li S, Wang F, Ma S, Yu C, Yang M, Chen L and Xie D <15 more author(s)> Yao R, Ming Z, Yan L, Li S, Wang F, Ma S, Yu C, Yang M, Chen L, Li Y, Yan C, Miao D, Sun Z, Yan J, Sun Y, Wang L, Chu J, Fan S, He W, Deng H, Nan F, Li J, Rao Z, Lou Z, Xie D (- 15) Ref: Nature, 536:469, 2016 : PubMed ESTHER: Yao_2016_Nature_536_469 PubMedSearch: Yao 2016 Nature 536 469 PubMedID: 27479325 Gene_locus related to this paper: arath-AtD14 Abstract Classical hormone receptors reversibly and non-covalently bind active hormone molecules, which are generated by biosynthetic enzymes, to trigger signal transduction. The alpha/beta hydrolase DWARF14 (D14), which hydrolyses the plant branching hormone strigolactone and interacts with the F-box protein D3/MAX2, is probably involved in strigolactone detection. However, the active form of strigolactone has yet to be identified and it is unclear which protein directly binds the active form of strigolactone, and in which manner, to act as the genuine strigolactone receptor. Here we report the crystal structure of the strigolactone-induced AtD14-D3-ASK1 complex, reveal that Arabidopsis thaliana (At)D14 undergoes an open-to-closed state transition to trigger strigolactone signalling, and demonstrate that strigolactone is hydrolysed into a covalently linked intermediate molecule (CLIM) to initiate a conformational change of AtD14 to facilitate interaction with D3. Notably, analyses of a highly branched Arabidopsis mutant d14-5 show that the AtD14(G158E) mutant maintains enzyme activity to hydrolyse strigolactone, but fails to efficiently interact with D3/MAX2 and loses the ability to act as a receptor that triggers strigolactone signalling in planta. These findings uncover a mechanism underlying the allosteric activation of AtD14 by strigolactone hydrolysis into CLIM, and define AtD14 as a non-canonical hormone receptor with dual functions to generate and sense the active form of strigolactone. Title: Chronic Cerebral Hypoperfusion Accelerates Alzheimer's Disease Pathology with Cerebrovascular Remodeling in a Novel Mouse Model Zhai Y, Yamashita T, Nakano Y, Sun Z, Shang J, Feng T, Morihara R, Fukui Y, Ohta Y and Abe K <1 more author(s)> Zhai Y, Yamashita T, Nakano Y, Sun Z, Shang J, Feng T, Morihara R, Fukui Y, Ohta Y, Hishikawa N, Abe K (- 1) Ref: J Alzheimers Dis, 53:893, 2016 : PubMed ESTHER: Zhai_2016_J.Alzheimers.Dis_53_893 PubMedSearch: Zhai 2016 J.Alzheimers.Dis 53 893 PubMedID: 27314529 Abstract Recently, aging societies have been showing an increasingly strong relationship between Alzheimer's disease (AD) and chronic cerebral hypoperfusion (HP). In the present study, we created a new mouse model for AD with HP, and investigated its clinical and pathological characteristics. Alzheimer's disease transgenic mice (APP23) were subjected to bilateral common carotid arteries stenosis with ameroid constrictors for slowly progressive cerebral HP. In contrast to simple APP23 mice, cerebral HP exacerbated motor and cognitive dysfunctions with white matter lesions and meningo-parenchymal amyloid-beta (Abeta) burdens. Strong cerebrovascular inflammation and severe amyloid angiopathy with cerebrovascular remodeling were also observed in APP23 + HP mouse brains. An acetylcholinesterase inhibitor galantamine improved such clinical dysfunctions, retrieved above neuropathological characteristics, and enhanced nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR)-binding activity. The present study demonstrates that chronic cerebral HP enhanced cognitive/motor dysfunctions with parenchymal/cerebrovascular Abeta accumulation and cerebrovascular remodeling. These neuropathological abnormalities were greatly ameliorated by galantamine treatment associated with nAChR-mediated neuroprotection by allosterically potentiating ligand action. Title: Production of Structured Triacylglycerols Containing Palmitic Acids at sn-2 Position and Docosahexaenoic Acids at sn-1, 3 Positions Liu Y, Guo Y, Sun Z, Jie X, Li Z, Wang J, Wang Y, Xue C Ref: J Oleo Sci, 64:1227, 2015 : PubMed ESTHER: Liu_2015_J.Oleo.Sci_64_1227 PubMedSearch: Liu 2015 J.Oleo.Sci 64 1227 PubMedID: 26521813 Abstract Docosahexaenoic acid supplementation has been shown well-established health benefits that justify their use as functional ingredients in healthy foods and nutraceutical products. Structured triacylglycerols rich in 1,3-docosahexenoyl-2-palmitoyl-sn-glycerol were produced from algal oil (Schizochytrium sp) which was prepared by a two-step process. Novozym 435 lipase was used to produce tripalmitin. Tripalmitin was then used to produce the final structured triacylglycerol (STAG) through interesterification reactions using Lipozyme RM IM. The optimum conditions for the enzymatic reaction were a mole ratio of tripalmitin/fatty acid ethyl esters 1:9, 60 degC, 10% enzyme load (wt % of substrates), 10 h; the enzymatic product contained 51.6% palmitic acid (PA), 30.13% docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, C22:6 n-3) and 5.33% docosapentanoic acid (DPA, C22:5 n-3), 12.15% oleic acid (OLA). This STAG can be used as a functional ingredient in dietary supplementation to provide the benefits of DHA. Title: Identification of the genes regulated by Wnt-4, a critical signal for commitment of the ovary Naillat F, Yan W, Karjalainen R, Liakhovitskaia A, Samoylenko A, Xu Q, Sun Z, Shen B, Medvinsky A and Vainio SJ <1 more author(s)> Naillat F, Yan W, Karjalainen R, Liakhovitskaia A, Samoylenko A, Xu Q, Sun Z, Shen B, Medvinsky A, Quaggin S, Vainio SJ (- 1) Ref: Experimental Cell Research, 332:163, 2015 : PubMed ESTHER: Naillat_2015_Exp.Cell.Res_332_163 PubMedSearch: Naillat 2015 Exp.Cell.Res 332 163 PubMedID: 25645944 Abstract The indifferent mammalian embryonic gonad generates an ovary or testis, but the factors involved are still poorly known. The Wnt-4 signal represents one critical female determinant, since its absence leads to partial female-to-male sex reversal in mouse, but its signalling is as well implicated in the testis development. We used the Wnt-4 deficient mouse as a model to identify candidate gonadogenesis genes, and found that the Notum, Phlda2, Runx-1 and Msx1 genes are typical of the wild-type ovary and the Osr2, Dach2, Pitx2 and Tacr3 genes of the testis. Strikingly, the expression of these latter genes becomes reversed in the Wnt-4 knock-out ovary, suggesting a role in ovarian development. We identified the transcription factor Runx-1 as a Wnt-4 signalling target gene, since it is expressed in the ovary and is reduced upon Wnt-4 knock-out. Consistent with this, introduction of the Wnt-4 signal into early ovary cells ex vivo induces Runx-1 expression, while conversely Wnt-4 expression is down-regulated in the absence of Runx-1. We conclude that the Runx-1 gene can be a Wnt-4 signalling target, and that Runx-1 and Wnt-4 are mutually interdependent in their expression. The changes in gene expression due to the absence of Wnt-4 in gonads reflect the sexually dimorphic role of this signal and its complex gene network in mammalian gonad development. Title: Expanding the biotechnology potential of lactobacilli through comparative genomics of 213 strains and associated genera Sun Z, Harris HM, McCann A, Guo C, Argimon S, Zhang W, Yang X, Jeffery IB, Cooney JC and O'Toole PW <21 more author(s)> Sun Z, Harris HM, McCann A, Guo C, Argimon S, Zhang W, Yang X, Jeffery IB, Cooney JC, Kagawa TF, Liu W, Song Y, Salvetti E, Wrobel A, Rasinkangas P, Parkhill J, Rea MC, O'Sullivan O, Ritari J, Douillard FP, Paul Ross R, Yang R, Briner AE, Felis GE, de Vos WM, Barrangou R, Klaenhammer TR, Caufield PW, Cui Y, Zhang H, O'Toole PW (- 21) Ref: Nat Commun, 6:8322, 2015 : PubMed ESTHER: Sun_2015_Nat.Commun_6_8322 PubMedSearch: Sun 2015 Nat.Commun 6 8322 PubMedID: 26415554 Gene_locus related to this paper: 9laco-a0a0r1hz65, 9laco-a0a0r1j1t4, 9laco-a0a0r1j3p0, 9laco-a0a0r1k3i0, 9laco-a0a0r1k563, 9laco-a0a0r1kgb3, 9laco-a0a0r1kji2, 9laco-a0a0r1kwq5, 9laco-a0a0r1l700, 9laco-a0a0r1p6l8, 9laco-a0a0r1q939, 9laco-a0a0r1qv39, 9laco-a0a0r1wj75, laccl-a0a0r2bne3, 9laco-a0a0r2dnk9, 9laco-a0a0r2ds70, 9laco-a0a0r2k127, 9laco-a0a0r2lee7, 9laco-a0a0r2lqt2, 9laco-a0a0r2m354, 9laco-a0a0r2n9f2, 9laco-a0a0r2nrk2, lacze-a0a0r1ekw6, 9laco-a0a0r1ju11, 9laco-a0a0r1k516, 9laco-a0a0r1leq9, 9laco-a0a0r1lul8, 9laco-a0a0r1lzg4, 9laco-a0a0r1mhp8, 9laco-a0a0r1mjt1, 9laco-a0a0r1nv21, 9laco-a0a0r1q1p6, 9laco-a0a0r1qm41, 9laco-a0a0r1qs58, 9laco-a0a0r1rgu0, 9laco-a0a0r1tg12, 9laco-a0a0r1u777, 9laco-a0a0r1ufv3, 9laco-a0a0r1ul77, 9laco-a0a0r1vad0, 9laco-a0a0r1w3f4, 9laco-a0a0r1w9r8, 9laco-a0a0r1wpq2, 9laco-a0a0r1x2g3, 9laco-a0a0r2abe6, 9laco-a0a0r2b6w1, 9laco-a0a0r2b8g1, 9laco-a0a0r2ch10, 9laco-a0a0r2cld6, 9laco-a0a0r2cv38, 9laco-a0a0r2d3x3, 9laco-a0a0r2dct2, 9laco-a0a0r2flt3, 9laco-a0a0r2frk5, 9laco-a0a0r2guq4, 9firm-a0a0r2h5m0, weivi-a0a0r2h8r4, 9lact-a0a0r2hnx4, 9lact-a0a0r2jkt6, 9lact-a0a0r2jmz1, 9laco-a0a0r2jwg5, 9laco-a0a0r2jxu0, 9laco-a0a0r2jxw0, lacam-a0a0r2kgt3, 9laco-a0a0r2kx86, 9laco-a0a0r2mxi6, 9laco-a0a0r1vln2, 9laco-a0a0r2ca25, 9laco-a0a0r1zjs2, weipa-c5rbw8 Abstract Lactobacilli are a diverse group of species that occupy diverse nutrient-rich niches associated with humans, animals, plants and food. They are used widely in biotechnology and food preservation, and are being explored as therapeutics. Exploiting lactobacilli has been complicated by metabolic diversity, unclear species identity and uncertain relationships between them and other commercially important lactic acid bacteria. The capacity for biotransformations catalysed by lactobacilli is an untapped biotechnology resource. Here we report the genome sequences of 213 Lactobacillus strains and associated genera, and their encoded genetic catalogue for modifying carbohydrates and proteins. In addition, we describe broad and diverse presence of novel CRISPR-Cas immune systems in lactobacilli that may be exploited for genome editing. We rationalize the phylogenomic distribution of host interaction factors and bacteriocins that affect their natural and industrial environments, and mechanisms to withstand stress during technological processes. We present a robust phylogenomic framework of existing species and for classifying new species. Title: Molecular Interactions between (-)-Epigallocatechin Gallate Analogs and Pancreatic Lipase Wang S, Sun Z, Dong S, Liu Y Ref: PLoS ONE, 9:e111143, 2014 : PubMed ESTHER: Wang_2014_PLoS.One_9_e111143 PubMedSearch: Wang 2014 PLoS.One 9 e111143 PubMedID: 25365042 Inhibitor(s) related to this paper: Epigallocatechin-gallate Abstract The molecular interactions between pancreatic lipase (PL) and four tea polyphenols (EGCG analogs), like (-)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), (-)-gallocatechin gallate (GCG), (-)-epicatechin gallate (ECG), and (-)-epigallocatechin (EC), were studied from PL activity, conformation, kinetics and thermodynamics. It was observed that EGCG analogs inhibited PL activity, and their inhibitory rates decreased by the order of EGCG>GCG>ECG>EC. PL activity at first decreased rapidly and then slowly with the increase of EGCG analogs concentrations. alpha-Helix content of PL secondary structure decreased dependent on EGCG analogs concentration by the order of EGCG>GCG>ECG>EC. EGCG, ECG, and EC could quench PL fluorescence both dynamically and statically, while GCG only quenched statically. EGCG analogs would induce PL self-assembly into complexes and the hydrodynamic radii of the complexes possessed a close relationship with the inhibitory rates. Kinetics analysis showed that EGCG analogs non-competitively inhibited PL activity and did not bind to PL catalytic site. DSC measurement revealed that EGCG analogs decreased the transition midpoint temperature of PL enzyme, suggesting that these compounds reduced PL enzyme thermostability. In vitro renaturation through urea solution indicated that interactions between PL and EGCG analogs were weak and non-covalent. Title: Lactobacillus casei-01 Facilitates the Ameliorative Effects of Proanthocyanidins Extracted from Lotus Seedpod on Learning and Memory Impairment in Scopolamine-Induced Amnesia Mice Xiao J, Li S, Sui Y, Wu Q, Li X, Xie B, Zhang M, Sun Z Ref: PLoS ONE, 9:e112773, 2014 : PubMed ESTHER: Xiao_2014_PLoS.One_9_e112773 PubMedSearch: Xiao 2014 PLoS.One 9 e112773 PubMedID: 25396737 Abstract Learning and memory abilities are associated with alterations in gut function. The two-way proanthocyanidins-microbiota interaction in vivo enhances the physiological activities of proanthocyanidins and promotes the regulation of gut function. Proanthocyanidins extracted from lotus seedpod (LSPC) have shown the memory-enhancing ability. However, there has been no literature about whether Lactobacillus casei-01 (LC) enhances the ameliorative effects of LSPC on learning and memory abilities. In this study, learning and memory abilities of scopolamine-induced amnesia mice were evaluated by Y-maze test after 20-day administration of LC (109 cfu/kg body weight (BW)), LSPC (low dose was 60 mg/kg BW (L-LSPC) and high dose was 90 mg/kg BW (H-LSPC)), or LSPC and LC combinations (L-LSPC+LC and H-LSPC+LC). Alterations in antioxidant defense ability and oxidative damage of brain, serum and colon, and brain cholinergic system were investigated as the possible mechanisms. As a result, the error times of H-LSPC+LC group were reduced by 41.59% and 68.75% relative to those of H-LSPC and LC groups respectively. LSPC and LC combinations ameliorated scopolamine-induced memory impairment by improving total antioxidant capacity (TAOC) level, glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) activities of brain, serum and colon, suppressing malondialdehyde (MDA) level of brain, serum and colon, and inhibiting brain acetylcholinesterase (AchE), myeloperoxidase, total nitric oxide synthase and neural nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) activities, and nNOS mRNA level. Moreover, LC facilitated the ameliorative effects of H-LSPC on GSH-Px activity of colon, TAOC level, GSH-Px activity and ratio of T-SOD to MDA of brain and serum, and the inhibitory effects of H-LSPC on serum MDA level, brain nNOS mRNA level and AchE activity. These results indicated that LC promoted the memory-enhancing effect of LSPC in scopolamine-induced amnesia mice. Title: Lab-on-a-drop: biocompatible fluorescent nanoprobes of gold nanoclusters for label-free evaluation of phosphorylation-induced inhibition of acetylcholinesterase activity towards the ultrasensitive detection of pesticide residues Zhang N, Si Y, Sun Z, Li S, Lin Y, Wang H Ref: Analyst, 139:4620, 2014 : PubMed ESTHER: Zhang_2014_Analyst_139_4620 PubMedSearch: Zhang 2014 Analyst 139 4620 PubMedID: 25050413 Abstract A simple, sensitive, selective, and "lab-on-a-drop"-based fluorimetric protocol has been proposed using biocompatible fluorescent nanoprobes of gold nanoclusters (AuNCs) for the label-free evaluation of the catalytic activity and phosphorylation of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) under physiologically simulated environments. Protein-stabilized AuNCs were prepared and mixed with acetylthiocholine (ATC) serving as "a drop" of fluorimetric reaction substrate. The AChE-catalyzed hydrolysis of ATC releases thiocholine to cause the aggregation of the AuNCs towards a dramatic decrease in fluorescence intensities, which could be curbed by the phosphorylation-induced inhibition of AChE activity when exposed to organophosphorus compounds (OPs). The reaction procedures and conditions of AChE catalysis and phosphorylation were monitored by fluorimetric measurements and electron microscopy imaging. Moreover, a selective and ultrasensitive fluorimetric assay has been tailored for the detection of pesticide residues using dimethyl-dichloro-vinyl phosphate (DDVP) as an example. Investigation results indicate that the specific catalysis and irreversible OP-induced phosphorylation of AChE, in combination with sensitive fluorimetric outputs could facilitate the detection of total free OPs with high selectivity and sensitivity. A linear concentration of DDVP ranging from 0.032 nM to 20 nM could be obtained with a detection limit of 13.67 pM. Particularly, pesticide residues of DDVP in vegetable samples were quantified down to approximately 36 pM. Such a label-free "lab-on-a drop"-based fluorimetry may promise wide applications for the evaluation of the physiological catalytic activity of various enzymes (i.e., cholinesterase), and especially for monitoring the direct phosphorylation biomarkers of free OPs towards rapid and early warning, and accurate diagnosis of OP exposure. Title: The evolution and pathogenic mechanisms of the rice sheath blight pathogen Zheng A, Lin R, Zhang D, Qin P, Xu L, Ai P, Ding L, Wang Y, Chen Y and Li P <15 more author(s)> Zheng A, Lin R, Zhang D, Qin P, Xu L, Ai P, Ding L, Wang Y, Chen Y, Liu Y, Sun Z, Feng H, Liang X, Fu R, Tang C, Li Q, Zhang J, Xie Z, Deng Q, Li S, Wang S, Zhu J, Wang L, Liu H, Li P (- 15) Ref: Nat Commun, 4:1424, 2013 : PubMed ESTHER: Zheng_2013_Nat.Commun_4_1424 PubMedSearch: Zheng 2013 Nat.Commun 4 1424 PubMedID: 23361014 Gene_locus related to this paper: thaca-l8wv47, thaca-l8wp17, thaca-l8x532 Abstract Rhizoctonia solani is a major fungal pathogen of rice (Oryza sativa L.) that causes great yield losses in all rice-growing regions of the world. Here we report the draft genome sequence of the rice sheath blight disease pathogen, R. solani AG1 IA, assembled using next-generation Illumina Genome Analyser sequencing technologies. The genome encodes a large and diverse set of secreted proteins, enzymes of primary and secondary metabolism, carbohydrate-active enzymes, and transporters, which probably reflect an exclusive necrotrophic lifestyle. We find few repetitive elements, a closer relationship to Agaricomycotina among Basidiomycetes, and expand protein domains and families. Among the 25 candidate pathogen effectors identified according to their functionality and evolution, we validate 3 that trigger crop defence responses; hence we reveal the exclusive expression patterns of the pathogenic determinants during host infection. Title: Biosynthesis and properties of medium-chain-length polyhydroxyalkanoates with enriched content of the dominant monomer Jiang X, Sun Z, Marchessault RH, Ramsay JA, Ramsay BA Ref: Biomacromolecules, 13:2926, 2012 : PubMed ESTHER: Jiang_2012_Biomacromolecules_13_2926 PubMedSearch: Jiang 2012 Biomacromolecules 13 2926 PubMedID: 22871146 Abstract When grown in a nonanoic acid-limited chemostat at a dilution rate of 0.25 h(-1), Pseudomonas putida KT2440 produced poly(3-hydroxynonanoate-co-3-hydroxyheptanoate) containing 68 mol % 3-hydroxynonanoate (C9) and 32 mol % 3-hydroxyheptanoate (C7). Under the same conditions, but in the presence of acrylic acid, a fatty acid beta-oxidation inhibitor, the C9 monomer content increased to 88 mol %. Cofeeding glucose (3.9 g L(-1)) and nonanoic acid (2.9 +/- 0.1 g L(-1)) in continuous culture with 0.2 g L(-1) of acrylic acid in the feed, further increased the C9 content to 95 mol %. A yield of PHA from nonanoic acid of 0.93 mol mol(-1) was attained. PHA with a 3-hydroxyoctanoate (C8) content of 98 mol % was produced with the same cofeeding methodology from octanoic acid. As the dominant monomer content increased, the melting point of the poly(3-hydroxynonanoate) copolymers increased from 46 to 63 degreesC and that of the poly(3-hydroxyoctanoate) copolymers from 54 to 62 degreesC. All copolymer compositions resulted in elongation to break values of about 1300%, but tensile strength at break and Young's modulus both increased with increasing amounts of the dominant monomer. Title: Genome sequences of wild and domestic bactrian camels Jirimutu, Wang Z, Ding G, Chen G, Sun Y, Sun Z, Zhang H, Wang L, Hasi S and Meng H <57 more author(s)> Jirimutu, Wang Z, Ding G, Chen G, Sun Y, Sun Z, Zhang H, Wang L, Hasi S, Zhang Y, Li J, Shi Y, Xu Z, He C, Yu S, Li S, Zhang W, Batmunkh M, Ts B, Narenbatu, Unierhu, Bat-Ireedui S, Gao H, Baysgalan B, Li Q, Jia Z, Turigenbayila, Subudenggerile, Narenmanduhu, Wang J, Pan L, Chen Y, Ganerdene Y, Dabxilt, Erdemt, Altansha, Altansukh, Liu T, Cao M, Aruuntsever, Bayart, Hosblig, He F, Zha-ti A, Zheng G, Qiu F, Zhao L, Zhao W, Liu B, Li C, Tang X, Guo C, Liu W, Ming L, Temuulen, Cui A, Li Y, Gao J, Wurentaodi, Niu S, Sun T, Zhai Z, Zhang M, Chen C, Baldan T, Bayaer T, Meng H (- 57) Ref: Nat Commun, 3:1202, 2012 : PubMed ESTHER: Jirimutu_2012_Nat.Commun_3_1202 PubMedSearch: Jirimutu 2012 Nat.Commun 3 1202 PubMedID: 23149746 Gene_locus related to this paper: 9ceta-s9yik4, 9ceta-s9yb99, 9ceta-s9x0n3, 9ceta-s9xqa3, 9ceta-s9xi02, camfr-s9wiw9, camfr-s9x3r3, camfr-s9xce1, camfr-s9xcr2, camfr-s9yuz0, camfr-s9xlc8, camfr-s9w5f6, camfr-s9xmm4 Abstract Bactrian camels serve as an important means of transportation in the cold desert regions of China and Mongolia. Here we present a 2.01 Gb draft genome sequence from both a wild and a domestic bactrian camel. We estimate the camel genome to be 2.38 Gb, containing 20,821 protein-coding genes. Our phylogenomics analysis reveals that camels shared common ancestors with other even-toed ungulates about 55-60 million years ago. Rapidly evolving genes in the camel lineage are significantly enriched in metabolic pathways, and these changes may underlie the insulin resistance typically observed in these animals. We estimate the genome-wide heterozygosity rates in both wild and domestic camels to be 1.0 x 10(-3). However, genomic regions with significantly lower heterozygosity are found in the domestic camel, and olfactory receptors are enriched in these regions. Our comparative genomics analyses may also shed light on the genetic basis of the camel's remarkable salt tolerance and unusual immune system. Title: Highly efficient biosynthesis of sucrose-6-acetate with cross-linked aggregates of Lipozyme TL 100 L Yang X, Zheng P, Ni Y, Sun Z Ref: J Biotechnol, 161:27, 2012 : PubMed ESTHER: Yang_2012_J.Biotechnol_161_27 PubMedSearch: Yang 2012 J.Biotechnol 161 27 PubMedID: 22728393 Abstract As a short chain monoester, sucrose-6-acetate (S-6-a) is a key intermediate in the preparation of an eminent sweetener (sucralose). To replace the traditional multi-step chemical route for sucralose biosynthesis, enzymatic synthesis of S-6-a was investigated, using cross-linked enzyme aggregates (CLEAs) of Lipozyme TL 100 L. The optimal CLEA preparation conditions was obtained as follows: using 33.3% (v/v) PEG600 co-precipitated with additive of D-sorbierite, then cross-linking with 1.5% (v/v) glutaraldehyde at 0 degreeC for 4 h. As a result, the immobilized Lipozyme had high specific bioactivity (34.64 U/g) of transesterification in non-aqueous media. With these immobilized enzymes, the optimum transesterification conditions were investigated systematically, including CLEA loading, the mole ratio of vinyl acetate versus sucrose, temperature and reaction time, etc. The results showed that the highest concentration and yield of S-6-a was 49.8 g/L and 87.46%, respectively. Further experiments showed that the resulting CLEAs also had much higher operational stability than the commercial Lipozyme TLIM. The present work has paved a new path for the large-scale bioproduction of S-6-a with immobilized lipase in the future. Title: Complete genome sequence of Streptococcus thermophilus strain ND03 Sun Z, Chen X, Wang J, Zhao W, Shao Y, Wu L, Zhou Z, Sun T, Wang L and Chen W <2 more author(s)> Sun Z, Chen X, Wang J, Zhao W, Shao Y, Wu L, Zhou Z, Sun T, Wang L, Meng H, Zhang H, Chen W (- 2) Ref: Journal of Bacteriology, 193:793, 2011 : PubMed ESTHER: Sun_2011_J.Bacteriol_193_793 PubMedSearch: Sun 2011 J.Bacteriol 193 793 PubMedID: 21131489 Gene_locus related to this paper: strt1-q5lz16, strtr-pepx Abstract Streptococcus thermophilus strain ND03 is a Chinese commercial dairy starter used for the manufacture of yogurt. It was isolated from naturally fermented yak milk in Qinghai, China. We present here the complete genome sequence of ND03 and compare it to three other published genomes of Streptococcus thermophilus strains. Title: Complete genome sequence of Lactobacillus helveticus H10 Zhao W, Chen Y, Sun Z, Wang J, Zhou Z, Sun T, Wang L, Chen W, Zhang H Ref: Journal of Bacteriology, 193:2666, 2011 : PubMed ESTHER: Zhao_2011_J.Bacteriol_193_2666 PubMedSearch: Zhao 2011 J.Bacteriol 193 2666 PubMedID: 21398542 Gene_locus related to this paper: lach4-a8yw60, lache-pepx, lache-pip, lache-prolinase Abstract Lactobacillus helveticus strain H10 was isolated from traditional fermented milk in Tibet, China. We sequenced the whole genome of strain H10 and compared it to the published genome sequence of Lactobacillus helveticus DPC4571. Title: Reverse genetic identification of CRN1 and its distinctive role in chlorophyll degradation in Arabidopsis Ren G, Zhou Q, Wu S, Zhang Y, Zhang L, Huang J, Sun Z, Kuai B Ref: J Integr Plant Biol, 52:496, 2010 : PubMed ESTHER: Ren_2010_J.Integr.Plant.Biol_52_496 PubMedSearch: Ren 2010 J.Integr.Plant.Biol 52 496 PubMedID: 20537045 Gene_locus related to this paper: arath-Q9FFZ1 Abstract Recent identification of NYE1/SGR1 brought up a new era for the exploration of the regulatory mechanism of Chlorophyll (Chl) degradation. Cluster analysis of senescence associated genes with putative chloroplast targeting sequences revealed several genes sharing a similar expression pattern with NYE1. Further characterization of available T-DNA insertion lines led to the discovery of a novel stay-green gene CRN1 (Co-regulated with NYE1). Chl breakdown was significantly restrained in crn1-1 under diversified senescence scenarios, which is comparable with that in acd1-20, but much more severe than that in nye1-1. Notably, various Chl binding proteins, especially trimeric LHCP II, were markedly retained in crn1-1 four days after dark-treatment, possibly due to a lesion in disassociation of protein-pigment complex. Nevertheless, the photochemical efficiency of PSII in crn1-1 declined, even more rapidly, two days after dark-treatment, compared to those in Col-0 and nye1-1. Our results suggest that CRN1 plays a crucial role in Chl degradation, and that loss of its function produces various side-effects, including those on the breakdown of Ch-protein complex and the maintenance of the residual photosynthetic capability during leaf senescence. Title: Complete genome sequence of probiotic Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis strain V9 Sun Z, Chen X, Wang J, Gao P, Zhou Z, Ren Y, Sun T, Wang L, Meng H and Zhang H <1 more author(s)> Sun Z, Chen X, Wang J, Gao P, Zhou Z, Ren Y, Sun T, Wang L, Meng H, Chen W, Zhang H (- 1) Ref: Journal of Bacteriology, 192:4080, 2010 : PubMed ESTHER: Sun_2010_J.Bacteriol_192_4080 PubMedSearch: Sun 2010 J.Bacteriol 192 4080 PubMedID: 20511504 Gene_locus related to this paper: bifan-b2ea73, bifan-b2eam2, bifan-b2eck9, biflb-c6a5u1, bifa0-b8dw94, bifan-b2e8c8 Abstract Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis strain V9 is a Chinese commercial bifidobacteria with several probiotic functions. It was isolated from a healthy Mongolian child in China. We present here the complete genome sequence of V9 and compare it to 3 other published genome sequences of B. animalis subsp. lactis strains. The result indicates the lack of polymorphism among strains of this subspecies from different continents. Title: Complete genome sequence of Lactobacillus casei Zhang, a new probiotic strain isolated from traditional homemade koumiss in Inner Mongolia, China Zhang W, Yu D, Sun Z, Wu R, Chen X, Chen W, Meng H, Hu S, Zhang H Ref: Journal of Bacteriology, 192:5268, 2010 : PubMed ESTHER: Zhang_2010_J.Bacteriol_192_5268 PubMedSearch: Zhang 2010 J.Bacteriol 192 5268 PubMedID: 20675486 Gene_locus related to this paper: lacc3-q03b36, lacc3-q035l1, laccb-b3wcx2, lacrh-pepr, lacca-b5qt93, lacca-k0n1x0, lacpa-s2ter8, lacpa-s2rz88 Abstract Lactobacillus casei Zhang is a new probiotic bacterium isolated from koumiss collected in Inner Mongolia, China. Here, we report the main genome features of L. casei Zhang and the identification of several predicted proteins implicated in interactions with the host. Title: Identification and characterization of HTD2: a novel gene negatively regulating tiller bud outgrowth in rice Liu W, Wu C, Fu Y, Hu G, Si H, Zhu L, Luan W, He Z, Sun Z Ref: Planta, 230:649, 2009 : PubMed ESTHER: Liu_2009_Planta_230_649 PubMedSearch: Liu 2009 Planta 230 649 PubMedID: 19579033 Gene_locus related to this paper: orysj-Q10QA5 Abstract Tiller number is highly regulated by controlling the formation of tiller bud and its subsequent outgrowth in response to endogenous and environmental signals. Here, we identified a rice mutant htd2 from one of the 15,000 transgenic rice lines, which is characterized by a high tillering and dwarf phenotype. Phenotypic analysis of the mutant showed that the mutation did not affect formation of tiller bud, but promoted the subsequent outgrowth of tiller bud. To isolate the htd2 gene, a map-based cloning strategy was employed and 17 new insertions-deletions (InDels) markers were developed. A high-resolution physical map of the chromosomal region around the htd2 gene was made using the F(2) and F(3) population. Finally, the gene was mapped in 12.8 kb region between marker HT41 and marker HT52 within the BAC clone OSJNBa0009J13. Cloning and sequencing of the target region from the mutant showed that the T-DNA insertion caused a 463 bp deletion between the promoter and first exon of an esterase/lipase/thioesterase family gene in the 12.8 kb region. Furthermore, transgenic rice with reduced expression level of the gene exhibited an enhanced tillering and dwarf phenotype. Accordingly, the esterase/lipase/thioesterase family gene (TIGR locus Os03g10620) was identified as the HTD2 gene. HTD2 transcripts were expressed mainly in leaf. Loss of function of HTD2 resulted in a significantly increased expression of HTD1, D10 and D3, which were involved in the strigolactone biosynthetic pathway. The results suggest that the HTD2 gene could negatively regulate tiller bud outgrowth by the strigolactone pathway. Title: Procyanidins extracted from the lotus seedpod ameliorate scopolamine-induced memory impairment in mice Xu J, Rong S, Xie B, Sun Z, Zhang L, Wu H, Yao P, Zhang Y, Liu L Ref: Phytother Res, 23:1742, 2009 : PubMed ESTHER: Xu_2009_Phytother.Res_23_1742 PubMedSearch: Xu 2009 Phytother.Res 23 1742 PubMedID: 19367674 Abstract The major purpose of this study was to determine the effect of procyanidins extracted from the lotus seedpod (LSPC) on the learning and memory impairments induced by scopolamine (1 mg/kg, i.p.) in mice. The capacities of memory and learning were evaluated by the Morris water maze and the step-down avoidance test. LSPC (50, 100, 150 mg/kg BW, p.o.) significantly reversed scopolamine-induced learning and memory impairments in the Morris water maze test, as evaluated by shortened escape latency and swimming distance. In the step-down avoidance test, LSPC (50, 100, 150 mg/kg BW, p.o.) treatment significantly reduced the number of errors and shortened latency compared with that of scopolamine. In addition, LSPC was also found to inhibit acetyl cholinesterase (AChE) activity. These results of this study suggest that LSPC may play a useful role in the treatment of cognitive impairment caused by AD and aging. Title: Rejuvenation of antioxidant and cholinergic systems contributes to the effect of procyanidins extracted from the lotus seedpod ameliorating memory impairment in cognitively impaired aged rats Xu J, Rong S, Xie B, Sun Z, Zhang L, Wu H, Yao P, Zhang X, Zhang Y, Liu L Ref: European Neuropsychopharmacology, 19:851, 2009 : PubMed ESTHER: Xu_2009_Eur.Neuropsychopharmacol_19_851 PubMedSearch: Xu 2009 Eur.Neuropsychopharmacol 19 851 PubMedID: 19716273 Abstract The major purpose of this study was to determine the effect of procyanidins extracted from the lotus seedpod (LSPC) on the learning and memory impairments in cognitively impaired aged rats. Based on Morris water maze performance compared with young female rats, aged unimpaired (AU) and aged impaired (AI) rats were chosen from aged female rats. LSPC supplementation (50, 100 mg/kg BW, p.o.) for 7 weeks significantly improved learning and memory impairments in AI animals in the Morris water maze test, as evaluated by shortened escape latency and swimming distance. Aged rats had significantly declined antioxidant defense capacities and significantly increased lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation levels in hippocampus and cerebral cortex than young rats. Further, AI group had higher protein oxidation level compared with AU group. LSPC (50, 100 mg/kg BW, p.o.) significantly reversed the decline of antioxidant defense capacities and significantly reduced lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation levels in hippocampus and cerebral cortex of AI rats. In addition, LSPC significantly restored acetylcholine (ACh) contents and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activities in hippocampus and cerebral cortex of AI animals. The results of this study suggest that LSPC may play a useful role in the treatment of cognitive impairment caused by Alzheimer's disease and aging. Title: Potent non-nitrile dipeptidic dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibitors Simpkins LM, Bolton S, Pi Z, Sutton JC, Kwon C, Zhao G, Magnin DR, Augeri DJ, Gungor T and Hamann LG <12 more author(s)> Simpkins LM, Bolton S, Pi Z, Sutton JC, Kwon C, Zhao G, Magnin DR, Augeri DJ, Gungor T, Rotella DP, Sun Z, Liu Y, Slusarchyk WS, Marcinkeviciene J, Robertson JG, Wang A, Robl JA, Atwal KS, Zahler RL, Parker RA, Kirby MS, Hamann LG (- 12) Ref: Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Lett, 17:6476, 2007 : PubMed ESTHER: Simpkins_2007_Bioorg.Med.Chem.Lett_17_6476 PubMedSearch: Simpkins 2007 Bioorg.Med.Chem.Lett 17 6476 PubMedID: 17937986 Abstract The synthesis and structure-activity relationships of novel dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibitors replacing the classical cyanopyrrolidine P1 group with other small nitrogen heterocycles are described. A unique potency enhancement was achieved with beta-branched natural and unnatural amino acids, particularly adamantylglycines, linked to a (2S,3R)-2,3-methanopyrrolidine based scaffold. Title: Hydrolysis of capecitabine to 5'-deoxy-5-fluorocytidine by human carboxylesterases and inhibition by loperamide Quinney SK, Sanghani SP, Davis WI, Hurley TD, Sun Z, Murry DJ, Bosron WF Ref: Journal of Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics, 313:1011, 2005 : PubMed ESTHER: Quinney_2005_J.Pharmacol.Exp.Ther_313_1011 PubMedSearch: Quinney 2005 J.Pharmacol.Exp.Ther 313 1011 PubMedID: 15687373 Gene_locus related to this paper: human-CES1, human-CES2, human-CES3 Inhibitor(s) related to this paper: Loperamide Abstract Capecitabine is an oral prodrug of 5-fluorouracil that is indicated for the treatment of breast and colorectal cancers. A three-step in vivo-targeted activation process requiring carboxylesterases, cytidine deaminase, and thymidine phosphorylase converts capecitabine to 5-fluorouracil. Carboxylesterases hydrolyze capecitabine's carbamate side chain to form 5'-deoxy-5-fluorocytidine (5'-DFCR). This study examines the steady-state kinetics of recombinant human carboxylesterase isozymes carboxylesterase (CES) 1A1, CES2, and CES3 for hydrolysis of capecitabine with a liquid chromatography/mass spectroscopy assay. Additionally, a spectrophotometric screening assay was utilized to identify drugs that may inhibit carboxylesterase activation of capecitabine. CES1A1 and CES2 hydrolyze capecitabine to a similar extent, with catalytic efficiencies of 14.7 and 12.9 min(-1) mM(-1), respectively. Little catalytic activity is detected for CES3 with capecitabine. Northern blot analysis indicates that relative expression in intestinal tissue is CES2 > CES1A1 > CES3. Hence, intestinal activation of capecitabine may contribute to its efficacy in colon cancer and toxic diarrhea associated with the agent. Loperamide is a strong inhibitor of CES2, with a K(i) of 1.5 muM, but it only weakly inhibits CES1A1 (IC(50) = 0.44 mM). Inhibition of CES2 in the gastrointestinal tract by loperamide may reduce local formation of 5'-DFCR. Both CES1A1 and CES2 are responsible for the activation of capecitabine, whereas CES3 plays little role in 5'-DFCR formation. Title: Identification of 315 genes essential for early zebrafish development Amsterdam A, Nissen RM, Sun Z, Swindell EC, Farrington S, Hopkins N Ref: Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A, 101:12792, 2004 : PubMed ESTHER: Amsterdam_2004_Proc.Natl.Acad.Sci.U.S.A_101_12792 PubMedSearch: Amsterdam 2004 Proc.Natl.Acad.Sci.U.S.A 101 12792 PubMedID: 15256591 Gene_locus related to this paper: danre-q6drd9 Abstract We completed a large insertional mutagenesis screen in zebrafish to identify genes essential for embryonic and early larval development. We isolated 525 mutants, representing lesions in approximately 390 different genes, and we cloned the majority of these. Here we describe 315 mutants and the corresponding genes. Our data suggest that there are roughly 1,400 embryonic-essential genes in the fish. Thus, we have mutations in approximately 25% of these genes and have cloned approximately 22% of them. Re-screens of our collection to identify mutants with specific developmental defects suggest that approximately 50 genes are essential for the development of some individual organs or cell types. Seventy-two percent of the embryonic-essential fish genes have homologues in yeast, 93% have homologues in invertebrates (fly or worm), and 99% have homologues in human. Yeast and worm orthologues of genes that are essential for early zebrafish development have a strong tendency to be essential for viability in yeast and for embryonic development in the worm. Thus, the trait of being a genetically essential gene is conserved in evolution. This mutant collection should be a valuable resource for diverse studies of cell and developmental biology. Title: Methylphenidate is stereoselectively hydrolyzed by human carboxylesterase CES1A1 Sun Z, Murry DJ, Sanghani SP, Davis WI, Kedishvili NY, Zou Q, Hurley TD, Bosron WF Ref: Journal of Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics, 310:469, 2004 : PubMed ESTHER: Sun_2004_J.Pharmacol.Exp.Ther_310_469 PubMedSearch: Sun 2004 J.Pharmacol.Exp.Ther 310 469 PubMedID: 15082749 Abstract Methylphenidate is an important stimulant prescribed to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. It has two chiral centers, but most current commercial formulations consist of the racemic mixture of the threo pair of methylphenidate isomers (d-, l-threo-methylphenidate). The d-isomer is the pharmacologically active component. Numerous studies reported that oral administration of the methylphenidate racemate undergoes first-pass, stereoselective clearance in humans with l-methylphenidate being eliminated faster than d-methylphenidate. Accordingly, the kinetics of hydrolysis of individual enantiomers by purified native and recombinant human liver carboxylesterases CES1A1 and CES2 and a colon isoenzyme CES3 were examined with a liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry assay. The expression of CES1A1, CES2, and CES3 in Sf9 cells and the methods for purification of the three isoenzymes are reported. CES1A1 has a high catalytic efficiency for both d- and l-enantiomers of methylphenidate. No catalytic activity was detected with CES2 and CES3 for either enantiomer. The catalytic efficiency of CES1A1 for l-methylphenidate (k(cat)/K(m) = 7.7 mM(-1) min(-1)) is greater than that of d-methylphenidate (k(cat)/K(m) = 1.3-2.1 mM(-1) min(-1)). Hence, the catalytic efficiency of CES1A1 for methylphenidate enantiomers agrees with stereoselective clearance of methylphenidate reported in human subjects. Both enantiomers of methylphenidate can be fit into the three-dimensional model of CES1A1 to form productive complexes in the active site. We conclude that CES1A1 is the major enzyme responsible for the first-pass, stereoselective metabolism of methylphenidate. Title: Secretion, purification, and characterization of a recombinant Aspergillus oryzae tannase in Pichia pastoris Zhong X, Peng L, Zheng S, Sun Z, Ren Y, Dong M, Xu A Ref: Protein Expr Purif, 36:165, 2004 : PubMed ESTHER: Zhong_2004_Protein.Expr.Purif_36_165 PubMedSearch: Zhong 2004 Protein.Expr.Purif 36 165 PubMedID: 15249037 Gene_locus related to this paper: aspor-tan Abstract Tannase (tannin acyl hydrolase) is an industrially important enzyme produced by a large number of fungi, which hydrolyzes the ester and depside bonds of gallotannins and gallic acid esters. In the present work, a tannase from Aspergillus oryzae has been cloned and expressed in Pichia pastoris. The catalytic activity of the recombinant enzyme was assayed. A secretory form of enzyme was made with the aid of Saccharomyces cerevisiae alpha-factor, and a simple procedure purification protocol yielded tannase in pure form. The productivity of secreted tannase achieved 7000 IU/L by fed-batch culture. Recombinant tannase had a molecular mass of 90 kDa, which consisted of two kinds of subunits linked by a disulfide bond(s). Our study is the first report on the heterologous expression of tannase suggesting that the P. pastoris system represents an attractive means of generating large quantities of tannase for both research and industrial purpose. Title: Carboxylesterases expressed in human colon tumor tissue and their role in CPT-11 hydrolysis Sanghani SP, Quinney SK, Fredenburg TB, Sun Z, Davis WI, Murry DJ, Cummings OW, Seitz DE, Bosron WF Ref: Clin Cancer Research, 9:4983, 2003 : PubMed ESTHER: Sanghani_2003_Clin.Cancer.Res_9_4983 PubMedSearch: Sanghani 2003 Clin.Cancer.Res 9 4983 PubMedID: 14581373 Gene_locus related to this paper: human-CES3 Abstract PURPOSE: The purpose is to develop new analytical methods to study the expression profile of CPT-11 carboxylesterases and topoisomerase I in colon tumor samples and understand the impact of their expression on CPT-11 metabolism in chemotherapy. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: We investigated 24 colon tumors for expression of carboxylesterases CES1A1, CES2, CES3, hBr-3, and topoisomerase I genes by real-time PCR and correlated the gene expression with activity assays. The relative abundance of the carboxylesterase isoenzymes and topoisomerase I genes was determined by real-time PCR. Activity assays performed on colon tumor extracts included CPT-11 hydrolase, 4-methylumbelliferyl acetate hydrolase, and topoisomerase I activity assays. Additionally, nondenaturing activity gel electrophoresis with activity staining showed the distribution of carboxylesterases. RESULTS: We detect the expression of CES1A1, CES2, and CES3 carboxylesterase genes in human colon tumors. We were unable to detect the hBr-3 (also called hCE-3) in human liver, colon, or brain. We find large interindividual variation, >/=150-fold, for both CES1A1 and CES3 genes, 23-fold for CES2, and 66-fold for topoisomerase I. Only CES2 gene expression correlated with the carboxylesterase activity assays (P < 0.01) with CPT-11 and 4-methylumbelliferyl acetate as substrates. Nondenaturing activity gel electrophoresis showed that CES2 was the most predominant activity. Topoisomerase I gene expression significantly correlated with topoisomerase I activity (P < 0.01) in the colon tumors, but interindividual variation was very high. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that CES2 is the most abundant carboxylesterase in colon tumors that is responsible for CPT-11 hydrolysis. This pilot study reinforces the hypothesis that there is a large interindividual variation in expression of carboxylesterases that may contribute to variation in therapeutic outcome and/or toxicity of CPT-11 therapy for colon cancer. | |||||||
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