Overexpression of ENA1 from Yeast Increases Salt Tolerance in Arabidopsis

( Xiang Qiang Kong ),( Xiu Hua Gao ),( Wei Huan Li ),( Ji Qiang Zhao ),( Yan Xiu Zhao ),( Hui Zhang ) 한국식물학회 2008 Journal of Plant Biology Vol.51 No.2

In yeast, the plasma membrane Na+/H+ antiporter and Na+ -ATPase are key enzymes for salt tolerance. Saccharomyces cerevisiae Na+ -ATPase (Ena1p ATPase) is encoded by the ENA1/PMR2A gene; expression of ENA1 is tightly regulated by Na+ and depends on ambient pH. Although Ena1p is active mainly at alkaline pH values in S. cerevisiae, no Na+ -ATPase has been found in flowering plants. To test whether this yeast enzyme would improve salt tolerance in plants, we introduced ENA1 into Arabidopsis (cv. Columbia) under the control of the cauliflower mosaic virus 35S promoter. Transformants were selected for their ability to grow on a medium containing kanamyin. Southern blot analyses confirmed that ENA1 was transferred into the Arabidopsis genome and northern blot analyses showed that ENA1 was expressed in the transformants. Several transgenic homozygous lines and wild-type (WT) plants were evaluated for salt tolerance. No obvious morphological or developmental differences existed between the transgenic and WT plants in the absence of stress. However, overexpression of ENA1 in Arabidopsis improved seed germination rates and salt tolerance in seedlings. Under saline conditions, transgenic plants accumulated a lower amount of Na+ than did the wild type, and fresh and dry weights of the former were higher. Other experiments revealed that expression of ENA1 promoted salt tolerance in transgenic Arabidopsis under both acidic and alkaline conditions.

Construction of a genetic linkage map and QTL mapping of agronomic traits in Auricularia auricula-judae

Li-Xin Lu,Fang-Jie Yao,Peng Wang,Ming Fang,You-Min Zhang,Wei-Tong Zhang,Xiang-Hui Kong,Jia Lu 한국미생물학회 2017 The journal of microbiology Vol.55 No.10

Auricularia auricula-judae is a traditional edible fungus that is cultivated widely in China. In this study, a genetic linkage map for A. auricula-judae was constructed using a mapping population consisting of 138 monokaryons derived from a hybrid strain (A119-5). The monokaryotic parent strains A14-5 and A18-119 were derived from two cultivated varieties, A14 (Qihei No. 1) and A18 (Qihei No. 2), respectively. In total, 130 simple sequence repeat markers were mapped. These markers were developed using the whole genome sequence of A. auricula-judae and amplified in A14-5, A18- 119, and the mapping population. The map consisted of 11 linkage groups (LGs) spanning 854 cM, with an average interval length of 6.57 cM. A testcross population was derived from crossing between the monokaryon A184-57 (from the wild strain A184 as a tester strain) and the mapping population. Important agronomic trait-related QTLs, including mycelium growth rate on potato dextrose agar for the mapping population, mycelium growth rate on potato dextrose agar and sawdust for the testcross population, growth period (days from inoculation to fruiting body harvesting), and yield for the testcross population, were identified using the composite interval mapping method. Six mycelium growth raterelated QTLs were identified on LG1 and LG4, two growth period-related QTLs were identified on LG2, and three yieldrelated QTLs were identified on LG2 and LG6. The results showed no linkage relationship between mycelium growth rate and growth period. The present study provides a foundation for locating genes for important agronomic characteristics in A. auricula-judae in the future.

Traditional Chinese medicine for COVID-19 pandemic and emerging challenges: An online cross-sectional survey in China

Chun-Li Lu,Ruo-Xiang Zheng,Xue Xue,Xiao-Wen Zhang,Xue-Han Liu,Xin-Yan Jin,Feng-Lan Pu,Hui-Di Lan,Min Fang,Ling-Yao Kong,Merlin Willcox,Bertrand Graz,Joelle Houriet,Xiao-Yang Hu,Jian-ping Liu 한국한의학연구원 2021 Integrative Medicine Research Vol.10 No.-

Background We aimed to investigate use of infection control behaviours, preventative and therapeutic interventions, and outcomes among respondents to an online survey during the COVID-19 pandemic in China. Methods The survey was designed by an international team, translated and adapted to simplified Chinese, including 132 kinds of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) preparation recommended by guidelines. It was distributed and collected from February to May 2021, with data analysed by WPS spreadsheet and wjx.cn. Descriptive statistics were used to describe demographics and clinical characteristics, diagnosis, treatments, preventative behaviours and interventions, and their associated outcomes. Results The survey was accessed 503 times with 341 (67.8%) completions covering 23 provinces and four municipalities in China. Most (282/341, 82.7%) respondents reported no symptoms during the pandemic and the majority (290/341, 85.0%) reported having a SARS-CoV-2 PCR test at some point. Forty-five (13.2%) reported having a respiratory infection, among which 19 (42.2%) took one or more categories of modern medicine, e.g. painkillers, antibiotics; 16 (35.6%) used TCM interventions(s); while seven respondents combined TCM with modern medicine. All respondents reported using at least one behavioural or medical approach to prevention, with 22.3% taking TCM and 5.3% taking modern medicines. No respondents reported having a critical condition related to COVID-19. Conclusion We found evidence of widespread use of infection control behaviours, modern medicines and TCM for treatment and prevention of COVID-19 and other respiratory symptoms. Larger scale studies are warranted, including a more representative sample exploring TCM preparations recommended in clinical guidelines. Background We aimed to investigate use of infection control behaviours, preventative and therapeutic interventions, and outcomes among respondents to an online survey during the COVID-19 pandemic in China. Methods The survey was designed by an international team, translated and adapted to simplified Chinese, including 132 kinds of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) preparation recommended by guidelines. It was distributed and collected from February to May 2021, with data analysed by WPS spreadsheet and wjx.cn. Descriptive statistics were used to describe demographics and clinical characteristics, diagnosis, treatments, preventative behaviours and interventions, and their associated outcomes. Results The survey was accessed 503 times with 341 (67.8%) completions covering 23 provinces and four municipalities in China. Most (282/341, 82.7%) respondents reported no symptoms during the pandemic and the majority (290/341, 85.0%) reported having a SARS-CoV-2 PCR test at some point. Forty-five (13.2%) reported having a respiratory infection, among which 19 (42.2%) took one or more categories of modern medicine, e.g. painkillers, antibiotics; 16 (35.6%) used TCM interventions(s); while seven respondents combined TCM with modern medicine. All respondents reported using at least one behavioural or medical approach to prevention, with 22.3% taking TCM and 5.3% taking modern medicines. No respondents reported having a critical condition related to COVID-19. Conclusion We found evidence of widespread use of infection control behaviours, modern medicines and TCM for treatment and prevention of COVID-19 and other respiratory symptoms. Larger scale studies are warranted, including a more representative sample exploring TCM preparations recommended in clinical guidelines.

Maternal Gene Transcription in Mouse Oocytes: Genes Implicated in Oocyte Maturation and Fertilization

CUI, Xiang-Shun,LI, Xing-Yu,YIN, Xi-Jun,KONG, IL Keun,KANG, Jason-Jongho,KIM, Nam-Hyung 家畜繁殖硏究所 2007 Journal of Reproduction and Development Vol.53 No.2

<P>Maternal gene expression is an important biological process in oocyte maturation and early cleavage. To gain insights into oocyte maturation and early embryo development, we used microarray analysis to compare the gene expression profiles of germinal vesicle (GV)- and metaphase II (MII)-stage oocytes. The differences in spot intensities were normalized and grouped using the Avadis Prophetic software platform. Of the 12164 genes examined, we found 1682 genes with more highly expression in GV-stage oocytes than in MII-stage oocytes, while 1936 genes were more highly expressed in MII-stage oocytes (P<0.05). The genes were grouped on the basis of the Panther classification system according to their involvement in particular biological processes. The genes that were up-regulated in GV oocytes were more likely to be involved in protein metabolism and modification, the mitotic cell cycle, electron transport, or fertilization or belong to the microtubule/cytoskeletal protein family. The genes specifically upregulated in the MII oocytes were more likely to be involved in DNA replication, amino acid metabolism, or expression of G protein-coupled receptors and signaling molecules. Identification of genes that are preferentially expressed at particular oocyte maturation stages provides insights into the complex gene regulatory networks that drive oocyte maturation and fertilization.</P>

Metastatic Axillary Lymph Node Ratio (LNR) is Prognostically Superior to pN Staging in Patients with Breast Cancer -- Results for 804 Chinese Patients from a Single Institution

Xiao, Xiang-Sheng,Tang, Hai-Lin,Xie, Xin-Hua,Li, Lai-Sheng,Kong, Ya-Nan,Wu, Min-Qing,Yang, Lu,Gao, Jie,Wei, Wei-Dong,Xie, Xiaoming Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2013 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.14 No.9

The number of axillary lymph nodes involved and retrieved are important prognostic factors in breast cancer. The purpose of our study was to investigate whether the lymph node ratio (LNR) is a better prognostic factor in predicting disease-free survival (DFS) for breast cancer patients as compared with pN staging. The analysis was based on 804 breast cancer patients who had underwent axillary lymph node dissection between 1999 and 2008 in Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center. Optimal cutoff points of LNR were calculated using X-tile software and validated by bootstrapping. Patients were then divided into three groups (low-, intermediate-, and high-risk) according to the cutoff points. Predicting risk factors for relapse were performed according to Cox proportional hazards analysis. DFS was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared by the log-rank test. The 5-year DFS rate decreased significantly with increasing LNRs and pN. Univariate analysis found that the pT, pN, LNR, molecule type, HER2, pTNM stage and radiotherapy well classified patients with significantly different prognosis. By multivariate analysis, only LNR classification was retained as an independent prognostic factor. Furthermore, there was a significant prognostic difference among different LNR categories for pN2 category, but no apparent prognostic difference was seen between different pN categories in any LNR category. Therefore, LNR rather than pN staging is preferable in predicting DFS in node positive breast cancer patients, and routine clinical decision-making should take the LNR into consideration.

Antimicrobial activity and synergism of ursolic acid 3-O-α-L-arabinopyranoside with oxacillin against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Zhou, Tian,Li, Zhi,Kang, Ok-Hwa,Mun, Su-Hyun,Seo, Yun-Soo,Kong, Ryong,Shin, Dong-Won,Liu, Xiang-Qian,Kwon, Dong-Yeul UNKNOWN 2017 INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR MEDICINE Vol.40 No.4

Superluminescent diode integrated with monitor photodiode

Zhou Shuai,Liu Kun,Li Peng,Pang Fu-Bin,Zhang Jing,Kong Xiang-Ping,Duan Li-Hua,Zhang Chang-Chun 한국물리학회 2023 THE JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN PHYSICAL SOCIETY Vol.82 No.2

Ridge-waveguide superluminescent diodes with integrated rear-side monitoring photodiode have been fabricated. When electrical isolation trench is not etched to active layer, the leakage current of monitoring photodiode is determined by the resistance between active region electrode and monitoring photodiode electrode, i.e. the resistance multiplied by the leakage current approximately equals to 0.8 V. In order to reduce the leakage current of monitoring photodiode, the electrical isolation trench must be etched into substrate layer. In addition, the electrical isolation trench has to be far enough away from the active region so that the superluminescent diode could achieve small spectral ripple.

Development of a Molecular Marker for Fruiting Body Pattern in Auricularia auricula-judae

( Fang-jie Yao ),( Li-xin Lu ),( Peng Wang ),( Ming Fang ),( You-min Zhang ),( Ying Chen ),( Wei-tong Zhang ),( Xiang-hui Kong ),( Jia Lu ),( Yoichi Honda ) 한국균학회 2018 Mycobiology Vol.46 No.1

The fruiting body pattern is an important agronomic trait of the edible fungus Auricularia auricula-judae, and an important breeding target. There are two types of fruiting body pattern: the cluster type and the chrysanthemum type. We identified the fruiting body pattern of 26 test strains, and then constructed two different near-isogenic pools. Then, we developed sequence characterized amplified region (SCAR) molecular markers associated with the fruiting body pattern based on sequence-related amplified polymorphism (SRAP) markers. Ten different bands (189-522 bp) were amplified using 153 pairs of SRAP primers. The SCAR marker “SCL-18” consisted of a single 522-bp band amplified from the cluster-type strains, but not the chrysanthemum strains. This SCAR marker was closely associated with the cluster- type fruiting body trait of A. auricula-judae. These results lay the foundation for further research to locate and clone genes controlling the fruiting body pattern of A. auricula-judae.

Purification and Biochemical Characterization of a Novel Fibrinolytic Enzyme from Streptomyces sp. P3

( Guang Yan Cheng ),( Li Ying He ),( Zhi Bin Sun ),( Zhong Li Cui ),( Ying Xiang Du ),( Yi Kong ) 한국미생물 · 생명공학회 2015 Journal of microbiology and biotechnology Vol.25 No.9

A novel proteolytic enzyme with fibrinolytic activity, FSP3, was purified from the recently isolated Streptomyces sp. P3, which is a novel bacterial strain isolated from soil. FSP3 was purified to electrophoretic homogeneity by ammonium sulfate precipitation, anion exchange, and gel filtration. FSP3 is considered to be a single peptide chain with a molecular mass of 44 kDa. The maximum activity of the enzyme was observed at 50°C and pH 6.5, and the enzyme was stable between pH 6 and 8 and below 40°C. In a fibrin plate assay, FSP3 showed more potent fibrinolytic activity than urokinase, which is a clinical thrombolytic agent acting as a plasminogen activitor. The activity was strongly inhibited by the serine protease inhibitor PMSF, indicating that it is a serine protease. Additionally, metal ions showed different effects on the activity. It was significantly suppressed by Mg2+ and Ca2+ and completely inhibited by Cu2+, but slightly enhanced by Fe2+. According to LC-MS/MS results, its partial amino acid sequences are significantly dissimilar from those of previously reported fibrinolytic enzymes. The sequence of a DNA fragment encoding FSP3 contained an open reading frame of 1287 base pairs encoding 428 amino acids. FSP3 is a bifunctional enzyme in nature. It hydrolyzes the fibrin directly and activates plasminogen, which may reduce the occurrence of side effects. These results suggest that FSP3 is a novel serine protease with potential applications in thrombolytic therapy.

Fucoidan inhibits LPS-induced acute lung injury in mice through regulating GSK-3β-Nrf2 signaling pathway

De-Zhang Zhu,Yan-Ting Wang,Yan-Li Zhuo,Kong-Juan Zhu,Xiang-Zhen Wang,Ai-Jie Liu 대한약학회 2020 Archives of Pharmacal Research Vol.43 No.6

The purpose of this study was to investigatethe protective eff ects of fucoidan on Lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced acute lung injury (ALI) in mice. The micewere divided into the control, LPS, and LPS + fucoidan(20, 40, or 80 mg/kg) groups. LPS was given by intrachealinstillation and fucoidan was given 1 h before LPS treatment. Myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, malondialdehyde(MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), reactive oxygen species(ROS), glutathione (GSH) contents, and infl ammatorycytokine production were detected. The results showed thatLPS-induced TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 production, lung wet/dry (W/D) ratio, ROS, MDA content, and MPO activity weresuppressed by fucoidan. The levels of SOD and GSH wereincreased by fucoidan. Meanwhile, LPS-induced nuclearfactor kappa-B (NF-κB) activation was dose-dependentlyattenuated by fucoidan. Furthermore, fucoidan increasedthe expression of nuclear factor erythroid-2 related factor2 (Nrf2), Glycogen synthase kinase3β (GSK-3β), and hemeoxygenase (HO-1). In vitro, the results demonstrated thatfucoidan or GSK-3β inhibitor signifi cantly inhibited LPSinducedTNF-α production in A549 cells. And the inhibitionof fucoidan on TNF-α production was blocked by Nrf2siRNA. This study showed fucoidan protected mice againstLPS-induced ALI through inhibiting inflammatory andoxidative responses via regulating GSK-3β-Nrf2 signalingpathway.