The Component and Functional Pathways of Gut Microbiota are Altered in Populations with Poor Sleep Quality – A Preliminary Report

With the development of genome sequencing, many researchers have investigated the mechanism by which the intestinal microbiota influences sleep across the brain-gut axis. However, the relationship between gut microbiota and sleep disorder remains unclear. Thus, we studied the difference in gut microbiota composition between poor sleep quality- and normal populations, which helps set the ground for future research. The recruited college students provided baseline information and stool samples and completed the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). We compared the two groups’ gut microbiota composition and functional differentiation by using the 16S rRNA gene sequencing analysis. The main bacterial difference and the most critical effect were mainly concentrated within Tenericutes and Elusimicrobia. Compared with the healthy control group, some functions of the gut microbiota were impaired in the poor sleep quality group, such as butanoate metabolism and propanoate metabolism. Bacterial taxa with significant differences raised the possibility for future diagnosis and treatment of sleep problems.     

C-Phycocyanin elicited antitumor efficacy via cell-cycle arrest,apoptosis induction,and invasion inhibition in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Objectives: Mounting evidence has demonstrated that C-Phycocyanin (C-PC) exhibits marked antitumor activity in a wide type of tumors, such as pancreas cancer, breast carcinoma, lung cancer, and colon cancer. The current study aimed to confirm the antitumor efficacy of C-PC in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).

Methods: The efficacy of C-PC was evaluated against the proliferation of ESCC cell lines EC9706 and EC1 by CCK-8 kit and in a mice model of ESCC EC9706. Cell cycle and apoptosis were investigated by flow cytometry, and cell invasion was determined via transwell chamber. Protein expression was examined by Western blots.

Results: We found that C-PC exhibited anti-proliferation ability in a time-dependent manner and a dose-dependent manner in ESCC EC9706 and EC1 cells. Besides, C-PC markedly arrested cell cycle in the G0/G1 phase, induced cell apoptosis and suppressed cell invasion ability in both EC9706 and EC1 cells (p?<?.01). Notably, C-PC evoked the elevations of Bax, PARP, and cleaved-caspase-3 protein, but reduced cyclin D1, CDK4, Bcl-2, MMP-2, and MMP-9 expression levels. Further investigation from in vivo experiment revealed that C-PC displayed significant antitumor efficacy in the xenografted EC9706 model.

Conclusions: Our data presented herein suggest C-PC exerts antitumor efficacy in ESCC.     

High Thermoelectric Performance in p‐type Polycrystalline Cd‐doped SnSe Achieved by a Combination of Cation Vacancies and Localized Lattice Engineering

Herein, a high figure of merit (ZT) of ≈1.7 at 823 K is reported in p‐type polycrystalline Cd‐doped SnSe by combining cation vacancies and localized‐lattice engineering. It is observed that the introduction of Cd atoms in SnSe lattice induce Sn vacancies, which act as p‐type dopants. A combination of facile solvothermal synthesis and fast spark plasma sintering technique boosts the Sn vacancy to a high level of ≈2.9%, which results in an optimum hole concentration of ≈2.6 × 10¹⁹ cm^?3 and an improved power factor of ≈6.9 µW cm^?1 K^?2. Simultaneously, a low thermal conductivity of ≈0.33 W m^?1 K^?1 is achieved by effective phonon scattering at localized crystal imperfections, as observed by detailed structural characterizations. Density functional theory calculations reveal that the role of Cd atoms in the SnSe lattice is to reduce the formation energy of Sn vacancies, which in turn lower the Fermi level down into the valence bands, generating holes. This work explores the fundamental Cd‐doping mechanisms at the nanoscale in a SnSe matrix and demonstrates vacancy and localized‐lattice engineering as an effective approach to boosting thermoelectric performance. The work provides an avenue in achieving high‐performance thermoelectric properties of materials.     

Signal sequence- and translation-independent mRNA localization to the endoplasmic reticulum

The process of mRNA localization typically utilizes cis-targeting elements and trans-recognition factors to direct the compartmental organization of translationally suppressed mRNAs. mRNA localization to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), in contrast, occurs via a co-translational, signal sequence/signal recognition particle (SRP)-dependent mechanism. We have utilized cell fractionation/cDNA microarray analysis, shRNA-mediated suppression of SRP expression, and mRNA reporter construct studies to define the role of the SRP pathway in ER-directed mRNA localization. Cell fractionation studies of mRNA partitioning between the cytosol and ER demonstrated the expected enrichment of cytosolic/nucleoplasmic protein-encoding mRNAs and secretory/integral membrane protein-encoding mRNAs in the cytosol and ER fractions, respectively, and identified a subpopulation of cytosolic/nucleoplasmic protein-encoding mRNAs in the membrane-bound mRNA pool. The latter finding suggests a signal sequence-independent pathway of ER-directed mRNA localization. Extending from these findings, mRNA partitioning was examined in stable SRP54 shRNA knockdown HeLa cell lines. shRNA-directed reductions in SRP did not globally alter mRNA partitioning patterns, although defects in membrane protein processing were observed, further suggesting the existence of multiple pathways for mRNA localization to the ER. ER localization of GRP94-encoding mRNA was observed when translation was disabled by mutation of the start codon/insertion of a 5'UTR stem-loop structure or upon deletion of the encoded signal sequence. Combined, these data indicate that the mRNA localization to the ER can be conferred independent of the signal sequence/SRP pathway and suggest that mRNA localization to the ER may utilize cis-encoded targeting information.     

Identification of a Novel Stage of Ribosome/Nascent Chain Association with the Endoplasmic Reticulum Membrane

Protein translocation in the mammalian endoplasmic reticulum (ER) occurs cotranslationally and requires the binding of translationally active ribosomes to components of the ER membrane. Three candidate ribosome receptors, p180, p34, and Sec61p, have been identified in binding studies with inactive ribosomes, suggesting that ribosome binding is mediated through a receptor-ligand interaction. To determine if the binding of nascent chain-bearing ribosomes is regulated in a manner similar to inactive ribosomes, we have investigated the ribosome/nascent chain binding event that accompanies targeting. In agreement with previous reports, indicating that Sec61p displays the majority of the ER ribosome binding activity, we observed that Sec61p is shielded from proteolytic digestion by native, bound ribosomes. The binding of active, nascent chain bearing ribosomes to the ER membrane is, however, insensitive to the ribosome occupancy state of Sec61p. To determine if additional, Sec61p independent, stages of the ribosome binding reaction could be identified, ribosome/nascent chain binding was assayed as a function of RM concentration. At limiting RM concentrations, a protease resistant ribosome-membrane junction was formed, yet the nascent chain was salt extractable and cross-linked to Sec61p with low efficiency. At nonlimiting RM concentrations, bound nascent chains were protease and salt resistant and cross-linked to Sec61p with higher efficiency. On the basis of these and other data, we propose that ribosome binding to the ER membrane is a multi-stage process comprised of an initial, Sec61p independent binding event, which precedes association of the ribosome/nascent chain complex with Sec61p.     

GRP94-associated enzymatic activities. Resolution by chromatographic fractionation

GRP94 (gp96), which performs established functions as a molecular chaperone and immune system modulator, has been reported to display a number of intrinsic enzymatic activities, including ATP hydrolysis, protein phosphorylation, and aminopeptidase. In observing that GRP94 co-purified with bacterial beta-galactosidase through multiple chromatographic steps, we have examined the hypothesis that the reported enzymatic activities of GRP94 may reflect co-purification of contaminant enzymes, rather than intrinsic catalytic functions. In subjecting GRP94 to increasingly stringent chromatographic purification, we report that a GRP94 carboxyl-terminal directed protein kinase activity could be separated from GRP94 by heparin affinity chromatography. Analysis of the kinase substrate specificity indicates that this kinase is distinct from casein kinase II, which is known to co-purify with GRP94. Electrophoretically pure GRP94 displayed low, but significant levels of aminopeptidase activity. Further purification of GRP94 by anion exchange and heparin affinity chromatography yielded resolution of GRP94 from the aminopeptidase activity. Furthermore, exhaustive trypsinolysis of GRP94 preparations displaying aminopeptidase activity yielded complete proteolysis of GRP94 but did not affect aminopeptidase activity. These results are discussed with respect to current models for GRP94 function and the role of such co-purifying (poly)peptides in the generation of GRP94-dependent cellular immune responses.     

实时定量PCR构建法夫酵母内参基因β-actin、 gpd、18S rRNA标准品质粒和标准曲线

为建立检测法夫酵母JMU-MVP14中虾青素合成相关基因在不同生长时期表达水平的实时定量PCR方法,构建法夫酵母JMU-MVP14的管家基因β-actin、gpd、18S rRNA的标准质粒,进行实时定量PCR,制作标准曲线及回归方程.β-actin基因标准曲线相关系数（R2）=0.9956,扩增效率（E） =96.93％;gpd基因标准曲线相关系数（R2） =0.9901,扩增效率（E） =93.78％;18S rRNA基因标准曲线相关系数（R2） =0.9981,扩增效率（E）=98.76％.3个基因片段的熔解曲线均呈单峰;扩增曲线呈典型的S型动力学曲线,指数期和平台期明显,为理想的熔解曲线和扩增曲线.用geNorm软件对三个管家基因的稳定性进行分析,三个基因的稳定性排序为β-actin＞ 18S rRNA＞ gpd,故β-actin和18S rRNA较适合作为研究法夫酵母JMU-MVP14定量实验的内参基因.     

Identification of Key Factors Involved in the Biosorption of Patulin by Inactivated Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) Cells

The purpose of this study was to identify the key factors involved in patulin adsorption by heat-inactivated lactic acid bacteria (LAB) cells. For preventing bacterial contamination, a sterilization process was involved in the adsorption process. The effects of various physical, chemical, and enzymatic pre-treatments, simultaneous treatments, and post-treatments on the patulin adsorption performances of six LAB strains were evaluated. The pre-treated cells were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results showed that the removal of patulin by viable cells was mainly based on adsorption or degradation, depending on the specific strain. The adsorption abilities were widely increased by NaOH and esterification pre-treatments, and reduced by trypsin, lipase, iodate, and periodate pre-treatments. Additionally, the adsorption abilities were almost maintained at pH 2.2–4.0, and enhanced significantly at pH 4.0–6.0. The effects of sodium and magnesium ions on the adsorption abilities at pH 4 were slight and strain-specific. A lower proportion of patulin was released from the strain with higher adsorption ability. Analyses revealed that the physical structure of peptidoglycan was not a principal factor. Vicinal OH and carboxyl groups were not involved in patulin adsorption, while alkaline amino acids, thiol and ester compounds were important for patulin adsorption. Additionally, besides hydrophobic interaction, electrostatic interaction also participated in patulin adsorption, which was enhanced with the increase in pH (4.0–6.0).     

Immunomagnetic Separation Combined with Polymerase Chain Reaction for the Detection of Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris in Apple Juice

A combination of immunomagnetic separation (IMS) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detect Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris (A. acidoterrestris) in apple juice. The optimum technological parameters of the IMS system were investigated. The results indicated that the immunocapture reactions could be finished in 60 min and the quantity of IMPs used for IMS was 2.5 mg/mL. Then the combined IMS-PCR procedure was assessed by detecting A. acidoterrestris in apple juice samples. The agarose gel electrophoresis results of 20 different strains showed that the IMS-PCR procedure presented high specificity to the A. acidoterrestris. The sensitivity of the IMS-PCR was 2×10¹ CFU/mL and the total detection time was 3 to 4 h. Of the 78 naturally contaminated apple juice samples examined, the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of IMS-PCR compared with the standardized pour plate method were 90.9%, 97.0% and 96.2%, respectively. The results exhibited that the developed IMS-PCR method will be a valuable tool for detecting A. acidoterrestris and improving food quality in juice samples.     

Specific deletion of CMF1 nuclear localization domain causes incomplete cell cycle withdrawal and impaired differentiation in avian skeletal myoblasts

CMF1 is a protein expressed in embryonic striated muscle with onset of expression preceding that of contractile proteins. Disruption of CMF1 in myoblasts disrupts muscle-specific protein expression. Preliminary studies indicate both nuclear and cytoplasmic distribution of CMF1 protein, suggesting functional roles in both cellular compartments. Here we examine the nuclear function of CMF1, using a newly characterized antibody generated against the CMF1 nuclear localization domain and a CMF1 nuclear localization domain-deleted stable myocyte line. The antibody demonstrates nuclear distribution of the CMF1 protein both in vivo and in cell lines, with clustering of CMF1 protein around chromatin during mitosis. In more differentiated myocytes, the protein shifts to the cytoplasm. The CMF1 NLS-deleted cell lines have markedly impaired capacity to differentiate. Specifically, these cells express less contractile protein than wild-type or full-length CMF1 stably transfected cells, and do not fuse properly into multinucleate syncytia with linear nuclear alignment. In response to low serum medium, a signal to differentiate, CMF1 NLS-deleted cells enter G0, but continue to express proliferation markers and will reenter the cell cycle when stimulated by restoring growth medium. These data suggest that CMF1 is involved in regulation the transition from proliferation to differentiation in embryonic muscle.