FIT2 organizes lipid droplet biogenesis with ER tubule-forming proteins and septins

Lipid droplets (LDs) are critical for lipid storage and energy metabolism. LDs form in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). However, the molecular basis for LD biogenesis remains elusive. Here, we show that fat storage–inducing transmembrane protein 2 (FIT2) interacts with ER tubule-forming proteins Rtn4 and REEP5. The association is mainly transmembrane domain based and stimulated by oleic acid. Depletion of ER tubule-forming proteins decreases the number and size of LDs in cells and Caenorhabditis elegans, mimicking loss of FIT2. Through cytosolic loops, FIT2 binds to cytoskeletal protein septin 7, an interaction that is also required for normal LD biogenesis. Depletion of ER tubule-forming proteins or septins delays nascent LD formation. In addition, FIT2-interacting proteins are up-regulated during adipocyte differentiation, and ER tubule-forming proteins, septin 7, and FIT2 are transiently enriched at LD formation sites. Thus, FIT2-mediated nascent LD biogenesis is facilitated by ER tubule-forming proteins and septins.     

Two Helminthic Cases of Human Mummy Remains from Joseon-Period Graves in Korea

Our previous research on coprolite specimens from the mummies of Joseon Dynasty (1392–1910 CE) has revealed various species of parasite eggs. Herein, we added 2 new helminthic cases of human remains from Joseon-period graves in the Republic of Korea (Korea). The organic materials precipitated on the hip bones of 2 half-mummied cases (Goryeong and Gwangmyeong cases) were collected, rehydrated, and examined by a microscope. In the sample from Goryeong-gun (gun=County), ova of Trichuris trichiura, Clonorchis sinensis, and Metagonimus spp. were detected, and eggs of T. trichiura and A. lumbricoides were found from the sample of Gwangmyeong-si (si=City). By adding this outcome to the existing data pool, we confirm our previous estimates of Joseon-period parasite infection rates. The overall rates of A. lumbricoides, T. trichiura, and C. sinensis decreased dramatically from Joseon to the modern period. In Goryeong mummy specimen, we also found Metagonimus spp. eggs that has rarely been detected in archaeological samples so far.     

High Endemicity with Clonorchis sinensis Metacercariae in Fish from Yongjeon-cheon (Stream) in Cheongsong-gun,Gyeongsangbuk-do,Korea

The infection status with Clonorchis sinensis metacercariae (CsMc) was examined in freshwater fishes from Yongjeon-cheon (a branch of Nakdong-gang) located in Cheongsong-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do, the Republic of Korea (Korea). A total of 750 fishes in 19 species were examined by the artificial digestion method for 2 years (2019 and 2020). CsMc were detected in 378 (51.4%) out of 735 fishes in 14 species (73.7%), and the infection intensity was 666 per fish infected. In 2019, CsMc were found in 172 (68.0%) out of 253 fishes in 10 species, and the infection intensity was 565 per fish infected. In 2020, CsMc were detected in 206 (62.2%) out of 331 fishes in 10 species, and the infection intensity was 751 per fish infected. The other zoonotic trematode, ie. Metagonimus spp., Centrocestus armatus, Echinostoma spp. and Clinostomum complanatum, metacercariae were also detected in fishes from the survey streams, but their endemicities were relatively low. Conclusively, it was first confirmed that CsMc are highly endemic in fishes from Yongjeon-cheon in Cheongsong-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Korea.     

福建省输入性D8基因型麻疹病毒分子流行病学特征

为分析福建省输入性D8基因型麻疹病毒分子流行病学特征,采集咽拭子标本采用实时荧光定量反转录-聚合酶链反应(Real-time RT-PCR)筛查麻疹病毒核酸.用反转录-聚合酶链反应(RT-PCR)扩增麻疹病毒核酸筛查阳性咽拭子及Vero/Slam细胞培养阳性产物,对麻疹病毒核蛋白(Nucleoprotein,N)羧基(COOH)端634个核苷酸(Nucleotides,nt)片段进行测序分析,构建系统进化树.最终分离获得1株麻疹病毒株,26条麻疹病毒N蛋白羧基末端450个nt序列.亲缘性分析发现,所有福建麻疹毒株与WHOD8基因型参考株(MVi/Manchester.GBR/30.94)在亲缘关系树上同属一个大分支,两者核苷酸序列和氨基酸(Amino acid,aa)序列同源性分别为96.4％～99.1％和96.7％～98.0％.其中2014年的福建毒株 MVs/Fujian.CHN/28.14和 MVs/Fujian.CHN/30.14与越南胡志明市2014年分离株MVs/HoChiMinh.VNM/11.14及美国纽约2013年分离株MVs/New.York.USA/19.13的nt同源性为 100％;2019年的毒株MVs/Fujian.CHN/25.19与泰国龙仔厝府2018年分离株MVs/Samut.Sakhon.THA/8.18的nt同源性为100％;而剩余的23个监测毒株则与日本神户2019年分离株MVs/KobeC.JPN/28.19的核苷酸同源性和氨基酸同源性最高,分别为99.6％～100.0％和99.3％～100.0％.在病毒N蛋白羧基端150个氨基酸位点上,福建株与WHO D8参考株存在3～5个氨基酸位点差异.而与现用的疫苗株(Shanghai-191)相比,存在17～19个氨基酸变异位点,其中有14个氨基酸位点为所有福建株共有的变异位点,这些位点的变异总体上未对编码蛋白的氨基酸造成明显改变.结论是福建省成功分离获得1株D8基因型麻疹毒株.D8基因型为福建省发现的输入性麻疹基因型,病毒N蛋白羧基端氨基酸位点上与疫苗株相比均出现了差异位点.     

Sustainability of SARS-CoV-2 Induced Humoral Immune Responses in COVID-19 Patients from Hospitalization to Convalescence Over Six Months

Virologica Sinica - Understanding the persistence of antibody in convalescent COVID-19 patients may help to answer the current major concerns such as the risk of reinfection, the protection period...     

Current Status of Human Papillomavirus-Related Head and Neck Cancer: From Viral Genome to Patient Care

Virologica Sinica - Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection identified as a definitive human carcinogen is increasingly being recognized for its role in carcinogenesis of human cancers. Up to...     

既主内政, 又辖外交——以PHR为中心的基因网络调控植物-菌根真菌的共生

磷是植物生长发育必需的大量矿质营养元素, 但自然界大部分土壤都存在严重缺磷的问题。为了适应这一营养逆境, 植物演化出一系列低磷胁迫应答反应。通过改变基因的转录水平调控低磷胁迫应答反应, 而转录因子PHR1在调控植物对低磷胁迫的转录响应中起关键作用。此外, 大部分陆生植物还能与丛枝菌根真菌建立共生关系, 通过丛枝菌根真菌更有效地从土壤中获取磷元素。最近, 中国科学院分子植物科学卓越创新中心王二涛研究组发现, 以PHR为中心的转录调控网络控制植物-丛枝菌根真菌共生的建立。因此, PHR不但在维持植物细胞自身的磷稳态中发挥作用, 而且参与植物与外界微生物的相互作用, 为植物有效地从环境中获得磷元素提供了另外一条途径。     

Geoclimatic factors influence the population genetic connectivity of Incarvillea arguta (Bignoniaceae) in the Himalaya–Hengduan Mountains biodiversity hotspot

Geoclimatic factors related to the uplift of the Himalaya and the Quaternary climatic oscillations influence the population genetic connectivity in the Himalaya–Hengduan Mountains (HHM) biodiversity hotspot. Therefore, to explore the relative roles played by these two factors, we examined the population dynamics and dispersal corridors of Incarvillea arguta (Royle) Royle incorporating ensemble species distribution modelling (SDM). Thirty‐seven populations were genotyped using plastid chloroplast DNA and low copy nuclear gene (ncpGS) sequences. Phylogeographic analysis was carried out to reveal the genetic structure and lineage differentiation. Ensemble SDMs were carried out for distributional change in the last glacial maximum, present, and future. Finally, the least cost path method was used to trace out possible dispersal corridors. The haplotypes were divided into four clades with strong geographical structure. The late Miocene origin of I. arguta in the western Himalaya ca. 7.92 Ma indicates lineage diversification related to the uplift of the HHM. The variability in habitat connectivity revealed by SDM is due to change in suitability since the Pleistocene. A putative dispersal corridor was detected along the drainage systems and river valleys, with strong support in the eastern Hengduan Mountains group. Our results support the signature of geoclimatic influence on population genetic connectivity of I. arguta in the HHM. We proposed that the major drainage systems might have assisted the rapid dispersal of isolated riverine plant species I. arguta in the HHM. The population genetic connectivity, using the fine‐tuned ensemble SDMs, enables scientists and policymakers to develop conservation strategies for the species gene pool in the HHM biodiversity hotspots.