Functions of Membrane-bound Alcohol Dehydrogenase and Aldehyde Dehydrogenase in the Bio-oxidation of Alcohols in Gluconobacter oxydans DSM 2003

Liu-Jing Wei,Ji-lai Zhou,Dan-ni Zhu,Bai-yi Cai,Jin-Ping Lin,Qiang Hua,Dong-Zhi Wei 한국생물공학회 2012 Biotechnology and Bioprocess Engineering Vol.17 No.6

In this study a new insight was provided to understand the functions of membrane-bound alcohol dehydrogenase (mADH) and aldehyde dehydrogenase (mALDH) in the bio-oxidation of primary alcohols, diols and poly alcohols using the resting cells of Gluconobacter oxydans DSM 2003 and its mutant strains as catalyst. The results demonstrated that though both mADH and mALDH participated in most of the oxidation of alcohols to their corresponding acid, the exact roles of these enzymes in each reaction might be different. For example,mADH played a key role in the oxidation of diols to its corresponding organic acid in G. oxydans, but it was dispensable when the primary alcohols were used as substrates. In contrast to mADH, mALDH appears to play a relatively minor role in organic acid-producing reactions because of the possible presence of other isoenzymes. Aldehydes were, however, found to be accumulated in the mALDH-deficient strain during the oxidation of alcohols.

De novo assembly and transcriptome analysis of differentially expressed genes relevant to variegation in hawthorn flowers

Wei Ji,Wei Zhao,Rong‑Chen Liu,Xiao‑Bo Jiao,Kai Han,Zhong‑Yi Yang,Mei‑Ying Gao,Rui Ren,Xiu‑Juan Fan,Ming‑Xia Yang 한국식물생명공학회 2019 Plant biotechnology reports Vol.13 No.6

Flower color variegation has been observed in many plant species. However, pink flowers on the white-blooming hawthorn trees found by our group earlier have never been reported. To better understand the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in variegated hawthorn flowers, white and pink flowers at different developmental stages (S1 and S2) underwent transcriptome sequencing separately. Approximately 34.28 Gb of high-quality data were obtained and assembled into 100,013 unigenes with an average length of 706.93 bp. These unigenes were further subjected to functional annotation and biochemical pathway analysis, and DEGs of two types of hawthorn flowers at different developmental stages were studied. Based on the enrichment analysis of DEGs, eight anthocyanin-modified enzyme genes or other enzyme genes that indirectly affect anthocyanin synthesis (5AT, 3GGT , and AI, β-Glu, two Aux/IAAs, two PODs), eight structural genes (UFGT, DFR, CHI, two F3Hs, and three PALs), and three transcription factors (one MYB and two bHLHs) were also identified. We randomly selected 15 genes, and the trends in the expression levels of these genes in the organs of white and pink flowers at different developmental stages were verified by quantitative real-time PCR. Mass sequence data obtained by RNA-seq of variegated hawthorn flowers provided basic sequence information and a unique opportunity to uncover the genetic mechanisms under-lying flower color variegation.

Identification of Novel Subregions of LOH in Gastric Cancer and Analysis of the HIC1 and TOB1 Tumor Suppressor Genes in These Subregions

Jingcui Yu,Songbin Fu,Peng Liu,Xiaobo Cui,Yu Sui,Guohua Ji,Rongwei Guan,Donglin Sun,Wei Ji,Fangli Liu,An Liu,Yuzhen Zhao,Yang Yu,Yan Jin,Jing Bai,Jingshu Geng,Yingwei Xue,Jiping Qi,Ki-Young Lee 한국분자세포생물학회 2011 Molecules and cells Vol.32 No.1

Previously, we identified 3 overlapping regions showing loss of heterozygosity (LOH, R_1-R_3 from 11 to 30 cM) on chromosome 17 in 45 primary gastric cancers (GCs). The data indicated the presence of tumor suppressor genes (TSGs) on chromosome 17 involved in GC. Among the putative TSGs in these regions, HIC1 (in SR_1) and TOB1 (in SR_3) remain to be examined in GC. By immunohistochemistry (IHC), methylation-specific PCR (MSP) and western blot, we evaluated the expression and regulation status for HIC1 and TOB1 protein in GC. We narrowed down the deletion intervals on chromosome 17 and defined five smaller LOH subregions, SR_1-SR_5 (0.54 to 3.42 cM), in GC. We found that HIC1 had downregulated expression in 86% (91/106) and was methylated in 87% (26/30) of primary GCs. Of the primary GCs showing downregulation of HIC1 protein, 75% (18/24) had methylated HIC1 gene. TOB1 was either absent or expressed at reduced levels in 75% (73/97) of the GC samples. In addition, a general reduction was found in total and the ratio of unphosphorylated to phosphorylated TOB1 protein levels in the differentiated GC cell lines. Further analysis revealed significant simultaneous downregulation of both HIC1 and TOB1 protein in GC tissue microarray samples (67%, 52/78) and in primary GCs (65%, 11/17). These results indicate that silencing of HIC1 and TOB1 expression is a common occurrence in GC and may contribute to the development and progression of the disease.

Analysis of TRRAP as a Potential Molecular Marker and Therapeutic Target for Breast Cancer

Ji Wang,Ming Shan,Tong Liu,Qingyu Shi,Zhenbin Zhong,Wei Wei,Da Pang 한국유방암학회 2016 Journal of breast cancer Vol.19 No.1

Purpose: This study was designed to assess the protein levels of transformation/transcription domain-associated protein (TRRAP) in invasive ductal breast carcinomas, and investigated the association between TRRAP and the clinicopathological features of breast cancer. Methods: We examined TRRAP protein expression in 470 breast cancer tissues and normal breast tissues by tissue microarray to study the correlation between TRRAP expression and clinicopathological features. This was analyzed using the chi-square test. Kaplan-Meier survival curves and log-rank tests were applied to analyze the survival status. Cox regression was applied for multivariate analysis of prognosis. Results: The data demonstrated that expression of TRRAP was significantly lower in breast carcinomas (36.6%) than in corresponding normal breast tissues (50.8%). In addition, TRRAP protein levels negatively correlated with tumor size, and indicated poor differentiation, increased nodal involvement, and low p53-positive rates. Analysis of survival revealed that lower TRRAP expression correlated with shorter survival time. Univariate analyses identified TRRAP and progesterone receptor as independent protective factors for breast cancer prognosis. However, Ki-67, tumor size, and nodal involvement appeared to be independent risk factors. Conclusion: The findings indicate a significant correlation between TRRAP protein levels and adverse prognosis in breast cancer. Therefore, TRRAP could be a prognostic biomarker for breast cancer. In addition, TRRAP is also a predictive biomarker of breast cancer treatment.

Reduction of hyperhydricity in carnation by supplementation with rare earth elements during in vitro shoot multiplication

Liu, Boling,Wei, Hao,Park, Ji Eun,Jeong, Byoung Ryong Salvia Press 2018 Propagation of ornamental plants Vol.18 No.2

Epidemiological Patterns of Cancer Incidence in Southern China: Based on 6 Population-based Cancer Registries

Liu, Jie,Yang, Xu-Li,Li, Ai,Chen, Wan-Qing,Ji, Lu,Zhao, Jun,Yan, Wei,Chen, Yi-Ying,Zhu, Li-Ping Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.3

Background: The epidemiological patterns of cancer incidence have been investigated widely in western countries. Nevertheless, information is quite limited in Jiangxi province, southern China. Materials and Methods: All data were reported by 6 population-based cancer registries in Jiangxi Province. The results were presented as incidence rates of cases by site (ICD-10), sex, crude rate (CR), age-standardized rates (ASRs) and truncated incidence rate (TR) per 100,000 person-years, using the direct method of standardization to the world population. Results: 8,765 new cancer cases were registered in our study during the period 2009-2011. Diagnosis of cancer was based on histopathology in 61.0%, clinical or radiology findings in 4.87% and death certificate only (DCO) in 3.0% of the cases. The median age at diagnosis was 62.0 years (mean, 61; standard deviation, 15). The ASRs were 170.8 per 100,000 for men and 111.2 for women. The ASRs for all invasive cancers from the urban areas (145.7 per 100,000) was higher than that of rural areas (137.1). Incidence rates for lung cancer were higher in rural (35.8) than in urban areas (27.0). Similarly, relatively high rates were observed for stomach cancer in rural (20.1) relative to urban areas (15.5). Conclusions: Our results reveal that the most common cancers were breast and lung in women and lung and liver in men. Interestingly, this study suggested a higher incidence rates for lung and stomach cancer in rural males than in urban population, which may suggest other potential causes, such as over-consumption of smoked meats and high prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection, respectively. Public education and the promotion of healthy lifestyles should be actively carried out.

Adaptive polymorphism of tetrameric alpha-amylase inhibitors in wild emmer wheat

Ji-Rui Wang,Mei Deng,Ya-Xi Liu,Xin Qiao,Zhen-Hong Chen,Qian-Tao Jiang,Zhi-En Pu,Yu-Ming Wei,Eviatar Nevo,You-Liang Zheng 한국유전학회 2011 Genes & Genomics Vol.33 No.4

α-Amylase inhibitors are attractive candidates for the control of seed weevils as these insects are highly dependent on starch as an energy source. Wheat tetrameric α-amylase inhibitor (WTAI) is a mixture (60 kDa) of 3 units: WTAI-CM2 plus 2 WTAI-CM3 plus WTAI-CM16, where none of the subunits is active on its own. A total of 334 gene sequences were obtained from 14 populations (131 accessions= genotypes) of wild emmer wheat. The frequencies of SNPs in WTAI-CM2,WTAI-CM3 and WTAI-CM16 were 1 out of 87.6, 101.4, and 108.0 bases, where 5, 5 and 4 SNPs were detected in the coding sequence, respectively. The nucleotide sequence of each unit of tetrameric α-amylase inhibitors were much more conserved than that of dimeric or monomeric inhibitors. The wild emmer wheat populations showed diversity on three WTAI loci,both between and within populations. It was revealed that WTAI were naturally selected for across populations by a ratio of dN/dS as expected. The results of purifying and positive selection hypothesis (p<0.05) also showed that the sequences of WTAI were contributed by natural selection, which ensures the protein function conservation as well as the inhibition diversity with insects amylase enzyme. Ecological factors, singly or in combination, explained a significant proportion of the variations in the SNPs. Ecological factors have an important evolutionary role in gene differentiation at these loci, and tetrameric α-amylase inhibitors are obviously adaptively selected under different environments.

Preparation and characterization of bioactive calcium silicate and poly(ε-caprolactone) nanocomposite for bone tissue regeneration

Wei, Jie,Heo, S. J.,Liu, Changsheng,Kim, D. H.,Kim, S. E.,Hyun, Y. T.,Shin, Ji-Wang,Shin, Jung-Woog Wiley Subscription Services, Inc., A Wiley Company 2009 Journal of biomedical materials research. Part A Vol.a90 No.3

<P>A novel biocomposite of nanosized calcium silicate (n-CS) and poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) was successfully fabricated directly using n-CS slurry, not dried n-CS powder, in a solvent-casting method. The in vitro bioactivity of the composite was evaluated by investigating the apatite-forming ability in simulated body fluid. A proliferation assay with mouse L929 fibroblasts was used to test the in vitro biocompatibility. The composition, hydrophilicity, and mechanical properties were also evaluated. Results suggest that the incorporation of n-CS could significantly improve the hydrophilicity, compressive strength, and elastic modulus of n-CS/PCL composites, with the enhancements mainly dependent on n-CS content. The n-CS/PCL composites exhibit excellent in vitro bioactivity, with surface apatite formation for 40% (w/w) n-CS (C40) exceeding that of 20% (w/w) n-CS (C20) at 7 and 14 days. The Ca/P ratios of apatite formed on C20 and C40 surfaces were 1.58 and 1.61, respectively, indicating nonstoichiometric apatite with defective structure. Composites demonstrated significantly better cell attachment and proliferation than that of PCL alone, with C40 demonstrating the best bioactivity. The apatite layers that formed on the composite surfaces facilitated cell attachment (4 h) and proliferation during the early stages (1 and 4 days). Collectively, these results suggest that the incorporation of n-CS produces biocomposites with enhanced bioactivity and biocompatibility. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2009</P>

Associations of TNF-RII rs1061622 With Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Their Interplays on Serum Lipids Levels in Adolescents

Ji Cheng Zhang,Jin Hua Wang,Jun Yi Liu,Qi Wei Guo,Jia Lin,Yi Lin Shen,Ke Xin Jia,Jia Jing Cai,Guo Ming Su,Ding Zhi Fang 대한신경정신의학회 2023 PSYCHIATRY INVESTIGATION Vol.20 No.11

Objective To verify effects of rs1061622 at tumor necrosis factor-α receptor II (TNF-RII) gene (<i>TNF-RII</i>) on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and its interactive effects with PTSD on serum lipids levels in adolescents.Methods PTSD was measured by PTSD Checklist-Civilian Version (PCL-C) in 699 adolescent survivors at 6 months after Wenchuan earthquake in China. A polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism assay were utilized for <i>TNF-RII</i> rs1061622 genotyping followed by verification using DNA sequencing. Serum triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were tested using routine methods.Results G (deoxyguanine) allele carriers had higher PCL-C scores than TT (deoxythymidine) homozygotes in female subjects. Female adolescents had higher PCL-C scores than male subjects in TT homozygotes. Predictors of PTSD prevalence and severity were different between G allele carriers and TT homozygotes. Subjects with PTSD had lower TG, TG/HDL-C, TC/HDL-C, and higher HDL-C than adolescents without PTSD in male G allele carriers. G allele carriers had higher TG/HDL-C and TC/HDL-C than TT homozygotes in male adolescents without PTSD, and lower TG and TG/HDL-C in male PTSD patients. G allele carriers had higher TG than TT homozygotes only in female adolescents without PTSD.Conclusion These results suggest reciprocal actions of <i>TNF-RII</i> rs1061622 with other factors on PTSD severity, interplays of <i>TNF-RII</i> rs1061622 with PTSD on serum lipid levels, and novel treatment strategies for PTSD and comorbidities of PTSD with hyperlipidemia among adolescents with different genetic backgrounds of <i>TNF-RII</i> rs1061622 after experiencing traumatic events.

LincR-PPP2R5C Promotes Th2 Cell Differentiation Through PPP2R5C/PP2A by Forming an RNA–DNA Triplex in Allergic Asthma

Ji Ningfei,Chen Zhongqi,Wang Zhengxia,Sun Wei,Yuan Qi,Zhang Xijie,Jia Xinyu,Wu Jingjing,Jiang Jingxian,Song Meijuan,Xu Tingting,Liu Yanan,Ma Qiyun,Sun Zhixiao,Bao Yanmin,Zhang Mingshun,Huang Mao 대한천식알레르기학회 2024 Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Research Vol.16 No.1

Purpose: The roles and mechanisms of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in T helper 2 (Th2) differentiation from allergic asthma are poorly understood. We aimed to explore a novel lncRNA, LincR-protein phosphatase 2 regulatory subunit B' gamma (PPP2R5C), in Th2 differentiation in a mouse model of asthma. Methods: LincR-PPP2R5C from RNA-seq data of CD4+ T cells of asthma-like mice were validated and confirmed by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, northern blotting, nuclear and cytoplasmic separation, and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Lentiviruses encoding LincR-PPP2R5C or shRNA were used to overexpress or silence LincR-PPP2R5C in CD4+ T cells. The interactions between LincR-PPP2R5C and PPP2R5C were explored with western blotting, chromatin isolation by RNA purification assay, and fluorescence resonance energy transfer. An ovalbumin-induced acute asthma model in knockout (KO) mice (LincR-PPP2R5C KO, CD4 conditional LincR-PPP2R5C KO) was established to explore the roles of LincR-PPP2R5C in Th2 differentiation. Results: LncR-PPP2R5C was significantly higher in CD4+ T cells from asthmatic mice ex vivo and Th2 cells in vitro. The lentivirus encoding LincR-PPP2R5C suppressed Th1 differentiation; in contrast, the short hairpin RNA (shRNA) lentivirus decreased LincR-PPP2R5C and Th2 differentiation. Mechanistically, LincR-PPP2R5C deficiency suppressed the phosphatase activity of the protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) holocomplex, resulting in a decline in Th2 differentiation. The formation of an RNA-DNA triplex between LincR-PPP2R5C and the PPP2R5C promoter enhanced PPP2R5C expression and activated PP2A. LincR-PPP2R5C KO and CD4 conditional KO decreased Th2 differentiation, airway hyperresponsiveness and inflammatory responses. Conclusions: LincR-PPP2R5C regulated PPP2R5C expression and PP2A activity by forming an RNA-DNA triplex with the PPP2R5C promoter, leading to Th2 polarization in a mouse model of acute asthma. Our data presented the first definitive evidence of lncRNAs in the regulation of Th2 cells in asthma.