SAMD4B, a novel SAM-containing protein, inhibits AP-1-, p53- and p21-mediated transcriptional activity

( Na Luo ),( Guan Li ),( Yong Qing Li ),( Xiong Wei Fan ),( Yue Qun Wang ),( Xiang Li Ye ),( Xiao Yan Mo ),( Jun Mei Zhou ),( Wu Zhou Yuan ),( Ming Tan ),( Hua Ping Xie ),( Karen Ocorr ),( Rolf Bodmer 생화학분자생물학회 (구 한국생화학분자생물학회) 2010 BMB Reports Vol.43 No.5

The sterile alpha motif (SAM) is a putative protein interaction domain involved in a wide variety of biological processes. Here we report the identification and characterization of a novel gene, SAMD4B, which encodes a putative protein of 694 amino acids with a SAM domain. Northern blot and RT-PCR analysis showed that SAMD4B is widely expressed in human embryonic and adult tissues. Transcriptional activity assays show SAMD4B suppresses transcriptional activity of L8G5-luciferase. Over-expression of SAMD4B in mammalian cells inhibited the transcriptional activities of activator protein-1 (AP-1), p53 and p21, and the inhibitory effects can be relieved by siRNA. Deletion analysis indicates that the SAM domain is the main region for transcriptional suppression. The results suggest that SAMD4B is a widely expressed gene involved in AP-1-, p53-and p21-mediated transcriptional signaling activity. [BMB reports 2010; 43(5): 355-361]

Radiotherapy combined with immunotherapy could improve the immune infiltration of melanoma in mice and enhance the abscopal effect

Yufeng Zheng(Yufeng Zheng),Xue Liu(Xue Liu),Na Li(Na Li),Aimei Zhao(Aimei Zhao),Zhiqiang Sun(Zhiqiang Sun),Meihua Wang(Meihua Wang),Judong Luo(Judong Luo) 대한방사선종양학회 2023 Radiation Oncology Journal Vol.41 No.2

Purpose: To analyze the gene mutation, immune infiltration and tumor growth of primary tumor and distant tumor under different treatment modes. Materials and Methods: Twenty B16 murine melanoma cells were injected subcutaneously into the of both sides of the thigh, simulating a primary tumor and a secondary tumor impacted by the abscopal effect, respectively. They were divided into blank control group, immunotherapy group, radiotherapy group, and radiotherapy combined immunotherapy group. During this period, tumor volume was measured, and RNA sequencing was performed on tumor samples after the test. R software was used to analyze differentially expressed genes, functional enrichment, and immune infiltration. Results: We found that any treatment mode could cause changes in differentially expressed genes, especially the combination treatment. The different therapeutic effects might be caused by gene expression. In addition, the proportions of infiltrating immune cells in the irradiated and abscopal tumors were different. In the combination treatment group, T-cell infiltration in the irradiated site was the most obvious. In the immunotherapy group, CD8+ T-cell infiltration in the abscopal tumor site was obvious, but immunotherapy alone might have a poor prognosis. Whether the irradiated or abscopal tumor was evaluated, radiotherapy combined with anti-programmed cell death protein 1 (anti-PD-1) therapy produced the most obvious tumor control and might have a positive impact on prognosis. Conclusion: Combination therapy not only improves the immune microenvironment but may also have a positive impact on prognosis.

SELF-TUNING OCCUPANT INJURY PREDICTION ALGORITHM FOR ADVANCED AUTOMATIC CRASH NOTIFICATION SYSTEM

Ying Luo,Yuezhou Yin,Heng Wei,Na Chen 한국자동차공학회 2022 International journal of automotive technology Vol.23 No.4

In this study, the effect of discrimination threshold on velocity variation is investigated, and a self-tuning algorithm for velocity variation is proposed to improve the accuracy of an advanced automatic crash notification (AACN) system. First, after determining the factors affecting driver injury, an injury prediction model for the driver is developed. Second, the prediction accuracy affected by the discrimination threshold in the AACN system is analyzed using a finite element model for a sled crash test. Third, the self-tuning occupant injury prediction algorithm is presented based on an association model for the velocity variation error, discrimination threshold, and acceleration peak. Fourth, a vehicle terminal is designed by embedding a self-tuning algorithm into the system. Finally, a sled test and vehicle crash test are conducted to verify the reliability of the self-tuning algorithm. The test results show that the self-tuning algorithm can increase the accuracy of the probability of driver injury.

A Prospective Cohort Study of Red Meat Consumption and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Risk Among Women

( Mi Na Kim ),( Chun-han Lo ),( Kathleen E. Corey ),( Xiao Luo ),( Xuehong Zhang ),( Andrew T. Chan ),( Tracey G. Simon ) 대한간학회 2020 춘·추계 학술대회 (KASL) Vol.2020 No.1

Aims: Previous studies have suggested consumption of red meat might be associated with an increased risk of developing nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, large-scale, prospective data regarding red meat consumption in relation to the incidence of NAFLD are lacking, nor is it known whether this association is mediated by obesity. Methods: This prospective cohort study included 77,795 women in the Nurses’ Health Study II cohort without NAFLD at baseline (in 1995), who provided detailed, validated information regarding diet, including consumption of red meat, every 4 years, through 2015. Lifestyle factors, clinical comorbidities and body mass index (BMI), were updated biennially. Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate multivariable adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: Over 1,444,637 person years of follow-up, we documented 3,130 cases of incident NAFLD. Women consuming ≥2 servings of red meat per day had a 56% higher risk of developing incident NAFLD compared to women consuming ≤1 serving per week (95% CI, 1.26-1.93), after multivariable adjustment. Similarly, significant and positive associations were observed for both unprocessed and processed red meat (both P-trend< 0.0001). However, after further adjustment for BMI, all associations for red meat, including unprocessed and processed red meat, were attenuated and not statistically significant (all P-trend >0.05). BMI was estimated to mediate 66% (95% CI, 41.9%-83.9%; P<0.0001) of the association between red meat consumption and NAFLD risk. Conclusions: Red meat consumption, including both unprocessed and processed red meat, was associated with significantly increased risk of developing NAFLD. This association was mediated largely by obesity.

Amphidinium stirisquamtum sp. nov. (Dinophyceae), a new marine sand-dwelling dinoflagellate with a novel type of body scale

Zhaohe Luo,Na Wang,Hala F. Mohamed,Ye Liang,Lulu Pei,Shuhong Huang,Haifeng Gu 한국조류학회I 2021 ALGAE Vol.36 No.4

Amphidinium species are amongst the most abundant benthic dinoflagellates in marine intertidal sandy ecosystems. Some of them produce a variety of bioactive compounds that have both harmful effects and pharmaceutical potential. In this study, Amphidinium cells were isolated from intertidal sand collected from the East China Sea. The two strains established were subjected to detailed examination by light, and scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The vegetative cells had a minute, irregular, and triangular-shaped epicone deflected to the left, thus fitting the description of Amphidinium sensu stricto. These strains are distinguished from other Amphidinium species by combination characteristics: (1) longitudinal flagellum inserted in the lower third of the cell; (2) icicle-shaped scales, 276 ± 17 nm in length, on the cell body surface; (3) asymmetrical hypocone with the left side longer than the right; and (4) presence of immotile cells. Therefore, they are described here as Amphidinium stirisquamtum sp. nov. The molecular tree inferred from small subunit rRNA, large subunit rRNA, and internal transcribed spacer-5.8S sequences revealed that A. stirisquamtum is grouped together with the type species of Amphidinium, A. operculatum, in a fully supported clade, but is distantly related to other Amphidinium species bearing body scale. Live A. stirisquamtum cells greatly affected the survival of rotifers and brine shrimp, their primary grazers, making them more susceptible to predation by the higher tropic level consumers in the food web. This will increase the risk of introducing toxicity, and consequently, the bio-accumulation of toxins through marine food webs.

Evidence for the Presence of Long-Lived Plasma Cells in Nasal Polyps

Ya-Na Zhang,Jia Song,Guan-Ting Zhai,Hai Wang,Ren-Zhong Luo,Jing-Xian Li,Bo Liao,Jin Ma,Heng Wang,Xiang Lu,Da-Bo Liu,Zheng Liu 대한천식알레르기학회 2020 Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Research Vol.12 No.2

Purpose: Plasma cells and immunoglobulins (Igs) play a pivotal role in the induction and maintenance of chronic inflammation in nasal polyps. During secondary immune responses, plasma cell survival and Ig production are regulated by the local environment. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the presence of long-lived plasma cells (LLPCs) and specific survival niches for LLPCs in human nasal polyps. Methods: Nasal mucosal samples were cultured with an air-liquid interface system and the Ig levels in culture supernatants were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The characteristics of LLPCs in nasal polyps were determined by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. The expression of neurotrophins as well as their receptors was detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and Western blotting. Results: The numbers of CD138+ total plasma cells and BCL2+ plasma cells were increased in both eosinophilic and non-eosinophilic nasal polyps compared with those in normal tissues. The production of IgG, IgA, and IgE was detected in culture supernatants even after a 32-day culture of nasal polyps. Although the total numbers of plasma cells were decreased in nasal polyps after culture, the numbers of BCL2+ plasma cells remained stable. The expression of nerve growth factor (NGF) as well as tropomyosin receptor kinase (Trk) A, a high-affinity receptor for NGF, was upregulated in both eosinophilic and non-eosinophilic nasal polyps. In addition, BCL2+ plasma cell numbers were positively correlated with NGF and TrkA mRNA expression in nasal mucosal tissues. Polyp plasma cells had the expression of TrkA. Conclusions: Human nasal polyps harbor a population of LLPCs and NGF may be involved in their prolonged survival. LLPCs may be a novel therapeutic target for suppressing the local Ig production in nasal polyps.

Cloning, Expression, and Characterization of a New Phytase from the Phytopathogenic Bacterium Pectobacterium wasabiae DSMZ 18074

( Shao Na ),( Huo Qing Huang ),( Kun Meng ),( Hui Ying Luo ),( Ya Ru Wang ),( Pei Long Yang ),( Bin Yao ) 한국미생물 · 생명공학회 2008 Journal of microbiology and biotechnology Vol.18 No.7

Understanding the Critical Inducers of International Contractors' Corruption

Min Luo,Xiaopeng Deng,Na Zhang 대한토목학회 2023 KSCE Journal of Civil Engineering Vol.27 No.9

International contractors’ corruption severely threatens the transparency and sustainability of the construction industry. This study aims to identify critical inducers of international contractors’ corruption and explore their interrelationships. Leveraging the fraud diamond theory, the critical inducers were identified through the semi-systematic review, context analysis, and a two-round Delphi survey with 26 experts. Then, the cause-effect associations among the critical inducers were captured by integrating the decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) method and the interpretive structure modeling (ISM) method. Following this hybrid approach, the corruption inducer system incorporating 12 inducers and 32 conditions was proposed. Institutional pressure and inefficient compliance management were the most critical inducers in the system. Additionally, the interrelationships among these inducers were organized into a seven-level hierarchy pattern. Intricate rules and institutional pressure were the root causes of corruption. Inadequate formal sanctions were the key node in the causal chain. Neutralization techniques and execution skills were the immediate causes of corruption. This study develops the corruption inducer system by combining theory with practice in the international construction industry. It contributes to the sparse research on corruption by clarifying the cause-effect relationships among inducers from a holistic perspective. The findings would help industry practitioners, multinational company executives, and international aspirants understand corruption comprehensively and prioritize countermeasures.

Observability and Controllability Analysis for Sandwich Systems with Dead-zone

Yonghong Tan,Na Luo,Ruili Dong 제어·로봇·시스템학회 2016 International Journal of Control, Automation, and Vol.14 No.1

In this paper, an approach to analyze the observability and controllability of sandwich systems withdead-zone is proposed. In this method, a non-smooth state-space function is proposed to describe the sandwichsystems with dead-zone which are also non-smooth nonlinear systems. Then, a linearization method based onnon-smooth optimization is proposed to derive a linearized state-space function to approximate the non-smoothsandwich systems within a bounded region around the equilibrium points that we are interested in. Afterwards,both observability and controllability matrices are constructed and the methods to analyze the observability as wellas controllability of sandwich system with dead-zone are derived. Finally, a numerical example is presented.

Development of a Transient ihpRNA-induced Gene Silencing System for Functional Analysis in Persimmon (Diospyros kaki Thunb.)

Rongli Mo,Na Zhang,Sichao Yang,Qinglin Zhang,Zhengrong Luo 한국원예학회 2016 원예과학기술지 Vol.34 No.2

A transient ihpRNA-induced gene silencing system based on Agrobacterium-mediated injection infiltration has been established to evaluate candidate genes involved in proanthocyanidin (PAs) biosynthesis in persimmon (Diospyros kaki Thunb.). We chose DkPDS (phytoene desaturase) as a gene-silencing target to evaluate the newly developed transient gene silencing system. Our qRT-PCR analysis indicated that two ihpRNA constructs (pHG-PDS5’ and pHG-PDS3’) targeted DkPDS, which also led to significantly reduce expression of DkPDS in ‘Mopanshi’ persimmon leaves. To further confirm the reliability of the system, we successfully utilized it for DkLAR (leucoanthocyanidin reductase) gene silencing. The expression levels of DkLAR in ‘Mopanshi’ and ‘Eshi 1’ leaves were ca. 6-fold and ca. 5-fold lower than those in leaves harboring empty vector (pHG-GFP), respectively. DMACA (4-dimethylaminocinnamaldehyde) staining and the Folin-Ciocalteau assay showed that the accumulation of PAs was markedly inhibited in ‘Mopanshi’, ‘Eshi 1’ and ‘Youhou’ leaves. These results indicate that DkLAR plays an important role in the accumulation of PAs in persimmon. The transient ihpRNA-induced gene silencing method developed in this study is a highly efficient and useful tool for functional analysis of persimmon genes involved in PA biosynthesis.