RPTOR methylation in the peripheral blood and breast cancer in the Chinese population

Yin Yifei,Lei Shuifang,Li Lixi,Yang Xiaoqin,Yin Qiming,Xu Tian,Zhou Wenjie,Li Hong,Gu Wanjian,Ma Fei,Yang Rongxi,Zhang Zhengdong 한국유전학회 2022 Genes & Genomics Vol.44 No.4

Background: Altered regulatory-associated protein of mTOR, complex 1 (RPTOR) methylation levels in peripheral blood was originally discovered as breast cancer (BC)-associated risk factor in Caucasians. Objective: To explore the relationship between RPTOR methylation and BC in the Chinese population, we conducted two independent case-control studies. Methods: Peripheral blood samples were collected from a total of 333 sporadic BC cases and 378 healthy female controls for the DNA extraction and bisulfite-specific PCR amplification. Mass spectrometry was applied to quantitatively measure the levels of methylation. The logistic regression, Spearman's rank correlation, and Non-parametric tests were used for the statistical analyses. Results: In our study, we found an association between BC and RPTOR_CpG_4 hypomethylation in the general population (per-10% of methylation, OR 1.29, P = 0.012), and a weak association between BC and RPTOR_CpG_8 hypomethylation in the women with older age (per-10% of methylation, OR 2.34, P = 0.006). We also identified age as a confounder for the change of RPTOR methylation patterns, especially at RPTOR_CpG_4, which represented differential methylation comparing age groups especially in the BC cases (age < 50 years vs age ≥ 50 years by Mann-Whitney U test, P < 0.0001 for BC cases and P = 0.079 for controls). Conclusion: Our study validated the association between hypomethylation of RPTOR and BC risk in the Chinese population also with weak effect and mostly for postmenopausal women. In addition, our findings provided novel insight for the regulation of DNA methylation upon aging or the change of hormone levels.

Functional characterization of the CfAOC and CfJMT gene promoters related to MeJA biosynthesis in Cymbidium faberi

Zhou Yin,Xu Zheng,Chen Xu,Zhou Junjiang,Wang Songtai,Xu Yanqin 한국식물생명공학회 2023 Plant biotechnology reports Vol.17 No.2

Oriental orchids of the genus Cymbidium are famous for their flower fragrance and have great value in the horticultural market. To investigate the regulatory mechanisms of fragrance biosynthesis in Cymbidium faberi, the promoters of the CfAOC and CfJMT genes in the methyl jasmonate biosynthesis pathway were cloned and analyzed. Notably, the CfAOC promoter was transcriptionally active in all vegetative organs, which was not true for the CfJMT promoter, indicating that the latter is tissue-specific for the flowers of C. faberi. The dual-luciferase assay showed that the fragment between –629 and –1038 nt of the CfAOC promoter, as well as the fragment between –960 and –1121 nt of the CfJMT promoter, displayed specific interaction with the CfbHLH transcription factors. These results provide a theoretical basis for the genetic modification of the flower fragrance of Cymbidium based on specific CfbHLH transcription factors.

Site-specific deletions in the tomato genome by the CinH-RS2 and ParA-MRS recombination systems

Yin Zhou,Ying Wang,Yuan-Yeu Yau,David W. Ow 한국식물생명공학회 2012 Plant biotechnology reports Vol.6 No.3

We have tested the CinH-RS2 and ParA-MRS site-specific deletion systems in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.). The ParA-MRS system is derived from the broad-host-range plasmid RK2, where the 222 aa ParA recombinase recognizes a 133 bp multimer resolution site (MRS). The CinH-RS2 system is derived from Acinetobacter plasmids pKLH2 and pKLH204, where the 188 amino acid CinH recombinase recognizes a 113-bp recombination site known as RS2. In this study, target lines containing a DNA segment flanked by recombination sites were crossed to recombinase-expressing lines producing CinH or ParA recombinase. CinH-mediated recombination of RS2 substrates was detected in 2 of 3 F1 plants that harbor both the target and recombinase loci. On the other hand, recombination mediated by ParA was not detected among F1 plants,but was found among 13 of 47 F2 plants. These data show that both systems can mediate site-specific DNA deletion in the tomato genome, and, upon further refinement, can provide additional molecular tools for tomato improvement through precise genome manipulation. As the target construct also contains additional recombination sites for sitespecific integration by other recombination systems, these tomato lines could be used for future testing of gene stacking through site-specific integration.

Flavonoid Glycosides and Potential Antivirus Activity of Isolated Compounds from the Leaves of Eucalyptus citriodora

Zhou, Zhong-Liu,Yin, Wen-Qing,Zou, Xiao-Peng,Huang, Dan-Ying,Zhou, Cui-Liu,Li, Lian-Mei,Chen, Ke-Cheng,Guo, Zi-Ying,Lin, San-Qing 한국응용생명화학회 2014 Applied Biological Chemistry (Appl Biol Chem) Vol.57 No.6

The extraction and solvent partition of the leaves of Eucalyptus citriodora, and repeated column chromatography for n-BuOH fraction yielded a new flavonoid glycoside, citrioside C (1), along with three known flavonoid glycosides (2-4). The latter were identified with kaempferol-3-O-${\beta}$-$\small{D}$-glucopyranosyl (12)-${\alpha}$-$\small{L}$-rhamnoside (2), kaempferol-3-O-${\alpha}$-$\small{L}$-rhamnoside (3), and quercetin-3-O-${\alpha}$-$\small{L}$-rhamnoside (4). Their chemical structures were identified on the basis of spectroscopic data analyses including NMR, MS, UV, and IR. All constitutents were isolated for the first time from the leaves of Eucalyptus citriodora. The potential antivirus activity of all the isolated compounds was evaluated. Compound 4 showed potent antiviral activity against respiratory syncytial virus with 50% inhibition concentration ($IC_{50}$) value of $1.9{\mu}g/mL$ and selective index value of 9.8.

Study on a New Method for Forming Integral Curved-Hole Structures by Combining Drilling and Plastic Deformation

Yin Zhou,Tong Wen,Xia Chen,Longqin Liu,Fan Yang,Yu Zheng 한국정밀공학회 2022 International Journal of Precision Engineering and Vol.23 No.8

Structures with curved-holes are of great value for industrial application, but how to realize the formation of integral curved hole is still a huge challenge. In the current study, a novel methodology, called Bulk Forming of Curved Hole (BFCH), was proposed to obtain integral structures with curved holes by combining traditional drilling and plastic forming processes. An analytic formula of cross-section distortion in BFCH was derived based on the upper bound method. The formula shows the influence of three factors, including the bending angle θ, billet thickness-to-hole diameter ratio h/d , and material properties index Øk related to material strength, on the wall collapse of the curved hole formed. Moreover, three types of curved holes were designed to verify the concept, and the results of experiments and fi nite element simulation using Al6061 specimens proved that the method is feasible to form integral structures with inside curved-holes. The oval-shaped distortion of the hole cross-sections is the main defect, which increases with the bending angle θ , as well as the value of h/d and Øk. In addition, proper initial temperature difference inside the billet can decrease the distortion of the formed holes.

Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Antibiotic-Impregnated Shunt Catheters on Anti-Infective Effect of Hydrocephalus Shunt

Zhou, Wen-xiu,Hou, Wen-bo,Zhou, Chao,Yin, Yu-xia,Lu, Shou-tao,Liu, Guang,Fang, Yi,Li, Jian-wen,Wang, Yan,Liu, Ai-hua,Zhang, Hai-jun The Korean Neurosurgical Society 2021 Journal of Korean neurosurgical society Vol.64 No.2

Objective : Shunt infection is a common complication while treating hydrocephalus. The antibiotic-impregnated shunt catheter (AISC) was designed to reduce shunt infection rate. A meta-analysis was conducted to study the effectiveness of AISCs in reduction of shunt infection in terms of age, follow-up time and high-risk patient population. Methods : This study reviewed literature from three databases including PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library (from 2000 to March 2019). Clinical studies from controlled trials for shunt operation were included in this analysis. A subgroup analysis was performed based on the patient's age, follow-up time and high-risk population. The fixed effect in RevMan 5.3 software (Cochrane Collaboration) was used for this meta-analysis. Results : This study included 19 controlled clinical trials including 10105 operations. The analysis demonstrated that AISC could reduce the infection rate in shunt surgery compared to standard shunt catheter (non-AISC) from 8.13% to 4.09% (odds ratio [OR], 0.48; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.40-0.58; p=0.01; I2=46%). Subgroup analysis of different age groups showed that AISC had significant antimicrobial effects in all three groups (adult, infant, and adolescent). Follow-up time analysis showed that AISC was effective in preventing early shunt infections (within 6 months after implant). AISC is more effective in high-risk population (OR, 0.24;95% CI, 0.14-0.40; p=0.60; I2=0%) than in general patient population. Conclusion : The results of meta-analysis indicated that AISC is an effective method for reducing shunt infection. We recommend that AISC should be considered for use in infants and high-risk groups. For adult patients, the choice for AISC could be determined based on the treatment cost.

Genetic Diversity and Natural Selection in 42 kDa Region of Plasmodium vivax Merozoite Surface Protein-1 from China-Myanmar Endemic Border

Xia Zhou,Ernest Tambo,Jing Su,Qiang Fang,Wei Ruan,Jun-Hu Chen,Ming-Bo Yin,Xiao-Nong Zhou 대한기생충학열대의학회 2017 The Korean Journal of Parasitology Vol.55 No.5

Genetically Encoded Biosensor Engineering for Application in Directed Evolution

Mao Yin,Huang Chao,Zhou Xuan,Han Runhua,Deng Yu,Zhou Shenghu 한국미생물·생명공학회 2023 Journal of microbiology and biotechnology Vol.33 No.10

Although rational genetic engineering is nowadays the favored method for microbial strain improvement, building up mutant libraries based on directed evolution for improvement is still in many cases the better option. In this regard, the demand for precise and efficient screening methods for mutants with high performance has stimulated the development of biosensor-based highthroughput screening strategies. Genetically encoded biosensors provide powerful tools to couple the desired phenotype to a detectable signal, such as fluorescence and growth rate. Herein, we review recent advances in engineering several classes of biosensors and their applications in directed evolution. Furthermore, we compare and discuss the screening advantages and limitations of two-component biosensors, transcription-factor-based biosensors, and RNA-based biosensors. Engineering these biosensors has focused mainly on modifying the expression level or structure of the biosensor components to optimize the dynamic range, specificity, and detection range. Finally, the applications of biosensors in the evolution of proteins, metabolic pathways, and genome-scale metabolic networks are described. This review provides potential guidance in the design of biosensors and their applications in improving the bioproduction of microbial cell factories through directed evolution.

Chlorogenic Acid Decreased Intestinal Permeability and Ameliorated Intestinal Injury in Rats via Amelioration of Mitochondrial Respiratory Chain Dysfunction

Yan Zhou,Zheng Ruan,Lili Zhou,Yuhui Yang,Shumei Mi,Ze-Yuan Deng,Yulong Yin 한국식품과학회 2016 Food Science and Biotechnology Vol.25 No.1

Chlorogenic acid (CGA), an abundant polyphenol compound in plants, exhibits anti-oxidant effects. The protective effect of CGA in the rat intestine with endotoxin infusion was evaluated. CGA administration ameliorated endotoxin-induced intestinal injury, and decreased the ratio of lactulose/ mannitol, the ileum pathological grade, the myeloperoxidase activity in the ileum, and the malondialdehyde content in the ileum and in ileum mitochondria. The small intestine weight, activities of alkaline phosphatase and superoxide dismutase in the ileum, and β-nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide reduce form (NADH) dehydrogenase and succinate dehydrogenase activities in ileum mitochondria were increased. Intestinal permeability was positively correlated with intestinal mitochondrial injury indicated as the level of malondialdehyde in ileum mitochondria, and negatively correlated with NADH dehydrogenase activity. Dietary administration of CGA protected against increased intestinal permeability caused by endotoxin infusion. The protective effect of CGA was probably associated with a decrease in mitochondrial lipid peroxidation levels and an increase in NADH dehydrogenase activity.

1945~1946년 중국 우한 지역 한인의 수용과 귀환 - 일본군 ‘위안부’를 중심으로 -

주영음(Zhou, Ying Yin) 역사실학회 2021 역사와실학 Vol.74 No.-

본문에서는 1945-46년 우한지역의 한인의 귀환과정을 살펴보았다. 1945년 중일전쟁이 끝나기 우한의 한인사회는 우한에서 폭넓게 존재했던 위안소를 중심으로 형성되었다. 우한의 한인 단체인 계림회는 일본군이나 영사관에 종사하는 친일적 인사와 위안소 운영자, 한국인 일본군 위안부들로 구성되었다. 이복현은 만주국 정부에서 일했고 해방 전에는 일본군 특무대에서 근무하고 있었다. 밀정을 담당한 경력이 있는 한인이다. 종전 이후 우한의 한인들이 한인회 등 단체를 구성했으나 이복현 등 일본군 특무, 영사관 밀정 등이 간부직을 맡았으며 계림회의 후신으로 볼 수 있다. 전쟁이 끝나자 국민당 정부 측은 한인들을 일본인과 마찬가지로 적성 국가의 외국인으로 취급했다. 처음 국민당 정부는 관내 일본 점령 지역의 한인들을 일괄 수용하여 한국으로 송환을 추진했다. 그러나 임시정부와 한인 측의 의견을 받아들여 한인과 일본인을 분리하여 수용, 귀환하게 했다. 또 죄가 없는 한인 가운데 중국에서 남기를 원하는사람들은 심사를 거쳐 거주를 허락했다. 국민당 정부는 일반 한인과 일본군 소속 한인 병사들을 따로 분리하여 수용하되, 1946년 초까지 각지에서 관리하면서 단계적으로 상하이로 집중시켜 송환하는 정책을 실시했다. 우한은 상하이로 보내기 전 주변 지역의 한인들을 모두 집중시켜 수용 관리하는 중심지가 되었다. 1945년 8월 이후 국민당 정부는 화남선무단 우한분단과 협력하여 한인들의 ‘집중관리’를 시행했다. 화남선무단 우한분단은 대한민국 임시정부 주화대표단의 산하단체로 우한분단장은 중국군 장교 출신으로 광복군 5지대장인 권양무가 맡았다. 화남선무단 우한 분단의 사무실은 한인 밀집 지역이며 위안소 지역이기도 한 ‘한커우 중산로 지칭리(漢口中山路積慶里)”에 위치했다. 광복군 5지대와 화남선무단 우한 분단은 중국 지방 정부와 협력하여 한인 사병와 일반인들의 수용과 귀한을 추진했다. 일반 한인들의 수용을 한인교민회와 집중구제6보(集中區第六保)가 담당했다. 우한 한인교민회는 1945년 8월 이후 친일 한인들과 위안소 관계자들이 중심으로 조직되었다. 이들은 위안소 집중 지역인 지칭리에 한인 수용시설을 들어서도록 했으며, 한인들의 수용과 송환을 실제로 담당했다. 그러나 이들은 화남선무단 우한분단과 충돌하여, 권양무에 의해 회장과 부회장이 모두 구속당했다 1946년 5월 이후에 비로소 석방되었다. 집중구제6보는 한커우시정부가 한인을 관리하기 위해서 설치한 지방 보갑(保甲)기관이었다. 지칭리 등 우한 지역의 한인 수용시설에 수용된 한인의 상당수는 일본군 위안부들이었다. 해방 후부터 한인송환을 마칠 때까지 우한지역의 한인은 최소 2,500 명 이상이었는데, 10~20대 여성들이 인적 구성의 압도적 다수를 차지하고 있다. 이 지역 위안부 피해자들의 증언 또한 대부분 현지에서 위안부들이 그대로 집단 수용되었으며, 한인회나 광복군 관계자들이 통제했던 사실을 알 수 있다. 전쟁이 끝났다고 해도, 중국에 있던 일본군 위안부들에게‘해방’은 찾아오지 않았던 것이다.