Biology subjects

Yuan, W.

Publications and source records attributed to Yuan, W..

3 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2018

Molecular basis for activation of lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase by a compound that increases HDL cholesterol

Lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) and LCAT-activating small molecules are being investigated as treatments for coronary heart disease (CHD) and familial LCAT deficiency (FLD). Herein we report the crystal structure of LCAT bound to a potent activator and an acyl intermediate-like inhibitor, thereby revealing an active conformation of LCAT and that the activator is bound exclusively to its membrane-binding domain (MBD). Functional studies indicate that the compound does not modulate the affinity of LCAT for HDL, but instead stabilizes residues in the MBD and likely facilitates channeling of substrates into the active site. By demonstrating that these activators increase the activity of an FLD variant, we show that compounds targeting the MBD have therapeutic potential. In addition, our data better define the acyl binding site of LCAT and pave the way for rational design of LCAT agonists and improved biotherapeutics for augmenting or restoring reverse cholesterol transport in CHD and FLD patients.

biochemistry↗

bioRxiv2018

Categorized analysis of forest ecological values in the China’s conversion cropland to forest program

Background\n\nThe Chinas Conversion Cropland to Forest Program (CCFP) is one of the large state ecological construction programs. Up to now, the program has effectively improved the ecological environment and produced large ecological benefit. However, there were also some problems in its implementation process, the program has been sometimes less effective than the expected.\n\nMethods\n\nBased on the data and the methods of State report on monitoring ecological effects in CCFP and the Chinese Forest Ecosystem Research Network (CFERN) in 2013, we analyzed the categorized forest ecological benefit value (B-V) s in the three forest restoration ways in different regions in China to provide references for CCFP construction.\n\nResults\n\nThe unit area B-Vs in CCFP varied between 35 000 RMBs.hm-2.a-1 and 100 000 RMBs.hm-2.a-1. Water conservation B-V and species conservation B-V were the two largest constituents, nutrient accumulation B-V was the least in all the categorized B-Vs on regional and unit area scale. The rank of restoration ways on average unit area total B-Vs was-- hillside forest conservation > returning cropland to forest > afforestation on suitable barren hills and wasteland in CCFP. Among the categorized B-Vs, some pairs were positively correlated with each other and some were negatively correlative. The correlation coefficients and some regression equations were given in the text and the attached Fig.s.\n\nConclusions\n\nWater conservation B-V was the highest and nutrient accumulation B-V was the lowest whether on regional or unit area scale in CCFP.\n\nForest ecological B-Vs varied in different forest restoration ways and different regions in CCFP. The hillside forest conservation restoration way and the water conservation B-V should be paid more attention in Chinas future forest restoration. We suggest that suitable forest restoration ways should be selective according to the regional specific and ecological targets.\n\nThere were correlations among the categorized B-Vs, and the correlations varied with different forest restoration ways in CCFP. Knowing about the correlations could clarify the targeted restoration ways according to the goal of ecological benefit.

ecology↗

bioRxiv2017

Increased anxiety and decreased sociability in adulthood following paternal deprivation involve oxytocin in the mPFC

Early adverse experiences often have devastating consequences on adult emotional and social behavior. However, whether paternal deprivation (PD) during the pre-weaning period affects brain and behavioral development remains unexplored in socially mandarin vole (Microtus mandarinus). We found that PD increased anxiety-like behavior and attenuated social preference in adult males and females; decreased prelimbic cortex OT-immunoreactive fibers and paraventricular nucleus OT positive neurons; reduced levels of medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) OT receptor protein in females and OT receptor and V1a receptor protein in males. Intra-prelimbic cortical OT injections reversed anxiety-like behavior and social preferences affected by PD, whereas injections of OT and OT receptor antagonist blocked this reversal. These findings demonstrate that PD leads to increased anxiety-like behavior and attenuated social preferences with involvement of the mPFC OT system. The prelimbic cortex OT system may be an important target for the treatment of disorders related to early adverse experiences.

neuroscience↗