Grain filling in maize (Zea mays) is intricately linked to cell development, involving the regulation of genes responsible for the biosynthesis of storage reserves (starch, proteins, and lipids) and phytohormones. However, the regulatory network coordinating these biological functions remains unclear. In this study, we identified 1744 high-confidence target genes co-regulated by the transcription factors (TFs) ZmNAC128 and ZmNAC130 (ZmNAC128/130) through chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing coupled with RNA-seq analysis in the zmnac128/130 loss-of-function mutants.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe mechanisms of reproductive isolation that cause phenotypic diversification and eventually speciation are a major topic of evolutionary research. Hybrid necrosis is a post-zygotic isolation mechanism in which cell death develops in the absence of pathogens. It is often due to the incompatibility between proteins from two parents.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: As EIF3D is oncogenic in colorectal cancer (CRC) and is associated with multidrug resistance, this study aims to investigate whether and how EIF3D regulates resistance to 5-fluorouracil (5-Fu) in CRC.
Methods: EIF3D-associated genes in CRC were predicted using bioinformatics tools. CRC cells and nude mice received 5-Fu treatment.
Zeins are the predominant storage proteins in maize () seeds, while Opaque2 (O2) is a master transcription factor for zein-encoding genes. How the activity of O2 is regulated and responds to external signals is yet largely unknown. Here, we show that the E3 ubiquitin ligase RFWD3 interacts with O2 and positively regulates its activity by enhancing its nuclear localization.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFWe review the current knowledge regarding the regulation of zein storage proteins biosynthesis and protein body formation, which are crucial processes for the successful accumulation of nutrients in maize kernels. Storage proteins in the seeds of crops in the grass family (Poaceae) are a major source of dietary protein for humans. In maize (Zea mays), proteins are the second largest nutrient component in the kernels, accounting for ~ 10% of the kernel weight.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFIn this study, we investigated the role of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 3 subunit G (EIF3G) in colorectal cancer. Immunohistochemical analysis showed higher EIF3G expression in stage IV human colorectal cancer tissues than in adjacent normal tissues (P<0.01).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFZeins are the most abundant storage proteins in maize () kernels, thereby affecting the nutritional quality and texture of this crop. 27-kD γ-zein is highly expressed and plays a crucial role in protein body formation. Several transcription factors (TFs) (O2, PBF1, OHP1, and OHP2) regulate the expression of the 27-kD γ-zein gene, but the complexity of its transcriptional regulation is not fully understood.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPurpose: Colorectal cancer (CRC) has become a predominant cancer and accounts for approximately 10% of cancer-related mortality. Drug resistance still remains a priority mortality factor for patients due to no available therapeutic alternatives. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms how eukaryotic translation initiation factor 3 subunit G (EIF3G) resensitized 5-Fu-resistant human CRC cells (HCT116/5-Fu) to 5-fluorouracil (5-Fu).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: Knowledge on the occurrence of erectile dysfunction (ED) and timely ovulatory intercourse failure (TOIF) in Chinese men of infertile couples is limited.
Aim: To obtain representative estimates of ED and TOIF in Chinese men of infertile couples and to analyze potential risk factors associated with ED.
Methods: 4,299 Chinese men of infertile couples with an average age of 32.
Background: CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing strategy has been applied to a variety of species and the tRNA-processing system has been used to compact multiple gRNAs into one synthetic gene for manipulating multiple genes in rice.
Results: We optimized and introduced the multiplex gene editing strategy based on the tRNA-processing system into maize. Maize glycine-tRNA was selected to design multiple tRNA-gRNA units for the simultaneous production of numerous gRNAs under the control of one maize U6 promoter.
Opaque2 (O2) is a transcription factor that plays important roles during maize endosperm development. Mutation of the O2 gene improves the nutritional value of maize seeds but also confers pleiotropic effects that result in reduced agronomic quality. To reveal the transcriptional regulatory framework of O2, we studied the transcriptome of o2 mutants using RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) and determined O2 DNA binding targets using chromatin immunoprecipitation coupled to high-throughput sequencing (ChIP-Seq).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFReproductive health is a focus of the 21st century medical sciences. Researches on the correlation between psychological factors and male reproductive health may help discover the rules of the development of male diseases. This paper analyzes the social root-cause of the adverse psychological factors of men, discusses how psychological factors affect male reproductive health, and proposes some remedial measures for related psychological problems.
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