Author Report for: Wang JYNo contact information in database for Wang JY
Ito S, Braguy J, Wang JY, Yoda A, Fiorilli V, Takahashi I, Jamil M, Felemban A, Miyazaki S and Al-Babili S <15 more author(s)> Ito S, Braguy J, Wang JY, Yoda A, Fiorilli V, Takahashi I, Jamil M, Felemban A, Miyazaki S, Mazzarella T, Chen GE, Shinozawa A, Balakrishna A, Berqdar L, Rajan C, Ali S, Haider I, Sasaki Y, Yajima S, Akiyama K, Lanfranco L, Zurbriggen MD, Nomura T, Asami T, Al-Babili S (- 15) Ref: Sci Adv, 8:eadd1278, 2022 : PubMed ESTHER: Ito_2022_Sci.Adv_8_eadd1278 PubMedSearch: Ito 2022 Sci.Adv 8 eadd1278 PubMedID: 36322663 Abstract Strigolactones (SLs) are a plant hormone inhibiting shoot branching/tillering and a rhizospheric, chemical signal that triggers seed germination of the noxious root parasitic plant Striga and mediates symbiosis with beneficial arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. Identifying specific roles of canonical and noncanonical SLs, the two SL subfamilies, is important for developing Striga-resistant cereals and for engineering plant architecture. Here, we report that rice mutants lacking canonical SLs do not show the shoot phenotypes known for SL-deficient plants, exhibiting only a delay in establishing arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis, but release exudates with a significantly decreased Striga seed-germinating activity. Blocking the biosynthesis of canonical SLs by TIS108, a specific enzyme inhibitor, significantly lowered Striga infestation without affecting rice growth. These results indicate that canonical SLs are not the determinant of shoot architecture and pave the way for increasing crop resistance by gene editing or chemical treatment. Title: Striga hermonthica Suicidal Germination Activity of Potent Strigolactone Analogs: Evaluation from Laboratory Bioassays to Field Trials Jamil M, Wang JY, Yonli D, Ota T, Berqdar L, Traore H, Margueritte O, Zwanenburg B, Asami T, Al-Babili S Ref: Plants (Basel), 11:, 2022 : PubMed ESTHER: Jamil_2022_Plants.(Basel)_11__ PubMedSearch: Jamil 2022 Plants.(Basel) 11 PubMedID: 35448773 Inhibitor(s) related to this paper: Methyl-phenlactonoate-butenolide-3, Methyl-phenlactonoate-butenolide-16, Nijmegen-1 Abstract The obligate hemiparasite Striga hermonthica is one of the major global biotic threats to agriculture in sub-Saharan Africa, causing severe yield losses of cereals. The germination of Striga seeds relies on host-released signaling molecules, mainly strigolactones (SLs). This dependency opens up the possibility of deploying SL analogs as "suicidal germination agents" to reduce the accumulated seed bank of Striga in infested soils. Although several synthetic SL analogs have been developed for this purpose, the utility of these compounds in realizing the suicidal germination strategy for combating Striga is still largely unknown. Here, we evaluated the efficacy of three potent SL analogs (MP3, MP16, and Nijmegen-1) under laboratory, greenhouse, and farmer's field conditions. All investigated analogs showed around a 50% Striga germination rate, equivalent to a 50% reduction in infestation, which was comparable to the standard SL analog GR24. Importantly, MP16 had the maximum reduction of Striga emergence (97%) in the greenhouse experiment, while Nijmegen-1 appeared to be a promising candidate under field conditions, with a 43% and 60% reduction of Striga emergence in pearl millet and sorghum fields, respectively. These findings confirm that the selected SL analogs appear to make promising candidates as simple suicidal agents both under laboratory and real African field conditions, which may support us to improve suicidal germination technology to deplete the Striga seed bank in African agriculture. Title: Rational design of Striga hermonthica-specific seed germination inhibitors Zarban RA, Hameed UFS, Jamil M, Ota T, Wang JY, Arold ST, Asami T, Al-Babili S Ref: Plant Physiol, 188:1369, 2022 : PubMed ESTHER: Zarban_2022_Plant.Physiol_188_1369 PubMedSearch: Zarban 2022 Plant.Physiol 188 1369 PubMedID: 34850204 Inhibitor(s) related to this paper: KK023-N1, KK023-N2, KK094 Abstract The obligate hemiparasitic weed Striga hermonthica grows on cereal roots and presents a severe threat to global food security by causing enormous yield losses, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. The rapidly increasing Striga seed bank in infested soils provides a major obstacle in controlling this weed. Striga seeds require host-derived strigolactones (SLs) for germination, and corresponding antagonists could be used as germination inhibitors. Recently, we demonstrated that the common detergent Triton X-100 is a specific inhibitor of Striga seed germination by binding noncovalently to its receptor, S. hermonthica HYPO-SENSITIVE TO LIGHT 7 (ShHTL7), without blocking the rice (Oryza sativa) SL receptor DWARF14 (OsD14). Moreover, triazole ureas, the potent covalently binding antagonists of rice SL perception with much higher activity toward OsD14, showed inhibition of Striga but were less specific. Considering that Triton X-100 is not suitable for field application and by combining structural elements of Triton and triazole urea, we developed two hybrid compounds, KK023-N1 and KK023-N2, as potential Striga-specific germination inhibitors. Both compounds blocked the hydrolysis activity of ShHTL7 but did not affect that of OsD14. Binding of KK023-N1 diminished ShHTL7 interaction with S. hermonthica MORE AXILLARY BRANCHING 2, a major component in SL signal transduction, and increased ShHTL7 thermal specificity. Docking studies indicate that KK023-N1 binding is not covalent but is caused by hydrophobic interactions. Finally, in vitro and greenhouse tests revealed specific inhibition of Striga seed germination, which led to a 38% reduction in Striga infestation in pot experiments. These findings reveal that KK023-N1 is a potential candidate for combating Striga and a promising basis for rational design and development of further Striga-specific herbicides. Title: A New Series of Carlactonoic Acid Based Strigolactone Analogs for Fundamental and Applied Research Jamil M, Kountche BA, Wang JY, Haider I, Jia KP, Takahashi I, Ota T, Asami T, Al-Babili S Ref: Front Plant Sci, 11:434, 2020 : PubMed ESTHER: Jamil_2020_Front.Plant.Sci_11_434 PubMedSearch: Jamil 2020 Front.Plant.Sci 11 434 PubMedID: 32373143 Inhibitor(s) related to this paper: Methyl-phenlactonoate-butenolide-3, Methyl-phenlactonoate-butenolide-16 Abstract Strigolactones (SLs) are a group of carotenoid derived plant hormones that play a key role in establishing plant architecture and adapting it to environmental changes, and are involved in plants response to biotic and abiotic stress. SLs are also released into the soil to serve as a chemical signal attracting beneficial mycorrhizal fungi. However, this signal also induces seed germination in root parasitic weeds that represent a major global threat for agriculture. This wide spectrum of biological functions has made SL research one of the most important current topics in fundamental and applied plant science. The availability of SLs is crucial for investigating SL biology as well as for agricultural application. However, natural SLs are produced in very low amounts, and their organic synthesis is quite difficult, which creates a need for efficient and easy-to-synthesize analogs and mimics. Recently, we have generated a set of SL analogs, Methyl Phenlactonoates (MPs), which resemble the non-canonical SL carlactonoic acid. In this paper, we describe the development and characterization of a new series of easy-to-synthesize MPs. The new analogs were assessed with respect to regulation of shoot branching, impact on leaf senescence, and induction of seed germination in different root parasitic plants species. Some of the new analogs showed higher efficiency in inhibiting shoot branching as well as in triggering parasitic seed germination, compared to the commonly used GR24. MP16 was the most outstanding analog showing high activity in different SL biological functions. In summary, our new analogs series contains very promising candidates for different applications, which include the usage in studies for understanding different aspects of SL biology as well as large scale field application for combating root parasitic weeds, such as Striga hermonthica that devastates cereal yields in sub-Saharan Africa. Title: (-)-Phenserine Ameliorates Contusion Volume, Neuroinflammation, and Behavioral Impairments Induced by Traumatic Brain Injury in Mice Hsueh SC, Lecca D, Greig NH, Wang JY, Selman W, Hoffer BJ, Miller JP, Chiang YH Ref: Cell Transplantation, :963689719854693, 2019 : PubMed ESTHER: Hsueh_2019_Cell.Transplant__963689719854693 PubMedSearch: Hsueh 2019 Cell.Transplant 963689719854693 PubMedID: 31177840 Inhibitor(s) related to this paper: Phenserine Abstract Traumatic brain injury (TBI), a major cause of mortality and morbidity, affects 10 million people worldwide, with limited treatment options. We have previously shown that (-)-phenserine (Phen), an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor originally designed and tested in clinical phase III trials for Alzheimer's disease, can reduce neurodegeneration after TBI and reduce cognitive impairments induced by mild TBI. In this study, we used a mouse model of moderate to severe TBI by controlled cortical impact to assess the effects of Phen on post-trauma histochemical and behavioral changes. Animals were treated with Phen (2.5 mg/kg, IP, BID) for 5 days started on the day of injury and the effects were evaluated by behavioral and histological examinations at 1 and 2 weeks after injury. Phen significantly attenuated TBI-induced contusion volume, enlargement of the lateral ventricle, and behavioral impairments in motor asymmetry, sensorimotor functions, motor coordination, and balance functions. The morphology of microglia was shifted to an active from a resting form after TBI, and Phen dramatically reduced the ratio of activated to resting microglia, suggesting that Phen also mitigates neuroinflammation after TBI. While Phen has potent anti-acetylcholinesterase activity, its (+) isomer Posiphen shares many neuroprotective properties but is almost completely devoid of anti-acetylcholinesterase activity. We evaluated Posiphen at a similar dose to Phen and found similar mitigation in lateral ventricular size increase, motor asymmetry, motor coordination, and balance function, suggesting the improvement of these histological and behavioral tests by Phen treatment occur via pathways other than anti-acetylcholinesterase inhibition. However, the reduction of lesion size and improvement of sensorimotor function by Posiphen were much smaller than with equivalent doses of Phen. Taken together, these results show that post-injury treatment with Phen over 5 days significantly ameliorates severity of TBI. These data suggest a potential development of this compound for clinical use in TBI therapy. Title: Methylation at the C-3' in D-Ring of Strigolactone Analogs Reduces Biological Activity in Root Parasitic Plants and Rice Jamil M, Kountche BA, Haider I, Wang JY, Aldossary F, Zarban RA, Jia KP, Yonli D, Shahul Hameed UF and Al-Babili S <4 more author(s)> Jamil M, Kountche BA, Haider I, Wang JY, Aldossary F, Zarban RA, Jia KP, Yonli D, Shahul Hameed UF, Takahashi I, Ota T, Arold ST, Asami T, Al-Babili S (- 4) Ref: Front Plant Sci, 10:353, 2019 : PubMed ESTHER: Jamil_2019_Front.Plant.Sci_10_353 PubMedSearch: Jamil 2019 Front.Plant.Sci 10 353 PubMedID: 31001294 Abstract Strigolactones (SLs) regulate plant development and induce seed germination in obligate root parasitic weeds, e.g. Striga spp. Because organic synthesis of natural SLs is laborious, there is a large need for easy-to-synthesize and efficient analogs. Here, we investigated the effect of a structural modification of the D-ring, a conserved structural element in SLs. We synthesized and investigated the activity of two analogs, MP13 and MP26, which differ from previously published AR8 and AR36 only in the absence of methylation at C-3'. The de-methylated MP13 and MP26 were much more efficient in regulating plant development and inducing Striga seed germination, compared with AR8. Hydrolysis assays performed with purified Striga SL receptor and docking of AR8 and MP13 to the corresponding active site confirmed and explained the higher activity. Field trials performed in a naturally Striga-infested African farmer's field unraveled MP13 as a promising candidate for combating Striga by inducing germination in host's absence. Our findings demonstrate that methylation of the C-3' in D-ring in SL analogs has a negative impact on their activity and identify MP13 and, particularly, MP26 as potent SL analogs with simple structures, which can be employed to control Striga, a major threat to global food security. Title: Longitudinal monitoring of liver stiffness by acoustic radiation force impulse imaging in patients with chronic hepatitis B receiving entecavir Wu SD, Ding H, Liu LL, Zhuang Y, Liu Y, Cheng LS, Wang SQ, Tseng YJ, Wang JY, Jiang W Ref: Clin Res Hepatol Gastroenterol, 42:227, 2018 : PubMed ESTHER: Wu_2018_Clin.Res.Hepatol.Gastroenterol_42_227 PubMedSearch: Wu 2018 Clin.Res.Hepatol.Gastroenterol 42 227 PubMedID: 29066092 Abstract BACKGROUND: Acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) imaging measures liver stiffness (LS), which significantly correlates with the stage of liver fibrosis in treatment-naive patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). AIM: We aimed to prospectively assess the clinical usefulness of ARFI during long-term antiviral therapy in CHB. METHOD: Seventy-one CHB patients were consecutively recruited and paired liver biopsies were performed in 27 patients. LS was assessed by ARFI semiannually during entecavir therapy. RESULTS: LS gradually decreased with treatment and continued to decrease after normalization of alanine aminotransaminase. Overall, 97.2% patients achieved improvement of LS, whereas 19.7% patients had more than 30% reduction in LS values between baseline and week 104. Multivariate linear regression analysis showed that the degree of LS reduction significantly correlated with the baseline levels of LS value, platelet and cholinesterase. In the 27 patients who underwent paired liver biopsies, LS significantly correlated with stage of fibrosis and inflammatory grade at baseline. LS values decreased more significantly in patients with fibrosis regression than those with static histological fibrosis. CONCLUSION: In CHB patients, LS assessed by ARFI was gradually reduced during antiviral therapy. Longitudinal monitoring of LS may be a promising noninvasive assessment of fibrosis regression during long-term antiviral therapy in CHB. Further large sample studies are needed. Title: The Apostasia genome and the evolution of orchids Zhang GQ, Liu KW, Li Z, Lohaus R, Hsiao YY, Niu SC, Wang JY, Lin YC, Xu Q and Liu ZJ <25 more author(s)> Zhang GQ, Liu KW, Li Z, Lohaus R, Hsiao YY, Niu SC, Wang JY, Lin YC, Xu Q, Chen LJ, Yoshida K, Fujiwara S, Wang ZW, Zhang YQ, Mitsuda N, Wang M, Liu GH, Pecoraro L, Huang HX, Xiao XJ, Lin M, Wu XY, Wu WL, Chen YY, Chang SB, Sakamoto S, Ohme-Takagi M, Yagi M, Zeng SJ, Shen CY, Yeh CM, Luo YB, Tsai WC, Van de Peer Y, Liu ZJ (- 25) Ref: Nature, 549:379, 2017 : PubMed ESTHER: Zhang_2017_Nature_549_379 PubMedSearch: Zhang 2017 Nature 549 379 PubMedID: 28902843 Gene_locus related to this paper: 9aspa-a0a2i0b2l6, 9aspa-a0a2i0w093, 9aspa-a0a2i0asr1, 9aspa-a0a2i0vyy1, 9aspa-a0a2i0a218, 9aspa-a0a2i0x5j6, 9aspa-a0a2i0aji0, 9aspa-a0a2i0a3k8, 9aspa-a0a2i0win6, 9aspa-a0a2i0vg82, 9aspa-a0a2h9zyy3 Abstract Constituting approximately 10% of flowering plant species, orchids (Orchidaceae) display unique flower morphologies, possess an extraordinary diversity in lifestyle, and have successfully colonized almost every habitat on Earth. Here we report the draft genome sequence of Apostasia shenzhenica, a representative of one of two genera that form a sister lineage to the rest of the Orchidaceae, providing a reference for inferring the genome content and structure of the most recent common ancestor of all extant orchids and improving our understanding of their origins and evolution. In addition, we present transcriptome data for representatives of Vanilloideae, Cypripedioideae and Orchidoideae, and novel third-generation genome data for two species of Epidendroideae, covering all five orchid subfamilies. A. shenzhenica shows clear evidence of a whole-genome duplication, which is shared by all orchids and occurred shortly before their divergence. Comparisons between A. shenzhenica and other orchids and angiosperms also permitted the reconstruction of an ancestral orchid gene toolkit. We identify new gene families, gene family expansions and contractions, and changes within MADS-box gene classes, which control a diverse suite of developmental processes, during orchid evolution. This study sheds new light on the genetic mechanisms underpinning key orchid innovations, including the development of the labellum and gynostemium, pollinia, and seeds without endosperm, as well as the evolution of epiphytism; reveals relationships between the Orchidaceae subfamilies; and helps clarify the evolutionary history of orchids within the angiosperms. Title: A highly selective near-infrared fluorescent probe for carboxylesterase 2 and its bioimaging applications in living cells and animals Jin Q, Feng L, Wang DD, Wu JJ, Hou J, Dai ZR, Sun SG, Wang JY, Ge GB and Yang L <1 more author(s)> Jin Q, Feng L, Wang DD, Wu JJ, Hou J, Dai ZR, Sun SG, Wang JY, Ge GB, Cui JN, Yang L (- 1) Ref: Biosensors & Bioelectronics, 83:193, 2016 : PubMed ESTHER: Jin_2016_Biosens.Bioelectron_83_193 PubMedSearch: Jin 2016 Biosens.Bioelectron 83 193 PubMedID: 27129028 Abstract A near-infrared fluorescent probe (DDAB) for highly selective and sensitive detection of carboxylesterase 2 (CE2) has been designed, synthesized, and systematically studied both in vitro and in vivo. Upon addition of CE2, the ester bond of DDAB could be rapidly cleaved and then release a near-infrared (NIR) fluorophore DDAO, which brings a remarkable yellow-to-blue color change and strong NIR fluorescence emission in physiological solutions. The newly developed probe exhibits excellent properties including good specificity, ultrahigh sensitivity and high imaging resolution. Moreover, DDAB has been applied to measure the real activities of CE2 in complex biological samples, as well as to screen CE2 inhibitors by using tissue preparations as the enzymes sources. The probe has also been successfully used to detect endogenous CE2 in living cells and in vivo for the first time, and the results demonstrate that such detection is highly reliable. All these prominent features of DDAB make it holds great promise for further investigation on CE2-associated biological process and for exploring the physiological functions of CE2 in living systems. Title: A Two-Photon Ratiometric Fluorescent Probe for Imaging Carboxylesterase 2 in Living Cells and Tissues Jin Q, Feng L, Wang DD, Dai ZR, Wang P, Zou LW, Liu ZH, Wang JY, Yu Y and Yang L <2 more author(s)> Jin Q, Feng L, Wang DD, Dai ZR, Wang P, Zou LW, Liu ZH, Wang JY, Yu Y, Ge GB, Cui JN, Yang L (- 2) Ref: ACS Appl Mater Interfaces, 7:28474, 2015 : PubMed ESTHER: Jin_2015_ACS.Appl.Mater.Interfaces_7_28474 PubMedSearch: Jin 2015 ACS.Appl.Mater.Interfaces 7 28474 PubMedID: 26641926 Abstract In this study, a two-photon ratiometric fluorescent probe NCEN has been designed and developed for highly selective and sensitive sensing of human carboxylesterase 2 (hCE2) based on the catalytic properties and substrate preference of hCE2. Upon addition of hCE2, the probe could be readily hydrolyzed to release 4-amino-1,8-naphthalimide (NAH), which brings remarkable red-shift in fluorescence (90 nm) spectrum. The newly developed probe exhibits good specificity, ultrahigh sensitivity, and has been successfully applied to determine the real activities of hCE2 in complex biological samples such as cell and tissue preparations. NCEN has also been used for two-photon imaging of intracellular hCE2 in living cells as well as in deep-tissues for the first time, and the results showed that the probe exhibited high ratiometric imaging resolution and deep-tissue imaging depth. All these findings suggested that this probe holds great promise for applications in bioimaging of endogenous hCE2 in living cells and in exploring the biological functions of hCE2 in complex biological systems. Title: Enhanced therapeutic efficacy of combined use of sorafenib and transcatheter arterial chemoembolization for treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma Zhou L, Li J, Ai DL, Fu JL, Peng XM, Zhang LZ, Wang JY, Zhao Y, Yang B and Wang HM <2 more author(s)> Zhou L, Li J, Ai DL, Fu JL, Peng XM, Zhang LZ, Wang JY, Zhao Y, Yang B, Yu Q, Liu CZ, Wang HM (- 2) Ref: Japanese Journal of Clinical Oncology, 44:711, 2014 : PubMed ESTHER: Zhou_2014_Jpn.J.Clin.Oncol_44_711 PubMedSearch: Zhou 2014 Jpn.J.Clin.Oncol 44 711 PubMedID: 24855686 Abstract OBJECTIVE: Clinical trials suggest that combining transcatheter arterial chemoembolization with sorafenib in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma shows a superior safety and tolerability profile. Our study aimed to retrospectively analyze the utility and prognostic factors of this combined therapy in these patients. Title: Analysis on interrelation between electroacupuncture-induced cumulative analgesic effect and hypothalamic cholinergic activities in chronic neuropathic pain rats Wang JY, Meng FY, Chen SP, Gao YH, Liu JL Ref: Chin J Integr Med, 18:699, 2012 : PubMed ESTHER: Wang_2012_Chin.J.Integr.Med_18_699 PubMedSearch: Wang 2012 Chin.J.Integr.Med 18 699 PubMedID: 22936324 Abstract OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of repeated electroacupuncture (EA) of Zusanli (ST36)- Yanglingquan (GB34) on hypothalamic acetylcholinesterase (AchE) and vesicular acetylcholine (ACh) transporter (VAChT) activities and choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) mRNA and muscarinic M1 receptor (M1R) mRNA expression in chronic constrictive injury (CCI) and/or ovariectomy (OVX) rats so as to reveal its underlying mechanism in cumulative analgesia. METHODS: A total of 103 female Wistar rats were randomly divided into normal control (n =15), CCI (n =15), CCI+EA2d (n =15), CCI+EA2W (n =15), OVX+CCI =13), OVX+CCI+EA2d (n =15), and OVX+CCI+EA2W groups (n =15). CCI model was established by ligature of the unilateral sciatic nerve with surgical suture. Memory impairment model was established by removal of the bilateral ovaries. Morris water test was conducted to evaluate the OVX rats' memory learning ability, and the thermal pain threshold (PT) of the bilateral paws was detected the next morning after EA. EA (2/15 Hz, 1 mA) was applied to bilateral ST36-GB34 for 30 min, once daily for 2 days or 2 weeks, respectively. Hypothalamic AChE activity was detected by histochemistry, VAChT immunoactivity was determined by immunohistochemistry, and ChAT mRNA and M1R mRNA expressions were assayed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). RESULTS: In comparison with the normal control group, the AChE activity in hypothalamic arcuate nucleus (ARC) and supraoptic nucleus (SON) regions of CCI group, AChE activity in paraventricular nucleus (PVN), ARC, and SON regions of OVX+CCI group, and hypothalamic muscarinic M1R mRNA expression levels in both CCI and OVX+CCI groups were down-regulated significantly (P <0.05). Compared with the CCI group, the AChE activities in hypothalamic ARC and SON regions of CCI+EA2d and CCI+EA2W groups and PVN region of CCI+EA2W group and hypothalamic ChAT mRNA and M1R mRNA expression levels in CCI+EA2W group were up-regulated considerably (P <0.05). In comparison with the OVX+CCI group, the AChE activities in PVN, ARC, and SON regions and the expressions of hypothalamic ChAT mRNA and VAChT in ARC region of OVX+CCI+EA2W group were up-regulated remarkably (P <0.05). The effects in rats of CCI+EA2W group were evidently superior to those of OVX+CCI+EA2d group in up-regulating AChE activities in PVN, ARC, and SON regions, VAChT immunoactivity in ARC region, and expression levels of hypothalamic ChAT mRNA and M1R mRNA (P <0.05). Similar situations were found in OVX+CCI rats after EA2W. It suggested a cumulative effect after repeated EA of ST36-GB34. Comparison between CCI+EA2W and OVX+CCI+EA2W groups showed that the effects in rats of the former group were evidently better than those of the latter group in up-regulating AChE activity in ARC and SON regions and the expressions of hypothalamic ChAT mRNA and M1 mRNA (P <0.05), suggesting a reduction of EA2W effects after OVX. CONCLUSION: Repeated EA can significantly up-regulate AChE and VAChT activities and ChAT mRNA and M1R mRNA expressions in the hypothalamus of CCI and OVX+CCI rats, which may contribute to the cumulative analgesic effects of repeated EA and be closely related to the animals' neuromemory ability. Title: Molecular cloning of the carboxylesterase gene and biochemical characterization of the encoded protein from Pseudomonas citronellolis ATCC 13674 Chao YP, Fu H, Wang YL, Huang WB, Wang JY Ref: Res Microbiol, 154:521, 2003 : PubMed ESTHER: Chao_2003_Res.Microbiol_154_521 PubMedSearch: Chao 2003 Res.Microbiol 154 521 PubMedID: 14499938 Gene_locus related to this paper: acilw-ESTA Abstract A genomic library of Pseudomonas citronellolis ATCC 13674 was constructed and screened for esterase activity in Escherichia coli using tributyrin-containing medium. One positive transformant was isolated, and subsequent analyses of the plasmid by restriction mapping revealed a 4.1-kb DNA fragment potentially carrying an esterase gene. The deduced nucleotide sequence of the DNA was found to contain an open reading frame encoding carboxylesterase and designated estA. Amino acid sequence analysis of estA showed the serine conservative motif, GDSAG, located between residues 208 and 212. Together with Ser, residues 310 and 334 corresponding to aspartic acid and histidine, respectively, comprised the catalytic triad. With the aid of immobilized metal ion affinity chromatography, the carboxylesterase fused with poly His at its C-terminus was purified and shown to be strongly inhibited by the tryptophan modifier and mercuric ion, indicating the important role of conservative Trp (189) and cysteine (152 and/or 183) residues in maintaining the structural integrity of the protein. Further analyses showed that the carboxylesterase functioned optimally at 37-40 degrees C with pH ranging between 8 and 9 and displayed a broad substrate spectrum. The protein exhibited greater preference toward short-chain (C2-C4) than medium- and long-chain fatty acids. Higher substrate specificity on para-nitrophenol butyrate was observed in comparison with para-nitrophenol acetate as indicated by the higher kcat/Km value of the former. Title: Glutathione transferase gene family from the housefly Musca domestica Syvanen M, Zhou ZH, Wang JY Ref: Molecular & General Genetics, 245:25, 1994 : PubMed ESTHER: Syvanen_1994_Mol.Gen.Genet_245_25 PubMedSearch: Syvanen 1994 Mol.Gen.Genet 245 25 PubMedID: 7845356 Abstract Three new glutathione transferase (GST) genes from the housefly Musca domestica are described. These genes, identified as MdGST-2, -3, and -4, were from cDNA clones obtained from a cDNA bank in phage lambda. The bank was prepared using poly(A)+ RNA from a housefly that is highly resistant to organophosphate insecticides because of enhanced expression of multiple members of the glutathione transferase gene family. The DNA sequence of each is reported and has a complete open reading frame that specified an amino acid sequence similar to other dipteran glutathione transferases. Based on phylogenetic analysis, we can conclude that the insect glutathione transferase gene family falls into two groups, each of which evolves at a different rate, presumably due to differences in functional constraints. We show that MdGST-1 (and their homologues from Drosophila and Lucilia) evolve at a significantly slower rate than the other members of the gene family. Each housefly GST cDNA was inserted into a bacterial plasmid expression system and a glutathione transferase activity was expressed in Escherichia coli. The transcription pattern of each of these glutathione transferases was examined in a variety of different housefly strains that are known to differ in their resistance to organophosphate insecticides due to different patterns of glutathione transferase expression. We found that the level of transcription for two of our clones was positively correlated with the level of organophosphate resistance. Title: Molecular cloning of a glutathione S-transferase overproduced in an insecticide-resistant strain of the housefly (Musca domestica) Wang JY, McCommas S, Syvanen M Ref: Molecular & General Genetics, 227:260, 1991 : PubMed ESTHER: Wang_1991_Mol.Gen.Genet_227_260 PubMedSearch: Wang 1991 Mol.Gen.Genet 227 260 PubMedID: 2062307 Abstract We report the cloning and sequencing of a glutathione S-transferase (GST) gene from the housefly Musca domestica. A cDNA lambda gt11 library was prepared from the organophosphate insecticide-resistant housefly strain Cornell-R--a variant that has elevated GST activity. The lambda phage GST clone was identified on the basis of its ability to cross-hybridize to a GST DNA probe from Drosophila melanogaster. Based on amino acid homology to other GSTs and expression of GST activity in Escherichia coli, the Musca GST gene (MdGST-1) belongs to the GST gene family. Although organophosphate resistance in Cornell-R is largely due to one of the GSTs, MdGST-1 is probably not the enzyme responsible for resistance. The mutation that controls resistance to organophosphate insecticides in Cornell-R is highly unstable and we isolated spontaneous variants to both insecticide sensitivity and to even higher levels of resistance. This provided us with an isogenic set of three strains. We found that MdGST-1 transcript levels as measured by Northern assays are higher in all three Cornell-R strains relative to the sensitive wild type, but that the sensitive Cornell-R strain has more MdGST-1 transcript than does the highly resistant Cornell-R strain. These data as well as Southern analysis of genomic DNA allow us to conclude: (1) there are multiple GST genes in M. domestica; (2) the natural variant Cornell-R overproduces excess transcript from two and probably more of these genes; and (3) the unstable mutation in Cornell-R influences the levels of multiple GSTs. | |||||||
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