Human SNF2L Gene Is Regulated Constitutively and Inducibly in Neural Cells via a cAMP-Response Element

Yu Xia,Laicheng Wang,Chunyan Ma,Yaoqin Gong,Yueran Zhao 연세대학교의과대학 2013 Yonsei medical journal Vol.54 No.3

Purpose: SNF2L belongs to Imitation Switch family and plays an essential role in neural tissues and gonads. In our previous studies, we have demonstrated that the basal transcription of human SNF2L gene is regulated by two cis-elements, cAMP response element (CRE)- and Sp1-binding sites. Recent studies suggested that cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) stimulation significantly up-regulated SNF2L expression in ovarian granulose cells. These data suggested that protein kinase-mediated signal pathways might also regulate SNF2L expression in neural cells. We therefore investigated the effects of agents that activate protein kinases A on SNF2L gene expression in neural cells. Materials and Methods: To increase intracellular cAMP levels, all neural cells were treated with forskolin and dbcAMP, two cAMP response activators. We exmined the effects of cAMP on the promoter activity of human SNF2L gene by luciferase reporter gene assays, and further examined the effects of cAMP on endogenous SNF2L mRNA levels by qPCR. Results: Transient expression of a luciferase fusion gene under the control of the SNF2L promoter was significantly increased by treatment of rat primary neurons with forskolin or dbcAMP, but not PC12, C6 and SH-SY5Y cells. Consistently, treatment with forskolin or dbcAMP could enhance endogenous SNF2L mRNA levels also only in rat primary neurons. Conclusion: These results suggest that the CRE consensus sequence in the SNF2L proximal promoter most likely confers constitutive activation and regulation by cAMP in neural cells.

Synthesis, Characterization, and Drug Delivery of Amphiphilic Poly{(lactic acid)-co-[(glycolic acid)-alt-(L-glutamic acid)]}-g-Poly(ethylene glycol)

Zuxiao Yu,Zhongwei Gu,Bin He,Chunyan Long,Rong Liu,Mingming Sheng,Gang Wang,James. Z. Tang 한국고분자학회 2012 Macromolecular Research Vol.20 No.3

This paper discusses the use of a novel amphiphilic graft polymer poly{(lactic acid)-co-[(glycolic acid)-alt-(Lglutamic acid)]}-g-monomethyl poly(ethylene glycol) (PLGG-g-mPEG) as a drug carrier. PLGG was synthesized through the ring-opening polymerization of L-lactide (LLA) and (3s)-benzoxylcarbonylethyl-morpholine-2,5-dione (BEMD) using Sn(Oct)2 as a catalyst and it was subsequently deprotected via hydrogenolysis in the presence of Pd/C. A series of monomethyl poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) with the molecular weights of 2,000, 1,100, and 500 were immobilized on the carboxyl groups of PLGG. These PEGylated graft derivatives were characterized using proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectra (1H NMR), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and gel permeation chromatography (GPC). The critical micelle concentrations (CMCs) of the amphiphilic copolymers were tested by the fluorescence probe technique and the CMCs were 2.3, 1.0, and 0.32 μg/mL, respectively. Transmission electronic microscopy (TEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) images revealed that the micelles were homogeneous spherical nanoparticles and the sizes of the micelles were distributed across a range of 80 to 22 nm. Anticancer drug doxorubicin (DOX) was loaded into the micelles. The in vitro release profiles showed that the sustaining release of the drugloaded micelles could last over 7 days. The in vitro cytotoxicity assay of the DOX-loaded micelles against HepG2cells was assessed by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assays. The results demonstrated that the drug-loaded micelles exhibited a high level of inhibition activity on cancer cells. The confocal microscopy images of HepG2 cells showed that DOX released from the micelles could be delivered into cell nuclei. PLGG-g-mPEG micelles are promising potential carriers for delivering anticancer drugs.

A Comparative Study on Physiological Activities of Lager and Ale Brewing Yeasts under Different Gravity Conditions

Zhimin Yu,Mou-Ming Zhao,Huiping Li,Hai-Feng Zhao,Qingli Zhang,Chunyan Wan,Huipin Li 한국생물공학회 2012 Biotechnology and Bioprocess Engineering Vol.17 No.4

High gravity (HG) or very high gravity (VHG)brewing has become popular in modern breweries due to its economic and product quality advantages. However,there are the negative impacts such as the fermentation performance of brewer’s yeast in HG or VHG wort, which are closely related to changes in cell physiological activity. In the present study, 3 kinds of worts, with different gravities, were used to examine the systematic effects on fermentation performance and physiological activity of lager yeast FBY009505 (Saccharomyces pastorianus) and ale yeast FBY0099 (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), as well as the resulting beer flavor. Results showed that the responses of FBY009505 and FBY0099 to the HG or VHG worts were similar. The specific fermentation rate and viability of cropped yeast of FBY009505 and FBY0099 were decreased with increasing wort gravity. The increased wort gravity resulted in the increase of energy charge and the decrease of α-glucosides transport rate and glycolytic enzyme activities. Moreover, the environmental stresses in the HG or VHG wort showed a higher inhibitory activity against α-glucoside transport than glycolytic enzymes. The content of intracellular trehalose and glycerol of FBY009505 and FBY0099 increased with the increase in wort gravity. The results from this study provided a potential means to systematically understand the physiology of brewer’s yeast under HG or VHG conditions. High gravity (HG) or very high gravity (VHG)brewing has become popular in modern breweries due to its economic and product quality advantages. However,there are the negative impacts such as the fermentation performance of brewer’s yeast in HG or VHG wort, which are closely related to changes in cell physiological activity. In the present study, 3 kinds of worts, with different gravities, were used to examine the systematic effects on fermentation performance and physiological activity of lager yeast FBY009505 (Saccharomyces pastorianus) and ale yeast FBY0099 (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), as well as the resulting beer flavor. Results showed that the responses of FBY009505 and FBY0099 to the HG or VHG worts were similar. The specific fermentation rate and viability of cropped yeast of FBY009505 and FBY0099 were decreased with increasing wort gravity. The increased wort gravity resulted in the increase of energy charge and the decrease of α-glucosides transport rate and glycolytic enzyme activities. Moreover, the environmental stresses in the HG or VHG wort showed a higher inhibitory activity against α-glucoside transport than glycolytic enzymes. The content of intracellular trehalose and glycerol of FBY009505 and FBY0099 increased with the increase in wort gravity. The results from this study provided a potential means to systematically understand the physiology of brewer’s yeast under HG or VHG conditions.

Evidences and magnitude of nighttime transpiration derived from Populus euphratica in the extreme arid region of China

Tengfei Yu,Qi Feng,Jianhua Si,Xiaoyou Zhang,Downey Alec,Chunyan Zhao 한국식물학회 2016 Journal of Plant Biology Vol.59 No.6

Extensive research has found that nighttime transpiration (E n) is positively correlated to the vapour pressure deficit (VPD), that suggested E n was highest during the night under high temperatures and low humidity along with high soil water availability, typically for the riparian forest in the extreme arid region of China. This study used the heat ratio method to measure sap velocity (V s) for mature and saplings Populus euphratica Oliv., and then E n was conservatively calculated as total nocturnal sap flow (F s, the product of V s and sapwood area A s) between 01:00 to 06:00. A gas exchange system was used to measure the leaf transpiration rate (T r) and stomatal conductance (g s) of saplings. For mature trees, nighttime V s was extensive and logarithmic correlated to VPD (similar to daytime). For saplings, g s and T r was extensive in different months, and also a strong logarithmic relationship was found between V s and VPD for both daytime and nighttime periods. Both of stem sap flow and leaf gas exchange suggusted the occurrence of E n, whether mature or sapling trees. E n contribution to daily transpiration (E d) was high just as expected for P. euphratica, which was confirmed by proportional E n to E d (E n/E d) means taken in 2012 (24.99%) and 2013 (34.08%). Compared to mature trees, E n/E d of saplings in 2013 was lower with means of 12.06%, that supported further by the shorter duration times and less T r,n (16.64%) and g s,n (26.45%) of leaf, suggesting that E n magnitude is associated to individual the tree size, that effect to stored water of individual trees, although this hypothesis requires further research.

Chitosan Nerve Grafts Incorporated with SKP-SC-EVs Induce Peripheral Nerve Regeneration

Zhou Xinyang,Yu Miaomei,Chen Daiyue,Deng Chunyan,Zhang Qi,Gu Xiaosong,Ding Fei 한국조직공학과 재생의학회 2023 조직공학과 재생의학 Vol.20 No.2

BACKGROUND: Repair of long-distance peripheral nerve defects remains an important clinical problem. Nerve grafts incorporated with extracellular vesicles (EVs) from various cell types have been developed to bridge peripheral nerve defects. In our previous research, EVs obtained from skin-derived precursor Schwann cells (SKP-SC-EVs) were demonstrated to promote neurite outgrowth in cultured cells and facilitate nerve regeneration in animal studies. METHODS: To further assess the functions of SKP-SC-EVs in nerve repair, we incorporated SKP-SC-EVs and Matrigel into chitosan nerve conduits (EV-NG) for repairing a 15-mm long-distance sciatic nerve defect in a rat model. Behavioral analysis, electrophysiological recording, histological investigation, molecular analysis, and morphometric assessment were carried out. RESULTS: The results revealed EV-NG significantly improved motor and sensory function recovery compared with nerve conduits (NG) without EVs incorporation. The outgrowth and myelination of regenerated axons were improved, while the atrophy of target muscles induced by denervation was alleviated after EVs addition. CONCLUSION: Our data indicated SKP-SC-EVs incorporation into nerve grafts represents a promising method for extended peripheral nerve damage repair.

Extractive Biodegradation of Diphenyl Ethers in a Cloud Point System: Pollutant Bioavailability Enhancement and Surfactant Recycling

Tao Pan,Chunyan Liu,Qiao Xin,MEI-YING XU,Yangwu Deng,Wei Dong,Shuijing Yu 한국생물공학회 2017 Biotechnology and Bioprocess Engineering Vol.22 No.5

The biodegradation of diphenyl ethers (DEs) in the environment is limited by their high hydrophobicity. The enhancement of DE bioavailability by a cloud point system (CPS) was investigated in this study. Three CPSs (i.e., Triton X-114, Triton X-114 + Triton X-45, and Brij30 + TMN-3) were tested to promote DE biodegradation. Biocompatibility tests showed that the biodegradation of DE and 4-bromodiphenyl ether (4-BDE) was inhibited by TX-114, unaffected by TX-114 + TX-45, and promoted by Brij30 + TMN-3 over 48 h of cultivation with Cupriavidus basilensis and 4% (w/v) nonionic surfactants. Further optimization with 2% (w/v) Brij30 + TMN-3 yielded residual DE and 4-BDE quantities of 143 and 154 mg/L, respectively, lower than quantities in the control. During degradation, DE content did not decrease in the dilute phase, but sharply decreased in the coacervate phase, indicating that the DEs gradually diffused and transferred from the coacervate phase to the dilute phase for degradation by microbial cells. This behavior also enhanced the bioavailability of DEs in the CPS. By removing the cellrich dilute phase and adding fresh degradation medium and DE to the coacervate phase, surfactants were successfully recovered and reused twice without affecting DE biodegradation. Results demonstrated that a CPS with 2% (w/v) Brij30 + TMN-3 not only enhanced the bioavailability of DEs, but also decreased the treatment cost through surfactant recycling, which is beneficial for large-scale applications.

Effects of SSRI Antidepressants on Attentional Bias toward Emotional Scenes in First-Episode Depressive Patients: Evidence from an Eye-Tracking Study

Lei Zhang,Fengqiong Yu,Qian Hu,Yuxi Qiao,Rongrong Xuan,Gongjun Ji,Chunyan Zhu,Chunlan Cai,Kai Wang 대한신경정신의학회 2020 PSYCHIATRY INVESTIGATION Vol.17 No.9

Objective Attentional biases toward emotional scenes may represent vulnerability and maintenance factors in depression. Antidepressant therapy may improve cognitive function and reduce depression, and is considered as the mechanism of action of antidepressants. Therefore, we conducted an eye-tracking test to examine whether selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants can reduce negative attentional biases and elicit clinical responses in depression. Methods Twenty first-episode depressive patients freely viewed three types of pictures that depicted different emotional scenes (i.e., positive-control, neutral-control, and negative-control) for 4,000 ms while their eye movements were monitored. The attentional bias to different emotional scenes was assessed before and after eight weeks of SSRI treatment using the eye-tracking method. The control group included a group of healthy individuals. Results The results revealed that first-episode depressive patients oriented their gaze more frequently to negative images and less to happy images, compared to controls. Importantly, the attentional bias in depressive patients was regulated after eight weeks of SSRI treatment. Patients showed an increased tendency to fixate on positive images and a decreased tendency to focus on negative images. Conclusion This suggests that SSRI antidepressants decrease vulnerability to negative images, while having an effect on attention in respect to positive images.

Differential Expression of miR-34c and Its Predicted Target Genes in Testicular Tissue at Different Development Stages of Swine

Zhang, Xiaojun,Zhao, Wei,Li, Chuanmin,Yu, Haibin,Qiao, YanYan,Li, Aonan,Lu, Chunyan,Zhao, Zhihui,Sun, Boxing Asian Australasian Association of Animal Productio 2015 Animal Bioscience Vol.28 No.11

To verified the target genes of miR-34c, bioinformatics software was used to predict the targets of miR-34c. Three possible target genes of miR-34c related to spermatogenesis and male reproductive development: zinc finger protein 148 (ZNF148), kruppel-like factor 4 (KLF4), and platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha (PDGFRA) were predicted. Then, the expression of miR-34c and its target genes were detected in swine testicular tissue at different developmental stages by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The results suggested that the expression of PDGFRA has the highest negative correlation with miR-34c. Then immunohistochemical staining was done to observe the morphology of swine testicular tissue at 2-days and 3, 4, 5-months of age, which indicated that PDGFRA was mainly expressed in the support cells near the basement membrane during the early development stages of testicular tissue, but that the expression of PDGFRA was gradually reduced in later stages. Therefore, western blot analyzed that the highest expression of PDGFRA was generated in 2-days old testicular tissues and the expression levels reduced at 3 and 4-months old, which correlated with the results of immunohistochemical staining. In conclusion, PDGFRA is a target gene of miR-34c.

Differential Expression of miR-34c and Its Predicted Target Genes in Testicular Tissue at Different Development Stages of Swine

Xiaojun Zhang,Wei Zhao,Chuanmin Li,Haibin Yu,YanYan Qiao,Aonan Li,Chunyan Lu,Zhihui Zhao,Boxing Sun 아세아·태평양축산학회 2015 Animal Bioscience Vol.28 No.11

To verified the target genes of miR-34c, bioinformatics software was used to predict the targets of miR-34c. Three possible target genes of miR-34c related to spermatogenesis and male reproductive development: zinc finger protein 148 (ZNF148), kruppel-like factor 4 (KLF4), and platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha (PDGFRA) were predicted. Then, the expression of miR-34c and its target genes were detected in swine testicular tissue at different developmental stages by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The results suggested that the expression of PDGFRA has the highest negative correlation with miR-34c. Then immunohistochemical staining was done to observe the morphology of swine testicular tissue at 2-days and 3, 4, 5-months of age, which indicated that PDGFRA was mainly expressed in the support cells near the basement membrane during the early development stages of testicular tissue, but that the expression of PDGFRA was gradually reduced in later stages. Therefore, western blot analyzed that the highest expression of PDGFRA was generated in 2-days old testicular tissues and the expression levels reduced at 3 and 4-months old, which correlated with the results of immunohistochemical staining. In conclusion, PDGFRA is a target gene of miR-34c.

Identification of S-Nitrosylation of Proteins of Helicobacter pylori in Response to Nitric Oxide Stress

Wei Qu,Yabin Zhou,Yundong Sun,Ming Fang,Han Yu,Wenjuan Li,Zhifang Liu,Jiping Zeng,Chunyan Chen,Chengjiang Gao,Jihui Jia 한국미생물학회 2011 The journal of microbiology Vol.49 No.2

Innate and adaptive immune responses are activated in humans when Helicobacter pylori invades the gastric mucosa. Nitric oxide (NO) and reactive nitrogen species are important immune effectors, which can exert their functions through oxidation and S-nitrosylation of proteins. S-nitrosoglutathione and sodium nitroprusside were used as NO donors and H. pylori cells were incubated with these compounds to analyze the inhibitory effect of NO. The suppressing effect of NO on H. pylori has been shown in vitro. Furthermore,the proteins modified by S-nitrosylation in H. pylori were identified through the biotin switch method in association with matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization/time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (MALDITOF-MS/MS). Five S-nitrosylated proteins identified were a chaperone and heat-shock protein (GroEL),alkyl hydroperoxide reductase (TsaA), urease alpha subunit (UreA), HP0721, and HP0129. Importantly,S-nitrosylation of TsaA and UreA were confirmed using purified recombinant proteins. Considering the importance of these enzymes in antioxidant defenses, adherence, and colonization, NO may exert its antibacterial actions by targeting enzymes through S-nitrosylation. Identification of protein S-nitrosylation may contribute to an understanding of the antibacterial actions of NO. Our findings provide an insight into potential targets for the development of novel therapeutic agents against H. pylori infection.