1.Effects of Blue Light on Emmetropization in Guinea Pigs Based on Proteomic Analysis
Junxin XIAO ; Zhuoya QUAN ; Hu XIAO ; Thomas Cheun LAM ; Minyi ZHU ; Danyang WANG
Journal of Sun Yat-sen University(Medical Sciences) 2025;46(2):284-292
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of blue light on emmetropization in guinea pigs, explore the potential mechanisms and assess its application in myopia prevention and control. MethodsThree-week-old male guinea pigs (n=20) were randomly assigned to the white light group and the blue light group. Refraction and ocular biological parameters were measured every 2 weeks until the experiment ended at week 8. And the 4D-data-independent acquisition (4D-DIA) proteomics technology was used to analyze retina from both the blue light and white light groups, exploring protein composition, expression differences, and biological functions. ResultsAfter 2 weeks, Guinea pigs exposed to white light gradually tended towards emmetropia, showing a statistically significant difference in refractive error compared to the blue light group (P<0.001). From week 4, the axial length of the blue light group was significantly shorter than that of the white light group (P<0.05). Meanwhile, the vitreous chamber length in the blue light group was significantly smaller than that of the white light group from week 2 (P<0.05). A total of 161 differentially expressed proteins were identified by proteomics technology in the retina, with 98 proteins upregulated and 63 proteins downregulated. These proteins were primarily enriched in biosynthetic pathways such as vesicle transport, redox reaction, niacin and nicotinamide metabolism and NAD+ metabolism. ConclusionsGuinea pigs raised under blue light exhibit hyperopic drift and slowed axial elongation, which slows the procession of emmetropization. Based on the 4D-DIA technology, the differentially expressed proteins between the blue light and white light groups are primarily involved in NAD+ metabolism, niacin and nicotinamide metabolism. Especially in NAD+ salvage synthesis, nicotinamide phosphoribosyl transferase (NAMPT) is upregulated, while sirtuin 2 (SIRT2) is downregulated. It provides new insights into the mechanism of blue light in emmetropization and a theoretical basis for myopia prevention and control.
2.National bloodstream infection bacterial resistance surveillance report (2022) : Gram-negative bacteria
Zhiying LIU ; Yunbo CHEN ; Jinru JI ; Chaoqun YING ; Qing YANG ; Haishen KONG ; Haifeng MAO ; Hui DING ; Pengpeng TIAN ; Jiangqin SONG ; Yongyun LIU ; Jiliang WANG ; Yan JIN ; Yuanyuan DAI ; Yizheng ZHOU ; Yan GENG ; Fenghong CHEN ; Lu WANG ; Yanyan LI ; Dan LIU ; Peng ZHANG ; Junmin CAO ; Xiaoyan LI ; Dijing SONG ; Xinhua QIANG ; Yanhong LI ; Qiuying ZHANG ; Guolin LIAO ; Ying HUANG ; Baohua ZHANG ; Liang GUO ; Aiyun LI ; Haiquan KANG ; Donghong HUANG ; Sijin MAN ; Zhuo LI ; Youdong YIN ; Kunpeng LIANG ; Haixin DONG ; Donghua LIU ; Hongyun XU ; Yinqiao DONG ; Rong XU ; Lin ZHENG ; Shuyan HU ; Jian LI ; Qiang LIU ; Liang LUAN ; Jilu SHEN ; Lixia ZHANG ; Bo QUAN ; Xiaoping YAN ; Xiaoyan QI ; Dengyan QIAO ; Weiping LIU ; Xiusan XIA ; Ling MENG ; Jinhua LIANG ; Ping SHEN ; Yonghong XIAO
Chinese Journal of Clinical Infectious Diseases 2024;17(1):42-57
Objective:To report the results of national surveillance on the distribution and antimicrobial resistance profile of clinical Gram-negative bacteria isolates from bloodstream infections in China in 2022.Methods:The clinical isolates of Gram-negative bacteria from blood cultures in member hospitals of national bloodstream infection Bacterial Resistant Investigation Collaborative System(BRICS)were collected during January 2022 to December 2022. Antibiotic susceptibility tests were conducted by agar dilution or broth dilution methods recommended by Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute(CLSI). WHONET 5.6 and SPSS 25.0 software were used to analyze the data.Results:During the study period,9 035 strains of Gram-negative bacteria were collected from 51 hospitals,of which 7 895(87.4%)were Enterobacteriaceae and 1 140(12.6%)were non-fermenting bacteria. The top 5 bacterial species were Escherichia coli( n=4 510,49.9%), Klebsiella pneumoniae( n=2 340,25.9%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa( n=534,5.9%), Acinetobacter baumannii complex( n=405,4.5%)and Enterobacter cloacae( n=327,3.6%). The ESBLs-producing rates in Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Proteus spp. were 47.1%(2 095/4 452),21.0%(427/2 033)and 41.1%(58/141),respectively. The prevalence of carbapenem-resistant Escherichia coli(CREC)and carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae(CRKP)were 1.3%(58/4 510)and 13.1%(307/2 340);62.1%(36/58)and 9.8%(30/307)of CREC and CRKP were resistant to ceftazidime/avibactam combination,respectively. The prevalence of carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii(CRAB)complex was 59.5%(241/405),while less than 5% of Acinetobacter baumannii complex was resistant to tigecycline and polymyxin B. The prevalence of carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa(CRPA)was 18.4%(98/534). There were differences in the composition ratio of Gram-negative bacteria in bloodstream infections and the prevalence of main Gram-negative bacteria resistance among different regions,with statistically significant differences in the prevalence of CRKP and CRPA( χ2=20.489 and 20.252, P<0.001). The prevalence of CREC,CRKP,CRPA,CRAB,ESBLs-producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae were higher in provinicial hospitals than those in municipal hospitals( χ2=11.953,81.183,10.404,5.915,12.415 and 6.459, P<0.01 or <0.05),while the prevalence of CRPA was higher in economically developed regions(per capita GDP ≥ 92 059 Yuan)than that in economically less-developed regions(per capita GDP <92 059 Yuan)( χ2=6.240, P=0.012). Conclusions:The proportion of Gram-negative bacteria in bloodstream infections shows an increasing trend,and Escherichia coli is ranked in the top,while the trend of CRKP decreases continuously with time. Decreasing trends are noted in ESBLs-producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Low prevalence of carbapenem resistance in Escherichia coli and high prevalence in CRAB complex have been observed. The composition ratio and antibacterial spectrum of bloodstream infections in different regions of China are slightly different,and the proportion of main drug resistant bacteria in provincial hospitals is higher than those in municipal hospitals.
3.Clinical study of Tongren Niuhuang Qingxin Pills combined with Telmisartan in the treatment of hypertensive vertigo syndrome of phlegm-heat disturbance
Chunmei YUE ; Yanling XIAO ; Xiaohua LONG ; Fanfei KONG ; Xiaotong XU ; Yanjiao FENG ; Jingjing ZHAO ; Quan LIU ; Chunjiao DONG ; Ming TANG ; Yang YANG
International Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;46(5):588-593
Objective:To observe the clinical efficacy and safety of Tongren Niuhuang Qingxin Pills combined with telmisartan tablets in the treatment of hypertensive vertigo syndrome of phlegm-heat disturbance.Methods:Randomized controlled trial was conducted. Totally 80 patients with hypertension vertigo and phlegm-heat disturbance syndrome were selected from March 2021 to August 2022 at Beijing Tongrentang Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine as the observation objects. They were randomly divided into two groups using a random number table method, with 40 cases in each group. The control group received oral telmisartan tablets, while the experimental group received Tongren Niuhuang Qingxin Pills in addition to the control group. Both groups were treated for 28 days and followed up for 1 month. The patients' room blood pressure before and after treatment was measured, and TCM syndrome scores were evaluated. The dizziness assessment rating scale (DARS) was used to evaluate the severity of dizziness, adverse reactions during treatment were recorded, drug safety was observed, and clinical efficacy was evaluated.Results:The total effective rate of the experimental group was 85.0% (34/40), and that of the control group was 7.5% (3/40), with statistical significance between the two groups ( χ2=48.32, P<0.001). Compared with before treatment, the experimental group had SBP [(136.63 ± 6.01) mmHg vs. (159.30 ± 9.01) mmHg, t=-21.00] and DBP [(84.48 ± 4.36) mmHg vs. (95.30 ± 3.75) mmHg, t=-13.80] after treatment; after treatment, SBP [(137.34 ± 6.39) mmHg vs. (158.00 ± 10.06) mmHg, t=-5.28] and DBP [(86.08 ± 4.43) mmHg vs. (95.18 ± 6.61) mmHg, t=-8.09] decreased in the control group ( P<0.01), but there was no statistical significance between the two groups after treatment ( P>0.05). After treatment, the TCM syndrome scores in the experimental group (8.68 ± 3.39 vs. 15.12 ± 3.03, Z=-6.61) were lower than those in the control group ( P<0.001), and DARS score [(8.53 ± 3.93) vs. (12.20 ± 3.95), Z=-3.63] was lower than that in the control group ( P<0.001). After treatment, the therapeutic effect index of TCM syndromes in the experimental group improved compared to before treatment in the same group. The therapeutic effect index of each symptom, from high to low, was as follows: rotation of oneself or visual objects>numbness of limbs>dry stool>dizziness and dizziness>liking cold drinks>bitter and dry mouth>red urine>red tongue, yellow coating, and greasy tongue>vomiting sticky and turbid phlegm>tinnitus>smooth pulse. There were no significant adverse reactions during the treatment of the two groups. Conclusion:Tongren Niuhuang Qingxin Pills combined with telmisartan can reduce the blood pressure of patients with hypertensive vertigo syndrome of phlegm-heat disturbance, improve the vertigo symptoms and TCM syndromes of patients, and the efficacy evaluation is superior to that of telmisartan alone.
4.Effects of inhibiting KDM2A gene on the proliferation,invasion,and migration of liver cancer cells
Ji-Nan HE ; Hong-Yan KONG ; Dan-Dan XIANG ; Shuai-Wen HUANG ; Qi-Qin SONG ; Rui MIAO ; Jia-Quan HUANG
Medical Journal of Chinese People's Liberation Army 2024;49(7):814-822
Objective To investigate the effects of inhibiting KDM2A gene on the proliferation,invasion and migration of liver cancer cells and its possible regulatory mechanism.Methods Forty pairs of HCC tissues and their adjacent normal counterparts were collected from 2014 to 2017 in Tongji Hospital,Tongji Medical College Affiliated to Huazhong University of Science and Technology.Human liver cancer cell lines HepG2,Huh7,HCCLM3,MHCC-97H and normal liver cells LO2 were cultured in vitro.The mRNA and protein expression levels of KDM2A in HCC tissues and cells were detected by qRT-PCR and Western blotting.Huh7 cells were taken and set up as follows:(1)si-NC group(transfected with si-NC)and si-KDM2A group(transfected with si-KDM2A);(2)mimic-NC group(transfected with mimic-NC),miRNA-29a-3p mimic group(transfected with miRNA-29a-3p mimic),inhibitor-NC group(transfected with inhibitor-NC)and miRNA-29a-3p inhibitor group(transfected with miRNA-29a-3p inhibitor).The mRNA and protein expression levels of KDM2A were detected by qRT-PCR and Western blotting.The invasion and migration of cells were detected by Transwell,the proliferation of cells was detected by CCK-8 methods.The online databases TargetScan,miRDIP,miRWalk,Starbase and miRDB were used to predict the binding sites of KDM2A and miR-29a-3p.The KDM2A 3'-UTR(WT)or KDM2A 3'-UTR(MUT)report plasmid was co-transfected with NC-miRNA or miR-29a-3p mimics respectively for 48 h in 293T cells,and the luciferase activity was detected by the luciferase reporter gene detection system.Results Compared with adjacent normal counterparts,the relative mRNA and protein expression levels of KDM2A in HCC tissues increased significantly(P<0.05).Compared with LO2,the relative mRNA and protein expression levels of KDM2A in HepG2,Huh7,HCCLM3 and MHCC-97H increased significantly(P<0.05).Compared with si-NC group,the proliferation,invasion and migration of Huh7 cells in si-KDM2A group decreased significantly(P<0.05 or P<0.01).The analysis results of TargetScan,miRDIP,miRWalk,Starbase and miRDB showed that there were binding sites between KDM2A and miR-29a-3p.The results of the dual luciferase reporter assay showed that miR-29a-3p mimic significantly reduced KDM2A-MUT luciferase activity(P<0.01).After overexpression of miRNA-29a-3p,the relative mRNA and protein expression levels of KDM2A were decreased(P<0.01),the proliferation,invasion and migration abilities were decreased(P<0.05)in Huh7 cells.After inhibiting the expression of miRNA-29a-3p,the relative mRNA and protein expression levels of KDM2A were increased(P<0.05),the proliferation,invasion and migration abilities were enhanced(P<0.05)in Huh7 cells.Conclusion Inhibiting the expression of KDM2A can reduce the proliferation and migration ability of Huh7 cells.miR-29a-3p may be the upstream regulator of KDM2A and participate in the occurrence and development of hepatocellular carcinoma.
5.Diagnostic value of vena contracta area measurement for grading tricuspid regurgitation severity under different etiologies:a three-dimensional echocardiography study
Bei-Qi CHEN ; Yu LIU ; Wu-Xu ZUO ; Quan LI ; Yuan-Feng WU ; De-Hong KONG ; Cui-Zhen PAN ; Li-Li DONG ; Xian-Hong SHU
Fudan University Journal of Medical Sciences 2024;51(4):484-493,504
Objective To explore the cut-off value of three dimensional(3D)vena contracta area(VCA)in diagnosing severe tricuspid regrugitation(TR)under different etiologies and its accuracy and practicality in clinical application.Methods From Mar 2019 to May 2021,ninety-two patients with confirmed TR underwent two dimensional(2D)and 3D transthoracic echocardiography.The correlation and consistency between 3D VCA 3D calculated based on the proximal isokinetic surface area(PISA)effective regurgitant orifice area(EROA)was calculated.Comprehensive 2D multi-parameter method was used as a reference method to calculate the cut-off value of the diagnosis of severe TR.Results A total of 85 patients were ultimately included.3D VCA and 3D PISA EROA had similar and acceptable correlations in both primary TR and secondary TR(primary TR:r=0.831,P<0.01;secondary TR:r=0.806,P<0.01).Bland-Altman analysis showed that 3D VCA overestimated TR compared with 3D PISA EROA(62%overestimated in the total patient population,51%overestimated in primary TR,and 74%overestimated in secondary TR).In secondary TR,the cut-off value of 3D VCA for diagnosing severe TR was 0.45 cm2(sensitivity 89%,specificity 82%);combining clinical symptoms,positive 2D PISA EROA results and 3D VCA results for severe TR,the chi-square value was higher than those only included clinical symptoms or incorporated clinical symptoms and positive 2D PISA EROA results(42.168 vs.26.059 and 16.759,P<0.01).Conclusion 3D VCA would overestimate TR,and had high and incremental diagnostic value for evaluating severe TR in secondary TR.
6.National bloodstream infection bacterial resistance surveillance report(2022): Gram-positive bacteria
Chaoqun YING ; Yunbo CHEN ; Jinru JI ; Zhiying LIU ; Qing YANG ; Haishen KONG ; Haifeng MAO ; Hui DING ; Pengpeng TIAN ; Jiangqin SONG ; Yongyun LIU ; Jiliang WANG ; Yan JIN ; Yuanyuan DAI ; Yizheng ZHOU ; Yan GENG ; Fenghong CHEN ; Lu WANG ; Yanyan LI ; Dan LIU ; Peng ZHANG ; Junmin CAO ; Xiaoyan LI ; Dijing SONG ; Xinhua QIANG ; Yanhong LI ; Qiuying ZHANG ; Guolin LIAO ; Ying HUANG ; Baohua ZHANG ; Liang GUO ; Aiyun LI ; Haiquan KANG ; Donghong HUANG ; Sijin MAN ; Zhuo LI ; Youdong YIN ; Kunpeng LIANG ; Haixin DONG ; Donghua LIU ; Hongyun XU ; Yinqiao DONG ; Rong XU ; Lin ZHENG ; Shuyan HU ; Jian LI ; Qiang LIU ; Liang LUAN ; Jilu SHEN ; Lixia ZHANG ; Bo QUAN ; Xiaoping YAN ; Xiaoyan QI ; Dengyan QIAO ; Weiping LIU ; Xiusan XIA ; Ling MENG ; Jinhua LIANG ; Ping SHEN ; Yonghong XIAO
Chinese Journal of Clinical Infectious Diseases 2024;17(2):99-112
Objective:To report the results of national surveillance on the distribution and antimicrobial resistance profile of clinical Gram-positive bacteria isolates from bloodstream infections in China in 2022.Methods:The clinical isolates of Gram-positive bacteria from blood cultures in member hospitals of National Bloodstream Infection Bacterial Resistant Investigation Collaborative System(BRICS)were collected during January 2022 to December 2022. Antibiotic susceptibility tests were conducted by agar dilution or broth dilution methods recommended by Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute(CLSI). WHONET 5.6 and SPSS 25.0 software were used to analyze the data.Results:A total of 3 163 strains of Gram-positive pathogens were collected from 51 member units,and the top five bacteria were Staphylococcus aureus( n=1 147,36.3%),coagulase-negative Staphylococci( n=928,29.3%), Enterococcus faecalis( n=369,11.7%), Enterococcus faecium( n=296,9.4%)and alpha-hemolyticus Streptococci( n=192,6.1%). The detection rates of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus(MRSA)and methicillin-resistant coagulase-negative Staphylococci(MRCNS)were 26.4%(303/1 147)and 66.7%(619/928),respectively. No glycopeptide and daptomycin-resistant Staphylococci were detected. The sensitivity rates of Staphylococcus aureus to cefpirome,rifampin,compound sulfamethoxazole,linezolid,minocycline and tigecycline were all >95.0%. Enterococcus faecium was more prevalent than Enterococcus faecalis. The resistance rates of Enterococcus faecium to vancomycin and teicoplanin were both 0.5%(2/369),and no vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium was detected. The detection rate of MRSA in southern China was significantly lower than that in other regions( χ2=14.578, P=0.002),while the detection rate of MRCNS in northern China was significantly higher than that in other regions( χ2=15.195, P=0.002). The detection rates of MRSA and MRCNS in provincial hospitals were higher than those in municipal hospitals( χ2=13.519 and 12.136, P<0.001). The detection rates of MRSA and MRCNS in economically more advanced regions(per capita GDP≥92 059 Yuan in 2022)were higher than those in economically less advanced regions(per capita GDP<92 059 Yuan)( χ2=9.969 and 7.606, P=0.002和0.006). Conclusions:Among the Gram-positive pathogens causing bloodstream infections in China, Staphylococci is the most common while the MRSA incidence decreases continuously with time;the detection rate of Enterococcus faecium exceeds that of Enterococcus faecalis. The overall prevalence of vancomycin-resistant Enterococci is still at a low level. The composition ratio of Gram-positive pathogens and resistant profiles varies slightly across regions of China,with the prevalence of MRSA and MRCNS being more pronounced in provincial hospitals and areas with a per capita GDP≥92 059 yuan.
7.Identification of essential genes for Acanthamoeba castellanii excystation during encystation and excystation
Min-Jeong KIM ; Hye-Jeong JO ; Fu-Shi QUAN ; Ki Back CHU ; Hyun-Hee KONG ; Eun-Kyung MOON
Parasites, Hosts and Diseases 2024;62(4):399-407
Acanthamoeba is an opportunistic pathogen that causes Acanthamoeba keratitis, granulomatous amoebic encephalitis, and other cutaneous diseases. The life cycle of Acanthamoeba consists of 2 stages of trophozoites and cysts. Under adverse environmental conditions, Acanthamoeba encysts, while the conditions become favorable for growth, it reverts to the trophozoite form. Acanthamoeba excystation is crucial for its proliferation and can lead to recurrent infections after incomplete treatment. To identify the factors involved in excystation, A. castellanii was subjected to either encystation- or excystation-inducing conditions, and gene expression profiles were compared using mRNA sequencing. A. castellanii samples were collected at 8 h intervals for analysis under both conditions. Differentially expressed gene analysis revealed that 1,214 and 1,163 genes were upregulated and downregulated, respectively, by more than 2-fold during early excystation. Five genes markedly upregulated in early excystation (ACA1_031140, ACA1_032330, ACA1_374400, ACA1_275740, and ACA1_112650) were selected, and their expression levels were confirmed via real-time PCR. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting these 5 genes was transfected into Acanthamoeba and gene knockdown was validated through real-time PCR. The silencing of ACA1_031140, ACA1_032330, ACA1_374400, and ACA1_112650 inhibited excystation and suggested that these genes might be essential for excystation. Our findings provide valuable insights for suppressing Acanthamoeba proliferation and recurrence.
8.Identification of essential genes for Acanthamoeba castellanii excystation during encystation and excystation
Min-Jeong KIM ; Hye-Jeong JO ; Fu-Shi QUAN ; Ki Back CHU ; Hyun-Hee KONG ; Eun-Kyung MOON
Parasites, Hosts and Diseases 2024;62(4):399-407
Acanthamoeba is an opportunistic pathogen that causes Acanthamoeba keratitis, granulomatous amoebic encephalitis, and other cutaneous diseases. The life cycle of Acanthamoeba consists of 2 stages of trophozoites and cysts. Under adverse environmental conditions, Acanthamoeba encysts, while the conditions become favorable for growth, it reverts to the trophozoite form. Acanthamoeba excystation is crucial for its proliferation and can lead to recurrent infections after incomplete treatment. To identify the factors involved in excystation, A. castellanii was subjected to either encystation- or excystation-inducing conditions, and gene expression profiles were compared using mRNA sequencing. A. castellanii samples were collected at 8 h intervals for analysis under both conditions. Differentially expressed gene analysis revealed that 1,214 and 1,163 genes were upregulated and downregulated, respectively, by more than 2-fold during early excystation. Five genes markedly upregulated in early excystation (ACA1_031140, ACA1_032330, ACA1_374400, ACA1_275740, and ACA1_112650) were selected, and their expression levels were confirmed via real-time PCR. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting these 5 genes was transfected into Acanthamoeba and gene knockdown was validated through real-time PCR. The silencing of ACA1_031140, ACA1_032330, ACA1_374400, and ACA1_112650 inhibited excystation and suggested that these genes might be essential for excystation. Our findings provide valuable insights for suppressing Acanthamoeba proliferation and recurrence.
9.Identification of essential genes for Acanthamoeba castellanii excystation during encystation and excystation
Min-Jeong KIM ; Hye-Jeong JO ; Fu-Shi QUAN ; Ki Back CHU ; Hyun-Hee KONG ; Eun-Kyung MOON
Parasites, Hosts and Diseases 2024;62(4):399-407
Acanthamoeba is an opportunistic pathogen that causes Acanthamoeba keratitis, granulomatous amoebic encephalitis, and other cutaneous diseases. The life cycle of Acanthamoeba consists of 2 stages of trophozoites and cysts. Under adverse environmental conditions, Acanthamoeba encysts, while the conditions become favorable for growth, it reverts to the trophozoite form. Acanthamoeba excystation is crucial for its proliferation and can lead to recurrent infections after incomplete treatment. To identify the factors involved in excystation, A. castellanii was subjected to either encystation- or excystation-inducing conditions, and gene expression profiles were compared using mRNA sequencing. A. castellanii samples were collected at 8 h intervals for analysis under both conditions. Differentially expressed gene analysis revealed that 1,214 and 1,163 genes were upregulated and downregulated, respectively, by more than 2-fold during early excystation. Five genes markedly upregulated in early excystation (ACA1_031140, ACA1_032330, ACA1_374400, ACA1_275740, and ACA1_112650) were selected, and their expression levels were confirmed via real-time PCR. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting these 5 genes was transfected into Acanthamoeba and gene knockdown was validated through real-time PCR. The silencing of ACA1_031140, ACA1_032330, ACA1_374400, and ACA1_112650 inhibited excystation and suggested that these genes might be essential for excystation. Our findings provide valuable insights for suppressing Acanthamoeba proliferation and recurrence.
10.Identification of essential genes for Acanthamoeba castellanii excystation during encystation and excystation
Min-Jeong KIM ; Hye-Jeong JO ; Fu-Shi QUAN ; Ki Back CHU ; Hyun-Hee KONG ; Eun-Kyung MOON
Parasites, Hosts and Diseases 2024;62(4):399-407
Acanthamoeba is an opportunistic pathogen that causes Acanthamoeba keratitis, granulomatous amoebic encephalitis, and other cutaneous diseases. The life cycle of Acanthamoeba consists of 2 stages of trophozoites and cysts. Under adverse environmental conditions, Acanthamoeba encysts, while the conditions become favorable for growth, it reverts to the trophozoite form. Acanthamoeba excystation is crucial for its proliferation and can lead to recurrent infections after incomplete treatment. To identify the factors involved in excystation, A. castellanii was subjected to either encystation- or excystation-inducing conditions, and gene expression profiles were compared using mRNA sequencing. A. castellanii samples were collected at 8 h intervals for analysis under both conditions. Differentially expressed gene analysis revealed that 1,214 and 1,163 genes were upregulated and downregulated, respectively, by more than 2-fold during early excystation. Five genes markedly upregulated in early excystation (ACA1_031140, ACA1_032330, ACA1_374400, ACA1_275740, and ACA1_112650) were selected, and their expression levels were confirmed via real-time PCR. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting these 5 genes was transfected into Acanthamoeba and gene knockdown was validated through real-time PCR. The silencing of ACA1_031140, ACA1_032330, ACA1_374400, and ACA1_112650 inhibited excystation and suggested that these genes might be essential for excystation. Our findings provide valuable insights for suppressing Acanthamoeba proliferation and recurrence.

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