Author Report for: Zhou QNo contact information in database for Zhou Q
Lu J, Tao X, Luo J, Zhu T, Jiao L, Sun P, Zhou Q, Tocher DR, Jin M Ref: Anim Nutr, 15:58, 2023 : PubMed ESTHER: Lu_2023_Anim.Nutr_15_58 PubMedSearch: Lu 2023 Anim.Nutr 15 58 PubMedID: 37818178 Abstract An 8-week feeding trial was conducted in Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) to evaluate the effects of dietary choline supplementation on choline transport and metabolism, hepatopancreas histological structure and fatty acid profile, and regulation of lipid metabolism. Six isonitrogenous and isolipidic diets were formulated to contain different choline levels of 2.91 (basal diet), 3.85, 4.67, 6.55, 10.70 and 18.90 g/kg, respectively. A total of 960 shrimp (initial weight, 1.38 +/- 0.01 g) were distributed randomly into twenty-four 250-L cylindrical fiber-glass tanks, with each diet assigned randomly to 4 replicate tanks. The results indicated that dietary choline significantly promoted the deposition of choline, betaine and carnitine (P < 0.05). The diameters and areas of R cells, total lipid and triglyceride contents in hepatopancreas, and triglyceride and non-esterified fatty acid contents in hemolymph were negatively correlated with dietary choline level. The contents of functional fatty acids in hepatopancreas, the activity of acetyl-CoA carboxylase (Acc), and the mRNA expression of fas, srebp and acc were highest in shrimp fed the diet containing 4.67 g/kg choline, and significantly higher than those fed the diet containing 2.91 g/kg, the lowest level of choline (P < 0.05). The number of R cells, content of very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), activities of carnitine palmitoyl-transferase (Cpt1), lipoprotein lipase and hepatic lipase, and the mRNA expression levels of cpt1, fabp, fatp, ldlr, and ampk in hepatopancreas increased significantly as dietary choline increased (P < 0.05). In addition, hepatopancreas mRNA expression levels of ctl1, ctl2, oct1, badh, bhmt, ck, cept, and cct were generally up-regulated as dietary choline level increased (P < 0.01). In conclusion, dietary choline promoted the deposition of choline and its metabolites by up-regulating genes related to choline transport and metabolism. Moreover, appropriate dietary choline level promoted the development of hepatopancreas R cells and maintained the normal accumulation of lipids required for development, while high dietary choline not only promoted hepatopancreas lipid export by enhancing VLDL synthesis, but also promoted fatty acid beta-oxidation and inhibited de novo fatty acid synthesis by activating the Ampk/Srebp signaling pathway. These findings provided further insight and understanding of the mechanisms by which dietary choline regulated lipid metabolism in L. vannamei. Title: Employing Engineered Enolase Promoter for Efficient Expression of Thermomyces lanuginosus Lipase in Yarrowia lipolytica via a Self-Excisable Vector Jiao L, Li W, Li Y, Zhou Q, Zhu M, Zhao G, Zhang H, Yan Y Ref: Int J Mol Sci, 24:, 2022 : PubMed ESTHER: Jiao_2022_Int.J.Mol.Sci_24_ PubMedSearch: Jiao 2022 Int.J.Mol.Sci 24 PubMedID: 36614159 Abstract Yarrowia lipolytica is progressively being employed as a workhouse for recombinant protein expression. Here, we expanded the molecular toolbox by engineering the enolase promoter (pENO) and developed a new self-excisable vector, and based on this, a combined strategy was employed to enhance the expression of Thermomyces lanuginosus lipase (TLL) in Y. lipolytica. The strength of 11 truncated enolase promoters of different length was first identified using eGFP as a reporter. Seven of the truncated promoters were selected to examine their ability for driving TLL expression. Then, a series of enolase promoters with higher activities were developed by upstream fusing of different copies of UAS1B, and the recombinant strain Po1f/hp16e(100)-tll harboring the optimal promoter hp16e(100) obtained a TLL activity of 447 U/mL. Additionally, a new self-excisable vector was developed based on a Cre/loxP recombination system, which achieved efficient markerless integration in Y. lipolytica. Subsequently, strains harboring one to four copies of the tll gene were constructed using this tool, with the three-copy strain Po1f/3tll showing the highest activity of 579 U/mL. The activity of Po1f/3tll was then increased to 720 U/mL by optimizing the shaking flask fermentation parameters. Moreover, the folding-related proteins Hac1, Pdi, and Kar2 were employed to further enhance TLL expression, and the TLL activity of the optimal recombinant strain Po1f/3tll-hac1-pdi-kar2 reached 1197 U/mL. By using this combined strategy, TLL activity was enhanced by approximately 39.9-fold compared to the initial strain. Thus, the new vector and the combined strategy could be a useful tool to engineer Y. lipolytica for high-level expression of heterologous protein. Title: A Proof-of-Concept Inhibitor of Endothelial Lipase Suppresses Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells by Hijacking the Mitochondrial Function Yang R, Han S, Clayton J, Haghighatian M, Tsai CC, Yao Y, Li P, Shen J, Zhou Q Ref: Cancers (Basel), 14:3763, 2022 : PubMed ESTHER: Yang_2022_Cancers.(Basel)_14_3763 PubMedSearch: Yang 2022 Cancers.(Basel) 14 3763 PubMedID: 35954428 Gene_locus related to this paper: human-LIPG Inhibitor(s) related to this paper: Cynaroside Abstract Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells reprogram their metabolism to provide metabolic flexibility for tumor cell growth and survival in the tumor microenvironment. While our previous findings indicated that endothelial lipase (EL/LIPG) is a hallmark of TNBC, the precise mechanism through which LIPG instigates TNBC metabolism remains undefined. Here, we report that the expression of LIPG is associated with long non-coding RNA DANCR and positively correlates with gene signatures of mitochondrial metabolism-oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). DANCR binds to LIPG, enabling tumor cells to maintain LIPG protein stability and OXPHOS. As one mechanism of LIPG in the regulation of tumor cell oxidative metabolism, LIPG mediates histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) and histone acetylation, which contribute to changes in IL-6 and fatty acid synthesis gene expression. Finally, aided by a relaxed docking approach, we discovered a new LIPG inhibitor, cynaroside, that effectively suppressed the enzyme activity and DANCR in TNBC cells. Treatment with cynaroside inhibited the OXPHOS phenotype of TNBC cells, which severely impaired tumor formation. Taken together, our study provides mechanistic insights into the LIPG modulation of mitochondrial metabolism in TNBC and a proof-of-concept that targeting LIPG is a promising new therapeutic strategy for the treatment of TNBC. Title: Notum Leads to Potential Pro-survival of OSCC Through Crosstalk Between Shh and Wnt/beta-catenin Signaling Via p-GSK3beta Yang P, Li C, Zhou Q, Zhang X, Kou Y, Feng Q, Wang H, Su R, Hasegawa T and Li M <1 more author(s)> Yang P, Li C, Zhou Q, Zhang X, Kou Y, Feng Q, Wang H, Su R, Hasegawa T, Liu H, Li M (- 1) Ref: International Journal of Biochemistryistry & Cell Biology, :106316, 2022 : PubMed ESTHER: Yang_2022_Int.J.Biochem.Cell.Biol__106316 PubMedSearch: Yang 2022 Int.J.Biochem.Cell.Biol 106316 PubMedID: 36280040 Abstract Notum, which belongs to the alpha/beta hydrolase family, is a deacylated extracellular protein that regulates the Wnt signaling pathway. Studies have found that Notum participates in the progression of colorectal cancer and hepatocellular carcinoma, but its role in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is currently unclear. This study aimed to explore the role of Notum in regulating OSCC and further reveal the underlying mechanisms. Various approaches including bioinformatics analysis, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and immunohistochemical staining were used to detect the expression of Notum in OSCC cells and tissues. Cell counting kit-8 assay, clone formation assay, wound healing assay, transwell assay and in-gel zymography assay were explored to evaluate the regulation of Notum in OSCC proliferation and migration. Hoechst 33342/PI assay, cell immunofluorescence, flow cytometry and in vivo tumorigenesis experiment were applied for OSCC apoptosis. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis was performed for mRNA level while western blotting was conducted to detect protein expression. The results showed that Notum was highly expressed in OSCC tissues and cells, and Notum promoted the proliferation and migration of OSCC cells while it inhibited their apoptosis. Furthermore, signaling pathway analysis showed that Notum led to potential pro-survival of OSCC through crosstalk between sonic hedgehog (Shh) and Wnt/beta-catenin signaling via phosphorylation of glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta. These results will help to elucidate the mechanism and also provide new ideas for targeted treatment of OSCC. Title: Effect of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation on delayed neurocognitive recovery in elderly patients Zhou Q, Yu L, Yin C, Zhang Q, Wang X, Kang K, Shao D, Wang Q Ref: Aging Clin Exp Res, :, 2022 : PubMed ESTHER: Zhou_2022_Aging.Clin.Exp.Res__ PubMedSearch: Zhou 2022 Aging.Clin.Exp.Res PubMedID: 35809206 Abstract BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate whether transauricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) could decrease the incidence of delayed neurocognitive recovery (dNCR) in elderly adults after total joint arthroplasty (TJA). METHODS: A prospective, randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled trial was designed. In total, 124 elderly patients undergoing TJA were enrolled and randomly assigned to taVNS group (n = 62), who received taVNS at 1 h before anesthetic induction until the end of surgery, or sham stimulation (SS) group (n = 62), who received SS in the same manner. Neuropsychological batteries were performed before and at 1 week after surgery to assess the incidence of dNCR. Blood samples were collected before surgery and at 1 day after surgery to detect the activity of cholinesterase (AChE and BChE), as well as the levels of inflammatory factors (TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, IL-6, and HMGB1) and brain damage factor S100beta. RESULTS: Of 124 patients, 119 completed 1 week neuropsychological tests. The incidence of dNCR was significantly decreased in taVNS group [10% (6/60)] compared with the SS group [27.1% (16/59)] (P < 0.05). Patients who received taVNS had lower blood levels of AChE, BChE, IL-6, HMGB1, and S100beta after surgery (P < 0.05), as compared with those in the SS group. There was no difference in TNF-alpha between the two groups. CONCLUSION: The taVNS can decrease the incidence of dNCR after TJA in elderly patients, which may be related to the inhibition of inflammatory cytokine production and the reduction of cholinesterase activity. Title: Neuroprotective Potential of Mung Bean (Vigna radiata L.) Polyphenols in Alzheimer's Disease: A Review Xu H, Zhou Q, Liu B, Cheng KW, Chen F, Wang M Ref: Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 69:11554, 2021 : PubMed ESTHER: Xu_2021_J.Agric.Food.Chem_69_11554 PubMedSearch: Xu 2021 J.Agric.Food.Chem 69 11554 PubMedID: 34551518 Abstract Mung bean contains various neuroprotective polyphenols, so it might be a healthy food for Alzheimer's disease (AD) prevention. Totally, 19 major phenolic compounds were quantified in mung bean, including 10 phenolic acids and 9 flavonoids. After summarizing their contents and effective doses in rodent AD models, it was speculated that vitexin, isovitexin, sinapic acid, and ferulic acid might be the major bioactive compounds for mung bean-mediated neuroprotection. The mechanisms involved inhibition of beta-amyloidogenesis, tau hyperphosphorylation, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation, and promotion of autophagy and acetylcholinesterase enzyme activity. Notably, the neuroprotective phenolic profile in mung bean changed after germination, with decreased vitexin and isovitexin, and increased rutin, isoquercitrin, isorhamnetin, and caffeic acid detected. However, only studies of individual phenolic compounds in mung bean are published at present. Hence, further studies are needed to elucidate the neuroprotective activities and mechanisms of extractions of mung bean seeds and sprouts, and the synergism between different phenolic compounds. Title: Pig Liver Esterases Hydrolyze Endocannabinoids and Promote Inflammatory Response Zhou Q, Yan B, Sun W, Chen Q, Xiao Q, Xiao Y, Wang X, Shi D Ref: Front Immunol, 12:670427, 2021 : PubMed ESTHER: Zhou_2021_Front.Immunol_12_670427 PubMedSearch: Zhou 2021 Front.Immunol 12 670427 PubMedID: 34079552 Gene_locus related to this paper: pig-PLE1, pig-a0a1s6l967 Abstract Endocannabinoids are endogenous ligands of cannabinoid receptors and activation of these receptors has strong physiological and pathological significance. Structurally, endocannabinoids are esters (e.g., 2-arachidonoylglycerol, 2-AG) or amides (e.g., N-arachidonoylethanolamine, AEA). Hydrolysis of these compounds yields arachidonic acid (AA), a major precursor of proinflammatory mediators such as prostaglandin E(2). Carboxylesterases are known to hydrolyze esters and amides with high efficiency. CES1, a human carboxylesterase, has been shown to hydrolyze 2-AG, and shares a high sequence identity with pig carboxylesterases: PLE1 and PLE6 (pig liver esterase). The present study was designed to test the hypothesis that PLE1 and PLE6 hydrolyze endocannabinoids and promote inflammatory response. Consistent with the hypothesis, purified PLE1 and PLE6 efficaciously hydrolyzed 2-AG and AEA. PLE6 was 40-fold and 3-fold as active as PLE1 towards 2-AG and AEA, respectively. In addition, both PLE1 and PLE6 were highly sensitive to bis(4-nitrophenyl) phosphate (BNPP), an aryl phosphodiester known to predominately inhibit carboxylesterases. Based on the study with BNPP, PLEs contributed to the hydrolysis of 2-AG by 53.4 to 88.4% among various organs and cells. Critically, exogenous addition or transfection of PLE6 increased the expression and secretion of proinflammatory cytokines in response to the immunostimulant lipopolysaccharide (LPS). This increase was recapitulated in cocultured alveolar macrophages and PLE6 transfected cells in transwells. Finally, BNPP reduced inflammation trigged by LPS accompanied by reduced formation of AA and proinflammatory mediators. These findings define an innovative connection: PLE-endocannabinoid-inflammation. This mechanistic connection signifies critical roles of carboxylesterases in pathophysiological processes related to the metabolism of endocannabinoids. Title: Inhibition of pancreatic lipase by the constituents in St. John's Wort: In vitro and in silico investigations Hou XD, Guan XQ, Cao YF, Weng ZM, Hu Q, Liu HB, Jia SN, Zang SZ, Zhou Q and Hou J <2 more author(s)> Hou XD, Guan XQ, Cao YF, Weng ZM, Hu Q, Liu HB, Jia SN, Zang SZ, Zhou Q, Yang L, Ge GB, Hou J (- 2) Ref: Int J Biol Macromol, 145:620, 2020 : PubMed ESTHER: Hou_2020_Int.J.Biol.Macromol_145_620 PubMedSearch: Hou 2020 Int.J.Biol.Macromol 145 620 PubMedID: 31883893 Abstract Herbal medicines are frequently used for the prevention and treatment of obesity and obesity-related disorders. Our preliminary screening showed that St. John's Wort (SJW) displayed potent inhibition on pancreatic lipase (PL), a key hydrolase responsible for lipid digestion and absorption in mammals. Herein, the inhibition potentials and inhibitory mechanism of SJW extract and its major constituents on PL were fully investigated by a set of in vitro and in silico studies. The results clearly demonstrated that the naphthodianthrones, biflavones and most of flavonoids in SJW displayed strong to moderate inhibition on PL. Among all tested natural compounds, two naphthodianthrones (hypericin and pseudohypericin) and one biflavone (I3,II8-biapigenin) isolated from SJW exhibited potent PL inhibition activity, with the IC(50) values of <1 microM. Inhibition kinetics analyses showed that hypericin, pseudohypericin and I3,II8-biapigenin inhibited PL via a mixed manner, while molecular dynamics simulations revealed that three newly identified PL inhibitors could bind on PL at both the catalytic cavity and the interface between colipase and the C-terminal domain of PL. Collectively, our findings suggested that part of major constituents in SJW displayed potent PL inhibition activities, which could be used as lead compounds for the development of novel PL inhibitors. Title: Inhibition of LIPG phospholipase activity suppresses tumor formation of human basal-like triple-negative breast cancer Lo PK, Yao Y, Zhou Q Ref: Sci Rep, 10:8911, 2020 : PubMed ESTHER: Lo_2020_Sci.Rep_10_8911 PubMedSearch: Lo 2020 Sci.Rep 10 8911 PubMedID: 32488004 Abstract The endothelial lipase LIPG possesses serine phospholipase activity and is involved in lipoprotein metabolism. Our previous studies have revealed that LIPG overexpression is required for tumor formation and metastasis of human basal-like triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). We also demonstrated that LIPG differentially regulates TNBC malignancy through its enzymatic and non-enzymatic functions. The present studies were aimed at determining how XEN445, a specific inhibitor targeting LIPG phospholipase activity, impacts on TNBC tumor formation and malignant features. We established a cell-based LIPG enzymatic assay system to measure the inhibitory effect of XEN445 on LIPG phospholipase activity and determine its IC50. We found that XEN445 preferentially inhibited the proliferation of LIPG-expressing TNBC cells but not LIPG-negative luminal breast cancer cells. XEN445 inhibited the self-renewal of cancer stem cells (CSCs) in vitro and TNBC tumor formation in vivo. However, XEN445 had no inhibitory effect on the invasiveness and CSC stemness of TNBC cells. Our studies suggest that targeting both LIPG enzymatic and non-enzymatic functions is an important strategy for the treatment of TNBC. Title: Adipokinetic hormone enhances CarE-mediated chlorpyrifos resistance in the brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens Tang B, Cheng Y, Li Y, Li W, Ma Y, Zhou Q, Lu K Ref: Insect Molecular Biology, 29:511, 2020 : PubMed ESTHER: Tang_2020_Insect.Mol.Biol_29_511 PubMedSearch: Tang 2020 Insect.Mol.Biol 29 511 PubMedID: 32686884 Abstract Adipokinetic hormone (AKH), the principal stress-responsive neurohormone in insects, has been implicated in insect responses to insecticides. However, the functionality of AKH and its mode of signalling in insecticide resistance are unknown. Herein, we demonstrated that the enhanced activity of carboxylesterases (CarEs) is involved in the chlorpyrifos resistance in Nilaparvata lugens [brown planthopper (BPH)]. Chlorpyrifos exposure significantly induced the expression of AKH and its receptor AKHR in the susceptible BPH (Sus), and these two AKH signalling genes were over-expressed in the chlorpyrifos-resistant strain (Res) compared to Sus. RNA interference (RNAi) against AKH or AKHR decreased the CarE activity and suppressed the BPH's resistance to chlorpyrifos in Res. Conversely, AKH peptide injection elevated the CarE activity and enhanced the BPH's survival against chlorpyrifos in Sus. Furthermore, five CarE genes were identified to be positively affected by the AKH pathway using RNAi and AKH injection. Among these CarE genes, CarE and Esterase E4-1 were found to be over-expressed in Res compared to Sus, and knockdown of either gene decreased the BPH's resistance to chlorpyrifos. In conclusion, AKH plays a role in enhancing chlorpyrifos resistance in the BPH through positive influence on the expression of CarE genes and CarE enzyme activity. Title: Cadinane- and drimane-type sesquiterpenoids produced by Paecilomyces sp. TE-540, an endophyte from Nicotiana tabacum L., are acetylcholinesterase inhibitors Xu K, Zhou Q, Li XQ, Luo T, Yuan XL, Zhang ZF, Zhang P Ref: Bioorg Chem, 104:104252, 2020 : PubMed ESTHER: Xu_2020_Bioorg.Chem_104_104252 PubMedSearch: Xu 2020 Bioorg.Chem 104 104252 PubMedID: 32911187 Abstract Sesquiterpenoids with diverse skeleton types are regarded as potential lead compounds in pharmacological and other applications. Herein, we report the discovery of two new cadinane-type sesquiterpenoids, paecilacadinol A (1) and B (2); two new drimane-type sesquiterpenoids, ustusol D (3) and ustusol E (4); and six known analogs (5-10) from the endophytic fungus Paecilomyces sp. TE-540, enriching the structural diversity of naturally occurring sesquiterpenoids. Their planar structures were determined on the basis of detailed interpretation of 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy and HRESIMS data, while their stereochemical structures were established by X-ray crystallographic analyses for 1 and 3-8 and theoretical calculations for 2. Notably, compounds 1 and 2 represent novel examples of cadinane-type sesquiterpenoids with ether bonds formed by intramolecular dehydration. Compounds 5 and 6 showed moderate activities against acetylcholinesterase (AChE), with IC(50) values of 43.02 +/- 6.01 and 35.97 +/- 2.12 muM, respectively. Docking analysis predicted that 5 bound well in the catalytic pocket of AChE via hydrophobic interactions with Trp84, Gly117, Ser122, and Tyr121 residues, while 6 was located with Asp72 and Ser122 residues. Title: Circular RNA cMras Suppresses the Progression of Lung Adenocarcinoma Through ABHD5/ATGL Axis Using NF-B Signaling Pathway Zhou Q, Sun Y Ref: Cancer Biother Radiopharm, :, 2020 : PubMed ESTHER: Zhou_2020_Cancer.Biother.Radiopharm__ PubMedSearch: Zhou 2020 Cancer.Biother.Radiopharm PubMedID: 32822232 Gene_locus related to this paper: human-ABHD5 Abstract Background: Lung adenocarcinoma (LAC) is a common malignancy worldwide. Emerging findings indicated that circular RNAs possess complex capacities of gene modulation in tumorigenesis and metastasis. Nevertheless, the role of circular RNA in LAC is still largely unknown. Methods: The level of circular RNA cMras (circ_cMras), alpha-beta hydrolase domain 5 (ABHD5), and adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL) was determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction assay. Protein levels of ABHD5, ATGL, p53, p65, and phospho-p65 (p-p65) were examined by western blot. 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) was used to detect cell proliferation in vitro. Cell apoptosis was estimated using flow cytometry. Transwell assay was used to measure cell migration and invasion in A549 and HCC827 cells. Finally, the role of circ_cMras was explored using xenograft tumor model. Results: Low levels of circ_cMras, ABHD5, and ATGL were observed in LAC tissues and cells. Upregulation of circ_cMras could hamper tumor aggression in vitro and in vivo, exhibiting as the inhibition of cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and promotion of cell apoptosis, as well as the inhibition on tumor growth in vivo. Moreover, ABHD5 deletion could overturn the effects of circ_cMras overexpression on cell behaviors in LAC cells. Furthermore, the inhibiting effects of ABHD5 on cell aggression were reversed by ATGL deficiency in vitro. Mechanically, circ_cMras/ABHD5/ATGL axis exerted its role through NF-kappaB signaling pathway in LAC cells. Conclusion: Circ_cMras exerted its function through ABHD5/ATGL axis using NF-kappaB signaling pathway in LAC, which might provide a novel insight for the diagnosis and prognosis of LAC. Title: Anti-dipeptidyl-peptidase-like protein 6 encephalitis, a rare cause of reversible rapid progressive dementia and insomnia Zhou Q, Zhu X, Meng H, Zhang M, Chen S Ref: Journal of Neuroimmunology, 339:577114, 2020 : PubMed ESTHER: Zhou_2020_J.Neuroimmunol_339_577114 PubMedSearch: Zhou 2020 J.Neuroimmunol 339 577114 PubMedID: 31775073 Gene_locus related to this paper: human-DPP6 Abstract Anti-dipeptidyl-peptidase-like protein 6 (DPPX) encephalitis is a rare type of autoimmune encephalitis. We present a case of a 72-year-old male with anti-DPPX encephalitis who developed rapidly progressive cognitive decline, psychiatric and sleep problems, severe abdominal pain and diarrhea. Antibodies against DPPX were positive both in serum and cerebrospinal fluid. (18)F-FDG PET-MR imaging indicated hypometabolism in the bilateral temporal lobes and thalamus. No related tumors were found, and the patient responded to immunotherapy without relapse at the 3-year follow-up. The present case enriches the understanding of the clinical, imaging manifestations and prognosis of anti-DPPX encephalitis. Title: Dietary choline supplementation attenuated high-fat diet-induced inflammation through regulation of lipid metabolism and suppression of NFkappaB activation in juvenile black seabream (Acanthopagrus schlegelii) Jin M, Pan T, Tocher DR, Betancor MB, Monroig O, Shen Y, Zhu T, Sun P, Jiao L, Zhou Q Ref: J Nutr Sci, 8:e38, 2019 : PubMed ESTHER: Jin_2019_J.Nutr.Sci_8_e38 PubMedSearch: Jin 2019 J.Nutr.Sci 8 e38 PubMedID: 32042405 Abstract The present study aimed to investigate whether dietary choline can regulate lipid metabolism and suppress NFkappaB activation and, consequently, attenuate inflammation induced by a high-fat diet in black sea bream (Acanthopagrus schlegelii). An 8-week feeding trial was conducted on fish with an initial weight of 8.16 +/- 0.01 g. Five diets were formulated: control, low-fat diet (11 %); HFD, high-fat diet (17 %); and HFD supplemented with graded levels of choline (3, 6 or 12 g/kg) termed HFD + C1, HFD + C2 and HFD + C3, respectively. Dietary choline decreased lipid content in whole body and tissues. Highest TAG and cholesterol concentrations in serum and liver were recorded in fish fed the HFD. Similarly, compared with fish fed the HFD, dietary choline reduced vacuolar fat drops and ameliorated HFD-induced pathological changes in liver. Expression of genes of lipolysis pathways were up-regulated, and genes of lipogenesis down-regulated, by dietary choline compared with fish fed the HFD. Expression of nfkappab and pro-inflammatory cytokines in liver and intestine was suppressed by choline supplementation, whereas expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines was promoted in fish fed choline-supplemented diets. In fish that received lipopolysaccharide to stimulate inflammatory responses, the expression of nfkappab and pro-inflammatory cytokines in liver, intestine and kidney were all down-regulated by dietary choline compared with the HFD. Overall, the present study indicated that dietary choline had a lipid-lowering effect, which could protect the liver by regulating intrahepatic lipid metabolism, reducing lipid droplet accumulation and suppressing NFkappaB activation, consequently attenuating HFD-induced inflammation in A. schlegelii. Title: ABHD5 blunts the sensitivity of colorectal cancer to fluorouracil via promoting autophagic uracil yield Ou J, Peng Y, Yang W, Zhang Y, Hao J, Li F, Chen Y, Zhao Y, Xie X and Liang H <8 more author(s)> Ou J, Peng Y, Yang W, Zhang Y, Hao J, Li F, Chen Y, Zhao Y, Xie X, Wu S, Zha L, Luo X, Xie G, Wang L, Sun W, Zhou Q, Li J, Liang H (- 8) Ref: Nat Commun, 10:1078, 2019 : PubMed ESTHER: Ou_2019_Nat.Commun_10_1078 PubMedSearch: Ou 2019 Nat.Commun 10 1078 PubMedID: 30842415 Gene_locus related to this paper: human-ABHD5 Abstract The efficacy of Fluorouracil (FU) in the treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC) is greatly limited by drug resistance. Autophagy has been implicated in chemoresistance, but the role of selective autophagic degradation in regulating chemoresistance remains unknown. In this study, we revealed a critical role of ABHD5 in charging CRC sensitivity to FU via regulating autophagic uracil yield. We demonstrated that ABHD5 localizes to lysosome and interacts with PDIA5 to prevent PDIA5 from interacting with RNASET2 and inactivating RNASET2. ABHD5 deficiency releases PDIA5 to directly interact with RNASET2 and leave RNASET2 in an inactivate state, which impairs RNASET2-mediated autophagic uracil yield and promotes CRC cells to uptake FU as an exogenous uracil, thus increasing their sensitivity to FU. Our findings for the first time reveal a novel role of ABHD5 in regulating lysosome function, highlighting the significance of ABHD5 as a compelling biomarker predicting the sensitivity of CRCs to FU-based chemotherapy. Title: SNHG20/miR-140-5p/NDRG3 axis contributes to 5-fluorouracil resistance in gastric cancer Yu J, Shen J, Qiao X, Cao L, Yang Z, Ye H, Xi C, Zhou Q, Wang P, Gong Z Ref: Oncol Lett, 18:1337, 2019 : PubMed ESTHER: Yu_2019_Oncol.Lett_18_1337 PubMedSearch: Yu 2019 Oncol.Lett 18 1337 PubMedID: 31423195 Gene_locus related to this paper: human-NDRG3 Abstract 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-based chemotherapy is the first line treatment for advanced gastric cancer. However, the effectiveness of 5-FU is limited by drug resistance. The N-myc downstream-regulated gene, family member 3 (NDRG3) is a member of the NDRG family and has been implicated in numerous types of cancer. However, the role of NDRG3 in gastric cancer remains unclear. In the present study, NDRG3 mRNA expression in gastric cancer and adjacent normal tissues was analyzed using the Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis web tool. NDRG3 expression was silenced using short hairpin RNAs to examine the effect of NDRG3 on the growth of gastric cancer cells. Potential regulators of NDRG3 were identified using the TargetScan and MicroRNA tools and verified by a luciferase assay and reverse transcription-quantitative PCR analysis. The current study demonstrated that NDRG3 was upregulated in gastric cancer specimens and promoted cell proliferation in gastric cancer cell lines. Furthermore, the present study revealed that the small nucleolar RNA host gene 20 (SNHG20)/microRNA (miR)-140-5p signaling pathway may regulate the expression of NDRG3. SNHG20 was revealed to be involved in mediating resistance to 5-FU in gastric cancer cell lines via NDRG3. In conclusion, the results of the present study suggest that the SNHG20/miR-140-5p/NDRG3 axis may be involved in mediating resistance to 5-FU in gastric cancer. Title: Excipient-free nanodispersion of 7-ethyl-10-hydroxycamptothecin exerts potent therapeutic effects against pancreatic cancer cell lines and patient-derived xenografts Zhang L, Zhou J, Yan Y, Zhou X, Zhou Q, Du R, Hu S, Ge W, Huang Y and Wang W <5 more author(s)> Zhang L, Zhou J, Yan Y, Zhou X, Zhou Q, Du R, Hu S, Ge W, Huang Y, Xu H, Kong Y, Zheng H, Ding Y, Shen Y, Wang W (- 5) Ref: Cancer Letters, 465:36, 2019 : PubMed ESTHER: Zhang_2019_Cancer.Lett_465_36 PubMedSearch: Zhang 2019 Cancer.Lett 465 36 PubMedID: 31479691 Abstract Irinotecan (CPT-11) is an anti-tumor drug and formulated as nanomedicines to reduce side effects and improve efficacy. In vivo, CPT-11 must be hydrolyzed by carboxylesterase to its active form 7-ethyl-10-hydroxycamptothecin (SN-38) to exert anti-tumor activity, but the lack of this enzyme in humans causes inefficient generation of SN-38. Thus, direct delivery of SN-38, not relying on carboxylesterase, will potentially achieve higher efficacy. However, it is difficult to effectively formulate SN-38 using current excipients due to its hydrophobicity and tendency to crystallize. Herein, we report the nanodispersion of SN-38 with its amphiphilic prodrug, CPT-11, as an effective treatment for pancreatic cancer (PC). SN-38 and CPT-11 formed stable nanoparticles without any other excipients, and showed potent cytotoxicity against PC cells in vitro, slowed tumor growth in vivo, namely subcutaneously and orthotopically xenografted mice, with minimal adverse effects, and prolonged their overall survival. Even in clinically-relevant patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models, the nanodispersion showed greater anti-tumor efficacy than CPT-11. Importantly, the nanodispersion directly released SN-38, resulting in carboxylesterase-independent anti-tumor activity, in contrast to carboxylesterase-dependent CPT-11. These characteristics may enable the excipient-free nanodispersion to exert potent therapeutic effects in patients. Title: Oncogenic role of ABHD5 in endometrial cancer Zhou Q, Wang F, Zhou K, Huang K, Zhu Q, Luo X, Yu J, Shi Z Ref: Cancer Manag Res, 11:2139, 2019 : PubMed ESTHER: Zhou_2019_Cancer.Manag.Res_11_2139 PubMedSearch: Zhou 2019 Cancer.Manag.Res 11 2139 PubMedID: 30936746 Gene_locus related to this paper: human-ABHD5 Abstract Background: Abhydrolase domain containing 5 (ABHD5) functions as a tumor suppressor in colorectal and prostate cancers. The aim of this study was to investigate the roles of ABHD5 in endometrial cancer. Materials and methods: ABHD5 expression was detected in clinical samples by immunohistochemical staining. Cell proliferation and invasion were evaluated with the Cell Counting Kit-8 and Transwell assay, respectively. Western blotting was performed to analyze protein expression. Glucose uptake was assessed by 2-[N-(7-nitrobenz-2-oxa-1,3-diazol-4-yl)amino]-2-deoxyglucose. Lactate production was detected by a lactate assay kit. Results: In the present study, ABHD5 was overexpressed in endometrial cancer tissues, and its expression was closely correlated with the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage and lymph node metastasis. In addition, we observed that the knockdown of ABHD5 inhibited cell proliferation, invasion, glucose uptake and lactate production in HEC-1A cells, which expressed high levels of ABHD5. Conversely, the opposite effects were observed when ABHD5 was ectopically expressed in Ishikawa cells, which had low levels of ABHD5. Furthermore, the changes in glycolysis regulators (enolase 1 [ENO1], glucose transporter 1 [GLUT1] and lactate dehydrogenase A [LDHA]) and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition-related proteins (E-cadherin and Snail) in HEC-1A cells with ABHD5 knockdown were consistent with the effects of ABHD5 on glycolysis and cell invasion. Phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN) was increased, while the phosphorylated AKT (p-AKT) was decreased when ABHD5 was downregulated. Notably, treatment with the allosteric AKT inhibitor MK-2206 completely abolished the effects caused by ABHD5 overexpression in Ishikawa cells. Finally, ABHD5 knockdown potently suppressed tumor growth in vivo. Conclusion: Overall, these results suggest that ABHD5 may play an oncogenic role in endometrial cancer via the AKT pathway. Title: Pig liver esterases PLE1 and PLE6: heterologous expression, hydrolysis of common antibiotics and pharmacological consequences Zhou Q, Xiao Q, Zhang Y, Wang X, Xiao Y, Shi D Ref: Sci Rep, 9:15564, 2019 : PubMed ESTHER: Zhou_2019_Sci.Rep_9_15564 PubMedSearch: Zhou 2019 Sci.Rep 9 15564 PubMedID: 31664043 Gene_locus related to this paper: pig-EST1, pig-a0a1s6l967 Abstract Carboxylesterases, historically referred as non-specific esterases, are ubiquitous hydrolases with high catalytic efficiency. Without exceptions, all mammalian species studied contain multiple forms of carboxylesterases. While having been widely studied in humans and experimental animals, these enzymes remain to be characterized in farm animals. In this study, we showed that pig liver esterase 1 (PLE1) and pig liver esterase 6 (PLE6) were highly active toward amoxicillin (AMO) and ampicillin (AMP), two major antibiotics that are widely used in food-supplements. Mass-spectrometric analysis established that the hydrolysis occurred at the beta-lactam amide bond and the hydrolysis drastically decreased or completely eliminated the antibacterial activity. Furthermore, hydrolytic activity and proteomic analysis suggested that trace PLEs existed in pig plasma and contributed little to the hydrolysis of AMO and AMP. These results suggested that carboxylesterases-based hydrolysis determines the therapeutic intensity of these and related antibiotics and the magnitude of the determination occurs in a species-dependent manner. Title: Bioactive polycyclic polyprenylated acylphloroglucinols from Hypericum perforatum Guo Y, Zhang N, Sun W, Duan X, Zhang Q, Zhou Q, Chen C, Zhu H, Luo Z and Zhang Y <3 more author(s)> Guo Y, Zhang N, Sun W, Duan X, Zhang Q, Zhou Q, Chen C, Zhu H, Luo Z, Liu J, Li XN, Xue Y, Zhang Y (- 3) Ref: Org Biomol Chem, 16:8130, 2018 : PubMed ESTHER: Guo_2018_Org.Biomol.Chem_16_8130 PubMedSearch: Guo 2018 Org.Biomol.Chem 16 8130 PubMedID: 30334059 Abstract Fifteen new polycyclic polyprenylated acylphloroglucinols (PPAPs), hyperforatones A-O (1-15), along with 3 structurally related analogues (16-18), were isolated from the stems and leaves of Hypericum perforatum. Their structures and absolute configurations were established by a combination of NMR spectroscopic analyses, experimental and calculated electronic circular dichroism (ECD), modified Mosher's methods, Rh2(OCOCF3)4- and [Mo2(OAc)4]-induced ECD, X-ray crystallography, and the assistance of quantum chemical predictions (QCP) of 13C NMR chemical shifts. Compound 5 was found to be the first PPAP decorated by a rare 2,2,4,4,5-(pentamethyltetrahydrofuran-3-yl)methanol moiety and an oxepane ring. Furthermore, the isolates were screened for their acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and beta-site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) inhibitory activities. Compounds 5, 10, 11, and 15 showed desirable AChE inhibitory activities (IC50 6.9-9.2 muM) and simultaneously inhibited BACE1 (at a concentration of 5 muM) with inhibition rates of 50.3%, 34.3%, 47.2%, and 34.6%, respectively. Interestingly, compound 5 showed the most balanced inhibitory activities against both AChE and BACE1 of all the tested compounds, which means that 5 could serve as the first valuable dual-targeted PPAP for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Preliminary molecular docking studies of 5 with BACE1 and AChE were also performed. Title: Efficient Heterologous Production of Rhizopus oryzae Lipase via Optimization of Multiple Expression-Related Helper Proteins Jiao L, Zhou Q, Su Z, Yan Y Ref: Int J Mol Sci, 19:, 2018 : PubMed ESTHER: Jiao_2018_Int.J.Mol.Sci_19_ PubMedSearch: Jiao 2018 Int.J.Mol.Sci 19 PubMedID: 30373304 Abstract This study is dedicated to efficiently produce Rhizopus oryzae lipase (ROL) by optimizing the expression of multiple expression-related helper proteins in Pichia pastoris. A series of engineered strains harboring different copy numbers of the ROL gene and different copies of the chaperone Pdi gene were first constructed to examine the influence of Pdi gene copy number on ROL production. The results showed that multiple copies of Pdi gene did not significantly improve ROL expression. Then, the effect of the co-overexpression of 10 expression-related helper proteins on ROL secretion was investigated by screening 20 colonies of each transformants. The data from shaking-flask fermentation suggested that Ssa4, Bmh2, Sso2, Pdi, Bip, Hac1, and VHb had positive effects on ROL expression. Subsequently, Ssa4, Bmh2, and Sso2, which all participate in vesicular trafficking and strongly promote ROL expression, were combined to further improve ROL production level. ROL activity of the screened strain GS115/5ROL-Ssa4-Sso2-Bmh2 4# attained 5230 U/mL. Furthermore, when the helper proteins Pdi, Bip, Hac1, and VHb were individually co-expressed with ROL in the strain GS115/5ROL-Ssa4-Sso2-Bmh2 4#, lipase activity increased to 5650 U/mL in the strain GS115/5ROL-Ssa4-Sso2-Bmh2-VHb 9#. Additionally, the maximum ROL activity of 41,700 U/mL was achieved in a 3 L bioreactor for high-density fermentation via a sorbitolmethanol co-feeding strategy, reaching almost twofold the value of the initial strain GS115/pAOalpha-5ROL 11#. Thus, the strategies in this study significantly increased ROL expression level, which is of great potential for the large-scale production of ROL in P. pastoris. Title: LIPG signaling promotes tumor initiation and metastasis of human basal-like triple-negative breast cancer Lo PK, Yao Y, Lee JS, Zhang Y, Huang W, Kane MA, Zhou Q Ref: Elife, 7:, 2018 : PubMed ESTHER: Lo_2018_Elife_7_e31334 PubMedSearch: Lo 2018 Elife 7 e31334 PubMedID: 29350614 Gene_locus related to this paper: human-LIPG Abstract Current understanding of aggressive human basal-like triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) remains incomplete. In this study, we show endothelial lipase (LIPG) is aberrantly overexpressed in basal-like TNBCs. We demonstrate that LIPG is required for in vivo tumorigenicity and metastasis of TNBC cells. LIPG possesses a lipase-dependent function that supports cancer cell proliferation and a lipase-independent function that promotes invasiveness, stemness and basal/epithelial-mesenchymal transition features of TNBC. Mechanistically, LIPG executes its oncogenic function through its involvement in interferon-related DTX3L-ISG15 signaling, which regulates protein function and stability by ISGylation. We show that DTX3L, an E3-ubiquitin ligase, is required for maintaining LIPG protein levels in TNBC cells by inhibiting proteasome-mediated LIPG degradation. Inactivation of LIPG impairs DTX3L-ISG15 signaling, indicating the existence of DTX3L-LIPG-ISG15 signaling. We further reveal LIPG-ISG15 signaling is lipase-independent. We demonstrate that DTX3L-LIPG-ISG15 signaling is essential for malignancies of TNBC cells. Targeting this pathway provides a novel strategy for basal-like TNBC therapy. Title: New 3,5-dimethylorsellinic acid-based meroterpenoids with BACE1 and AchE inhibitory activities from Aspergillus terreus Qi C, Qiao Y, Gao W, Liu M, Zhou Q, Chen C, Lai Y, Xue Y, Zhang J and Zhang Y <5 more author(s)> Qi C, Qiao Y, Gao W, Liu M, Zhou Q, Chen C, Lai Y, Xue Y, Zhang J, Li D, Wang J, Zhu H, Hu Z, Zhou Y, Zhang Y (- 5) Ref: Org Biomol Chem, 16:9046, 2018 : PubMed ESTHER: Qi_2018_Org.Biomol.Chem_16_9046 PubMedSearch: Qi 2018 Org.Biomol.Chem 16 9046 PubMedID: 30430177 Abstract Chemical investigation of the extracts of Aspergillus terreus resulted in the identification of terreusterpenes A-D (1-4), four new 3,5-dimethylorsellinic acid-based meroterpenoids. The structures and absolute configurations of 1-4 were elucidated by spectroscopic analyses including HRESIMS and 1D- and 2D-NMR, chemical conversion, and single crystal X-ray diffraction. Terreusterpenes A (1) and B (2) featured 2,3,5-trimethyl-4-oxo-5-carboxy tetrahydrofuran moieties. Terreusterpene D (4) was characterized by a 4-hydroxy-3-methyl gamma lactone fragment that was generated by accident from the rearrangement of 3 in a mixed tetrahydrofuran-H2O-MeOH solvent. All these compounds were evaluated for the beta-site amyloid precursor protein-cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) and acetylcholinesterase (AchE) inhibitory activities. Among them, compounds 1 and 2 showed potentially significant BACE1 inhibitory activity, with IC50 values of 5.98 and 11.42 muM, respectively. Interestingly, compound 4 exhibited promising BACE1 and AchE inhibitory activities, with IC50 values of 1.91 and 8.86 muM, respectively, while 3 showed no such activity. Taken together, terreusterpenes A and B could be of great importance for the development of new BACE1 inhibitors, while terreusterpene D could serve as the first dual-targeted 3,5-dimethylorsellinic acid-based meroterpenoid for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Title: Recovery of respiratory function and autonomic diaphragm movement following unilateral recurrent laryngeal nerve to phrenic nerve anastomosis in rabbits Wen J, Han Y, Guo S, Yang M, Li L, Sun G, Wang J, Hu F, Liang J and Tan J <3 more author(s)> Wen J, Han Y, Guo S, Yang M, Li L, Sun G, Wang J, Hu F, Liang J, Wei L, Zhou Q, Zhang W, Tan J (- 3) Ref: Journal of Neurosurgery Spine, :1, 2018 : PubMed ESTHER: Wen_2018_J.Neurosurg.Spine__1 PubMedSearch: Wen 2018 J.Neurosurg.Spine 1 PubMedID: 29979142 Abstract OBJECTIVE Respiratory dysfunction is the leading cause of mortality following upper cervical spinal cord injury (SCI). The authors' previous study suggested that vagus nerve (VN) and phrenic nerve (PN) anastomosis could partially improve respiratory function in rabbits that had been subjected to PN transection. As a branch of the VN and a motor fiber-dominated nerve, the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) seems a better choice to anastomose with the PN for respiratory function restoration after upper cervical SCI. This study was designed to determine whether RLN-PN anastomosis could restore the respiratory function after upper cervical SCI in rabbits. METHODS Twelve male New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into 3 groups: 1) sham group (no injury), 2) transection group (right RLN and PN were transected), and 3) bridge group (transected right RLN and PN were immediately anastomosed). Spontaneous discharges of the RLN and PN were compared using a bio-signal collection system. RLN and PN cross sections were stained for acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and the numbers of motor fibers were compared. Three months after the initial surgical procedures, the movement of the diaphragm was assessed using a digital subtraction angiography (DSA) system, and discharges from the right diaphragm muscle were recorded. Toluidine blue staining, electron microscopy, and staining for AChE were used to assess whether motor fibers from the RLN regenerated into the PN, and sections of diaphragm were examined after AChE staining to assess the motor endplates. RESULTS Both the RLN and PN exhibited highly rhythmic discharges, synchronized with respiration, and most fibers in the RLN and PN were found to be motor fibers. Numerous myelinated fibers were observed in anastomosed PN using toluidine blue staining and electron microscopy. Staining for AChE showed that those regenerated fibers had typical characteristics of motor fibers, and motor endplates with typical morphological characteristics were observed in the diaphragm. Reestablished rhythmic contraction of the hemidiaphragm was directly observed using the DSA system, and rhythmic spontaneous discharge was recorded from the reinnervated hemidiaphragm using the bio-signal collection system. CONCLUSIONS Motor fibers from the RLN could regenerate into the PN after end-to-end anastomosis and reinnervate the denervated hemidiaphragm in rabbits. Those regenerated motor fibers restored rhythmic and autonomic movement of the paralyzed diaphragm. These results suggest that the RLN is an optimal donor nerve to anastomose with the PN in order to reestablish the autonomic movement of paralyzed diaphragms after high-level SCI. Title: Characterization and structure-activity relationship studies of flavonoids as inhibitors against human carboxylesterase 2 Weng ZM, Ge GB, Dou TY, Wang P, Liu PK, Tian XH, Qiao N, Yu Y, Zou LW and Hou J <2 more author(s)> Weng ZM, Ge GB, Dou TY, Wang P, Liu PK, Tian XH, Qiao N, Yu Y, Zou LW, Zhou Q, Zhang WD, Hou J (- 2) Ref: Bioorg Chem, 77:320, 2018 : PubMed ESTHER: Weng_2018_Bioorg.Chem_77_320 PubMedSearch: Weng 2018 Bioorg.Chem 77 320 PubMedID: 29421708 Abstract Human carboxylesterases (hCEs) are key enzymes from the serine hydrolase superfamily. Among all identified hCEs, human carboxylesterase 2 (hCE2) plays crucial roles in the metabolic activation of ester drugs including irinotecan and flutamide. Selective and potent hCE2 inhibitors could be used to alleviate the toxicity induced by hCE2-substrate drugs. In this study, more than fifty flavonoids were collected to assay their inhibitory effects against hCE2 using a fluorescence-based method. The results demonstrated that C3 and C6 hydroxy groups were essential for hCE2 inhibition, while O-glycosylation or C-glycosylation would lead to the loss of hCE2 inhibition. Among all tested flavonoids, 5,6-dihydroxyflavone displayed the most potent inhibitory effect against hCE2 with the IC50 value of 3.50muM. The inhibition mechanism of 5,6-dihydroxyflavone was further investigated by both experimental and docking simulations. All these findings are very helpful for the medicinal chemists to design and develop more potent and highly selective flavonoid-type hCE2 inhibitors. Title: Breed Differences in Pig Liver Esterase (PLE) between Tongcheng (Chinese Local Breed) and Large White Pigs Xiao Q, Zhou Q, Yang L, Tian Z, Wang X, Xiao Y, Shi D Ref: Sci Rep, 8:16364, 2018 : PubMed ESTHER: Xiao_2018_Sci.Rep_8_16364 PubMedSearch: Xiao 2018 Sci.Rep 8 16364 PubMedID: 30397234 Gene_locus related to this paper: pig-a9gyw6, pig-EST1, pig-PLE1, pig-a0a1s6l948, pig-a0a1s6l959, pig-a0a1s6l967 Abstract Human carboxylesterases has been proven to be age and race-related and a sound basis of clinical medication. PLE involve in signal transduction and highly catalyze hydrolysis. Therefore, the expression level of PLE most probably exist age and breed difference and lead to significant differences of pharmacology and physiology. Four age groups of Tongcheng (TC) and Large White (LW) pigs were selected to explore PLE breed and age differences, and it was found that PLE mRNA was most abundant in liver in both breeds. In liver, PLE levels and hydrolytic activities increased with age, and PLE levels (except for 3 month) and the hydrolytic activities were higher in LW than in TC across all age groups. Abundance of PLE isoenzymes was obvious different between breeds and among age groups. The most abundant PLE isoenzyme in LW and TC pigs was PLE-A1 (all age groups) and PLE-B9 (three early age groups) or PLE-G3 (adult groups), respectively. 103 new PLE isoenzymes were found, and 55 high-frequency PLE isoenzymes were accordingly classified into seven categories (A-G). The results of this research provide a necessary basis not only for clinical medication of pigs but also for pig breeding purposes. Title: The role of endothelial lipase in lipid metabolism, inflammation, and cancer Yu JE, Han SY, Wolfson B, Zhou Q Ref: Histol Histopathol, 33:1, 2018 : PubMed ESTHER: Yu_2018_Histol.Histopathol_33_1 PubMedSearch: Yu 2018 Histol.Histopathol 33 1 PubMedID: 28540715 Abstract Endothelial lipase (LIPG) plays a critical role in lipoprotein metabolism, cytokine expression, and the lipid composition of cells. Thus far, the extensive investigations of LIPG have focused on its mechanisms and involvement in metabolic syndromes such as atherosclerosis. However, recent developments have found that LIPG plays a role in cancer. This review summarizes the field of LIPG study. We focus on the role of LIPG in lipid metabolism and the inflammatory response, and highlight the recent insights in its involvement in tumor progression. Finally, we discuss potential therapeutic strategies for targeting LIPG in cancer, and the therapeutic potential of LIPG as a drug target. Title: Epigallocatechin-3-gallate attenuates cerebral cortex damage and promotes brain regeneration in acrylamide-treated rats He Y, Tan D, Mi Y, Zhou Q, Ji S Ref: Food Funct, 8:2275, 2017 : PubMed ESTHER: He_2017_Food.Funct_8_2275 PubMedSearch: He 2017 Food.Funct 8 2275 PubMedID: 28561817 Inhibitor(s) related to this paper: Epigallocatechin-gallate Abstract Acrylamide (ACR) is a neurotoxic industrial chemical intermediate, which is also present in food and water. We investigated the neuroprotective effects of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), the most abundant polyphenol in green tea, on ACR-treated rat brain. Rats were pre-treated with EGCG for 4 d and then administered ACR and EGCG for 14 d. EGCG increased acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity and the rate of Nissl-positive cells in ACR-treated rats. Senescence-associated beta-galactosidase (SA-beta-gal) staining indicated that EGCG attenuated ACR-induced senescence. Tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) protein expression indicated that EGCG inhibited ACR-induced inflammation. In addition, immunohistochemical analysis of nestin and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) revealed that EGCG promoted brain regeneration in ACR-treated rats. Altogether, our results suggest that EGCG can attenuate ACR-induced brain damage and promote regeneration in the cerebral cortex of rats. Therefore, we hypothesized that EGCG may alleviate ACR-related nerve injury. Title: Taraxacum mongolicum extract induced endoplasmic reticulum stress associated-apoptosis in triple-negative breast cancer cells Li XH, He XR, Zhou YY, Zhao HY, Zheng WX, Jiang ST, Zhou Q, Li PP, Han SY Ref: J Ethnopharmacol, 206:55, 2017 : PubMed ESTHER: Li_2017_J.Ethnopharmacol_206_55 PubMedSearch: Li 2017 J.Ethnopharmacol 206 55 PubMedID: 28461119 Inhibitor(s) related to this paper: Cynaroside Abstract BACKGROUND: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive and deadly breast cancer subtype with limited treatment options. It is necessary to seek complementary strategies for TNBC management. Taraxacum mongolicum, commonly named as dandelion, is a herb medicine with anti-cancer activity and has been utilized to treat mammary abscess, hyperplasia of mammary glands from ancient time in China, but the scientific evidence and action mechanisms still need to be studied. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study was intended to investigate the therapeutic effect and molecular mechanisms of dandelion extract in TNBC cell line. METHODOLOGY: Dandelion extract was prepared and purified, and then its chemical composition was determined. Cell viability was evaluated by MTT assay. Analysis of cell apoptosis and cell cycle was assessed by flow cytometry. The expression levels of mRNA and proteins were determined by real-time PCR and Western blotting, respectively. Caspase inhibitor Z-VAD-FMK and CHOP siRNA were used to confirm the cell apoptosis induced by dandelion extract. RESULTS: Dandelion extract significantly decreased MDA-MB-231cell viability, triggered G2/M phase arrest and cell apoptosis. Concurrently, it caused a markedly increase of cleaved caspase-3 and PARP proteins. Caspase inhibitor Z-VAD-FMK abolished the apoptosis triggered by dandelion extract. The three ER stress-related signals were strongly induced after dandelion treatment, including increased mRNA expressions of ATF4, ATF6, XBP1s, GRP78 and CHOP genes, elevated protein levels of phosphorylated PERK, eIF-2alpha, IRE1, as well as the downstream molecules of CHOP and GRP78. MDA-MB-231 cells transfected with CHOP siRNA significantly reduced apoptosis induced by dandelion extract. The underlying mechanisms at least partially ascribe to the strong activation of PERK/p-eIF2alpha/ATF4/CHOP axis. CONCLUSION: ER stress related cell apoptosis accounted for the anti-cancer effect of dandelion extract, and these findings support dandelion extract might be a potential therapeutic approach to treat TNBC. Title: Characterization and functional analysis of a carboxylesterase gene associated with chlorpyrifos resistance in Nilaparvata lugens (Stal) Lu K, Wang Y, Chen X, Zhang Z, Li Y, Li W, Zhou Q Ref: Comparative Biochemistry & Physiology C Toxicol Pharmacol, 203:12, 2017 : PubMed ESTHER: Lu_2017_Comp.Biochem.Physiol.C.Toxicol.Pharmacol_203_12 PubMedSearch: Lu 2017 Comp.Biochem.Physiol.C.Toxicol.Pharmacol 203 12 PubMedID: 29054582 Gene_locus related to this paper: nillu-NlCarE Inhibitor(s) related to this paper: TPHP Abstract The widespread and extensive application of insecticides have promoted the development of resistance in the brown planthopper Nilaparvata lugens (Stal), one of the most important rice pests in Asia. To better understand the underlying molecular mechanisms of metabolic resistance to insecticides, a chlorpyrifos-resistant (CR) strain of N. lugens was selected and its possible resistance mechanism was investigated. Synergistic tests using carboxylesterases (CarEs) inhibitor triphenyl phosphate (TPP) decreased the resistance of N. lugens to chlorpyrifos, and CarE activities could be induced by low concentrations of chlorpyrifos. Subsequently, a gene putatively encoding CarE, namely NlCarE, predominant in the midgut and ovary was isolated and characterized. The expression levels of NlCarE were detected and compared between the CR and a susceptible (SS) strain of N. lugens. Consistent with the increased CarE activity, this gene was overexpressed in the CR strain compared to the SS strain. The transcript levels of NlCarE were up-regulated by chlorpyrifos exposure, showing dose- and time-dependent expression patterns. Furthermore, RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated knockdown of NlCarE followed by insecticide application significantly increased the susceptibility of N. lugens to chlorpyrifos. These results demonstrate that NlCarE plays an important role in chlorpyrifos detoxification and its overexpression may be involved in chlorpyrifos resistance in N. lugens. Title: Discovery of Novel Pyrazolopyrimidinone Derivatives as Phosphodiesterase 9A Inhibitors Capable of Inhibiting Butyrylcholinesterase for Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease Yu YF, Huang YD, Zhang C, Wu XN, Zhou Q, Wu D, Wu Y, Luo HB Ref: ACS Chem Neurosci, 8:2522, 2017 : PubMed ESTHER: Yu_2017_ACS.Chem.Neurosci_8_2522 PubMedSearch: Yu 2017 ACS.Chem.Neurosci 8 2522 PubMedID: 28783948 Abstract Discovery of multitarget-directed ligands (MTDLs), targeting different factors simultaneously to control the complicated pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD), has become an important research area in recent years. Both phosphodiesterase 9A (PDE9A) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) inhibitors could participate in different processes of AD to attenuate neuronal injuries and improve cognitive impairments. However, research on MTDLs combining the inhibition of PDE9A and BuChE simultaneously has not been reported yet. In this study, a series of novel pyrazolopyrimidinone-rivastigmine hybrids were designed, synthesized, and evaluated in vitro. Most compounds exhibited remarkable inhibitory activities against both PDE9A and BuChE. Compounds 6c and 6f showed the best IC(50) values against PDE9A (6c, 14 nM; 6f, 17 nM) together with the considerable inhibition against BuChE (IC(50), 6c, 3.3 microM; 6f, 0.97 microM). Their inhibitory potencies against BuChE were even higher than the anti-AD drug rivastigmine. It is worthy mentioning that both showed moderate selectivity for BuChE over acetylcholinesterase (AChE). Molecular docking studies revealed their binding patterns and explained the influence of configuration and substitutions on the inhibition of PDE9A and BuChE. Furthermore, compounds 6c and 6f exhibited negligible toxicity, which made them suitable for the further study of AD in vivo. Title: Intoxication and biochemical responses of freshwater snail Bellamya aeruginosa to ethylbenzene Zheng S, Zhou Q Ref: Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 24:189, 2017 : PubMed ESTHER: Zheng_2017_Environ.Sci.Pollut.Res.Int_24_189 PubMedSearch: Zheng 2017 Environ.Sci.Pollut.Res.Int 24 189 PubMedID: 27709428 Abstract No acute toxic data of ethylbenzene on gastropod is available in literature. In the present study, the acute toxicity of ethylbenzene was assessed on a freshwater snail Bellamya aeruginosa, which was exposed to ethylbenzene concentration from 1 to 100 mg/L for 96 h. No mortality occurred, but a manifestation of intoxication (distress syndrome) was observed in part of exposed snails, and meanwhile, another part was moved normally. The distress syndrome showed clear dose- and time-dependent effects, and the 96-h EC50 value for distress syndrome was 13.3 mg/L in snail. The biochemical responses induced by ethylbenzene to the snail, including acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in the whole body and superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione S-transferases (GST), and reduced glutathione (GSH) in the hepatopancreas, were evaluated both for distressed snail and moved snail. The AChE activity of distressed snail was all inhibited more than 45 %, and the inhibition of AChE activity in the moved snail was all less than 30 % and more than 20 %, demonstrating that ethylbenzene exerted nervous toxicity to both distressed snail and moved snail. Meanwhile, the difference for AChE activity between the two different response snails was significant. Among the antioxidant biomarkers (SOD, CAT, GST, and GSH), only GST displayed significant difference between the distressed snail and moved snail. However, the activities of enzymes (SOD, CAT, and GST) in the moved snail were greater than those in the distressed snail, no matter significantly or insignificantly, which indicated that the ability of antioxidant defense in the distressed snail was weaker than that in the moved snail. The findings here reported manifest that ethylbenzene exerted nervous toxicity to snail, and the snail with intoxication response (distress syndrome) presented larger inhibition on AChE activity and weaker antioxidant ability in comparison with the moved snail. Title: Galantamine protects against lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury in rats Li G, Zhou C, Zhou Q, Zou H Ref: Brazilian Journal of Medical & Biological Research, 49:, 2016 : PubMed ESTHER: Li_2016_Braz.J.Med.Biol.Res_49_ PubMedSearch: Li 2016 Braz.J.Med.Biol.Res 49 PubMedID: 26648090 Abstract Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced endotoxemia triggers the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines and can cause acute lung injury (ALI). The high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) protein plays an important role as a late mediator of sepsis and ALI. Galantamine (GAL) is a central acetylcholinesterase inhibitor that inhibits the expression of HMGB1. This study evaluated the effects of GAL by measuring levels of inflammatory mediators and observing histopathological features associated with LPS-induced ALI. Sixty 8-10 week old male Sprague-Dawley rats (200-240 g) were randomized into three groups as follows: control group, LPS group (7.5 mg/kg LPS), and LPS+GAL group (5 mg/kg GAL before LPS administration). Histopathological examination of lung specimens obtained 12 h after LPS administration was performed to analyze changes in wet-to-dry (W/D) weight ratio, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, and HMGB1 expression level. Additionally, plasma concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-6, and HMGB1 were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay at 0 (baseline), 3, 6, 9, and 12 h after LPS administration. Mortality in the three groups was recorded at 72 h. LPS-induced ALI was characterized by distortion of pulmonary architecture and elevation of MPO activity, W/D weight ratio, and levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-6, and HMGB1. Pretreatment with GAL significantly reduced the LPS-induced lung pathological changes, W/D weight ratio, levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and MPO activity (ANOVA). Moreover, GAL treatment significantly decreased the mortality rate (ANOVA). In conclusion, we demonstrated that GAL exerted a protective effect on LPS-induced ALI in rats. Title: The potential neurotoxicity of emerging tetrabromobisphenol A derivatives based on rat pheochromocytoma cells Liu Q, Ren X, Long Y, Hu L, Qu G, Zhou Q, Jiang G Ref: Chemosphere, 154:194, 2016 : PubMed ESTHER: Liu_2016_Chemosphere_154_194 PubMedSearch: Liu 2016 Chemosphere 154 194 PubMedID: 27055180 Abstract Tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) can cause diverse adverse effects including neurotoxicity. Emerging TBBPA derivatives, with high structure similarity to the parent compound, are now being concerned. In this study, the potential neurotoxicities of four TBBPA derivatives and their parent compound were studied by cell viability inhibition in rat pheochromocytoma cells (PC12) and the corresponding molecular mechanisms were investigated. The cellular toxicity was correlated with the chemical hydrophobicity. Tetrabromobisphenol A bis(2-hydroxyethyl ether) (TBBPA-BHEE) exhibited the highest cellular toxicity to PC12 due to its lowest hydrophobicity among these 5 tested compounds. Further experiments showed that TBBPA-BHEE disturbed dopamine (DA) secretion and altered acetylcholinesterase (AChE) enzymatic activity in PC12 cells. The molecular mechanism study indicated that TBBPA-BHEE induced cellular toxicity to PC12 cells through ROS-mediated caspase activation to a large extent, which was partially attenuated by the anti-oxidation of Vitamin E. Moreover, in contrast to TBBPA, the occurrence of TBBPA-BHEE toxicity to PC12 was not attributed to activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) or thyroid hormone (TH) signaling pathway. These findings suggest TBBPA derivatives, especially TBBPA-BHEE, as potential neurotoxins need urgent attention. Title: Third-Generation Sequencing and Analysis of Four Complete Pig Liver Esterase Gene Sequences in Clones Identified by Screening BAC Library Zhou Q, Sun W, Liu X, Wang X, Xiao Y, Bi D, Yin J, Shi D Ref: PLoS ONE, 11:e0163295, 2016 : PubMed ESTHER: Zhou_2016_PLoS.ONE_11_E0163295 PubMedSearch: Zhou 2016 PLoS.ONE 11 E0163295 PubMedID: 27695062 Gene_locus related to this paper: pig-EST1, pig-PLE1, pig-a0a1s6l948, pig-a0a1s6l959, pig-a0a1s6l967 Abstract AIM: Pig liver carboxylesterase (PLE) gene sequences in GenBank are incomplete, which has led to difficulties in studying the genetic structure and regulation mechanisms of gene expression of PLE family genes. The aim of this study was to obtain and analysis of complete gene sequences of PLE family by screening from a Rongchang pig BAC library and third-generation PacBio gene sequencing. Title: (-)-Meptazinol-melatonin hybrids as novel dual inhibitors of cholinesterases and amyloid-beta aggregation with high antioxidant potency for Alzheimer's therapy Cheng S, Zheng W, Gong P, Zhou Q, Xie Q, Yu L, Zhang P, Chen L, Li J and Chen H <1 more author(s)> Cheng S, Zheng W, Gong P, Zhou Q, Xie Q, Yu L, Zhang P, Chen L, Li J, Chen J, Chen H (- 1) Ref: Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry, 23:3110, 2015 : PubMed ESTHER: Cheng_2015_Bioorg.Med.Chem_23_3110 PubMedSearch: Cheng 2015 Bioorg.Med.Chem 23 3110 PubMedID: 26025073 Abstract The multifactorial pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) implicates that multi-target-directed ligands (MTDLs) intervention may represent a promising therapy for AD. Amyloid-beta (Abeta) aggregation and oxidative stress, two prominent neuropathological hallmarks in patients, play crucial roles in the neurotoxic cascade of this disease. In the present study, a series of novel (-)-meptazinol-melatonin hybrids were designed, synthesized and biologically characterized as potential MTDLs against AD. Among them, hybrids 7-7c displayed higher dual inhibitory potency toward cholinesterases (ChEs) and better oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) than the parental drugs. Furthermore, compound 7c could effectively inhibit Abeta self-aggregation, showed favorable safety and the blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability. Therefore, 7c may serve as a valuable candidate that is worthy of further investigations in the treatment of AD. Title: Inhibition of miR-134 Protects Against Hydrogen Peroxide-Induced Apoptosis in Retinal Ganglion Cells Shao Y, Yu Y, Zhou Q, Li C, Yang L, Pei CG Ref: Journal of Molecular Neuroscience, 56:461, 2015 : PubMed ESTHER: Shao_2015_J.Mol.Neurosci_56_461 PubMedSearch: Shao 2015 J.Mol.Neurosci 56 461 PubMedID: 25744098 Abstract MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been suggested to play an important role in neurological diseases. Particularly, miR-134 is reportedly involved in regulating neuron survival. However, the association between miR-134 and retinal ganglion cell (RGC) survival under adverse stimulus has not been extensively investigated. In this study, we aimed to explore the role and underlying mechanism of miR-134 in regulating RGC apoptosis in response to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) treatment. Results showed that the expression of miR-134 dose- and time-dependently increased in RGC after H2O2 treatment. H2O2-induced RGC apoptosis was significantly attenuated by the inhibition of miR-134 expression by antagomiR-134 and was enhanced by miR-134 overexpression. Luciferase reporter assay revealed a direct interaction between miR-134 and the 3'-untranslated region of cyclic AMP-response element-binding protein (CREB), a critical transcription factor for neuronal protection. In H2O2-treated RGCs, the inhibition of miR-134 significantly elevated the expression of CREB and its downstream genes, including brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and Bcl-2. Furthermore, the inhibition of miR-134 also increased the expression of miR-132, a rapid response gene downstream of CREB. In addition, the target gene of miR-132, acetylcholinesterase was expectedly decreased by miR-134 inhibition. However, the overexpression of miR-134 exerted an opposite effect. The knockdown of CREB apparently abolished the protective effect of miR-134 inhibition against H2O2-induced RGC apoptosis. The increased expression of BDNF and Bcl-2 induced by miR-134 inhibition was also abrogated by CREB knockdown. Overall, our results suggested that the downregulation of miR-134 can effectively protect against H2O2-induced RGC apoptosis by negatively modulating CREB expression. Title: Pharmacokinetic drug interactions with clopidogrel: updated review and risk management in combination therapy Wang ZY, Chen M, Zhu LL, Yu LS, Zeng S, Xiang MX, Zhou Q Ref: Ther Clin Risk Manag, 11:449, 2015 : PubMed ESTHER: Wang_2015_Ther.Clin.Risk.Manag_11_449 PubMedSearch: Wang 2015 Ther.Clin.Risk.Manag 11 449 PubMedID: 25848291 Abstract BACKGROUND: Coprescribing of clopidogrel and other drugs is common. Available reviews have addressed the drug-drug interactions (DDIs) when clopidogrel is as an object drug, or focused on combination use of clopidogrel and a special class of drugs. Clinicians may still be ignorant of those DDIs when clopidogrel is a precipitant drug, the factors determining the degree of DDIs, and corresponding risk management. Title: Highly sensitive and selective detection of human carboxylesterase 1 activity by liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection Wang DD, Jin Q, Hou J, Feng L, Li N, Li SY, Zhou Q, Zou LW, Ge GB and Yang L <1 more author(s)> Wang DD, Jin Q, Hou J, Feng L, Li N, Li SY, Zhou Q, Zou LW, Ge GB, Wang JG, Yang L (- 1) Ref: Journal of Chromatography B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sciences, 1008:212, 2015 : PubMed ESTHER: Wang_2015_J.Chromatogr.B.Analyt.Technol.Biomed.Life.Sci_1008_212 PubMedSearch: Wang 2015 J.Chromatogr.B.Analyt.Technol.Biomed.Life.Sci 1008 212 PubMedID: 26673230 Abstract Human carboxylesterases 1 (hCE1), one of the most important human drug metabolizing enzymes, catalyzes the hydrolysis of a large number of structurally diverse of endogenous and exogenous substrates. However, a practical, reliable and sensitive method for the precise measurement of hCE1 activities in complex biological samples has been rarely reported. In this study, a liquid chromatography-fluorescence detection (LC-FD) based method was developed for highly selective and sensitive measurement of hCE1 activities in human tissue and cell preparations. This method was based on the fluorimetric detection of HMBT, the hydrolyzed product of BMBT which was a newly developed specific probe substrate for hCE1. The developed LC-FD method was fully validated in terms of specificity, sensitivity, linearity, precision, recovery and stability. With the help of LC separation, most polar endogenous compounds in biological samples could be eluted in the column dead time, which is very beneficial for accurate determination of hCE1 activities in complex biological samples. The lower limit of quantification for HMBT (product of hCE1) of this LC-FD based method was as low as 20nM, which was quite lower than other reported methods. The method also exhibited good precision, both intra- and inter- assay variances were both lower than 2.5%. Furthermore, the newly developed method was successfully applied to measure hCE1 activity in human liver preparations from individual donors (n=12), as well as in homogenates from eleven different human cell lines. All these findings combined with this practical method are very helpful for the deep understanding of the expression and function of hCE1 in human biological samples. Title: The resurrection genome of Boea hygrometrica: A blueprint for survival of dehydration Xiao L, Yang G, Zhang L, Yang X, Zhao S, Ji Z, Zhou Q, Hu M, Wang Y and He Y <14 more author(s)> Xiao L, Yang G, Zhang L, Yang X, Zhao S, Ji Z, Zhou Q, Hu M, Wang Y, Chen M, Xu Y, Jin H, Xiao X, Hu G, Bao F, Hu Y, Wan P, Li L, Deng X, Kuang T, Xiang C, Zhu JK, Oliver MJ, He Y (- 14) Ref: Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A, 112:5833, 2015 : PubMed ESTHER: Xiao_2015_Proc.Natl.Acad.Sci.U.S.A_112_5833 PubMedSearch: Xiao 2015 Proc.Natl.Acad.Sci.U.S.A 112 5833 PubMedID: 25902549 Gene_locus related to this paper: 9lami-a0a2z7c6k4, 9lami-a0a2z7bgj4 Abstract "Drying without dying" is an essential trait in land plant evolution. Unraveling how a unique group of angiosperms, the Resurrection Plants, survive desiccation of their leaves and roots has been hampered by the lack of a foundational genome perspective. Here we report the approximately 1,691-Mb sequenced genome of Boea hygrometrica, an important resurrection plant model. The sequence revealed evidence for two historical genome-wide duplication events, a compliment of 49,374 protein-coding genes, 29.15% of which are unique (orphan) to Boea and 20% of which (9,888) significantly respond to desiccation at the transcript level. Expansion of early light-inducible protein (ELIP) and 5S rRNA genes highlights the importance of the protection of the photosynthetic apparatus during drying and the rapid resumption of protein synthesis in the resurrection capability of Boea. Transcriptome analysis reveals extensive alternative splicing of transcripts and a focus on cellular protection strategies. The lack of desiccation tolerance-specific genome organizational features suggests the resurrection phenotype evolved mainly by an alteration in the control of dehydration response genes. Title: Novel link between prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and cholinergic signaling in lung cancer: The role of c-Jun in PGE2-induced alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor expression and tumor cell proliferation Zhong X, Fan Y, Ritzenthaler JD, Zhang W, Wang K, Zhou Q, Roman J Ref: Thorac Cancer, 6:488, 2015 : PubMed ESTHER: Zhong_2015_Thorac.Cancer_6_488 PubMedSearch: Zhong 2015 Thorac.Cancer 6 488 PubMedID: 26273406 Abstract BACKGROUND: Cyclooxygenase-2-derived prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) stimulates tumor cell growth and progression. alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) is a major mediator of cholinergic signaling in tumor cells. In the present study, we investigated the mechanisms by which PGE2 increases non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) proliferation via alpha7 nAChR induction. Title: Whole-genome sequence of a flatfish provides insights into ZW sex chromosome evolution and adaptation to a benthic lifestyle Chen S, Zhang G, Shao C, Huang Q, Liu G, Zhang P, Song W, An N, Chalopin D and Wang J <34 more author(s)> Chen S, Zhang G, Shao C, Huang Q, Liu G, Zhang P, Song W, An N, Chalopin D, Volff JN, Hong Y, Li Q, Sha Z, Zhou H, Xie M, Yu Q, Liu Y, Xiang H, Wang N, Wu K, Yang C, Zhou Q, Liao X, Yang L, Hu Q, Zhang J, Meng L, Jin L, Tian Y, Lian J, Yang J, Miao G, Liu S, Liang Z, Yan F, Li Y, Sun B, Zhang H, Zhu Y, Du M, Zhao Y, Schartl M, Tang Q, Wang J (- 34) Ref: Nat Genet, 46:253, 2014 : PubMed ESTHER: Chen_2014_Nat.Genet_46_253 PubMedSearch: Chen 2014 Nat.Genet 46 253 PubMedID: 24487278 Gene_locus related to this paper: cynse-a0a3p8wch2, cynse-a0a3p8vd14, cynse-a0a3p8w747, cynse-a0a3p8wq40, cynse-a0a3p8wul3, cynse-a0a3p8vqr4, cynse-a0a3p8vmz4 Abstract Genetic sex determination by W and Z chromosomes has developed independently in different groups of organisms. To better understand the evolution of sex chromosomes and the plasticity of sex-determination mechanisms, we sequenced the whole genomes of a male (ZZ) and a female (ZW) half-smooth tongue sole (Cynoglossus semilaevis). In addition to insights into adaptation to a benthic lifestyle, we find that the sex chromosomes of these fish are derived from the same ancestral vertebrate protochromosome as the avian W and Z chromosomes. Notably, the same gene on the Z chromosome, dmrt1, which is the male-determining gene in birds, showed convergent evolution of features that are compatible with a similar function in tongue sole. Comparison of the relatively young tongue sole sex chromosomes with those of mammals and birds identified events that occurred during the early phase of sex-chromosome evolution. Pertinent to the current debate about heterogametic sex-chromosome decay, we find that massive gene loss occurred in the wake of sex-chromosome 'birth'. Title: A novel acetylcholinesterase biosensor based on carboxylic graphene coated with silver nanoparticles for pesticide detection Liu Y, Wang G, Li C, Zhou Q, Wang M, Yang L Ref: Mater Sci Eng C Mater Biol Appl, 35:253, 2014 : PubMed ESTHER: Liu_2014_Mater.Sci.Eng.C.Mater.Biol.Appl_35_253 PubMedSearch: Liu 2014 Mater.Sci.Eng.C.Mater.Biol.Appl 35 253 PubMedID: 24411376 Abstract A novel acetylcholinesterase (AChE) biosensor based on Ag NPs, carboxylic graphene (CGR) and Nafion (NF) hybrid modified glass carbon electrode (GCE) has been successfully developed. Ag NPs-CGR-NF possessed predominant conductivity, catalysis and biocompatibility and provided a hydrophilic surface for AChE adhesion. Chitosan (CS) was used to immobilize AChE on the surface of Ag NPs-CGR-NF/GCE to keep the AChE activities. The AChE biosensor showed favorable affinity to acetylthiocholine chloride (ATCl) and could catalyze the hydrolysis of ATCl with an apparent Michaelis-Menten constant value of 133muM, which was then oxidized to produce a detectable and fast response. Under optimum conditions, the biosensor detected chlorpyrifos and carbaryl at concentrations ranging from 1.0x10(-13) to 1x10(-8)M and from 1.0x10(-12) to 1x10(-8)M. The detection limits for chlorpyrifos and carbaryl were 5.3x10(-14)M and 5.45x10(-13)M, respectively. The developed biosensor exhibited good sensitivity, stability, reproducibility and low cost, thus providing a promising tool for analysis of enzyme inhibitors. This study could provide a simple and effective immobilization platform for meeting the demand of the effective immobilization enzyme on the electrode surface. Title: A novel series of tacrine-selegiline hybrids with cholinesterase and monoamine oxidase inhibition activities for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease Lu C, Zhou Q, Yan J, Du Z, Huang L, Li X Ref: Eur Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 62C:745, 2013 : PubMed ESTHER: Lu_2013_Eur.J.Med.Chem_62C_745 PubMedSearch: Lu 2013 Eur.J.Med.Chem 62C 745 PubMedID: 23454517 Abstract A novel series of tacrine-selegiline hybrids was synthesised and evaluated for application as inhibitors of cholinesterase (AChE/BCHE) and monoamine oxidase (MAO-A/B). The results demonstrate that most of the synthesised compounds exhibit high inhibitory activity. Among these compounds, compound 8g provided a good balance of activity towards all targets (with IC50 values of 22.6 nM, 9.37 nM, 0.3724 muM, and 0.1810 muM for AChE, BCHE, MAO-A and MAO-B, respectively). These results indicated that 8g has the potential to be a multi-functional candidate for Alzheimer's disease. Title: Novel tacrine-ebselen hybrids with improved cholinesterase inhibitory, hydrogen peroxide and peroxynitrite scavenging activity Mao F, Chen J, Zhou Q, Luo Z, Huang L, Li X Ref: Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Lett, 23:6737, 2013 : PubMed ESTHER: Mao_2013_Bioorg.Med.Chem.Lett_23_6737 PubMedSearch: Mao 2013 Bioorg.Med.Chem.Lett 23 6737 PubMedID: 24220172 Inhibitor(s) related to this paper: Ebselen Abstract A series of tacrine-ebselen hybrids were synthesised and evaluated as possible multifunctional anti-Alzheimer's disease (AD) agents. Compound 6i, which is tacrine linked with 5,6-dimethoxybenzo[d][1,2]selenazol-3(2H)-one by a six-carbon spacer, was the most potent acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butylcholinesterase (BCHE) inhibitor, with IC50 values of 2.55 and 2.80nM, respectively. Furthermore, this compound demonstrated similar hydrogen peroxide and peroxynitrite scavenging activity as ebselen by horseradish peroxidase assay and peroxynitrite scavenging activity assay, indicating that this hybrid is a good multifunctional drug candidate for the treatment of AD. Title: Substitution of Val72 residue alters the enantioselectivity and activity of Penicillium expansum lipase Tang L, Su M, Zhu L, Chi L, Zhang J, Zhou Q Ref: World J Microbiol Biotechnol, 29:145, 2013 : PubMed ESTHER: Tang_2013_World.J.Microbiol.Biotechnol_29_145 PubMedSearch: Tang 2013 World.J.Microbiol.Biotechnol 29 145 PubMedID: 22972595 Gene_locus related to this paper: penex-Q9HFW6 Abstract Error-prone PCR was used to create more active or enantioselective variants of Penicillium expansum lipase (PEL). A variant with a valine to glycine substitution at residue 72 in the lid structure exhibited higher activity and enantioselectivity than those of wild-type PEL. Site-directed saturation mutagenesis was used to explore the sequence-function relationship and the substitution of Val72 of P. expansum lipase changed both catalytic activity and enantioselectivity greatly. The variant V72A, displayed a highest enantioselectivity enhanced to about twofold for the resolution of (R, S)-naproxen (E value increased from 104 to 200.7 for wild-type PEL and V72A variant, respectively). In comparison to PEL, the variant V72A showed a remarkable increase in specific activity towards p-nitrophenyl palmitate (11- and 4-fold increase at 25 and 35 degrees C, respectively) whereas it had a decreased thermostability. The results suggest that the enantioselective variant V72A could be used for the production of pharmaceutical drugs such as enantiomerically pure (S)-naproxen and the residue Val 72 of P. expansum lipase plays a significant role in the enantioselectivity and activity of this enantioselective lipase. Title: Acetylcholinesterase biosensor based on SnO nanoparticles-carboxylic graphene-nafion modified electrode for detection of pesticides Yang L, Zhou Q, Wang G, Yang Y Ref: Biosensors & Bioelectronics, 49C:25, 2013 : PubMed ESTHER: Yang_2013_Biosens.Bioelectron_49C_25 PubMedSearch: Yang 2013 Biosens.Bioelectron 49C 25 PubMedID: 23708814 Abstract A sensitive amperometric acetylcholinesterase (AChE) biosensor, based on SnO2 nanoparticles (SnO2 NPs), carboxylic graphene (CGR) and nafion (NF) modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE) for the detection of methyl parathion and carbofuran has been developed. The nanocomposites of SnO2 NPs and CGR was synthesized and characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), respectively. Chitosan (CS) was used to immobilize AChE on SnO2 NPs-CGR-NF/GCE and to improve electronic transmission between AChE and SnO2 NPs-CGR-NF/GCE. NF was used as the protective membrane for the AChE biosensor. The SnO2 NPs-CGR-NF nanocomposites with excellent conductivity, catalysis and biocompatibility offered an extremely hydrophilic surface for AChE adhesion. The AChE biosensor showed favorable affinity to acetylthiocholine chloride (ATCl) and could catalyze the hydrolysis of ATCl with an apparent Michaelis-Menten constant value of 131muM. The biosensor detected methyl parathion in the linear range from 10-13 to 10-10M and from 10-10 to 10-8M. The biosensor detected carbofuran in the linear range from 10-12 to 10-10M and from 10-10 to 10-8M. The detection limits of methyl parathion and carbofuran were 5x10-14M and 5x10-13M, respectively. The biosensor exhibited low applied potential, high sensitivity and acceptable stability, thus providing a promising tool for analysis of pesticides. Title: Complete genome analysis of three Acinetobacter baumannii clinical isolates in China for insight into the diversification of drug resistance elements Zhu L, Yan Z, Zhang Z, Zhou Q, Zhou J, Wakeland EK, Fang X, Xuan Z, Shen D, Li QZ Ref: PLoS ONE, 8:e66584, 2013 : PubMed ESTHER: Zhu_2013_PLoS.ONE_8_E66584 PubMedSearch: Zhu 2013 PLoS.ONE 8 E66584 PubMedID: 23826102 Gene_locus related to this paper: aciba-f5iht4, aciba-a0a009wzt4 Abstract BACKGROUND: The emergence and rapid spreading of multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii strains has become a major health threat worldwide. To better understand the genetic recombination related with the acquisition of drug-resistant elements during bacterial infection, we performed complete genome analysis on three newly isolated multidrug-resistant A. baumannii strains from Beijing using next-generation sequencing technology. METHODOLOGIES/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Whole genome comparison revealed that all 3 strains share some common drug resistant elements including carbapenem-resistant bla OXA-23 and tetracycline (tet) resistance islands, but the genome structures are diversified among strains. Various genomic islands intersperse on the genome with transposons and insertions, reflecting the recombination flexibility during the acquisition of the resistant elements. The blood-isolated BJAB07104 and ascites-isolated BJAB0868 exhibit high similarity on their genome structure with most of the global clone II strains, suggesting these two strains belong to the dominant outbreak strains prevalent worldwide. A large resistance island (RI) of about 121-kb, carrying a cluster of resistance-related genes, was inserted into the ATPase gene on BJAB07104 and BJAB0868 genomes. A 78-kb insertion element carrying tra-locus and bla OXA-23 island, can be either inserted into one of the tniB gene in the 121-kb RI on the chromosome, or transformed to conjugative plasmid in the two BJAB strains. The third strains of this study, BJAB0715, which was isolated from spinal fluid, exhibit much more divergence compared with above two strains. It harbors multiple drug-resistance elements including a truncated AbaR-22-like RI on its genome. One of the unique features of this strain is that it carries both bla OXA-23 and bla OXA-58 genes on its genome. Besides, an Acinetobacter lwoffii adeABC efflux element was found inserted into the ATPase position in BJAB0715. Title: Interkingdom gene transfer may contribute to the evolution of phytopathogenicity in botrytis cinerea Zhu B, Zhou Q, Xie G, Zhang G, Zhang X, Wang Y, Sun G, Li B, Jin G Ref: Evol Bioinform Online, 8:105, 2012 : PubMed ESTHER: Zhu_2012_Evol.Bioinform.Online_8_105 PubMedSearch: Zhu 2012 Evol.Bioinform.Online 8 105 PubMedID: 22346340 Abstract The ascomycete Botrytis cinerea is a phytopathogenic fungus infecting and causing significant yield losses in a number of crops. The genome of B. cinerea has been fully sequenced while the importance of horizontal gene transfer (HGT) to extend the host range in plant pathogenic fungi has been recently appreciated. However, recent data confirm that the B. cinerea fungus shares conserved virulence factors with other fungal plant pathogens with narrow host range. Therefore, interkingdom HGT may contribute to the evolution of phytopathogenicity in B. cinerea. In this study, a stringent genome comparison pipeline was used to identify potential genes that have been obtained by B. cinerea but not by other fungi through interkingdom HGT. This search led to the identification of four genes: a UDP-glucosyltransferase (UGT), a lipoprotein and two alpha/beta hydrolase fold proteins. Phylogenetic analysis of the four genes suggests that B. cinerea acquired UGT from plants and the other 3 genes from bacteria. Based on the known gene functions and literature searching, a correlation between gene acquision and the evolution of pathogenicity in B. cinerea can be postulated. Title: Auxin modulates the enhanced development of root hairs in Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh. under elevated CO(2) Niu Y, Jin C, Jin G, Zhou Q, Lin X, Tang C, Zhang Y Ref: Plant Cell Environ, 34:1304, 2011 : PubMed ESTHER: Niu_2011_Plant.Cell.Environ_34_1304 PubMedSearch: Niu 2011 Plant.Cell.Environ 34 1304 PubMedID: 21477123 Abstract Root hairs may play a critical role in nutrient acquisition of plants grown under elevated CO(2) . This study investigated how elevated CO(2) enhanced the development of root hairs in Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh. The plants under elevated CO(2) (800 microL L(-1)) had denser and longer root hairs, and more H-positioned cells in root epidermis than those under ambient CO(2) (350 microL L(-1)). The elevated CO(2) increased auxin production in roots. Under elevated CO(2) , application of either 1-naphthoxyacetic acid (1-NOA) or N-1-naphthylphthalamic acid (NPA) blocked the enhanced development of root hairs. The opposite was true when the plants under ambient CO(2) were treated with 1-naphthylacetic acid (NAA), an auxin analogue. Furthermore, the elevated CO(2) did not enhance the development of root hairs in auxin-response mutants, axr1-3, and auxin-transporter mutants, axr4-1, aux1-7 and pin1-1. Both elevated CO(2) and NAA application increased expressions of caprice, triptychon and rho-related protein from plants 2, and decreased expressions of werewolf, GLABRA2, GLABRA3 and the transparent testa glabra 1, genes related to root-hair development, while 1-NOA and NPA application had an opposite effect. Our study suggests that elevated CO(2) enhanced the development of root hairs in Arabidopsis via the well-characterized auxin signalling and transport that modulate the initiation of root hairs and the expression of its specific genes. Title: Synthesis, biological evaluation of 9-N-substituted berberine derivatives as multi-functional agents of antioxidant, inhibitors of acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase and amyloid-beta aggregation Shan WJ, Huang L, Zhou Q, Meng FC, Li XS Ref: Eur Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 46:5885, 2011 : PubMed ESTHER: Shan_2011_Eur.J.Med.Chem_46_5885 PubMedSearch: Shan 2011 Eur.J.Med.Chem 46 5885 PubMedID: 22019228 Inhibitor(s) related to this paper: Berberine Abstract A series of 9-N-substituted berberine derivatives were synthesized and biologically evaluated as antioxidant and inhibitors of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase and amyloid-beta aggregation. Most of these compounds exhibited very good antioxidant activities, inhibitive activities of AChE and amyloid-beta aggregation. Among them, compound 8d, (o-methylphenethyl)amino linked at the 9-position of berberine, was found to be a good antioxidant (with 4.05 muM of Trolox equivalents), potent inhibitor of AChE (an IC(50) value of 0.027 muM), and high active inhibitor of amyloid-beta aggregation (an IC(50) value of 2.73 muM). Title: Cloning and elucidation of the FR901464 gene cluster revealing a complex acyltransferase-less polyketide synthase using glycerate as starter units Zhang F, He HY, Tang MC, Tang YM, Zhou Q, Tang GL Ref: Journal of the American Chemical Society, 133:2452, 2011 : PubMed ESTHER: Zhang_2011_J.Am.Chem.Soc_133_2452 PubMedSearch: Zhang 2011 J.Am.Chem.Soc 133 2452 PubMedID: 21291275 Abstract FR901464, an antitumor natural product, represents a new class of potent anticancer small molecules targeting spliceosome and inhibiting both splicing and nuclear retention of pre-mRNA. Herein we describe the biosynthetic gene cluster of FR901464, identified by degenerate primer PCR amplification of a gene encoding the 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA synthase (HCS) postulated to be involved in the biosynthesis of a beta-branched polyketide from Pseudomonas sp. No. 2663. This cluster consists of twenty open reading frames (ORFs) and was localized to 93-kb DNA segment, and its involvement in FR901464 biosynthesis was confirmed by gene inactivation and complementation. FR901464 is biosynthesized by a hybrid polyketide synthase (PKS)/nonribosomal peptide synthetase (NRPS), HCS, and acyltransferases (AT)-less system. The PKS/NRPS modules feature unusual domain organization including multiple domain redundancy, inactivation, and tandem. Biochemical characterization of a glyceryl transferase and an acyl carrier protein (ACP) in the start module revealed that it incorporates D-1,3-bisphosphoglycerate, which is dephosphorylated and transferred to ACP as the starter unit. Furthermore, an oxidative Baeyer-Villiger reaction followed by chain release was postulated to form a pyran moiety. On the basis of in silico analysis and genetic and biochemical evidances, a biosynthetic pathway for FR901464 was proposed, which sets the stage to further investigate the complex PKS biochemically and engineer the biosynthetic machinery for the production of novel analogues. 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: Toxic effects of chlorpromazine on Carassius auratus and its oxidative stress Li T, Zhou Q, Zhang N, Luo Y Ref: J Environ Sci Health B, 43:638, 2008 : PubMed ESTHER: Li_2008_J.Environ.Sci.Health.B_43_638 PubMedSearch: Li 2008 J.Environ.Sci.Health.B 43 638 PubMedID: 18941986 Inhibitor(s) related to this paper: Chlorproethazine Abstract Under laboratory conditions, ecotoxicological effects of chlorpromazine (CPZ) on freshwater goldfish (Carassius auratus) were examined using the toxic culture experiment. The results showed that the median lethal concentration (LC(50)) of CPZ toxic to Carassius auratus in 24, 48 and 96 h was 1.11, 0.43 and 0.32 mg/L, respectively. Thus, CPZ is an extreme toxicant to goldfish. Furthermore, there were significantly positive correlations between the ecotoxicological effects of CPZ and its concentrations, and the toxicity became higher as the exposure time increased. The activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in goldfish livers was significantly influenced by CPZ. At the same exposure time, the activity of SOD reduced first, and increased then, whereas the activity of CAT enhanced first and decreased then. At the same exposure levels of CPZ, the activity of SOD and CAT changed similarly, decreased first, then increased and decreased at last. Within the range of exposure concentrations, the changes in the activity of CAT can more easily reflect the oxidation stress in Carassius auratus by CPZ than those of SOD. Title: Influences of Cu or Cd on the neurotoxicity induced by petroleum hydrocarbons in ragworm Perinereis aibuhitensis Zhang Q, Zhou Q, Wang J, Sun S, Hua T, Ren L Ref: J Environ Sci (China), 20:364, 2008 : PubMed ESTHER: Zhang_2008_J.Environ.Sci.(China)_20_364 PubMedSearch: Zhang 2008 J.Environ.Sci.(China) 20 364 PubMedID: 18595406 Abstract The ecotoxicological effects of heavy metals and petroleum hydrocarbons (PHCs) on ragworms are still vague. The relationships between toxicological indices (mortality and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity) and concentrations of toxicants (Cu, Cd, and PHCs) were examined in the estuary keystone species Perinereis aibuhitensis in laboratory conditions. The results of single toxicant indicated that three toxicants had potentially physiological toxicity to P. aibuhitensis. The estimated 4-d and 10-d LC50 for Cu, Cd, and PHCs was derived from the relationships between mortality and toxicants concentrations. Notable changes in the morphological signs and symptoms of P. aibuhitensis exposed to PHCs were observed. The AChE activity of P. aibuhitensis was more sensitive to the toxicity of PHCs than the others. The results of combined toxicants implied that the combined toxicity of Cu or Cd and PHCs to P. aibuhitensis was related to the concentration combination of toxicants. Compared to single PHCs treatment, the addition of Cu or Cd significantly mitigated the neurotoxicity of PHCs to AChE activity in P. aibuhitensis, which showed an antagonistic effect. Title: Imprinting analysis of the porcine MEST gene in 75 and 90 day placentas and prenatal tissues Xu C, Su L, Zhou Q, Li C, Zhao S Ref: Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai), 39:633, 2007 : PubMed ESTHER: Xu_2007_Acta.Biochim.Biophys.Sin.(Shanghai)_39_633 PubMedSearch: Xu 2007 Acta.Biochim.Biophys.Sin.(Shanghai) 39 633 PubMedID: 17687499 Abstract Imprinted genes play important roles in mammalian growth, development and behavior. Mouse mesoderm-specific transcript (MEST) has been identified as an imprinted gene and mapped to an imprinted region of mouse chromosome 6 (MMU6). It plays essential roles in embryonic and placental growth, and it is required for maternal behavior in adult female mouse. Here, we isolated the porcine MEST gene and detected a single nucleotide polymorphism in the 3 -untranslated region. The RsaI polymorphism was used to investigate the allele frequencies in different pig breeds and the imprinting status in prenatal porcine tissues. Allele frequencies were significantly different between the native Chinese and Landrace breeds, except that most of the native Yushan pigs (21/26) are heterozygous at this locus. The results indicate that MEST was imprinted in placentas on days 75 and 90 of gestation as well as in the 75 d fetal heart, muscle, kidney, lung and liver. | |||||||
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