Probing protein function in parasitic flatworms is hampered by the difficulties associated with the development of transgenic approaches. Although RNA interference (RNAi) in schistosomes shows much promise, it has not been reported in other trematodes. Here, we show the successful silencing of the cysteine proteases cathepsin B and L in the infective stage of Fasciola hepatica newly excysted juveniles (NEJs). Silencing resulted in marked reductions in target transcript levels and significant diminution in the encoded proteins in the gut. RNAi of either enzyme in NEJs induced transient, abnormal locomotory phenotypes, and significantly reduced penetration of the rat intestinal wall.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpara.2007.10.007 | DOI Listing |
Nat Commun
January 2025
Institute of Cancer Research, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.
S-palmitoylation is a reversible and widespread post-translational modification, but its role in the regulation of ferroptosis has been poorly understood. Here, we elucidate that GPX4, an essential regulator of ferroptosis, is reversibly palmitoylated on cysteine 66. The acyltransferase ZDHHC20 palmitoylates GPX4 and increases its protein stability.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFTrichomoniasis, caused by the parasite , is the most common non-viral sexually transmitted infection. Current treatment relies exclusively on 5-nitroimidazole drugs, with metronidazole (MTZ) as the primary option. However, the increasing prevalence of MTZ-resistant strains poses a significant challenge, particularly in the current absence of alternative therapies.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFInt J Biol Macromol
January 2025
Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops-South China/Guangdong Litchi Engineering Research Center, College of Horticulture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China. Electronic address:
Seed development is one of the most important agricultural traits, determining both the crop yield and quality of fleshy fruits. A typically abortive litchi cultivar, Guiwei, exhibits heterogeneity in seed size across production areas, years, and individual trees. Previous studies have shown that 'Guiwei' seed development failure is associated with endosperm arrest and chilling conditions.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFSci Rep
January 2025
School of Medicine, Yichun University, 576 XueFu Road, Yuanzhou District, Yichun, 336000, Jiangxi, P.R. China.
Sodium aescinate (SA), a natural plant extract with various bioactivities, is widely used to treat oedema and inflammation in clinics. However, adverse events, including liver injury, kidney injury, and phlebitis, have been reported in patients with SA in recent years. In this study, we used BALB/c mice and L02 cells to evaluate the role of ferroptosis in SA-induced liver injury.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFJ Agric Food Chem
January 2025
School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, China.
A nuclear-localized cysteine desulfhydrase, LCD1, plays a crucial role in mediating endogenous hydrogen sulfide production in tomatoes. However, the mechanism underlying the nuclear localization of SlLCD1 is not yet fully understood. In this study, it was found that SlLCD1 specifically interacted with nuclear import receptor importin α3 (SlIMPA3).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFEnter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!