Identification and characterization of 16 tripartite motif-containing proteins from Takifugu obscurus.

Tripartite motif-containing (TRIM) proteins play important roles in apoptosis, development, autophagy, and innate immunity in vertebrates. In this study, a total of 16 TRIM genes were cloned and identified from obscure puffer Takifugu obscurus. Multiple alignment results showed that most of the deduced ToTRIM proteins contained three typical motifs, a really interesting new gene (RING) zinc-finger domain, one B-box, and a coiled-coil domain, which together formed the TRIM motif found in this large family of proteins.

Impact of mutations in carbohydrate binding sites of tandem-repeat type galectin from Takifugu obscurus on its antimicrobial activity.

Galectins belong to a family of galactoside-binding proteins and exhibit diverse biological functions. In the present research, a tandem-repeat type galectin (named ToGalectin) was identified from obscure puffer Takifugu obscurus. The 296 amino acids ToGalectin contained two carbohydrate recognition domains (CRDs), one of which possessed two conserved carbohydrate binding motifs.

Molecular cloning and functional characterization of eight galectin genes from Takifugu obscurus.

Galectins are a family of animal lectins involved in the immune response against pathogens. However, the roles of fish galectins during pathogen infection require comprehensive studies. In the present research, eight different galectin genes from Takifugu obscurus (named ToGalec1-8) were identified and characterized.

Identification and characterization of an L-type lectin from obscure puffer Takifugu obscurus in response to bacterial infection.

L-type lectins (LTLs) contain a carbohydrate recognition domain homologous to leguminous lectins, and have functions in selective protein trafficking, sorting and targeting in the secretory pathway of animals. In this study, a novel LTL, designated as ToERGIC-53, was cloned and identified from obscure puffer Takifugu obscurus. The open reading frame of ToERGIC-53 contained 1554 nucleotides encoding 517 amino acid residues.

Three novel L-type lectins from obscure puffer Takifugu obscurus promote antimicrobial immune response.

L-type lectins (LTLs) have leguminous lectin domains that bind to high-mannose-type oligosaccharides. LTLs are involved in glycoprotein secretory pathways and associated with many immune responses. In the present research, three LTL homologs from obscure puffer Takifugu obscurus, designated as ToVIP36-1, ToVIP36-2, and ToVIP36-3, were first cloned and identified.

Molecular cloning, characterization and gene expression analysis of twelve interleukins in obscure puffer .

Interleukins (ILs) are a subgroup of secreted cytokines, which are molecules involved in the intercellular regulation of the immune system. In this study, 12 IL homologs were cloned and functionally identified from obscure puffer , and they were termed as , and . Multiple alignment results showed that except for ToIL-24 and ToIL-27, other deduced ToIL proteins shared typical characteristics and structure with other known fish ILs.

A systematic study of Tupaia as a model for human acute hepatitis B infection.

The molecular features of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, eradication, and pathogenesis are poorly understood, partly due to the lack of an adequate animal model that faithfully reproduces the course of infection. Although Tupaia belangeri were previously recognized as HBV-susceptible animals, the course of infection in adult tupaias remains obscure. Herein, we performed a longitudinal study and demonstrated that adult tupaias were efficiently infected (90% infection rate) with 10 copies of the HBV genome.

Hepalatide ameliorated progression of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis in mice.

Background: No FDA-approved medications are available for the treatment of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). The present study aimed to assess the effects of Hepalatide, a sodium taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide (NTCP) receptor-binding agent, on metabolic and histopathologic changes of a mouse model of NASH caused by high fat/calorie diet plus high fructose/glucose in drinking water (HFCD-HF/G) for 16 weeks.

Methods: Male mice were randomly divided into 4 groups: controls (normal diet), HFCD-HF/G group, HFCD-HF/G plus low or high dose of Hepalatide (20 or 60 mg/kg, LH or HH, s.

[Screening of Germination and Seedling Conditions of Trollius chinensis Seeds from Zhangjiakou].

Objective: To screen the germination and seedling conditions of Trollius chinensis seeds from Chongli county, Zhangjiakou city. To provide the theoretical basis and practical technology for establishing technology system of seedling and cultivation of Trollius chinensis seeds in Zhangjiakou city.

Methods: The data were collected and analyzed by the contrast test of greenhouse.