Reprogramming Substrate and Catalytic Promiscuity of Tryptophan Prenyltransferases

Prenylation is a process widely prevalent in primary and secondary metabolism, contributing to functionality and chemical diversity in natural systems. Due to their high regio- and chemoselectivities, prenyltransferases are also valuable tools for creation of new compounds by chemoenzymatic synthesis and synthetic biology. Over the last ten years, biochemical and structural investigations shed light on the mechanism and key residues that control the catalytic process, but to date crucial information on how certain prenyltransferases control regioselectivity and chemoselectivity is still lacking. Here, we advance a general understanding of the enzyme family by contributing the first structure of a tryptophan C5-prenyltransferase 5-DMATS. Additinally, the structure of a bacterial tryptophan C6-prenyltransferase 6-DMATS was solved. Analysis and comparison of both substrate-bound complexes led to the identification of key residues for catalysis. Next, site-directed mutagenesis was successfully implemented to not only modify the prenyl donor specificity but also to redirect the prenylation, thereby switching the regioselectivity of 6-DMATS to that of 5-DMATS. The general strategy of structure-guided protein engineering should be applicable to other related prenyltransferases, thus enabling the production of novel prenylated compounds.     

The robustness of a network of ecological networks to habitat loss

There have been considerable advances in our understanding of the tolerance of species interaction networks to sequential extinctions of plants and animals. However, communities of species exist in a mosaic of habitats, and the vulnerability of habitats to anthropogenic change varies. Here, we model the cascading effects of habitat loss, driven by plant extinctions, on the robustness of multiple animal groups. Our network is constructed from empirical observations of 11 animal groups in 12 habitats on farmland. We simulated sequential habitat removal scenarios: randomly; according to prior information; and with a genetic algorithm to identify best‐ and worst‐case permutations of habitat loss. We identified two semi‐natural habitats (waste ground and hedgerows together comprising < 5% of the total area of the farm) as disproportionately important to the integrity of the overall network. Our approach provides a new tool for network ecologists and for directing the management and restoration of multiple‐habitat sites.     

The role of 14-3-3 proteins in cell signalling pathways and virus infection

14-3-3 proteins are highly conserved in species ranging from yeast to mammals and regulate numerous signalling pathways via direct interactions with proteins carrying phosphorylated 14-3-3–binding motifs. Recent studies have shown that 14-3-3 proteins can also play a role in viral infections. This review summarizes the biological functions of 14-3-3 proteins in protein trafficking, cell-cycle control, apoptosis, autophagy and other cell signal transduction pathways, as well as the associated mechanisms. Recent findings regarding the role of 14-3-3 proteins in viral infection and innate immunity are also reviewed.     

Relationship between somatosensory function and the spinothalamocortical pathway in chronic stroke patients

Abstract

Diffusion tensor tractography (DTT) allows for identification and evaluation of the spinothalamic tract and its thalamocortical pathway (STP). We attempted to investigate the relationship between tactile sensation and the STP in chronic stroke patients. We measured fractional anisotropy, mean diffusivity, and tract volume of the STP. The tactile sensation score of the affected side in patients with preserved STP integrity was higher compared with that of patients with an interrupted STP. The remaining volume and integrity of the STP in the affected hemisphere were important factors for tactile sensation of the affected side in chronic patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH).     

贝那鲁肽与利拉鲁肽对2型糖尿病患者长期结局影响的对比研究

摘要 目的：对比分析贝那鲁肽与利拉鲁肽对2型糖尿病患者长期结局的影响，为二甲双胍和磺脲类药物治疗后血糖不能达标的患者应用胰高糖素样肽-1（GLP-1） 受体激动剂提供临床依据。方法：选取2018年3月～2019年3月在我院就诊的使用二甲双胍或者二甲双胍联合磺脲类药物血糖未达标的2型糖尿病患者150例作为研究对象，随机分为观察组和对照组，每组各75例。观察组使用贝那鲁肽注射液治疗，对照组使用利拉鲁肽注射液治疗，所有患者均连续治疗24周。比较两组患者治疗前后空腹血糖（FPG）、餐后2 h血糖（2hPG）、糖化血红蛋白（HbA1c）、收缩期血管峰值血流( PSV)、血管内膜中层厚度(IMT) 、肌酐（Scr）和尿素氮（BUN）水平，两年内的不良事件发生率、心血管相关死亡率和全因死亡率。结果：两组患者之间治疗前、后FPG、2hPG、HbA1c、PSV、IMT、Scr和BUN水平无统计学差异（P>0.05）, 观察组的不良事件总发生率（8.00%）较对照组（20.00%）明显降低（P<0.05），两组患者心血管相关死亡率和全因死亡率相比，差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）。结论：在使用二甲双胍或者二甲双胍联合磺脲类药物血糖未达标的2型糖尿病患者中，与利拉鲁肽相比，贝那鲁肽在降低血糖、改善下肢血管功能、肾功能和死亡率方面无明显差异，但不良事件发生率更低。     

SENP3 senses oxidative stress to facilitate STING-dependent dendritic cell antitumor function

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Precision-cut luteal slices: A promising approach for studying luteal function in pigs

The study was aimed to validate the precision-cut luteal slices to investigate porcine luteal function. Corpora lutea (CLs) were cut into 180-μm thick slices using Krumdick Tissue Slicer. The viability, tissue structure and steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (STAR) expression in the luteal slices did not differ between the beginning and the end of the 24-h incubation period. The luteal progesterone secretion showed a time- and dose-dependent response to porcine luteinizing hormone. The effects of prostaglandin F_2α and 17β-estradiol on progesterone secretion by porcine luteal slices were comparable to the previously reported in vivo results of the CL microdialysis system in the pig.     

Isometric and Eccentric Force Generation Assessment of Skeletal Muscles Isolated from Murine Models of Muscular Dystrophies

Critical to the evaluation of potential therapeutics for muscular disease are sensitive and reproducible physiological assessments of muscle function. Because many pre-clinical trials rely on mouse models for these diseases, isolated muscle function has become one of the standards for Go/NoGo decisions in moving drug candidates forward into patients. We will demonstrate the preparation of the extensor digitorum longus (EDL) and diaphragm muscles for functional testing, which are the predominant muscles utilized for these studies. The EDL muscle geometry is ideal for isolated muscle preparations, with two easily accessible tendons, and a small size that can be supported by superfusion in a bath. The diaphragm exhibits profound progressive pathology in dystrophic animals, and can serve as a platform for evaluating many potential therapies countering fibrosis, and promoting myofiber stability. Protocols for routine testing, including isometric and eccentric contractions, will be shown. Isometric force provides assessment of strength, and eccentric contractions help to evaluate sarcolemma stability, which is disrupted in many types of muscular dystrophies. Comparisons of the expected results between muscles from wildtype and dystrophic muscles will also be provided. These measures can complement morphological and biochemical measurements of tissue homeostasis, as well as whole animal assessments of muscle function.