A fundamental challenge for cells is how to coordinate various biochemical reactions in space and time. To achieve spatiotemporal control, cells have developed organelles that are surrounded by lipid bilayer membranes...A fundamental challenge for cells is how to coordinate various biochemical reactions in space and time. To achieve spatiotemporal control, cells have developed organelles that are surrounded by lipid bilayer membranes. Further, membraneless compartmentalization, a process induced by dynamic physical association of biomolecules through phase transition offers another efficient mechanism for intracellular organization. While our understanding of phase separation was predominantly dependent on yeast and animal models, recent findings have provided compelling evidence for emerging roles of phase separation in plants. In this review, we first provide an overview of the current knowledge of phase separation, including its definition, biophysical principles, molecular features and regulatory mechanisms. Then we summarize plant-specific phase separation phenomena and describe their functions in plant biological processes in great detail. Moreover, we propose that phase separation is an evolutionarily conserved and efficient mechanism for cellular compartmentalization which allows for distinct metabolic processes and signaling pathways, and is especially beneficial for the sessile lifestyle of plants to quickly and efficiently respond to the changing environment.展开更多
Numerous studies have shown that cell replacement therapy can replenish lost cells and rebuild neural circuitry in animal models of Parkinson’s disease.Transplantation of midbrain dopaminergic progenitor cells is a p...Numerous studies have shown that cell replacement therapy can replenish lost cells and rebuild neural circuitry in animal models of Parkinson’s disease.Transplantation of midbrain dopaminergic progenitor cells is a promising treatment for Parkinson’s disease.However,transplanted cells can be injured by mechanical damage during handling and by changes in the transplantation niche.Here,we developed a one-step biomanufacturing platform that uses small-aperture gelatin microcarriers to produce beads carrying midbrain dopaminergic progenitor cells.These beads allow midbrain dopaminergic progenitor cell differentiation and cryopreservation without digestion,effectively maintaining axonal integrity in vitro.Importantly,midbrain dopaminergic progenitor cell bead grafts showed increased survival and only mild immunoreactivity in vivo compared with suspended midbrain dopaminergic progenitor cell grafts.Overall,our findings show that these midbrain dopaminergic progenitor cell beads enhance the effectiveness of neuronal cell transplantation.展开更多
The cell membrane is a critical barrier for cellular homeostasis,integral to signaling and intercellular communication,and vital for understanding cellular functions and disease mechanisms.Investigating its microenvir...The cell membrane is a critical barrier for cellular homeostasis,integral to signaling and intercellular communication,and vital for understanding cellular functions and disease mechanisms.Investigating its microenvironment is crucial for uncovering the molecular basis of physiological and pathological processes associated with the cell membrane,driving the development of bioanalytical toolkits capable of dynamically monitoring the cell surface microenvironment.With the continuous advancement of functional nucleic acids and dynamic DNA nanotechnology,DNA nanodevices with controllable nanosized geometry,specific molecular recognition,and selective membrane-localization properties offer a versatile platform for probing the cell membrane microenvironment.In this review,we summarize the current biosensing and membrane-anchoring mechanisms of DNA nanodevices and highlight their use in studying key cell membrane events,including membrane lipid dynamics,transmembrane transport,receptor dimerization,and signal transduction.Furthermore,we discuss the challenges and potential future applications of DNA nanodevices in advancing cell membrane biology research and biomedical applications.展开更多
In this work, we evaluated biofilm formation of Vancomycin Resistant of E. faecalis and E. faecium (VRE) in different culture media and adhesion substrate, as well as cellular hydrophobicity and presence of virulence ...In this work, we evaluated biofilm formation of Vancomycin Resistant of E. faecalis and E. faecium (VRE) in different culture media and adhesion substrate, as well as cellular hydrophobicity and presence of virulence genes. For this, 35 isolates were collected from a public hospital in Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil and identified by the Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization - Time-of-flight - Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) technique. Biofilm formation was analyzed by the Crystal Violet (CV) method and fluorescence microscopy, cellular hydrophobicity by hydrocarbon interaction and the presence of gelE, esp and asa1 genes by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). 12 isolates were identified as E. faecalis and 23 as E. faecium. Most were obtained in Coronary Units (40.0%) and Intensive Care Unit (31.4%). E. faecium isolates were more resistant to the antibiotics tested than E. faecalis;however, E. faecalis stood out as a biofilm producer. Regarding the presence and gene frequency, it was observed that gelE (54.3%) and esp (54.3%) were the most prevalent, followed by asa1 (22.9%). When comparing the gene frequency, it was observed that gelE and esp were predominant (48.6% for both species), while asa1 was more frequent in E. faecalis (20.0%). The data presented here are worrying, because they reveal the virulence potential of isolates VRE, which contributes to the dissemination and persistence of these pathogens in the hospital environment.展开更多
We identified distinct senescence-related molecular subtypes and critical genes among prostate cancer(PCa)patients undergoing radical prostatectomy(RP)or radical radiotherapy(RT).We conducted all analyses using R soft...We identified distinct senescence-related molecular subtypes and critical genes among prostate cancer(PCa)patients undergoing radical prostatectomy(RP)or radical radiotherapy(RT).We conducted all analyses using R software and its suitable packages.Twelve genes,namely,secreted frizzled-related protein 4(SFRP4),DNA topoisomerase II alpha(TOP2A),pleiotrophin(PTN),family with sequence similarity 107 member A(FAM107A),C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 14(CXCL14),prostate androgen-regulated mucin-like protein 1(PARM1),leucine zipper protein 2(LUZP2),cluster of differentiation 38(CD38),cartilage oligomeric matrix protein(COMP),vestigial-like family member 3(VGLL3),apolipoprotein E(APOE),and aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 family member(ALDH2),were eventually used to subtype PCa patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas(TCGA)database and GSE116918,and the molecular subtypes showed good correlations with clinical features.In terms of the tumor immune environment(TME)analysis,compared with cluster 1,cancer-associated fibroblasts(CAFs)scored significantly higher,while endothelial cells scored lower in cluster 2 in TCGA database.There was a statistically significant correlation between both CAFs and endothelial cells with biochemical recurrence(BCR)-free survival for PCa patients undergoing RP.For the GSE116918 database,cluster 2 had significantly lower levels of CAFs and tumor purity and higher levels of stromal,immune,and Estimation of STromal and Immune cells in MAlignant Tumor tissues using Expression data(ESTIMATE)scores than cluster 1;in addition,patients with high levels of CAFs,stromal scores,immune scores,and ESTIMATE scores and low levels of tumor purity tended to suffer from BCR.Based on the median of differentially expressed checkpoints,high expression of CD96,hepatitis A virus cellular receptor 2(HAVCR2),and neuropilin 1(NRP1)in GSE116918 and high expression of CD160 and tumor necrosis factor(ligand)superfamily member 18(TNFSF18)in TCGA database were associated with a significantly higher risk of BCR than their counterparts.In 展开更多
Imaging dynamics of membrane proteins of live cells in a wash-free and real-time manner has been a challenging task. Herein, we report unprecedented applications of malachite green(MG), an organic dye widely used in p...Imaging dynamics of membrane proteins of live cells in a wash-free and real-time manner has been a challenging task. Herein, we report unprecedented applications of malachite green(MG), an organic dye widely used in pigment industry, as a switchable fluorophore to monitor membrane enzymes or noncatalytic proteins in live cells. Conformationally flexible MG is non-fluorescent in aqueous solution, yet covalent binding with endogenous proteins of cells significantly enhances its fluorescence at 670 nm by restricting flexibility of dye. Integrating a phosphate-caged quinone methide precursor with MG yielded a covalent labeling fluorogenic probe, allowing real-time imaging of membrane alkaline phosphatase(ALP,a model catalytic protein) activity in live cells with over 100-fold enhancement of fluorescence intensity.Moreover, MG is also applicable to image non-catalytic protein by conjugation with protein-specific ligand. A fluorogenic probe consisted of c-RGDf K peptide and MG proved to be compatible with wash-free and real-time visualization of non-catalytic integrin α_(v)β_(3) in live cells with high contrast.展开更多
基金This study was supported by the National Key Research and Development Program(2020YFA0907600)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(U2004204)+1 种基金the 111 Project(#D16014,Q.W.)the Outstanding Talents Fund of Henan University,China.
文摘A fundamental challenge for cells is how to coordinate various biochemical reactions in space and time. To achieve spatiotemporal control, cells have developed organelles that are surrounded by lipid bilayer membranes. Further, membraneless compartmentalization, a process induced by dynamic physical association of biomolecules through phase transition offers another efficient mechanism for intracellular organization. While our understanding of phase separation was predominantly dependent on yeast and animal models, recent findings have provided compelling evidence for emerging roles of phase separation in plants. In this review, we first provide an overview of the current knowledge of phase separation, including its definition, biophysical principles, molecular features and regulatory mechanisms. Then we summarize plant-specific phase separation phenomena and describe their functions in plant biological processes in great detail. Moreover, we propose that phase separation is an evolutionarily conserved and efficient mechanism for cellular compartmentalization which allows for distinct metabolic processes and signaling pathways, and is especially beneficial for the sessile lifestyle of plants to quickly and efficiently respond to the changing environment.
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China,Nos.2017YFE0122900(to BH),2019YFA0110800(to WL),2019YFA0903802(to YW),2021YFA1101604(to LW),2018YFA0108502(to LF),and 2020YFA0804003(to JW)the National Natural Science Foundation of China,Nos.31621004(to WL,BH)and 31970821(to YW)+1 种基金CAS Project for Young Scientists in Basic Research,No.YSBR-041(to YW)Joint Funds of the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.U21A20396(to BH)。
文摘Numerous studies have shown that cell replacement therapy can replenish lost cells and rebuild neural circuitry in animal models of Parkinson’s disease.Transplantation of midbrain dopaminergic progenitor cells is a promising treatment for Parkinson’s disease.However,transplanted cells can be injured by mechanical damage during handling and by changes in the transplantation niche.Here,we developed a one-step biomanufacturing platform that uses small-aperture gelatin microcarriers to produce beads carrying midbrain dopaminergic progenitor cells.These beads allow midbrain dopaminergic progenitor cell differentiation and cryopreservation without digestion,effectively maintaining axonal integrity in vitro.Importantly,midbrain dopaminergic progenitor cell bead grafts showed increased survival and only mild immunoreactivity in vivo compared with suspended midbrain dopaminergic progenitor cell grafts.Overall,our findings show that these midbrain dopaminergic progenitor cell beads enhance the effectiveness of neuronal cell transplantation.
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China(Nos.2021YFA0910100,2020YFA0907500)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.22034002,92253304).
文摘The cell membrane is a critical barrier for cellular homeostasis,integral to signaling and intercellular communication,and vital for understanding cellular functions and disease mechanisms.Investigating its microenvironment is crucial for uncovering the molecular basis of physiological and pathological processes associated with the cell membrane,driving the development of bioanalytical toolkits capable of dynamically monitoring the cell surface microenvironment.With the continuous advancement of functional nucleic acids and dynamic DNA nanotechnology,DNA nanodevices with controllable nanosized geometry,specific molecular recognition,and selective membrane-localization properties offer a versatile platform for probing the cell membrane microenvironment.In this review,we summarize the current biosensing and membrane-anchoring mechanisms of DNA nanodevices and highlight their use in studying key cell membrane events,including membrane lipid dynamics,transmembrane transport,receptor dimerization,and signal transduction.Furthermore,we discuss the challenges and potential future applications of DNA nanodevices in advancing cell membrane biology research and biomedical applications.
文摘In this work, we evaluated biofilm formation of Vancomycin Resistant of E. faecalis and E. faecium (VRE) in different culture media and adhesion substrate, as well as cellular hydrophobicity and presence of virulence genes. For this, 35 isolates were collected from a public hospital in Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil and identified by the Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization - Time-of-flight - Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) technique. Biofilm formation was analyzed by the Crystal Violet (CV) method and fluorescence microscopy, cellular hydrophobicity by hydrocarbon interaction and the presence of gelE, esp and asa1 genes by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). 12 isolates were identified as E. faecalis and 23 as E. faecium. Most were obtained in Coronary Units (40.0%) and Intensive Care Unit (31.4%). E. faecium isolates were more resistant to the antibiotics tested than E. faecalis;however, E. faecalis stood out as a biofilm producer. Regarding the presence and gene frequency, it was observed that gelE (54.3%) and esp (54.3%) were the most prevalent, followed by asa1 (22.9%). When comparing the gene frequency, it was observed that gelE and esp were predominant (48.6% for both species), while asa1 was more frequent in E. faecalis (20.0%). The data presented here are worrying, because they reveal the virulence potential of isolates VRE, which contributes to the dissemination and persistence of these pathogens in the hospital environment.
基金This program was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.81974099,No.82170785,No.81974098,and No.82170784)Science and Technology Department of Sichuan Province(No.2021YFH0172)+2 种基金Young Investigator Award of Sichuan University 2017(No.2017SCU04A17)Technology Innovation Research and Development Project of Chengdu Science and Technology Bureau(2019-YF05-00296-SN)Sichuan University-Panzhihua Science and Technology Cooperation Special Fund(2020CDPZH-4).
文摘We identified distinct senescence-related molecular subtypes and critical genes among prostate cancer(PCa)patients undergoing radical prostatectomy(RP)or radical radiotherapy(RT).We conducted all analyses using R software and its suitable packages.Twelve genes,namely,secreted frizzled-related protein 4(SFRP4),DNA topoisomerase II alpha(TOP2A),pleiotrophin(PTN),family with sequence similarity 107 member A(FAM107A),C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 14(CXCL14),prostate androgen-regulated mucin-like protein 1(PARM1),leucine zipper protein 2(LUZP2),cluster of differentiation 38(CD38),cartilage oligomeric matrix protein(COMP),vestigial-like family member 3(VGLL3),apolipoprotein E(APOE),and aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 family member(ALDH2),were eventually used to subtype PCa patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas(TCGA)database and GSE116918,and the molecular subtypes showed good correlations with clinical features.In terms of the tumor immune environment(TME)analysis,compared with cluster 1,cancer-associated fibroblasts(CAFs)scored significantly higher,while endothelial cells scored lower in cluster 2 in TCGA database.There was a statistically significant correlation between both CAFs and endothelial cells with biochemical recurrence(BCR)-free survival for PCa patients undergoing RP.For the GSE116918 database,cluster 2 had significantly lower levels of CAFs and tumor purity and higher levels of stromal,immune,and Estimation of STromal and Immune cells in MAlignant Tumor tissues using Expression data(ESTIMATE)scores than cluster 1;in addition,patients with high levels of CAFs,stromal scores,immune scores,and ESTIMATE scores and low levels of tumor purity tended to suffer from BCR.Based on the median of differentially expressed checkpoints,high expression of CD96,hepatitis A virus cellular receptor 2(HAVCR2),and neuropilin 1(NRP1)in GSE116918 and high expression of CD160 and tumor necrosis factor(ligand)superfamily member 18(TNFSF18)in TCGA database were associated with a significantly higher risk of BCR than their counterparts.In
基金financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 22077031)the Research Program of State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineeringthe Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities。
文摘Imaging dynamics of membrane proteins of live cells in a wash-free and real-time manner has been a challenging task. Herein, we report unprecedented applications of malachite green(MG), an organic dye widely used in pigment industry, as a switchable fluorophore to monitor membrane enzymes or noncatalytic proteins in live cells. Conformationally flexible MG is non-fluorescent in aqueous solution, yet covalent binding with endogenous proteins of cells significantly enhances its fluorescence at 670 nm by restricting flexibility of dye. Integrating a phosphate-caged quinone methide precursor with MG yielded a covalent labeling fluorogenic probe, allowing real-time imaging of membrane alkaline phosphatase(ALP,a model catalytic protein) activity in live cells with over 100-fold enhancement of fluorescence intensity.Moreover, MG is also applicable to image non-catalytic protein by conjugation with protein-specific ligand. A fluorogenic probe consisted of c-RGDf K peptide and MG proved to be compatible with wash-free and real-time visualization of non-catalytic integrin α_(v)β_(3) in live cells with high contrast.
