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Ifenprodil Reduced Expression of Activated Microglia, BDNF and DREAM Proteins in the Spinal Cord Following Formalin Injection During the Early Stage of Painful Diabetic Neuropathy in Rats

Ismail CAN, Suppian R, Ab Aziz CB, Long I

J Mol Neurosci, 2021 Feb;71(2):379-393.
PMID: 32671697 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-020-01661-1

The pharmacological inhibition of glial activation is one of the new approaches for combating neuropathic pain in which the role of glia in the modulation of neuropathic pain has attracted significant interest and attention. Neuron-glial crosstalk is achieved with N-methyl-D-aspartate-2B receptor (NMDAR-2B) activation. This study aims to determine the effect of ifenprodil, a potent noncompetitive NMDAR-2B antagonist, on activated microglia, brain-derived neurotrophic factors (BDNF) and downstream regulatory element antagonist modulator (DREAM) protein expression in the spinal cord of streptozotocin-induced painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN) rats following formalin injection. In this experimentation, 48 Sprague-Dawley male rats were randomly selected and divided into four groups: (n = 12): control, PDN, and ifenprodil-treated PDN rats at 0.5 μg or 1.0 μg for 7 days. Type I diabetes mellitus was then induced by injecting streptozotocin (60 mg/kg, i.p.) into the rats which were then over a 2-week period allowed to progress into the early phase of PDN. Ifenprodil was administered in PDN rats while saline was administered intrathecally in the control group. A formalin test was conducted during the fourth week to induce inflammatory nerve injury, in which the rats were sacrificed at 72 h post-formalin injection. The lumbar enlargement region (L4-L5) of the spinal cord was dissected for immunohistochemistry and western blot analyses. The results demonstrated a significant increase in formalin-induced flinching and licking behavior with an increased spinal expression of activated microglia, BDNF and DREAM proteins. It was also shown that the ifenprodil-treated rats following both doses reduced the extent of their flinching and duration of licking in PDN in a dose-dependent manner. As such, ifenprodil successfully demonstrated inhibition against microglia activation and suppressed the expression of BDNF and DREAM proteins in the spinal cord of PDN rats. In conclusion, ifenprodil may alleviate PDN by suppressing spinal microglia activation, BDNF and DREAM proteins.

Matched MeSH terms: Nerve Tissue Proteins/genetics; Repressor Proteins/genetics; Kv Channel-Interacting Proteins/genetics
Contributions of IKZF1, DDC, CDKN2A, CEBPE, and LMO1 Gene Polymorphisms to Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in a Yemeni Population

Al-Absi B, Razif MFM, Noor SM, Saif-Ali R, Aqlan M, Salem SD, et al.

Genet Test Mol Biomarkers, 2017 Oct;21(10):592-599.
PMID: 28768142 DOI: 10.1089/gtmb.2017.0084

BACKGROUND: Genome-wide and candidate gene association studies have previously revealed links between a predisposition to acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and genetic polymorphisms in the following genes: IKZF1 (7p12.2; ID: 10320), DDC (7p12.2; ID: 1644), CDKN2A (9p21.3; ID: 1029), CEBPE (14q11.2; ID: 1053), and LMO1 (11p15; ID: 4004). In this study, we aimed to conduct an investigation into the possible association between polymorphisms in these genes and ALL within a sample of Yemeni children of Arab-Asian descent.
METHODS: Seven single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in IKZF1, three SNPs in DDC, two SNPs in CDKN2A, two SNPs in CEBPE, and three SNPs in LMO1 were genotyped in 289 Yemeni children (136 cases and 153 controls), using the nanofluidic Dynamic Array (Fluidigm 192.24 Dynamic Array). Logistic regression analyses were used to estimate ALL risk, and the strength of association was expressed as odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals.
RESULTS: We found that the IKZF1 SNP rs10235796 C allele (p = 0.002), the IKZF1 rs6964969 A>G polymorphism (p = 0.048, GG vs. AA), the CDKN2A rs3731246 G>C polymorphism (p = 0.047, GC+CC vs. GG), and the CDKN2A SNP rs3731246 C allele (p = 0.007) were significantly associated with ALL in Yemenis of Arab-Asian descent. In addition, a borderline association was found between IKZF1 rs4132601 T>G variant and ALL risk. No associations were found between the IKZF1 SNPs (rs11978267; rs7789635), DDC SNPs (rs3779084; rs880028; rs7809758), CDKN2A SNP (rs3731217), the CEBPE SNPs (rs2239633; rs12434881) and LMO1 SNPs (rs442264; rs3794012; rs4237770) with ALL in Yemeni children.
CONCLUSION: The IKZF1 SNPs, rs10235796 and rs6964969, and the CDKN2A SNP rs3731246 (previously unreported) could serve as risk markers for ALL susceptibility in Yemeni children.

Matched MeSH terms: DNA-Binding Proteins/genetics; CCAAT-Enhancer-Binding Proteins/genetics; LIM Domain Proteins/genetics
Proteasomal degradation of p130 facilitate cell cycle deregulation and impairment of cellular differentiation in high-risk Human Papillomavirus 16 and 18 E7 transfected cells

Gandhi S, Nor Rashid N, Mohamad Razif MF, Othman S

Mol Biol Rep, 2021 Jun;48(6):5121-5133.
PMID: 34169395 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-021-06509-4

The High-Risk Human Papillomaviruses (HR-HPVs) 16 and 18 are known to cause cervical cancer, which is primarily attributed to E6 and E7 oncoproteins. In addition, recent studies have focused on the vital role of the p130 pocket protein as an oncosuppressor to limit the expression of E2F transcription factors required for cell cycle progression. In view of this, the current study was conducted to investigate the mechanism by which transfection with HPV16/18 E7 leads to the deregulation of the host cell cycle, altering the localisation of p130, and expression of differentiation genes in Human Keratinocytes (HaCaT) cells. Co-immunoprecipitation, Western blot analysis, immunofluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry, quantitative-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR), and the inhibition of p130 by MG132 inhibitor were employed to investigate the loss of p130 and its disruption in HPV 16/18 E7-transfected HaCaT cells. The HPV16- and HPV18-transformed cells, known as CaSki and HeLa, respectively, were also used to complement the ectopic expressions of E7 in HaCaT cells. Normal keratinocytes displayed higher level of p130 expression than HPV-transformed cells. In addition, the immunofluorescence analysis revealed that both HPV 16/18 E7-transfected HaCaT and HPV-transformed cells exhibited higher level of cytoplasmic p130 compared to nuclear p130. A significant increase in the number of S/G2 phase cells in HPV-transformed cells was also recorded since E7 has been shown to stimulate proliferation through the deactivation of Retinoblastoma Protein (pRB)-dependent G1/S checkpoint. Furthermore, the findings recorded the down-regulation of keratinocyte differentiation markers, namely p130, keratin10, and involucrin. The proteasomal degradation of the exported p130 confirmed the cellular localisation pattern of p130, which was commonly observed in cancerous cells. The findings provide strong evidence that the localisation of nuclear p130 nuclear was disrupted by HPV16/18 E7 led to the deregulation of the cell cycle and the impairment of cellular differentiation ultimately lead to cellular transformation.

Matched MeSH terms: DNA-Binding Proteins/genetics; Repressor Proteins/genetics; Papillomavirus E7 Proteins/genetics
Fulltext Heterologous Expression of a Novel Drug Transporter from the Malaria Parasite Alters Resistance to Quinoline Antimalarials

Tindall SM, Vallières C, Lakhani DH, Islahudin F, Ting KN, Avery SV

Sci Rep, 2018 02 06;8(1):2464.
PMID: 29410428 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-20816-0

Antimalarial drug resistance hampers effective malaria treatment. Critical SNPs in a particular, putative amino acid transporter were recently linked to chloroquine (CQ) resistance in malaria parasites. Here, we show that this conserved protein (PF3D7_0629500 in Plasmodium falciparum; AAT1 in P. chabaudi) is a structural homologue of the yeast amino acid transporter Tat2p, which is known to mediate quinine uptake and toxicity. Heterologous expression of PF3D7_0629500 in yeast produced CQ hypersensitivity, coincident with increased CQ uptake. PF3D7_0629500-expressing cultures were also sensitized to related antimalarials; amodiaquine, mefloquine and particularly quinine. Drug sensitivity was reversed by introducing a SNP linked to CQ resistance in the parasite. Like Tat2p, PF3D7_0629500-dependent quinine hypersensitivity was suppressible with tryptophan, consistent with a common transport mechanism. A four-fold increase in quinine uptake by PF3D7_0629500 expressing cells was abolished by the resistance SNP. The parasite protein localised primarily to the yeast plasma membrane. Its expression varied between cells and this heterogeneity was used to show that high-expressing cell subpopulations were the most drug sensitive. The results reveal that the PF3D7_0629500 protein can determine the level of sensitivity to several major quinine-related antimalarials through an amino acid-inhibitable drug transport function. The potential clinical relevance is discussed.

Matched MeSH terms: Recombinant Proteins/genetics; Protozoan Proteins/genetics*; Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins/genetics*
Fulltext Allele-specific polymerase chain reaction for the detection of Alzheimer's disease-related single nucleotide polymorphisms

Darawi MN, Ai-Vyrn C, Ramasamy K, Hua PP, Pin TM, Kamaruzzaman SB, et al.

BMC Med Genet, 2013;14:27.
PMID: 23419238 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2350-14-27

The incidence of Alzheimer's disease, particularly in developing countries, is expected to increase exponentially as the population ages. Continuing research in this area is essential in order to better understand this disease and develop strategies for treatment and prevention. Genome-wide association studies have identified several loci as genetic risk factors of AD aside from apolipoprotein E such as bridging integrator (BIN1), clusterin (CLU), ATP-binding cassette sub-family A member 7 (ABCA7), complement receptor 1 (CR1) and phosphatidylinositol binding clathrin assembly protein (PICALM). However genetic research in developing countries is often limited by lack of funding and expertise. This study therefore developed and validated a simple, cost effective polymerase chain reaction based technique to determine these single nucleotide polymorphisms.

Matched MeSH terms: Nuclear Proteins/genetics; Tumor Suppressor Proteins/genetics; Monomeric Clathrin Assembly Proteins/genetics
Fulltext Burkholderia pseudomallei kills Caenorhabditis elegans through virulence mechanisms distinct from intestinal lumen colonization

Ooi SK, Lim TY, Lee SH, Nathan S

Virulence, 2012 Oct 01;3(6):485-96.
PMID: 23076282 DOI: 10.4161/viru.21808

The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans is hypersusceptible to Burkholderia pseudomallei infection. However, the virulence mechanisms underlying rapid lethality of C. elegans upon B. pseudomallei infection remain poorly defined. To probe the host-pathogen interaction, we constructed GFP-tagged B. pseudomallei and followed bacterial accumulation within the C. elegans intestinal lumen. Contrary to slow-killing by most bacterial pathogens, B. pseudomallei caused fairly limited intestinal lumen colonization throughout the period of observation. Using grinder-defective mutant worms that allow the entry of intact bacteria also did not result in full intestinal lumen colonization. In addition, we observed a significant decline in C. elegans defecation and pharyngeal pumping rates upon B. pseudomallei infection. The decline in defecation rates ruled out the contribution of defecation to the limited B. pseudomallei colonization. We also demonstrated that the limited intestinal lumen colonization was not attributed to slowed host feeding as bacterial loads did not change significantly when feeding was stimulated by exogenous serotonin. Both these observations confirm that B. pseudomallei is a poor colonizer of the C. elegans intestine. To explore the possibility of toxin-mediated killing, we examined the transcription of the C. elegans ABC transporter gene, pgp-5, upon B. pseudomallei infection of the ppgp-5::gfp reporter strain. Expression of pgp-5 was highly induced, notably in the pharynx and intestine, compared with Escherichia coli-fed worms, suggesting that the host actively thwarted the pathogenic assaults during infection. Collectively, our findings propose that B. pseudomallei specifically and continuously secretes toxins to overcome C. elegans immune responses.

Matched MeSH terms: Protozoan Proteins/genetics; Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins/genetics*; Green Fluorescent Proteins/genetics
Design and validation of small interfering RNA on respiratory syncytial virus M2-2 gene: A potential approach in RNA interference on viral replication

Chin VK, Atika Aziz NA, Hudu SA, Harmal NS, Syahrilnizam A, Jalilian FA, et al.

J Virol Methods, 2016 10;236:117-125.
PMID: 27432115 DOI: 10.1016/j.jviromet.2016.07.012

Human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the leading cause of severe lower respiratory tract infection in infants and young children globally and is a significant pathogen of the elderly and immunocompromised. The M2-2 protein of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is particularly important in regulation of viral RNA transcription and replication that could be a potential anti-viral candidate against RSV infection. In this study, we designed and validated siRNAs that specifically target the RSV M2-2 gene. Four siRNAs targeting different regions of the M2-2 gene were designed using web tool. In-vitro evaluation of silencing effect was performed by using RSV infected Vero cell line. Viral M2-2 linked GFP recombinant plasmid was co-transfected with non-targeted siRNA, Pooled siRNA, siRNA 1, siRNA 2, siRNA 3 and siRNA 4 using synthetic cationic polymer. The silencing effect of M2-2 gene at the protein level was measured both qualitatively and quantitatively by using fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry. Meanwhile, the silencing effect at the mRNA level was assessed by using RT-qPCR. This study showed that all four designed siRNAs can effectively and efficiently silence M2-2 gene. siRNA 2 showed the highest (98%) silencing effect on protein level and siRNA 4 with 83.1% at the mRNA level. The viral assay showed no significant cytopathic effects observed after 6days post-infection with siRNAs. In conclusion, this study showed the effectiveness of siRNA in silencing M2-2 gene both at the protein and mRNA level which could potentially be used as a novel therapeutic agent in the treatment of RSV infection. However, further study is warranted to investigate the silencing effect of M2-2 protein and inhibition of RSV infection.

Matched MeSH terms: Recombinant Fusion Proteins/genetics; Viral Proteins/genetics*; Green Fluorescent Proteins/genetics
Fulltext Use of FabV-Triclosan Plasmid Selection System for Efficient Expression and Production of Recombinant Proteins in Escherichia coli

Ali SA, Chew YW, Omar TC, Azman N

PLoS One, 2015;10(12):e0144189.
PMID: 26642325 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0144189

Maintenance of recombinant plasmid vectors in host bacteria relies on the presence of selection antibiotics in the growth media to suppress plasmid -free segregants. However, presence of antibiotic resistance genes and antibiotics themselves is not acceptable in several applications of biotechnology. Previously, we have shown that FabV-Triclosan selection system can be used to select high and medium copy number plasmid vectors in E. coli. Here, we have extended our previous work and demonstrated that expression vectors containing FabV can be used efficiently to express heterologous recombinant proteins in similar or better amounts in E. coli host when compared with expression vectors containing β-lactamase. Use of small amount of non-antibiotic Triclosan as selection agent in growth medium, enhanced plasmid stability, applicability in various culture media, and compatibility with other selection systems for multiple plasmid maintenance are noteworthy features of FabV-Triclosan selection system.

Matched MeSH terms: Recombinant Proteins/genetics; Escherichia coli Proteins/genetics
Fulltext Whole genome sequencing and analysis reveal insights into the genetic structure, diversity and evolutionary relatedness of luxI and luxR homologs in bacteria belonging to the Sphingomonadaceae family

Gan HM, Gan HY, Ahmad NH, Aziz NA, Hudson AO, Savka MA

Front Cell Infect Microbiol, 2014;4:188.
PMID: 25621282 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2014.00188

Here we report the draft genomes and annotation of four N-acyl homoserine lactone (AHL)-producing members from the family Sphingomonadaceae. Comparative genomic analyses of 62 Sphingomonadaceae genomes were performed to gain insights into the distribution of the canonical luxI/R-type quorum sensing (QS) network within this family. Forty genomes contained at least one luxR homolog while the genome of Sphingobium yanoikuyae B1 contained seven Open Reading Frames (ORFs) that have significant homology to that of luxR. Thirty-three genomes contained at least one luxI homolog while the genomes of Sphingobium sp. SYK6, Sphingobium japonicum, and Sphingobium lactosutens contained four luxI. Using phylogenetic analysis, the sphingomonad LuxR homologs formed five distinct clades with two minor clades located near the plant associated bacteria (PAB) LuxR solo clade. This work for the first time shows that 13 Sphingobium and one Sphingomonas genome(s) contain three convergently oriented genes composed of two tandem luxR genes proximal to one luxI (luxR-luxR-luxI). Interestingly, luxI solos were identified in two Sphingobium species and may represent species that contribute to AHL-based QS system by contributing AHL molecules but are unable to perceive AHLs as signals. This work provides the most comprehensive description of the luxI/R circuitry and genome-based taxonomical description of the available sphingomonad genomes to date indicating that the presence of luxR solos and luxI solos are not an uncommon feature in members of the Sphingomonadaceae family.

Matched MeSH terms: Bacterial Proteins/genetics*; Repressor Proteins/genetics*
Review: Beta-thalassemia and molecular chaperones

Sumera A, Radhakrishnan A, Baba AA, George E

Blood Cells Mol. Dis., 2015 Apr;54(4):348-52.
PMID: 25648458 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcmd.2015.01.008

Thalassemia is known as a diverse single gene disorder, which is prevalent worldwide. The molecular chaperones are set of proteins that help in two important processes while protein synthesis and degradation include folding or unfolding and assembly or disassembly, thereby helping in cell homeostasis. This review recaps current knowledge regarding the role of molecular chaperones in thalassemia, with a focus on beta thalassemia.

Matched MeSH terms: Blood Proteins/genetics*; HSP70 Heat-Shock Proteins/genetics*
Fulltext CPB1 of Aedes aegypti interacts with DENV2 E protein and regulates intracellular viral accumulation and release from midgut cells

Tham HW, Balasubramaniam VR, Tejo BA, Ahmad H, Hassan SS

Viruses, 2014 Dec;6(12):5028-46.
PMID: 25521592 DOI: 10.3390/v6125028

Aedes aegypti is a principal vector responsible for the transmission of dengue viruses (DENV). To date, vector control remains the key option for dengue disease management. To develop new vector control strategies, a more comprehensive understanding of the biological interactions between DENV and Ae. aegypti is required. In this study, a cDNA library derived from the midgut of female adult Ae. aegypti was used in yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) screenings against DENV2 envelope (E) protein. Among the many interacting proteins identified, carboxypeptidase B1 (CPB1) was selected, and its biological interaction with E protein in Ae. aegypti primary midgut cells was further validated. Our double immunofluorescent assay showed that CPB1-E interaction occurred in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) of the Ae. aegypti primary midgut cells. Overexpression of CPB1 in mosquito cells resulted in intracellular DENV2 genomic RNA or virus particle accumulation, with a lower amount of virus release. Therefore, we postulated that in Ae. aegypti midgut cells, CPB1 binds to the E protein deposited on the ER intraluminal membranes and inhibits DENV2 RNA encapsulation, thus inhibiting budding from the ER, and may interfere with immature virus transportation to the trans-Golgi network.

Matched MeSH terms: Viral Envelope Proteins/genetics; Insect Proteins/genetics
Fulltext Multi-isotype antibody responses against the multimeric Salmonella Typhi recombinant hemolysin E antigen

Ong EB, Ignatius J, Anthony AA, Aziah I, Ismail A, Lim TS

Microbiol. Immunol., 2015 Jan;59(1):43-7.
PMID: 25399538 DOI: 10.1111/1348-0421.12211

The detection and measurement of different antibody isotypes in the serum provide valuable indicators of the different stages of typhoid infection. Here, the ability of S. Typhi recombinant hemolysin E (HlyE) to detect multi-isotype antibody responses in sera of patients with typhoid and paratyphoid A was investigated using an indirect antibody immunoassay. Nanogram amounts of HlyE were found to be sufficient for detection of IgG and IgA isotypes and, in a study of individuals' sera (n = 100), the immunoassay was able to distinguish between typhoid and non-typhoid sera. The overall sensitivity, specificity and efficiency of the ELISA were 70% (39/56), 100% (44/44) and 83% respectively.

Matched MeSH terms: Hemolysin Proteins/genetics; Recombinant Proteins/genetics
Fulltext Antimicrobial susceptibility and genetic characterisation of Burkholderia pseudomallei isolated from Malaysian patients

Khosravi Y, Vellasamy KM, Mariappan V, Ng SL, Vadivelu J

ScientificWorldJournal, 2014;2014:132971.
PMID: 25379514 DOI: 10.1155/2014/132971

Burkholderia pseudomallei, the causative agent of melioidosis, is intrinsically resistant to many antibiotics. Ceftazidime (CAZ), the synthetic β-lactam, is normally used as the first-line antibiotic therapy for treatment of melioidosis. However, acquired CAZ resistance can develop in vivo during treatment with CAZ, leading to mortality if therapy is not switched to a different antibiotic(s) in a timely manner. In this study, susceptibilities of 81 B. pseudomallei isolates to nine different antimicrobial agents were determined using the disk diffusion method, broth microdilution test and Etest. Highest percentage of susceptibility was demonstrated to CAZ, amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, meropenem, imipenem, and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole. Although these drugs demonstrated the highest percentage of susceptibility in B. pseudomallei, the overall results underline the importance of the emergence of resistance in this organism. PCR results showed that, of the 81 B. pseudomallei, six multidrug resistant (MDR) isolates carried bpeB, amrB, and BPSS1119 and penA genes. Genotyping of the isolates using random amplified polymorphic DNA analysis showed six different PCR fingerprinting patterns generated from the six MDR isolates clusters (A) and eight PCR fingerprinting patterns generated for the remaining 75 non-MDR isolates clusters (B).

Matched MeSH terms: Bacterial Proteins/genetics*; Membrane Transport Proteins/genetics*
Fulltext Genetical and comparative genomics of Brassica under altered Ca supply identifies Arabidopsis Ca-transporter orthologs

Graham NS, Hammond JP, Lysenko A, Mayes S, O Lochlainn S, Blasco B, et al.

Plant Cell, 2014 Jul;26(7):2818-30.
PMID: 25082855 DOI: 10.1105/tpc.114.128603

Although Ca transport in plants is highly complex, the overexpression of vacuolar Ca(2+) transporters in crops is a promising new technology to improve dietary Ca supplies through biofortification. Here, we sought to identify novel targets for increasing plant Ca accumulation using genetical and comparative genomics. Expression quantitative trait locus (eQTL) mapping to 1895 cis- and 8015 trans-loci were identified in shoots of an inbred mapping population of Brassica rapa (IMB211 × R500); 23 cis- and 948 trans-eQTLs responded specifically to altered Ca supply. eQTLs were screened for functional significance using a large database of shoot Ca concentration phenotypes of Arabidopsis thaliana. From 31 Arabidopsis gene identifiers tagged to robust shoot Ca concentration phenotypes, 21 mapped to 27 B. rapa eQTLs, including orthologs of the Ca(2+) transporters At-CAX1 and At-ACA8. Two of three independent missense mutants of BraA.cax1a, isolated previously by targeting induced local lesions in genomes, have allele-specific shoot Ca concentration phenotypes compared with their segregating wild types. BraA.CAX1a is a promising target for altering the Ca composition of Brassica, consistent with prior knowledge from Arabidopsis. We conclude that multiple-environment eQTL analysis of complex crop genomes combined with comparative genomics is a powerful technique for novel gene identification/prioritization.

Matched MeSH terms: Plant Proteins/genetics; Cation Transport Proteins/genetics*
Localization and characterization of val-opsin isoform-expressing cells in the brain of adult zebrafish

Hang CY, Kitahashi T, Parhar IS

J. Comp. Neurol., 2014 Dec 1;522(17):3847-60.
PMID: 25043553 DOI: 10.1002/cne.23645

In addition to vision, light information is used to regulate a range of animal physiology. Such nonimage-forming functions of light are mediated by nonvisual photoreceptors expressed in distinct neurons in the retina and the brain in most vertebrates. A nonvisual photoreceptor vertebrate ancient long opsin (VAL-opsin) possesses two functional isoforms in the zebrafish, encoded by valopa and valopb, which has received little attention. To delineate the neurochemical identities of valop cells and to test for colocalization of the valop isoforms, we used in situ hybridization to characterize the expression of the valop genes along with that of neurotransmitters and a neuropeptide known to be present at the sites of valop expression. Double labeling showed that the thalamic valop population coexpresses valopa and valopb. All the thalamic valop cells overlapped with a GABAergic cell mass that continues from the anterior nucleus to the intercalated thalamic nucleus. A novel valopa cell population found in the superior raphe was serotonergic in nature. A valopb cell population in the Edinger-Westphal nucleus was identified as containing thyrotropin-releasing hormone. Valopb cells localized in the hindbrain intermediate reticular formation were noncholinergic in nature (nonmotorneurons). Thus, the presence of valop cell populations in different brain regions with coexpression of neurotransmitters and neuropeptides and the colocalization of valop isoforms in the thalamic cell population indicate regulatory and functional complexity of VAL-opsin in the brain of the zebrafish.

Matched MeSH terms: Zebrafish Proteins/genetics; Green Fluorescent Proteins/genetics
Quercetin glycosides induced neuroprotection by changes in the gene expression in a cellular model of Parkinson's disease

Magalingam KB, Radhakrishnan A, Ramdas P, Haleagrahara N

J Mol Neurosci, 2015 Mar;55(3):609-17.
PMID: 25129099 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-014-0400-x

Quercetin glycosides, rutin and isoquercitrin, are potent antioxidants that have been found to possess neuroprotective effect in diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease. In the present study, we have examined the gene expression changes with rutin and isoquercitrin pretreatment on 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-treated toxicity in rat pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells. PC12 cells were pretreated with rutin or isoquercitrin and subsequently exposed to 6-OHDA. Rutin-pretreated PC12 attenuated the Park2, Park5, Park7, Casp3, and Casp7 genes which were expressed significantly in the 6-OHDA-treated PC12 cells. Rutin upregulated the TH gene which is important in dopamine biosynthesis, but isoquercitrin pretreatment did not affect the expression of this gene. Both rutin and isoquercitrin pretreatments upregulated the ion transport and antiapoptotic genes (NSF and Opa1). The qPCR array data were further validated by qRT-PCR using four primers, Park5, Park7, Casp3, and TH. This finding suggests that changes in the expression levels of transcripts encoded by genes that participate in ubiquitin pathway and dopamine biosynthesis may be involved in Parkinson's disease.

Matched MeSH terms: Microtubule-Associated Proteins/genetics; Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins/genetics
Unscrambling the effect of C-terminal tail deletion on the stability of a cold-adapted, organic solvent stable lipase from Staphylococcus epidermidis AT2

Kamarudin NH, Rahman RN, Ali MS, Leow TC, Basri M, Salleh AB

Mol Biotechnol, 2014 Aug;56(8):747-57.
PMID: 24771007 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-014-9753-1

Terminal moieties of most proteins are long known to be disordered and flexible. To unravel the functional role of these regions on the structural stability and biochemical properties of AT2 lipase, four C-terminal end residues, (Ile-Thr-Arg-Lys) which formed a flexible, short tail-like random-coil segment were targeted for mutation. Swapping of the tail-like region had resulted in an improved crystallizability and anti-aggregation property along with a slight shift of the thermostability profile. The lipolytic activity of mutant (M386) retained by 43 % compared to its wild-type with 18 % of the remaining activity at 45 °C. In silico analysis conducted at 25 and 45 °C was found to be in accordance to the experimental findings in which the RMSD values of M386 were more stable throughout the total trajectory in comparison to its wild-type. Terminal moieties were also observed to exhibit large movement and flexibility as denoted by high RMSF values at both dynamics. Variation in organic solvent stability property was detected in M386 where the lipolytic activity was stimulated in the presence of 25 % (v/v) of DMSO, isopropanol, and diethyl ether. This may be worth due to changes in the surface charge residues at the mutation point which probably involve in protein-solvent interaction.

Matched MeSH terms: Bacterial Proteins/genetics*; Recombinant Proteins/genetics
Fulltext Distribution of pfmdr1 polymorphisms in Plasmodium falciparum isolated from Southern Thailand

Mungthin M, Intanakom S, Suwandittakul N, Suida P, Amsakul S, Sitthichot N, et al.

Malar J, 2014;13:117.
PMID: 24670242 DOI: 10.1186/1475-2875-13-117

Drug resistance in Plasmodium falciparum is a major problem in malaria control especially along the Thai-Myanmar and Thai-Cambodia borders. To date, a few molecular markers have been identified for anti-malarial resistance in P. falciparum, including the P. falciparum chloroquine resistance transporter (pfcrt) and the P. falciparum multidrug resistance 1 (pfmdr1). However no information is available regarding the distribution pattern of these gene polymorphisms in the parasites from the Thai-Malaysia border. This study was conducted to compare the distribution pattern of the pfcrt and pfmdr1 polymorphisms in the parasites from the lower southern provinces, Thai-Malaysia border and the upper southern provinces, Thai-Myanmar border. In addition, in vitro sensitivities of anti-malarial drugs including chloroquine, mefloquine, quinine, and artesunate were determined.

Matched MeSH terms: Protozoan Proteins/genetics*; Membrane Transport Proteins/genetics*
RNA-binding region of Macrobrachium rosenbergii nodavirus capsid protein

Goh ZH, Mohd NAS, Tan SG, Bhassu S, Tan WS

J Gen Virol, 2014 Sep;95(Pt 9):1919-1928.
PMID: 24878641 DOI: 10.1099/vir.0.064014-0

White tail disease (WTD) kills prawn larvae and causes drastic losses to the freshwater prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) industry. The main causative agent of WTD is Macrobrachium rosenbergii nodavirus (MrNV). The N-terminal end of the MrNV capsid protein is very rich in positively charged amino acids and is postulated to interact with RNA molecules. N-terminal and internal deletion mutagenesis revealed that the RNA-binding region is located at positions 20-29, where 80 % of amino acids are positively charged. Substitution of all these positively charged residues with alanine abolished the RNA binding. Mutants without the RNA-binding region still assembled into virus-like particles, suggesting that this region is not a part of the capsid assembly domain. This paper is, to the best of our knowledge, the first to report the specific RNA-binding region of MrNV capsid protein.

Matched MeSH terms: RNA-Binding Proteins/genetics*; Capsid Proteins/genetics*
Fulltext Analysis of anoxybacillus genomes from the aspects of lifestyle adaptations, prophage diversity, and carbohydrate metabolism

Goh KM, Gan HM, Chan KG, Chan GF, Shahar S, Chong CS, et al.

PLoS One, 2014;9(6):e90549.
PMID: 24603481 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0090549

Species of Anoxybacillus are widespread in geothermal springs, manure, and milk-processing plants. The genus is composed of 22 species and two subspecies, but the relationship between its lifestyle and genome is little understood. In this study, two high-quality draft genomes were generated from Anoxybacillus spp. SK3-4 and DT3-1, isolated from Malaysian hot springs. De novo assembly and annotation were performed, followed by comparative genome analysis with the complete genome of Anoxybacillus flavithermus WK1 and two additional draft genomes, of A. flavithermus TNO-09.006 and A. kamchatkensis G10. The genomes of Anoxybacillus spp. are among the smaller of the family Bacillaceae. Despite having smaller genomes, their essential genes related to lifestyle adaptations at elevated temperature, extreme pH, and protection against ultraviolet are complete. Due to the presence of various competence proteins, Anoxybacillus spp. SK3-4 and DT3-1 are able to take up foreign DNA fragments, and some of these transferred genes are important for the survival of the cells. The analysis of intact putative prophage genomes shows that they are highly diversified. Based on the genome analysis using SEED, many of the annotated sequences are involved in carbohydrate metabolism. The presence of glycosyl hydrolases among the Anoxybacillus spp. was compared, and the potential applications of these unexplored enzymes are suggested here. This is the first study that compares Anoxybacillus genomes from the aspect of lifestyle adaptations, the capacity for horizontal gene transfer, and carbohydrate metabolism.

Matched MeSH terms: Bacterial Proteins/genetics; Viral Proteins/genetics

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