Genome-wide analysis of chemosensory protein genes in the small white butterfly Pieris rapae (Lepidoptera: Pieridae)

Mao-Ye Li,Xiu-Yun Jiang,Xi-Ya Liu,Yuan-Jie Huang,Shi-Guang Li,Su Liu 한국응용곤충학회 2020 Journal of Asia-Pacific Entomology Vol.23 No.3

Chemosensory proteins (CSPs) play a crucial role in olfactory recognition in insects. The small white butterfly Pieris rapae—a major pest of Brassicaceae vegetables, which causes enormous economic losses—uses olfaction to locate its host plants. However, the molecular mechanism of olfaction in this species remains unknown. Herein, we performed a genome-wide and transcriptome-wide analysis of CSP genes in P. rapae and identified 21 CSPs (PrapCSP1 to PrapCSP21). Proteins encoded by these genes showed typical characteristics of CSPs—an Nterminal signal peptide and four positionally conserved cysteine residues. BLASTX analysis indicated that most P. rapae CSPs showed high amino acid identity with their respective orthologs in other lepidopterans. Phylogenetic analysis showed that most P. rapae CSPs were well segregated and were clustered into different branches. The 21 genes were located on six genomic scaffolds, and most genes were tandemly arrayed. Quantitative reverse transcription-PCR showed that PrapCSP3, 4, 16 and 21 had the highest expression level in the antennae; PrapCSP7 and PrapCSP18 were mainly expressed in the ovaries, and PrapCSP9 and PrapCSP17 were leg-enriched. PrapCSP11 and PrapCSP20 were found mainly in the heads and testes, respectively. Our findings provide a solid foundation for studying the function of these genes.

Radix ranunculus temate saponins induces apoptosis via the death receptor and mitochondrial pathways in SGC-7901 cells

Mao-lin Li,Han-min Gu,Hong-ya Hang,Yao-li Jiang,Jiao Jiang,Qian-na Gu,Wen-yan Wu,M.-L. Li 대한독성 유전단백체 학회 2015 Molecular & cellular toxicology Vol.11 No.4

Radix ranunculus temate saponins (RRTS), one of the main constituents extracted from the popular traditional Chinese medicine Radix Ranunculi ternati, has been reported to have various biological activities including anti-cancer effect. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of RRTS on the cell proliferation and apoptosis in human gastric adenocarcinoma SGC-7901 cells. The data showed that exposure to RRTS for 24 h produced cytotoxic effects on SGC- 7901 cells in a dose-dependent manner (with an IC50 value of 21.22±2.76 μg/mL), which was accompanied by apoptosis induction (from 2.18±0.89% (control) to 63.72±13.16% (100 μg/mL)). Both the extrinsic or death receptor pathway and the intrinsic or mitochondrial pathway were involved in RRTS-induced apoptosis in SGC-7901 cells. Furthermore, apoptotic signaling induced by RRTS was amplified by cross-link between the two pathways via the signal-integrating protein Bid. In conclusion, our findings contribute to better understanding the molecular mechanism of RRTS’ effect on gastric cancer cells and form the basis of the therapeutic development of RRTS in treating gastric cancer in the future.

Medium- and long-chain triglyceride propofol reduces the activity of acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase in hepatic lipid metabolism in HepG2 and Huh7 cells

Li-yuan Wang,Jing Wu,Ya-fen Gao,Duo-mao Lin,Jun Ma 대한생리학회-대한약리학회 2020 The Korean Journal of Physiology & Pharmacology Vol.24 No.1

Medium- and long-chain triglyceride (MCT/LCT) propofol is widely used as an intravenous anesthetic, especially in the intensive care unit. The present study aimed to assess whether MCT/LCT propofol is safe in the hyperlipidemic population for long-term use. Free fatty acids (FFAs) were used to establish high-fat stimulation of HepG2 and Huh7 cells. Subsequently, these cells were treated with propofol at the concentration of 0, 4, or 8 μg/ml for 24 and 48 h. The results indicated that the cell viability was notably decreased when the cells were stimulated with 2 mmol/L FFAs and treated with 12 μg/ml MCT/LCT propofol. Accordingly, we chose 2 mmol/L FFAs along with 4 and 8 μg/ml MCT/LCT propofol for the subsequent experiments. Four and 8 μg/ml MCT/LCT propofol inhibited FFA-induced lipid accumulation in the cells and significantly reversed acetyl coenzyme A carboxylase (ACC) activity. In addition, MCT/LCT propofol not only significantly promoted the phosphorylation of AMPK and ACC, but also reversed the FFA-induced decreased phosphorylation of AMPK and ACC. In conclusion, MCT/LCT propofol reverses the negative effects caused by FFAs in HepG2 and Huh7 cells, indicating that MCT/LCT propofol might positively regulate lipid metabolism.

Synthesis, Crystal Structure and Characterization of Cu(II) and Cd(II) Coordination Compounds Based on Ligand 2-(3-(Pyridin-2-yl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)acetic Acid

Ya-Jun Zhang,Cui-Juan Wang,Kai-Li Mao,Xiao-Lei Liu,Shuai Huang,Yan Tong,Xian-Li Zhou 대한화학회 2014 Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society Vol.35 No.7

Two novel coordination compounds [Cu2(pypya)3(H2O)2]·Cl·(H2O)5 (1) and {[Cd(pypya)(ta)1/2]·H2O}n (2) (Hpypya=2-(3-(pyridin-2-yl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)acetic acid, H2ta=terephthalic acid) were synthesized and characterized by single X-ray diffraction. Structure determination reveals that complex 1 and complex 2 crystallize in the triclinic system, with the P-1 space group. The asymmetric unit of 1 contains two Cu(II) ions, and their coordination modes are different. These units of complex 1 are linked together via hydrogen bonds and π-π interactions, and the 3D structure of complex 1 was formed. Complex 2, a mononuclear Cd(II) coordination compound, has a 2D structure which was constructed via coordination bonds. TGA and fluorescence spectra analysis of complex 1 and complex 2 have also been studied. In addition, the geometry parameters of complex 1 have been optimized with the B3LYP method of density functional theory (DFT) to explain its coordination behavior. The electronic properties of the complex 1 and ligand Hpypya have been investigated based on the nature bond orbital (NBO) analysis at the B3LYP level of theory. The result verifies that the synergistic effect have occurred in the compound.

β-Sitosterol treatment attenuates cognitive deficits and prevents amyloid plaque deposition in amyloid protein precursor/ presenilin 1 mice

Jian-Ya Ye,Li Li,Qing-Mao Hao,Yong Qin,Chang-Sheng Ma 대한생리학회-대한약리학회 2020 The Korean Journal of Physiology & Pharmacology Vol.24 No.1

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disorder causing dementia worldwide, and is mainly characterized by aggregated β-amyloid (Aβ). Increasing evidence has shown that plant extracts have the potential to delay AD development. The plant sterol β-Sitosterol has a potential role in inhibiting the production of platelet Aβ, suggesting that it may be useful for AD prevention. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the effect and mechanism of β-Sitosterol on deficits in learning and memory in amyloid protein precursor/presenilin 1 (APP/PS1) double transgenic mice. APP/PS1 mice were treated with β-Sitosterol for four weeks, from the age of seven months. Brain Aβ metabolism was evaluated using ELISA and Western blotting. We found that β-Sitosterol treatment can improve spatial learning and recognition memory ability, and reduce plaque load in APP/PS1 mice. β-Sitosterol treatment helped reverse dendritic spine loss in APP/PS1 mice and reversed the decreased hippocampal neuron miniature excitatory postsynaptic current frequency. Our research helps to explain and support the neuroprotective effect of β-Sitosterol, which may offer a novel pharmaceutical agent for the treatment of AD. Taken together, these findings suggest that β-Sitosterol ameliorates memory and learning impairment in APP/PS1 mice and possibly decreases Aβ deposition.

Synthesis, Crystal Structure and Characterization of Cu(II) and Cd(II) Coordination Compounds Based on Ligand 2-(3-(Pyridin-2-yl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)acetic Acid

Zhang, Ya-Jun,Wang, Cui-Juan,Mao, Kai-Li,Liu, Xiao-Lei,Huang, Shuai,Tong, Yan,Zhou, Xian-Li Korean Chemical Society 2014 Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society Vol.35 No.7

Two novel coordination compounds $[Cu_2(pypya)_3(H_2O)_2]{\cdot}Cl{\cdot}(H_2O)_5$ (1) and $\{[Cd(pypya)(ta)_{1/2}]{\cdot}H_2O\}_n$ (2) (Hpypya=2-(3-(pyridin-2-yl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)acetic acid, $H_2ta$=terephthalic acid) were synthesized and characterized by single X-ray diffraction. Structure determination reveals that complex 1 and complex 2 crystallize in the triclinic system, with the P-1 space group. The asymmetric unit of 1 contains two Cu(II) ions, and their coordination modes are different. These units of complex 1 are linked together via hydrogen bonds and ${\pi}-{\pi}$ interactions, and the 3D structure of complex 1 was formed. Complex 2, a mononuclear Cd(II) coordination compound, has a 2D structure which was constructed via coordination bonds. TGA and fluorescence spectra analysis of complex 1 and complex 2 have also been studied. In addition, the geometry parameters of complex 1 have been optimized with the B3LYP method of density functional theory (DFT) to explain its coordination behavior. The electronic properties of the complex 1 and ligand Hpypya have been investigated based on the nature bond orbital (NBO) analysis at the B3LYP level of theory. The result verifies that the synergistic effect have occurred in the compound.

A Porphyrin Molecularly Imprinted Biomimetic Electrochemical Sensor Based on Gold Nanoparticles and Carboxyl Graphene Composite for the Highly Efficient Detection of Methyl Parathion

Bin He,Ya-Li Mao,Ya Zhang,WEI YIN,CHANGJUN HOU,DANQUN HUO,Huanbao Fa 성균관대학교(자연과학캠퍼스) 성균나노과학기술원 2017 NANO Vol.12 No.4

A highly sensitive and selective biomimetic sensor based on zinc porphyrin molecularly imprinted Polymer microspheres (MIPMs), gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and carboxyl graphene (CG) nanomaterials was successfully developed for direct electrochemical detection of methyl parathion (MP). The novel strategy emphasized the fabrication of a porphyrin zinc-based sensor via attaching MIPMs on AuNPs/CG nanocomposites. MIPMs was prepared by free radical polymerization using MP as the template, Zinc porphyrin as the functional monomer, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) as the cross-linking reagent and azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN) as the initiator. The introduction of AuNPs/CG significantly increased the effective electrode area, and amplified the sensor signal. The modified electrode was characterized by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). The parameters of the detection process were also optimized. The biomimetic sensor exhibits a much wider linear dynamic range between 1.0 x 10 -6 mol L-1 and 8.0 x 10 -9 mol L-1 and the limit of detection (LOD) down to 3.16 x 10 -10 mol L-1 based on S/N = 3. The sensor had good reproducibility, stability and selectivity for MP detection. The developed sensor was successfully employed for the detection of MP in real samples.

Luciferase Assay to Screen Tumour-specific Promoters in Lung Cancer

Xu, Rong,Guo, Long-Jiang,Xin, Jun,Li, Wen-Mao,Gao, Yan,Zheng, You-Xian,Guo, You-Hong,Lin, Yang-Jun,Xie, Yong-Hua,Wu, Ya-Qing,Xu, Rui-An Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2013 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.14 No.11

Objective: Specific promoters could improve efficiency and ensure the safety of gene therapy. The aim of our study was to screen examples for lung cancer. Methods: The firefly luciferase gene was used as a reporter, and promoters based on serum markers of lung cancer were cloned. The activity and specificity of seven promoters, comprising CEACAM5 (carcinoembryonic antigen, CEA), GRP (Gastrin-Releasing Peptide), KRT19 (cytokeratin 19, KRT), SFTPB (surfactant protein B, SP-B), SERPINB3 (Squamous Cell Carcinoma Antigen, SCCA), SELP (Selectin P, Granule Membrane Protein 140kDa, Antigen CD62, GMP) and DKK1 (Dickkopf-1) promoters were compared in lung cancer cells to obtain cancer-specific examples with strong activity. Results: The CEACAM5, DKK1, GRP, SELP, KRT19, SERPINB3 and SFTPB promoters were cloned. Furthermore, we successfully constructed recombinant vector pGL-CEACAM5 (DKK1, GRP, SELP, KRT19, SERPINB3 and SFTPB) contained the target gene. After cells were transfectedwith recombinant plasmids, we found that the order of promoter activity from high to low was SERPINB3, DKK1, SFTPB, KRT19, CEACAM5, SELP and GRP and the order for promoters regarding specificity and high potential were SERPINB3, DKK1, SELP, SFTPB, CEACAM5, KRT19 and GRP. Conclusion: The approach adopted is feasible to screen for new tumour specific promoters with biomarkers. In addition, the screened lung-specific promoters might have potential for use in lung cancer targeted gene therapy research.

Inhibitory effects of piceatannol on human cytomegalovirus (hCMV) in vitro

Wang San-Ying,Zhang Jing,Xu Xiao-Gang,Su Hui-Li,Xing Wen-Min,Zhang Zhong-Shan,Jin Wei-Hua,Dai Ji-Huan,Wang Ya-Zhen,He Xin-Yue,Sun Chuan,Yan Jing,Mao Gen-Xiang 한국미생물학회 2020 The journal of microbiology Vol.58 No.8

Human cytomegalovirus (hCMV) is a ubiquitous herpesvirus, which results in the establishment of a latent infection that persists throughout the life of the host and can be reactivated when the immunity is low. Currently, there is no vaccine for hCMV infection, and the licensed antiviral drugs mainly target the viral enzymes and have obvious adverse reactions. Thus, it is important to search for compounds with antihCMV properties. The present study aimed to investigate the suppressive effects of piceatannol on hCMV Towne strain infection and the putative underlying mechanisms using human diploid fibroblast WI-38 cells. Piceatannol supplementation prevented the lytic changes induced by hCMV infection in WI-38 cells. Furthermore, piceatannol suppressed the expression of hCMV immediate-early (IE) and early (E) proteins as well as the replication of hCMV DNA in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, hCMV-induced cellular senescence was suppressed by piceatannol, as shown by a decline in the senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-Gal) activity and decreased production of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). p16INK4a, a major senescence-associated molecule, was dramatically elevated by current hCMV infection that was attenuated by pre-incubation with piceatannol in a dose-dependent manner. These results demonstrated that piceatannol suppressed the hCMV infection via inhibition of the activation of p16INK4a and cellular senescence induced by hCMV. Together, these findings indicate piceatannol as a novel and potent anti-hCMV agent with the potential to be developed as an effective treatment for chronic hCMV infection.