Author Report for: Ma LNo contact information in database for Ma L
Deng B, Yue Y, Yang J, Yang M, Xing Q, Peng H, Wang F, Li M, Ma L, Zhai C Ref: Commun Biol, 6:39, 2023 : PubMed ESTHER: Deng_2023_Commun.Biol_6_39 PubMedSearch: Deng 2023 Commun.Biol 6 39 PubMedID: 36639437 Gene_locus related to this paper: idesa-peth Abstract The large-scale preparation of Polyehylene terephthalate (PET) hydrolysing enzymes in low-cost is critical for the biodegradation of PET in industry. In the present study, we demonstrate that the post-translational glycosylation of Pichia pastoris makes it a remarkable host for the heterologous expression of PETase from Ideonella sakaiensis 201-F6 (IsPETase). Taking advantage of the abundant N- and O-linked glycosylation sites in IsPETase and the efficient post-translational modification in endoplasmic reticulum, IsPETase is heavily glycosylated during secretory expression with P. pastoris, which improves the specific activity and thermostability of the enzyme dramatically. Moreover, the specific activity of IsPETase increased further after the bulky N-linked polysaccharide chains were eliminated by Endo-beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase H (Endo H). Importantly, the partially deglycosylated IsPETase still maintained high thermostability because of the remaining mono- and oligo-saccharide residues on the protein molecules. Consequently, the partially deglycosylated IsPETase was able to be applied at 50 degreesC and depolymerized raw, untreated PET flakes completely in 2 to 3 days. This platform was also applied for the preparation of a famous variant of IsPETase, Fast-PETase, and the same result was achieved. Partially deglycosylated Fast-PETase demonstrates elevated efficiency in degrading postconsumer-PET trays under 55 degreesC than 50 degreesC, the reported optimal temperature of Fast-PETase. The present study provides a strategy to modulate thermostable IsPETase through glycosylation engineering and paves the way for promoting PET biodegradation from laboratories to factories. Title: A Dual Fluorescence Assay Enables High-Throughput Screening for Poly(ethylene terephthalate) Hydrolases Liu K, Xu Z, Zhao Z, Chen Y, Chai Y, Ma L, Li S Ref: ChemSusChem, 16:e202202019, 2023 : PubMed ESTHER: Liu_2023_ChemSusChem_16_e202202019 PubMedSearch: Liu 2023 ChemSusChem 16 e202202019 PubMedID: 36511949 Abstract The drastically increasing consumption of petroleum-derived plastics hasserious environmental impacts and raises public concerns. Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) is amongst the most extensively produced synthetic polymers. Enzymatic hydrolysis of PET recently emerged as an enticing path for plastic degradation and recycling. In-lab directed evolution has revealed the great potential of PET hydrolases (PETases). However, the time-consuming and laborious PETase assays hinder the identification of effective variants in large mutant libraries. Herein, we devise and validate a dual fluorescence-based high-throughput screening (HTS) assay for a representative IsPETase. The two-round HTS of a pilot library consisting of 2850 IsPETase variants yields six mutant IsPETases with 1.3-4.9 folds improved activities. Compared to the currently used structure- or computational redesign-based PETase engineering, this HTS approach provides a new strategy for discovery of new beneficial mutation patterns of PETases. Title: Sublethal effects of halofenozide on larval development and detoxification in Phaedon brassicae (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) Ma L, Xu C, Peng Y, Zhang J, Zhang W Ref: J Econ Entomol, :, 2023 : PubMed ESTHER: Ma_2023_J.Econ.Entomol__ PubMedSearch: Ma 2023 J.Econ.Entomol PubMedID: 37338416 Abstract The brassica leaf beetle, Phaedon brassicae, is a serious defoliator of cruciferous crops. Halofenozide (Hal), an ecdysone agonist, is a new class of insect growth-regulating insecticide. Our preliminary experiment revealed the outstanding larval toxicity of Hal against P. brassicae. However, the metabolic degradation of this compound in insects remains unclear. In this study, oral administration of Hal at LC10 and LC25 caused severe separation of the cuticle and epidermis, leading to larval molting failure. Sublethal dose exposure also significantly reduced the larval respiration rate as well as their pupation rates and pupal weights. Conversely, the activities of the multifunctional oxidase, carboxylesterase (CarE), and glutathione S-transferase (GST) were significantly enhanced in Hal-treated larvae. Further analysis using RNA sequencing identified 64 differentially expressed detoxifying enzyme genes, including 31 P450s, 13 GSTs, and 20 CarEs. Among the 25 upregulated P450s, 22 genes were clustered into the CYP3 clan, and the other 3 genes belonged to the CYP4 clan. Meanwhile, 3 sigma class GSTs and 7 epsilon class GSTs were dramatically increased, accounting for the majority of the upregulated GSTs. Moreover, 16 of the 18 overexpressed CarEs were clustered into the coleopteran xenobiotic-metabolizing group. These results showed the augmented expression of detoxification genes in P. brassicae after exposed to sublethal dose of Hal, and helped to better understand the potential metabolic pathways that could contribute to the reduced sensitivity to Hal in this pest. Overall, a deep insight into the detoxification mechanisms would provide practical guidance for the field management of P. brassicae. Title: Soluble Epoxide Hydrolase Contributes to Cell Senescence and ER Stress in Aging Mice Colon Wang Q, Zhang R, Liu M, Ma L, Zhang W, Wang W, Wagner KM, Wang Y, Singh N and Hammock BD <3 more author(s)> Wang Q, Zhang R, Liu M, Ma L, Zhang W, Wang W, Wagner KM, Wang Y, Singh N, Yang J, He Q, Morisseau C, Hammock BD (- 3) Ref: Int J Mol Sci, 24:4726, 2023 : PubMed ESTHER: Wang_2023_Int.J.Mol.Sci_24_4726 PubMedSearch: Wang 2023 Int.J.Mol.Sci 24 4726 PubMedID: 36902155 36901999 Abstract Aging, which is characterized by enhanced cell senescence and functional decline of tissues, is a major risk factor for many chronic diseases. Accumulating evidence shows that age-related dysfunction in the colon leads to disorders in multiple organs and systemic inflammation. However, the detailed pathological mechanisms and endogenous regulators underlying colon aging are still largely unknown. Here, we report that the expression and activity of the soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) enzyme are increased in the colon of aged mice. Importantly, genetic knockout of sEH attenuated the age-related upregulation of senescent markers p21, p16, Tp53, and beta-galactosidase in the colon. Moreover, sEH deficiency alleviated aging-associated endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in the colon by reducing both the upstream regulators Perk and Ire1 as well as the downstream pro-apoptotic effectors Chop and Gadd34. Furthermore, treatment with sEH-derived linoleic acid metabolites, dihydroxy-octadecenoic acids (DiHOMEs), decreased cell viability and increased ER stress in human colon CCD-18Co cells in vitro. Together, these results support that the sEH is a key regulator of the aging colon, which highlights its potential application as a therapeutic target for reducing or treating age-related diseases in the colon. Title: Difference and clinical value of metabolites in plasma and feces of patients with alcohol-related liver cirrhosis Xu YF, Hao YX, Ma L, Zhang MH, Niu XX, Li Y, Zhang YY, Liu TT, Han M and Xing HC <2 more author(s)> Xu YF, Hao YX, Ma L, Zhang MH, Niu XX, Li Y, Zhang YY, Liu TT, Han M, Yuan XX, Wan G, Xing HC (- 2) Ref: World J Gastroenterol, 29:3534, 2023 : PubMed ESTHER: Xu_2023_World.J.Gastroenterol_29_3534 PubMedSearch: Xu 2023 World.J.Gastroenterol 29 3534 PubMedID: 37389241 Abstract BACKGROUND: Alterations in plasma and intestinal metabolites contribute to the pathogenesis and progression of alcohol-related liver cirrhosis (ALC). AIM: To explore the common and different metabolites in the plasma and feces of patients with ALC and evaluate their clinical implications. METHODS: According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 27 patients with ALC and 24 healthy controls (HCs) were selected, and plasma and feces samples were collected. Liver function, blood routine, and other indicators were detected with automatic biochemical and blood routine analyzers. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry was used to detect the plasma and feces metabolites of the two groups and the metabolomics of plasma and feces. Also, the correlation between metabolites and clinical features was analyzed. RESULTS: More than 300 common metabolites were identified in the plasma and feces of patients with ALC. Pathway analysis showed that these metabolites are enriched in bile acid and amino acid metabolic pathways. Compared to HCs, patients with ALC had a higher level of glycocholic acid (GCA) and taurocholic acid (TCA) in plasma and a lower level of deoxycholic acid (DCA) in the feces, while L-threonine, L-phenylalanine, and L-tyrosine increased simultaneously in plasma and feces. GCA, TCA, L-methionine, L-phenylalanine, and L-tyrosine in plasma were positively correlated with total bilirubin (TBil), prothrombin time (PT), and maddrey discriminant function score (MDF) and negatively correlated with cholinesterase (CHE) and albumin (ALB). The DCA in feces was negatively correlated with TBil, MDF, and PT and positively correlated with CHE and ALB. Moreover, we established a P/S BA ratio of plasma primary bile acid (GCA and TCA) to fecal secondary bile acid (DCA), which was relevant to TBil, PT, and MDF score. CONCLUSION: The enrichment of GCA, TCA, L-phenylalanine, L-tyrosine, and L-methionine in the plasma of patients with ALC and the reduction of DCA in feces were related to the severity of ALC. These metabolites may be used as indicators to evaluate the progression of alcohol-related liver cirrhosis. Title: The advantages of penehyclidine hydrochloride over atropine in acute organophosphorus pesticide poisoning: A meta-analysis Zeng S, Ma L, Yang L, Hu X, Wang C, Guo X, Li Y, Gou Y, Zhang Y and Luo Q <7 more author(s)> Zeng S, Ma L, Yang L, Hu X, Wang C, Guo X, Li Y, Gou Y, Zhang Y, Li S, Zhang S, Wu X, Li M, Lei J, Li B, Bi C, Luo Q (- 7) Ref: J Intensive Med, 3:171, 2023 : PubMed ESTHER: Zeng_2023_J.Intensive.Med_3_171 PubMedSearch: Zeng 2023 J.Intensive.Med 3 171 PubMedID: 37188113 Abstract BACKGROUND: Penehyclidine hydrochloride (PHC) has been used for many years as an anticholinergic drug for the treatment of acute organophosphorus pesticide poisoning (AOPP). The purpose of this meta-analysis was to explore whether PHC has advantages over atropine in the use of anticholinergic drugs in AOPP. METHODS: We searched Scopus, Embase, Cochrane, PubMed, ProQuest, Ovid, Web of Science, China Science and Technology Journal Database (VIP), Duxiu, Chinese Biomedical literature (CBM), WanFang, and Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), from inception to March 2022. After all qualified randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included, we conducted quality evaluation, data extraction, and statistical analysis. Statistics using risk ratios (RR), weighted mean difference (WMD), and standard mean difference (SMD). RESULTS: Our meta-analysis included 20,797 subjects from 240 studies across 242 different hospitals in China. Compared with the atropine group, the PHC group showed decreased mortality rate (RR=0.20, 95% confidence intervals [CI]: 0.16-0.25, P <0.001), hospitalization time (WMD=-3.89, 95% CI: -4.37 to -3.41, P <0.001), overall incidence rate of complications (RR=0.35, 95% CI: 0.28-0.43, P <0.001), overall incidence of adverse reactions (RR=0.19, 95% CI: 0.17-0.22, P <0.001), total symptom disappearance time (SMD=-2.13, 95% CI: -2.35 to -1.90, P <0.001), time for cholinesterase activity to return to normal value 50-60% (SMD=-1.87, 95% CI: -2.03 to -1.70, P <0.001), coma time (WMD=-5.57, 95% CI: -7.20 to -3.95, P <0.001), and mechanical ventilation time (WMD=-2.16, 95% CI: -2.79 to -1.53, P <0.001). CONCLUSION: PHC has several advantages over atropine as an anticholinergic drug in AOPP. Title: Similarities and differences among the responses to three chlorinated organophosphate esters in earthworm: Evidences from biomarkers, transcriptomics and metabolomics Gao Y, Wang L, Zhang X, Shi C, Ma L, Wang G Ref: Sci Total Environ, 815:152853, 2022 : PubMed ESTHER: Gao_2022_Sci.Total.Environ_815_152853 PubMedSearch: Gao 2022 Sci.Total.Environ 815 152853 PubMedID: 34998776 Inhibitor(s) related to this paper: Tris(2-chloroethyl)-phosphate Abstract The wide use of chlorinated organophosphate esters (Cl-OPEs) as additive flame retardants has aroused concern about their potential risks on ecosystem and human health. However, knowledge about the toxicity of Cl-OPEs on soil organisms remains limited. In this study, earthworms, Eisenia fetida, were exposed to three representative Cl-OPEs, i.e., tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP), tris(2-chloro-1-methylethyl) phosphate (TCPP), and tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TDCPP) in artificial soil. Using a combination of biochemical indicators (biomarkers), transcriptomics, and metabolomics, we compared the Cl-OPE-induced toxicity to E. fetida and provide new insight into the related molecular mechanism. All three Cl-OPEs elicited immune defense by the earthworms, as evidenced by increased acid phosphatase and alkaline phosphatase activities, and the genes involved in immune-related pathways (e.g., lysosomal and interleukin-17 signaling pathways). Furthermore, no effects on acetylcholinesterase activity were observed among the three Cl-OPEs. However, the TCPP and TDCPP treatments significantly decreased the neurotransmitter serotonin, suggesting the potential neurotoxicity of Cl-OPEs. Although TCEP affected the genes involved in carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism, the changes in the corresponding metabolites were not statistically significant. In contrast, exposure to TCPP and TDCPP induced oxidative stress, and affected xenobiotic metabolism and energy metabolism, leading to the decreased body weight in E. fetida. Based on these toxic effects, TCPP and TDCPP were more severely toxic than TCEP, despite their structural similarity. Given that the use of TCEP has been tightly regulated, our results suggest the potentially toxic effects of TCPP and TDCPP should not be ignored in future risk assessments of flame retardants. Title: Biodegradation Pathway and Detoxification of beta-cyfluthrin by the Bacterial Consortium and Its Bacterial Community Structure Li H, Ma Y, Yao T, Ma L, Zhang J, Li C Ref: Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 70:7626, 2022 : PubMed ESTHER: Li_2022_J.Agric.Food.Chem_70_7626 PubMedSearch: Li 2022 J.Agric.Food.Chem 70 7626 PubMedID: 35698868 Abstract In the process of microbial degradation of pyrethroid pesticides, the synergistic effect of the microbial community is more conducive to the complete degradation of toxic compounds than a single strain. At present, the degradation pathway of pyrethroids in a single strain has been well revealed, but the synergistic metabolism at the community level has not been well explained. This study elucidated the bacterial community succession, metabolic pathway, and phytotoxicity assessment during beta-cyfluthrin biodegradation by a novel bacterial consortium enriched from contaminated soil. The results showed that the half-life of beta-cyfluthrin at different initial concentrations of 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, and 1.0 mg mL(-1) were 4.16, 7.34, 12.81, and 22.73 days, respectively. Enterobacter was involved in beta-cyfluthrin degradation metabolism in the initial stage, and other bacterial genera (Microbacterium, Ochrobactrum, Pseudomonas, Hyphomicrobiaceae, Achromobacter, etc.) significantly contribute to the degradation of intermediate metabolites in the later stages. Functional gene prediction and metabolite analysis showed that xenobiotic biodegradation and metabolism, especially benzoate degradation and metabolism by cytochrome P450 were the major means of beta-cyfluthrin degradation. Further, two degradation pathways of beta-cyfluthrin were proposed, which were mainly ester hydrolysis and oxidation to degrade beta-cyfluthrin through the production of carboxylesterase and oxidoreductase. In addition, the inoculated bacterial consortium could degrade beta-cyfluthrin residues in water and soil and reduce its phytotoxicity in Medicago sativa. Hence, this novel bacterial consortium has important application in the remediation environments polluted by beta-cyfluthrin. Title: Identification and characterization of two types of triacylglycerol lipase genes from Neocaridina denticulata sinensis Liang M, Ma L, Li X, Feng D, Zhang J, Sun Y Ref: Fish Shellfish Immunol, :, 2022 : PubMed ESTHER: Liang_2022_Fish.Shellfish.Immunol__ PubMedSearch: Liang 2022 Fish.Shellfish.Immunol PubMedID: 36379446 Abstract Triacylglycerol lipases (TGLs) can catalyze the hydrolysis reaction of triacylglycerol serving multiple functions in most organisms. Based on the genomic and transcriptomic databases of Neocaridina denticulata sinensis, two TGL genes from N. denticulata sinensis designated NdTGL1 and NdTGL2 were identified and characterized. NdTGL1 showed the highest expression in the stomach, followed by the testis and hepatopancreas, and NdTGL2 exhibited the maximum expression in the hepatopancreas, followed by the stomach and heart. Under the stimulation of copper ion, the expression of NdTGL1 peaked at 12 h and the expression of NdTGL2 elevated significantly at 24 h after stimulation (P < 0.05). It is speculated that NdTGLs may play an important role in the stress response of N. denticulata sinensis. Challenged with Vibrio parahaemolyticus, the expression profiles of NdTGL1 and NdTGL2 in the hepatopancreas was different, which indicates that the immune response of the V. parahaemolyticus challenge might lead to changes in triglyceride metabolism. The recombinant NdTGL (recNdTGL1 and recNdTGL2) were obtained and the enzymatic characterization of recNdTGL1 and recNdTGL2 were determined. The common maximum activity and stability of the recNdTGL1 and recNdTGL2 were observed at 45 C and 10 C, respectively. Both recNdTGL1 and recNdTGL2 exhibited the highest activity at pH 10.0. Furthermore, the recNdTGL1 and recNdTGL2 displayed the maximum stability at pH 5.0 and pH 8.0, respectively. In presence of different metal ions, the enzyme activity of recNdTGL1 and recNdTGL2 were inhibited by Cu(2+) and Zn(2+), and decreased by about 25%. Studies on the triacylglycerol lipases of N. denticulata sinensis provide theoretical support for studies related to fat metabolism in crustaceans and studies on response mechanism of digestive enzymes to microbial pathogens. Title: Isolation and Identification of Efficient Malathion-Degrading Bacteria from Deep-Sea Hydrothermal Sediment Ma L, Dai X, Ai G, Zheng X, Zhang Y, Pan C, Hu M, Jiang C, Wang L, Dong Z Ref: Microorganisms, 10:, 2022 : PubMed ESTHER: Ma_2022_Microorganisms_10_ PubMedSearch: Ma 2022 Microorganisms 10 PubMedID: 36144399 Abstract The genetic and metabolic diversity of deep-sea microorganisms play important roles in phosphorus and sulfur cycles in the ocean, distinguishing them from terrestrial counterparts. Malathion is a representative organophosphorus component in herbicides, pesticides, and insecticides and is analogues of neurotoxic agent. Malathion has been one of the best-selling generic organophosphate insecticides from 1980 to 2012. Most of the sprayed malathion has migrated by surface runoff to ocean sinks, and it is highly toxic to aquatic organisms. Hitherto, there is no report on bacterial cultures capable of degrading malathion isolated from deep-sea sediment. In this study, eight bacterial strains, isolated from sediments from deep-sea hydrothermal regions, were identified as malathion degradators. Two of the tested strains, Pseudidiomarina homiensis strain FG2 and Pseudidiomarina sp. strain CB1, can completely degrade an initial concentration of 500 mg/L malathion within 36 h. Since the two strains have abundant carboxylesterases (CEs) genes, malathion monocarboxylic acid (MMC alpha and MMC beta) and dibasic carboxylic acid were detected as key intermediate metabolites of malathion degradation, and the pathway of malathion degradation between the two strains was identified as a passage from malathion monocarboxylic acid to malathion dicarboxylic acid. Title: Silencing of MsD14 Resulted in Enhanced Forage Biomass through Increasing Shoot Branching in Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) Ma L, Zhang Y, Wen H, Liu W, Zhou Y, Wang X Ref: Plants (Basel), 11:, 2022 : PubMed ESTHER: Ma_2022_Plants.(Basel)_11_ PubMedSearch: Ma 2022 Plants.(Basel) 11 PubMedID: 35406919 Abstract Branching is one of the key determinants of plant architecture that dramatically affects crop yield. As alfalfa is the most important forage crop, understanding the genetic basis of branching in this plant can facilitate breeding for a high biomass yield. In this study, we characterized the strigolactone receptor gene MsD14 in alfalfa and demonstrated that MsD14 was predominantly expressed in flowers, roots, and seedpods. Furthermore, we found that MsD14 expression could significantly respond to strigolactone in alfalfa seedlings, and its protein was located in the nucleus, cytoplasm, and cytomembrane. Most importantly, transformation assays demonstrated that silencing of MsD14 in alfalfa resulted in increased shoot branching and forage biomass. Significantly, MsD14 could physically interact with AtMAX2 and MsMAX2 in the presence of strigolactone, suggesting a similarity between MsD14 and AtD14. Together, our results revealed the conserved D14-MAX2 module in alfalfa branching regulation and provided candidate genes for alfalfa high-yield molecular breeding. Title: Lignin biosynthesis regulated by CsCSE1 is required for Cucumis sativus defence to Podosphaera xanthi Yu Y, Cui N, Ma L, Tao R, Ma Z, Meng X, Fan H Ref: Plant Physiol Biochem, 186:88, 2022 : PubMed ESTHER: Yu_2022_Plant.Physiol.Biochem_186_88 PubMedSearch: Yu 2022 Plant.Physiol.Biochem 186 88 PubMedID: 35830761 Gene_locus related to this paper: cucsa-CsCSE1 Abstract Lignin is a complex phenolic compound that can enhance the stiffness, hydrophobicity, and antioxidant capacity of the cell wall; it thus provides a critical barrier against pathogen and insect invaders. Caffeoyl shikimate esterase (CSE) is a key novel enzyme involved in lignin biosynthesis that is associated with genetic improvements in lignocellulosic biomass; however, no research thus far have revealed the role of CSE in resistance to pathogenic stress. CsCSE1 (Cucsa.134370) has previously been shown to highly associated with the response of cucumber to attack by Podosphaera xanthii through RNA sequencing. Here, we detected the exactly role of CsCSE1 in the defence of cucumber to P. xanthii infection. Homologous sequence alignment revealed that CsCSE1 contains two highly conserved lyase domains (GXSXG), suggesting that CsCSE1 possesses CSE activity. Subcellular localization analysis manifested that CsCSE1 was localized to the plasma membrane and endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Functional analysis demonstrated that the transient silencing of CsCSE1 in cucumber dramatically attenuated resistance to P. xanthii, whereas overexpression of CsCSE1 in cucumber markedly increased resistance to P. xanthii. Further investigation of the abundance of lignin in transient transgenic plants revealed that CsCSE1 might actively mediate the disease resistance of cucumber by promoting lignin biosynthesis. CsCSE1 also affects the expression of its downstream lignin biosynthesis-related genes, like CsLAC, CsCOMT, CsCCR, and CsCAD. The results of this study provide targets for the genetic breeding of tolerant cucumber cultivars as well as new insights that could aid the control of plant diseases. Title: The Effect of Guilingji Capsules on Vascular Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Controlled Trial Zhang H, Chen H, Pei H, Wang H, Ma L, Li H Ref: Evid Based Complement Alternat Med, 2022:4778163, 2022 : PubMed ESTHER: Zhang_2022_Evid.Based.Complement.Alternat.Med_2022_4778163 PubMedSearch: Zhang 2022 Evid.Based.Complement.Alternat.Med 2022 4778163 PubMedID: 35116067 Abstract Guilingji capsules (GLJC) have been shown to have antiaging effects and improve cognitive function. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of GLJC for the treatment of vascular mild cognitive impairment (VaMCI). A total of 96 patients with VaMCI (aged 60-85 years) were enrolled in this 24-week, randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trial. The patients were randomly assigned to a GLJC group (n = 48) or a Ginkgo group (n = 48). Patients in the GLJC group were treated using GLJC, whereas those in the Ginkgo group received Ginkgo extract tablets. We evaluated the participants at baseline and after a 12- and 24-week treatment period using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale-Cognitive Subscale (ADAS-Cog), and Chinese Medicine Symptom Scale (CM-SS). The serum acetylcholine (Ach), acetylcholinesterase (AchE), homocysteine (Hcy), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) serum levels of the patients were measured before and after 24-week treatment. Analysis of the results of both groups showed that both interventions significantly increased the MoCA and MMSE scores of the patients and decreased their ADAS-Cog and CM-SS scores (P < 0.05). The GLJC group showed greater improvement in MoCA, MMSE, and CM-SS scores than the Ginkgo group (P < 0.05). However, both groups showed a significant increase in serum Ach and a decrease in serum AchE, Hcy, and hs-CRP levels (P < 0.05). Furthermore, serum Ach increased and Hcy decreased more significantly in the GLJC group than in the Ginkgo group (P < 0.05). These findings indicate that GLJC can improve the cognitive function, cholinergic system, and inflammatory cytokine levels of patients with VaMCI. Furthermore, this treatment can improve symptoms of syndromes diagnosed according to traditional Chinese medicine practice in patients with VaMCI. Title: General features to enhance enzymatic activity of poly(ethylene terephthalate) hydrolysis Chen CC, Han X, Li X, Jiang P, Niu D, Ma L, Liu W, Li S, Qu Y and Chen, CC <8 more author(s)> Chen CC, Han X, Li X, Jiang P, Niu D, Ma L, Liu W, Li S, Qu Y, Hu H, Min J, Yang Y, Zhang L, Zeng W, Huang JW, Dai L, Guo RT, Chen, CC (- 8) Ref: Nature Catalysis, 4:425, 2021 : PubMed ESTHER: Chen_2021_Nat.Catal_4_425 PubMedSearch: Chen 2021 Nat.Catal 4 425 Gene_locus related to this paper: 9burk-a0a1f4jxw8, idesa-peth Abstract Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) is the most abundant polyester plastic and a major contributor to plastic pollution. IsPETase, from the PET-assimilating bacterium Ideonella sakaiensis, is a unique PET-hydrolytic enzyme that shares high sequence identity to canonical cutinases, but shows substrate preference towards PET and exhibits higher PET-hydrolytic activity at ambient temperature. Structural analyses suggest that IsPETase harbours a substrate-binding residue, W185, with a wobbling conformation and a highly flexible W185-locating beta6-beta7 loop. Here, we show that these features result from the presence of S214 and I218 in IsPETase, whose equivalents are strictly His and Phe, respectively, in all other homologous enzymes. We found that mutating His/Phe residues to Ser/Ile could enhance the PET-hydrolytic activity of several IsPETase-like enzymes. In conclusion, the Ser/Ile mutations should provide an important strategy to improve the activity of potential PET-hydrolytic enzymes with properties that may be useful for various applications. Title: In vitro and in vivo efficacy of thiacloprid against Echinococcus multilocularis Liu C, Fan H, Ma J, Ma L, Ge RL Ref: Parasit Vectors, 14:450, 2021 : PubMed ESTHER: Liu_2021_Parasit.Vectors_14_450 PubMedSearch: Liu 2021 Parasit.Vectors 14 450 PubMedID: 34488852 Abstract BACKGROUND: Alveolar echinococcosis (AE) is a chronic zoonosis caused by the larval form of Echinococcus multilocularis (E. multilocularis). Current chemotherapy against AE has relied on albendazole and mebendazole, which only exhibit parasitostatic and not parasiticidal efficacy. Therefore, novel compounds for the treatment of this disease are needed. METHODS: Phosphoglucose isomerase (PGI) assays were used for compound screening of seven neonicotinoids. The anti-parasitic effects of thiacloprid were then evaluated on E. multilocularis metacestode vesicles, germinal cells and protoscoleces in vitro. Human foreskin fibroblasts (HFF) and Reuber rat hepatoma (RH) cells were used to assess cytotoxicity. Glucose consumption in E. multilocularis protoscoleces and germinal cells was assessed by measuring uptake of 2-deoxyglucose (2-DG). Molecular docking was used to evaluate the potential binding sites of thiacloprid to acetylcholine receptors. In vivo efficacy of thiacloprid was evaluated in mice by secondary infection with E. multilocularis. In addition, ELISA and flow cytometry were used to evaluate the effects of cytokines and T lymphocyte subsets after thiacloprid treatment. Furthermore, collagen deposition and degradation in the host lesion microenvironment were evaluated. RESULTS: We found that thiacloprid is the most promising compound, with an IC(50) of 4.54 +/- 1.10 microM and 2.89 +/- 0.34 microM, respectively, against in vitro-cultured E. multilocularis metacestodes and germinal cells. Thiacloprid was less toxic for HFF and RH mammalian cell lines than for metacestodes. In addition, thiacloprid inhibited the acetylcholinesterase activity in protoscoleces, metacestodes and germinal cells. Thiacloprid inhibited glucose consumption by protoscoleces and germinal cells. Subsequently, transmission electron microscopy revealed that treatment with thiacloprid damaged the germinal layer. In vivo, metacestode weight was significantly reduced following oral administration of thiacloprid at 15 and 30 mg/kg. The level of CD4(+) T lymphocytes in metacestodes and spleen increased after thiacloprid treatment. Anti-echinococcosis-related cytokines (IL-2, IL-4, IL-10) were significantly increased. Furthermore, thiacloprid inhibited the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs 1, 3, 9, 13) and promoted collagen deposition in the host lesion microenvironment. CONCLUSIONS: The results demonstrated that thiacloprid had parasiticidal activity against E. multilocularis in vitro and in vivo, and could be used as a novel lead compound for the treatment of AE. Title: Point-of-care testing of butyrylcholinesterase activity through modulating the photothermal effect of cuprous oxide nanoparticles Ma J, Ma L, Cao L, Miao Y, Dong J, Shi YE, Wang Z Ref: Mikrochim Acta, 188:392, 2021 : PubMed ESTHER: Ma_2021_Mikrochim.Acta_188_392 PubMedSearch: Ma 2021 Mikrochim.Acta 188 392 PubMedID: 34697648 Abstract Butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) is an important indicator for clinical diagnosis of liver dysfunction, organophosphate toxicity, and poststroke dementia. Point-of-care testing (POCT) of BChE activity is still a challenge, which is a critical requirement for the modern clinical diagnose. A portable photothermal BChE assay is proposed through modulating the photothermal effects of Cu(2)O nanoparticles. BChE can catalyze the decomposition of butyrylcholine, producing thiocholine, which further reduce and coordinate with CuO on surface of Cu(2)O nanoparticle. This leads to higher efficiency of formation of Cu(9)S(8) nanoparticles, through the reaction between Cu(2)O nanoparticle and NaHS, together with the promotion of photothermal conversion efficiency from 3.1 to 59.0%, under the excitation of 1064 nm laser radiation. An excellent linear relationship between the temperature change and the logarithm of BChE concentration is obtained in the range 1.0 to 7.5 U/mL, with a limit of detection of 0.076 U/mL. In addition, the portable photothermal assay shows strong detection robustness, which endows the accurate detection of BChE in human serum, together with the screening and quantification of organophosphorus pesticides. Such a simple, sensitive, and robust assay shows great potential for the applications to clinical BChE detection and brings a new horizon for the development of temperature based POCT. Title: The protective effects of Omarigliptin against Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)- induced inflammatory response and expression of mucin 5AC (MUC5AC) in human bronchial epithelial cells Ma L, Chang E, Ruan X, Zhang B, Tang F, Zhang J Ref: Mol Immunol, 141:108, 2021 : PubMed ESTHER: Ma_2021_Mol.Immunol_141_108 PubMedSearch: Ma 2021 Mol.Immunol 141 108 PubMedID: 34871838 Abstract The epidemic of chronic inflammatory lung diseases such as asthma, bronchitis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has become a global public health problem. Oxidative stress, inflammation, and overproduction of airway mucus play critical roles in the progression of these diseases. Omarigliptin, an oral dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-4) inhibitor, has been demonstrated to have anti-inflammatory effects in patients with type II diabetes. However, its role in chronic inflammatory lung diseases remains enigmatic. This study is to investigate whether Omarigliptin possesses a beneficial effect against Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced injuries in human BEAS-2B bronchial epithelial cells. Our results show that Omarigliptin suppressed LPS-induced oxidative stress by attenuating the generation of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) and decrease in reduced glutathione (GSH) in BEAS-2B cells. Additionally, Omarigliptin mitigated inflammatory response by inhibiting the expression of pro-inflammatory mediators, including interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), interleukin-12 (IL-12), and macrophage chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) in LPS-challenged BEAS-2B cells. Moreover, Omarigliptin mitigated the LPS-induced overproduction of MUC5AC by rescuing the expression of the suppressor of cytokine signaling 1(SOCS1). Importantly, we found that this process is mediated by the Adenosine 5'-monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway. Based on these findings, we conclude that Omarigliptin might be a promising agent for the treatment of chronic inflammatory lung diseases. Title: Ingestion of Faecalibaculum rodentium causes depression-like phenotypes in resilient Ephx2 knock-out mice: A role of brain-gut-microbiota axis via the subdiaphragmatic vagus nerve Wang S, Ishima T, Qu Y, Shan J, Chang L, Wei Y, Zhang J, Pu Y, Fujita Y and Hashimoto K <5 more author(s)> Wang S, Ishima T, Qu Y, Shan J, Chang L, Wei Y, Zhang J, Pu Y, Fujita Y, Tan Y, Wang X, Ma L, Wan X, Hammock BD, Hashimoto K (- 5) Ref: J Affect Disord, 292:565, 2021 : PubMed ESTHER: Wang_2021_J.Affect.Disord_292_565 PubMedSearch: Wang 2021 J.Affect.Disord 292 565 PubMedID: 34147969 Abstract BACKGROUND: The brain-gut-microbiota axis plays a crucial role in the bidirectional interactions between the brain and the gut. Soluble epoxide hydrolase (coded by the Ephx2 gene) plays an important role in inflammation, which has been implicated in stress-related depression. Ephx2 knock-out (KO) mice exposed to chronic social defeat stress (CSDS) did not show depression-like behaviors, indicating stress resilience. Here we examined whether the brain-gut-microbiota axis influences the resilience in Ephx2 KO mice. METHODS: Effects of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from CSDS-susceptible (or control) mice in wild-type (WT) mice and Ephx2 KO mice treated with an antibiotic cocktail (ABX) were investigated. Behavioral, biochemical tests and 16S ribosome RNA analysis were performed. RESULTS: FMT from CSDS-susceptible mice produced anhedonia-like behavior in ABX-treated WT and Ephx2 KO mice. The 16S ribosome RNA analysis showed that Faecalibaculum rodentium (F. rodentium) may be responsible for the observed anhedonia-like behavior following FMT from CSDS-susceptible mice. Ingestion of F. rodentium for 14 days produced depression- and anhedonia-like behaviors, higher blood levels of interleukin-6, and reduced expression of synaptic proteins in the prefrontal cortex of ABX-treated Ephx2 KO mice. Furthermore, subdiaphragmatic vagotomy blocked the development of these behavioral abnormalities after ingestion of F. rodentium. LIMITATIONS: Detailed mechanisms are unclear. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that F. rodentium might contribute to the conversion of resilient Ephx2 KO mice into KO mice with depression-like phenotypes. The brain-gut-microbiota axis via the subdiaphragmatic vagus nerve plays a crucial role in susceptibility and resilience to stress. Title: Twin drug design, synthesis and evaluation of diosgenin derivatives as multitargeted agents for the treatment of vascular dementia Yang GX, Sun JM, Zheng LL, Zhang L, Li J, Gan HX, Huang Y, Huang J, Diao XX and Ma L <2 more author(s)> Yang GX, Sun JM, Zheng LL, Zhang L, Li J, Gan HX, Huang Y, Huang J, Diao XX, Tang Y, Wang R, Ma L (- 2) Ref: Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry, 37:116109, 2021 : PubMed ESTHER: Yang_2021_Bioorg.Med.Chem_37_116109 PubMedSearch: Yang 2021 Bioorg.Med.Chem 37 116109 PubMedID: 33780813 Abstract A novel series of multitargeted molecules were designed and synthesized by combining the pharmacological role of cholinesterase inhibitor and antioxidant of steroid as potential ligands for the treatment of Vascular Dementia (VD). The oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) model was used to evaluate these molecules, among which the most potent compound ML5 showed the highest activity. Firstly, ML5 showed appropriate inhibition of cholinesterases (ChEs) at orally 15 mg/kg in vivo. The further test revealed that ML5 promoted the nuclear translocation of Nrf2. Furthermore, ML5 has significant neuroprotective effect in vivo model of bilateral common carotid artery occlusion (BCCAO), significantly increasing the expression of Nrf2 protein in the cerebral cortex. In the molecular docking research, we predicted the ML5 combined with hAChE and Keap1. Finally, compound ML5 displayed normal oral absorption and it was nontoxic at 500 mg/kg, po, dose. We can draw the conclusion that ML5 could be considered as a new potential compound for VD treatment. Title: Structural basis for substrate specificity of the peroxisomal acyl-CoA hydrolase MpaH' involved in mycophenolic acid biosynthesis You C, Li F, Zhang X, Ma L, Zhang YZ, Zhang W, Li S Ref: Febs J, 288:5768, 2021 : PubMed ESTHER: You_2021_FEBS.J_288_5768 PubMedSearch: You 2021 FEBS.J 288 5768 PubMedID: 33843134 Gene_locus related to this paper: penbr-mpaH Inhibitor(s) related to this paper: Mycophenolic-acid Abstract Mycophenolic acid (MPA) is a fungal natural product and first-line immunosuppressive drug for organ transplantations and autoimmune diseases. In the compartmentalized biosynthesis of MPA, the acyl-coenzyme A (CoA) hydrolase MpaH' located in peroxisomes catalyzes the highly specific hydrolysis of MPA-CoA to produce the final product MPA. The strict substrate specificity of MpaH' not only averts undesired hydrolysis of various cellular acyl-CoAs, but also prevents MPA-CoA from further peroxisomal beta-oxidation catabolism. To elucidate the structural basis for this important property, in this study, we solve the crystal structures of the substrate-free form of MpaH' and the MpaH'(S139A) mutant in complex with the product MPA. The MpaH' structure reveals a canonical alpha/beta-hydrolase fold with an unusually large cap domain and a rare location of the acidic residue D163 of catalytic triad after strand beta6. MpaH' also forms an atypical dimer with the unique C-terminal helices alpha13 and alpha14 arming the cap domain of the other protomer and indirectly participating in the substrate binding. With these characteristics, we propose that MpaH' and its homologues form a new subfamily of alpha/beta hydrolase fold protein. The crystal structure of MpaH'(S139A) /MPA complex and the modelled structure of MpaH'/MPA-CoA, together with the structure-guided mutagenesis analysis and isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) measurements provide important mechanistic insights into the high substrate specificity of MpaH'. Title: Toxicity Assessment of 4 Azo Dyes in Zebrafish Embryos Jiang LL, Li K, Yan DL, Yang MF, Ma L, Xie LZ Ref: Int J Toxicol, :1091581819898396, 2020 : PubMed ESTHER: Jiang_2020_Int.J.Toxicol__1091581819898396 PubMedSearch: Jiang 2020 Int.J.Toxicol 1091581819898396 PubMedID: 31933405 Abstract Azo dyes are used widely as color additives in food, drugs, and cosmetics; hence, there is an increasing concern about their safety and possible health hazards. In the present study, we chose 4 azo dyes tartrazine, Sunset Yellow, amaranth, and Allura red and evaluated their developmental toxicity on zebrafish embryos. At concentration levels of 5 to 50 mM, we found that azo dyes can induce hatching difficulty and developmental abnormalities such as cardiac edema, decreased heart rate, yolk sac edema, and spinal defects including spinal curvature and tail distortion. Exposure to 100 mM of each azo dye was completely embryolethal. The median lethal concentration (LC50), median effective concentration (EC50), and teratogenic index (TI) were calculated for each azo dye at 72 hours postfertilization. For tartrazine, the LC50 was 47.10 mM and EC50 value was at 42.66 mM with TI ratio of 1.10. For Sunset Yellow, the LC50 was 38.93 mM and EC50 value was at 29.81 mM with TI ratio of 1.31. For amaranth, the LC50 was 39.86 mM and EC50 value was at 31.94 mM with TI ratio of 1.25. For Allura red, the LC50 was 47.42 mM and EC50 value was 40.05 mM with TI ratio of 1.18. This study reports the developmental toxicity of azo dyes in zebrafish embryos at concentrations higher than the expected human exposures from consuming food and drugs containing azo dyes. Title: Lack of rewarding effects of a soluble epoxide hydrolase inhibitor TPPU in mice: Comparison with morphine Wan X, Fujita Y, Chang L, Wei Y, Ma L, Wuyun G, Pu Y, Hammock BD, Hashimoto K Ref: Neuropsychopharmacol Rep, 40:412, 2020 : PubMed ESTHER: Wan_2020_Neuropsychopharmacol.Rep_40_412 PubMedSearch: Wan 2020 Neuropsychopharmacol.Rep 40 412 PubMedID: 32896112 Abstract AIM: Although opioids have been used as treatment of neuropathic pain, opioids have abuse potential in humans. Since soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) in the metabolism of polyunsaturated fatty acids plays a key role in the pain, sEH inhibitors would be promising new therapeutic drugs for neuropathic pain. In this study, we examined the effect of the sEH inhibitor TPPU on rewarding effects in mice using the conditioned place preference (CPP) paradigm. METHODS: The rewarding effects of morphine (10 mg/kg) and TPPU (3, 10, or 30 mg/kg) in mice were examined using CPP paradigm. Furthermore, the effect of TPPU (30 mg/kg) on morphine-induced rewarding effects was examined. RESULTS: TPPU (3, 10, or 30 mg/kg) did not increase CPP scores in the mice whereas morphine significantly increased CPP scores in the mice. Furthermore, pretreatment with TPPU did not block the rewarding effects of morphine in the mice, suggesting that sEH does not play a role in the rewarding effect of morphine. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that TPPU did not have rewarding effects in rodents. This would make sEH inhibitors potential therapeutic drugs without abuse potential for neuropathic pain. Title: Short-term exposure to norfloxacin induces oxidative stress, neurotoxicity and microbiota alteration in juvenile large yellow croaker Pseudosciaena crocea Wang X, Hu M, Gu H, Zhang L, Shang Y, Wang T, Zeng J, Ma L, Huang W, Wang Y Ref: Environ Pollut, 267:115397, 2020 : PubMed ESTHER: Wang_2020_Environ.Pollut_267_115397 PubMedSearch: Wang 2020 Environ.Pollut 267 115397 PubMedID: 33254654 Abstract In recent years, antibiotics have been widely detected in coastal waters of China, which raising concerns for coastal biodiversity and aquaculture. This study evaluated the effects of short-term exposure of norfloxacin (NOR) on oxidative stress and intestinal health of the large yellow croaker Pseudosciaena crocea. Juvenile fish were exposed to four concentrations of NOR (0.1, 10, 100 and 1000 g/L) for 14 days. The results showed that NOR inhibited growth and threatened the survival of juveniles. According to the changes of intestinal microbiota, we found that NOR led to a significant decrease in intestinal microbiota diversity, with the decreased relative abundance of Proteobacteria, but the increased Tenericutes. From the perspective of microbial function, NOR inhibited metabolism, cellular defence mechanism and information transduction process. In terms of biochemical indicators, NOR caused an increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) level and inhibited superoxide dismutase (SOD) and acetyl cholinesterase (AChE) activities. Catalase (CAT) activity was activated at low concentration but significantly inhibited at high concentration of NOR. Moreover, there was a high correlation between change in biochemical indicators and change in the microbial community. Overall, environmentally relevant concentrations (0.1 g/L) and high concentrations (10, 100 and 1000 g/L) of NOR have negative effects on the defence function and intestinal health of large yellow croaker juveniles. Title: Significant association between the endothelial lipase gene 584C/T polymorphism and coronary artery disease risk Wu YE, Ma L, Zhang H, Chen XR, Xu XY, Hu ZP Ref: Bioscience Reports, 40:, 2020 : PubMed ESTHER: Wu_2020_Biosci.Rep_40_ PubMedSearch: Wu 2020 Biosci.Rep 40 PubMedID: 32893849 Gene_locus related to this paper: human-LIPG Abstract Several studies have investigated a potential association between the endothelial lipase gene (LIPG) 584C/T polymorphism and susceptibility to coronary artery disease (CAD), but a uniform conclusion is yet to be reached. To better evaluate the true relationship between the LIPG 584C/T polymorphism and the risk of CAD, a meta-analysis of 14 case-control studies with 9731 subjects was performed. Relevant articles published through August 2020 were searched in the CNKI, PubMed, Embase and Web of Science databases. Thirteen articles, including 14 eligible case-control studies with 4025 cases and 5706 controls, were enrolled in the present meta-analysis. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) scores of the case-control studies ranged from 6 to 8. The pooled results indicated that there is a significant association between the LIPG 584C/T polymorphism and CAD in the homozygote comparison model and the allelic comparison model. Subgroup analyses revealed that the LIPG 584C/T mutation significantly decreased the risk of CAD in the subgroups of African, CAD, hospital-based (HB), and polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) populations in some genetic models. No publication bias was found in our meta-analysis, which certifies the robustness of the current meta-analysis. Trial sequential analysis (TSA) also confirmed the stability of our results. The results of our meta-analysis indicate that the LIPG 584C/T polymorphism plays a protective role in the incidence of CAD. More high-quality case-control studies on various ethnicities are needed to confirm our results. Title: Design, synthesis and evaluation of diosgenin carbamate derivatives as multitarget anti-Alzheimer's disease agents Yang GX, Huang Y, Zheng LL, Zhang L, Su L, Wu YH, Li J, Zhou LC, Huang J and Ma L <2 more author(s)> Yang GX, Huang Y, Zheng LL, Zhang L, Su L, Wu YH, Li J, Zhou LC, Huang J, Tang Y, Wang R, Ma L (- 2) Ref: Eur Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 187:111913, 2020 : PubMed ESTHER: Yang_2020_Eur.J.Med.Chem_187_111913 PubMedSearch: Yang 2020 Eur.J.Med.Chem 187 111913 PubMedID: 31837501 Abstract In order to produce an effective and multi-targeted clinical drug that could prevent progressive neurodegeneration, a series of diosgenin carbamate derivatives were designed, synthesized and tested for their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-Abeta activities. The results demonstrated that compound M15 was the most promising derivative against inflammatory (NO inhibition 22.7 +/- 2.2%,10 muM) and cellular damage induced by H2O2 (SH-SY5Y cell protection = 75.3 +/- 3.4%, 10 muM) or Abeta (astrocytes protection = 70.2 +/- 6.5%, 10 muM). Molecular docking studies revealed the strong binding affinity of M15 to the active site of nNOS, Abeta42 and pro-inflammatory proteins. Western blot demonstrated that M15 decreased IL-1beta, IL-6 and TNF-alpha level, which may contribute to its anti-inflammatory effects. In addition, M15 maintained mitochondrial function as well as cell viability through reducing H2O2-induced ROS production. The results indicated that oral administration of M15 attenuated memory deficits and played a neuroprotective effect on subcutaneous (s.c.) D-gal aging mice. In summary, M15 could be considered as a potential multifunctional neuroprotective agent due to the effects of anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-Abeta activities. Title: Traditional Chinese Medicine Shenmayizhi Decoction Ameliorates Memory And Cognitive Impairment Induced By Scopolamine Via Preventing Hippocampal Cholinergic Dysfunction In Rats Wu Q, Cao Y, Liu M, Liu F, Brantner AH, Yang Y, Wei Y, Zhou Y, Wang Z and Li H <3 more author(s)> Wu Q, Cao Y, Liu M, Liu F, Brantner AH, Yang Y, Wei Y, Zhou Y, Wang Z, Ma L, Wang F, Pei H, Li H (- 3) Ref: Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat, 15:3167, 2019 : PubMed ESTHER: Wu_2019_Neuropsychiatr.Dis.Treat_15_3167 PubMedSearch: Wu 2019 Neuropsychiatr.Dis.Treat 15 3167 PubMedID: 31814724 Abstract Purpose: Clinical trials have illustrated that Shenmayizhi decoction (SMYZ) could improve the cognitive functions in patients with dementia. However, the mechanism needs to be explored. Methods: Fifty adult male rats (Wistar strain) were divided into five groups equally and randomly, including control, model, and SMYZ of low dose, medium dose and high dose. Rats in each group received a daily gavage of respective treatment. Rats in control and model group were administrated by the same volume of distilled water. Memory impairment was induced by intraperitoneal administration of scopolamine (0.7 mg/kg) for 5 continuous days. Four weeks later, Morris water maze (MWM) was performed to evaluate the spatial memory in all rats. Then, rats were sacrificed and the hippocampus was removed for further tests. Furthermore, Western blot analysis was employed to assess the levels of acetylcholine M1 receptor (M1), acetylcholine M2 receptor (M2), acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and cholineacetyltransferase (ChAT). AChE and ChAT activities were determined. Results: The SMYZ decoction significantly improved behavioral performance of rats in high dose. The SMYZ decoction in three doses exhibited anti-acetylcholinesterase activity. In addition, a high dose of SMYZ promoted ChAT activity. Moreover, a high dose of SMYZ increased the level of ChAT and declined the level of AChE assessed by Western blotting. Besides, an increased level of M1 receptor was found after treatment. Conclusion: Shenmayizhi decoction could mitigate scopolamine-induced cognitive deficits through the preventative effect on cholinergic system dysfunction. Title: In Vitro and in Vivo Evaluation of (11)C-Labeled Azetidinecarboxylates for Imaging Monoacylglycerol Lipase by PET Imaging Studies Cheng R, Mori W, Ma L, Alhouayek M, Hatori A, Zhang Y, Ogasawara D, Yuan G, Chen Z and Liang SH <16 more author(s)> Cheng R, Mori W, Ma L, Alhouayek M, Hatori A, Zhang Y, Ogasawara D, Yuan G, Chen Z, Zhang X, Shi H, Yamasaki T, Xie L, Kumata K, Fujinaga M, Nagai Y, Minamimoto T, Svensson M, Wang L, Du Y, Ondrechen MJ, Vasdev N, Cravatt BF, Fowler C, Zhang MR, Liang SH (- 16) Ref: Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 61:2278, 2018 : PubMed ESTHER: Cheng_2018_J.Med.Chem_61_2278 PubMedSearch: Cheng 2018 J.Med.Chem 61 2278 PubMedID: 29481079 Abstract Monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) is the principle enzyme for metabolizing endogenous cannabinoid ligand 2-arachidonoyglycerol (2-AG). Blockade of MAGL increases 2-AG levels, resulting in subsequent activation of the endocannabinoid system, and has emerged as a novel therapeutic strategy to treat drug addiction, inflammation, and neurodegenerative diseases. Herein we report a new series of MAGL inhibitors, which were radiolabeled by site-specific labeling technologies, including (11)C-carbonylation and spirocyclic iodonium ylide (SCIDY) radiofluorination. The lead compound [(11)C]10 (MAGL-0519) demonstrated high specific binding and selectivity in vitro and in vivo. We also observed unexpected washout kinetics with these irreversible radiotracers, in which in vivo evidence for turnover of the covalent residue was unveiled between MAGL and azetidine carboxylates. This work may lead to new directions for drug discovery and PET tracer development based on azetidine carboxylate inhibitor scaffold. Title: Protein Surface Structural Recognition in Inactive Areas: A New Immobilization Strategy for Acetylcholinesterase Diao J, Yu X, Ma L, Li Y, Sun Y Ref: Bioconjug Chem, 29:1703, 2018 : PubMed ESTHER: Diao_2018_Bioconjug.Chem_29_1703 PubMedSearch: Diao 2018 Bioconjug.Chem 29 1703 PubMedID: 29617563 Abstract This work reported a new method of design for the immobilization of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) based on its molecular structure to improve its sensitivity and stability. The immobilization binding site on the surface of AChE was determined using MOLCAD's multi-channel functionality. Then, 11 molecules ((+)-catechin, (-)-epicatechin, (-)-gallocatechin, hesperetin, naringenin, quercetin, taxifolin, (-)-epicatechin gallate, flupirtine, atropine, and hyoscyamine) were selected from the ZINC database (about 50000 molecules) as candidate affinity ligands for AChE. The fluorescence results showed that the binding constant Kb between AChE and the ligands ranged from 0.01344 x 10(4) to 4.689 x 10(4) M(-1) and there was one independent class of binding site for the ligands on AChE. The AChE-ligand binding free energy ranged from -12.14 to -26.65 kJ mol(-1). Naringenin, hesperetin, and quercetin were the three most potent immobilized affinity ligands. In addition, it was confirmed that the binding between the immobilized ligands only occurred at a single site, located in an inactive area on the surface of AChE, and did not affect the enzymatic activity as shown through a competition experiment and enzyme assay. This method based on protein surface structural recognition with high sensitivity and stability can be used as a generic approach for design of the enzyme immobilization and biosensor development. Title: Physcomitrella patens MAX2 characterization suggests an ancient role for this F-box protein in photomorphogenesis rather than strigolactone signalling Lopez-Obando M, de Villiers R, Hoffmann B, Ma L, de Saint Germain A, Kossmann J, Coudert Y, Harrison CJ, Rameau C and Bonhomme S <1 more author(s)> Lopez-Obando M, de Villiers R, Hoffmann B, Ma L, de Saint Germain A, Kossmann J, Coudert Y, Harrison CJ, Rameau C, Hills P, Bonhomme S (- 1) Ref: New Phytol, 219:743, 2018 : PubMed ESTHER: Lopez-Obando_2018_New.Phytol_219_743 PubMedSearch: Lopez-Obando 2018 New.Phytol 219 743 PubMedID: 29781136 Abstract Strigolactones (SLs) are key hormonal regulators of flowering plant development and are widely distributed amongst streptophytes. In Arabidopsis, SLs signal via the F-box protein MORE AXILLARY GROWTH2 (MAX2), affecting multiple aspects of development including shoot branching, root architecture and drought tolerance. Previous characterization of a Physcomitrella patens moss mutant with defective SL synthesis supports an ancient role for SLs in land plants, but the origin and evolution of signalling pathway components are unknown. Here we investigate the function of a moss homologue of MAX2, PpMAX2, and characterize its role in SL signalling pathway evolution by genetic analysis. We report that the moss Ppmax2 mutant shows very distinct phenotypes from the moss SL-deficient mutant. In addition, the Ppmax2 mutant remains sensitive to SLs, showing a clear transcriptional SL response in dark conditions, and the response to red light is also altered. These data suggest divergent evolutionary trajectories for SL signalling pathway evolution in mosses and vascular plants. In P. patens, the primary roles for MAX2 are in photomorphogenesis and moss early development rather than in SL response, which may require other, as yet unidentified, factors. Title: Possible mechanism of Vitis vinifera L. flavones on neurotransmitters, synaptic transmission and related learning and memory in Alzheimer model rats Ma L, Xiao H, Wen J, Liu Z, He Y, Yuan F Ref: Lipids Health Dis, 17:152, 2018 : PubMed ESTHER: Ma_2018_Lipids.Health.Dis_17_152 PubMedSearch: Ma 2018 Lipids.Health.Dis 17 152 PubMedID: 29973282 Abstract BACKGROUND: This study explored the possible mechanism of flavones from Vitis vinifera L. (VTF) on neurotransmitters, synaptic transmission and related learning and memory in rats with Alzheimer disease (AD). METHODS: The researchers injected amyloid-beta(25-35) into the hippocampus to establish AD model rats. The Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were divided into a control group, a donepezil group, an AD model group, a VTF low-dose group, a VTF medium-dose group and a VTF high-dose group. The researchers detected the activity of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) according to kit instructions. The protein expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), synaptotagmin-1 (SYT1) and cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element binding protein (CREB) in the rats' hippocampi was detected by immunohistochemistry and Western blot, and the gene expression of cAMP-regulated enhancer (CRE) was detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR). RESULTS: VTF may enhance the protein expression of p-CREB, BDNF and SYT1 in rat hippocampi, depending on dose. The messenger RNA (mRNA) level of CREB was significantly higher in the VTF high-dose group than in the model group, which was consistent with the results of Western blotting. VTF may reduce the activity of AChE and increase that of ChAT in rat hippocampi. Finally, VTF effectively improved the learning and memory abilities of AD rats. CONCLUSIONS: VTF can promote synaptic plasticity and indirectly affect the expression of cholinergic neurotransmitters, which may be one mechanism of VTF protection in AD rats. Title: Hierarchical nanocomposites with an N-doped carbon shell and bimetal core: Novel enzyme nanocarriers for electrochemical pesticide detection Ma L, Zhou L, He Y, Wang L, Huang Z, Jiang Y, Gao J Ref: Biosensors & Bioelectronics, 121:166, 2018 : PubMed ESTHER: Ma_2018_Biosens.Bioelectron_121_166 PubMedSearch: Ma 2018 Biosens.Bioelectron 121 166 PubMedID: 30218924 Abstract Core-shell structured nanocomposites (named PtPd@NCS) with N-doped carbon shell and bimetal core (Pt and Pd) were fabricated through a facile strategy for the first time. The PtPd@NCS nanocomposites were obtained through reduction of K2PtCl4, H2PtCl6 and Na2PdCl4 species, self-polymerization of dopamine (DA) and co-assembly of Pluronic F127 using a one-pot approach. DA serves as a reductant, as well as a carbon and nitrogen source. The core-shell structure of the PtPd@NCS nanocomposites was characterized and the result indicated that Pt-Pd nanoparticle core with a diameter of approximately 15nm was encased in the N-doped carbon shells with a thickness of approximately 35nm. The PtPd@NCS nanocomposites were used as an electrode material to prepare acetylcholinesterase (AChE) biosensors for detecting organophosphate pesticides. The obtained AChE biosensor exhibited a linear range of 1x10(-14) to 1x10(-10) M and 1x10(-9) to 1x10(-5) M within the detection limit of 7.9x10(-15) M for malathion, 1x10(-13) to 1x10(-6) within the detection limit of 7.1x10(-14) M for chlopyrifos, and 1x10(-14) to 1x10(-11) M and 1x10(-10) to 1x10(-5) M within the detection limit of 8.6x10(-15) M for parathion methyl. The proposed biosensor also exhibited high selectivity, reproducibility and stability. The AChE biosensor was also applied in real samples for detecting organophosphate pesticides and exhibited acceptable recovery. This work demonstrated that the PtPd@NCS had great potential in constructing biosensors to detect organophosphate pesticides and other analytes. Title: Chronic brain toxicity response of juvenile Chinese rare minnows (Gobiocypris rarus) to the neonicotinoid insecticides imidacloprid and nitenpyram Tian X, Yang W, Wang D, Zhao Y, Yao R, Ma L, Ge C, Li X, Huang Z and Lin A <2 more author(s)> Tian X, Yang W, Wang D, Zhao Y, Yao R, Ma L, Ge C, Li X, Huang Z, He L, Jiao W, Lin A (- 2) Ref: Chemosphere, 210:1006, 2018 : PubMed ESTHER: Tian_2018_Chemosphere_210_1006 PubMedSearch: Tian 2018 Chemosphere 210 1006 PubMedID: 30208524 Abstract Imidacloprid and nitenpyram are widely used neonicotinoid pesticides worldwide and were observed to adversely affect non-target aquatic organisms. In this study, the toxic effect of imidacloprid and nitenpyram on the brain of juvenile Chinese rare minnows (Gobiocypris rarus) was investigated by determining the oxidative stress, 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) content and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity. The superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities did not significantly change after long-term exposure to imidacloprid and nitenpyram. A noticeable increase of catalase (CAT) activities was observed on the brain tissues under 0.1mg/L imidacloprid and under all nitenpyram treatments (p<0.05). The malondialdehyde (MDA) content increased markedly under 2.0mg/L imidacloprid and 0.1mg/L nitenpyram treatments (p<0.05). The glutathione (GSH) content in the brain significantly increased under 0.5 and 2.0mg/L imidacloprid (p<0.05). A significant decrease was observed in the mRNA levels of Cu/Zn-sod under 2.0mg/L imidacloprid and those of cat under 0.1 and 0.5mg/L nitenpyram (p<0.05). The mRNA levels of gpx1 clearly decreased under 2.0mg/L imidacloprid and under 0.1mg/L nitenpyram (p<0.05). The treatments of 0.1 and 0.5mg/L nitenpyram decreased cat expression levels markedly (p<0.05). 2.0mg/L imidacloprid raised the 8-OHdG content. The AChE activities increased markedly under 0.5 and 2.0mg/L imidacloprid while clearly decreasing under 2.0mg/L nitenpyram (p<0.05). Therefore, our results indicate that imidacloprid and nitenpyram might cause adverse effects on juvenile Chinese rare minnows brain. Notably, imidacloprid had greater impacts on juvenile rare minnows compared to nitenpyram. Title: Comammox in drinking water systems Wang Y, Ma L, Mao Y, Jiang X, Xia Y, Yu K, Li B, Zhang T Ref: Water Res, 116:332, 2017 : PubMed ESTHER: Wang_2017_Water.Res_116_332 PubMedSearch: Wang 2017 Water.Res 116 332 PubMedID: 28390307 Gene_locus related to this paper: 9bact-a0a1w9j1f6, 9prot-a0a1w9iez0, 9prot-a0a1w9i2z8, 9prot-a0a1w9hbq4, 9prot-a0a1w9jph2 Abstract The discovery of complete ammonia oxidizer (comammox) has fundamentally upended our perception of the global nitrogen cycle. Here, we reported four metagenome assembled genomes (MAGs) of comammox Nitrospira that were retrieved from metagenome datasets of tap water in Singapore (SG-bin1 and SG-bin2), Hainan province, China (HN-bin3) and Stanford, CA, USA (ST-bin4). Genes of phylogenetically distinct ammonia monooxygenase subunit A (amoA) and hydroxylamine dehydrogenase (hao) were identified in these four MAGs. Phylogenetic analysis based on ribosomal proteins, AmoA, hao and nitrite oxidoreductase (subunits nxrA and nxrB) sequences indicated their close relationships with published comammox Nitrospira. Canonical ammonia-oxidizing microbes (AOM) were also identified in the three tap water samples, ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) in Singapore's and Stanford's samples and ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA) in Hainan's sample. The comammox amoA-like sequences were also detected from some other drinking water systems, and even outnumbered the AOA and AOB amoA-like sequences. The findings of MAGs and the occurrences of AOM in different drinking water systems provided a significant clue that comammox are widely distributed in drinking water systems. Title: Comparative transcriptome analyses of deltamethrin-susceptible and -resistant Culex pipiens pallens by RNA-seq Lv Y, Wang W, Hong S, Lei Z, Fang F, Guo Q, Hu S, Tian M, Liu B and Zhu C <5 more author(s)> Lv Y, Wang W, Hong S, Lei Z, Fang F, Guo Q, Hu S, Tian M, Liu B, Zhang D, Sun Y, Ma L, Shen B, Zhou D, Zhu C (- 5) Ref: Mol Genet Genomics, 291:309, 2016 : PubMed ESTHER: Lv_2016_Mol.Genet.Genomics_291_309 PubMedSearch: Lv 2016 Mol.Genet.Genomics 291 309 PubMedID: 26377942 Abstract The widespread and improper use of pyrethroid insecticides, such as deltamethrin, has resulted in the evolution of resistance in many mosquito species, including Culex pipiens pallens. With the development of high-throughput sequencing, it is possible to massively screen pyrethroid resistance-associated gene. In this study, we used Illumina-Solexa transcriptome sequencing to identify genes that are expressed differently in deltamethrin-susceptible and -resistant strains of Culex pipiens pallens as a critical knowledge base for further studies. A total of 4,961,197,620 base pairs and 55,124,418 reads were sequenced, mapped to the Culex quinquefasciatus genome and assembled into 17,679 known genes. We recorded 1826 significantly differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Among them, 1078 genes were up-regulated and 748 genes were down-regulated in the deltamethrin-resistant strain compared to -susceptible strain. These DEGs contained cytochrome P450 s, cuticle proteins, UDP-glucuronosyltransferases, lipases, serine proteases, heat shock proteins, esterases and others. Among the 1826 DEGs, we found that the transcriptional levels of CYP6AA9 in the laboratory populations was elevated as the levels of deltamethrin resistance increased. Moreover, the expression levels of the CYP6AA9 were significantly higher in the resistant strains than the susceptible strains in three different field populations. We further confirmed the association between the CYP6AA9 gene and deltamethrin resistance in mosquitoes by RNA interfering (RNAi). Altogether, we explored massive potential pyrethroid resistance-associated genes and demonstrated that CYP6AA9 participated in the pyrethroid resistance in mosquitoes. Title: Genome analysis of three Pneumocystis species reveals adaptation mechanisms to life exclusively in mammalian hosts Ma L, Chen Z, Huang da W, Kutty G, Ishihara M, Wang H, Abouelleil A, Bishop L, Davey E and Kovacs JA <34 more author(s)> Ma L, Chen Z, Huang da W, Kutty G, Ishihara M, Wang H, Abouelleil A, Bishop L, Davey E, Deng R, Deng X, Fan L, Fantoni G, FitzGerald M, Gogineni E, Goldberg JM, Handley G, Hu X, Huber C, Jiao X, Jones K, Levin JZ, Liu Y, Macdonald P, Melnikov A, Raley C, Sassi M, Sherman BT, Song X, Sykes S, Tran B, Walsh L, Xia Y, Yang J, Young S, Zeng Q, Zheng X, Stephens R, Nusbaum C, Birren BW, Azadi P, Lempicki RA, Cuomo CA, Kovacs JA (- 34) Ref: Nat Commun, 7:10740, 2016 : PubMed ESTHER: Ma_2016_Nat.Commun_7_10740 PubMedSearch: Ma 2016 Nat.Commun 7 10740 PubMedID: 26899007 Gene_locus related to this paper: pnec8-a0a0w4zi95, pnemu-m7nra0, pnej8-l0pgn2 Abstract Pneumocystis jirovecii is a major cause of life-threatening pneumonia in immunosuppressed patients including transplant recipients and those with HIV/AIDS, yet surprisingly little is known about the biology of this fungal pathogen. Here we report near complete genome assemblies for three Pneumocystis species that infect humans, rats and mice. Pneumocystis genomes are highly compact relative to other fungi, with substantial reductions of ribosomal RNA genes, transporters, transcription factors and many metabolic pathways, but contain expansions of surface proteins, especially a unique and complex surface glycoprotein superfamily, as well as proteases and RNA processing proteins. Unexpectedly, the key fungal cell wall components chitin and outer chain N-mannans are absent, based on genome content and experimental validation. Our findings suggest that Pneumocystis has developed unique mechanisms of adaptation to life exclusively in mammalian hosts, including dependence on the lungs for gas and nutrients and highly efficient strategies to escape both host innate and acquired immune defenses. Title: Cholinergic modulation of auditory steady-state response in the auditory cortex of the freely moving rat Zhang J, Ma L, Li W, Yang P, Qin L Ref: Neuroscience, 324:29, 2016 : PubMed ESTHER: Zhang_2016_Neurosci_324_29 PubMedSearch: Zhang 2016 Neurosci 324 29 PubMedID: 26964684 Abstract As disturbance in auditory steady-state response (ASSR) has been consistently found in many neuropsychiatric disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder and schizophrenia, there is considerable interest in the development of translational rat models to elucidate the underlying neural and neurochemical mechanisms involved in ASSR. This is the first study to investigate the effects of the non-selective muscarinic antagonist scopolamine and the cholinesterase inhibitor donepezil (also in combination with scopolamine) on ASSR. We recorded the local field potentials through the chronic microelectrodes implanted in the auditory cortex of freely moving rat. ASSRs were recorded in response to auditory stimuli delivered over a range of frequencies (10-80Hz) and averaged over 60 trials. We found that a single dose of scopolamine produced a temporal attenuation in response to auditory stimuli; the most attenuation occurred at 40Hz. Time-frequency analysis revealed deficits in both power and phase-locking to 40Hz. Donepezil augmented 40-Hz steady-state power and phase-locking. Scopolamine combined with donepezil had an enhanced effect on the phase-locking, but not power of ASSR. These changes induced by cholinergic drugs suggest an involvement of muscarinic neurotransmission in auditory processing and provide a rodent model investigating the neurochemical mechanism of neurophysiological deficits seen in patients. Title: Complete Genome Sequence of Elizabethkingia meningoseptica, Isolated from a T-Cell Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma Patient Sun G, Wang L, Bao C, Li T, Ma L, Chen L Ref: Genome Announc, 3:, 2015 : PubMed ESTHER: Sun_2015_Genome.Announc_3_e00673 PubMedSearch: Sun 2015 Genome.Announc 3 e00673 PubMedID: 26112786 Gene_locus related to this paper: elimr-a0a0a2h0j3 Abstract An Elizabethkingia meningoseptica infection was detected at the end stage of a patient with T-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The complete genome of this isolated strain, FMS-007, was generated in one contig with a total size of 3,938,967 bp. A preliminary screening indicated that the genome contains drug resistance genes to aminoglycosides and beta-lactams. A clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated proteins (CRISPR/Cas) system with 16 direct repeats and 15 spacers was identified. Title: Construction of an immobilised acetylcholinesterase column and its application in screening insecticidal constituents from Magnolia officinalis Ye YH, Li C, Yang J, Ma L, Xiao Y, Hu J, Rajput NA, Gao CF, Zhang YY, Wang MH Ref: Pest Manag Sci, 71:607, 2015 : PubMed ESTHER: Ye_2015_Pest.Manag.Sci_71_607 PubMedSearch: Ye 2015 Pest.Manag.Sci 71 607 PubMedID: 25228142 Abstract BACKGROUND: Application of a matrix-immobilised target enzyme for screening inhibitors is widely used in drug development, but there are few studies in insecticide discovery. In this paper, an economical and effective immobilised acetylcholinesterase (AChE) column was prepared using the sol-gel embedment method, which was further combined with high-performance liquid chromatography for screening the AChE inhibitors and insecticidal compounds from complex natural products. Title: Try113His and His139Arg polymorphisms in the microsomal epoxide hydrolase gene are not associated with risk of breast cancer Gong WF, He W, Zhang QM, Xiang BD, Ma L, Huang S, Bai T, Zhong JH, Li LQ Ref: Tumour Biol, 35:8087, 2014 : PubMed ESTHER: Gong_2014_Tumour.Biol_35_8087 PubMedSearch: Gong 2014 Tumour.Biol 35 8087 PubMedID: 24840637 Abstract Breast cancer may be caused by several factors, including polymorphisms in the microsomal epoxide hydrolase (mEH) gene. Previous work suggested an association between mEH polymorphism and risk of breast cancer, but the results have been inconsistent. PubMed, EMBASE, Google Scholar, and the Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure database were systematically searched to identify relevant studies. A meta-analysis was performed to examine the association between Tyr113His and His139Arg mEH polymorphisms and susceptibility to breast cancer. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to assess the strength of the association. Seven studies involving 6,357 cases and 8,089 controls were included in this study. The Tyr113His mEH polymorphism did not affect breast cancer risk in the allelic contrast model (OR = 0.99, 95 % CI = 0.94-1.04, P = 0.58), the dominant genetic model (OR = 1.14, 95 % CI = 0.88-1.48, P = 0.33), or the recessive genetic model (OR = 1.03, 95 % CI = 0.96-1.10, P = 0.43). Similarly, the His139Arg mEH polymorphism was not associated with breast cancer risk in the allelic contrast model (OR = 0.97, 95 % CI = 0.91-1.04, P = 0.44), the dominant genetic model (OR = 1.01, 95 % CI = 0.84-1.21, P = 0.94), or the recessive genetic model (OR = 1.04, 95 % CI = 0.96-1.12, P = 0.35). The mEH polymorphisms Tyr113His and His139Arg are not risk factors for breast cancer. Further, large and well-designed studies are required to confirm this conclusion. Title: The adverse effects of phoxim exposure in the midgut of silkworm, Bombyx mori Gu Z, Zhou Y, Xie Y, Li F, Ma L, Sun S, Wu Y, Wang B, Wang J and Li B <2 more author(s)> Gu Z, Zhou Y, Xie Y, Li F, Ma L, Sun S, Wu Y, Wang B, Wang J, Hong F, Shen W, Li B (- 2) Ref: Chemosphere, 96:33, 2014 : PubMed ESTHER: Gu_2014_Chemosphere_96_33 PubMedSearch: Gu 2014 Chemosphere 96 33 PubMedID: 23899924 Abstract The silkworm is an important economic insect. Poisoning of silkworms by organophosphate pesticides causes tremendous loss to the sericulture. In this study, Solexa sequencing technology was performed to profile the gene expression changes in the midgut of silkworms in response to 24h of phoxim exposure and the impact on detoxification, apoptosis and immune defense were addressed. The results showed that 254 genes displayed at least 2.0-fold changes in expression levels, with 148 genes up-regulated and 106 genes down-regulated. Cytochrome P450 played an important role in detoxification. Histopathology examination and transmission electron microscope revealed swollen mitochondria and disappearance of the cristae of mitochondria, which are the important features in insect apoptotic cells. Cytochrome C release from mitochondria into the cytoplasm was confirmed. In addition, the Toll and immune deficiency (IMD) signal pathways were all inhibited using qRT-PCR. Our results could help better understand the impact of phoxim exposure on silkworm. Title: Disease-modifying effects of RHC80267 and JZL184 in a pilocarpine mouse model of temporal lobe epilepsy Ma L, Wang L, Yang F, Meng XD, Wu C, Ma H, Jiang W Ref: CNS Neurosci Ther, 20:905, 2014 : PubMed ESTHER: Ma_2014_CNS.Neurosci.Ther_20_905 PubMedSearch: Ma 2014 CNS.Neurosci.Ther 20 905 PubMedID: 24989980 Inhibitor(s) related to this paper: Rhc80267, JZL184 Abstract INTRODUCTION: Patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) often suffer from comorbid psychiatric diagnoses such as depression, anxiety, or impaired cognitive performance. Endocannabinoid (eCB) signaling is a key regulator of synaptic neurotransmission and has been implicated in the mechanisms of epilepsy as well as several mood disorders and cognitive impairments. AIMS: We employed a pilocarpine model of TLE in C57/BJ mice to investigate the role of eCB signaling in epileptogenesis and concomitant psychiatric comorbidities. METHODS AND Title: The cavefish genome reveals candidate genes for eye loss McGaugh SE, Gross JB, Aken B, Blin M, Borowsky R, Chalopin D, Hinaux H, Jeffery WR, Keene A and Warren WC <11 more author(s)> McGaugh SE, Gross JB, Aken B, Blin M, Borowsky R, Chalopin D, Hinaux H, Jeffery WR, Keene A, Ma L, Minx P, Murphy D, O'Quin KE, Retaux S, Rohner N, Searle SM, Stahl BA, Tabin C, Volff JN, Yoshizawa M, Warren WC (- 11) Ref: Nat Commun, 5:5307, 2014 : PubMed ESTHER: McGaugh_2014_Nat.Commun_5_5307 PubMedSearch: McGaugh 2014 Nat.Commun 5 5307 PubMedID: 25329095 Gene_locus related to this paper: astmx-w5kyj0, astmx-w5l5v5, astmx-w5k377, astmx-w5kdz8, astmx-w5k5k8, astmx-w5kf08, astmx-w5lfx9, astmx-a0a3b1il55, astmx-w5k188, astmx-w5lig8, astmx-a0a3b1it79, astmx-a0a3b1kh87, astmx-w5kk92, astmx-w5kf44, astmx-a0a3b1ihb9, astmx-a0a3b1jet6, astmx-w5lug4, astmx-w5ln33, astmx-a0a3b1k1i9, astmx-w5l3f7 Abstract Natural populations subjected to strong environmental selection pressures offer a window into the genetic underpinnings of evolutionary change. Cavefish populations, Astyanax mexicanus (Teleostei: Characiphysi), exhibit repeated, independent evolution for a variety of traits including eye degeneration, pigment loss, increased size and number of taste buds and mechanosensory organs, and shifts in many behavioural traits. Surface and cave forms are interfertile making this system amenable to genetic interrogation; however, lack of a reference genome has hampered efforts to identify genes responsible for changes in cave forms of A. mexicanus. Here we present the first de novo genome assembly for Astyanax mexicanus cavefish, contrast repeat elements to other teleost genomes, identify candidate genes underlying quantitative trait loci (QTL), and assay these candidate genes for potential functional and expression differences. We expect the cavefish genome to advance understanding of the evolutionary process, as well as, analogous human disease including retinal dysfunction. Title: Functional study on the mutations in the silkworm (Bombyx mori) acetylcholinesterase type 1 gene (ace1) and its recombinant proteins Wang JM, Wang BB, Xie Y, Sun SS, Gu ZY, Ma L, Li FC, Zhao YF, Yang B and Li B <1 more author(s)> Wang JM, Wang BB, Xie Y, Sun SS, Gu ZY, Ma L, Li FC, Zhao YF, Yang B, Shen WD, Li B (- 1) Ref: Mol Biol Rep, 41:429, 2014 : PubMed ESTHER: Wang_2014_Mol.Biol.Rep_41_429 PubMedSearch: Wang 2014 Mol.Biol.Rep 41 429 PubMedID: 24323194 Gene_locus related to this paper: bommo-ACHE1 Abstract The acetylcholinesterase of Lepidoptera insects is encoded by two genes, ace1 and ace2. The expression of the ace1 gene is significantly higher than that of the ace2 gene, and mutations in ace1 are one of the major reasons for pesticide resistance in insects. In order to investigate the effects of the mutations in ace1's characteristic sites on pesticide resistance, we generated mutations for three amino acids using site-directed mutagenesis, which were Ala(GCG)303Ser(TCG), Gly(GGA)329Ala(GCA) and Leu (TCT)554Ser(TTC). The Baculovirus expression system was used for the eukaryotic expression of the wild type ace1 (wace1) and the mutant ace1 (mace1). SDS-PAGE and Western blotting were used to detect the targeting proteins with expected sizeof about 76 kDa. The expression products were purified for the determination of AChE activity and the inhibitory effects of physostigmine and phoxim. We observed no significant differences in the overall activity of the wild type and mutant AChEs. However, with 10 min of physostigmine (10 muM) inhibition, the remaining activity of the wild type AChE was significantly lower than that of the mutant AChE. Ten min inhibition with 33.4 muM phoxim also resulted in significantly lower remaining activity of the wild type AChE than that of the mutant AChE. These results indicated that mutations for the three amino acids reduced the sensitivity of AChE to physostigmine and phoxim, which laid the foundation for future in vivo studies on AChE's roles in pesticide resistance. Title: Molecular Mechanisms of Reduced Nerve Toxicity by Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles in the Phoxim-Exposed Brain of Bombyx mori Xie Y, Wang B, Li F, Ma L, Ni M, Shen W, Hong F, Li B Ref: PLoS ONE, 9:e101062, 2014 : PubMed ESTHER: Xie_2014_PLoS.One_9_e101062 PubMedSearch: Xie 2014 PLoS.One 9 e101062 PubMedID: 24971466 Abstract Bombyx mori (B. mori), silkworm, is one of the most important economic insects in the world, while phoxim, an organophosphorus (OP) pesticide, impact its economic benefits seriously. Phoxim exposure can damage the brain, fatbody, midgut and haemolymph of B. mori. However the metabolism of proteins and carbohydrates in phoxim-exposed B. mori can be improved by Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs). In this study, we explored whether TiO2 NPs treatment can reduce the phoxim-induced brain damage of the 5th larval instar of B. mori. We observed that TiO2 NPs pretreatments significantly reduced the mortality of phoxim-exposed larva and relieved severe brain damage and oxidative stress under phoxim exposure in the brain. The treatments also relieved the phoxim-induced increases in the contents of acetylcholine (Ach), glutamate (Glu) and nitric oxide (NO) and the phoxim-induced decreases in the contents of norepinephrine (NE), Dopamine (DA), and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), and reduced the inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), Na+/K+-ATPase, Ca2+-ATPase, and Ca2+/Mg2+-ATPase activities and the activation of total nitric oxide synthase (TNOS) in the brain. Furthermore, digital gene expression profile (DGE) analysis and real time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) assay revealed that TiO2 NPs pretreatment inhibited the up-regulated expression of ace1, cytochrome c, caspase-9, caspase-3, Bm109 and down-regulated expression of BmIap caused by phoxim; these genes are involved in nerve conduction, oxidative stress and apoptosis. TiO2 NPs pretreatment also inhibited the down-regulated expression of H+ transporting ATP synthase and vacuolar ATP synthase under phoxim exposure, which are involved in ion transport and energy metabolism. These results indicate that TiO2 NPs pretreatment reduced the phoxim-induced nerve toxicity in the brain of B. mori. Title: Genome sequence of Anopheles sinensis provides insight into genetics basis of mosquito competence for malaria parasites Zhou D, Zhang D, Ding G, Shi L, Hou Q, Ye Y, Xu Y, Zhou H, Xiong C and Zhu C <12 more author(s)> Zhou D, Zhang D, Ding G, Shi L, Hou Q, Ye Y, Xu Y, Zhou H, Xiong C, Li S, Yu J, Hong S, Yu X, Zou P, Chen C, Chang X, Wang W, Lv Y, Sun Y, Ma L, Shen B, Zhu C (- 12) Ref: BMC Genomics, 15:42, 2014 : PubMed ESTHER: Zhou_2014_BMC.Genomics_15_42 PubMedSearch: Zhou 2014 BMC.Genomics 15 42 PubMedID: 24438588 Gene_locus related to this paper: anoga-Q7PVF9, 9dipt-a0a084vlt1, 9dipt-a0a084vdq2, 9dipt-sime3xf.a, 9dipt-sime3xf.b, 9dipt-a0a084vbj8, 9dipt-a0a084wan7, 9dipt-a0a084wik4, 9dipt-a0a084wk64, 9dipt-a0a084wez8, 9dipt-a0a084vji7, 9dipt-a0a084vlc2, 9dipt-a0a084vsa5, 9dipt-a0a084wlk0, 9dipt-a0a084wah8, 9dipt-a0a084wln4, 9dipt-a0a084we78, 9dipt-a0a084wjm6, 9dipt-a0a084wjm7, 9dipt-a0a084we77, 9dipt-a0a084wlk1, 9dipt-a0a084we80, 9dipt-a0a084wjm4, 9dipt-a0a084w1n7, 9dipt-a0a084we79, 9dipt-a0a084wev9, 9dipt-a0a084vlc3, 9dipt-a0a084vdq4, 9dipt-a0a084vdq5, 9dipt-a0a084vdq1, 9dipt-a0a084wah9, 9dipt-a0a084wan6, 9dipt-a0a084wlj8, 9dipt-a0a084wk45, 9dipt-a0a084wk46, 9dipt-a0a084wlj9, 9dipt-a0a084vsa4, 9dipt-a0a084vs93, 9dipt-a0a084wl93, anosi-a0a0f7kyf5, anosi-a0a0f7l1f2, anosi-a0a084wum0, anost-a0a182xxz0, anosi-a0a084vn28, anosi-a0a084vpt0, anoga-q7q887 Abstract BACKGROUND: Anopheles sinensis is an important mosquito vector of Plasmodium vivax, which is the most frequent and widely distributed cause of recurring malaria throughout Asia, and particularly in China, Korea, and Japan. Title: Transcriptional characteristics of gene expression in the midgut of domestic silkworms (Bombyx mori) exposed to phoxim Gu ZY, Sun SS, Wang YH, Wang BB, Xie Y, Ma L, Wang JM, Shen WD, Li B Ref: Pesticide Biochemistry and Physiology, 105:36, 2013 : PubMed ESTHER: Gu_2013_Pestic.Biochem.Physiol_105_36 PubMedSearch: Gu 2013 Pestic.Biochem.Physiol 105 36 PubMedID: 24238288 Abstract Silkworm (Bombyx mori) is not only an economically important insect but also a model system for lepidoptera. As a vital organ of digestion and nutrient absorption, the midgut of insects also serves as the first physiological barrier to chemical pesticides. In this study, microarray was performed to profile the gene expression changes in the midgut of silkworms exposed to phoxim. After 24h of phoxim exposure (4.0mug/mL), 266 genes displayed at least 2.0-fold changes in expression levels. Among them, 192 genes were up-regulated, and 74 genes were down-regulated. The most significant changes were 14.88-fold up-regulation and 23.36-fold down-regulation. According to gene ontology annotation and pathway analysis, differentially expressed genes were mainly classified into different groups based on their potential involvements in detoxification, immunne response, stress response, energy metabolism and transport. Particularly, the transcription levels of detoxification-related genes were up-regulated, such as cytochrome P450s, esterases and glutathione-S-transferase (GST), indicating increased detoxification activity in the midgut. Our study provides new insights into the molecular mechanism of pesticide metabolism in the midgut of insects, which may promote the development of highly efficient insecticides. Title: The anti-inflammatory effect of donepezil on experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis in C57 BL/6 mice Jiang Y, Zou Y, Chen S, Zhu C, Wu A, Liu Y, Ma L, Zhu D, Ma X and Chen X <5 more author(s)> Jiang Y, Zou Y, Chen S, Zhu C, Wu A, Liu Y, Ma L, Zhu D, Ma X, Liu M, Kang Z, Pi R, Peng F, Wang Q, Chen X (- 5) Ref: Neuropharmacology, 73C:415, 2013 : PubMed ESTHER: Jiang_2013_Neuropharmacol_73C_415 PubMedSearch: Jiang 2013 Neuropharmacol 73C 415 PubMedID: 23831366 Abstract Donepezil is a potent and selective acetylcholinesterase inhibitor. It has been reported to restore cognitive performance in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) mice, an established model of MS. However, there are no reports about the anti-inflammatory effects of donepezil on EAE. In this study, the donepezil treatments on EAE mice were initiated at day 7 post immunization (7 p.i., subclinical periods, early donepezil treatment) and day 13 p.i. (clinical periods, late donepezil treatment) with the dosage of 1, 2 and 4 mg/kg/d respectively and the treatments persisted throughout the experiments. Blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability was detected by Evan's blue content, the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and MMP-9, Akt and phosphorylated Akt (p-Akt) as well as nerve growth factor (NGF) and its precursor form (proNGF) in the brains of EAE mice were detected by Western blot, and the levels of interferon-gamma and interleukin-4 in the splenocytes culture supernatants and brains of EAE mice were evaluated by ELISA. The results showed that the 2 mg/kg/d late donepezil treatment was the optimal dosage and could ameliorate clinical and pathological parameters, improve magnetic resonance imaging outcomes, reduce the permeability of BBB, inhibit the production of MMP-2 and MMP-9, modulate the expression of NGF and proNGF, increase Th2 bias and the phosphorylation of Akt in the brains of EAE mice. Our data suggested that the anti-inflammatory effects of donepezil may be a novel mechanism on treating EAE and provided further insights to understand the donepezil's neuroprotective activities in MS. Title: Contamination of bananas with beauvericin and fusaric acid produced by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense Li C, Zuo C, Deng G, Kuang R, Yang Q, Hu C, Sheng O, Zhang S, Ma L and Yi G <5 more author(s)> Li C, Zuo C, Deng G, Kuang R, Yang Q, Hu C, Sheng O, Zhang S, Ma L, Wei Y, Yang J, Liu S, Biswas MK, Viljoen A, Yi G (- 5) Ref: PLoS ONE, 8:e70226, 2013 : PubMed ESTHER: Li_2013_PLoS.ONE_8_E70226 PubMedSearch: Li 2013 PLoS.ONE 8 E70226 PubMedID: 23922960 Gene_locus related to this paper: gibf5-fub5 Abstract BACKGROUND: Fusarium wilt, caused by the fungal pathogen Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense (Foc), is one of the most destructive diseases of banana. Toxins produced by Foc have been proposed to play an important role during the pathogenic process. The objectives of this study were to investigate the contamination of banana with toxins produced by Foc, and to elucidate their role in pathogenesis. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Twenty isolates of Foc representing races 1 and 4 were isolated from diseased bananas in five Chinese provinces. Two toxins were consistently associated with Foc, fusaric acid (FA) and beauvericin (BEA). Cytotoxicity of the two toxins on banana protoplast was determined using the Alamar Blue assay. The virulence of 20 Foc isolates was further tested by inoculating tissue culture banana plantlets, and the contents of toxins determined in banana roots, pseudostems and leaves. Virulence of Foc isolates correlated well with toxin deposition in the host plant. To determine the natural occurrence of the two toxins in banana plants with Fusarium wilt symptoms, samples were collected before harvest from the pseudostems, fruit and leaves from 10 Pisang Awak 'Guangfen #1' and 10 Cavendish 'Brazilian' plants. Fusaric acid and BEA were detected in all the tissues, including the fruits. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNFICANCE: The current study provides the first investigation of toxins produced by Foc in banana. The toxins produced by Foc, and their levels of contamination of banana fruits, however, were too low to be of concern to human and animal health. Rather, these toxins appear to contribute to the pathogenicity of the fungus during infection of banana plants. Title: Genomic and secretomic analyses reveal unique features of the lignocellulolytic enzyme system of Penicillium decumbens Liu G, Zhang L, Wei X, Zou G, Qin Y, Ma L, Li J, Zheng H, Wang S and Qu Y <4 more author(s)> Liu G, Zhang L, Wei X, Zou G, Qin Y, Ma L, Li J, Zheng H, Wang S, Wang C, Xun L, Zhao GP, Zhou Z, Qu Y (- 4) Ref: PLoS ONE, 8:e55185, 2013 : PubMed ESTHER: Liu_2013_PLoS.ONE_8_E55185 PubMedSearch: Liu 2013 PLoS.ONE 8 E55185 PubMedID: 23383313 Gene_locus related to this paper: peno1-s7zjd1, peno1-s8aym9, peno1-s7zcd7, peno1-s8aui7, peno1-s7zba9, peno1-s7z7w2, peno1-s7zkn6, peno1-s8ak78, peno1-s7z721, peno1-s8ajn6, peno1-s7zqw4, peno1-s8bba0, peno1-s8b4w2, peno1-s7zta4, peno1-s8a1h3, peno1-s8aiq5, peno1-s8ba66, peno1-s7zxp5, penox-poxo Abstract Many Penicillium species could produce extracellular enzyme systems with good lignocellulose hydrolysis performance. However, these species and their enzyme systems are still poorly understood and explored due to the lacking of genetic information. Here, we present the genomic and secretomic analyses of Penicillium decumbens that has been used in industrial production of lignocellulolytic enzymes in China for more than fifteen years. Comparative genomics analysis with the phylogenetically most similar species Penicillium chrysogenum revealed that P. decumbens has evolved with more genes involved in plant cell wall degradation, but fewer genes in cellular metabolism and regulation. Compared with the widely used cellulase producer Trichoderma reesei, P. decumbens has a lignocellulolytic enzyme system with more diverse components, particularly for cellulose binding domain-containing proteins and hemicellulases. Further, proteomic analysis of secretomes revealed that P. decumbens produced significantly more lignocellulolytic enzymes in the medium with cellulose-wheat bran as the carbon source than with glucose. The results expand our knowledge on the genetic information of lignocellulolytic enzyme systems in Penicillium species, and will facilitate rational strain improvement for the production of highly efficient enzyme systems used in lignocellulose utilization from Penicillium species. Title: The prion protein modulates A-type K+ currents mediated by Kv4.2 complexes through dipeptidyl aminopeptidase-like protein 6 Mercer RC, Ma L, Watts JC, Strome R, Wohlgemuth S, Yang J, Cashman NR, Coulthart MB, Schmitt-Ulms G and Westaway D <1 more author(s)> Mercer RC, Ma L, Watts JC, Strome R, Wohlgemuth S, Yang J, Cashman NR, Coulthart MB, Schmitt-Ulms G, Jhamandas JH, Westaway D (- 1) Ref: Journal of Biological Chemistry, 288:37241, 2013 : PubMed ESTHER: Mercer_2013_J.Biol.Chem_288_37241 PubMedSearch: Mercer 2013 J.Biol.Chem 288 37241 PubMedID: 24225951 Gene_locus related to this paper: human-DPP6 Abstract Widely expressed in the adult central nervous system, the cellular prion protein (PrP(C)) is implicated in a variety of processes, including neuronal excitability. Dipeptidyl aminopeptidase-like protein 6 (DPP6) was first identified as a PrP(C) interactor using in vivo formaldehyde cross-linking of wild type (WT) mouse brain. This finding was confirmed in three cell lines and, because DPP6 directs the functional assembly of K(+) channels, we assessed the impact of WT and mutant PrP(C) upon Kv4.2-based cell surface macromolecular complexes. Whereas a Gerstmann-Straussler-Scheinker disease version of PrP with eight extra octarepeats was a loss of function both for complex formation and for modulation of Kv4.2 channels, WT PrP(C), in a DPP6-dependent manner, modulated Kv4.2 channel properties, causing an increase in peak amplitude, a rightward shift of the voltage-dependent steady-state inactivation curve, a slower inactivation, and a faster recovery from steady-state inactivation. Thus, the net impact of wt PrP(C) was one of enhancement, which plays a critical role in the down-regulation of neuronal membrane excitability and is associated with a decreased susceptibility to seizures. Insofar as previous work has established a requirement for WT PrP(C) in the Abeta-dependent modulation of excitability in cholinergic basal forebrain neurons, our findings implicate PrP(C) regulation of Kv4.2 channels as a mechanism contributing to the effects of oligomeric Abeta upon neuronal excitability and viability. Title: Draft Genome Sequence of a Clinical Strain of Yersinia enterocolitica (IP10393) of Bioserotype 4/O:3 from France Savin C, Frangeul L, Ma L, Bouchier C, Moszer I, Carniel E Ref: Genome Announc, 1:e00150, 2013 : PubMed ESTHER: Savin_2013_Genome.Announc_1_e00150 PubMedSearch: Savin 2013 Genome.Announc 1 e00150 PubMedID: 23469338 Gene_locus related to this paper: yerbe-c4rym7, yeren-k1bwy7 Abstract We sequenced the genome of a clinical isolate of Yersinia enterocolitica (IP10393) from France. This strain belongs to bioserotype 4/O:3, which is the most common pathogenic subgroup worldwide. The draft genome has a size of 4,463,212 bp and a G+C content of 47.0%, and it is predicted to contain 4,181 coding sequences. Title: Genomic analysis of smooth tubercle bacilli provides insights into ancestry and pathoadaptation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Supply P, Marceau M, Mangenot S, Roche D, Rouanet C, Khanna V, Majlessi L, Criscuolo A, Tap J and Brosch R <28 more author(s)> Supply P, Marceau M, Mangenot S, Roche D, Rouanet C, Khanna V, Majlessi L, Criscuolo A, Tap J, Pawlik A, Fiette L, Orgeur M, Fabre M, Parmentier C, Frigui W, Simeone R, Boritsch EC, Debrie AS, Willery E, Walker D, Quail MA, Ma L, Bouchier C, Salvignol G, Sayes F, Cascioferro A, Seemann T, Barbe V, Locht C, Gutierrez MC, Leclerc C, Bentley SD, Stinear TP, Brisse S, Medigue C, Parkhill J, Cruveiller S, Brosch R (- 28) Ref: Nat Genet, 45:172, 2013 : PubMed ESTHER: Supply_2013_Nat.Genet_45_172 PubMedSearch: Supply 2013 Nat.Genet 45 172 PubMedID: 23291586 Gene_locus related to this paper: mycmm-b2ht49, myctu-cut3, myctu-cutas1, myctu-cutas2, myctu-Rv1069c, myctu-RV1215C, myctu-RV1758, myctu-Rv2045c, myctu-RV3452, myctu-RV3724, myctu-Rv3802c Abstract Global spread and limited genetic variation are hallmarks of M. tuberculosis, the agent of human tuberculosis. In contrast, Mycobacterium canettii and related tubercle bacilli that also cause human tuberculosis and exhibit unusual smooth colony morphology are restricted to East Africa. Here, we sequenced and analyzed the whole genomes of five representative strains of smooth tubercle bacilli (STB) using Sanger (4-5x coverage), 454/Roche (13-18x coverage) and/or Illumina DNA sequencing (45-105x coverage). We show that STB isolates are highly recombinogenic and evolutionarily early branching, with larger genome sizes, higher rates of genetic variation, fewer molecular scars and distinct CRISPR-Cas systems relative to M. tuberculosis. Despite the differences, all tuberculosis-causing mycobacteria share a highly conserved core genome. Mouse infection experiments showed that STB strains are less persistent and virulent than M. tuberculosis. We conclude that M. tuberculosis emerged from an ancestral STB-like pool of mycobacteria by gain of persistence and virulence mechanisms, and we provide insights into the molecular events involved. Title: Asperterpenols A and B, New Sesterterpenoids Isolated from a Mangrove Endophytic Fungus Aspergillus sp. 085242 Xiao Z, Huang H, Shao C, Xia X, Ma L, Huang X, Lu Y, Lin Y, Long Y, She Z Ref: Org Lett, 15:2522, 2013 : PubMed ESTHER: Xiao_2013_Org.Lett_15_2522 PubMedSearch: Xiao 2013 Org.Lett 15 2522 PubMedID: 23642191 Abstract Asperterpenol A (1) and asperterpenol B (2), two novel sesterterpenoids with an unusual 5/8/6/6 tetracyclic ring skeleton, were isolated from a mangrove endophytic fungus Aspergillus sp. 085242. The structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic methods and the absolute configurations determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Compounds 1 and 2 inhibit acetylcholinesterase with IC50 values of 2.3 and 3.0 muM, respectively. Title: Discovery of a novel esterase subfamily sharing an identified arm sequence (ArmEst) by gene-specific metagenomic PCR Zhang A, Zhao R, Jin P, Ma L, Xiong X, Xie T, Pei X, Yu L, Yin X, Wang Q Ref: Biotechnol Lett, 35:1937, 2013 : PubMed ESTHER: Zhang_2013_Biotechnol.Lett_35_1937 PubMedSearch: Zhang 2013 Biotechnol.Lett 35 1937 PubMedID: 23881330 Gene_locus related to this paper: 9bact-q6rjm3, 9bact-m1plb8 Abstract A gene-specific, metagenomic PCR method has led to the discovery of a novel esterase subfamily consisting of five homologous members. Sequence analysis of this esterase subfamily, named the ArmEst subfamily, revealed a unique conserved pattern with a significant variable interior sequence flanked by two symmetric and identical long arm sequences. The two homologous long arm sequences had 100 % sequence identity and symmetry at both ends between the five members of this esterase class, but only 17-58 % identity was shared for the internal sequence. The biochemical properties of two of the ArmEst esterases definitively demonstrated that they are true active esterases rather than pseudogenes. This is the first report presenting an esterase subfamily containing a unique arm sequence, indicating a rare homologous recombination occurring in the coding area of a functional gene to generate their functional diversity. Title: Draft genome sequences of four axenic Mycoplasma genitalium strains isolated from Denmark, Japan, and Australia McGowin CL, Ma L, Jensen JS, Mancuso MM, Hamasuna R, Adegboye D, Martin DH Ref: Journal of Bacteriology, 194:6010, 2012 : PubMed ESTHER: McGowin_2012_J.Bacteriol_194_6010 PubMedSearch: McGowin 2012 J.Bacteriol 194 6010 PubMedID: 23045512 Abstract The DNA genome of Mycoplasma genitalium currently represents the smallest of all known human bacterial pathogens. Despite their clinical importance in sexually transmitted infection and relevance as model bacterial pathogens, genomic diversity among M. genitalium strains worldwide is unknown. Herein we present the complete draft genome sequences of four geographically diverse strains of M. genitalium. Title: Azaphilones and p-terphenyls from the mangrove endophytic fungus Penicillium chermesinum (ZH4-E2) isolated from the South China Sea Huang H, Feng X, Xiao Z, Liu L, Li H, Ma L, Lu Y, Ju J, She Z, Lin Y Ref: Journal of Natural Products, 74:997, 2011 : PubMed ESTHER: Huang_2011_J.Nat.Prod_74_997 PubMedSearch: Huang 2011 J.Nat.Prod 74 997 PubMedID: 21510637 Abstract Eight secondary metabolites, including three new azaphilones (chermesinones A-C, 1-3), three new p-terphenyls (6'-O-desmethylterphenyllin, 4; 3-hydroxy-6'-O-desmethylterphenyllin, 5; 3''-deoxy-6'-O-desmethylcandidusin B, 7), and two known p-terphenyls (6, 8), were isolated from the culture of the mangrove endophytic fungus Penicillium chermesinum (ZH4-E2). Their structures were established by spectroscopic analysis. The absolute configuration of 1 was determined by X-ray crystallography. Terphenyls 4, 5, and 6 exhibited strong inhibitory effects against alpha-glucosidase with IC50 values of 0.9, 4.9, and 2.5 muM, respectively. Terphenyls 7 and 8 showed inhibitory activity toward acetylcholinesterase with IC50 values of 7.8 and 5.2 muM. Title: A novel NADH-dependent and FAD-containing hydroxylase is crucial for nicotine degradation by Pseudomonas putida Tang H, Yao Y, Zhang D, Meng X, Wang L, Yu H, Ma L, Xu P Ref: Journal of Biological Chemistry, 286:39179, 2011 : PubMed ESTHER: Tang_2011_J.Biol.Chem_286_39179 PubMedSearch: Tang 2011 J.Biol.Chem 286 39179 PubMedID: 21949128 Gene_locus related to this paper: psep6-f8g0m2 Abstract Nicotine, the main alkaloid produced by Nicotiana tabacum and other Solanaceae, is very toxic and may be a leading toxicant causing preventable disease and death, with the rise in global tobacco consumption. Several different microbial pathways of nicotine metabolism have been reported: Arthrobacter uses the pyridine pathway, and Pseudomonas, like mammals, uses the pyrrolidine pathway. We identified and characterized a novel 6-hydroxy-3-succinoyl-pyridine (HSP) hydroxylase (HspB) using enzyme purification, peptide sequencing, and sequencing of the Pseudomonas putida S16 genome. The HSP hydroxylase has no known orthologs and converts HSP to 2,5-dihydroxy-pyridine and succinic semialdehyde, using NADH. (18)O(2) labeling experiments provided direct evidence for the incorporation of oxygen from O(2) into 2,5-dihydroxy-pyridine. The hspB gene deletion showed that this enzyme is essential for nicotine degradation, and site-directed mutagenesis identified an FAD-binding domain. This study demonstrates the importance of the newly discovered enzyme HspB, which is crucial for nicotine degradation by the Pseudomonas strain. Title: Analysis of the Legionella longbeachae genome and transcriptome uncovers unique strategies to cause Legionnaires' disease Cazalet C, Gomez-Valero L, Rusniok C, Lomma M, Dervins-Ravault D, Newton HJ, Sansom FM, Jarraud S, Zidane N and Buchrieser C <4 more author(s)> Cazalet C, Gomez-Valero L, Rusniok C, Lomma M, Dervins-Ravault D, Newton HJ, Sansom FM, Jarraud S, Zidane N, Ma L, Bouchier C, Etienne J, Hartland EL, Buchrieser C (- 4) Ref: PLoS Genet, 6:e1000851, 2010 : PubMed ESTHER: Cazalet_2010_PLoS.Genet_6_E1000851 PubMedSearch: Cazalet 2010 PLoS.Genet 6 E1000851 PubMedID: 20174605 Gene_locus related to this paper: legln-d3hsy4, legln-d3hk89, legln-d3hkd5, legln-d3hkd7, legln-d3hld6, legln-d3hqa1, legln-d3ht65, leglo-d1rd29, leglo-d1re65, leglo-d1rgc9, legln-d3hr23, leglo-d1rin5, legln-d3hq45, legln-d3hnr8 Abstract Legionella pneumophila and L. longbeachae are two species of a large genus of bacteria that are ubiquitous in nature. L. pneumophila is mainly found in natural and artificial water circuits while L. longbeachae is mainly present in soil. Under the appropriate conditions both species are human pathogens, capable of causing a severe form of pneumonia termed Legionnaires' disease. Here we report the sequencing and analysis of four L. longbeachae genomes, one complete genome sequence of L. longbeachae strain NSW150 serogroup (Sg) 1, and three draft genome sequences another belonging to Sg1 and two to Sg2. The genome organization and gene content of the four L. longbeachae genomes are highly conserved, indicating strong pressure for niche adaptation. Analysis and comparison of L. longbeachae strain NSW150 with L. pneumophila revealed common but also unexpected features specific to this pathogen. The interaction with host cells shows distinct features from L. pneumophila, as L. longbeachae possesses a unique repertoire of putative Dot/Icm type IV secretion system substrates, eukaryotic-like and eukaryotic domain proteins, and encodes additional secretion systems. However, analysis of the ability of a dotA mutant of L. longbeachae NSW150 to replicate in the Acanthamoeba castellanii and in a mouse lung infection model showed that the Dot/Icm type IV secretion system is also essential for the virulence of L. longbeachae. In contrast to L. pneumophila, L. longbeachae does not encode flagella, thereby providing a possible explanation for differences in mouse susceptibility to infection between the two pathogens. Furthermore, transcriptome analysis revealed that L. longbeachae has a less pronounced biphasic life cycle as compared to L. pneumophila, and genome analysis and electron microscopy suggested that L. longbeachae is encapsulated. These species-specific differences may account for the different environmental niches and disease epidemiology of these two Legionella species. Title: Toxicological characteristics of nanoparticulate anatase titanium dioxide in mice Duan Y, Liu J, Ma L, Li N, Liu H, Wang J, Zheng L, Liu C, Wang X and Hong F <5 more author(s)> Duan Y, Liu J, Ma L, Li N, Liu H, Wang J, Zheng L, Liu C, Wang X, Zhao X, Yan J, Wang S, Wang H, Zhang X, Hong F (- 5) Ref: Biomaterials, 31:894, 2010 : PubMed ESTHER: Duan_2010_Biomaterials_31_894 PubMedSearch: Duan 2010 Biomaterials 31 894 PubMedID: 19857890 Abstract In an effort to examine liver injury, immune response, and other physiological effects in mice caused by intragastric administration of nanoparticulate anatase titanium dioxide (5nm), we assessed T lymphocytes, B lymphocyte and NK lymphocyte counts, hematological indices, biochemical parameters of liver functions, and histopathological changes in nanoparticulate titanium dioxide -treated mice. Indeed, mice treated with higher dose nanoparticulate titanium dioxide displayed a reduction in body weight, an increase in coefficients of the liver and histopathological changes in the liver. Specifically, in these nanoparticulate titanium dioxide -treated mice, interleukin-2 activity, white blood cells, red blood cells, haemoglobin, mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration, thrombocytes, reticulocytes, T lymphocytes (CD3(+), CD4(+), CD8(+)), NK lymphocytes, B lymphocytes, and the ratio of CD4 to CD8 of mice were decreased, whereas NO level, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular haemoglobin, red (cell) distribution width, platelets, hematocrit, mean platelet volume of mice were increased. Furthermore, liver functions were also disrupted, as evidenced by the enhanced activities of alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase and cholinesterase, an increase of the total protein, and the reduction of ratio of albumin to globulin, the total bilirubin, triglycerides, and the total cholesterol levels. These results suggested that the liver function damage observed in mice treated with higher dose nanoparticulate titanium dioxide is likely associated with the damage of haemostasis blood system and immune response. However, low dose nanoparticulate anatase TiO(2) has little influences on haemostasis blood system and immune response in mice. Title: Identification of pancreatic juice proteins as biomarkers of pancreatic cancer Gao J, Zhu F, Lv S, Li Z, Ling Z, Gong Y, Jie C, Ma L Ref: Oncol Rep, 23:1683, 2010 : PubMed ESTHER: Gao_2010_Oncol.Rep_23_1683 PubMedSearch: Gao 2010 Oncol.Rep 23 1683 PubMedID: 20428826 Abstract Pancreatic juice is a potential source of proteins associated with pancreatic cancer (PC) due to the proximity of ducts to tumor tissue. Therefore, screening of proteins in pancreatic juice from PC patients may identify new PC biomarkers. We analyzed pancreatic juice from patients with pancreatic diseases including PC, chronic pancreatitis (CP) and simple choledocholithiasis (CDS) by 2-DE. Protein spots from PC patients that changed >2-fold compared with both CP and CDS were selected and identified by mass spectrometry (MS). mRNA levels were measured by QRT-PCR in PC cell lines, PC tissues and adjacent pancreatic normal (PN) tissues. Relationships between mRNA levels in PC tissues and their clinical characteristics and promoter methylation were analyzed in PC cell lines and tissues. We found that four proteins were significantly changed in PC compared to CP and simple CDS. Two proteins were up-regulated, serine proteinase-2 (PRSS2) preproprotein and pancreatic lipase-related protein-1 (PLRP1), and two proteins were down-regulated, chymotrypsinogen B (CTRB) precursor and elastase 3B (ELA3B) preproprotein. In all PC cell lines, PRSS 2 mRNA levels were elevated, while PLRP 1 mRNA was detected in 4/5 cell lines. ELA3B mRNA was undetectable in all cell lines, but CTRB mRNA was detected in 2/5 cell lines. In PC tissues compared to PN, levels of PRSS2 mRNA were significantly higher, ELA3B significantly lower, and PLRP1 and CTRB not significantly different. Elevated PRSS2 mRNA levels correlated with high T stage. The ELA3B gene promoter had higher methylation in PC cell lines and tissues compared with PN tissues, and correlated with low ELA3B gene expression. In conclusion, comparative proteomic analysis of pancreatic juice from PC patients is a powerful method to find new PC biomarkers. Hyperexpression of the PRSS2 gene and hypermethylation of ELA3B gene promoter were associated with PC, raising the possibility of their application as new biomarkers in PC diagnosis and screening. Title: The sequence and de novo assembly of the giant panda genome Li R, Fan W, Tian G, Zhu H, He L, Cai J, Huang Q, Cai Q, Li B and Yang H <103 more author(s)> Li R, Fan W, Tian G, Zhu H, He L, Cai J, Huang Q, Cai Q, Li B, Bai Y, Zhang Z, Zhang Y, Wang W, Li J, Wei F, Li H, Jian M, Nielsen R, Li D, Gu W, Yang Z, Xuan Z, Ryder OA, Leung FC, Zhou Y, Cao J, Sun X, Fu Y, Fang X, Guo X, Wang B, Hou R, Shen F, Mu B, Ni P, Lin R, Qian W, Wang G, Yu C, Nie W, Wang J, Wu Z, Liang H, Min J, Wu Q, Cheng S, Ruan J, Wang M, Shi Z, Wen M, Liu B, Ren X, Zheng H, Dong D, Cook K, Shan G, Zhang H, Kosiol C, Xie X, Lu Z, Li Y, Steiner CC, Lam TT, Lin S, Zhang Q, Li G, Tian J, Gong T, Liu H, Zhang D, Fang L, Ye C, Zhang J, Hu W, Xu A, Ren Y, Zhang G, Bruford MW, Li Q, Ma L, Guo Y, An N, Hu Y, Zheng Y, Shi Y, Li Z, Liu Q, Chen Y, Zhao J, Qu N, Zhao S, Tian F, Wang X, Wang H, Xu L, Liu X, Vinar T, Wang Y, Lam TW, Yiu SM, Liu S, Huang Y, Yang G, Jiang Z, Qin N, Li L, Bolund L, Kristiansen K, Wong GK, Olson M, Zhang X, Li S, Yang H (- 103) Ref: Nature, 463:311, 2010 : PubMed ESTHER: Li_2010_Nature_463_311 PubMedSearch: Li 2010 Nature 463 311 PubMedID: 20010809 Gene_locus related to this paper: ailme-ABH15, ailme-ACHE, ailme-BCHE, ailme-d2gtv3, ailme-d2gty9, ailme-d2gu87, ailme-d2gu97, ailme-d2gve7, ailme-d2gwu1, ailme-d2gx08, ailme-d2gyt0, ailme-d2gz36, ailme-d2gz37, ailme-d2gz38, ailme-d2gz39, ailme-d2gz40, ailme-d2h5r9, ailme-d2h7b7, ailme-d2h9c9, ailme-d2h794, ailme-d2hau7, ailme-d2hau8, ailme-d2hcd9, ailme-d2hdi6, ailme-d2heu6, ailme-d2hga4, ailme-d2hqw5, ailme-d2hs98, ailme-d2hsx4, ailme-d2hti6, ailme-d2htv3, ailme-d2htz6, ailme-d2huc7, ailme-d2hwj8, ailme-d2hwy7, ailme-d2hxm1, ailme-d2hyc8, ailme-d2hyv2, ailme-d2hz11, ailme-d2hza3, ailme-d2hzr4, ailme-d2i1l4, ailme-d2i2g8, ailme-g1l7m3, ailme-g1lu36, ailme-g1m769, ailme-g1mc29, ailme-g1mdj8, ailme-g1mdr5, ailme-g1mfp4, ailme-g1mfx5, ailme-g1lj41, ailme-g1lm28, ailme-g1l3u1, ailme-g1l7l1, ailme-g1m5i3, ailme-g1l2f6, ailme-g1lji5, ailme-g1lqk3, ailme-g1l8s9, ailme-d2h717, ailme-d2h718, ailme-d2h719, ailme-d2h720, ailme-g1m5v0, ailme-g1m5y7, ailme-g1lkt7, ailme-g1l2a1, ailme-g1lsc8, ailme-g1lrp4, ailme-d2gv02, ailme-g1mik5, ailme-g1ljr1, ailme-g1lxw7, ailme-d2h8b5, ailme-d2h2r2, ailme-d2h9w7, ailme-g1meh3, ailme-g1m719 Abstract Using next-generation sequencing technology alone, we have successfully generated and assembled a draft sequence of the giant panda genome. The assembled contigs (2.25 gigabases (Gb)) cover approximately 94% of the whole genome, and the remaining gaps (0.05 Gb) seem to contain carnivore-specific repeats and tandem repeats. Comparisons with the dog and human showed that the panda genome has a lower divergence rate. The assessment of panda genes potentially underlying some of its unique traits indicated that its bamboo diet might be more dependent on its gut microbiome than its own genetic composition. We also identified more than 2.7 million heterozygous single nucleotide polymorphisms in the diploid genome. Our data and analyses provide a foundation for promoting mammalian genetic research, and demonstrate the feasibility for using next-generation sequencing technologies for accurate, cost-effective and rapid de novo assembly of large eukaryotic genomes. Title: Oxidative stress in the brain of mice caused by translocated nanoparticulate TiO2 delivered to the abdominal cavity Ma L, Liu J, Li N, Wang J, Duan Y, Yan J, Liu H, Wang H, Hong F Ref: Biomaterials, 31:99, 2010 : PubMed ESTHER: Ma_2010_Biomaterials_31_99 PubMedSearch: Ma 2010 Biomaterials 31 99 PubMedID: 19783296 Abstract In order to study the mechanisms underlying the effects of TiO(2) nanoparticles on the brain, ICR mice were injected with nanoparticulate anatase TiO(2) (5 nm) of various doses into the abdominal cavity daily for 14 days. We then examined the coefficient of the brain, the brain pathological changes and oxidative stress-mediated responses, and the accumulation of nanoparticulate anatase TiO(2) and levels of neurochemicals in the brain. The results showed that high-dose nanoparticulate anatase TiO(2) could induce some neurons to turn into filamentous shapes and others into inflammatory cells. The concentration of nanoparticulate anatase TiO(2) in the brain was increased as increases in nanoparticulate anatase TiO(2) dosages used. The oxidative stress and injury of the brain occurred as nanoparticulate anatase TiO(2) appeared to trigger a cascade of reactions such as lipid peroxidation, the decreases of the total anti-oxidation capacity and activities of antioxidative enzymes, the excessive release of nitric oxide, the reduction of glutamic acid, and the downregulated level of acetylcholinesterase activities. We concluded that TiO(2) nanoparticles injected at the abdominal cavity could be translocated into the brain and in turn caused the brain injury. Title: From array-based hybridization of Helicobacter pylori isolates to the complete genome sequence of an isolate associated with MALT lymphoma Thiberge JM, Boursaux-Eude C, Lehours P, Dillies MA, Creno S, Coppee JY, Rouy Z, Lajus A, Ma L and Raymond J <11 more author(s)> Thiberge JM, Boursaux-Eude C, Lehours P, Dillies MA, Creno S, Coppee JY, Rouy Z, Lajus A, Ma L, Burucoa C, Ruskone-Foumestraux A, Courillon-Mallet A, De Reuse H, Boneca IG, Lamarque D, Megraud F, Delchier JC, Medigue C, Bouchier C, Labigne A, Raymond J (- 11) Ref: BMC Genomics, 11:368, 2010 : PubMed ESTHER: Thiberge_2010_BMC.Genomics_11_368 PubMedSearch: Thiberge 2010 BMC.Genomics 11 368 PubMedID: 20537153 Abstract BACKGROUND: Helicobacter pylori infection is associated with several gastro-duodenal inflammatory diseases of various levels of severity. To determine whether certain combinations of genetic markers can be used to predict the clinical source of the infection, we analyzed well documented and geographically homogenous clinical isolates using a comparative genomics approach. RESULTS: A set of 254 H. pylori genes was used to perform array-based comparative genomic hybridization among 120 French H. pylori strains associated with chronic gastritis (n = 33), duodenal ulcers (n = 27), intestinal metaplasia (n = 17) or gastric extra-nodal marginal zone B-cell MALT lymphoma (n = 43). Hierarchical cluster analyses of the DNA hybridization values allowed us to identify a homogeneous subpopulation of strains that clustered exclusively with cagPAI minus MALT lymphoma isolates. The genome sequence of B38, a representative of this MALT lymphoma strain-cluster, was completed, fully annotated, and compared with the six previously released H. pylori genomes (i.e. J99, 26695, HPAG1, P12, G27 and Shi470). B38 has the smallest H. pylori genome described thus far (1,576,758 base pairs containing 1,528 CDSs); it contains the vacAs2m2 allele and lacks the genes encoding the major virulence factors (absence of cagPAI, babB, babC, sabB, and homB). Comparative genomics led to the identification of very few sequences that are unique to the B38 strain (9 intact CDSs and 7 pseudogenes). Pair-wise genomic synteny comparisons between B38 and the 6 H. pylori sequenced genomes revealed an almost complete co-linearity, never seen before between the genomes of strain Shi470 (a Peruvian isolate) and B38. CONCLUSION: These isolates are deprived of the main H. pylori virulence factors characterized previously, but are nonetheless associated with gastric neoplasia. Title: Synthesis of 4-[(diethylamino)methyl]-phenol derivatives as novel cholinesterase inhibitors with selectivity towards butyrylcholinesterase Yu L, Cao R, Yi W, Yan Q, Chen Z, Ma L, Peng W, Song H Ref: Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Lett, 20:3254, 2010 : PubMed ESTHER: Yu_2010_Bioorg.Med.Chem.Lett_20_3254 PubMedSearch: Yu 2010 Bioorg.Med.Chem.Lett 20 3254 PubMedID: 20452769 Abstract A series of novel cholinesterase inhibitors, being composed of 4-[(diethylamino)methyl]-phenoxy and secondary amine which were linked with a different length alkyl chain, were designed and synthesized from the starting material p-hydroxybenzaldehyde. These compounds were evaluated as acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase (AChE/BChE) inhibitors. Compounds 25-31 having a secondary amine moiety connected to the phenyl ring via eight CH(2) units spacer were found to be the most potent inhibitors with IC(50) value lower than 220nM and 48nM against AChE and BChE, respectively. Interestingly, these inhibitors showed a surprising selectively toward BChE, and compounds 26, 27, and 30 displayed 12.5, 18.6, and 18.8-fold higher affinity to BChE. The inhibition kinetics analyzed by Linewear-Burk plots revealed that such compounds were mix-type inhibitors. Title: Design, synthesis and evaluation of difunctionalized 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde derivatives as novel cholinesterase inhibitors Yu L, Cao R, Yi W, Yan Q, Chen Z, Ma L, Song H Ref: Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo), 58:1216, 2010 : PubMed ESTHER: Yu_2010_Chem.Pharm.Bull.(Tokyo)_58_1216 PubMedSearch: Yu 2010 Chem.Pharm.Bull.(Tokyo) 58 1216 PubMedID: 20823602 Abstract A series of difunctionalized 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde derivatives were designed, synthesized and evaluated as cholinesterase (acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE)) inhibitors. The results demonstrated that all the compounds had more potent AChE and BChE inhibitory activities than galanthamine-HBr, one of the best cholinesterase inhibitors known so far. The inhibition mechanism revealed that the best active compound 4e displayed a mix-type mode of AChE and BChE by its dual-site interactions with the catalytic triad active center and the peripheral anionic site (PAS) of enzyme. All these data suggested that further development of such compounds may be of interest. Title: Genome sequence and analysis of the Irish potato famine pathogen Phytophthora infestans Haas BJ, Kamoun S, Zody MC, Jiang RH, Handsaker RE, Cano LM, Grabherr M, Kodira CD, Raffaele S and Nusbaum C <86 more author(s)> Haas BJ, Kamoun S, Zody MC, Jiang RH, Handsaker RE, Cano LM, Grabherr M, Kodira CD, Raffaele S, Torto-Alalibo T, Bozkurt TO, Ah-Fong AM, Alvarado L, Anderson VL, Armstrong MR, Avrova A, Baxter L, Beynon J, Boevink PC, Bollmann SR, Bos JI, Bulone V, Cai G, Cakir C, Carrington JC, Chawner M, Conti L, Costanzo S, Ewan R, Fahlgren N, Fischbach MA, Fugelstad J, Gilroy EM, Gnerre S, Green PJ, Grenville-Briggs LJ, Griffith J, Grunwald NJ, Horn K, Horner NR, Hu CH, Huitema E, Jeong DH, Jones AM, Jones JD, Jones RW, Karlsson EK, Kunjeti SG, Lamour K, Liu Z, Ma L, Maclean D, Chibucos MC, McDonald H, McWalters J, Meijer HJ, Morgan W, Morris PF, Munro CA, O'Neill K, Ospina-Giraldo M, Pinzon A, Pritchard L, Ramsahoye B, Ren Q, Restrepo S, Roy S, Sadanandom A, Savidor A, Schornack S, Schwartz DC, Schumann UD, Schwessinger B, Seyer L, Sharpe T, Silvar C, Song J, Studholme DJ, Sykes S, Thines M, van de Vondervoort PJ, Phuntumart V, Wawra S, Weide R, Win J, Young C, Zhou S, Fry W, Meyers BC, van West P, Ristaino J, Govers F, Birch PR, Whisson SC, Judelson HS, Nusbaum C (- 86) Ref: Nature, 461:393, 2009 : PubMed ESTHER: Haas_2009_Nature_461_393 PubMedSearch: Haas 2009 Nature 461 393 PubMedID: 19741609 Gene_locus related to this paper: phyin-ENDO2, phyin-q2m440, phyin-q58g92, phyit-d0mqp1, phyit-d0mqp2, phyit-d0mt75, phyit-d0muv1, phyit-d0mv34, phyit-d0mv35, phyit-d0mwf9, phyit-d0mxu5, phyit-d0n935, phyit-d0nax9, phyit-d0nfs3, phyit-d0nhj2, phyit-d0nhj4, phyit-d0nhj8, phyit-d0ni28, phyit-d0nj14, phyit-d0nj53, phyit-d0nj54, phyit-d0njf2, phyit-d0nkm4, phyit-d0nr53, phyit-d0nrb1, phyit-d0nrk9, phyit-d0nrl4, phyit-d0ns26, phyit-d0ns42, phyit-d0ns43, phyit-d0nsr8, phyit-d0nu41, phyit-d0nvt3, phyit-d0nwb6, phyit-d0nwm8, phyit-d0nzc0, phyit-d0nzc1, phyit-d0p0z1, phyit-d0p3z2, phyit-kex1, phyit-d0n6q6, phyit-d0n4i8, phyit-d0mqf7, phyit-d0n5g6 Abstract Phytophthora infestans is the most destructive pathogen of potato and a model organism for the oomycetes, a distinct lineage of fungus-like eukaryotes that are related to organisms such as brown algae and diatoms. As the agent of the Irish potato famine in the mid-nineteenth century, P. infestans has had a tremendous effect on human history, resulting in famine and population displacement. To this day, it affects world agriculture by causing the most destructive disease of potato, the fourth largest food crop and a critical alternative to the major cereal crops for feeding the world's population. Current annual worldwide potato crop losses due to late blight are conservatively estimated at $$6.7 billion. Management of this devastating pathogen is challenged by its remarkable speed of adaptation to control strategies such as genetically resistant cultivars. Here we report the sequence of the P. infestans genome, which at approximately 240 megabases (Mb) is by far the largest and most complex genome sequenced so far in the chromalveolates. Its expansion results from a proliferation of repetitive DNA accounting for approximately 74% of the genome. Comparison with two other Phytophthora genomes showed rapid turnover and extensive expansion of specific families of secreted disease effector proteins, including many genes that are induced during infection or are predicted to have activities that alter host physiology. These fast-evolving effector genes are localized to highly dynamic and expanded regions of the P. infestans genome. This probably plays a crucial part in the rapid adaptability of the pathogen to host plants and underpins its evolutionary potential. Title: The genome of the cucumber, Cucumis sativus L Huang S, Li R, Zhang Z, Li L, Gu X, Fan W, Lucas WJ, Wang X, Xie B and Du Y <77 more author(s)> Huang S, Li R, Zhang Z, Li L, Gu X, Fan W, Lucas WJ, Wang X, Xie B, Ni P, Ren Y, Zhu H, Li J, Lin K, Jin W, Fei Z, Li G, Staub J, Kilian A, van der Vossen EA, Wu Y, Guo J, He J, Jia Z, Tian G, Lu Y, Ruan J, Qian W, Wang M, Huang Q, Li B, Xuan Z, Cao J, Asan, Wu Z, Zhang J, Cai Q, Bai Y, Zhao B, Han Y, Li Y, Li X, Wang S, Shi Q, Liu S, Cho WK, Kim JY, Xu Y, Heller-Uszynska K, Miao H, Cheng Z, Zhang S, Wu J, Yang Y, Kang H, Li M, Liang H, Ren X, Shi Z, Wen M, Jian M, Yang H, Zhang G, Yang Z, Chen R, Ma L, Liu H, Zhou Y, Zhao J, Fang X, Fang L, Liu D, Zheng H, Zhang Y, Qin N, Li Z, Yang G, Yang S, Bolund L, Kristiansen K, Li S, Zhang X, Wang J, Sun R, Zhang B, Jiang S, Du Y (- 77) Ref: Nat Genet, 41:1275, 2009 : PubMed ESTHER: Huang_2009_Nat.Genet_41_1275 PubMedSearch: Huang 2009 Nat.Genet 41 1275 PubMedID: 19881527 Gene_locus related to this paper: cucsa-a0a0a0ktw5, cucsa-a0a0a0lnt6, cucsa-a0a0a0kpn7, cucsa-a0a0a0lvt9, cucsa-a0a0a0kdx8, cucsa-a0a0a0m228, cucsa-a0a0a0kz31, cucsa-a0a0a0k5t5, cucsa-a0a0a0kfs7, cucsa-a0a0a0kjj7, cucsa-a0a0a0kzs7, cucsa-a0a0a0l0a6, cucsa-a0a0a0l4w4, cucsa-a0a0a0lpz0, cucsa-a0a0a0ls66 Abstract Cucumber is an economically important crop as well as a model system for sex determination studies and plant vascular biology. Here we report the draft genome sequence of Cucumis sativus var. sativus L., assembled using a novel combination of traditional Sanger and next-generation Illumina GA sequencing technologies to obtain 72.2-fold genome coverage. The absence of recent whole-genome duplication, along with the presence of few tandem duplications, explains the small number of genes in the cucumber. Our study establishes that five of the cucumber's seven chromosomes arose from fusions of ten ancestral chromosomes after divergence from Cucumis melo. The sequenced cucumber genome affords insight into traits such as its sex expression, disease resistance, biosynthesis of cucurbitacin and 'fresh green' odor. We also identify 686 gene clusters related to phloem function. The cucumber genome provides a valuable resource for developing elite cultivars and for studying the evolution and function of the plant vascular system. Title: Biochemical toxicity of nano-anatase TiO2 particles in mice Liu H, Ma L, Zhao J, Liu J, Yan J, Ruan J, Hong F Ref: Biol Trace Elem Res, 129:170, 2009 : PubMed ESTHER: Liu_2009_Biol.Trace.Elem.Res_129_170 PubMedSearch: Liu 2009 Biol.Trace.Elem.Res 129 170 PubMedID: 19066734 Abstract Previous research on the biological and toxic effects of nano-TiO(2) particles on animals only limit to a single dose. However, the toxicity caused by single dose nano-TiO(2) does not truly represent ecological and health effects of nano-TiO(2) retained in the environment. In order to further evaluate the toxicity of nano-TiO(2) particles, nano-anatase TiO(2) (5 nm) was injected into the abdominal cavity of ICR mice everyday for 14 days and the coefficients of organs and serum biochemical parameters were investigated. The results showed that, with increasing doses of nano-anatase TiO(2), the coefficients of liver, kidney, and spleen increased gradually, while the coefficients of lung and brain decreased gradually, and the coefficient of heart had little change. The order of the titanium accumulation in the organs was liver > kidneys > spleen > lung > brain > heart. The serum biochemical parameters with lower dose of nano-anatase TiO(2) showed little difference compared with the control mice, while with higher dose of nano-anatase TiO(2), the indicators of liver function, such as alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, leucine acid peptide, pseudocholinesterase, total protein, and albumin level, were enhanced significantly; the indicators of kidney function, such as uric acid and blood urea nitrogen, were decreased; the activities of aspartate aminotransferase, creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, and alpha-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase, indicator of the myocardium function, were increased. The contents of triglycerides, glucose, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol were significantly elevated. Taken together, nano-anatase TiO(2) in higher dose caused serious damage to the liver, kidney, and myocardium of mice and disturbed the balance of blood sugar and lipid in mice. The accumulation of titanium in the organs might be closely related to the coefficients of organs and the inflammatory responses of mice. Title: Synthesis, biological evaluation and molecular modeling of oxoisoaporphine and oxoaporphine derivatives as new dual inhibitors of acetylcholinesterase/butyrylcholinesterase Tang H, Wei YB, Zhang C, Ning FX, Qiao W, Huang SL, Ma L, Huang ZS, Gu LQ Ref: Eur Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 44:2523, 2009 : PubMed ESTHER: Tang_2009_Eur.J.Med.Chem_44_2523 PubMedSearch: Tang 2009 Eur.J.Med.Chem 44 2523 PubMedID: 19243862 Abstract Aporphine alkaloids, isolated from Chinese medicinal herb, are important natural products. We recently reported that synthetic derivatives of oxoisoaporphine alkaloids exhibited high acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity and high selectivity for AChE over BuChE (Bioorg. Med. Chem. Lett. 2007, 17, 3765-3768). In this paper, further research results were presented. A series of novel derivatives of oxoaporphine alkaloids (5a-j, 4-carboxylic amide-7-oxo-7H-dibenzo[de,g]quinoline, Ar-CONH(CH(2))(n)NR) and their quaternary methiodide salts (6a-h, Ar-CONH(CH(2))(n)N(+)(CH(3))RI(-)) were designed and synthesized as acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and/or butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) inhibitors. The AChE inhibition potency of synthetic oxoaporphine derivatives was decreased about 2-3 orders of magnitude as compared with that of oxoisoaporphine derivatives. Non-competitive binding mode was found for both kinds of derivatives. Molecular docking simulations on the oxoisoaporphine derivatives 7 series and oxoaporphine derivatives 6 series with AChE from Torpedo californica have demonstrated that the ligands bound to the dual-site of the enzyme. Title: Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of novel dual inhibitors of acetylcholinesterase and beta-secretase Zhu Y, Xiao K, Ma L, Xiong B, Fu Y, Yu H, Wang W, Wang X, Hu D and Shen J <6 more author(s)> Zhu Y, Xiao K, Ma L, Xiong B, Fu Y, Yu H, Wang W, Wang X, Hu D, Peng H, Li J, Gong Q, Chai Q, Tang X, Zhang H, Shen J (- 6) Ref: Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry, 17:1600, 2009 : PubMed ESTHER: Zhu_2009_Bioorg.Med.Chem_17_1600 PubMedSearch: Zhu 2009 Bioorg.Med.Chem 17 1600 PubMedID: 19162488 Abstract To explore novel effective drugs for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD), a series of dual inhibitors of acetylcholineterase (AChE) and beta-secretase (BACE-1) were designed based on the multi-target-directed ligands strategy. Among them, inhibitor 28 exhibited good dual potency in enzyme inhibitory potency assay (BACE-1: IC(50)=0.567 microM; AChE: IC(50)=1.83 microM), and also showed excellent inhibitory effects on Abeta production of APP transfected HEK293 cells (IC(50)=98.7 nM) and mild protective effect against hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2))-induced PC12 cell injury. Encouragingly, intracerebroventricular injection of 28 into amyloid precursor protein (APP) transgenic mice caused a 29% reduction of Abeta(1-40) production. Therefore, 28 was demonstrated as a good lead compound for the further study and more importantly, the strategy of AChE and BACE-1 dual inhibitors might be a promising direction for developing novel drugs for AD patients. Title: [Experimental study on peripheral nerve plasticity in rats] Ma N, Lu L, Ma L, Zhang J, Zhang Z Ref: Zhongguo Xiu Fu Chong Jian Wai Ke Za Zhi, 22:1073, 2008 : PubMed ESTHER: Ma_2008_Zhongguo.Xiu.Fu.Chong.Jian.Wai.Ke.Za.Zhi_22_1073 PubMedSearch: Ma 2008 Zhongguo.Xiu.Fu.Chong.Jian.Wai.Ke.Za.Zhi 22 1073 PubMedID: 18822731 Abstract OBJECTIVE: To observe the plastic changes of sensory nerve in terms of structure and function when target organ changed through making the rat model of nerve regeneration by anastomosing the proximal end of sensory nerve and the distal end of motor nerve. Title: Reductive evolution and niche adaptation inferred from the genome of Mycobacterium ulcerans, the causative agent of Buruli ulcer Stinear TP, Seemann T, Pidot S, Frigui W, Reysset G, Garnier T, Meurice G, Simon D, Bouchier C and Cole ST <13 more author(s)> Stinear TP, Seemann T, Pidot S, Frigui W, Reysset G, Garnier T, Meurice G, Simon D, Bouchier C, Ma L, Tichit M, Porter JL, Ryan J, Johnson PD, Davies JK, Jenkin GA, Small PL, Jones LM, Tekaia F, Laval F, Daffe M, Parkhill J, Cole ST (- 13) Ref: Genome Res, 17:192, 2007 : PubMed ESTHER: Stinear_2007_Genome.Res_17_192 PubMedSearch: Stinear 2007 Genome.Res 17 192 PubMedID: 17210928 Gene_locus related to this paper: mycmm-b2hds9, mycmm-b2hg81, mycmm-b2hgg2, mycmm-b2hj55, mycmm-b2hju3, mycmm-b2hlr0, mycmm-b2hlv2, mycmm-b2hq96, mycmm-b2hsm8, mycmr-q5sdq4, myctu-RV1683, mycua-a0pkg7, mycua-a0pki1, mycua-a0pkn2, mycua-a0pkn5, mycua-a0pku2, mycua-a0pl47, mycua-a0plr3, mycua-a0plu8, mycua-a0ply4, mycua-a0pm12, mycua-a0pm14, mycua-a0pme3, mycua-a0pmj6, mycua-a0pml9, mycua-a0pmv0, mycua-a0pmx9, mycua-a0pn71, mycua-a0png7, mycua-a0png9, mycua-a0pp56, mycua-a0ppm6, mycua-a0pqm2, mycua-a0pqs2, mycua-a0pr64, mycua-a0pr98, mycua-a0prq2, mycua-a0prr7, mycua-a0psb1, mycua-a0psb4, mycua-a0psi2, mycua-a0psi3, mycua-a0psu3, mycua-a0pt08, mycua-a0pt71, mycua-a0pth6, mycua-a0ptq0, mycua-a0pu55, mycua-a0pum4, mycua-a0pv11, mycua-a0pv36, mycua-a0pv77, mycua-a0pva4, mycua-a0pwi8, mycua-a0pwm4, mycua-a0pwr6, mycua-a0pwz5, mycua-a0px52, mycua-metx, mycua-a0pmc2, mycua-a0pvg7, mycua-a0pwz4, mycmm-b2hqy3, mycua-a0pmc3 Abstract Mycobacterium ulcerans is found in aquatic ecosystems and causes Buruli ulcer in humans, a neglected but devastating necrotic disease of subcutaneous tissue that is rampant throughout West and Central Africa. Here, we report the complete 5.8-Mb genome sequence of M. ulcerans and show that it comprises two circular replicons, a chromosome of 5632 kb and a virulence plasmid of 174 kb. The plasmid is required for production of the polyketide toxin mycolactone, which provokes necrosis. Comparisons with the recently completed 6.6-Mb genome of Mycobacterium marinum revealed >98% nucleotide sequence identity and genome-wide synteny. However, as well as the plasmid, M. ulcerans has accumulated 213 copies of the insertion sequence IS2404, 91 copies of IS2606, 771 pseudogenes, two bacteriophages, and multiple DNA deletions and rearrangements. These data indicate that M. ulcerans has recently evolved via lateral gene transfer and reductive evolution from the generalist, more rapid-growing environmental species M. marinum to become a niche-adapted specialist. Predictions based on genome inspection for the production of modified mycobacterial virulence factors, such as the highly abundant phthiodiolone lipids, were confirmed by structural analyses. Similarly, 11 protein-coding sequences identified as M. ulcerans-specific by comparative genomics were verified as such by PCR screening a diverse collection of 33 strains of M. ulcerans and M. marinum. This work offers significant insight into the biology and evolution of mycobacterial pathogens and is an important component of international efforts to counter Buruli ulcer. Title: Methyl 2-(2-(4-formylphenoxy)acetamido)-2-substituted acetate derivatives: a new class of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors Wen H, Zhou Y, Lin C, Ge H, Ma L, Wang Z, Peng W, Song H Ref: Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Lett, 17:2123, 2007 : PubMed ESTHER: Wen_2007_Bioorg.Med.Chem.Lett_17_2123 PubMedSearch: Wen 2007 Bioorg.Med.Chem.Lett 17 2123 PubMedID: 17317172 Abstract A new class of inhibitors of acetylcholinesterase (methyl 2-(2-(4-formylphenoxy)acetamido)-2-substituted acetate derivatives) is described. Compounds 4b and 4i were found to be more potent than galanthamine in inhibiting acetylcholinesterase. Title: Synthesis and biological evaluation of functionalized coumarins as acetylcholinesterase inhibitors Shen Q, Peng Q, Shao J, Liu X, Huang Z, Pu X, Ma L, Li YM, Chan AS, Gu L Ref: Eur Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 40:1307, 2005 : PubMed ESTHER: Shen_2005_Eur.J.Med.Chem_40_1307 PubMedSearch: Shen 2005 Eur.J.Med.Chem 40 1307 PubMedID: 16182411 Abstract Three series of functionalized coumarin compounds were designed and prepared as cholinesterase (AChE and BuChE) inhibitors. The biological profile against AChE and BuChE of the prepared compounds was determined. Compound 7b exhibited a mixed-type of AChE inhibitor with IC50 value for the AChE inhibition of 0.19+/-0.01 microM and a high selectivity for AChE/BuChE, and compound 6b acted as non-competitive AChE inhibitor with IC50 value of 0.43+/-0.02 microM. Structure-activity relationships (SARs) of prepared compounds were discussed. Title: Evidence in the Legionella pneumophila genome for exploitation of host cell functions and high genome plasticity Cazalet C, Rusniok C, Bruggemann H, Zidane N, Magnier A, Ma L, Tichit M, Jarraud S, Bouchier C and Buchrieser C <4 more author(s)> Cazalet C, Rusniok C, Bruggemann H, Zidane N, Magnier A, Ma L, Tichit M, Jarraud S, Bouchier C, Vandenesch F, Kunst F, Etienne J, Glaser P, Buchrieser C (- 4) Ref: Nat Genet, 36:1165, 2004 : PubMed ESTHER: Cazalet_2004_Nat.Genet_36_1165 PubMedSearch: Cazalet 2004 Nat.Genet 36 1165 PubMedID: 15467720 Gene_locus related to this paper: legph-q5zsu4, legpa-q5ws33, legpa-q5ws59, legpa-q5ws67, legpa-q5ws68, legpa-q5x2c0, legpa-q5x2r4, legpa-q5x2s1, legpa-q5x3a5, legpa-q5x3d6, legpa-q5x3j6, legpa-q5x4r4, legpa-q5x4t1, legpa-q5x5b2, legpa-q5x5z2, legpa-q5x7f5, legpa-q5x8e6, legpa-q5x8m4, legpa-q5x322, legpa-q5x405, legpa-q5x424, legpa-q5x473, legpa-q5x590, legpa-q5x611, legpa-q5x819, legpc-a5iar0, legph-q5zv00, legph-q5zwi2, legpl-q5wtd3, legpl-q5wua5, legpl-q5wur2, legpl-q5wvw9, legpn-Q8KU34, legpn-Q8RNQ1, legpn-SBPA, legpn-i7i328, legpl-q5wsw9 Abstract Legionella pneumophila, the causative agent of Legionnaires' disease, replicates as an intracellular parasite of amoebae and persists in the environment as a free-living microbe. Here we have analyzed the complete genome sequences of L. pneumophila Paris (3,503,610 bp, 3,077 genes), an endemic strain that is predominant in France, and Lens (3,345,687 bp, 2,932 genes), an epidemic strain responsible for a major outbreak of disease in France. The L. pneumophila genomes show marked plasticity, with three different plasmids and with about 13% of the sequence differing between the two strains. Only strain Paris contains a type V secretion system, and its Lvh type IV secretion system is encoded by a 36-kb region that is either carried on a multicopy plasmid or integrated into the chromosome. Genetic mobility may enhance the versatility of L. pneumophila. Numerous genes encode eukaryotic-like proteins or motifs that are predicted to modulate host cell functions to the pathogen's advantage. The genome thus reflects the history and lifestyle of L. pneumophila, a human pathogen of macrophages that coevolved with fresh-water amoebae. Title: Genome evolution in yeasts Dujon B, Sherman D, Fischer G, Durrens P, Casaregola S, Lafontaine I, De Montigny J, Marck C, Neuveglise C and Souciet JL <57 more author(s)> Dujon B, Sherman D, Fischer G, Durrens P, Casaregola S, Lafontaine I, De Montigny J, Marck C, Neuveglise C, Talla E, Goffard N, Frangeul L, Aigle M, Anthouard V, Babour A, Barbe V, Barnay S, Blanchin S, Beckerich JM, Beyne E, Bleykasten C, Boisrame A, Boyer J, Cattolico L, Confanioleri F, de Daruvar A, Despons L, Fabre E, Fairhead C, Ferry-Dumazet H, Groppi A, Hantraye F, Hennequin C, Jauniaux N, Joyet P, Kachouri R, Kerrest A, Koszul R, Lemaire M, Lesur I, Ma L, Muller H, Nicaud JM, Nikolski M, Oztas S, Ozier-Kalogeropoulos O, Pellenz S, Potier S, Richard GF, Straub ML, Suleau A, Swennen D, Tekaia F, Wesolowski-Louvel M, Westhof E, Wirth B, Zeniou-Meyer M, Zivanovic I, Bolotin-Fukuhara M, Thierry A, Bouchier C, Caudron B, Scarpelli C, Gaillardin C, Weissenbach J, Wincker P, Souciet JL (- 57) Ref: Nature, 430:35, 2004 : PubMed ESTHER: Dujon_2004_Nature_430_35 PubMedSearch: Dujon 2004 Nature 430 35 PubMedID: 15229592 Gene_locus related to this paper: canga-apth1, canga-ppme1, canga-q6fik7, canga-q6fiv5, canga-q6fiw8, canga-q6fj11, canga-q6fjh6, canga-q6fjl0, canga-q6fjr8, canga-q6fkj6, canga-q6fkm9, canga-q6fku7, canga-q6fl14, canga-q6flb5, canga-q6fle9, canga-q6flk8, canga-q6fly1, canga-q6fly9, canga-q6fmz4, canga-q6fnx4, canga-q6fp28, canga-q6fpa8, canga-q6fpi6, canga-q6fpv7, canga-q6fpw6, canga-q6fqj3, canga-q6fr97, canga-q6frt7, canga-q6ftm9, canga-q6ftu0, canga-q6ftv9, canga-q6ftz9, canga-q6fuf8, canga-q6fv41, canga-q6fvu3, canga-q6fw36, canga-q6fw94, canga-q6fwk6, canga-q6fwm0, canga-q6fxc7, canga-q6fxd7, debha-apth1, debha-atg15, debha-b5rtk1, debha-b5rub4, debha-b5rue8, debha-b5rue9, debha-bna7, debha-ppme1, debha-q6bgx3, debha-q6bh69, debha-q6bhb8, debha-q6bhc1, debha-q6bhd0, debha-q6bhj7, debha-q6bi97, debha-q6biq7, debha-q6bj53, debha-q6bkd8, debha-q6bks1, debha-q6bky4, debha-q6bm63, debha-q6bmh3, debha-q6bn89, debha-q6bnj6, debha-q6bp08, debha-q6bpb4, debha-q6bpc0, debha-q6bpc6, debha-q6bq10, debha-q6bq11, debha-q6bqd9, debha-q6bqj6, debha-q6br33, debha-q6br93, debha-q6brg1, debha-q6brw7, debha-q6bs23, debha-q6bsc3, debha-q6bsl8, debha-q6bsx6, debha-q6bta5, debha-q6bty5, debha-q6btz0, debha-q6bu73, debha-q6buk9, debha-q6but7, debha-q6bvc4, debha-q6bvg4, debha-q6bvg8, debha-q6bvp4, debha-q6bw82, debha-q6bxr7, debha-q6bxu9, debha-q6bym5, debha-q6byn7, debha-q6bzj8, debha-q6bzk2, debha-q6bzm5, klula-apth1, klula-ppme1, klula-q6cin9, klula-q6ciu6, klula-q6cj47, klula-q6cjc8, klula-q6cjq9, klula-q6cjs1, klula-q6cjv9, klula-q6ckd7, klula-q6ckk4, klula-q6ckx4, klula-q6cl20, klula-q6clm1, klula-q6cly8, klula-q6clz7, klula-q6cm48, klula-q6cm49, klula-q6cmt5, klula-q6cn71, klula-q6cnm1, klula-q6cr74, klula-q6cr90, klula-q6crs0, klula-q6crv8, klula-q6crz9, klula-q6cst8, klula-q6csv8, klula-q6ctp8, klula-q6cu02, klula-q6cu78, klula-q6cu79, klula-q6cuv3, klula-q6cvd3, klula-q6cw70, klula-q6cw92, klula-q6cwu7, klula-q6cx84, klula-q6cxa3, klula-q6cy41, yarli-apth1, yarli-atg15, yarli-BST1B, yarli-lip2, yarli-LIP3, yarli-LIP4, yarli-LIP5, yarli-LIP7, yarli-LIP8, yarli-lipa1, yarli-ppme1, yarli-q6bzp1, yarli-q6bzv7, yarli-q6c1f5, yarli-q6c1f7, yarli-q6c1r3, yarli-q6c2z2, yarli-q6c3h1, yarli-q6c3i6, yarli-q6c3l1, yarli-q6c3u6, yarli-q6c4h8, yarli-q6c5j1, yarli-q6c5m4, yarli-q6c6m4, yarli-q6c6p7, yarli-q6c6v2, yarli-q6c7h3, yarli-q6c7i7, yarli-q6c7j5, yarli-q6c7y6, yarli-q6c8m4, yarli-q6c8q4, yarli-q6c8u4, yarli-q6c8y2, yarli-q6c9r0, yarli-q6c9r1, yarli-q6c9u0, yarli-q6c9v4, yarli-q6c209, yarli-q6c225, yarli-q6c493, yarli-q6c598, yarli-q6c687, yarli-q6c822, yarli-q6cau6, yarli-q6cax2, yarli-q6caz1, yarli-q6cb63, yarli-q6cba7, yarli-q6cbb1, yarli-q6cbe6, yarli-q6cby1, yarli-q6ccr0, yarli-q6cdg1, yarli-q6cdi6, yarli-q6cdv9, yarli-q6ce37, yarli-q6ceg0, yarli-q6cep3, yarli-q6cey5, yarli-q6cf60, yarli-q6cfp3, yarli-q6cfx2, yarli-q6cg13, yarli-q6cg27, yarli-q6cgj3, yarli-q6chb8, yarli-q6ci59, yarli-q6c748, canga-q6fpj0, klula-q6cp11, yarli-q6c4p0, debha-q6btp5, debha-kex1 Abstract Identifying the mechanisms of eukaryotic genome evolution by comparative genomics is often complicated by the multiplicity of events that have taken place throughout the history of individual lineages, leaving only distorted and superimposed traces in the genome of each living organism. The hemiascomycete yeasts, with their compact genomes, similar lifestyle and distinct sexual and physiological properties, provide a unique opportunity to explore such mechanisms. We present here the complete, assembled genome sequences of four yeast species, selected to represent a broad evolutionary range within a single eukaryotic phylum, that after analysis proved to be molecularly as diverse as the entire phylum of chordates. A total of approximately 24,200 novel genes were identified, the translation products of which were classified together with Saccharomyces cerevisiae proteins into about 4,700 families, forming the basis for interspecific comparisons. Analysis of chromosome maps and genome redundancies reveal that the different yeast lineages have evolved through a marked interplay between several distinct molecular mechanisms, including tandem gene repeat formation, segmental duplication, a massive genome duplication and extensive gene loss. Title: Genome-wide ORFeome cloning and analysis of Arabidopsis transcription factor genes Gong W, Shen YP, Ma LG, Pan Y, Du YL, Wang DH, Yang JY, Hu LD, Liu XF and Zhu YX <22 more author(s)> Gong W, Shen YP, Ma LG, Pan Y, Du YL, Wang DH, Yang JY, Hu LD, Liu XF, Dong CX, Ma L, Chen YH, Yang XY, Gao Y, Zhu D, Tan X, Mu JY, Zhang DB, Liu YL, Dinesh-Kumar SP, Li Y, Wang XP, Gu HY, Qu LJ, Bai SN, Lu YT, Li JY, Zhao JD, Zuo J, Huang H, Deng XW, Zhu YX (- 22) Ref: Plant Physiol, 135:773, 2004 : PubMed ESTHER: Gong_2004_Plant.Physiol_135_773 PubMedSearch: Gong 2004 Plant.Physiol 135 773 PubMedID: 15208423 Gene_locus related to this paper: arath-Q9FN74 Abstract Here, we report our effort in generating an ORFeome collection for the Arabidopsis transcription factor (TF) genes. In total, ORFeome clones representing 1,282 Arabidopsis TF genes have been obtained in the Gateway high throughput cloning pENTR vector, including 411 genes whose annotation lack cDNA support. All the ORFeome inserts have also been mobilized into a yeast expression destination vector, with an estimated 85% rate of expressing the respective proteins. Sequence analysis of these clones revealed that 34 of them did not match with either the reported cDNAs or current predicted open-reading-frame sequences. Among those, novel alternative splicing of TF gene transcripts is responsible for the observed differences in at least five genes. However, those alternative splicing events do not appear to be differentially regulated among distinct Arabidopsis tissues examined. Lastly, expression of those TF genes in 17 distinct Arabidopsis organ types and the cultured cells was profiled using a 70-mer oligo microarray. Title: Complete nucleotide sequence and organization of the naphthalene catabolic plasmid pND6-1 from Pseudomonas sp. strain ND6 Li W, Shi J, Wang X, Han Y, Tong W, Ma L, Liu B, Cai B Ref: Gene, 336:231, 2004 : PubMed ESTHER: Li_2004_Gene_336_231 PubMedSearch: Li 2004 Gene 336 231 PubMedID: 15246534 Abstract Pseudomonas sp. strain ND6, which was isolated from industrial wastewater in Tianjin, China, was capable of dissimilating naphthalene as sole carbon and energy sources. We identified one plasmid, pND6-1, which was associated with the metabolism of naphthalene and determined the complete nucleotide sequence of pND6-1 (101,858 bp) using a whole-genome-shotgun approach. Computational analyses indicated that the naphthalene metabolism of the strain ND6 is associated with this plasmid. This is the first report of a complete sequence of naphthalene catabolic plasmid. pND6-1 encodes 102 putative coding sequences (CDSs). Among them, 23 CDSs were predicted to be involved in naphthalene catabolism, 14 were predicted to be involved in transposition and integration, 2 encoded putative transporters, 3 were putative transcriptional regulators, and 9 were proteins necessary for plasmid replication and partitioning. Most of the naphthalene catabolic genes of pND6-1 have 99-100% identity in amino acid sequences homologous to their nearest counterparts found in plasmid pDTG1, NAH7 and in a chromosome region in Pseudomonas stutzeri AN10 except for two duplicated genes (ND013 and ND016). Results of this study indicated that globally distributed naphthalene catabolic genes are highly conserved among different bacterial species. Title: Cyclic AMP induces functional presynaptic boutons in hippocampal CA3-CA1 neuronal cultures Ma L, Zablow L, Kandel ER, Siegelbaum SA Ref: Nat Neurosci, 2:24, 1999 : PubMed ESTHER: Ma_1999_Nat.Neurosci_2_24 PubMedSearch: Ma 1999 Nat.Neurosci 2 24 PubMedID: 10195176 Abstract Long-term forms of synaptic plasticity that may underlie learning and memory have been suggested to depend on changes in the number of synapses between presynaptic and postsynaptic neurons. Here we have investigated a form of synaptic plasticity in cultures of hippocampal CA3 and CA1 neurons related to the late phase of long-term potentiation, which depends on cAMP and protein synthesis. Using the fluorescent dye FM 1-43 to label active presynaptic terminals, we find that a membrane permeable analog of cAMP enhances the number of active presynaptic terminals and that this effect requires protein synthesis. Title: [Effects of arsenic on the offspring development in mice]. [Chinese] Ma L, Zhang C, Liu WJ Ref: Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine, 28:20, 1994 : PubMed ESTHER: Ma_1994_Zhonghua.Yu.Fang.Yi.Xue.Za.Zhi_28_20 PubMedSearch: Ma 1994 Zhonghua.Yu.Fang.Yi.Xue.Za.Zhi 28 20 PubMedID: 8082454 Abstract Effects of arsenic exposure on offspring development were studied in pregnant mice. The results showed arsenic contents of the body and brain tissue increased and the structure of neural cells in cerebral cortex became abnormal after exposure. The offspring neurobehavioral development appeared retardant and the proportion of their peripheral lymphocytes with alpha-naphthalene acetate enzyme (ANAE) declined in a mice group with exposure to 0.75 mg/kg arsenic, and the offspring body weight gain slowed after weaning, blood cholinesterase activity and serum level of haemolysin declined significantly in a group with 4.50 mg/kg. It indicated arsenic could affect embryonic and offspring development in mice through pregnant exposure. | |||||||
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