1.Identification and expression analysis of the YABBY gene family in strawberry.
Tingting YU ; Shurong SHEN ; Yiling XU ; Xinyu WANG ; Yao YU ; Bojun MA ; Xifeng CHEN
Chinese Journal of Biotechnology 2024;40(1):104-121
YABBY proteins are important transcription factors that regulate morphogenesis and organ development in plants. In order to study the YABBY of strawberry, bioinformatic technique were used to identify the YABBY gene families in Fragaria vesca (diploid) and Fragaria×ananassa (octoploid), and then analyze the sequence characters, phylogeny and collinearity of the family members. The RNA-seq data and the quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) technique were used to assay the expression patterns of the family members. A green fluorescent protein (GFP) was fused with FvYABBYs and transiently expressed in tobacco leaf cells for the subcellular localization. As the results, six FvYABBY genes and 26 FxaYABBY genes were identified from F. vesca and F.×ananassa, respectively. The FvYABBY genes were grouped into five clades, and five family members were orthologous with AtYABBY genes of Arabidopsis. In F. vesca, all of the FvYABBYs were basically not expressed not expressed in root and receptacle, while FvYABBY1, FvYABBY2, FvYABBY5 and FvYABBY6 were highly expressed in leaf, shoot, flower and achene. In F.×ananassa, FxaYABBY1, FxaYABBY2, FxaYABBY5 and FxaYABBY6 were expressed in achene, and all FxaYABBY were poorly or not expressed in receptacle. Additionally, under the abiotic stresses of low temperature, high salt and drought, the expression of FvYABBY1, FvYABBY3, FvYABBY4 and FvYABBY6 were down-regulated, FvYABBY5 was up-regulated, and FvYABBY2 was up-regulated and then down-regulated. In tobacco leaf cells, the subcellular localization of FvYABBY proteins were in the nucleus. These results provides a foundation for the functional researches of YABBY gene in strawberry.
Fragaria/genetics*
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Arabidopsis
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Biological Assay
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Cold Temperature
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Computational Biology
2.E2 signaling in myofibers promots macrophage efferocytosis in mouse skeletal muscles with cardiotoxin-induced acute injury
Qihui CAI ; Haiqiang LAN ; Bojun XIAN ; Lian LIU ; Nan WANG ; Xiaolei HUANG ; Xiaolu NIU ; Xinyu HU ; Chen LI ; Junyi XIE ; Zhaohong LIAO
Journal of Southern Medical University 2024;44(11):2192-2200
Objective To investigate the effect of E2 signaling in myofibers on muscular macrophage efferocytosis in mice with cardiotoxin-induced acute skeletal muscle injury.Methods Female wild-type C57BL/6 mice with and without ovariectomy and male C57BL/6 mice were given a CTX injection into the anterior tibial muscle to induce acute muscle injury,followed by intramuscular injection of β-estradiol(E2)or 4-hydroxytamoxifen(4-OHT).The changes in serum E2 of the mice were detected using ELISA,and the number,phenotypes,and efferocytosis of the macrophages in the inflammatory exudates and myofiber regeneration and repair were evaluated using immunofluorescence staining and flow cytometry.C2C12 cells were induced to differentiate into mature myotubes,which were treated with IFN-γ for 24 before treatment with β-Estradiol or 4-OHT.The treated myotubes were co-cultured with mouse peritoneal macrophages in a 1:2 ratio,followed by addition of PKH67-labeled apoptotic mouse mononuclear spleen cells induced by UV irradiation,and macrophage efferocytosis was observed using immunofluorescence staining and flow cytometry.Results Compared with the control mice,the female mice with ovariectomy showed significantly increased mononuclear macrophages in the inflammatory exudates,with increased M1 cell percentage,reduced M2 cell percentage and macrophage efferocytosis in the injured muscle,and obviously delayed myofiber regeneration and repair.In the cell co-culture systems,treatment of the myotubes with β-estradiol significantly increased the number and proportion of M2 macrophages and macrophage efferocytosis,while 4-OHT treatment resulted in the opposite changes.Conclusion In injured mouse skeletal muscles,myofiber E2 signaling promotes M1 to M2 transition to increase macrophage efferocytosis,thereby relieving inflammation and promoting muscle regeneration and repair.
3.Shikonin Inhibits APC-mutant Colon Cancer via Wnt/β-catenin Signaling
Lizhe CHEN ; Bojun WANG ; Qing GONG ; Xue ZHANG ; Xisong KE
Cancer Research on Prevention and Treatment 2024;51(6):402-408
Objective To identify small molecule inhibitors of APC-mutant colon cancer and provide lead compounds for targeted therapy of colon cancer.Methods APC-mutant colon cancer cell lines that stably express 7*Tcf-GFP/SV40-Cherry(7TGC)dual fluorescence reporter system was constructed for small-molecule inhibitor screening.Cell viability,colony formation,EdU incorporation,and xenograft tumor assay were used to evaluate the inhibitory effect of these inhibitors on APC-mutant colon cancer in vitro and in vivo.Western blot and co-immunoprecipitation assays were used to explore the molecular mechanism.Results Four small molecules that inhibited Wnt activity in APC-mutant colon cancer cells were discovered.Shikonin exhibited significant inhibition of cell viability and proliferation while inducing apoptosis of APC-mutant colon cancer cells.Xenograft tumor assay demonstrated that shikonin significantly reduced tumor growth in vivo.Furthermore,Western blot and co-immunoprecipitation assays revealed that shikonin markedly decreased β-catenin levels.Conclusion Shikonin effectively inhibits Wnt activity and suppresses tumor growth in APC-mutant colon cancer.
4.E2 signaling in myofibers promots macrophage efferocytosis in mouse skeletal muscles with cardiotoxin-induced acute injury
Qihui CAI ; Haiqiang LAN ; Bojun XIAN ; Lian LIU ; Nan WANG ; Xiaolei HUANG ; Xiaolu NIU ; Xinyu HU ; Chen LI ; Junyi XIE ; Zhaohong LIAO
Journal of Southern Medical University 2024;44(11):2192-2200
Objective To investigate the effect of E2 signaling in myofibers on muscular macrophage efferocytosis in mice with cardiotoxin-induced acute skeletal muscle injury.Methods Female wild-type C57BL/6 mice with and without ovariectomy and male C57BL/6 mice were given a CTX injection into the anterior tibial muscle to induce acute muscle injury,followed by intramuscular injection of β-estradiol(E2)or 4-hydroxytamoxifen(4-OHT).The changes in serum E2 of the mice were detected using ELISA,and the number,phenotypes,and efferocytosis of the macrophages in the inflammatory exudates and myofiber regeneration and repair were evaluated using immunofluorescence staining and flow cytometry.C2C12 cells were induced to differentiate into mature myotubes,which were treated with IFN-γ for 24 before treatment with β-Estradiol or 4-OHT.The treated myotubes were co-cultured with mouse peritoneal macrophages in a 1:2 ratio,followed by addition of PKH67-labeled apoptotic mouse mononuclear spleen cells induced by UV irradiation,and macrophage efferocytosis was observed using immunofluorescence staining and flow cytometry.Results Compared with the control mice,the female mice with ovariectomy showed significantly increased mononuclear macrophages in the inflammatory exudates,with increased M1 cell percentage,reduced M2 cell percentage and macrophage efferocytosis in the injured muscle,and obviously delayed myofiber regeneration and repair.In the cell co-culture systems,treatment of the myotubes with β-estradiol significantly increased the number and proportion of M2 macrophages and macrophage efferocytosis,while 4-OHT treatment resulted in the opposite changes.Conclusion In injured mouse skeletal muscles,myofiber E2 signaling promotes M1 to M2 transition to increase macrophage efferocytosis,thereby relieving inflammation and promoting muscle regeneration and repair.
5.Therapeutic Effect of Cang-ai Volatile Oil on High Altitude Rats with Cardiac Impairment Based on 7.0T Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance
Boshen LIANG ; Bojun CHEN ; Hongke YIN ; Lei WANG ; Haotian CHEN ; Xin FANG ; Haichen LI ; Jinghang SUO ; Lei XIONG ; Yonghai ZHANG ; Fabao GAO
Chinese Journal of Medical Imaging 2024;32(9):865-872
Purpose To explore the cardioprotective effect of cang-ai volatile oil(CAVO)on rats with cardiac function impairment model under low-pressure and low-oxygen environment in Tibet Plateau based on 7.0T cardiovascular magnetic resonance(CMR)imaging.Materials and Methods Forty SD rats were randomly divided into the normal group,the high altitude model group,the CAVO-treated group and the rhodiola rosea-treated group,with 10 rats in each group.Except for the normal group,the rats in other groups were transferred from the plain(500 m above sea level)to the Tibet Plateau(4 250 m above sea level)for two months,and then administered with the corresponding drugs by gavage for 14 d.The left ventricle function was measured by using a 7.0T high-field strength CMR and myocardial strain was analysed by using tissue tracing technique.HE staining was used to observe the morphology of cardiomyocytes,Masson staining to observe interstitial fibrosis,wheat germ agglutinin staining to observe cardiomyocyte hypertrophy,and transmission electron microscopy to observe the morphological changes of mitochondria in each group.Serum levels of creatine kinase,creatine kinase isoenzyme,lactate dehydrogenase,cardiac troponin T,superoxide dismutase,malondialdehyde and glutathione peroxidase were detected.Intracellular reactive oxygen species levels were detected using flow cytometry.Results The left ventricular ejection fraction of rats in the CAVO-treated group was higher than that of the high altitude model group[(66.61±1.38)%vs.(60.94±3.21)%;t=3.969,P=0.032];meanwhile,the global circumferential strain of the left ventricle in the CAVO-treated group was higher than that of the high altitude model group(-25.68±1.30 vs.-22.84±1.17;t=3.967,P=0.003).HE,Masson and wheat germ agglutinin staining showed hypertrophy and necrosis as well as interstitial fibrosis and ultrastructural disruption of cardiomyocytes in the high altitude model group,which improved after CAVO treatment.The level of cardiac troponin T in the serum of rats with CAVO treatment group was significantly decreased compared with that of the high altitude model group[(314.03±20.05)pg/ml vs.(518.30±18.13)pg/ml;1=13.090,P=0.001].Conclusion CAVO treatment can reduce cardiac injury caused by low-pressure hypoxia in high altitude,and its effect can be detected dynamically and non-invasively by 7.0T high-field strength CMR.
6.Genome-wide identification of SUN gene family in Fragaria vesca and stresses-response analysis.
Yao YU ; Ziyao WANG ; Yiling XU ; Bojun MA ; Xifeng CHEN
Chinese Journal of Biotechnology 2023;39(2):724-740
SUN gene is a group of key genes regulating plant growth and development. Here, SUN gene families of strawberry were identified from the genome of the diploid Fragaria vesca, and their physicochemical properties, genes structure, evolution and genes expression were also analyzed. Our results showed that there were thirty-one FvSUN genes in F. vesca and the FvSUNs encoded proteins were classified into seven groups, and the members in the same group showed high similarity in gene structures and conservative motifs. The electronic subcellular localization of FvSUNs was mainly in the nucleus. Collinearity analysis showed that the members of FvSUN gene family were mainly expanded by segmental duplication in F. vesca, and Arabidopsis and F. vesca shared twenty-three pairs of orthologous SUN genes. According to the expression pattern in different tissues shown by the transcriptome data of F. vesca, the FvSUNs gene can be divided into three types: (1) expressed in nearly all tissues, (2) hardly expressed in any tissues, and (3) expressed in special tissues. The gene expression pattern of FvSUNs was further verified by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Additionally, the seedlings of F. vesca were treated by different abiotic stresses, and the expression level of 31 FvSUNs genes were assayed by qRT-PCR. The expression of most of the tested genes was induced by cold, high salt or drought stress. Our studies may facilitate revealing the biological function and molecular mechanism of SUN genes in strawberry.
Fragaria/metabolism*
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Genes, Plant
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Stress, Physiological/genetics*
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Arabidopsis/genetics*
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Plant Development
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Gene Expression Regulation, Plant
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Plant Proteins/metabolism*
7.Cardiovascular Protective Effect of Shenmai Injection: A Review
Xiaoyan HUANG ; Xue FU ; Yi DENG ; Sisi LEI ; Kun BAO ; Bojun CHEN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2023;29(17):237-247
With the improvement of people's living standards and the increasing aging population, the incidence of cardiovascular diseases has sharply risen, making it the leading cause of death and a major "killer" for humans. The prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases still face severe challenges. Shenmai injection (SMI), a Chinese medicinal preparation, is widely used in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases because of its individualized advantages in syndrome differentiation and definite efficacy. Meanwhile, its pharmacological effects and related mechanism are becoming increasingly clear. Modern research shows that SMI can exert cardioprotective effects by reducing myocardial inflammatory response, alleviating oxidative stress, inhibiting myocardial cell apoptosis, improving microcirculatory dysfunction after myocardial ischemia-reperfusion, protecting mitochondrial structure and function, inhibiting ventricular remodeling, reducing drug-induced cardiotoxicity, and possessing antiviral properties. Additionally, it can produce cardiovascular protection by relaxing blood vessels, protecting endothelial cells, and promoting angiogenesis. Furthermore, SMI can lower blood viscosity and lipid levels, thus improving blood rheology. In the future, more clinical trials and basic research are needed to clarify its therapeutic efficacy and target mechanism to further confirm the effectiveness and safety of its clinical application.
8.Biological function and molecular mechanism of the transcription factor GLKs in plants: a review.
Shurong SHEN ; Junjie YUAN ; Yiling XU ; Bojun MA ; Xifeng CHEN
Chinese Journal of Biotechnology 2022;38(8):2700-2712
GLKs (GOLDEN 2-LIKEs) are a group of plant-specific transcription factors regulating the chloroplast biogenesis, differentiation and function maintains by triggering the expression of the photosynthesis-associated nuclear genes (PhANGs). The GLKs also play important roles in nutrient's accumulation in fruits, leaf senescence, immunity and abiotic stress response. The expression of GLK genes were affected by multiple hormones or environmental factors. Therefore, GLKs were considered as the key nodes of regulatory network in plant cells, and potential candidates to improve the photosynthetic capacity of crops. Since numerous researches of GLKs have been reported in plants, the biological function, molecular mechanism of GLKs genes and its applications in breeding were summarized and a GLK-mediated signaling network model was developed. This review may facilitate future research and application of GLKs.
Chloroplasts/genetics*
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Gene Expression Regulation, Plant
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Photosynthesis/genetics*
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Plant Breeding
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Transcription Factors/metabolism*
9.A convolutional neural network based model for assisting pathological diagnoses on thyroid liquid-based cytology
Meihua YE ; Wanyuan CHEN ; Bojun CAI ; Chaohui JIN ; Xianglei HE
Chinese Journal of Pathology 2021;50(4):358-362
Objective:To develop a convolutional neural network based model for assisting pathological diagnoses on thyroid liquid-based cytology specimens.Methods:Seven-hundred thyroid TCT slides were collected, scanned for whole slide imaging (WSI), and divided into training and test sets after labeling the correct diagnosis (benign versus malignant). The extracted regions of interest after noise filtering were cropped into pieces of 512 × 512 patch on 10 × and 40 × magnifications, respectively. A classification model was constructed using deeply learning algorithms, and applied to the training set, then automatically tuned in the test set. After data enhancement and parameters optimization, accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of the model were calculated. Results The training set with 560 WSI contained 4 926 cell clusters (11 164 patches), while the test set with 140 WSI contained 977 cell clusters (1 402 patches). YOLO network was selected to establish a detection model, and ResNet50 was used as a classification model. With 40 epochs training, results from 10× magnifications showed an accuracy of 90.01%, sensitivity of 89.31%, specificity of 92.51%, positive predictive value of 97.70% and negative predictive value of 70.82%. The area under curve was 0.97. The average diagnostic time was less than 1 second. Although the model for data of 40× magnifications was very sensitive (98.72%), but its specificity was poor, suggesting that the model was more reliable at 10× magnification. Conclusions:The performance of a deep-learning based model is equivalent to pathologists′ diagnostic performance, but its efficiency is far beyond. The model can greatly improve consistency and efficiency, and reduce the missed diagnosis rate. In the future, larger studies should have more morphology diversity, improve model′s accuracy and eventually develop a model for direct clinical use.
10.Use of autologous fat grafting in prevention and treatment of expansion complications
Chen CHENG ; Peijuan ZHAO ; Yun XIE ; Rulin HUANG ; Zhuxin CHEN ; Shuangbai ZHOU ; Bojun CHEN ; Bin FANG ; Kai LIU ; Qingfeng LI
Chinese Journal of Medical Aesthetics and Cosmetology 2020;26(3):209-212
Objective:To explore the effectiveness of autologous fat grafting in the treatment of undesirable skin expansion.Methods:Patients' data were reviewed from 2011 to 2016, including the expanded regions with early signs of skin complications in face and neck. The effects of fat grafting group and control group were evaluated by follow-up records of expansion volume, skin thickness, skin texture and local capillary reaction.Results:Fat grafting could increase the thickness of expanded skin. It also improved the texture of expanded skin, with 0.83± 0.71 points before treatment and 1.30±0.66 points after treatment ( P=0.04). The local capillary reaction was also improved from 1.06±0.54 points before treatment and 1.45±0.51 points after treatment ( P=0.03). The expansion in the fat grafting group was 2.21±0.57 times before treatment and 2.94±0.83 times after treatment. In the control group, the expansion was 2.19 times when it showed early signs, and no obvious changes were observed during the follow-up period. Conclusions:Autologous fat grafting can effectively treat complications of skin expansion, prolong expansion process and promote tissue regeneration.

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