Author Report for: Zhu FNo contact information in database for Zhu F
Cruse C, Moural TW, Zhu F Ref: Insects, 14:, 2023 : PubMed ESTHER: Cruse_2023_Insects_14_ PubMedSearch: Cruse 2023 Insects 14 PubMedID: 36835763 Abstract Insects have evolved several intricate defense mechanisms to adapt to their chemical environment. Due to their versatile capabilities in hydrolytic biotransformation, insect carboxyl/cholinesterases (CCEs) play vital roles in the development of pesticide resistance, facilitating the adaptation of insects to their host plants, and manipulating insect behaviors through the olfaction system. CCEs confer insecticide resistance through the mechanisms of qualitative or quantitative changes of CCE-mediated enhanced metabolism or target-site insensitivity, and may contribute to the host plant adaptation. CCEs represent the first odorant-degrading enzymes (ODEs) discovered to degrade insect pheromones and plant odors and remain the most promising ODE candidates. Here, we summarize insect CCE classification, currently characterized insect CCE protein structure characteristics, and the dynamic roles of insect CCEs in chemical adaptation. Title: Moringa Oleifera Alleviates Abeta Burden and Improves Synaptic Plasticity and Cognitive Impairments in APP/PS1 Mice Mahaman YAR, Feng J, Huang F, Salissou MTM, Wang J, Liu R, Zhang B, Li H, Zhu F, Wang X Ref: Nutrients, 14:, 2022 : PubMed ESTHER: Mahaman_2022_Nutrients_14_ PubMedSearch: Mahaman 2022 Nutrients 14 PubMedID: 36296969 Abstract Alzheimer's disease is a global public health problem and the most common form of dementia. Due to the failure of many single therapies targeting the two hallmarks, Abeta and Tau, and the multifactorial etiology of AD, there is now more and more interest in nutraceutical agents with multiple effects such as Moringa oleifera (MO) that have strong anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, anticholinesterase, and neuroprotective virtues. In this study, we treated APP/PS1 mice with a methanolic extract of MO for four months and evaluated its effect on AD-related pathology in these mice using a multitude of behavioral, biochemical, and histochemical tests. Our data revealed that MO improved behavioral deficits such as anxiety-like behavior and hyperactivity and cognitive, learning, and memory impairments. MO treatment abrogated the Abeta burden to wild-type control mice levels via decreasing BACE1 and AEP and upregulating IDE, NEP, and LRP1 protein levels. Moreover, MO improved synaptic plasticity by improving the decreased GluN2B phosphorylation, the synapse-related proteins PSD95 and synapsin1 levels, the quantity and quality of dendritic spines, and neurodegeneration in the treated mice. MO is a nutraceutical agent with promising therapeutic potential that can be used in the management of AD and other neurodegenerative diseases. Title: Hormetic Effects of Dimethachlone on Mycelial Growth and Virulence of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum Hu S, Li J, Wang P, Zhu F Ref: Phytopathology, 111:1166, 2021 : PubMed ESTHER: Hu_2021_Phytopathology_111_1166 PubMedSearch: Hu 2021 Phytopathology 111 1166 PubMedID: 33107780 Abstract Fungicide hormesis has implications for the application of fungicides to control plant diseases. We investigated the hormetic effects of the dicarboximide fungicide dimethachlone on mycelial growth and virulence of the necrotrophic plant pathogen Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. Dimethachlone at sublethal doses in potato dextrose agar (PDA) increased the mycelial growth of S. sclerotiorum. After the growth-stimulated mycelia were subcultured on fresh PDA and inoculated on rapeseed leaves, increased mycelial growth and virulence were observed, indicating that hormetic traits were passed down to the next generation. Dimethachlone applied to leaves at 0.002 to 500 microg/ml stimulated virulence, with a maximum stimulation amplitude (MSA) of 31.4% for the isolate HLJ4, which occurred at 2 microg/ml. Dimethachlone-resistant isolates and transformants had a mean virulence MSA of 30.4%, which was significantly higher (P = 0.008) than the MSA for sensitive isolates (16.2%). Negative correlations were detected between MSA and virulence in the absence of any fungicide (r = -0.872, P < 0.001) and between MSA and mycelial growth on PDA (r = -0.794, P = 0.002). Studies on hormetic mechanisms indicated that dimethachlone had no significant effects on expression levels of three virulence-associated genes, that is, a cutinase-encoding gene SsCut, a polygalacturonase gene SsPG1, or an oxaloacetate acetylhydrolase gene SsOah1. The results will contribute to understanding hormesis and have implications for the judicious application of fungicides to control plant diseases. Title: Degradation and toxicity of the antidepressant fluoxetine in an aqueous system by UV irradiation Pan C, Zhu F, Wu M, Jiang L, Zhao X, Yang M Ref: Chemosphere, :132434, 2021 : PubMed ESTHER: Pan_2021_Chemosphere__132434 PubMedSearch: Pan 2021 Chemosphere 132434 PubMedID: 34606890 Abstract Fluoxetine (FLU), a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, is commonly found in aquatic environments. Ultraviolet (UV) photolysis is widely used to remove certain pharmaceuticals from water and wastewater. The present study aimed to investigate the toxicity of FLU and its transformed products formed during UV photolysis by using zebrafish embryos (Danio rerio) as a model. The degradation rates of FLU for five days were approximately 63.6% +/- 2.14%, 84.6% +/- 0.99%, and 97.5% +/- 0.25% after 15, 30, and 60 min of UV irradiation, respectively. Furthermore, the degradation mechanism was explored using LC-MS measurements and density flooding theory (DFT) theoretical calculations. Comprehensive toxicity preassessment of FLU and its degradation products was carried out using the T.E.S.T. software. The effects of physiological and biochemical parameters and neuron- and apoptosis-related gene expression were examined in zebrafish embryos exposed to non-irradiated (0-min) and irradiated (15, 30- and 60-min) solutions from 4 h post-fertilization (hpf) to 120 hpf. The hatching time of zebrafish embryos exposed to the non-irradiated solution (0-min) and irradiated solution (60-min) was delayed, their heart rate at 48 and 72 hpf increased, and their body length at 120 hpf decreased. Significant differences were found between the non-irradiated (0-min) and UV-irradiated (15- or 30-min) groups. A dynamic response involving acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was also observed in the non-irradiated and UV-irradiated groups. During the UV treatment experiments, the expression levels of neuron-related and apoptosis-related genes were significantly reduced over time alongside the formation of FLU degradation products. Overall, this study provides new concepts to remove and assess the toxicity of emerging contaminants in aquatic environments and highlights the need to consider the formation and persistence of toxic transformation products. Title: Odorant degrading carboxylesterases modulate foraging and mating behaviors of Grapholita molesta Wei H, Tan S, Li Z, Li J, Moural TW, Zhu F, Liu X Ref: Chemosphere, 270:128647, 2021 : PubMed ESTHER: Wei_2021_Chemosphere_270_128647 PubMedSearch: Wei 2021 Chemosphere 270 128647 PubMedID: 33757271 Abstract Odorant degrading carboxylesterases (CXEs) play key roles in the process of odor signal reception via degrading ester odorants. But the functional mechanisms of CXEs in modulating insect behaviors are unclear. Herein, we studied the roles that CXEs played in mating, foraging, and signal receptions of sex pheromones and host volatiles in Grapholita molesta. As a result, 23 candidate CXEs were identified by transcriptome analysis of G. molesta. The GmolCXE1 and 5 highly expressed in the antennae of male moths and GmolCXE14 and 21 abundantly expressed in larval heads, were significantly upregulated after exposure with odors from female adults or fresh ripe fruits respectively. After knockdown of GmolCXE1 and 5, or GmolCXE14 and 21 by RNA interference, the behavioral responses of G. molesta to ester sex pheromones or host volatiles were decreased, by exhibiting an inhibited searching behavior of G. molesta for females or fruits, respectively. Then evidence form GC-MS analysis, showed that the protein GmolCXE1 and GmolCXE5 could metabolize the sex pheromone components (Z/E)-8-dodecenyl acetate to their metabolites products (Z/E)-8-dodecenol, and that GmolCXE14 and GmolCXE21 could metabolize ethyl butanoate and ethyl hexanoate of ripe pears. In addition, fluorescent binding assays verified that GmolCXEs could degrade the free ester odor molecules, but not degrade the odor molecules protected by odorant-binding proteins. Our study not only demonstrated CXEs modulated the mating and foraging behaviors of G. molesta through inactivation of ester sex pheromone and host volatiles, but also discovered great potential molecular targets to develop behavioral inhibitors for pest management. Title: Structure and Function of Pancreatic Lipase-Related Protein 2 and Its Relationship With Pathological States Zhu G, Fang Q, Zhu F, Huang D, Yang C Ref: Front Genet, 12:693538, 2021 : PubMed ESTHER: Zhu_2021_Front.Genet_12_693538 PubMedSearch: Zhu 2021 Front.Genet 12 693538 PubMedID: 34290745 Gene_locus related to this paper: human-PNLIPRP2 Abstract Pancreatic lipase is critical for the digestion and absorption of dietary fats. The most abundant lipolytic enzymes secreted by the pancreas are pancreatic triglyceride lipase (PTL or PNLIP) and its family members, pancreatic lipase-related protein 1 (PNLIPRP1or PLRP1) and pancreatic lipase-related protein 2 (PNLIPRP2 or PLRP2). Unlike the family's other members, PNLIPRP2 plays an elemental role in lipid digestion, especially for newborns. Therefore, if genetic factors cause gene mutation, or other factors lead to non-expression, it may have an effect on fat digestion and absorption, on the susceptibility to pancreas and intestinal pathogens. In this review, we will summarize what is known about the structure and function of PNLIPRP2 and the levels of PNLIPRP2 and associated various pathological states. Title: Metagenomic analysis exploring microbial assemblages and functional genes potentially involved in di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate degradation in soil Zhu F, Doyle E, Zhu C, Zhou D, Gu C, Gao J Ref: Sci Total Environ, 715:137037, 2020 : PubMed ESTHER: Zhu_2020_Sci.Total.Environ_715_137037 PubMedSearch: Zhu 2020 Sci.Total.Environ 715 137037 PubMedID: 32041058 Abstract Widespread use of di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) as a plasticizer has caused considerable soil pollution; however, little is known about indigenous microbial communities involved in its degradation in soil. In this study, metagenomic sequencing combined with metabolite determination was used to explore microorganisms and genes potentially involved in DEHP degradation in aerobic and anaerobic soils. The results showed that under both dryland aerobic and flooded anaerobic conditions, DEHP was initially hydrolyzed into mono (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate which was then hydrolyzed into phthalic acid; benzoic acid was the central intermediate during further metabolism steps. Bacteria were more responsive to DEHP presence than fungi/archaea, and potential degradative genes stimulated by DEHP were predominantly associated with bacteria, reflecting the dominant role of bacteria in DEHP degradation. Members of the Actinomycetales seemed to be the dominant degraders under aerobic conditions, while a number of phyla i.e. Gemmatimonadetes, Proteobacteria, Acidobacteria and Bacteroidetes appeared to be involved under anaerobic conditions. Interestingly, ~50% of esterase/lipase/cytochrome P450 genes enriched by DEHP under aerobic conditions were from Nocardioides, a bacterial genus that has not been previously directly linked to phthalate ester degradation. The results indicate that novel degraders may play an important role in DEHP degradation in natural soil environments. This study provides a better understanding of the phthalate ester biodegradation processes occurring in soil. Title: Genome-wide association study of the level of blood components in Pekin ducks Zhu F, Cui QQ, Yang YZ, Hao JP, Yang FX, Hou ZC Ref: Genomics, 112:379, 2020 : PubMed ESTHER: Zhu_2020_Genomics_112_379 PubMedSearch: Zhu 2020 Genomics 112 379 PubMedID: 30818062 Abstract Blood components are considered to reflect nutrient metabolism and immune activity in both humans and animals. In this study, we measured 12 blood components in Pekin ducks and performed genome-wide association analysis to identify the QTLs (quantitative trait locus) using a genotyping-by-sequencing strategy. A total of 54 QTLs were identified for blood components. One genome-wide significant QTL for alkaline phosphatase was identified within the intron-region of the OTOG gene (P=1.31E-07). Moreover, 21 genome-wide significant SNPs for the level of serum cholinesterase were identified on six different scaffolds. In addition, for serum calcium, one genome-wide significant QTL was identified in the upstream region of gene RAB11B. These results provide new markers for functional studies in Pekin ducks, and several candidate genes were identified, which may provide additional insights into specific mechanisms for blood metabolism in ducks and their potential application for duck breeding programs. Title: Rhodopseudomonas palustris wastewater treatment: Cyhalofop-butyl removal, biochemicals production and mathematical model establishment Wu P, Chen Z, Zhang Y, Wang Y, Zhu F, Cao B, Wu Y, Li N Ref: Bioresour Technol, 282:390, 2019 : PubMed ESTHER: Wu_2019_Bioresour.Technol_282_390 PubMedSearch: Wu 2019 Bioresour.Technol 282 390 PubMedID: 30884459 Abstract Simultaneous (SPW and cyhalofop-butyl) wastewater treatment and the production of biochemicals by Rhodopseudomonas palustris (R. palustris) was investigated with supplementation of soybean processing wastewater (SPW). Compared to control group, cyhalofop-butyl was removed and single cell protein, carotenoid, bacteriochlorophyll productions were enhanced with the supplementation of SPW. Cyhalofop-butyl removal reached 100% after 5days under 4000mg/L COD group. Cyhalofop-butyl induced chbH gene expression to synthesize cyhalofop-butyl-hydrolyzing carboxylesterase through activating MAPKKKs, MAPKKs, MAPKs genes in MAPK signal transduction pathway. The induction process took one day for R. palustris. However, lack of organics in original wastewater did not maintain R. palustris growth for over one day. The supplementation of SPW provided sufficient carbon source. This new method resulted in the mixed wastewater treatment and improvement of biochemicals simultaneously, as well as the realization of reutilization of R. palustris. High-order non-linear mathematical model of the relationship between Rchb, Xc, and Xt was established. Title: The removal of cyhalofop-butyl in soil by surplus Rhodopseudanonas palustris in wastewater purification Wu P, Mo W, Chen Z, Wang Y, Cui Y, Zhang Y, Song Y, Jin L, Hou Y and Li N <2 more author(s)> Wu P, Mo W, Chen Z, Wang Y, Cui Y, Zhang Y, Song Y, Jin L, Hou Y, Zhu F, Cao B, Li N (- 2) Ref: J Environ Manage, 245:168, 2019 : PubMed ESTHER: Wu_2019_J.Environ.Manage_245_168 PubMedSearch: Wu 2019 J.Environ.Manage 245 168 PubMedID: 31152960 Abstract The biorestoration of cyhalofop-butyl and fertility in soil using Rhodopseudanonas palustris (R. palustris) in the treated wastewater were investigated in this research. Cyhalofop-butyl was not degraded under control group. The treated wastewater containing R. palustris degraded cyhalofop-butyl and remediated fertility. Interestingly, the cyhalofop-butyl-hydrolyzing carboxylesterase gene was expressed after inoculation 24h. Subsequently, the cyhalofop-butyl-hydrolyzing carboxylesterase were synthesized to degrade cyhalofop-butyl. The cyhalofop-butyl started to be degraded after inoculation 24h. The cyhalofop-butyl as stimulus signal induced cyhalofop-butyl-hydrolyzing carboxylesterase gene expression through signal transduction pathway. This process took 24h for R. palustris as they were ancient bacteria. The residual organics in the wastewater provided sufficient carbon sources and energy for R. palustris under three dosage groups. The new method completed the remediation of cyhalofop-butyl pollution, the improvement of soil fertility and soybean processing wastewater treatment simultaneously, and realized the resource reutilization of wastewater and R. palustris as sludge. Title: Mechanisms of resistance to three mite growth inhibitors of Tetranychus urticae in hops Adesanya AW, Morales MA, Walsh DB, Lavine LC, Lavine MD, Zhu F Ref: Bull Entomol Res, 108:23, 2018 : PubMed ESTHER: Adesanya_2018_Bull.Entomol.Res_108_23 PubMedSearch: Adesanya 2018 Bull.Entomol.Res 108 23 PubMedID: 28464967 Abstract Mite growth inhibitors (MGIs), such as etoxazole and hexythiazox, are valuable IPM tools for Tetranychus urticae control in hops due to their unique mode of action and selectivity. Hence, it is necessary to standardize bioassay methods to evaluate the efficacy of MGIs, monitor resistance, and identify mechanisms underlying MGI resistance in the field. Here, we developed a three-tiered approach for evaluating ovicidal toxicity of MGIs to T. urticae, which simulated different MGI exposure scenarios in the field. The most effective bioassay method was direct exposure of T. urticae eggs to MGIs. With this method, four field-collected T. urticae populations showed low-to-moderate resistance to MGIs. Cross-resistance among MGIs and from MGIs to bifenazate and bifenthrin was detected. Besides target site insensitivity, enhanced cytochrome P450 and esterase activities also contribute to the MGI resistance in hop yard-collected T. urticae populations. Low-to-moderate MGI resistance in T. urticae populations may be mediated by multiple mechanisms. Positive selection pressure on the I1017F mutation is moderate in field-collected T. urticae populations. Further studies are required to identify metabolic detoxification genes that confer resistance to MGIs for precise resistance monitoring. Title: Phenotypic and Genotypic Plasticity of Acaricide Resistance in Populations of Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae) on Peppermint and Silage Corn in the Pacific Northwest Adesanya AW, Franco E, Walsh DB, Lavine M, Lavine L, Zhu F Ref: J Econ Entomol, 111:2831, 2018 : PubMed ESTHER: Adesanya_2018_J.Econ.Entomol_111_2831 PubMedSearch: Adesanya 2018 J.Econ.Entomol 111 2831 PubMedID: 30289504 Abstract Tetranychus urticae Koch is a generalist pest of economic crops and is notorious for its rapid development of acaricide resistance. This poses a significant threat to the sustainability of integrated pest management (IPM) in cropping systems plagued by T. urticae. It is critical to evaluate the resistance status of T. urticae populations on crops and identify any underlying resistance mechanisms. This study investigated the efficacy of five major acaricides on T. urticae populations on peppermint and silage corn in the Pacific Northwestern United States and identified the underlying resistance mechanisms. Significant variations in acaricide resistance status of T. urticae populations were identified to abamectin, bifenthrin, fenpyroximate, hexythiazox, and spirodiclofen. In most cases, T. urticae populations from silage corn exhibited greater levels of acaricide resistance relative to peppermint populations. We detected known target-site mutations: F1534S and F1538I (conferring resistance to bifenthrin), G126S (linked with resistance to bifenazate), and I1017 (conferring resistance to hexythiazox and etoxazole) in 10, 90, and 90% of the populations, respectively, from peppermint fields. These four mutations were identified in all the populations collected from silage corn fields. Significantly higher transcript levels of metabolic genes associated with resistance to abamectin, fenpyroximate, and spirodiclofen were observed in some T. urticae populations collected from both peppermint and silage corn fields. This study provides evidence of multiple resistance to diverse active ingredients in field populations of T. urticae and the reliability of known molecular markers for active acaricide resistance monitoring. The observed resistance pattern will help in designing a sustainable IPM program for T. urticae. Title: Single and mixture toxicities of BDE-47, 6-OH-BDE-47 and 6-MeO-BDE-47 on the feeding activity of Daphnia magna: From behavior assessment to neurotoxicity Liu Y, Guo R, Tang S, Zhu F, Zhang S, Yan Z, Chen J Ref: Chemosphere, 195:542, 2017 : PubMed ESTHER: Liu_2017_Chemosphere_195_542 PubMedSearch: Liu 2017 Chemosphere 195 542 PubMedID: 29277034 Abstract Although 2,2',4,4'-tetrabrominated diphenyl ether (BDE-47), 6-hydroxy-2,2',4,4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether (6-OH-BDE-47) and 6-methoxy-2,2',4,4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether (6-MeO-BDE-47) clearly disrupt the endocrine system, current knowledge of their single and/or mixture toxicities on other behaviors of aquatic organisms remains limited. In the present study, Daphnia magna was used to investigate the single and mixture toxicities of BDE-47, 6-OH-BDE-47 and 6-MeO-BDE-47 as measured by inhibition of feeding during exposure and post-exposure periods. Additionally, the biochemical performance, i.e., the activities of super oxidase dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) of the test organism was studied to investigate the potential mechanisms of the toxicity of the target compounds. The three target compounds produced an obvious depressive effect on feeding behavior during the exposure period, and the effect increased with increasing concentrations. D. magna was most sensitive to 6-OH-BDE-47. The toxicity of the ternary mixture showed an obvious concentration-dependent effect, whereas the binary mixture toxicity showed the characteristics of hormesis. During the post-exposure period, overcompensation occurred, indicating a short-term effect of the target compounds on D. magna. Additionally, significant changes occurred in neurological responses, indicating that these compounds might have neurobehavioral toxicity in D. magna. The decrease in oxidative stress enzymes (SOD and GPx) indicated that the antioxidant response of D. magna was destroyed. Title: The metastatic suppressor NDRG1 inhibits EMT, migration and invasion through interaction and promotion of caveolin-1 ubiquitylation in human colorectal cancer cells Mi L, Zhu F, Yang X, Lu J, Zheng Y, Zhao Q, Wen X, Lu A, Wang M and Sun J <2 more author(s)> Mi L, Zhu F, Yang X, Lu J, Zheng Y, Zhao Q, Wen X, Lu A, Wang M, Zheng M, Ji J, Sun J (- 2) Ref: Oncogene, 36:4323, 2017 : PubMed ESTHER: Mi_2017_Oncogene_36_4323 PubMedSearch: Mi 2017 Oncogene 36 4323 PubMedID: 28346422 Gene_locus related to this paper: human-NDRG1 Abstract N-myc downstream-regulated gene 1 (NDRG1) has been reported to act as a key regulatory molecule in tumor progression-related signaling pathways, especially in tumor metastasis. However, the related mechanism has not been fully discovered yet. Herein we demonstrated that the novel molecule of cell migration and invasion, caveolin-1, has direct interaction with NDRG1 in human colorectal cancer (CRC) cells. Moreover, we discovered that NDRG1 reduces caveolin-1 protein expression through promoting its ubiquitylation and subsequent degradation via the proteasome in CRC cells. In addition, caveolin-1 mediates the suppressive function of NDRG1 in epithelial-mesenchymal transition, migration and invasion in vitro and metastasis in vivo. These results help to fulfill the potential mechanisms of NDRG1 in anti-metastatic treatment for human colorectal cancer. Title: N-myc downstream-regulated gene 1 promotes oxaliplatin-triggered apoptosis in colorectal cancer cells via enhancing the ubiquitination of Bcl-2 Yang X, Zhu F, Yu C, Lu J, Zhang L, Lv Y, Sun J, Zheng M Ref: Oncotarget, 8:47709, 2017 : PubMed ESTHER: Yang_2017_Oncotarget_8_47709 PubMedSearch: Yang 2017 Oncotarget 8 47709 PubMedID: 28537875 Gene_locus related to this paper: human-NDRG1 Abstract N-myc downstream-regulated gene1 (NDRG1) has been identified as a potent tumor suppressor gene. The molecular mechanisms of anti-tumor activity of NDRG1 involve its suppressive effects on a variety of tumorigenic signaling pathways. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of NDRG1 in the apoptosis of colorectal cancer (CRC) cells. We first collected the clinical data of locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) patients receiving oxaliplatin-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy in our medical center. Correlation analysis revealed that NDRG1 positively associated with the downstaging rates and prognosis of patients. Then, the effects of over-expression and depletion of NDRG1 gene on apoptosis of colorectal cancer were tested in vitro and in vivo. NDRG1 over-expression promoted apoptosis in colorectal cancer cells whereas depletion of NDRG1 resulted in resistance to oxaliplatin treatment. Furthermore, we observed that Bcl-2, a major anti-apoptotic protein, was regulated by NDRG1 at post-transcriptional level. By binding Protein kinase Calpha (PKCalpha), a classical regulating factor of Bcl-2, NDRG1 enhanced the ubiquitination and degradation of Bcl-2, thus promoting apoptosis in CRC cells. In addition, NDRG1 inhibited tumor growth and promoted apoptosis in mouse xenograft model. In conclusion,NDRG1 promotes oxaliplatin-triggered apoptosis in colorectal cancer. Therefore, colorectal cancer patients can be stratified by the expression level of NDRG1. NDRG1-positive patients may benefit from oxaliplatin-containing chemotherapy regimens whereas those with negative NDRG1 expression should avoid the usage of this cytotoxic drug. Title: Transcriptional responses in the hepatopancreas of Eriocheir sinensis exposed to deltamethrin Yang Z, Zhang Y, Jiang Y, Zhu F, Zeng L, Wang Y, Lei X, Yao Y, Hou Y and Hu K <3 more author(s)> Yang Z, Zhang Y, Jiang Y, Zhu F, Zeng L, Wang Y, Lei X, Yao Y, Hou Y, Xu L, Xiong C, Yang X, Hu K (- 3) Ref: PLoS ONE, 12:e0184581, 2017 : PubMed ESTHER: Yang_2017_PLoS.One_12_e0184581 PubMedSearch: Yang 2017 PLoS.One 12 e0184581 PubMedID: 28910412 Abstract Deltamethrin is an important pesticide widely used against ectoparasites. Deltamethrin contamination has resulted in a threat to the healthy breeding of the Chinese mitten crab, Eriocheir sinensis. In this study, we investigated transcriptional responses in the hepatopancreas of E. sinensis exposed to deltamethrin. We obtained 99,087,448, 89,086,478, and 100,117,958 raw sequence reads from control 1, control 2, and control 3 groups, and 92,094,972, 92,883,894, and 92,500,828 raw sequence reads from test 1, test 2, and test 3 groups, respectively. After filtering and quality checking of the raw sequence reads, our analysis yielded 79,228,354, 72,336,470, 81,859,826, 77,649,400, 77,194,276, and 75,697,016 clean reads with a mean length of 150 bp from the control and test groups. After deltamethrin treatment, a total of 160 and 167 genes were significantly upregulated and downregulated, respectively. Gene ontology terms "biological process," "cellular component," and "molecular function" were enriched with respect to cell killing, cellular process, other organism part, cell part, binding, and catalytic. Pathway analysis using the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes showed that the metabolic pathways were significantly enriched. We found that the CYP450 enzyme system, carboxylesterase, glutathione-S-transferase, and material (including carbohydrate, lipid, protein, and other substances) metabolism played important roles in the metabolism of deltamethrin in the hepatopancreas of E. sinensis. This study revealed differentially expressed genes related to insecticide metabolism and detoxification in E. sinensis for the first time and will help in understanding the toxicity and molecular metabolic mechanisms of deltamethrin in E. sinensis. Title: Juvenile hormone regulates the differential expression of putative juvenile hormone esterases via methoprene-tolerant in non-diapause-destined and diapause-destined adult female beetle Zhu L, Yin TY, Sun D, Liu W, Zhu F, Lei CL, Wang XP Ref: Gene, 627:373, 2017 : PubMed ESTHER: Zhu_2017_Gene_627_373 PubMedSearch: Zhu 2017 Gene 627 373 PubMedID: 28679117 Abstract Juvenile hormone (JH) plays an essential role in regulating molting, metamorphosis, reproduction, and diapause (dormancy), in many insects and crustaceans. JH esterases (JHEs) can control JH titer by regulating JH degradation. Although the biochemistry and structure of JHEs have been well studied, regulation of their expression remains unclear. We identified three putative JHEs (JHE1, JHE2, JHE3) in the cabbage beetle Colaphellus bowringi, and investigated the regulation of their expression by JH signaling in non-diapause-destined (NDD, reproductive) and diapause-destined (DD) female adults. Sequence and phylogenetic tree analyses indicate that the three putative JHEs shared conserved motifs with the JHEs of other insects and one crustacean, and were similar to Coleopteran, Dipteran, Orthopteran, Hymenopteran, and Decapodan JHEs. They were, however, less closely related to Hemipteran and Lepidopteran JHEs. JHEs were more highly expressed in NDD female adults than in DD female adults. JH analog induction in DD female adults significantly upregulated the expression of JHE1 and JHE2, but had no effect on the expression of JHE3. Knockdown of the JH candidate receptor methoprene-tolerant (Met) in NDD female adults downregulated the expression of all three JHEs. These results suggest that JHE expression is positively correlated with JH signaling, and that Met may be involved in the JH-mediated differential expression of JHE in DD and NDD adult female C. bowringi. Title: Gap2 promotes the formation of a stable protein complex required for mature Fap1 biogenesis Echlin H, Zhu F, Li Y, Peng Z, Ruiz T, Bedwell GJ, Prevelige PE, Jr., Wu H Ref: Journal of Bacteriology, 195:2166, 2013 : PubMed ESTHER: Echlin_2013_J.Bacteriol_195_2166 PubMedSearch: Echlin 2013 J.Bacteriol 195 2166 PubMedID: 23475979 Gene_locus related to this paper: 9stre-e7s950 Abstract Serine-rich repeat glycoproteins (SRRPs) are important bacterial adhesins conserved in streptococci and staphylococci. Fap1, a SRRP identified in Streptococcus parasanguinis, is the major constituent of bacterial fimbriae and is required for adhesion and biofilm formation. An 11-gene cluster is required for Fap1 glycosylation and secretion; however, the exact mechanism of Fap1 biogenesis remains a mystery. Two glycosylation-associated proteins within this cluster--Gap1 and Gap3--function together in Fap1 biogenesis. Here we report the role of the third glycosylation-associated protein, Gap2. A gap2 mutant exhibited the same phenotype as the gap1 and gap3 mutants in terms of Fap1 biogenesis, fimbrial assembly, and bacterial adhesion, suggesting that the three proteins interact. Indeed, all three proteins interacted with each other independently and together to form a stable protein complex. Mechanistically, Gap2 protected Gap3 from degradation by ClpP protease, and Gap2 required the presence of Gap1 for expression at the wild-type level. Gap2 augmented the function of Gap1 in stabilizing Gap3; this function was conserved in Gap homologs from Streptococcus agalactiae. Our studies demonstrate that the three Gap proteins work in concert in Fap1 biogenesis and reveal a new function of Gap2. This insight will help us elucidate the molecular mechanism of SRRP biogenesis in this bacterium and in pathogenic species. Title: Decrease in the production of beta-amyloid by berberine inhibition of the expression of beta-secretase in HEK293 cells Zhu F, Wu F, Ma Y, Liu G, Li Z, Sun Y, Pei Z Ref: BMC Neurosci, 12:125, 2011 : PubMed ESTHER: Zhu_2011_BMC.Neurosci_12_125 PubMedSearch: Zhu 2011 BMC.Neurosci 12 125 PubMedID: 22152059 Inhibitor(s) related to this paper: Berberine Abstract BACKGROUND: Berberine (BER), the major alkaloidal component of Rhizoma coptidis, has multiple pharmacological effects including inhibition of acetylcholinesterase, reduction of cholesterol and glucose levels, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective and neurotrophic effects. It has also been demonstrated that BER can reduce the production of beta-amyloid40/42, which plays a critical and primary role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. However, the mechanism by which it accomplishes this remains unclear. RESULTS: Here, we report that BER could not only significantly decrease the production of beta-amyloid40/42 and the expression of beta-secretase (BACE), but was also able to activate the extracellular signal-regulated kinase1/2 (ERK1/2) pathway in a dose- and time-dependent manner in HEK293 cells stably transfected with APP695 containing the Swedish mutation. We also find that U0126, an antagonist of the ERK1/2 pathway, could abolish (1) the activation activity of BER on the ERK1/2 pathway and (2) the inhibition activity of BER on the production of beta-amyloid40/42 and the expression of BACE. CONCLUSION: Our data indicate that BER decreases the production of beta-amyloid40/42 by inhibiting the expression of BACE via activation of the ERK1/2 pathway. 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: Abnormal spreading and subunit expression of junctional acetylcholine receptors of paraspinal muscles in scoliosis associated with syringomyelia Zhu Z, Qiu Y, Wang B, Yu Y, Qian B, Zhu F Ref: Spine (Phila Pa 1976), 32:2449, 2007 : PubMed ESTHER: Zhu_2007_Spine.(Phila.Pa.1976)_32_2449 PubMedSearch: Zhu 2007 Spine.(Phila.Pa.1976) 32 2449 PubMedID: 18090084 Abstract STUDY DESIGN: A comparative study was performed among 2 groups of patients: Group A with scoliosis and syringomyelia and Group B with idiopathic scoliosis. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the denervation of paraspinal muscles and analyze its association with scoliosis in patients with syringomyelia. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: The mechanism by which scoliosis develops secondary to syringomyelia remains unclear. Some authors hypothesize that scoliosis may be caused by an alteration in the innervation of the trunk musculature. Few studies, however, have been reported to testify the presence of denervation of the paraspinal muscles in scoliotic patients with syringomyelia. Title: Sequence and analysis of rice chromosome 4 Feng Q, Zhang Y, Hao P, Wang S, Fu G, Huang Y, Li Y, Zhu J, Liu Y and Han B <61 more author(s)> Feng Q, Zhang Y, Hao P, Wang S, Fu G, Huang Y, Li Y, Zhu J, Liu Y, Hu X, Jia P, Zhao Q, Ying K, Yu S, Tang Y, Weng Q, Zhang L, Lu Y, Mu J, Zhang LS, Yu Z, Fan D, Liu X, Lu T, Li C, Wu Y, Sun T, Lei H, Li T, Hu H, Guan J, Wu M, Zhang R, Zhou B, Chen Z, Chen L, Jin Z, Wang R, Yin H, Cai Z, Ren S, Lv G, Gu W, Zhu G, Tu Y, Jia J, Chen J, Kang H, Chen X, Shao C, Sun Y, Hu Q, Zhang X, Zhang W, Wang L, Ding C, Sheng H, Gu J, Chen S, Ni L, Zhu F, Chen W, Lan L, Lai Y, Cheng Z, Gu M, Jiang J, Li J, Hong G, Xue Y, Han B (- 61) Ref: Nature, 420:316, 2002 : PubMed ESTHER: Feng_2002_Nature_420_316 PubMedSearch: Feng 2002 Nature 420 316 PubMedID: 12447439 Gene_locus related to this paper: orysa-Q7XTC5, orysa-Q7F959, orysa-q7f9i3, orysa-q7x7y5, orysa-q7xkj9, orysa-q7xr62, orysa-q7xr63, orysa-q7xr64, orysa-q7xsg1, orysa-q7xsq2, orysa-Q7XTM8, orysa-q7xts6, orysa-q7xue7, orysa-q7xv53, orysa-Q7XVB5, orysa-Q7XVG5, orysj-q0jaf0, orysj-q7f8x1 Abstract Rice is the principal food for over half of the population of the world. With its genome size of 430 megabase pairs (Mb), the cultivated rice species Oryza sativa is a model plant for genome research. Here we report the sequence analysis of chromosome 4 of O. sativa, one of the first two rice chromosomes to be sequenced completely. The finished sequence spans 34.6 Mb and represents 97.3% of the chromosome. In addition, we report the longest known sequence for a plant centromere, a completely sequenced contig of 1.16 Mb corresponding to the centromeric region of chromosome 4. We predict 4,658 protein coding genes and 70 transfer RNA genes. A total of 1,681 predicted genes match available unique rice expressed sequence tags. Transposable elements have a pronounced bias towards the euchromatic regions, indicating a close correlation of their distributions to genes along the chromosome. Comparative genome analysis between cultivated rice subspecies shows that there is an overall syntenic relationship between the chromosomes and divergence at the level of single-nucleotide polymorphisms and insertions and deletions. By contrast, there is little conservation in gene order between rice and Arabidopsis. | |||||||
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