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Biology subjects

Chen, Q.

Publications and source records attributed to Chen, Q..

At least 217 records · Page 12Linked to original sources

Escherichia coli grown in cost-effective conical tubes produces more plasmid DNA

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, we grew plasmid-transformed Escherichia coli in Falcon round-bottom-polypropylene tubes (F-Round-PP) and isolated plasmid using a Miniprep kit. When obtaining sufficient quantities of F-Round-PP became problematic during the pandemic and the inflation, we grew them using any available tubes. Notably, we observed that plasmid yield from cells grown in a cost-effective Oxford conical-polypropylene tubes (O-Conical-PP) was higher than that from F-Round-PP. We assessed the impact using O-Conical-PP and other conical brand tubes. As a result, the plasmid yield from O-Conical-PP (the list price is nearly 1/3 of F-Round-PP) was 1.5-fold higher than other PP tubes (p<0.001). We propose that researchers may need to re-assess the effectiveness of their laboratory supplies to optimize the budget during this inflationary period.

microbiology↗

Earlier finish of motor planning in the premotor cortex predicts faster motor command in the primary motor cortex: human intracranial EEG evidence

The human motor system has a hierarchical control during finger movements. The non-primary motor cortex (premotor cortex, PM, and supplementary motor area, SMA) organizes motor planning, while the primary motor cortex (M1) is responsible for motor execution. We utilized the human intracranial EEGs high temporal and spatial resolution to investigate how the temporal dynamics of the high-gamma neural oscillations in the hierarchically organized motor sub-regions, during both pre-movement planning and motor execution, correlated with reaction times (RTs) in a cued finger movement task. Our results showed that the high-gamma power of PM, SMA, and M1 activated sequentially. More importantly, the sustained high-gamma power activation in the non-primary motor cortex and the peak latency of high-gamma power in M1 had a significant predictive relationship with the RTs. In particular, the faster the activation of the non-primary motor cortex returned to baseline, the faster the motor command in M1, and accordingly the shorter the RTs. Further, pairwise phase coherence between the motor areas showed that the more sustained the connection between the motor areas, the longer the RTs would be. The current findings illustrate the relationship between the temporal profiles of high-gamma power in human motor areas and response performance.

neuroscience↗

Discovering CRISPR-Cas system with self-processing pre-crRNA capability by foundation models

The discovery and functional annotation of CRISPR-Cas systems laid the groundwork for the development of novel CRISPR-based gene editing tools. Traditional similarity- search-based Cas discovery strategies, which rely heavily on local sequence alignment and reference Cas homologs, may overlook a significant number of remote homologs with limited sequence similarity; and it can not be applied directly for functional recognition. With the rapid development of protein large language models (LLMs), protein foundation models are expected to help model Cas systems with limited Cas homologs without extensive task-specific training data; however, the full potential of these models for Cas discovery and functional annotation has yet to be determined. To this end, we present a novel, effective and unified AI framework, CHOOSER (Cas HOmlog Observing and SElf-processing scReening), for alignment-free discovery of novel CRISPR-Cas systems with self-processing precursor CRISPR RNA (pre-crRNA) capability utilizing protein foundation models. CHOOSER successfully retrieved 11 novel homologs of Cas{lambda}, the majority of which are predicted to be able to self-process pre-crRNA, nearly doubling the current catalog. One of the candidates, EphcCas{lambda}, was subsequently experimentally validated for its ability to self-process pre-crRNA, target DNA cleavage, and trans-cleavage and was shown to be a promising candidate for use as a CRISPR-Cas-based pathogen detection system. Overall, our study provides an unprecedented perspective and methodology for discovering novel CRISPR-Cas systems with specific functions using foundation models, underscoring the potential for transforming newly identified Cas homologs into genetic editing tools.

bioinformatics↗

Pf bacteriophages hinder sputum antibiotic diffusion via electrostatic binding

Despite great progress in the field, chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Pa) infections remain a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with cystic fibrosis, necessitating treatment with inhaled antibiotics. Pf phage is a filamentous bacteriophage produced by Pa that has been reported to act as a structural element in Pa biofilms. Pf presence has been associated with resistance to antibiotics and poor outcomes in cystic fibrosis, though the underlying mechanisms are unclear. Here, we have investigated how Pf phages and sputum biopolymers impede antibiotic diffusion using human sputum samples and fluorescent recovery after photobleaching. We demonstrate that tobramycin interacts with Pf phages and sputum polymers through electrostatic interactions. We also developed a set of mathematical models to analyze the complex observations. Our analysis suggests that Pf phages in sputum reduce the diffusion of charged antibiotics due to a greater binding constant associated with organized liquid crystalline structures formed between Pf phages and sputum polymers. This study provides insights into antibiotic tolerance mechanisms in chronic Pa infections and may offer potential strategies for novel therapeutic approaches. TeaserPf phages and sputum polymers reduce antibiotic diffusion via electrostatic interactions and liquid crystal formation.

microbiology↗

Catalytically inactive SHP1-C453S mutant gain of "robust LLPS" function

SHP1 is a non-receptor protein tyrosine phosphatase extensively expressed in hematopoietic cells, exerting a pivotal role as an immunosuppressive factor. Our previous studies have suggested that SHP1 can undergo liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS). In this study, the SHP1-C455S mutant, commonly utilized in biochemical assays due to its lack of catalytic phosphatase activity, unexpectedly exhibited a remarkably robust ability for LLPS. Since the C453S mutation has been previously shown to potentially induce a conformational transition of SHP1 from a closed to an open state, we hypothesize that the enhanced LLPS capability of SHP1 may be facilitated by this conformational alteration. The SHP1-C453S mutant exhibited robust LLPS activity, while completely abrogating its phosphatase activity. This allows for effective investigation of the catalytic activity and LLPS capability of SHP1.

molecular biology↗

Single-nucleus Multiomic Analyses Identifies Gene Regulatory Dynamics of Phenotypic Modulation in Human Aneurysmal Aortic Root

Aortic root aneurysm is a potentially life-threatening condition that may lead to aortic rupture and is often associated with genetic syndromes, such as Marfan syndrome (MFS). Although studies with MFS animal models have provided valuable insights into the pathogenesis of aortic root aneurysms, our understanding of the transcriptomic and epigenomic landscape in human aortic root tissue remains incomplete. This knowledge gap has impeded the development of effective targeted therapies. Here, this study performs the first integrative analysis of single-nucleus multiomic (gene expression and chromatin accessibility) and spatial transcriptomic sequencing data of human aortic root tissue under healthy and MFS conditions. Cell-type-specific transcriptomic and cis-regulatory profiles in the human aortic root are identified. Regulatory and spatial dynamics during phenotypic modulation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), the cardinal cell type, are delineated. Moreover, candidate key regulators driving the phenotypic modulation of VSMC, such as FOXN3, TEAD1, BACH2, and BACH1, are identified. In vitro experiments demonstrate that FOXN3 functions as a novel key regulator for maintaining the contractile phenotype of human aortic VSMCs through targeting ACTA2. These findings provide novel insights into the regulatory and spatial dynamics during phenotypic modulation in the aneurysmal aortic root of humans.

pathology↗

Epigenetic regulation by TET1 in gene-environmental interactions influencing susceptibility to congenital malformations

The etiology of neural tube defects (NTDs) involves complex gene-environmental interactions. Folic acid (FA) prevents NTDs, but the mechanisms remain poorly understood and at least 30% of human NTDs resist the beneficial effects of FA supplementation. Here, we identify the DNA demethylase TET1 as a nexus of folate-dependent one-carbon metabolism and genetic risk factors post-neural tube closure. We determine that cranial NTDs in Tet1-/- embryos occur at two to three times higher penetrance in genetically heterogeneous than in homogeneous genetic backgrounds, suggesting a strong impact of genetic modifiers on phenotypic expression. Quantitative trait locus mapping identified a strong NTD risk locus in the 129S6 strain, which harbors missense and modifier variants at genes implicated in intracellular endocytic trafficking and developmental signaling. NTDs across Tet1-/- strains are resistant to FA supplementation. However, both excess and depleted maternal FA diets modify the impact of Tet1 loss on offspring DNA methylation primarily at neurodevelopmental loci. FA deficiency reveals susceptibility to NTD and other structural brain defects due to haploinsufficiency of Tet1. In contrast, excess FA in Tet1-/- embryos drives promoter DNA hypermethylation and reduced expression of multiple membrane solute transporters, including a FA transporter, accompanied by loss of phospholipid metabolites. Overall, our study unravels interactions between modified maternal FA status, Tet1 gene dosage and genetic backgrounds that impact neurotransmitter functions, cellular methylation and individual susceptibilities to congenital malformations, further implicating that epigenetic dysregulation may underlie NTDs resistant to FA supplementation.

developmental biology↗

A comprehensive personal omics clinical interpreter based on genomic and transcriptomic profiles

Advances in precision medicine rely on the accurate identification and analysis of molecular alterations for personalized diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic decision-making. A critical obstacle is the integration of heterogeneous interpretations of clinically actionable alterations from various knowledgebases. Here, we present the Personal Omics Interpreter (POI), a web-based application engineered to aggregate and interpret therapeutic options, including targeted, immunological, and chemotherapeutic agents, by leveraging personal genomic and transcriptomic profiles. POI employs the Precision Medicine Knowledgebase (PreMedKB), an updated harmonized resource we previously reported, to annotate the clinically actionable somatic variants. It further incorporates a predictive algorithm to broaden therapeutic options according to established gene-gene interactions and offers insights into phenotypic responses of chemotherapeutic agents through phasing germline diplotypes. Validated against three cohort datasets encompassing over 22,000 cancer patients, POI demonstrates consistently high matching rates (94.7 [~] 95.6%) between patients and suggested therapies, highlighting its potential in supporting precision-driven informed treatment strategies.

genomics↗

Single-Cell Transcriptomic Profiling Unveils Critical Metabolic Alterations and Signatures in Progression of Atherosclerosis

Metabolic dysregulation is recognized as a fundamental characteristic of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), therefore mining metabolic patterns in these diseases would help to identify the possible pathogenic mechanisms and potential intervention targets. Atherosclerosis (AS), serving as the foundational pathology in numerous CVDs, represents a paramount global health concern. However, a systematic integrated analysis of the metabolic networks of AS is still lacking. In this study, we investigated and integrated single-cell RNA sequencing datasets from calcified atherosclerotic core (AC) plaques and patient-matched proximal adjacent (PA) portions of carotid artery tissue to generate metabolic flux profiling at single-cell level. Using scFEA and scWGCNA analyses, we discerned common metabolic changes in endothelial cells (ECs), myeloid cells, and smooth muscle cells. These altered metabolic modules were predominantly enriched in glucose-related pathways and were predicted to potentially facilitate metabolic bypass. Of particular interest, we observed an enrichment of metabolites produced from glucose/sialic acid metabolism pathway in both ECs and myeloid cells. This observation may partially account for their positive involvement in plaque formation, as previously discovered. Furthermore, we predicted that metabolic genes such as HK1, ENO1, PFKL, LDHA, PGK1, and NANS may be implicated in the detected metabolic flux disorder during AS progression. Additionally, we uncovered interactions between various cell types at single-cell level using CellChat. We noted heightened interactions between endothelial/SMC as well as myeloid/ECs in AC group, with ITGB2/VCAM and CD44/CD74 receptors potentially participating in these interactions, thereby fostering the development of pro-inflammatory plaque microenvironment. In conclusion, our study unveils metabolic shifts at single-cell level and identifies key gene signatures associated with metabolic disorders and cell-cell communication in atherosclerosis.

cell biology↗

Environmental DNA from ethanol eluent of flowers reveals a widespread diversity in cowpea associated animal communities in Hainan Island

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.), as an economical crop, is one of the important pillar industries of rural revitalization strategy in China. However, cowpea planting in China is often infested and damaged by many insects during growth, especially in Hainan region with a warm and wet tropical climate. Traditional monitoring methods with technical limitation could only detect a few common significant agricultural pests, how many kinds of species associated with cowpea is unknown. Here, we employed environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding to characterize cowpea associated animal community-level diversity among six planting areas in Hainan. In all, 62 species were detected, of which 99.05% was Arthropoda, suggesting that Arthropods are the main groups interacting with cowpea. Moreover, we also detected 28 pests on cowpea, predominantly belonging to Thysanoptera, Lepidoptera, Diptera and Hemiptera, of which 20 pests were first reported and need more extra attention. Furthermore, clustering results indicated that there is a certain diversity of cowpea associated animals in different regions of Hainan, but the species composition was similar in the large planting areas due to the indiscriminate use of pesticides, which need further develop scientific pesticide applications to ensure adequate species diversity. This study represents the first molecular approach to investigate the cowpea associated animal communities and provides basic information for further scientific pesticide applications.

ecology↗

Postharvest partial dehydration of blueberries enhanced blueberry wine aroma via upregulating phenylalanine metabolism and terpene biosynthesis

Postharvest partial dehydration of blueberries can enhance blueberry wine aroma, while the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, the key odor-active volatiles in blueberry wines fermented from dehydrated blueberries (30% weight loss) were identified via aroma extract dilution analysis. Results showed that increased levels of phenylalanine-derived compounds such as phenylethanol, and terpenes such as linalool and geraniol, primarily led to the enhancement of sweet, floral and fruity aromas of blueberry wines. Postharvest partial dehydration increased the contents of these compounds, which could be linked to the upregulation of VcGOT2 and VcPAR involved in phenylalanine metabolism, and the upregulation of VcDXS, VcHDR and VcTPS involved in terpene biosynthesis. Notably, the upregulated VcTPS encoded a monoterpene synthase responsible for producing linalool. These findings provided insight into the impact of postharvest dehydration on phenylalanine and terpene metabolism in blueberries, offering a reference for improving blueberry wine aroma through postharvest partial dehydration techniques.

biochemistry↗

The ESCRT protein CHMP5 promotes T cell leukemia by controlling BRD4-p300-dependent transcription

Oncogene activity rewires cellular transcription, creating new transcription networks to which cancer cells become addicted, by mechanisms that are still poorly understood. Using human and mouse models of T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL), we identify an essential nuclear role for CHMP5, a cytoplasmic endosomal sorting complex required for transport (ESCRT) protein, in establishing and maintaining the T-ALL transcriptional program. Nuclear CHMP5 promoted the T-ALL gene program by augmenting recruitment of the co-activator BRD4 by the histone acetyl transferase p300 selectively at enhancers and super-enhancers, an interaction that potentiated H3K27 acetylation at these regulatory enhancers. Consequently, loss of CHMP5 diminished BRD4 occupancy at enhancers and super-enhancers and impaired RNA polymerase II pause release, which resulted in downregulation of key T-ALL genes, notably MYC. Reinforcing its importance in T-ALL pathogenesis, CHMP5 deficiency mitigated chemoresistance in human T-ALL cells and abrogated T-ALL induction by oncogenic NOTCH1 in vivo. Thus, the ESCRT protein CHMP5 is an essential positive regulator of the transcriptional machinery promoting T-ALL disease. Graphical abstract O_FIG O_LINKSMALLFIG WIDTH=200 HEIGHT=200 SRC="FIGDIR/small/577409v1_ufig1.gif" ALT="Figure 1"> View larger version (59K): org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@191e10dorg.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@4e5093org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@18c0a08org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@e6a887_HPS_FORMAT_FIGEXP M_FIG C_FIG HighlightsO_LIIdentification of a nuclear role for the cytosolic ESCRT protein CHMP5 in transcription C_LIO_LICHMP5 mediates BRD4-dependent Pol II pause release and transcription of T-ALL genes C_LIO_LIP300-BRD4 induced enhancer and super-enhancer H3K27 acetylation requires CHMP5 C_LIO_LICHMP5 depletion mitigates chemoresistance and abrogates T-ALL initiation in vivo C_LI

cancer biology↗

Auditory stimuli extend the temporal window of visual integration by modulating alpha-band oscillations

In multisensory environments, signals from different modalities interact to shape perception, but the underlying temporal dynamics remain unclear. We investigated how a brief auditory stimulus affects the temporal integration of successive visual events using electroencephalography (EEG). Participants viewed two consecutive flashes, with or without an auditory beep accompanying the first flash, and reported whether they perceived one or two flashes. The beep shifted the psychometric fusion threshold to longer interstimulus intervals, indicating a wider temporal integration window. This behavioural shift was accompanied by a transient reduction in poststimulus instantaneous alpha frequency, and individual differences in alpha-cycle lengthening correlated with threshold prolongation. Auditory input also weakened the relationship between prestimulus alpha frequency and perceptual report while strengthening the corresponding relationship with prestimulus alpha phase. In a follow-up transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) experiment, the effects of lower- versus upper-alpha stimulation on fusion thresholds differed between the visual-only and audiovisual conditions. A computational model based on phase resetting and perceptual cycles qualitatively reproduced the main findings. Together, the results suggest that a brief sound can reorganize alpha-band timing and thereby widen the temporal window of visual integration.

neuroscience↗

Microplastics from disposable paper cups are enriched in the placenta and fetus, leading to metabolic and reproductive toxicity during pregnancy

The health implications of microplastics (MPs), especially those originating from hot drinks in disposable paper cups (DPCs), are increasingly alarming. We investigated the accumulation and metabolic and reproductive toxicological effects of MPs from DPCs filled with hot water in various tissues in a pregnant mouse model. Simulating human intake of 0.3, 3.3, and 33.3 cups daily, we found MPs exposure-induced dose-responsive harmful effects on murine fetal development and maternal physiology. MPs were detected in all 13 examined tissues, with the highest accumulation in the cecal contents, followed by significant depositions in the fetus, placenta, kidney, spleen, lung, and heart. A higher proportion of smaller MPs (90.35% < 10 m) was identified in brain tissues. Dose-responsive changes in functional microbiome and gene pathways were observed. Moderate MPs intake of 3.3 cups daily significantly altered cecal microbiome composition and metabolic functions. The transcriptomic functional variations in maternal blood, placenta, and mammary gland underscore the significant impacts of realistic MPs exposure on metabolic and immune health and posing neurodegenerative and miscarriage risks. The benchmark dose framework analysis using tissue-specific gene biomarkers revealed safe exposure limits at 2 to 4 cups/day during pregnancy. Our results indicate selective tissue accumulation and potential metabolic and reproductive toxicities of MPs at exposure levels presumed non-hazardous. Such risks remain unaddressed within current food safety regulations, impacting vulnerable groups such as pregnant women and fetuses. Research HighlightsO_LIMicroplastics released from disposable paper cups filled with hot water showed preferential accumulations in the murine fetus, placenta, kidney, spleen, lung, and heart, with significant adverse impacts on fetal development. C_LIO_LIMicroplastic exposure led to dose-responsive maternal microbiome changes associated with increased fatty acid biosynthesis and elevated expressions of genes related to viral infections, neurodegenerative diseases, oxidative stress, and miscarriage risk. C_LIO_LIA consumption level of 3.3 cups/day was sufficient to elicit systemic metabolic and reproductive toxicity, with a predicted safe exposure limit of 2 to 4 cups/day during pregnancy by benchmark dose framework analysis with molecular biomarkers. C_LI

molecular biology↗

Elucidating Resistance Mechanisms in Staphylococcus epidermidis: A High-Performing MALDI-TOF MS-Based Proteomic Approach for Predictive Modeling

The emergence of Staphylococcus epidermidis as a significant nosocomial pathogen necessitates advancements in more efficient antimicrobial resistance (AMR) profiling. However, existing culture-based antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) methods can take up to 96 hours, while holistic PCR assays can cost thousands of dollars. This study combines machine learning with matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) to develop predictive models for various antibiotics using a comprehensive dataset containing thousands of S. epidermidis isolates. Optimized machine learning models utilized feature selection and achieved high AUROC scores ranging from 0.80 to 0.95 while maintaining AUPRC scores up to 0.96 for balanced datasets. Shapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) were employed to analyze relevant features and assess the significance of corresponding protein biomarkers while also verifying that predictive power was derived from the detection of proteins rather than noise. AMR prediction models were validated externally to evaluate model performance outside the original data collection site. The findings in this study demonstrate that combining machine learning with AMR profiling yields significant and relevant results, indicating that such an approach is a promising solution for rapid and cost-effective treatments for nosocomial infections. Models created to predict AMR can also aid in biomarker discovery. The workflow used in the present study is potentially applicable to other microbial pathogens in the future.

bioinformatics↗

Targeting ductal-endothelial crosstalk alleviate pancreatitis

Pancreatitis are common gastrointestinal disorders that cause hospitalization with significant morbidity and mortality. The mechanistic pathophysiology of pancreatitis is complicated, which greatly limits the discovery of pharmacological intervention methods. Here, we show that administration of antagonist of Integrin-5, significantly mitigates the pathological condition of acute pancreatitis. In caerulein-induced acute pancreatitis model, the newly emergent CK19 positive cells are highly vascularized with significant increase of vascular density and endothelial cell number. Single cell RNA sequencing analysis shows ductal and endothelial cells are intimate interacting partners. Pancreatitis dramatically reduce the crosstalk in ductal-endothelial interface but promote the integrin-5 signaling. Blocking this signaling significantly reduce acinar-to-ductal metaplasia, pathological angiogenesis and restore other abnormal defects induced by caerulein. Our work reveals a therapeutic potential of targeting integrin-5 as uncharacterized pharmacological method to alleviate the symptom of pancreatitis.

cell biology↗

An essential mechanosensitive channel Pkd2 modulates the assembly of type II myosin and actin filaments in the cytokinetic contractile ring

Cytokinesis, the last step in cell division, separate daughter cells through the force produced by an actomyosin contractile ring assembled at the equatorial plane. In fission yeast cells, the ring helps recruit a mechanosensitive ion channel Pkd2 to the cleavage furrow, whose activation by membrane tension promotes calcium influx and daughter cell separation. However, it is unclear how the activities of Pkd2 may affect the actomyosin ring. Here, through both microscopic and genetic analyses of a hypomorphic mutant of the essential pkd2 gene, we examine its potential role in assembling and constricting the contractile ring. The pkd2-81KD mutation significantly increased the number of type II myosin heavy chain Myo2 (+20%), its regulatory light chain Rlc1 (+37%) and actin (+20%) molecules in the ring, compared to the wild type. Consistent with a regulatory role of Pkd2 in the ring assembly, we identified a strong negative genetic interaction between pkd2-81KD and the temperature-sensitive mutant myo2-E1. The pkd2-81KD myo2-E1 cells often failed to assemble a complete contractile ring. We conclude that Pkd2 modulates the recruitment of type II myosin and actin to the contractile ring, suggesting a novel calcium- dependent mechanism regulating the actin cytoskeletal structures during cytokinesis.

cell biology↗

A Novel Imaging Mass Spectrometry Computational Tool for Biomedical Discovery: Untargeted pixel-by-pixel imaging of Metabolite Ratio Pairs

Mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) is a powerful technology used to define the spatial distribution and relative abundance of metabolites across tissue cryosections. While software packages exist for pixel-by-pixel individual metabolite and limited target pairs of ratio imaging, the research community lacks an easy computing and application tool that images any metabolite abundance ratio pairs. Importantly, recognition of correlated metabolite pairs may contribute to the discovery of unanticipated molecules in shared metabolic pathways. Here, we describe the development and implementation of an untargeted R package workflow for pixel-by-pixel ratio imaging of all metabolites detected in an MSI experiment. Considering untargeted MSI studies of murine brain and embryogenesis, we demonstrate that ratio imaging minimizes systematic data variation introduced by sample handling, markedly enhances spatial image contrast, and reveals previously unrecognized metabotype-distinct tissue regions. Furthermore, ratio imaging facilitates identification of novel regional biomarkers and provides anatomical information regarding spatial distribution of metabolite-linked biochemical pathways. The algorithm described herein is applicable to any MSI dataset containing spatial information for metabolites, peptides or proteins, offering a potent hypothesis generation tool to enhance knowledge obtained from current spatial metabolite profiling technologies.

bioinformatics↗