A meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies for adiponectin levels in East Asians identifies a novel locus near <i>WDR11-FGFR2</i>

Wu, Ying,Gao, He,Li, Huaixing,Tabara, Yasuharu,Nakatochi, Masahiro,Chiu, Yen-Feng,Park, Eun Jung,Wen, Wanqing,Adair, Linda S.,Borja, Judith B.,Cai, Qiuyin,Chang, Yi-Cheng,Chen, Peng,Croteau-Chonka, Da Oxford University Press 2014 Human Molecular Genetics Vol.23 No.4

<P>Blood levels of adiponectin, an adipocyte-secreted protein correlated with metabolic and cardiovascular risks, are highly heritable. Genome-wide association (GWA) studies for adiponectin levels have identified 14 loci harboring variants associated with blood levels of adiponectin. To identify novel adiponectin-associated loci, particularly those of importance in East Asians, we conducted a meta-analysis of GWA studies for adiponectin in 7827 individuals, followed by two stages of replications in 4298 and 5954 additional individuals. We identified a novel adiponectin-associated locus on chromosome 10 near <I>WDR11-FGFR2</I> (<I>P</I> = 3.0 × 10<SUP>−14</SUP>) and provided suggestive evidence for a locus on chromosome 12 near <I>OR8S1-LALBA</I> (<I>P</I> = 1.2 × 10<SUP>−7</SUP>). Of the adiponectin-associated loci previously described, we confirmed the association at <I>CDH13</I> (<I>P</I> = 6.8 × 10<SUP>−165</SUP>), <I>ADIPOQ</I> (<I>P</I> = 1.8 × 10<SUP>−22</SUP>), <I>PEPD</I> (<I>P</I> = 3.6 × 10<SUP>−12</SUP>), <I>CMIP</I> (<I>P</I> = 2.1 × 10<SUP>−10</SUP>), <I>ZNF664</I> (<I>P</I> = 2.3 × 10<SUP>−7</SUP>) and <I>GPR109A</I> (<I>P</I> = 7.4 × 10<SUP>−6</SUP>). Conditional analysis at <I>ADIPOQ</I> revealed a second signal with suggestive evidence of association only after conditioning on the lead SNP (<I>P</I><SUB>initial</SUB> = 0.020; <I>P</I><SUB>conditional</SUB> = 7.0 × 10<SUP>−7</SUP>). We further confirmed the independence of two pairs of closely located loci (<2 Mb) on chromosome 16 at <I>CMIP</I> and <I>CDH13</I>, and on chromosome 12 at <I>GPR109A</I> and <I>ZNF664</I>. In addition, the newly identified signal near <I>WDR11-FGFR2</I> exhibited evidence of association with triglycerides (<I>P</I> = 3.3 × 10<SUP>−4</SUP>), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C, <I>P</I> = 4.9 × 10<SUP>−4</SUP>) and body mass index (BMI)-adjusted waist–hip ratio (<I>P</I> = 9.8 × 10<SUP>−3</SUP>). These findings improve our knowledge of the genetic basis of adiponectin variation, demonstrate the shared allelic architecture for adiponectin with lipids and central obesity and motivate further studies of underlying mechanisms.</P>

Identification and Validation of Four Novel Promoters for Gene Engineering with Broad Suitability across Species

( Cai-yun Wang ),( Li-cheng Liu ),( Ying-cai Wu ),( Yi-xuan Zhang ) 한국미생물 · 생명공학회 2021 Journal of microbiology and biotechnology Vol.31 No.8

The transcriptional capacities of target genes are strongly influenced by promoters, whereas few studies have focused on the development of robust, high-performance and cross-species promoters for wide application in different bacteria. In this work, four novel promoters (P_k.rtufB, P_k.r1, P_k.r2, and P_k.r3) were predicted from Ketogulonicigenium robustum and their inconsistency in the -10 and -35 region nucleotide sequences indicated they were different promoters. Their activities were evaluated by using green fluorescent protein (gfp) as a reporter in different species of bacteria, including K. vulgare SPU B805, Pseudomonas putida KT2440, Paracoccus denitrificans PD1222, Bacillus licheniformis and Raoultella ornithinolytica, due to their importance in metabolic engineering. Our results showed that the four promoters had different activities, with P_k.r1 showing the strongest activity in almost all of the experimental bacteria. By comparison with the commonly used promoters of E. coli (tufB, lac, lacUV5), K. vulgare (Psdh, Psndh) and P. putida KT2440 (JE111411), the four promoters showed significant differences due to only 12.62% nucleotide similarities, and relatively higher ability in regulating target gene expression. Further validation experiments confirmed their ability in initiating the target minCD cassette because of the shape changes under the promoter regulation. The overexpression of sorbose dehydrogenase and cytochrome c551 by P_k.r1 and P_k.r2 resulted in a 22.75% enhancement of 2-KGA yield, indicating their potential for practical application in metabolic engineering. This study demonstrates an example of applying bioinformatics to find new biological components for gene operation and provides four novel promoters with broad suitability, which enriches the usable range of promoters to realize accurate regulation in different genetic backgrounds.

Glutamine-Supplemented Parenteral Nutrition and Probiotics in Four Adult Autoimmune Enteropathy Patients

( Ren Ying Xu ),( Yan Ping Wan ),( Yi Quan Zhou ),( Li Ping Lu ),( Zhi Qi Chen ),( Ying Jie Wu ),( Wei Cai ) 대한소화기학회 2014 Gut and Liver Vol.8 No.3

To evaluate the effects of glutamine-supplemented parenteral nutrition (PN) and probiotics in adult autoimmune enteropathy (AIE) patients. Four adult AIE patients were identified from April 2006 to January 2012. Clinical and nutritional data were obtained from the patients’ medical records. Glutamine-supplemented PN started immediately when the AIE diagnosis was confirmed. The total PN duration was 351 days. According to the PN prescription, the average caloric intake ranged from 20 to 25 kcal/kg/day, and the protein intake ranged from 1.2 to 1.5 g/kg/day. Alanyl-glutamine (20 g/day) was administered to AIE patients for 4 weeks followed by a 2-week break, and this treatment schedule was repeated when PN lasted for more than 6 weeks. Body weight gain and an increased serum albumin level were achieved after PN, and defecation frequency and quality also improved. Each patient received oral supplements, 250 mL of Ensure and two probiotics capsules (each capsule containing 0.5×108 colonies) three times a day when enteral nutrition started. Three AIE patients were successfully weaned off PN, and one patient died of pneumonia. Glutamine-supplemented PN and probiotics show promise in managing patients with AIE and related malnutrition.

Comparative transcriptomic screen identifies expression of key genes involved in pattern-triggered immunity induced by salicylic acid in strawberry

Feng Jun,Wu Xiao-Ying,Xiu Yu,Zheng Cai-Xia 한국원예학회 2023 Horticulture, Environment, and Biotechnology Vol.64 No.5

The destructive illness powdery mildew, caused by Podosphaera aphanis , reduces strawberry yield. However, the mechanism through which exogenous salicylic acid can enhance resistance to P. aphanis remains unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the underlying mechanism of SA-induced resistance in strawberry leaves against P. aphanis using a comparative RNA-seq approach. Upon observing the symptoms, it was found that SA partially contributed to strawberry resistance against P. aphanis by increasing H 2 O 2 levels during the initial stages. To mitigate the eff ects of H 2 O 2 , SA-treated leaves signifi cantly boosted the activities of enzymes such as superoxide dismutases (SOD), catalases (CAT), and peroxidases (POD). RNA profi ling identifi ed several diff erentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with the reactive oxygen species (ROS)-redox pathway. Moreover, SA-induced leaves fortifi ed the cell wall to prevent P. aphanis penetration. Using weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA), three modules (red, green, and yellow) were constructed, showing a strong correlation with enhanced resistance. Predictably, cyclic nucleotide-gated channels (CNGC) were identifi ed as potential players in Ca 2+ signaling linked to the PTI response. Additionally, the presence of WRKY33 and defense-related genes such as PR10 were associated with enhanced resistance. It is plausible that strawberries exposed to SA trigger ROS and Ca 2+ signaling, along with signifi cantly elevated WRKY33 expression, to facilitate the production of PR10 and camalexin, which help protect against P. aphanis .

Continuous Sheet Metal Forming for Doubly Curved Surface Parts

Zhong-Yi Cai,Ying-Wu Lan,Ming-Zhe Li,Zhi-Qing Hu,Mi Wang 한국정밀공학회 2012 International Journal of Precision Engineering and Vol. No.

Continuous sheet metal forming (CSMF) is a novel technology for manufacturing doubly curved sheet metal parts. In this process,an upper flexible roll and two lower flexible rolls are employed as a forming tool, with the rotation of flexible rolls, the sheet metal is bent in the longitudinal and transverse directions simultaneously. In this study, the basic principle of CSMF system is introduced and the basic mathematical model to control the CSMF process is presented. Based on the analysis of the sheet metal deformation in longitudinal direction, the formulations to determine the finial curvature of the deformed sheet metal and to estimate the downward displacement of upper roll are obtained. Forming experiments for torus-shaped surface and saddle-shaped surface were carried out. The dimensional accuracy and smoothness of the CSMF parts were measured and analyzed. The experiment results confirm the validity of the presented mathematical models and shows that CSMF can be effectively used in forming of doubly curved surface parts.

Identification of interacting proteins of retinoid-related orphan nuclear receptor gamma in HepG2 cells

( Ze Min Huang ),( Jun Wu ),( Zheng Cai Jia ),( Yi Tian ),( Jun Tang ),( Yan Tang ),( Ying Wang ),( Yu Zhang Wu ),( Bing Ni ) 생화학분자생물학회 (구 한국생화학분자생물학회) 2012 BMB Reports Vol.45 No.6

The retinoid-related orphan nuclear receptor gamma (RORγ) plays critical roles in regulation of development, immunity and metabolism. As transcription factor usually forms a protein complex to function, thus capturing and dissecting of the RORγ protein complex will be helpful for exploring the mechanisms underlying those functions. After construction of the recombinant tandem affinity purification (TAP) plasmid, pMSCVpuro RORγ-CTAP(SG), the nuclear localization of RORγ-CTAP(SG) fusion protein was verified. Following isolation of RORγ protein complex by TAP strategy, seven candidate interacting proteins were identified. Finally, the heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) and receptor-interacting protein 140 (RIP140) were confirmed to interplay with RORγ by co-immunoprecipitation. Interference of HSP90 or/and RIP140 genes resulted in dramatically decreased expression of CYP2C8 gene, the RORγ target gene. Data from this study demonstrate that HSP90 and RIP140 proteins interact with RORγ protein in a complex format and function as co-activators in the RORγ-mediated regulatory processes of HepG2 cells. [BMB Reports 2012; 45(6): 331-336]

Screening Peptides Binding Specifically to Colorectal Cancer Cells from a Phage Random Peptide Library

Wang, Jun-Jiang,Liu, Ying,Zheng, Yang,Liao, Kang-Xiong,Lin, Feng,Wu, Cheng-Tang,Cai, Guan-Fu,Yao, Xue-Qing Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2012 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.13 No.1

The aim of this study was to screen for polypeptides binding specifically to LoVo human colorectal cancer cells using a phage-displayed peptide library as a targeting vector for colorectal cancer therapy. Human normal colorectal mucous epithelial cells were applied as absorber cells for subtraction biopanning with a c7c phage display peptide library. Positive phage clones were identified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and immunofluorescence detection; amino acid sequences were deduced by DNA sequencing. After 3 rounds of screening, 5 of 20 phage clones screened positive, showing specific binding to LoVo cells and a conserved RPM motif. Specific peptides against colorectal cancer cells could be obtained from a phage display peptide library and may be used as potential vectors for targeting therapy for colorectal cancer.

Clinical Significance of Serum IgG4 in the Diagnosis and Treatment Response of IgG4-Related Disease in Adults of Southwest China: A Retrospective Study

Wei Bin,Guo Ying,Ou Xiaoqi,Lin Liyan,Su Zhenzhen,Li Lixin,Wu XiaoJuan,Cai Bei 대한진단검사의학회 2023 Annals of Laboratory Medicine Vol.43 No.5

Background: There is no standard cut-off value of serum IgG4 concentration and serum IgG4/total IgG ratio for the diagnosis of IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) or as a marker of treatment responses. We aimed to explore this issue through a retrospective cohort analysis of adults in southwest China. Methods: The diagnostic performance of serum IgG4 concentration and IgG4/IgG ratio for IgG4-RD was evaluated in a retrospective analysis of 177 adults newly diagnosed as having IgG4-RD and 877 adults without IgG4-RD. Dynamic analysis was performed to evaluate the significance of serum IgG4 concentration on IgG4-RD treatment responses. Results: The serum IgG4 concentration differed according to sex. The optimal cut-off values of serum IgG4 concentration and IgG4/IgG ratio for IgG4-RD diagnosis were 1.92 g/L and 0.12 in males and 1.83 g/L and 0.11 in females, respectively. For patients with serum IgG4 concentration >2.01 g/L, the cut-off values in the total population were >3.00 g/L and 0.19, respectively. The median serum IgG4 concentration decreased over time, and the decrease rate increased over time. The serum IgG4 concentration significantly decreased at >1 week post-treatment (P=0.004), and the median decrease rate was close to 50% at >4 weeks post-treatment. Conclusions: Serum IgG4 can be a good indicator for IgG4-RD diagnosis; however, different diagnostic cut-off values should be determined according to sex. The decreasing rate is more conducive than the serum IgG4 concentration to monitor treatment efficacy. The IgG4/IgG ratio did not improve the diagnostic efficacy for IgG4-RD.

Anisotropic In-plane Resistivity and Magnetoresistance of the Detwinned BaFe2As2

Lin Jiao,Zong Fa Weng,Xue Yan Tang,Lu Kai Guo,Tian Shang,Lin Yang,Hui Qiu Yuan,Yu Ying Wu,Zheng Cai Xia 한국물리학회 2013 THE JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN PHYSICAL SOCIETY Vol.63 No.3

We have measured the electrical resistivity and the magnetoresistance of detwinned BaFe2As2single crystals in fields up to 16 Tesla. The temperature dependence of the resistivity shows acounterintuitive anisotropic behavior in the ab-plane, likely arising from the effect of the nematicsusceptibility. Little magnetoresistance is observed at temperatures above the structural/magnetictransition, below which a huge in-plane magnetoresistance with an anisotropy is detected.

A repressor motif-containing poplar R3 MYB-like transcription factor regulates epidermal cell fate determination and anthocyanin biosynthesis in Arabidopsis

Qingnan Hu,Li Yang,Shanda Liu,Limei Zhou,Xutong Wang,Wei Wang,Ling Cai,Xiuju Wu,Ying Chang,Shucai Wang 한국식물학회 2016 Journal of Plant Biology Vol.59 No.5

Single-repeat R3 MYB transcription factors (R3 MYBs) regulate epidermal cell fate determination in Arabidopsis through a lateral inhibition mechanism. Previously we have shown that poplar R3 MYB genes regulate trichome formation when expressed in Arabidopsis. Here we report the identification and functional characterization of a poplar R3 MYB-like protein, Populus trichocarpa R3 MYB-LIKE1 (PtrRML1). So far all the MYB transcription factors identified have a highly conserved N-terminal DNA-binding domain composed of MYB repeats and a highly variable C-terminal domain. However, PtrRML1 has a single R3 MYB repeat at its C-terminal and an LxLxL repressor motif-containing N-terminal, and with amino acids about twice of that of the known R3 MYBs. PtrRML1 is localized in nuclear in transgenic Arabidopsis plants expressing PtrRML1-GFP. PtrRML1 repressed reporter gene expression in protoplasts, and it interacted with GL3 in plant cells. Expression of PtrRML1 in Arabidopsis resulted in glabrous phenotypes, increased number of root hairs, and decreased anthocyanin accumulation. Consist with these observation, the expression levels of some MBW component genes and some of their target genes involved in the regulation of epidermal cell fate determination and anthocyanin biosynthesis, including TRY, CPC, ETC1, GL1, GL2, DFR, UF3GT and TT8 were reduced in the transgenic plants.