The innate immune sensor NLRP3 inflammasome overactivation is involved in the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis. PGAM5 is a mitochondrial phosphatase involved in NLRP3 inflammasome activation in macrophages. However, the role of PGAM5 in ulcerative colitis and the mechanisms underlying PGAM5 regulating NLRP3 activity remain unknown. Here, we show that PGAM5 deficiency ameliorates dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis in mice via suppressing NLRP3 inflammasome activation. By combining APEX2-based proximity labeling focused on PGAM5 with quantitative proteomics, we identify NEK7 as the new binding partner of PGAM5 to promote NLRP3 inflammasome assembly and activation in a PGAM5 phosphatase activity-independent manner upon inflammasome induction. Interfering with PGAM5-NEK7 interaction by punicalagin inhibits the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome in macrophages and ameliorates DSS-induced colitis in mice. Altogether, our data demonstrate the PGAM5-NEK7 interaction in macrophages for NLRP3 inflammasome activation and further provide a promising therapeutic strategy for ulcerative colitis by blocking the PGAM5-NEK7 interaction.

Studies have suggested that the nucleus accumbens (NAc) is implicated in the pathophysiology of major depression; however, the regulatory strategy that targets the NAc to achieve an exclusive and outstanding anti-depression benefit has not been elucidated. Here, we identified a specific reduction of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) in the subset of dopamine D1 receptor medium spiny neurons (D1-MSNs) in the NAc that promoted stress susceptibility, while the stimulation of cAMP production in NAc D1-MSNs efficiently rescued depression-like behaviors. Ketamine treatment enhanced cAMP both in D1-MSNs and dopamine D2 receptor medium spiny neurons (D2-MSNs) of depressed mice, however, the rapid antidepressant effect of ketamine solely depended on elevating cAMP in NAc D1-MSNs. We discovered that a higher dose of crocin markedly increased cAMP in the NAc and consistently relieved depression 24 h after oral administration, but not a lower dose. The fast onset property of crocin was verified through multicenter studies. Moreover, crocin specifically targeted at D1-MSN cAMP signaling in the NAc to relieve depression and had no effect on D2-MSN. These findings characterize a new strategy to achieve an exclusive and outstanding anti-depression benefit by elevating cAMP in D1-MSNs in the NAc, and provide a potential rapid antidepressant drug candidate, crocin.

Objective To construct recombinant full length genotype B and C hepatitis B virus (HBV)and to examine HBV DNA replication and hepatitis B surface antigen(HBsAg),hepatitis B e antigen(HBeAg)expressions in Huh7 cells. Methods The full length genotype B and C HBV DNA were extracted and amplified from two HBV infected patients. The recombinant plasmids were constructed by inserting the amplified HBV fragments into the eukaryotic expression vector,pHY106,which were then transfected into Huh7 cells. The cells transfected with blank pHY106 vector were used as control. HBV DNA replication at 72 hours of transfection was detected by Southern blot. The HBV DNA levels in Huh7 cells at 24,48,72,96 and 120 hours of transfection were determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction(PCR).Meanwhile, the HBsAg and HBeAg expression levels in the supernatants at 24,48,72,96 and 120 hours were determined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).Results The recombinant plasmids expressing genotype B or C HBV DNA were successfully constructed.The HBV replicative intermediates in HBV core particles,including rcDNA dsDNA and ssDNA,were detected by Southern blot.HBV DNA level could reach 8 lg copy/mL which was by real-time PCR. HBsAg and HBeAg levels determined by ELISA peaked at 72 hours after transfection and then declined gradually. Conclusions The recombinant plasmids inserted with genotype B or C HBV DNA are constructed successfully, which can express high levels of HBsAg and HBeAg in Huh7 cells. This system provides a platform for studying the pathogenesis of B and C genotype HBV, the interaction between HBV and host, as well as exploiting new drugs against HBV.

group pACT-apoA Ⅰ and pBIND-core was higher than that in the negative control.Conclusion HCV core protein and apoA Ⅰ can interact in vivo.This study provides new theory for the mechanism of chronicity hepatitis C in fatty liver.

Objective To screen proteins from human pancreas cDNA library,which interact with hepatitis C virus(HCV)E1 protein.Methods The human pancreas cDNA library was amplified,purified and evaluated,and then the purified library plasmids were transformed into yeast strain Y187.The reconstructed plasmid pGBKT7-E1 was transformed into yeast strain AH109 and screened on the nutrient deficiency medium SD/-Trp.The transformed AH109 mated with Y187 that contained the library plasmids.The diploid yeast cells were plated on nutrient deficiency medium SD/-Trp/-Leu/-His/-Ade and SD/-Trp/-Leu/-His/-Ade containing X-α-gal for selecting.The plasmids in diploid yeast cells were extracted and electrotransformed into E.coli DH5α.The plasmids in DH5α were extracted,sequenced and blasted.Result Sixteen proteins interacting with HCV E1 were found.Conclusion Some of the sixteen pancreatic proteins may be related with metabolisms of glucose and lipid.