40S ribosomal protein S18 is a novel maternal peptidoglycan-binding protein that protects embryos of zebrafish from bacterial infections.

Previous studies have shown that ribosomal proteins play important roles in ribosome assembly and protein translation, but other biological functions remain ill-defined. Here it is clearly demonstrated that RPS18 is a newly identified PGN-binding protein which is present abundantly in the eggs/embryos of zebrafish. Recombinant RPS18 not only identifies the bacterial signature molecule PGN, LPS, and LTA, and binds the bacteria as a pattern recognition receptor, but also kills the Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria as an antibacterial effector molecule.

ELAVL1a is an immunocompetent protein that protects zebrafish embryos from bacterial infection.

Previous studies have shown that ELAVL1 plays multiple roles, but its overall biological function remains ill-defined. Here we clearly demonstrated that zebrafish ELAVL1a was a lipoteichoic acid (LTA)- and LPS-binding protein abundantly stored in the eggs/embryos of zebrafish. ELAVL1a acted not only as a pattern recognition receptor, capable of identifying LTA and LPS, as well as bacteria, but also as an effector molecule, capable of inhibiting the growth of Gram-positive and -negative bacteria.

Effects of late-onset dietary intake of salidroside on insulin/insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) signaling pathway of the annual fish Nothobranchius guentheri.

Salidroside (SDS) is the main active ingredient of Rhodiola which has many biological functions including anti-fatigue, anti-tumor, and immune regulation activities. Our last paper demonstrated that SDS prolonged longevity of the annual fish Nothobranchius guentheri, a promising vertebrate model for anti-aging research. However, little is known about its effect on insulin/insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) signaling pathway (IIS pathway).

Identification of ATP synthase α subunit as a new maternal factor capable of protecting zebrafish embryos from bacterial infection.

Previous studies have shown that ATP synthase α subunit (ATP5A1) plays multiple roles, but our understanding of its biologic functions remains poor and incomprehensive. Here, we clearly demonstrated that zebrafish ATP5A1 was a newly characterized lipoteichoic acid (LTA)- and LPS-binding protein abundantly stored in the eggs and embryos of zebrafish. Zebrafish ATP5A1 acted not only as a pattern recognition receptor, capable of identifying LTA and LPS, but also as an effector molecule, capable of inhibiting the growth of both gram-positive and -negative bacteria.

Targeted gene therapy of the fusion gene controlled by the hSLPI gene promoter of human non-small cell lung cancer .

The incidence of lung cancer and lung cancer-associated mortality have markedly increased worldwide, and gene-targeted therapy has emerged as a promising treatment strategy. The present study aimed to explore the targeted antitumor effect of the herpes simplex virus-thymidine kinase/human interleukin-12 () fusion gene regulated by the human secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor () promoter of human non-small cell lung cancer (hNSCLC). There were four recombinant eukaryotic expression vectors: pcDNA3.

Time-dependent effects of late-onset dietary intake of salidroside on lifespan and age-related biomarkers of the annual fish .

One of the most studied and widely accepted conjectures of aging process is the oxidative stress theory. Previous studies have shown that salidroside can protect D-galactose-induced mouse model against aging and a formulation of extracts (SHR-5) containing salidroside increases lifespan of fruit fly. However, direct evidence linking salidroside itself with the observed anti-aging effect and relevant molecular mechanisms are poorly defined.

Zinc finger protein 365 is a new maternal LPS-binding protein that defends zebrafish embryos against gram-negative bacterial infections.

Zinc finger protein 365 (ZNF365) is widespread in animals, but its function and mechanism remains poorly defined. Here we clearly demonstrate that zebrafish ZNF365 is a newly identified LPS-binding protein capable of interacting with the gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli, Vibrio anguillarum, and Aeromonas hydrophila, and functions as an antibacterial effector molecule capable of directly killing the bacteria. We also reveal that N-terminal residues 30-55 consisting of the ZnF_C2H2 domain are indispensable for ZNF365 antimicrobial activity.

Identification of neuroglobin as a novel player in anti-bacterial responses in amphioxus.

Theoretical considerations support various functions of neuroglobin (Ngb), but further studies are required for full characterization of these functions. In this study, we identified the presence of a single Ngb gene, BjNgb, in the amphioxus Branchiostoma japonicum. BjNgb was expressed in various tissues including the notochord, gonads (ovary and testis) and gill, and up-regulated significantly in response to the challenge with LPS and LTA, suggesting involvement in immune response of amphioxus against bacterial infection.

Association between tea consumption and risk of cognitive disorders: A dose-response meta-analysis of observational studies.

Background: The epidemiological evidence for a dose-response relationship between tea consumption and risk of cognitive disorders is sparse. The aim of the study was to summarize the evidence for the association of tea consumption with risk of cognitive disorders and assess the dose-response relationship.

Methods: We searched electronic databases of Pubmed, Embase, and Cochrane Library (from 1965 to Jan 19, 2017) for eligible studies that published in the international journals.

Intermittent food restriction initiated late in life prolongs lifespan and retards the onset of age-related markers in the annual fish Nothobranchius guentheri.

Two of the most studied and widely accepted conjectures on possible aging mechanisms are the oxidative stress hypothesis and the insulin/insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) signaling (IIS) pathway. Intermittent fasting (IF) is known to modulate aging and to prolong lifespan in a variety of organisms, but the mechanisms are still under debate. In this study, we first demonstrated that late-onset two consecutive days a week fasting, a form of IF, termed intermittent food restriction (IFR), exhibited a time-dependent effect, and long-term late-onset IFR extended the mean lifespan and maximum lifespan by approximately 3.

Functional characterization of avidins in amphioxus Branchiostoma japonicum: Evidence for a dual role in biotin-binding and immune response.

Avidin is well known for its high affinity to biotin and has been found in many egg-laying vertebrate species. However, little is known about avidin in invertebrate species to date. Here we clearly showed the presence of two avidin genes, Bjavidin1 and Bjavidin2, in the amphioxus Branchiostoma japonicum, the first ones in non-vertebrate animals.

Functional characterization of Vitellogenin_N domain, domain of unknown function 1943, and von Willebrand factor type D domain in vitellogenin of the non-bilaterian coral Euphyllia ancora: Implications for emergence of immune activity of vitellogenin in basal metazoan.

Our understanding of the function of vitellogenin (Vg) in reproduction has undergone a transformation over the past decade in parallel with new insights into the role of Vg in immunity. However, the time when Vg was endowed with immunological activities during animal evolution remains elusive. Here we demonstrate for the first time that the recombinant proteins rVitellogenin_N, rDUF1943, and rVWD from Vg of the basal metazoan coral Euphyllia ancora not only interact with Gram-positive and negative bacteria as well as their conserved surface components LTA and LPS but also enhance phagocytosis of bacteria by macrophages.

Identification of the Zinc Finger Protein ZRANB2 as a Novel Maternal Lipopolysaccharide-binding Protein That Protects Embryos of Zebrafish against Gram-negative Bacterial Infections.

Zinc finger ZRANB2 proteins are widespread in animals, but their functions and mechanisms remain poorly defined. Here we clearly demonstrate that ZRANB2 is a newly identified LPS-binding protein present abundantly in the eggs/embryos of zebrafish. We also show that recombinant ZRANB2 (rZRANB2) acts as a pattern recognition receptor capable of identifying the bacterial signature molecule LPS as well as binding the Gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli, Vibrio anguilarum, and Aeromonas hydrophila and functions as an antibacterial effector molecule capable of directly killing the bacteria.

Identification of a novel antimicrobial peptide from amphioxus Branchiostoma japonicum by in silico and functional analyses.

The emergence of multi-drug resistant (MDR) microbes leads to urgent demands for novel antibiotics exploration. We demonstrated a cDNA from amphioxus Branchiostoma japonicum, designated Bjamp1, encoded a protein with features typical of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), which is not homologous to any AMPs currently discovered. It was found that Bjamp1 was expressed in distinct tissues, and its expression was remarkably up-regulated following challenge with LPS and LTA.

De Novo Transcriptome Assembly and Differential Gene Expression Profiling of Three Capra hircus Skin Types during Anagen of the Hair Growth Cycle.

Despite that goat is one of the best nonmodel systems for villus growth studies and hair biology, limited gene resources associated with skin or hair follicles are available. In the present study, using Illumina/Solexa sequencing technology, we de novo assembled 130 million mRNA-Seq reads into a total of 49,115 contigs. Searching public databases revealed that about 45% of the total contigs can be annotated as known proteins, indicating that some of the assembled contigs may have previously uncharacterized functions.

Differential gene expression analysis between anagen and telogen of Capra hircus skin based on the de novo assembled transcriptome sequence.

Capra hircus, an economically important livestock, plays an indispensable role in the world animal fiber industry. In the present study, using Illumina/Solexa high throughput sequencing technology, we sequenced and de novo assembled the goat skin transcriptome corresponding to the anagen and telogen of the hair growth cycle. Approximately 53Mb of transcriptome sequences consisting of 57,040 high quality contigs was obtained.

[Experimental studies on the antitumor immunity induced by total laryngeal carcinoma RNA- transfected dendritic cells].

Objective: The efficiency of antitumor immunity induced by dendritic cells (DCs) transfected with total RNA of laryngeal carcinoma cells was explored.

Method: DCs, induced from human peripheral blood mononuclear cells, were transfected with total RNA of laryngeal carcinoma cells. The specific antitumor immunity of cytotoxic T Lymphocytes (CTLs) that were actived by RNA-transfected DCs were detected by MTT methods in vitro.