BIOCHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
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2019
·
IF 3.371
Dan Wang,Yanan Zheng,Lina Xu,Xiaosu Fan,Na Wei,Nanhao Jin,Shan Huang,Qi Xiao,Zihua Wu
Mercury pollution has been one of the most serious environmental problems today. The detection and remediation of mercury contamination are of special concern due to its nondegradable nature, bioaccumulation effect, and significant toxicity. In this research, the whole-cell based detection and remediation systems for Hg 2+ were engineered based on the cell surface engineering technique and transcriptional activation mechanism of metalloprotein MerR. The engineered biodetection system showed high selectivity for Hg 2+ over other metal ions with the detection limit as low as 0.1 nM. It also permitted a rapid, visual, and on-site detection of bioavailable Hg 2+ for large-scale water samples with simple processes. The engineered bioremediation system, which was more efficient than the most current biosystems with limited adsorption capacities, could continuously reduce mercury contamination in wide concentration by transforming highly toxic Hg 2+ to volatile and much less deleterious Hg 0 with extraordinary selectivity. In addition, the bioremediation system could perform function in the absence of extra inductive agent and showed an increased protection of cells against Hg 2+ biotoxicity. By fully imitating and utilizing the microorganisms, the engineered biochemical systems have great potential in the practical application of detecting and remediating Hg 2+ in the contaminated aquatic systems.
研究领域:
环境生物学
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分子生物学
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产品关联
DOI
高影响因子
JOURNAL OF BIOSCIENCE AND BIOENGINEERING
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2019
·
IF 2.032
Dan Wang,Yanan Zheng,Xiaosu Fan,Lina Xu,Ting Pang,Ting Liu,Legui Liang,Shan Huang,Qi Xiao
Mercury pollution has always been a huge threat to human health due to its significant toxicity. Thus, it's the continuing goal to obtain new mercury detection techniques that are cost-effective, operational stable, performance efficient, and applicable to the environmental and biological milieus. In this research, the soluble pigment pyocyanin with anti-bacterial and anti-fungal activities, the biosynthesis pathway of which was engineered under the regulation of Hg 2+ -dependent transcriptional activator MerR, was firstly used as the visual detection signal in the whole-cell biosensor. The engineered biosensor displayed optical sensing window and a good linearity for Hg 2+ in the range of 25–1000 nM, and the detection limit could reach as low as 10 nM. It permitted on-site detection of bioavailable Hg 2+ with extraordinary selectivity and could resist the interferences of extra metal ions. What's more, the developed biosensor performed function well in a wide pH range (pH 4–10) as well as the environmental water. By fully imitating and utilizing the biosystems from nature, the engineered colorimetric biosensor has great economic and performance advantages over most chemosensors as well as whole-cell biosensors in the practical application of detecting Hg 2+ in the contaminated aquatic systems.
研究领域:
环境科学
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微生物学
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生物技术
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DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
STAR Protocols
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2023
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IF 0
Ran Li,Peng Zou
Summary Knowledge about the spatial organization of RNAs in eukaryotic cells is crucial for understanding their functions. Here, we present a detailed MERR APEX-seq protocol to achieve spatiotemporally resolved mapping of the subcellular transcriptome in cultured mammalian cells. This protocol provides detailed description of constructing cell lines stably expressing APEX2, immunofluorescence characterization, MERR APEX labeling, enrichment of biotinylated RNA, library construction and high-throughput sequencing, and MERR APEX-seq data analysis. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Li et al. (2022). 1
研究领域:
分子生物学
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细胞生物学
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转录组学
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基因组学
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DOI
PubMed
JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY
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2024
·
IF 4.8
Zhiyuan Zhang,Guoqiang Guan,Zixuan Tang,Weimin Wan,Zhipeng Huang,Yuefeng Wang,Jianzhao Wu,Bo Li,Mingli Zhong,Kefeng Zhang,Lixian Nong,Ya Gao,Houkang Cao
A B S T R A C T Ethnopharmacological relevance Cholestatic liver disease (CLD) is a disease characterized by cholestasis. Farnesoid X receptor (FXR) is a nuclear receptor that maintains homeostasis in bile acid metabolism. Studies have shown that gut microbiota interfered with the FXR pathway. Modulation of FXR to inhibit cholestasis has become a key measure in the treatment of CLD. In traditional folk medicine, Desmodium styracifolium (Osb.) Merr. was used as a primary treatment for gallstones, gonorrhea, jaundice, cholecystitis and other diseases. Modern pharmacological studies had also found that the herb has anti-calculus, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, diuretic and liver damage. Therefore, we speculated that Desmodium styracifolium (Osb.) Merr. extracts (DME) could alleviate CLD through the FXR pathway and might be associated with the gut microbiota. However, studies of DME alleviating CLD through the FXR pathway have not been reported. Aim of study To study the effect and mechanism of DME in relieving CLD through in vivo and in vitro experiments. Materials and methods First, mice were administrated with alpha-naphthyl isothiocyanate (ANIT) to establish a CLD model in vivo . Meanwhile, HepG2 cells were induced by lithocholic acid (LCA) to establish the CLD model in vitro . To evaluate the therapeutic effect of DME on CLD mice, hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, and biochemical indicators were performed. The prototype of the blood components in mice serum was detected by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). 16S rDNA sequencing was used to analyze the gut microbiota. Finally, the protein and mRNA expression of the FXR pathway in mice liver tissues or HepG2 cells were detected by Western blot, qRT-PCR, or immunofluorescence. Results Pathological testing and biochemical indexes showed that DME significantly reduced serum ALT, AST, ALP, TBIL, DBIL, TBA and liver TBA levels, and attenuated liver tissue injury, necrosis and jaundice in CLD mice. In addition, MetagenomeSeq analysis of gut microbiota showed that DME significantly up-regulated the abundance of Parvibacter , down-regulated the abundance of Paenalcaligenes , and regulated bile acid homeostasis. In terms of mRNA expression, DME significantly upregulated the mRNA levels of Nr1h4, Abcb11, Cyp7a1 and Slc10a1. Meanwhile, in terms of protein expression, DME significantly up-regulated the protein expression levels of FXR, BSEP, CYP7A1 and NTCP, which regulated bile acid homeostasis. Finally, the molecular docking results showed that the components of DME, such as Lumichrome, Daidzein and Folic acid, all had good binding ability with FXR, and the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) results also showed that both Lumichrome and Daidzein had a relatively high affinity with FXR. Conclusion DME alleviated CLD through the FXR pathway, and the mechanisms might be associated with the gut microbiota.
研究领域:
药理学
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肝病学
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分子生物学
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微生物学
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产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
iScience
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2021
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IF 5.458
Wei Shi,Baoyue Zhang,Yanan Jiang,Chang Liu,Wei Zhou,Ming Chen,Yang Yang,Yangbo Hu,Bin Liu
The copper efflux regulator (CueR), a representative member of mercury resistance regulator (MerR) family metalloregulators, controls expression of copper homeostasis-regulating genes in bacteria. The mechanism of transcription activation by CueR and other MerR family regulators is bending the spacer domain of promoter DNA. Here, we report the cryo-EM structures of the intact CueR-dependent transcription activation complexes. The structures show that CueR dimer bends the 19-bp promoter spacer to realign the −35 and −10 elements for recognition by σ 70 -RNA polymerase holoenzyme and reveal a previously unreported interaction between the DNA-binding domain (DBD) from one CueR subunit and the σ 70 nonconserved region (σNCR). Functional studies have shown that the CueR-σNCR interaction plays an auxiliary role in CueR-dependent transcription, assisting the activation mechanism of bending promoter DNA by CueR dimer. Because DBDs are highly conserved in sequence and structure, this transcription-activating mechanism could be generally used by MerR family regulators.
研究领域:
微生物学
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结构生物学
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分子生物学
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DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
Food Science & Nutrition
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2021
·Vol. 9
·期 4
·2191-2202
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IF 2.863
Zefeng Chen,Shupeng Cheng,Huiqiong Lin,Wenjing Wu,Liyi Liang,Xicai Chen,Xi Zheng,Yan He,Kun Zhang
Acanthopanax trifoliatus (L.) Merr (AT) is a medicinal and edible plant with high nutritional value. The biological activity of A. trifoliatus (L.) Merr and its basis for injury treatment are explored in this paper. AT was ethanol-extracted then refined separately with petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and n-butanol. Active ingredients were analyzed, and anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and hemostatic effects were explored. Petroleum ether layer (PEL) extract produced the strongest antibacterial effect. Ethyl acetate layer (EAL) extract had the highest active substance content, with strong hemostatic and analgesic activities. Chloroform layer (CL) extract had the strongest anti-inflammatory effect and significantly reduced IL-1β protein expression. Active ingredients were analyzed using HPLC and UPLC-MS to determine saponin, polyphenol, flavonoid, and characteristic ingredient contents. EAL extract had the highest polyphenol and flavonoid levels, including rutin, chlorogenic acid, isochlorogenic acid A, and isochlorogenic acid C, which may contribute to its nutritional activities. The study provides a reliable theoretical and practical basis for the applications of AT nutraceutical products.
研究领域:
药理学
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植物学
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营养科学
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产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
MOLECULES
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2025
·Vol. 30
·期 5
·1055
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IF 4.6
Qi Chen,Hui He,Yanghong Zhu,Xiang Li,Junhao Fang,Zhexi Li,Panghui Liu,Lin Zhou,Yufang Pan,Guoyu Wu
Individuals infected with COVID-19 often experience the distressing discomfort of pharyngitis. Thus, it is crucial to develop novel drugs to improve therapeutic options. In this study, we investigated the interaction between bioactive compounds isolated from Acanthopanax trifoliatus (L.) Merr and proteins associated with COVID-19 and pharyngitis through in silico analysis. Several molecules demonstrated high affinities to multiple targets, indicating significant potential for alleviating pharyngitis and other COVID-19-related symptoms. Among them, rutin and isochlorogenic acid C, two major components in Acanthopanax trifoliatus (L.) Merr ethanol extracts, were further experimentally demonstrated to exhibit strong inhibitory effects against SARS-CoV-2 and to possess significant anti-inflammatory activities. Inhibition of over 50% in several key genes was observed, demonstrating the efficacy of in silico methods in identifying high-affinity target binders. Our findings provide a theoretical foundation for the development of Acanthopanax trifoliatus (L.) Merr as a novel multi-target therapeutic agent for both COVID-19 and pharyngitis.
研究领域:
药理学
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生物信息学
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病毒学
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产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
JOURNAL OF FOOD COMPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
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2024
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IF 4
Yanbo Hu,Jianing Zhou,Xianjun Zou,Ruining Zhang,Yi Cao,Yuzhu Shen,Jun Zhao
Dietary polysaccharides, widely present in plants, fungi, and algae, have been utilized as functional foods because of their excellent bioactivity. In this study, four polysaccharides (BSPS) from black soybean hulls, designated as BSPS-N-a, BSPS-N-b, BSPS-A-c, and BSPS-A-d, were efficiently extracted and purified. Their fine structures were subsequently investigated through a combination of Carbon-13 Nuclear Magnetic Resonancea ( 13 C NMR), Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS), and enzymatic hydrolysis. Monosaccharide analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) analysis, and 13 C NMR analysis indicated that BSPS-N-a was a galactomannan composed of β-1,4-D-Man p and β-1,4-D-Gal p , BSPS-N-b was a galactoglucomannan composed of β-1,4-D-Gal p , β-1,4-D-Glc p and β-1,4-D-Man p ; Both BSPS-A-c and BSPS-A-d were composed of homogalacturonan (HG) with minor rhamnogalacturonan-I (RG-I) domains composed of α-1,4-D-Gal p A and β-1,4-D-Gal p , the difference was that BSPS-A-c exhibited a higher degree of branching, mainly containing a large amount of α-1,2,4-L-Rha p . To verify the results of 13 C NMR, enzymatic hydrolysis combined with MALDI-TOF-MS analysis was determined. The results showed that BSPS-N-a and BSPS-N-b could be degraded into hexose (Hex) with a degree of polymerization ranging from 2 to 9 by mannanase, and BSPS-A-c and BSPS-A-d were degraded into galacturonic acid (GalA) with a degree of polymerization ranging from 2 to 3 by endo-polygalacturonase. These results were consistent with the above results from monosaccharide analysis, FT-IR analysis, and 13 C NMR analysis. This study will provide a basis for the structure-activity relationships of black soybean hull polysaccharides (BSPS) and the development of BSPS as new functional dietary polysaccharides, natural functional foods and pharmaceuticals.
研究领域:
食品科学
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植物化学
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生物化学
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DOI
高影响因子
FOOD SCIENCE AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
·
2015
·Vol. 24
·期 3
·1131-1138
·
IF 0.653
Wang Huaqian,Li Dongli,Du Zhiyun,Huang Mou-Tuan,Cui Xiaoxing,Lu Yujing,Li Chenyue,Woo Swee Lian,Conney Allan H.,Zheng Xi,Zhang Kun
Stems and leaves of Acanthopanax trifoliatus (L) Merr (AT) are commonly used as an edible vegetable in China. The scientific basis of antioxidant and antiinflammatory activities of AT was investigated. The polyphenol contents and free radical scavenging activities of AT ethanol extracts (EAT) were determined. Chlorogenic acid, isochlorogenic acid A, isochlorogenic acid C, and rutin were identified as major components in EAT. LPS-induced NO production in RAW264.7 cells was decreased significantly ( p <0.05) after EAT treatment, compared with controls. In vivo studies indicated that EAT had more activity than chlorogenic acid per mg of dry weight for inhibition of TPA-induced ear edema. TPA-induced increases in cytokine production (TNF-α, IL-6, MMP-9, and TIMP-1) were significantly ( p <0.05) reduced by EAT treatment, compared with controls. EAT exerts anti-inflammatory activities probably due, at least in part, to chlorogenic acid.
研究领域:
药理学
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植物化学
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产品关联
DOI
高影响因子
ACS Omega
·
2025
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IF 4.3
Kaiyue Zuo,Naiyu Liu,Peng Zhou,Yingrui Wei,Jian Lin,Xinjie Zhu
Low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR), which serves as one of the most major entry receptors for many viruses in both human and mouse cells, plays a vital role in virus infection. However, there are no effective small molecules available to inhibit LDLR expression and exhibit antiviral effects. Here, we screened Bruceine A (BA), a natural product derived from the major constituents in Brucea javanica(L.) Merr. which inhibited vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) infection in vitro. Mechanistically, BA blocked viral adsorption and internalization, facilitating antiviral effects through lysosome-mediated degradation of LDLR. Genetic knockdown of Ldlr exhibited strong antiviral effects. To the best of our knowledge, BA is the first LDLR-selective inhibitor, and our findings reveal that BA may serve as a potent and broad-spectrum virus entry inhibitor based on LDLR entry receptor.
✓ 已验证
产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY
·
2020
·
IF 3.69
Li Yang,Ronghua Liu,Aiguo Fan,Guoyue Zhong,Junwei He
Ethnopharmacological relevance The root of Dendropanax dentiger (Harms) Merr. is a pivotal folk Chinese medicine against rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with no scientific validation. Aim of the study This study was conducted to explore the anti-RA effect of the D. dentiger extract on complete Freund's adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) in rats and identified its major bio-constituents. Materials and methods Dendropanax dentiger roots extracts (127.5, 255.0 and 510.0 mg/kg, once daily) were orally at day 7 post-administration adjuvant and lasting for 22 days. The therapeutic effects of D. dentiger roots extract on AIA rats were investigated by body weight growth, arthritis score, thymus and spleen indices, and histopathological analysis. Moreover, the levels of rheumatoid factor (RF), C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) and matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) were also evaluated. Finally, the major constituents were isolated and identified from D. dentiger roots extract with COX-2 inhibitory and antioxidant activities . Results Dendropanax dentiger roots extract remarkably alleviated the histological lesions of knee joint, increased body weight growth, decreased arthritis score, and reduced thymus and spleen indices in model rats. In parallel, the levels of RF, CRP, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-17, COX-2, 5-LOX and MMP-2 were observably downregulated, while the levels of IL-4 and IL-10 were prominently upregulated in D. dentiger roots extract-treated rats. Meanwhile, 14 compounds were isolated and identified from D. dentiger roots extract, and four phenol derivatives ( 1 , 4 , 6 and 7 ) exhibited remarkable COX-2 inhibitory and antioxidant activities. Conclusions Dendropanax dentiger roots extract possessed persuasive anti-RA effect may be partly responsible for phenol derivatives via modulation of inflammatory biomarkers, and supports the traditional folk use of D. dentiger in China.
研究领域:
药理学
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免疫学
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民族药理学
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风湿病学
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产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
·
2020
·Vol. 55
·期 9
·3091-3103
·
IF 2.773
Zhen Wu,Hong Li,Yang Luo,Gang Chen,Juan Li,Yongde Wang,Yong Yang,Hongjun Tan
Pomelo ( Citrus maxima Merr.), known as a famous fruit and folk medicine, is widely cultivated in China. Nonedible pomelo tissues contain peels, seeds, and segment membranes, which generally being discarded. Polysaccharides relationships among different pomelo tissues remain uncertain. Four water-soluble polysaccharides, PPPs, PSPs, FPPs and SMPs, were extracted from pomelo peels, seeds, pulps and segment membranes, respectively. Molecular structure and conformation were investigated by a combination of chemical and instrumental analyses. PPPs and FPPs were consisted of Ara, GalA, GlcA, Rha, Glc, Xyl and Gal, while PSPs and SMPs did not contain GalA and Gal. The average molecular weight (Mw) of PPPs, PSPs, FPPs and SMPs was 4.604 × 10 5 , 10.85 × 10 5 , 5.795 × 10 5 and 16.06 × 10 5 Da, respectively. PPPs, PSPs and SMPs all showed totally spherical structures, while FPPs primarily comprised linear chains. The structures–bioactivities correlations analysis revealed that low-Mw polysaccharides had strong DPPH • , OH• scavenging and HeLa cells inhibiting activities. These data revealed that the bioactivities of pomelo tissues polysaccharides were not a function of a single factor but a combination of various characteristics.
研究领域:
植物化学
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食品科学
·
药理学
✓ 已验证
产品关联
DOI
高影响因子
危险品化学品经营许可证（带存储）