Soft Matter
·
2017
·Vol. 13
·期 19
·3514-3520
·
IF 3.889
Huifang Xu,Na Du,Yawen Song,Shue Song,Wanguo Hou
In the current work, the microviscosity, encapsulation, and permeability of 2-ketooctanoic acid (KOCOOH) vesicle membranes were investigated by steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence techniques, using 1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene (DPH), riboflavin, and calcein as fluorescence probes. Our results show that the microviscosity of KOCOOH membranes is similar to that of common bilayer aggregates, the KOCOOH vesicles have the ability to encapsulate hydrophilic guests, and the KOCOOH membranes are permeable to ions. The permeation of OH− across KOCOOH membranes can be well described using a first-order kinetic model. The KOCOOH vesicles may be a good alternative protocell model that possesses some functional properties necessary for early cell membranes. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the characteristics of vesicle membranes of single-tailed keto-acid amphiphiles.
研究领域:
生物物理化学
·
膜生物学
·
化学生物学
·
原始细胞研究
·
分子自组装
·
前生命化学
✓ 已验证
DOI
高影响因子
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
·
2024
·
IF 9.4
Dong Guo,Ziyue Zhang,Jichao Sun,Wanguo Hou,Na Du
Hypothesis Simple single-chain amphiphiles (sodium monododecyl phosphate, SDP) and organic small molecules (isopentenol, IPN), both of primitive relevance, are proved to have been the building blocks of protocells on the early Earth. How do SDP-based membrane and coexisting IPN come together in specific ways to produce more complex chemical entities? What kind of cell-like behavior can be endowed with this protocell model? These are important questions in the pre-life chemical origin scenario that have not been answered to date. Experiments The phase behavior and formation mechanism of the aggregates for SDP/IPN/H 2 O ternary system were characterized and studied by different electron microscopy, fluorescent probe technology, DLS, IR, ESI-MS, SAXS, etc. The stability (freeze–thaw and wet-dry treatments) and cell-like behavior (chemical signaling communication) were tested via simulating particular scenarios. Findings Vesicles, microtubules and asters phases resembling the morphology and structure of modern cells/organelles were obtained. The intermolecular hydrogen bonding is the main driving force for the emergence of the aggregates. The protocell models not only display remarkable stabilities by simulating the primordial Earth’s diurnal temperature differences and ocean tides but also are able to exhibit cell-like behavior of chemical signaling transition.
研究领域:
前生物化学
·
生命起源
·
软物质物理
·
生物物理学
✓ 已验证
产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGICAL SCIENCES
·
2023
·
IF 2
Haixu Wang,Yan Li,Chuang Liu,Tianxiang Lu,Qian Zhai,Hongna Wang,Jianfang Zhang
Bisphenol A (BPA), one of the main components of industrial products, is clinically associated with the increased male infertility rate. However, the underlying molecular mechanism of the BPA-resulted reproductive toxicity is not fully elucidated. Voltage-dependent anion channel 1 (VDAC1) is a pore protein and located at the outer mitochondrial membrane. As a mitochondrial gatekeeper, VDAC1 controls the release of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the metabolic and energetic functions of mitochondria, and serves as a critical player in mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis. Herein, we explored the role of VDAC1 in BPA-induced apoptosis of spermatogonia. The results showed that BPA increased spermatogonia cell line GC-1 spg cell apoptosis and intracellular ROS level, and suppressed AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway at a dose of 80 μM for 48 hr. Lentivirus-mediated short hairpin RNA targeting VDAC1 (Lv-shVDAC1) silenced VDAC1 expression and enhanced BPA-restricted cell viability. Knockdown of VDAC1 inhibited the apoptosis of BPA-treated GC-1 spg cells determined by with changes of the expressions of pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic proteins. Knockdown of VDAC1 also alleviated the BPA-triggered intracellular ROS generation and oxidative stress. Moreover, silence of VDAC1 increased AMPKα1/2 phosphorylation and suppressed mTOR phosphorylation under BPA exposure. Dorsomorphin, an AMPK inhibitor, partially abolished the effects of VDAC1 gene silencing on BPA-stimulated GC-1 spg cells. In conclusion, inhibition of VDAC1 attenuated the BPA-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis and promoted the cell viability in spermatogonia through modulating AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway.
研究领域:
生殖毒理学
·
细胞生物学
·
分子生物学
✓ 已验证
产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
Nature Communications
·
2024
·Vol. 15
·期 1
·1-9
·
IF 14.7
Qi Cheng,Ma Xudong,Zeng Qi,Huang Zhangwei,Zhang Shanshan,Deng Xiaokang,Kong Tiantian,Liu Zhou
Hierarchical compartmentalization, a hallmark of both primitive and modern cells, enables the concentration and isolation of biomolecules, and facilitates spatial organization of biochemical reactions. Coacervate-based compartments can sequester and recruit a large variety of molecules, making it an attractive protocell model. In this work, we report the spontaneous formation of core-shell cell-sized coacervate-based compartments driven by spontaneous evaporation of a sessile droplet on a thin-oil-coated substrate. Our analysis reveals that such far-from-equilibrium architectures arise from multiple, coupled segregative and associative liquid-liquid phase separation, and are stabilized by stagnation points within the evaporating droplet. The formation of stagnation points results from convective capillary flows induced by the maximum evaporation rate at the liquid-liquid-air contact line. This work provides valuable insights into the spontaneous formation and maintenance of hierarchical compartments under non-equilibrium conditions, offering a glimpse into the real-life scenario.
研究领域:
化学
·
生物物理学
·
细胞生物学
·
物理化学
✓ 已验证
产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
Advanced Science
·
2025
·
IF 14.1
Chunyu Zhao,Xiaoliang Wang,Lianning Li,Hu Huang,Bingzhao Wu,Lei Zhang,Xin Huang
The design and assembly of protocell models that can mimic the features and functions of life present a significant research challenge with the potential for far-reaching impact. Inspired by the natural phenomenon of microbe-induced mineralization, a way is developed to induce the spontaneous formation of mineralized membrane on the surface of coacervate droplets utilizing Fe 3+ ions. In particular, the effect of Fe 3+ ions on the microstructure of droplets at the molecular level is dissected by combining theoretical and experimental approaches. The reversible formation process of membrane can be regulated by redox reactions involving Fe 2+ /Fe 3+ ions within the coacervate. The formation of mineralized membrane not only enhances the stability of the coacervate droplets and prevents aggregation and coalescence, but also allows the aggregation of adjacent droplets together. The membranized coacervate assemblages retain the inherent properties of biomolecule sequestration and enzyme catalysis, and also demonstrate excellent resistance to high temperatures and pressures as well as good stability for over 30 days. This study will offer a new platform for the assembly of coacervate-based life-like biomimetic systems, as well as enhance the understanding of the interactions underlying various biological phenomena at the molecular level.
研究领域:
生物化学
·
分子生物学
·
材料科学
·
生命起源研究
✓ 已验证
产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
FREE RADICAL BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE
·
2025
·
IF 8.2
Xiao-Yi Zhang,Yi-Hao Zhang,Nan-Nan Liang,Shan-Shan Xu,Qiang-Sheng Li,Ya-Ping Song,Wei-Wei Zhang,Bo Wang,Hua Wang,Yi-Chao Huang,De-Xiang Xu
Accumulating evidence indicates that arsenic (As) exposure causes a decline in sperm quality. This study aimed to investigate the impact of As exposure on spermatogonial senescence. GC-1 cells were exposed to NaAsO 2 (10 μM). RNA sequencing and ribosome profiling sequencing were performed to identify key regulators of cellular senescence. Methylated RNA immunoprecipitation-qPCR was used to determine N 6 -methyladenosine (m6A) modification. The results revealed that the differentially expressed genes were enriched in pathways related to cellular senescence. Several established senescence markers, β-galactosidase activity, γ-H2AX, and P16, were elevated in As-exposed GC-1 cells. Further analysis revealed that P21 and its transcription factor ETS2 were upregulated. ETS2 knockout prevented As-induced P21 upregulation and cell senescence. The multi-omics joint analysis indicated that As exposure elevated ETS2 translation efficiency by YTHDC2-dependent m6A modification. Mechanistically, As exposure induced mitochondrial dysfunction. Alpha-ketoglutarate (α-KG), a tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediate and RNA demethylase cofactor, was reduced in As-exposed GC-1 cells. Additional experiments showed that As exposure induced NAD + depletion and suppressed SIRT3 activity. Supplementation with nicotinamide mononucleotide, an NAD + precursor, attenuated As-evoked α-KG reduction and ETS2 upregulation. These findings suggest that As induces spermatogonial senescence via m6A modification-mediated upregulation of ETS2 translation and identify NAD + replenishment as a potential countermeasure.
研究领域:
毒理学
·
分子生物学
·
表观遗传学
·
生殖生物学
·
生物信息学
✓ 已验证
产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
BIOLOGY BULLETIN
·
2023
·Vol. 49
·期 2
·S12
·
IF 0.5
Tingting Gan,Liu Xing,Chen Xia,Shi Yichao,Wang Wenbin
Abstract Okadaic acid (OA) is a marine toxin which inhibits protein phosphatases. Its toxicities in several tissues have been well established, but the influence of exposure to low OA concentrations in male reproductive system is poorly understood. Here we aimed to explore the potential reproductive toxicity of OA and the mechanism behind it. The GC-1 cells were exposed to OA, and the changes of proliferation rates were detected. TUNEL assay was also conducted to determine the GC-1 cell apoptosis. Effects of OA on cytoskeleton and cyclin expression were investigated by fluorescein conjugated phalloidin. Potential molecular regulation on proliferation was analyzed based on transcriptomic analysis. OA inhibited the proliferation of GC-1 cells apparently with loss of cell-cell junctions and focal aggregated around the cells. The cyclin D/E mRNA and protein levels significantly decreased and the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 was blocked concordantly in OA treated cells. PPI network analysis pointed out ERK1 as a key node of responsive gene to the injury. In conclusion, OA shows apparent cytotoxicity on spermatogonial cells of male reproductive system and the cytotoxicity present was revealed by affecting the activation of ERK1/2 MAPK pathway which hinders the cyclin expression and actin stress fiber formation further.
研究领域:
毒理学
·
生殖生物学
·
细胞生物学
·
分子生物学
✓ 已验证
DOI
高影响因子
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
·
2025
·
IF 13.2
Qi Xie,Wei Chen,Zijian Huang,Yuan Gao,Haoyu Zhang,Zhanhao Zhou,Samira Batur,Chuansheng Fu,Jiao Zhang,Conglian Yang,Junjun Liu,Li Kong,Zhiping Zhang
Despite the nascent stage of research into protocells and prototissues, their substantial potential has increasingly positioned them as a focal point in recent years. The bottom-up reconstruction of life systems is gradually garnering widespread attention. In this study, a type of protocells and corresponding prototissues based on polyphenol coacervate droplets were developed via hydrogen bond interactions. The droplets exhibited properties reminiscent of cytoplasm, enriching a wide range of substances. Upon further modification with lipid bilayers, the protocells not only achieved a structural resemblance to natural cells, but also effectively maintained the stability. Prototissues formed by the orderly aggregation of protocells can not only encapsulate living cells, but also maintain the structural integrity and function of both artificial and living cells. At the macroscopic level, the prototissues were injectable, customizable in shape, bioadhesive, and capable of long-term retention in vivo. Moreover, the prototissues showed no obvious inflammatory responses. Polyphenol-based protocells and tissues with unique characteristics may offer new insights for research and applications in organoids, transplantation, and medical devices.
研究领域:
合成生物学
·
生物物理学
·
材料科学
·
生物工程
·
细胞生物学
·
组织工程
✓ 已验证
产品关联
DOI
高影响因子
ChemSystemsChem
·
2021
·Vol. 3
·期 5
·e2100006
·
IF 0
Yan Huang,Xiaoliang Wang,Junbo Li,Youping Lin,Haixu Chen,Xiaoman Liu,Xin Huang
Graphical Dynamic regulation of coacervate microdroplets as a protocell model has attracted more and more attention in recent years. However, the dynamic regulation of enzymatic reactions has not yet been achieved. A method to regulate enzymatic reactions rate by assembly-disassembly-reassembly of light-induced coacervates is proposed, which could pave the way to the further development of dynamic coacervate-based protocells. Membrane-free coacervate microdroplets are widely utilized as protocell or membrane-less organelle models in the study of cell physicochemical properties. Dynamic regulation of coacervate microdroplets is of great significance because of the close connection between the formation/dissociation of condensate in vivo and physiology and pathology. Here, we describe light-responsive coacervate microdroplets prepared from azobenzene cation trans-azobenzenetrimethylammonium bromide (trans-azoTAB) and anion succinylated amylose (Su-Amy), which are formed by hydrophobic interaction and electrostatic interaction. The rapid and accurate response of azoTAB to light makes the microdroplets disassemble and reassemble within seconds under UV and within minutes under blue light, which provides a method to regulate the enzymatic reaction rates by the light-induced assembly-disassembly-reassembly of the coacervate microdroplets. Our results show a new type of membrane-less protocell model that can realize flexible spatiotemporal control and demonstrate a method for dynamically regulating the rate of enzymatic reactions inside the microdroplets, which provides a feasible scheme for exploring the relationship between physiology and disease in vitro .
研究领域:
化学
·
生物材料科学
·
细胞生物学
·
生物物理学
✓ 已验证
DOI
ACS Nano
·
2017
·
IF 13.942
Youqian Xu,Jinbo Fei,Guangle Li,Tingting Yuan,Junbai Li
Molecule assembly and functionalization of protocells have achieved a great success. However, the yield efficiency of photophosphorylation in the present cell-like systems is limited. Herein, inspired by natural photobacteria, we construct a protocell membrane reconstituting motor protein for highly efficient light-mediated adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthesis through a layer-by-layer technique. The assembled membrane, compartmentally integrating photoacid generator, proton conductor, and ATP synthase, possesses excellent transparency, fast proton production, and quick proton transportation. Remarkably, these favorable features permit the formation of a large proton gradient in a confined region to drive ATP synthase to produce ATP with high efficiency (873 ATP s–1). It is the highest among the existing artificial photophosphorylation systems. Such a biomimetic system provides a bioenergy-supplying scenario for early photosynthetic life and holds promise in remotely controlled ATP-consumed biosensors, biocatalysts, and biodevices.
研究领域:
生物化学
·
生物物理学
·
合成生物学
·
仿生系统
✓ 已验证
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
Communications Biology
·
2023
·Vol. 6
·期 1
·1-14
·
IF 5.9
Zhu Haixia,Wen Zongzhuang,Zhang Aizhen,Liu Dongyue,Wang Hongxiang,Cheng Yin,Yang Xing,Xiao Yu,Li Jianyuan,Sun Daqing,Wu Bin,Gao Jiangang
Spermatogenesis is an extremely complex process, and any obstruction can cause male infertility. RhoGDIα has been identified as a risk of male sterility. In this study, we generate RhoGDIα knockout mice, and find that the males have severely low fertility. The testes from RhoGDIα −/− mice are smaller than that in WT mice. The numbers of spermatogonia and spermatocytes are decreased in RhoGDIα −/− testis. Spermatogenesis is compromised, and spermatocyte meiosis is arrested at zygotene stage in RhoGDIα −/− mice. Acrosome dysplasia is also observed in sperms of the mutant mice. At the molecular level, RhoGDIα deficiency activate the LIMK/cofilin signaling pathway, inhibiting F-actin depolymerization, impairing testis and inducing low fertility in mouse. In addition, the treatment of RhoGDIα −/− mice with Rac1 inhibitor NSC23766 alleviate testis injury and improve sperm quality by inhibiting the LIMK/cofilin/F-actin pathway during spermatogenesis. Together, these findings reveal a previously unrecognized RhoGDIα/Rac1/F-actin-dependent mechanism involved in spermatogenesis and male fertility.
研究领域:
生殖生物学
·
细胞生物学
·
分子生物学
✓ 已验证
产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
Small
·
2022
·Vol. 19
·期 10
·2206437
·
IF 15.153
Mengqing Chen,Guoliang Liu,Ming Zhang,Yanyan Li,Xinlin Hong,Hengquan Yang
The desire for exploration of cellular functional mechanisms has substantially increased the rapid development of artificial cells. However, the construction of synthetic cells with high organizational complexity remains challenging due to the lack of facile approaches ensuring dynamic multi-compartments of cytoplasm and stability of membranes in protocells. Herein, a stable coacervate-in-Pickering emulsion protocell model comprising a membraneless coacervate phase formed by poly- l -lysine (PLys) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) encapsulated in Pickering emulsion is put forward only through simple one-step emulsification. The dynamic distribution of intracellular components (coacervates in this protocell model) can be manipulated by changes in temperature or pH. This coacervate-in-Pickering emulsion protocell system exhibits repeatable cycle stability in response to external stimuli (at least 24 cycles for temperature and 3 cycles for pH). By encapsulating antagonistic enzymes into coacervates, glucose oxidase (GOx) and urease as an example, the control of local enzyme concentration is achieved by introducing glucose and urea to adjust the pH value in Pickering emulsion droplets. This hybrid protocell model with programmatically dynamic microcompartmentation and sufficient stability is expected to be further studied and applied in cellular biology, facilitating the development of lifelike systems with potential in practical applications.
研究领域:
细胞生物学
·
合成生物学
·
材料科学
·
生物技术
✓ 已验证
产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
危险品化学品经营许可证（带存储）