Glutathione S-transferase Pull-down Assays Research Articles

The Chlamydia pneumoniae inclusion membrane protein Cpn0308 interacts with host protein ACBD3.

Chlamydia pneumoniae is an obligate intracellular bacterium of eukaryotic cells characterized by a unique biphasic life cycle; its biosynthesis and replication must occur within a cytoplasmic vacuole or inclusion. Certain inclusion membrane proteins have been demonstrated to mediate the interactions between intra-inclusion chlamydial organisms and the host cell. It has been demonstrated previously that the C. pneumoniae-encoded Cpn0308 localizes to the inclusion membrane; however, its function remains unknown. In the current study, a yeast two-hybrid assay was conducted to screen Cpn0308 as a bait against a HeLa cell cDNA library, revealing its binding to the host protein acyl-coenzyme A binding domain-containing 3 (ACBD3). The interaction between Cpn0308 and ACBD3 was confirmed through co-immunoprecipitation and GST (Glutathione S-transferase) pull-down assays. The two proteins were also co-localized in HeLa cells co-expressing Cpn0308 and ACBD3, as well as in C. pneumoniae-infected cells, as observed under confocal fluorescence microscopy. Given that ACBD3 plays a crucial role in maintaining host cell lipid homeostasis and its Golgi dynamic domain is responsible for interacting with Cpn0308, we hypothesize that the Cpn0308-ACBD3 interaction may facilitate C. pneumoniae's acquisition of host lipids, thereby benefiting chlamydial survival. This study lays a foundation for further elucidating the mechanisms of Cpn0308-mediated C. pneumoniae pathogenesis.IMPORTANCEThe biosynthesis and replication of Chlamydia pneumoniae (Cpn) must occur within the cytoplasmic vacuoles or inclusions of host cells. Inclusion bodies play a crucial role in mediating the interactions between Cpn and host cells. Cpn0308 is localized to the inclusion membrane; however, its function is unknown. In this study, Cpn0308 was found to bind to host protein acyl-coenzyme A binding domain-containing 3 (ACBD3) through some standard approaches. Co-localization of the two proteins was observed in both original HeLa cells and Cpn-infected HeLa cells. ACBD3 plays a significant role in maintaining lipid homeostasis in host cells; we speculate that the Cpn0308-ACBD3 interaction may facilitate the acquisition of host lipids by C. pneumoniae, thereby enhancing chlamydial survival.

VOZ-dependent priming of salicylic acid-dependent defense against Rhizopus stolonifer by β-aminobutyric acid requires the TCP protein TCP2 in peach fruit.

Vascular plant one-zinc finger (VOZ) transcription factors (TFs) play crucial roles in plant immunity. Nevertheless, how VOZs modulate defense signaling in response to elicitor-induced resistance is not fully understood. Here, the defense elicitor β-aminobutyric acid (BABA) resulted in the visible suppression of Rhizopus rot disease of peach fruit caused by Rhizopus stolonifer. Defense priming by BABA was notably associated with increased levels of salicylic acid (SA) and SA-dependent gene expression. Data-independent acquisition proteomic analysis revealed that two VOZ proteins (PpVOZ1 and PpVOZ2) were substantially upregulated in BABA-induced resistance (BABA-IR). Furthermore, the interaction of PpVOZ1 and PpVOZ2 and their potential target of the TEOSINTE-BRANCHED1/CYCLOIDEA/PCF (TCP)-family protein PpTCP2 screened from protein-protein interaction networks was confirmed by yeast two-hybrid (Y2H), luciferase complementation imaging and glutathione S-transferase pull-down assays. Furthermore, subcellular localization, yeast one-hybrid, electrophoretic mobility shift assay and dual-luciferase reporter assays demonstrated that nuclear localization of both PpVOZ1 and PpVOZ2 was critical for their contribution to BABA-IR, as these proteins potentiated the PpTCP2-mediated transcriptional activation of isochorismate synthase genes (ICS1/2). The overexpression of both PpVOZ1 and PpVOZ2 could activate the transcription of SA-dependent genes and provide disease resistance in transgenic Arabidopsis. In contrast, the ppvoz1cas9 and ppvoz2cas9 loss-of-function mutations and the voz1cas9 voz2cas9 double mutation attenuated BABA-IR against R. stolonifer. Therefore, the three identified positive TFs, PpVOZ1, PpVOZ2, and PpTCP2, synergistically contribute to the BABA-activated priming of systemic acquired resistance in postharvest peach fruit by a VOZ-TCP-ICS regulatory module.

Effects of hap2 deletion on mnp/vp transcription in Pleurotus ostreatus grown on lignocellulosic substrates

The regulatory mechanisms governing expression of genes encoding lignin-modifying enzymes (LME) in white-rot fungi remain largely unexplored. Although molecular cloning has identified CCAAT-boxes frequently located 5′-upstream of these genes, their role in transcriptional regulation is not well understood. This study examines the function of hap2, a gene encoding a hypothetical protein homologous to a component of the CCAAT-binding Hap complex, in the white-rot fungus Pleurotus ostreatus. Deletion of hap2 resulted in significantly reduced Mn2+-dependent peroxidase activity and lignin-degrading capacity compared to the parental strain 20b grown on beech wood sawdust (BWS) medium. Real-time PCR revealed that vp2 transcript levels were significantly lower in hap2 deletants than in 20b grown when cultured on the three solid media consisting of BWS, holocellulose, or Avicel, but not on yeast-malt-glucose (YMG) agar plates. Additionally, glutathione S-transferase (GST) pulldown and electrophoretic mobility shift assays demonstrated that recombinant P. ostreatus Hap2, Hap3, and Hap5 expressed in Escherichia coli form a complex capable of binding to the CCAAT sequence 5′-upstream of vp2 in vitro. These results suggest that Hap2, as part of the CCAAT-binding complex, is essential for transcriptional upregulation of vp2 in P. ostreatus growing on lignocellulosic substrates.Key points• P. ostreatus hap2 deletants were generated.• Lignin-degrading capacity was significantly reduced in the hap2 deletants.• vp2 was significantly downregulated upon hap2 deletion.

TRIM47 silencing inhibits the malignant biological behaviors of prostate cancer cells by regulating MDM2/p53 signaling.

Prostate cancer (PCa) is a prevalent male malignancy globally. Tripartite motif 47 (TRIM47) has been reported to be associated with PCa. However, how TRIM47 acts on PCa is still incompletely understood. Here, we explored the biological roles of TRIM47 in PCa cells and investigated its potential regulatory mechanism. TRIM47 expression in PCa cells was detected by qRT-PCR and western blot. After TRIM47 silencing, the viability of PCa cells was measured using CCK-8 method. Flow cytometry was employed to estimate cell cycle. Cell apoptotic level was subjected to appraisement with TUNEL assay. Additionally, wound healing- and transwell assays were adopted for evaluation of migration and invasion of PCa cells. Moreover, the Biogrid database and HDOCK SERVER predicated that TRIM47 could interact with mouse double minute 2 (MDM2), which was detected using the Co-immunoprecipitation (co-IP) assay and glutathione S-transferase (GST) pull-down assay. The expression of proteins in MDM2/p53 signaling was detected by western blot analysis. Results indicated that TRIM47 expression was highly expressed in PCa cells. TRIM47 knockdown inhibited PCa proliferation and cell cycle whereas promoted cell apoptosis. Besides, TRIM47 knockdown significantly inhibited the migration and invasion of PCa cells. In addition, TRIM47 was proved to bind to MDM2 and regulated MDM2/p53 expression. Importantly, MDM2 overexpression counteracted the impacts of TRIM47 knockdown on cell viability, cell cycle, apoptosis, migration and invasion by regulating the MDM2/p53 pathway. Collectively, our results suggested that TRIM47 silencing inhibits the malignant biological behaviors of prostate cancer cells by regulating MDM2/p53 signaling, which may provide a novel therapeutic target for PCa treatment.

Association of poly(rC)-binding protein-2 with sideroflexin-3 through TOM20 as an iron entry pathway to mitochondria

Iron is essential for all the lives and mitochondria integrate iron into heme and Fe-S clusters for diverse use as cofactors. Here, we screened mitochondrial proteins in KU812 human chronic myelogenous leukemia cells by glutathione S-transferase pulldown assay with PCBP2 to identify mitochondrial receptors for PCBP2, a major cytosolic Fe(II) chaperone. LC–MS analyses identified TOM20, sideroflexin-3 (SFXN3), SFXN1 and TOM70 in the affinity-score sequence. Stimulated emission depletion microscopy and proteinase-K digestion of mitochondria in HeLa cells revealed that TOM20 is located in the outer membrane of mitochondria whereas SFXN3 is located in the inner membrane. Although direct association was not observed between PCBP2 and SFXN3 with co-immunoprecipitation, proximity ligation assay demonstrated proximal localization of PCBP2 with TOM20 and there was a direct binding between TOM20 and SFXN3. Single knockdown either of PCBP2 and SFXN3 in K562 leukemia cells significantly decreased mitochondrial catalytic Fe(II) and mitochondrial maximal respiration. SFXN3 but not MFRN1 knockout (KO) in mouse embryonic fibroblasts decreased FBXL5 and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) but increased transferrin uptake and induced ferritin, indicating that mitochondrial iron entry through SFXN3 is distinct. MFRN1 KO revealed more intense mitochondrial Fe(II) deficiency than SFXN3 KO. Insufficient mitochondrial heme synthesis was evident under iron overload both with SFXN3 and MFRN KO, which was partially reversed by HO-1 inhibitor. Conversely, SFXN3 overexpression caused cytosolic iron deficiency with mitochondrial excess Fe(II), which further sensitized HeLa cells to RSL3-induced ferroptosis. In conclusion, we discovered a novel pathway of iron entry into mitochondria from cytosol through PCBP2-TOM20-SFXN3 axis.

Role of aminopeptidase N-like in the acquisition of begomoviruses by Bemisia tabaci, the whitefly vector.

Sri Lankan cassava mosaic virus (SLCMV) is a prominent causative agent of cassava mosaic disease in Asia and relies on the whitefly Bemisia tabaci cryptic complex for its transmission. However, the molecular mechanisms involved in SLCMV transmission by B.tabaci have yet to be understood. In this study, we identified an aminopeptidase N-like protein (BtAPN) in B.tabaci AsiaII1, an efficient vector of SLCMV, which is involved in the SLCMV transmission process. Through the use of glutathione S-transferase pull-down assay and LC-MS/MS analysis, we demonstrated the interaction between BtAPN and the coat protein (CP) of SLCMV. This interaction was further confirmed in vitro, and we observed an induction of BtAPN gene expression following SLCMV infection. By interfering with the function of BtAPN, the quantities of SLCMV were significantly reduced in various parts of B.tabaci AsiaII1, including the whole body, midgut, hemolymph, and primary salivary gland. Furthermore, we discovered that BtAPN is conserved in B.tabaci Middle East-Asia Minor 1 (MEAM1) and interacts with the CP of tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV), a begomovirus known to cause severe damage to tomato production. Blocking BtAPN with antibody led to a significant reduction in the quantities of TYLCV in whitefly whole body and organs/tissues. These results demonstrate that BtAPN plays a generic role in interacting with the CP of begomoviruses and positively regulates their acquisition by the whitefly.

Timosaponin AIII induces lipid peroxidation and ferroptosis by enhancing Rab7-mediated lipophagy in colorectal cancer cells.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common digestive system malignancy, and despite significant therapeutic advancements, more effective treatments are needed. Timosaponin AIII (TA-III), a major steroidal saponin derived from Anemarrhena asphodeloides Bge, is a potential anticancer agent. Ferroptosis plays an important role in cancer treatment. To investigate the molecular mechanism of TA-III as a novel ferroptosis inducer in suppressing CRC through lipophagy. Ferroptosis, an autophagy-dependent mode of cell death, has been implicated in CRC. CRC cells were treated with TA-III, and lipophagy levels were evaluated via BODIPY493/503 staining and western blotting. Autophagy turnover was tracked using GFP-RFP-LC3B. Lipid peroxidation was quantified using an malondialdehyde kit and C11-BODIPY flow assay. Mitochondrial morphology was observed using transmission electron microscopy. GC-MS/MS was used to detect lipid metabolism changes. The role of ras related protein Rab 7a (Rab7) was assessed by western blotting and glutathione S-transferase pull-down assays. In vivo, the anticancer efficacy of TA-III was tested using a xenograft model. RNA-seq analysis unveiled the potential of TA-III as an anticancer agent through ferroptosis. In vivo experiments revealed how TA-III treatment triggered degradation of lipid droplets in CRC cells, resulting in an accumulation of FFAs, heightened unsaturated free fatty acids, and increased lipid peroxidation. These events ultimately lead to mitochondrial shrinkage and downregulation of ferroptosis markers (FSP1 and GPX4). Intriguingly, the Rab7 protein emerged as a crucial bridge between lipophagy and ferroptosis, underlining its significance in the anticancer mechanism of TA-III. Moreover, TA-III treatment in a xenograft tumour model substantially reduced tumour volume via ferroptosis, underscoring its therapeutic efficacy. Our study is the first to establish that TA-III triggers lipophagy in CRC cells via the Rab7 gene, subsequently promoting ferroptosis. This suggests its potential use as an antitumour agent.

GST Pull-Down Assay to Study PIF4 Binding In Vitro.

The phytochrome-interacting factor 4 (PIF4) is a well-known transcription factor that plays a pivotal role in plant thermomorphogenesis, coordinating growth and development in response to temperature changes. As PIF4 functions by forming complexes with other proteins, determining its interacting partners is essential for understanding its diverse roles in plant thermal responses. The GST (glutathione-S-transferase) pull-down assay is a widely used biochemical technique that enables the investigation of protein-protein interactions in vitro. It is particularly useful for studying transient or weak interactions between proteins. In this chapter, we describe the GST pull-down approach to detect the interaction between PIF4 and a known or suspected interacting protein. We provide detailed step-by-step descriptions of the assay procedures, from the preparation of recombinant GST-PIF4 fusion protein to the binding and elution of interacting partners. Additionally, we provide guidelines for data interpretation, quantification, and statistical analysis to ensure robust and reliable results.

The Functional Significance of McMafF_G_K in Molluscs: Implications for Nrf2-Mediated Oxidative Stress Response

The nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a pivotal regulator of antioxidant gene expression in mammals, forming heterodimer complexes with small Maf proteins through its BZip domain. However, the underlying mechanism of Nrf2 action in molluscs remains poorly understood. The thick shell mussel, Mytilus coruscus, represents a model organism for the marine environment and molluscs interaction research. In this study, we used in silico cloning to obtain a small Maf homologue called McMafF_G_K from M. coruscus. McMafF_G_K possesses a typical BZip domain, suggesting its affiliation with the traditional small Maf family and its potential involvement in the Nrf2 signaling pathway. Transcriptional analysis revealed that McMafF_G_K exhibited a robust response to benzo[a]pyrene (Bap) in the digestive glands. However, this response was down-regulated upon interference with McMafF_G_K-siRNA. Interestingly, the expression levels of Nrf2, NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase (NQO-1), and Glutathione Peroxidase (GPx), which are key players in oxidative stress response, showed a positive correlation with McMafF_G_K in digested adenocytes of M. coruscus. Furthermore, in vitro analysis of antioxidant capacity in digestive gland cells demonstrated that Bap exposure led to an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, accompanied by an elevation in total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), potentially counterbalancing the excessive ROS. Strikingly, transfection of McMafF_G_K siRNA resulted in a significant rise in ROS level and a down-regulation of T-AOC level. To validate the functional relevance of McMafF_G_K, a glutathione S-transferase (GST) pull-down assay confirmed its interaction with McNrf2, providing compelling evidence of their protein interaction. This study significantly contributes to our understanding of the functional role of McMafF_G_K in the Nrf2 signaling pathway and sheds light on its potential as a target for further research in oxidative stress response.

The ubiquitin-like protein FAT10 in hepatocellular carcinoma cells limits the efficacy of anti-VEGF therapy

IntroductionThe efficacy of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy is limited. However, the key factors involved in limiting the efficacy of anti-VEGF therapy and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. ObjectivesTo investigate the effects and mechanisms of human leukocyte antigen F locus-adjacent transcript 10 (FAT10), a ubiquitin-like protein, in limiting the efficacy of anti-VEGF therapy in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. MethodsFAT10 was knocked out in HCC cells using the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)–CRISPR-associated protein 9 technology. Bevacizumab (BV), an anti-VEGF monoclonal antibody, was used to evaluate the efficacy of anti-VEGF therapy in vivo. Mechanisms of FAT10 action were assessed by RNA sequencing, glutathione S-transferase pulldown assays and in vivo ubiquitination assays. ResultsFAT10 accelerated VEGF-independent angiogenesis in HCC cells which limited BV efficacy and BV-aggravated hypoxia and inflammation promoted FAT10 expression. FAT10 overexpression increased levels of proteins involved in several signaling pathways in HCC cells, resulting in upregulation of VEGF and multiple non-VEGF proangiogenic factors. Upregulation of multiple FAT10-mediated non-VEGF signals compensated for the inhibition of VEGF signaling by BV, enhancing VEGF-independent angiogenesis and promoting HCC growth. ConclusionsOur preclinical findings identify FAT10 in HCC cells as a key factor limiting the efficacy of anti-VEGF therapy and elucidate its underlying mechanisms. This study provides new mechanistic insights into the development of antiangiogenic therapies.

Single-cell RNA sequencing reveals a mechanism underlying the susceptibility of the left atrial appendage to intracardiac thrombogenesis during atrial fibrillation.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with an increased risk of thrombosis of the left atrial appendage (LAA). However, the molecular mechanisms underlying this site-specificity remain poorly understood. Here, we present a comparative single-cell transcriptional profile of paired atrial appendages from patients with AF and illustrate the chamber-specific properties of the main cell types. Single-cell RNA sequencing analysis of matched atrial appendage samples from three patients with persistent AF was evaluated by 10× genomics. The AF mice model was created using Tbx5 knockout mice. Validation experiments were performed by glutathione S-transferase pull-down assays, coimmunoprecipitation (Co-IP), cleavage assays and shear stress experiments in vitro. In LAA, phenotype switching from endothelial cells to fibroblasts and inflammation associated with proinflammatory macrophage infiltration were observed. Importantly, the coagulation cascade is highly enriched in LAA endocardial endothelial cells (EECs), accompanying the up-regulation of a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs 1 (ADAMTS1) and the down-regulation of the tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) and TFPI2. Similar alterations were verified in an AF mouse model (Tbx5+/- ) and EECs treated with simulated AF shear stress in vitro. Furthermore, we revealed that the cleavage of both TFPI and TFPI2 based on their interaction with ADAMTS1 would lead to loss of anticoagulant activities of EECs. This study highlights the decrease in the anticoagulant status of EECs in LAA as a potential mechanism underlying the propensity for thrombosis, which may aid the development of anticoagulation therapeutic approaches targeting functionally distinct cell subsets or molecules during AF.

Molecular functions of the double-sided and inverted ubiquitin-interacting motif found in Xenopus tropicalis cryptochrome 6.

Cryptochromes (CRYs) are multifunctional molecules that act as a circadian clock oscillating factor, a blue-light sensor, and a light-driven magnetoreceptor. Cry genes are classified into several groups based on the evolutionary relationships. Cryptochrome 6 gene (Cry6) is present in invertebrates and lower vertebrates such as amphibians and fishes. Here we identified a Cry6 ortholog in Xenopus tropicalis (XtCry6). XtCRY6 retains a conserved long N-terminal extension (termed CRY N-terminal extension; CNE) that is not found in any CRY in the other groups. A structural prediction suggested that CNE contained unique structures; a tetrahelical fold structure topologically related to KaiA/RbsU domain, overlapping nuclear- and nucleolar-localizing signals (NLS/NoLS), and a novel motif (termed DI-UIM) overlapping a double-sided ubiquitin-interacting motif (DUIM) and an inverted ubiquitin-interacting motif (IUIM). Potential activities of the NLS/NoLS and DI-UIM were examined to infer the molecular function of XtCRY6. GFP-NLS/NoLS fusion protein exogenously expressed in HEK293 cells was mostly observed in the nucleolus, while GFP-XtCRY6 was observed in the cytoplasm. A glutathione S-transferase (GST) pull-down assay suggested that the DI-UIM physically interacts with polyubiquitin. Consistently, protein docking simulations implied that XtCRY6 DI-UIM binds two ubiquitin molecules in a relationship of a twofold rotational symmetry with the symmetry axis parallel or perpendicular to the DI-UIM helix. These results strongly suggested that XtCRY6 does not function as a circadian transcriptional repressor and that it might have another function such as photoreceptive molecule regulating light-dependent protein degradation or gene expression through a CNE-mediated interaction with ubiquitinated proteins in the cytoplasm and/or nucleolus.

Shikonin Binds and Represses PPARγ Activity by Releasing Coactivators and Modulating Histone Methylation Codes

Shikonin, a natural ingredient produced by Lithospermum erythrorhizon, has anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and anti-obesity effects. It also inhibits adipocyte differentiation; however, the underlying molecular and epigenetic mechanisms remain unclear. We performed RNA-sequencing of shikonin-treated 3T3-L1 cells. Gene ontology and gene set enrichment analysis showed that shikonin is significantly associated with genes related to adipogenesis, histone modification, and PPARγ. Shikonin treatment downregulated the mRNA expression of PPARγ-responsive genes and rosiglitazone-induced transcriptional activity of PPARγ. Microscale thermophoresis assays showed a KD value 1.4 ± 0.13 μM for binding between shikonin and PPARγ. Glutathione S-transferase pull-down assays exhibited that shikonin blocked the rosiglitazone-dependent association of PPARγ with its coactivator CBP. In addition, shikonin decreased the enrichment of the active histone code H3K4me3 and increased the repressive code H3K27me3 of PPARγ target promoters. Shikonin is a PPARγ antagonist that suppresses adipogenesis by regulating the enrichment of histone codes during adipogenesis. Therefore, it may be used to treat obesity-related disorders via epigenetic changes.

Thioredoxin Reductase 2 Synergizes with Cytochrome c, Somatic to Alleviate Doxorubicin-Induced Oxidative Stress in Cardiomyocytes and Mouse Myocardium.

Doxorubicin (DOX) may cause multiple side effects, which include cardiotoxicity. Hence, to ascertain the impact of thioredoxin reductase 2 (TXNRD2) and cytochrome c, somatic (CYCS) on DOX-induced oxidative stress (OS) in cardiomyocytes and mouse myocardium, this study was implemented. DOX was utilized to treat cardiomyocytes and mice, and TXNRD2 and CYCS expression in cell supernatant and mouse myocardial tissues was detected. TXNRD2 and/or CYCS were overexpressed in DOX-induced cardiomyocytes and mice. In cardiomyocytes, cell viability and the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), malondialdehyde (MDA), and glutathione (GSH) were measured. In mice, pathologic changes of the heart, ejection fraction (EF), fractional shortening (FS), and heart weight (HW) /tibial length (TL) ratio, and the contents of lactic dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), and cardiac troponin I (cTnI) were analyzed. To assess the binding between TXNRD2 and CYCS, coimmunoprecipitation and glutathione S-transferase pull-down assays were performed. TXNRD2 and CYCS were downregulated in DOX-treated cardiomyocytes and mice. Mechanistically, TXNRD2 interacted with CYCS. Overexpression of TXNRD2 or CYCS augmented viability and SOD, CAT, and GSH levels but reduced ROS and MDA contents in DOX-induced cardiomyocytes, which was further facilitated by simultaneous overexpression of TXNRD2 or CYCS. Moreover, TXNRD2 or CYCS upregulation improved the pathologic changes in myocardial tissues, along with increases in EF, FS, and HW/TL ratio of the heart and SOD, CAT, and GSH levels and decreases in LDH, CK-MB, cTnI, ROS, and MDA levels. TXNRD2 coordinated with CYCS to alleviate DOX-induced OS in cardiomyocytes and mouse myocardium.

Extracellular self-DNA induced a PTI-related local defence against Rhizopus rot in postharvest peach fruit

The plant immune response against various pathogens relies on a convoluted recognition system based on perceiving exogenous or endogenous stimuli, such as pathogen- or damage-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs or DAMPs). Extracellular self-DNA (sDNA) is an established DAMP source, but the plant intracellular signaling mechanism after sDNA perception remains largely unclear. Here, we observed that peach fruit was more resistant to the fungus Rhizopus stolonifer after sDNA perception. We identified a complete MAPK cascade (MAPKKK1, MAPKK2 and MAPK1) that functions downstream of the FLS2-BAK1 receptor complex following the perception of sDNA-derived DAMPs by means of transcriptome sequencing. The results of yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) pull-down assays confirmed the protein interaction of FLS2 and BAK1; meanwhile, the interaction of MAPKKK1 and MAPKK2 and its downstream interaction of MAPKK2 and MAPK1 were both exhibited following the another Y2H results. Accordingly, MAPK1 interacted with 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate oxidase (ACO1), which was directly associated with increased ethylene production and upregulation of the transcription profile of ethylene synthesis-related genes (PpSAMDC, PpACS1 and PpACO1), ethylene receptors (ETRs and ERS1), ethylene-responsive transcription factors (ERFs) and three ethylene-inducible marker genes, PLANT DEFENSIN1.2 (PDF1.2), CHITINASE (CHI) and HOOKLESS1 (HLS1). Accordingly, the overexpression of MAPK1 enhanced the disease resistance of transgenic tomato against the fungus R. stolonifer and increased ethylene biosynthesis and ethylene signaling-related gene transcription. Taken together, our data provide insight into the putative mechanism underlying the recognition of sDNA components by the FLS2-BAK1 complex and its downstream events in the transduction of ethylene signaling by the MAPK cascade to mediate local resistance in postharvest peach fruit.

Zinc finger protein 330 regulates Ramie mosaic virus infection in the whitefly Bemisia tabaci MED.

The whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) is one of the most economically important pests that cause serious damage to agricultural production by transmitting plant pathogenic viruses. Approximately 90% of the virus species transmitted by the whitefly are members of the genus begomovirus. Ramie mosaic virus (RaMoV) is a new bipartite begomovirus that causes severe damage to ramie and several other economic crops in China. In previous studies, we have demonstrated that RaMoV had no obvious direct or indirect effects on B. tabaci. However, whether B. tabaci affects RaMoV infection and the molecular mechanisms of their interaction remain unclear. Here, we identified a zinc finger protein 330 (ZNF330) in B. tabaci MED interacted with the coat protein (CP) of RaMoV by the yeast two-hybrid assay. Then the interaction between ZNF330 and RaMoV CP was further verified by glutathione S-transferase (GST) pull-down assay. The expression of ZNF330 gene was continuously induced after RaMoV infection. ZNF330 negatively regulated RaMoV replication in the B. tabaci MED. Furthermore, the longevity and fecundity of RaMoV-infected female adults were significantly decreased after silencing of ZNF330. Our results indicated that the ZNF330 protein was involved in the negative regulation of RaMoV replication in the B. tabaci MED. High viral accumulation caused by ZNF330 silencing is detrimental to fecundity and longevity of the B. tabaci MED. These findings provided a new insight into identifying the binding partners in whitefly with viral CP and fully understanding the complex interactions between begomoviruses and their whitefly vector. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Regulation of Epstein-Barr Virus Minor Capsid Protein BORF1 by TRIM5α

TRIM5α is a host anti-retroviral restriction factor that destroys human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) virions and triggers innate immune signaling. TRIM5α also mediates the autophagic degradation of target proteins via TRIMosome formation. We previously showed that TRIM5α promotes Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) Rta ubiquitination and attenuates EBV lytic progression. In this study, we sought to elucidate whether TRIM5α can interact with and induce the degradation of EBV capsid proteins. Glutathione S-transferase (GST) pulldown and immunoprecipitation assays were conducted to identify interacting proteins, and mutants were generated to investigate key binding domains and ubiquitination sites. Results showed that TRIM5α binds directly with BORF1, an EBV capsid protein with a nuclear localization signal (NLS) that enables the transport of EBV capsid proteins into the host nucleus to facilitate capsid assembly. TRIM5α promotes BORF1 ubiquitination, which requires the surface patch region in the TRIM5α PRY/SPRY domain. TRIM5α expression also decreases the stability of BORF1(6KR), a mutant with all lysine residues mutated to arginine. However, chloroquine treatment restores the stability of BORF1(6KR), suggesting that TRIM5α destabilizes BORF1 via direct recognition of its substrate for autophagic degradation. These results reveal novel insights into the antiviral impact of TRIM5α beyond retroviruses.

Akirin2 plays an important role in protecting Megalobrama amblycephala from Aeromonas hydrophila infection

Akirins are highly conserved, small, nuclear proteins that have been recognized as key regulators of multiple gene expression patterns and play important roles in immune responses. Previous studies on Akirins have mainly focused on the model species Drosophila and mice, while there have been few studies on fish. In the present study, two Akirin genes, Akirin1 and Akirin2, were identified from Megalobrama amblycephala. The open reading frames (ORFs) of M. amblycephala Akirin1 and Akirin2 were 570 bp and 558 bp in length, encoding 189 and 185 amino acids, respectively. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis indicated that both Akirin1 and Akirin2 mRNA were ubiquitously expressed in all 10 examined tissues with different expression patterns. After Aeromonas hydrophila infection, the mRNA levels of Akirin1, Akirin2, nuclear factor κB subunit p50 (NF-κB p50) and nuclear factor κB subunit p65 (NF-κB p65) were significantly induced in the liver and spleen. Knockdown and overexpression of Akirins in L8824 cells showed that Akirin2 positively regulated the expression of NF-κB p50, NF-κB p65, liver-expressed antimicrobial peptide 1 (LEAP-1) and liver-expressed antimicrobial peptide 1 (LEAP-2), while Akirin1 had no significant effect on the expression of these genes above. In addition, the recombinant M. amblycephala Akirin1 (rAkirin1) and Akirin2 (rAkirin2) proteins were successfully obtained and intraperitoneal injection of them could help protect M. amblycephala from A. hydrophila infection, with rAkirin2 having a better protective effect than rAkirin1. Furthermore, in vitro glutathione S-Transferase (GST) pull-down assays showed that M. amblycephala Akirin2 could bind to the IPT domain of NF-κB p50 and luciferase assays showed that NF-κB p65 could promote the activities of LEAP-1 and LEAP-2 promoters, which suggested that Akirin2, rather than Akirin1, could interact with the IPT domain of NF-κB p50 and induce the transcription of downstream antimicrobial peptides LEAP-1 and LEAP-2 though NF-κB p65 to enhance the immunity of M. amblycephala to A. hydrophila infection. All the above results indicated that M. amblycephala Akirin2 plays an essential role in the defense against A. hydrophila via the NF–κB signaling pathway, providing a theoretical basis for in-depth study of the innate immune mechanism of fish and promotion of healthy aquaculture.

RPS4XL encoded by lnc-Rps4l inhibits hypoxia-induced pyroptosis by binding HSC70 glycosylation site

Pyroptosis is involved in pulmonary hypertension (PH); however, whether this process is regulated by long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) is unclear. Some lncRNAs encode peptides; therefore, whether the regulation of pyroptosis in PH depends on lncRNAs themselves or their encoded peptides needs to be explored. We aimed to characterize the role of the peptide RPS4XL encoded by lnc-Rps4l and its regulatory mechanisms during pyroptosis in PH. Transgenic mice overexpression of lnc-Rps4l was established to rescue the inhibition of hypoxia-induced pyroptosis in pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs). An adeno-associated virus 9 construct with a mutation in the open reading frame of lnc-Rps4l was used to verify that it could inhibit hypoxia-induced PASMCs pyroptosis through its encoded peptide RPS4XL. Glutathione S-transferase (GST) pull-down assays revealed that RPS4XL bound to HSC70, and microscale thermophoresis (MST) was performed to determine the HSC70 domain that interacted with RPS4XL. Through glycosylation site mutation, we confirmed that RPS4XL inhibited hypoxia-induced PASMCs pyroptosis by regulating HSC70 glycosylation. Our results showed that RPS4XL inhibits pyroptosis in a PH mouse model and hypoxic PASMCs by regulating HSC70 glycosylation. These results further clarify the important mechanism of vascular remodeling in PH pathology.

NM23 Is a CP-Binding Protein Involved in Infectious Hypodermal and Hematopoietic Necrosis Virus Infection in Shrimp.

Simple SummaryIn this study, we aimed to identify the putative host cell receptor for Infectious Hypodermal and Hematopoietic Necrosis Virus (IHHNV) CP(Capsid Protein) in the gill membrane of LitoPenaeus vannamei. We established that NM23 is a host cell binding partner for IHHNV CP. Our study is probably the first to address the host cell IHHNV receptor and could provide novel insights into the pathogenesis of IHHNV. We feel that this paper is of interest to the readers of Animals.The aim of this study was to identify the putative host cell receptor for Infectious Hypodermal and Hematopoietic Necrosis Virus (IHHNV) CP in the gill membrane of L. vannamei. Putative CP binding partners were screened first using a 2-dimensional Virus Overlay Protein Blot Assay (VOPBA) to probe isolated gill membrane proteins using recombinant CP. Putative binding partners were identified using mass spectrometry. A Phage Display Random Dodecapeptide Library was used to screen for dodecapeptides and motifs that bound to CP. Finally, putative binding pairs were confirmed using GST(glutathione-S-transferase) pulldown assays. 2-Dimensional VOPBA identified NM23 as a putative binding partner for IHHNV CP. GST pulldown experiments confirmed the direct interaction of NM23 and IHHNV CP. The phage display library was used to identify six groups of dodecapeptides that bound to CP. From these peptides, three characteristic binding motifs were identified, SW*Y, SKWV, and PQR. Interestingly, the SW*Y motif was also found in NM23. We are the first to implicate NM23 in IHHNV infection and postulate that it may bind to the CP using the SW*Y motif, although this remains to be confirmed.