Isolation and molecular characterization of RcSERK1: A Rosa canina gene transcriptionally induced during initiation of protocorm-like bodies

A somatic embryogensis receptor-like kinase (SERK) gene was isolated from protocorm-like bodies (PLBs) of Rosa canina by a rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) approach and was designated as RcSERK1. The RcSERK1 encodes a protein of 626 amino acid residues with a calculated molecular mass of 68.79 kDa and theoretical isoelectric point of 5.65. The amino acid sequence of RcSERK1 shares all the characteristic features of a SERK protein, including the signal peptide (SP), the leucine zipper (LZ), the five leucine-rich repeats (LRRs), the pro-rich domain containing the so-called Ser-Pro- Pro (SPP) motif, the transmembrane domain (TM), the kinase domain and the C-terminal domain. The transcripts of RcSERK1 were more enriched in PLBs than in rhizoids and callus, but not detected in leaflets (incubated under dark and before producing callus) and the regenerated shoots. Subcellular localization indicated that the fluorescence of RcSERK1-GFP was recorded in the plasma membrane. We argue that RcSERK1 is a Leu-rich repeat receptor-like kinase (LRR-RLK) and plasma  membrane localization protein.Keywords: somatic embryogensis receptor-like kinase (SERK)1, protocorm-like bodies (PLBs), Rosa canina, RACE, RcSERK1

Аналіз маркетингових підходів до збільшення продажів

Сучасний соціально-економічний стан у країні, невпинне зростання цін, посилення конкуренції в усіх сферах народного господарства, нестабільність політичних відносин тощо стали вагомими причинами зниження попиту багатьох товарів на ринку. Продати що-небудь у ситуації, що склалася, стає під силу далеко не кожному, будь то велика компанія, чи невеличке приватне підприємство. Проте інстинкт виживання диктує свої умови, при яких будь-який успішний продавець має свої секрети успішних продажів. Безумовно, що такий набір секретів не є догмою чи кліше для будь-якої ситуації. Кожен із цих секретів стикається особливостями та проблемами, що змушує оперативно шукати шляхи позитивного вирішення навіть в екстремальних ситуаціях

Molecular MRI of Collagen to Diagnose and Stage Liver Fibrosis

Background & Aims The gold standard in assessing liver fibrosis is biopsy despite limitations like invasiveness and sampling error and complications including morbidity and mortality. Therefore, there is a major unmet medical need to quantify fibrosis non-invasively to facilitate early diagnosis of chronic liver disease and provide a means to monitor disease progression. The goal of this study was to evaluate the ability of several magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques to stage liver fibrosis. Methods A gadolinium (Gd)-based MRI probe targeted to type I collagen (termed EP-3533) was utilized to non-invasively stage liver fibrosis in a carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) mouse model and the results were compared to other MRI techniques including relaxation times, diffusion, and magnetization transfer measurements. Results The most sensitive MR biomarker was the change in liver:muscle contrast to noise ratio (ΔCNR) after EP-3533 injection. We observed a strong positive linear correlation between ΔCNR and liver hydroxyproline (i.e. collagen) levels (r = 0.89) as well as ΔCNR and conventional Ishak fibrosis scoring. In addition, the area under the receiver operating curve (AUR0C) for distinguishing early (Ishak ⩽3) from late (Ishak ⩾4) fibrosis was 0.942 ± 0.052 (p <0.001). By comparison, other MRI techniques were not as sensitive to changes in fibrosis in this model. Conclusions We have developed an MRI technique using a collagen-specific probe for diagnosing and staging liver fibrosis, and validated it in the CCl4 mouse model. This approach should provide a better means to monitor disease progression in patients

Menin Deficiency Leads to Depressive-like Behaviors in Mice by Modulating Astrocyte-Mediated Neuroinflammation

厦门大学医学院、神经科学研究所张杰教授团队发现了抑郁症新的致病基因MEN1，并阐明了MEN1调控星形胶质细胞炎症导致抑郁发生发展的新机制，为抑郁症的诊治提供了新靶点和方向。抑郁症是严重威胁人类健康的重大神经系统疾病，危及全球30%的人口。但对其发病机制并不清楚。张杰教授团队发现，在慢性不可预测以及LPS处理的模拟抑郁小鼠模型中，多发性内分泌肿瘤蛋白(menin)在大脑中的表达显著降低，并且在星形胶质细胞中降低最明显。为了研究menin是否参与了小鼠抑郁表型的产生，研究团队制作了多种神经系统menin条件性敲除小鼠。通过对这些小鼠行为学的检测，锁定了只有在星形胶质细胞中敲除menin后，小鼠才会表现出抑郁样表型。证实了menin可能是通过调控星形胶质细胞的功能促进了抑郁的发生。 MEN1基因的突变会导致多发性内分泌肿瘤，而内分泌的紊乱和抑郁等精神疾病有着密切的联系。下丘脑-垂体-肾上腺轴（HPA轴）的功能紊乱直接参与了抑郁的产生。基于此研究团队推测MEN1的基因突变是否也会导致抑郁的发生。通过和中国医学科学院基础所的许琪教授合作，研究团队对1000多例重度抑郁患者和800多例对照人群进行了MEN1基因的外显子测序。通过测序发现MEN1的一个SNP s375804228和抑郁的发生有着显著关联。该SNP导致menin第503位的氨基酸由G突变成D。通过功能研究进一步证实该突变可以阻断menin和p65的结合，从而过度激活NF-κB-IL-1β通路，导致神经炎症的发生。 张杰，厦门大学特聘教授、博士生导师。国家优秀青年科学基金；教育部新世纪优秀人才；福建省杰出青年科学基金；厦门市五四青年奖章等获得者。2011年8月加入厦门大学医学院神经科学研究所担任教授至今。张杰博士主要从事重大神经系统疾病（老年痴呆、帕金森、抑郁症、自闭症、术后认知障碍、胶质瘤）等的发病机制和药物开发研究。至今以第一作者或者通讯作者在国际知名期刊发表研究论文21篇。其中回国独立开展研究工作以后，作为通讯作者在 Neuron，Cell Reports, PNAS, The Journal of Neuroscience, Clinical Cancer Research，Cell Death and Disease, JBC, Chemistry，Chem. Biol. Drug Des.等杂志上发表多篇研究论文。【Abstract】Astrocyte dysfunction and inflammation are associated with the pathogenesis of major depressive disorder (MDD). However, the mechanisms underlying these effects remain largely unknown. Here, we found that multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (Men1; protein: menin) expression is attenuated in the brain of mice exposed to CUMS (chronic unpredictable mild stress) or lipopolysaccharide. Astrocyte-specific reduction of Men1 (GcKO) led to depressive-like behaviors in mice. We observed enhanced NF-κB activation and IL-1β production with menin deficiency in astrocytes, where depressive-like behaviors in GcKO mice were restored by NF-κB inhibitor or IL-1β receptor antagonist. Importantly, we identified a SNP, rs375804228, in human MEN1, where G503D substitution is associated with a higher risk of MDD onset. G503D substitution abolished menin-p65 interactions, thereby enhancing NF-κB activation and IL-1β production. Our results reveal a distinct astroglial role for menin in regulating neuroinflammation in depression, indicating that menin may be an attractive therapeutic target in MDD.We thank Prof. Guanghui Jin (Xiamen University) and Prof. Xianxin Hua (University of Pennsylvania) for providing the Men1-floxp mice. This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (grants 81522016, 81271421, and 31571055 to J.Z.; 81625008 and 31430048 to Q.X.; 81630026 to Z.Y.; 81771163 and U1405222 to H.X.; U1505227 to G.B.; 81472725 to W.M.), the Natural Science Foundation of Fujian Province of China (grant 2013J01147 and 2014J06019 to J.Z.), the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities (grants 20720150062 and 20720180049 to J.Z.), the National Key Research and Development Program of China (2016YFC1305903), and CAMS Innovation Fund for Medical Sciences (grant 2016I2M1004 to Q.X.).研究工作得到国家自然科学基金项目（81522016、81271421、31571055）以及厦门大学校长基金等资助

Non-conventional fluorescent biogenic and synthetic polymers without aromatic rings

Non-conventional fluorescent materials without aromatic structures have attracted much research attention in recent years. However, the working mechanism responsible for their fluorescence remains mysterious. Here we decipher the origin of fluorescence by studying the photophysical properties of a series of non-aromatic biogenic and synthetic peptides. An experimental study suggests that the turn-on fluorescence in the aggregation state/condensed phase is associated with the communication of amide groups, where hydrogen bonds are playing a critical role in bringing these functionalities into close proximity. This explanation is further justified by the study of the hierarchical influence on fluorescence and applied to biomimetic polymers in a more general content. This discovery provides a more comprehensive insight into the bioluminescence system. It may stimulate future development of new fluorescent materials, and inspire research on disease diagnostics, biomechanics measurements, etc. that are associated with protein morphology

CDK5-dependent BAG3 degradation modulates synaptic protein turnover

阿尔茨海默病（AD）是严重威胁人类健康的重大神经系统疾病，AD的发生发展与衰老密切相关，目前临床治疗方法十分有限。因此迫切需要从AD致病早期入手，发现和鉴定导致AD神经功能紊乱的机制和靶点，为AD的早期防治提供基础。张杰教授及其团队从高通量磷酸化蛋白质组学入手，系统研究了CDK5在神经细胞中的磷酸化底物，鉴定出了在蛋白质量控制中发挥重要功能的BAG3蛋白是CDK5的全新底物。课题组从磷酸化蛋白质组学入手，发现和阐明了细胞周期蛋白激酶5（CDK5）通过调控BAG3在维持突触蛋白水平调控中的作用机制，及其在阿尔茨海默病（AD）发生发展中的机理。 该研究是多个团队历时8年合作完成的，香港中文大学的周熙文教授、美国匹兹堡大学的Karl Herrup教授、美国Sanford-Burnham研究所的许华曦教授、美国梅奥医学中心的卜国军教授，厦门大学医学院的文磊教授、张云武教授、赵颖俊教授、薛茂强教授，军事医学科学院的袁增强教授等都参与了该工作。 厦门大学医学院2012级博士生周杰超等为文章的第一作者，张杰教授为通讯作者。Background Synaptic protein dyshomeostasis and functional loss is an early invariant feature of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), yet the unifying etiological pathway remains largely unknown. Knowing that cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (CDK5) plays critical roles in synaptic formation and degeneration, its phosphorylation targets were re-examined in search for candidates with direct global impacts on synaptic protein dynamics, and the associated regulatory network was also analyzed. Methods Quantitative phospho-proteomics and bioinformatics analyses were performed to identify top-ranked candidates. A series of biochemical assays were used to investigate the associated regulatory signaling networks. Histological, electrochemical and behavioral assays were performed in conditional knockout, shRNA-mediated knockdown and AD-related mice models to evaluate its relevance to synaptic homeostasis and functions. Results Among candidates with known implications in synaptic modulations, BCL2-associated athanogene-3 (BAG3) ranked the highest. CDK5-mediated phosphorylation on Ser297/Ser291 (Mouse/Human) destabilized BAG3. Loss of BAG3 unleashed the selective protein degradative function of the HSP70 machinery. In neurons, this resulted in enhanced degradation of a number of glutamatergic synaptic proteins. Conditional neuronal knockout of Bag3 in vivo led to impairment of learning and memory functions. In human AD and related-mouse models, aberrant CDK5-mediated loss of BAG3 yielded similar effects on synaptic homeostasis. Detrimental effects of BAG3 loss on learning and memory functions were confirmed in these mice, and such were reversed by ectopic BAG3 re-expression. Conclusions Our results highlight that neuronal CDK5-BAG3-HSP70 signaling axis plays a critical role in modulating synaptic homeostasis. Dysregulation of the signaling pathway directly contributes to synaptic dysfunction and AD pathogenesis.This work was supported by the National Science Foundation in China (Grant: 31571055, 81522016, 81271421 to J.Z.; 81801337 to L.L; 81774377 and 81373999 to L.W.); Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities of China-Xiamen University (Grant: 20720150062, 20720180049 and 20720160075 to J.Z.); Fundamental Research Funds for Fujian Province University Leading Talents (Grant JAT170003 to L.L); Hong Kong Research Grants Council (HKUST12/CRF/13G, GRF660813, GRF16101315, AoE/M-05/12 to K.H.; GRF16103317, GRF16100718 and GRF16100219 to H.-M,C.); Offices of Provost, VPRG and Dean of Science, HKUST (VPRGO12SC02 to K.H.); Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) Improvement on Competitiveness in Hiring New Faculty Funding Scheme (Ref. 133), CUHK Faculty Startup Fund and Alzheimer’s Association Research Fellowship (AARF-17-531566) to H.-M, C. 该研究受到了国家自然科学基金、厦门大学校长基金、福建省卫生教育联合攻关基金等的资助

Measured body mass index, body weight perception, dissatisfaction and control practices in urban, low-income African American adolescents

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Current understanding of the associations between actual body weight status, weight perception, body dissatisfaction, and weight control practices among low-income urban African American adolescents is limited. The knowledge can help direct future intervention efforts.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Cross-sectional data including measured weight and height and self-reported weight status collected from 448 adolescents in four Chicago Public Schools were used.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The prevalence of overweight and obesity (BMI ≥ 85^thpercentile) was 39.8%, but only 27.2% considered themselves as obese, although 43.4% reported trying to lose weight. Girls were more likely to express weight dissatisfaction than boys, especially those with BMI ≥ 95^thpercentile (62.9% vs. 25.9%). BMI ≥ 85^thpercentile girls were more likely to try to lose weight than boys (84.6% vs. 66.7%). Among all adolescents, 27.2% underestimated and 67.2% correctly judged their own weight status. Multinomial logistic models show that those with BMI ≥ 85^thpercentile, self-perceived as obese, or expressed body dissatisfaction were more likely to try to lose weight; adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were 4.52 (2.53–8.08), 18.04 (7.19–45.30), 4.12 (1.64–10.37), respectively. No significant differences were found in diet and physical activity between those trying to lose weight and those not trying, but boys who reported trying to lose weight still spent more television time (P < 0.05).</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Gender differences in weight perception, body dissatisfaction, and weight control practices exist among African American adolescents. One-third did not appropriately classify their weight status. Weight perception and body dissatisfaction are correlates of weight control practices. Adolescents attempting to lose weight need be empowered to make adequate desirable behavioral changes.</p

Risk factors for posttraumatic stress reactions among chinese students following exposure to a snowstorm disaster

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>It is important to understand which factors increase the risk of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in adolescents. Previous studies have shown that the most important risk factors for PTSD include the type, severity, and duration of exposure to the traumatic events.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>A cross-sectional survey was used to investigate the psychological symptoms associated with the aftermath of a snowstorm disaster in the Hunan province of China in January 2008. Students living in Hunan were surveyed at a three<b>-</b>month follow-up after the disaster. The questionnaire battery included the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R, trauma and symptoms associated with PTSD), the Chinese version of the Life Orientation Test-Revised (LOT-R, optimism and pessimism), the Chinese version of the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ, neuroticism and extraversion), the Chinese Trait Coping Style Questionnaire (TCSQ, positive and negative coping styles), and a range of questions addressing social demographic characteristics and factors relating to the snowstorm. The survey was administered in school, and 968 students completed and returned the questionnaires.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The results showed that 14.5% of the students had a total IES-R score ≥20. Students with greater school-to-home distances showed higher levels of posttraumatic stress symptoms than students who lived shorter distances from school. Students with emotional support from their teachers reported higher levels of posttraumatic stress symptoms (21.20%) than students without a teacher's emotional support (11.07%). The IES-R total and subscale scores correlated with all variables except extraversion. The binary logistic regression analysis results showed that the teacher's emotional support [odds ratio (OR) = 1.72, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.13-2.62], school-to-home distance (OR = 1.01, 95% CI = 1.00-1.01), negative coping (OR = 1.05; 95% CI = 1.02-1.08), and neuroticism (OR = 1.04, 95% CI = 1.02-1.06) were risk factors that predicted PTSD frequency and severity (percentage correct = 85.5%).</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>The risk factors that significantly impacted the onset of posttraumatic stress reactions in students living in Hunan, China following a snowstorm disaster were the school-to-home distance, negative coping, neuroticism, and teacher's emotional support.</p

The Crest Phenotype in Chicken Is Associated with Ectopic Expression of HOXC8 in Cranial Skin

The Crest phenotype is characterised by a tuft of elongated feathers atop the head. A similar phenotype is also seen in several wild bird species. Crest shows an autosomal incompletely dominant mode of inheritance and is associated with cerebral hernia. Here we show, using linkage analysis and genome-wide association, that Crest is located on the E22C19W28 linkage group and that it shows complete association to the HOXC-cluster on this chromosome. Expression analysis of tissues from Crested and non-crested chickens, representing 26 different breeds, revealed that HOXC8, but not HOXC12 or HOXC13, showed ectopic expression in cranial skin during embryonic development. We propose that Crest is caused by a cis-acting regulatory mutation underlying the ectopic expression of HOXC8. However, the identification of the causative mutation(s) has to await until a method becomes available for assembling this chromosomal region. Crest is unfortunately located in a genomic region that has so far defied all attempts to establish a contiguous sequence