Cloning and Functional Analysis of the Gβ Gene Mgb1 and the GγGene Mgg1 in Monascus ruber

Li Li,Lu He,Yong Lai,Yanchun Shao,Fusheng Chen 한국미생물학회 2014 The journal of microbiology Vol.52 No.1

The ascomycetous fungus Monascus ruber is one of the most well-known species widely used to produce Monascus-fermentation products for natural food colorants and medicine. Our previous research on the Gα subunit Mga1 and the regulator of G protein signaling MrflbA indicated that heterotrimeric G protein signaling pathways were involved in aspects of growth, sporulation and secondary metabolite production in M. ruber. To better understand the G protein signaling pathways in this fungus, a Gβ subunit gene (Mgb1)and a Gγ subunit gene (Mgg1) were cloned and investigated in the current study. The predicted Mgb1 protein consisted of 353 amino acids and Mgg1 consisted of 94 amino acids,sharing marked similarity with Aspergillus Gβ and Gγ subunits,respectively. Targeted deletion (Δ) of Mgb1 or Mgg1resulted in phenotypic alterations similar to those resulting from ΔMga1, i.e., restricted vegetative growth, lowered asexual sporulation, impaired cleistothecial formation, and enhanced citrinin and pigment production. Moreover, deletion of Mgg1suppressed the defects in asexual development and in biosynthesis of citrinin and pigment caused by the absence of MrflbA function. These results provide evidence that Mgb1and Mgg1 form a functional Gβγ dimer and the dimer interacts with Mga1 to mediate signaling pathways, which are negatively controlled by MrflbA, for growth, reproduction and citrinin and pigment biosynthesis in M. ruber.

STUDY OF FORMATION AND INVESTIGATION OF PROPERTIES OF METAL DOPED TITANIUM DIOXIDE NANOTUBE ARRAYS SYNTHESIZED BY ANODIZING METHOD

Li Li He,Tursunkulov Oybek,Amir Abidov,Jae Jin Song,Soon-Wook Jeong,SangYeop Kim,Tae Yong Kim,Sungjin Kim 한국신재생에너지학회 2012 AFORE Vol.2012 No.-

Identification of yield-related genes through genome-wide association: case study of weeping forsythia, an emerging medicinal crop

Li Yong,Wu Qiong,Liu Hong-Li,Pei Nan-Cai,He Yan-Xia,Quan Jine 한국유전학회 2022 Genes & Genomics Vol.44 No.2

Background: The genetic basis of crop yield is an agricultural research hotspot. Identifying the genes related to yield traits is the key to increase the yield. Weeping forsythia is an emerging medicinal crop that currently lacks excellent varieties. The genes related to fruit yield in weeping forsythia have not been identified. Objective: Thus, we aimed to screen the candidate genes related to fruit yield of weeping forsythia by using genome-wide association analysis. Methods: Here, 60 samples from the same field and source of weeping forsythia were collected to identify its yield-related candidate genes. Association analysis was performed on the variant loci and the traits related to yield, i.e., fruit length, width, thickness, and weight. Results: Results from admixture, neighbor-joining, and kinship matrix analyses supported the non-significant genetic differentiation of these samples. Significant association was found between 2 variant loci and fruit length, 8 loci and fruit width, 24 loci and fruit thickness, and 13 loci and fruit weight. Further search on the 20 kb up/downstream of these variant loci revealed 1 gene related to fruit length, 16 genes related to fruit width, 12 genes related to fruit thickness, and 13 genes related to fruit weight. Among which, 4 genes, namely, WRKY transcription factor 35, salicylic acid-binding protein, auxin response factor 6, and alpha-mannosidase were highly related to the fruit development of weeping forsythia. Conclusion: This study identify four candidate genes related to fruit development, which will provide useful information for the subsequent molecular-assisted and genetic breeding of weeping forsythia.

Matrine Reduces Proliferation of Human Lung Cancer Cells by Inducing Apoptosis and Changing miRNA Expression Profiles

Liu, Yong-Qi,Li, Yi,Qin, Jie,Wang, Qian,She, Ya-Li,Luo, Ya-Li,He, Jian-Xin,Li, Jing-Ya,Xie, Xiao-Dong Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.5

Matrine, a main active component extracted from dry roots of Sophora flavecens, has been reported to exert antitumor effects on A549 human non-small lung cancer cells, but its mechanisms of action remain unclear. To determine effects of matrine on proliferation of A549 cells and assess possible mechanisms, MTT assays were employed to detect cytotoxicity, along with o flow cytometric analysis of DNA content of nuclei of cells following staining with propidium iodide to analyze cell cycle distribution. Western blotting was performed to determined expression levels of Bax, Bcl-2, VEGF and HDAC1, while a microarray was used to assessed changes of miRNA profiles. In the MTT assay, matrine suppressed growth of human lung cancer cell A549 in a dose- and timedependent manner at doses of 0.25-2.5 mg/ml for 24h, 48h or 72h. Matrine induced cell cycle arrest in G0/G1 phase and decreased the G2/M phase, while down-regulating the expression of Bcl2 protein, leading to a reduction in the Bcl-2/Bax ratio. In addition, matrine down regulated the expression level of VEGF and HDAC1 of A549 cells. Microarray analysis demonstrated that matrine altered the expression level of miRNAs compared with untreated control A549 cells. In conclusion, matrine could inhibit proliferation of A549 cells, providing useful information for understanding anticancer mechanisms.

Decreased Expression of FADS1 Predicts a Poor Prognosis in Patients with Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Du, Yong,Yan, Shu-Mei,Gu, Wan-Yi,He, Fan,Huang, Li-Yun,Li, Mei,Yuan, Yan,Chen, Ren-Hui,Zhong, Qian,Li, Man-Zhi,Li, Yong,Zeng, Mu-Sheng Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2015 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.16 No.12

FADS1 (fatty acid desaturase 1) plays a crucial role in fatty acid metabolism, and it was recently reported to be involved in tumorigenesis. However, the role of FADS1 expression in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remains unknown. In the current study, we investigated the expression and clinical pathologic and prognostic significance of FADS1 in ESCC. Immunohistochemical analyses revealed that 58.2% (146/251) of the ESCC tissues had low levels of FADS1 expression, whereas 41.8% (105/251) exhibited high levels of FADS1 expression. In positive cases, FADS1 expression was detected in the cytoplasm of cells. Correlation analyses demonstrated that FADS1 expression was significantly correlated with tumor location (p=0.025) but not with age, gender, histological grade, tumor status, nodal status or TNM staging. Furthermore, patients with tumors expressing high levels of FADS1had a longer disease-free survival time (p<0.001) and overall survival time (p <0.001). Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that, along with nodal status, FADS1 expression was an independent and significant predictive factor (p<0.001). In conclusion, our study suggested that FADS1 might be a valuable biomarker and potential therapeutic target for ESCC.

Genome-wide association studies approach and post-GWAS study in rice

Gang Li,Min-Young Yoon,Won-Hee Ra,Jae-Wan Park,Qiang He,Aye Aye Khaing,Xiao-Qiang Wang,Win Htet Oo,Feng-Peng Li,Byoung Kook Yun,Chang-Yong Lee,Yong-Jin Park 한국육종학회 2013 한국육종학회 심포지엄 Vol.2013 No.07

AGenome-wide association studies (GWAS) have proven a useful technique for identifying genetic loci responsible for natural variation in rice. With the fast developed next-generation sequencing technology, it is possible for people to carry out GWAS by phenotyping different traits. However, how to make full use of huge data, abandon unnecessary data, and solve the problem of data application effectively seems still an obstacle for many researchers. Taking the case of whole-genome resequencing of Korean authentic rice core set, here we present a general technological path of GWAS including: 1) a schematic view of sequencing-based GWAS in rice; 2) a user-friendly and interactive web application for GWAS in rice by the aid of experience from Arabidopsis; 3) Haplotype and association analysis of candidate genes in a certain mechanism pathway, giving 10 starch synthesis genes as example; and 4) functional validation by Trans- and Mata-Omics analysis.

Isolation of Chemical Constituents from the Aerial Parts of Verbascum thapsus and Their Antiangiogenic and Antiproliferative Activities

Yan-Li Zhao,Yong-Ping Yang,Si-Feng Wang,Yang Li,Qiu-Xia He,Ke-Chun Liu,Xiao-Li Li 대한약학회 2011 Archives of Pharmacal Research Vol.34 No.5

Phytochemical investigation of Verbascum thapsus led to the isolation and identification of one new iridoid compound named verbathasin A, along with ten known compounds. The structure and relative stereochemistry of verbathasin A were elucidated by analysis of spectroscopic data. All the isolates except 10-deoxyeucommiol and ajugol were tested for antiangiogenic and antiproliferative activities, and compounds luteolin and 3-O-fucopyranosylsaikogenin F showed promising antiproliferative activities, with an obvious effect of inducing apoptosis of A549 lung cancer cells.

Diversity of Endophytic Fungi from Different Verticillium-Wilt-Resistant Gossypium hirsutum and Evaluation of Antifungal Activity Against Verticillium dahliae In Vitro

( Zhi Fang Li ),( Ling Fei Wang ),( Zi Li Feng ),( Li Hong Zhao ),( Yong Qiang Shi ),( He Qin Zhu ) 한국미생물 · 생명공학회 2014 Journal of microbiology and biotechnology Vol.24 No.9

Cotton plants were sampled and ranked according to their resistance to Verticillium wilt. In total, 642 endophytic fungi isolates representing 27 genera were recovered from Gossypium hirsutum root, stem, and leaf tissues, but were not uniformly distributed. More endophytic fungi appeared in the leaf (391) compared with the root (140) and stem (111) sections. However, no significant difference in the abundance of isolated endophytes was found among resistant cotton varieties. Alternaria exhibited the highest colonization frequency (7.9%), followed by Acremonium (6.6%) and Penicillium (4.8%). Unlike tolerant varieties, resistant and susceptible ones had similar endophytic fungal population compositions. In three Verticillium-wilt-resistant cotton varieties, fungal endophytes from the genus Alternaria were most frequently isolated, followed by Gibberella and Penicillium. The maximum concentration of dominant endophytic fungi was observed in leaf tissues (0.1797). The evenness of stem tissue endophytic communities (0.702) was comparatively more uniform than the other two tissues. Eighty endophytic fungi selected from 27 genera were evaluated for their inhibition activity against highly virulent Verticillium dahliae isolate Vd080 in vitro. Thirty-nine isolates exhibited fungistasis against the pathogen at varying degrees. Seven species, having high growth inhibition rates (≥75%), exhibited strong antifungal activity against V. dahliae. The antifungal activity of both volatile and nonvolatile metabolites was also investigated. The nonvolatile substances produced by CEF-818 (Penicillium simplicissimum), CEF-325 (Fusarium solani), CEF-714 (Leptosphaeria sp.), and CEF-642 (Talaromyces flavus) completely inhibited V. dahliae growth. These findings deepen our understanding of cotton-endophyte interactions and provide a platform for screening G. hirsutum endophytes with biocontrol potential.

Microarray Analysis of Long Non-coding RNA Expression Profile Associated with 5-Fluorouracil-Based Chemoradiation Resistance in Colorectal Cancer Cells

Xiong, Wei,Jiang, Yong-Xin,Ai, Yi-Qin,Liu, Shan,Wu, Xing-Rao,Cui, Jian-Guo,Qin, Ji-Yong,Liu, Yan,Xia, Yao-Xiong,Ju, Yun-He,He, Wen-Jie,Wang, Yong,Li, Yun-Fen,Hou, Yu,Wang, Li,Li, Wen-Hui Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2015 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.16 No.8

Background: Preoperative 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-based chemoradiotherapy is a standard treatment for locally advanced colorectal cancer (CRC). However, CRC cells often develop chemoradiation resistance (CRR). Recent studies have shown that long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) plays critical roles in a myriad of biological processes and human diseases, as well as chemotherapy resistance. Since the roles of lncRNAs in 5-FU-based CRR in human CRC cells remain unknown, they were investigated in this study. Materials and Methods: A 5-FU-based concurrent CRR cell model was established using human CRC cell line HCT116. Microarray expression profiling of lncRNAs and mRNAs was undertaken in parental HCT116 and 5-FU-based CRR cell lines. Results: In total, 2,662 differentially expressed lncRNAs and 2,398 mRNAs were identified in 5-FU-based CRR HCT116 cells when compared with those in parental HCT116. Moreover, 6 lncRNAs and 6 mRNAs found to be differentially expressed were validated by quantitative real time PCR (qRT-PCR). Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis for the differentially expressed mRNAs indicated involvement of many, such as Jak-STAT, PI3K-Akt and NF-kappa B signaling pathways. To better understand the molecular basis of 5-FU-based CRR in CRC cells, correlated expression networks were constructed based on 8 intergenic lncRNAs and their nearby coding genes. Conclusions: Changes in lncRNA expression are involved in 5-FU-based CRR in CRC cells. These findings may provide novel insight for the prognosis and prediction of response to therapy in CRC patients.

Synergistic Effect of Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Platelet-Rich Plasma in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

( Zhen Zhen Lian ),( Xiao Jing Yin ),( Hua Li ),( Li Li Jia ),( Xiu Zhen He ),( Yong Bo Yan ),( Nai Hua Liu ),( Ka Yiu Wan ),( Xiao Kun Li ),( Shao Qiang Lin ) 대한피부과학회 2014 Annals of Dermatology Vol.26 No.1

Background: Diabetic wounds are a major clinical challenge, because minor skin wounds can lead to chronic, unhealed ulcers and ultimately result in infection, gangrene, or even amputation. Studies on bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) and a series of growth factors have revealed their many benefits for wound healing and regeneration. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) may improve the environment for BMSC development and differentiation. However, whether combined use of BMSCs and PRP may be more effective for accelerating diabetic ulcer healing remains unclear. Objective: We investigated the efficacy of BMSCs and PRP for the repair of refractory wound healing in a diabetic rat model. Methods: Forty-eight rats with diabetes mellitus induced by streptozotocin were divided into four groups: treatment with BMSCs plus PRP, BMSCs alone, PRP alone, phosphate buffered saline. The rate of wound closure was quantified. A histopathological study was conducted regarding wound depth and the skin edge at 7, 14, and 28 days after surgery. Results: Wound healing rates were significantly higher in the BMSC plus PRP group than in the other groups. The immunohistochemistry results showed that the expression of platelet/endothelial cell adhesion molecule 1, proliferating cell nuclear antigen, and transforming growth factor-β1 increased significantly in the BMSC plus PRP group compared to the other treatment groups. On day 7, CD68 expression increased significantly in the wounds of the BMSC plus PRP group, but decreased markedly at day 14 compared to the controls. Conclusion: The combination of BMSCs and PRP aids diabetic wound repair and regeneration. (Ann Dermatol 26(1) 1∼10, 2014)