Development of EST-SSRs from the ark shell (Scapharca broughtonii) transcriptome and their application in genetic analysis of four populations

Wenjing Wang,Biao Wu,Zhihong Liu,Liqing Zhou,Xiujun Sun,Jiteng Tian,Aiguo Yang 한국유전학회 2021 Genes & Genomics Vol.43 No.6

Background The ark shell (Scapharca broughtonii) is one of the most economically important mollusks in the Bohai Sea and Yellow Sea of China. In recent years, ark shells from the Korean population were introduced to China for seed propagation and culture. Objective To explore the impact of the introduction of Korean ark shell on the genetic diversity of native population in China. Methods Simple sequence repeat (SSR) is efective and widely used tool for genetic analysis. In this study, 180 EST-SSRs were selected and verifed by polymerase chain reaction and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Subsequently, fve polymorphic EST-SSRs were screened and their primers were modifed by fuorescein for use in the genetic analysis of four populations. Results Genetic analysis showed that 361 alleles amplifed by fve SSR loci were detected in the four populations. The number of alleles for the fve SSRs ranged from 8 to 30, with a mean of 18.05 (standard deviation, SD=6.492). The efective number of alleles varied from 2.253 to 22.222, with a mean of 10.596 (SD=4.713). Observed heterozygosity and expected heterozygosity were 0.167–0.833 and 0.566–0.971, with average values of 0.520 (SD=0.177) and 0.891 (SD =0.062), respectively. Polymorphic information content ranged from 0.521 to 0.953, with a mean of 0.865 (SD=0.070). The pairwise genetic diferentiation coefcient (FST) of the four populations ranged from 0.0267 to 0.0477, showing low genetic diferentiation. The phylogenetic tree constructed by neighbor-joining method showed that the genetic distance between the Chinese Dalian native population and three Korean populations was relatively more far than that among those Korean populations. Conclusion The results indicated that the genetic structure of the Dalian wild population was less afected by the introduced Korean wild populations.

Buckling analysis of structures under combined loading with acceleration forces

Wenjing Wang,Randy Gu 국제구조공학회 2014 Structural Engineering and Mechanics, An Int'l Jou Vol.52 No.5

The structures of concern in this study are subject to two types of forces: dead loads from the acceleration imposed on the structures as well as the installed operation machines and the additional adjustable forces. We wish to determine the critical values of the adjustable forces when buckling of the structures occurs. The mathematical statement of such a problem gives rise to a constrained eigenvalue problem (CEVP) in which the dominant eigenvalue is subject to an equality constraint. A numerical algorithm for solving the CEVP is proposed in which an iterative method is employed to identify an interval embracing the target eigenvalue. The algorithm is applied to four engineering application examples findingthe critical loads of a fixed-free beam subject to its own body force, two plane structures and one wide-flange beam using shell elements when acceleration force is present. The accuracy is demonstrated using thefirst example whose classical solution exists. The significance of the equality constraint in the EVP is shown by comparing the solutions without the constraint on the eigenvalue. Effectiveness and accuracy of the numerical algorithm are presented.

Expression of fox-related genes in the skin follicles of Inner Mongolia cashmere goat

Wenjing Han,Xiaoyan Li,Lele Wang,Honghao Wang,Kun Yang,Zhixin Wang,Ruijun Wang,Rui Su,Zhihong Liu,Yanhong Zhao,Yanjun Zhang,Jinquan Li 아세아·태평양축산학회 2018 Animal Bioscience Vol.31 No.3

Objective: This study investigated the expression of genes in cashmere goats at different periods of their fetal development. Methods: Bioinformatics analysis was used to evaluate data obtained by transcriptome sequencing of fetus skin samples collected from Inner Mongolia cashmere goats on days 45, 55, and 65 of fetal age. Results: We found that FoxN1, FoxE1, and FoxI3 genes of the Fox gene family were probably involved in the growth and development of the follicle and the formation of hair, which is consistent with previous findings. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction detecting system and Western blot analysis were employed to study the relative differentially expressed genes FoxN1, FoxE1, and FoxI3 in the body skin of cashmere goat fetuses and adult individuals. Conclusion: This study provided new fundamental information for further investigation of the genes related to follicle development and exploration of their roles in hair follicle initiation, growth, and development.

Isoliquiritigenin attenuates spinal tuberculosis through inhibiting immune response in a New Zealand white rabbit model

Wang, Wenjing,Yang, Baozhi,Cui, Yong,Zhan, Ying The Korean Society of Pharmacology 2018 The Korean Journal of Physiology & Pharmacology Vol.22 No.4

Spinal tuberculosis (ST) is the tuberculosis caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infections in spinal curds. Isoliquiritigenin (4,2',4'-trihydroxychalcone, ISL) is an anti-inflammatory flavonoid derived from licorice (Glycyrrhiza uralensis), a Chinese traditional medicine. In this study, we evaluated the potential of ISL in treating ST in New Zealand white rabbit models. In the model, rabbits (n=40) were infected with Mtb strain H37Rv or not in their $6^{th}$ lumbar vertebral bodies. Since the day of infection, rabbits were treated with 20 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg of ISL respectively. After 10 weeks of treatments, the adjacent vertebral bone tissues of rabbits were analyzed through Hematoxylin-Eosin staining. The relative expression of Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1/CCL2), transcription factor ${\kappa}B$ ($NF-{\kappa}B$) p65 in lymphocytes were verified through reverse transcription quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR), western blotting and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). The serum level of interleukin (IL)-2, IL-4, IL-10 and interferon ${\gamma}$ ($IFN-{\gamma}$) were evaluated through ELISA. The effects of ISL on the phosphorylation of $I{\kappa}B{\alpha}$, $IKK{\alpha}/{\beta}$ and p65 in $NF-{\kappa}B$ signaling pathways were assessed through western blotting. In the results, ISL has been shown to effectively attenuate the granulation inside adjacent vertebral tissues. The relative level of MCP-1, p65 and IL-4 and IL-10 were retrieved. $NF-{\kappa}B$ signaling was inhibited, in which the phosphorylation of p65, $I{\kappa}B{\alpha}$ and $IKK{\alpha}/{\beta}$ were suppressed whereas the level of $I{\kappa}B{\alpha}$ were elevated. In conclusion, ISL might be an effective drug that inhibited the formation of granulomas through downregulating MCP-1, $NF-{\kappa}B$, IL-4 and IL-10 in treating ST.

Isoliquiritigenin attenuates spinal tuberculosis through inhibiting immune response in a New Zealand white rabbit model

Wenjing Wang,Baozhi Yang,Yong Cui,Ying Zhan 대한약리학회 2018 The Korean Journal of Physiology & Pharmacology Vol.22 No.4

Spinal tuberculosis (ST) is the tuberculosis caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infections in spinal curds. Isoliquiritigenin (4,2’,4’-trihydroxychalcone, ISL) is an anti-inflammatory flavonoid derived from licorice (Glycyrrhiza uralensis ), a Chinese traditional medicine. In this study, we evaluated the potential of ISL in treating ST in New Zealand white rabbit models. In the model, rabbits (n=40) were infected with Mtb strain H37Rv or not in their 6th lumbar vertebral bodies. Since the day of infection, rabbits were treated with 20 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg of ISL respectively. After 10 weeks of treatments, the adjacent vertebral bone tissues of rabbits were analyzed through Hematoxylin-Eosin staining. The relative expression of Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1/CCL2), transcription factor κB (NF-κB) p65 in lymphocytes were verified through reverse transcription quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR), western blotting and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). The serum level of interleukin (IL)-2, IL-4, IL-10 and interferon γ (IFN-γ) were evaluated through ELISA. The effects of ISL on the phosphorylation of IκBα, IKKα/β and p65 in NF-κB signaling pathways were assessed through western blotting. In the results, ISL has been shown to effectively attenuate the granulation inside adjacent vertebral tissues. The relative level of MCP-1, p65 and IL-4 and IL-10 were retrieved. NF-κB signaling was inhibited, in which the phosphorylation of p65, IκBα and IKKα/β were suppressed whereas the level of IκBα were elevated. In conclusion, ISL might be an effective drug that inhibited the formation of granulomas through downregulating MCP-1, NF-κB, IL-4 and IL-10 in treating ST.

Buckling analysis of structures under combined loading with acceleration forces

Wang, Wenjing,Gu, Randy Techno-Press 2014 Structural Engineering and Mechanics, An Int'l Jou Vol.52 No.5

The structures of concern in this study are subject to two types of forces: dead loads from the acceleration imposed on the structures as well as the installed operation machines and the additional adjustable forces. We wish to determine the critical values of the adjustable forces when buckling of the structures occurs. The mathematical statement of such a problem gives rise to a constrained eigenvalue problem (CEVP) in which the dominant eigenvalue is subject to an equality constraint. A numerical algorithm for solving the CEVP is proposed in which an iterative method is employed to identify an interval embracing the target eigenvalue. The algorithm is applied to four engineering application examples finding the critical loads of a fixed-free beam subject to its own body force, two plane structures and one wide-flange beam using shell elements when acceleration force is present. The accuracy is demonstrated using the first example whose classical solution exists. The significance of the equality constraint in the EVP is shown by comparing the solutions without the constraint on the eigenvalue. Effectiveness and accuracy of the numerical algorithm are presented.

Shikonin ameliorates salivary gland damage and inflammation in a mouse model of Sjögren's syndrome by modulating MAPK signaling pathway

Wenjing Guo,Xin Wang,Chao Sun,Jian Wang,Tao Wang The Korean Society of Pharmacology 2023 The Korean Journal of Physiology & Pharmacology Vol.27 No.4

Sjögren syndrome (SS) is a systemic inflammatory autoimmune disease that involves exocrine glands. Shikonin is extracted from comfrey, which is conventionally used as an anti-tumor, antibacterial, and antiviral drug in China. However, the application of Shikonin in SS remains unreported. This study aimed to verify the potential functions of Shikonin in SS progression. Firstly, non-obese diabetic mice were used as the SS mouse model, with C57BL/6 mice serving as the healthy control. It was demonstrated that the salivary gland damage and inflammation were aggravated in the SS mouse model. Shikonin improved salivary gland function decline and injury in the SS mouse model. Moreover, Shikonin reduced inflammatory cytokines and immune infiltration in the SS mouse model. Further experiments discovered that Shikonin attenuated the MAPK signaling pathway in the SS mouse model. Lastly, inhibition of the MAPK signaling pathway combined with Shikonin treatment further alleviated the symptoms of SS. In conclusion, Shikonin ameliorated salivary gland damage and inflammation in a mouse model of SS by modulating the MAPK signaling pathway. Our findings indicate that Shikonin may be a useful drug for SS treatment.

An integrated strategy for extraction and pre-concentration of four astragalosides from Radix Astragali by a formulated surfactant aqueous system

Suixin Wang,Jiao Jiao,Xinyu Wang,Qingyan Gai,Ping Kou,Wenjing Xu,Meng Luo,Chunjian Zhao,Yu-Jie Fu 한국공업화학회 2019 Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Vol.70 No.-

Integrated and environmentally friendly methods for extraction and enrichment of natural products havegained increasing interests. The proposed preparation process provides the possibility that extractionand pre-concentration for astragalosides from Radix Astragali roots can be conducted with the surfactantaqueous system in one single procedure. The formulated surfactant system composing of 2% TX-114 assurfactant and 0.03% (w/v) of Gemini 16-5-16 as co-surfactant showed higher extraction efficiency withultrasonic-assisted method and four astragalosides could be enriched by the cloud point phenomenon ofsurfactant. This work represents a valuable alternative for the eco-friendly extraction and enrichment ofsecondary metabolites from plants.

Functional Analysis of Wheat TaPaO1 Gene Conferring Pollen Sterility Under Low Temperature

Changping Zhao,Guoliang Yuan,Yukun Wang,Shaohua Yuan,Peng Wang,Wenjing Duan,Jianfang Bai,Hui Sun,Na Wang,Fengting Zhang,Liping Zhang 한국식물학회 2018 Journal of Plant Biology Vol.61 No.1

Thermosensitive male sterility plays an important role in wheat fertility and production. As a key enzyme for chlorophyll degradation, pheophorbide a oxygenase (PaO) can suppress cell death in plants. We cloned the wheat gene TaPaO1 from the thermosensitive genetic male sterile (TGMS) line BS366; it encodes a typical PaO protein, containing a conserved Rieske [2Fe-2S] iron–sulphur motif, a mononuclear non-heme iron-binding motif, and a C-terminal CxxC motif. TaPaO1 was expressed in all tissues and was upregulated during the meiosis stage of BS366 anthers under low temperature. Subcellular localization of TaPaO1 specifically labelled the surrounding of chloroplasts. TaPaO1 regulated by RD29A promoter which responded to low temperature led to pollen sterility in transgenic tobacco. Expression analysis showed that TaPaO1 exhibited a higher level of expression in the anther than in other tissues in transgenic tobacco plants during low temperature treatment. We propose that the higher senescence-related activity of TaPaO1 may lead to the cell death of anthers, which happens at an early developmental stage under low temperature. These results provide new insights into the function of PaO during the early developmental stage of anthers. PaO is closely related to cell death regardless of whether it exhibits increased activity or inactive.

Helicobacter pylori-Induced Progranulin Promotes the Progression of the Gastric Epithelial Cell Cycle by Regulating CDK4

Ren Zongjiao,Li Jiayi,Du Xianhong,Shi Wenjing,Guan Fulai,Wang Xiaochen,Wang Linjing,Wang Hongyan 한국미생물·생명공학회 2022 Journal of microbiology and biotechnology Vol.32 No.7

Helicobacter pylori, a group 1 carcinogen, colonizes the stomach and affects the development of stomach diseases. Progranulin (PGRN) is an autocrine growth factor that regulates multiple cellular processes and plays a tumorigenic role in many tissues. Nevertheless, the mechanism of action of PGRN in gastric cancer caused by H. pylori infection remains unclear. Here, we investigated the role of PGRN in cell cycle progression and the cell proliferation induced by H. pylori infection. We found that the increased PGRN was positively associated with CDK4 expression in gastric cancer tissue. PGRN was upregulated by H. pylori infection, thereby promoting cell proliferation, and that enhanced level of proliferation was reduced by PGRN inhibitor. CDK4, a target gene of PGRN, is a cyclin-dependent kinase that binds to cyclin D to promote cell cycle progression, which was upregulated by H. pylori infection. We also showed that knockdown of CDK4 reduced the higher cell cycle progression caused by upregulated PGRN. Moreover, when the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway (which is promoted by PGRN) was blocked, the upregulation of CDK4 mediated by PGRN was reduced. These results reveal the potential mechanism by which PGRN plays a major role through CDK4 in the pathological mechanism of H. pylori infection.