Proteomic analysis of solid pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas reveals dysfunction of the endoplasmic reticulum protein processing pathway

Proteomic analysis of decidua in patients with recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) reveals mitochondrial oxidative stress dysfunction

Background

Pregnancy is a complicated physiological process. The multifaceted regulation of maternal–fetal interface is of great importance for maintaining normal pregnancy and avoiding fetal rejection and secondary abortion. Previous studies have focused on the clinical features or pathological biomarkers of fetal rejection and abortion. However, no significant breakthrough has been made. Therefore, it is important to understand the molecular mechanisms of recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) to identify potential therapeutic strategies. The aim of this study was to investigate the pathogenesis of RPL.

Methods

In this study, Relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) technology integrated with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) analysis was used to identify differentially expressed proteins in decidual from RPL patients and matched normal controls. Further, Molecules NADH dehydrogenase [ubiquinone] 1 beta subcomplex subunit 3 (ndufb3) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) were validated by immunohistochemistry (IHC), Western blotting, CCK8 and mitochondrial red fluorescent probe (Mito-Tracker Red CMXRos).

Results

A total of 456 proteins reached the threshold of a 1.5-fold change were identified for further bioinformatics analysis. Upon mapping the differentially expressed proteins using the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways database, iTRAQ results were confirmed by assessing NDUFB3 and COX-2 protein levels in specimens of decidual tissue by Western blotting. Our study indicates that the level of COX-2 and NDUFB3 were significantly increased in decidual cell from RPL patients. Overexpression of NDUFB3 inhibited cell vitality and oxidative stress of decimal cell. Further, our found that overexpression NDUFBD3 in decidual cell decreased the mitochondrial membrane potential expression levels. These results suggest that NDUFB3 might play an important role in promote the pathological process of RPL.

Conclusions

This comprehensive analysis of RPL proteomics reveals novel candidate: NDUFB3, which could be further investigated for explanation of the pathological mechanism of RPL.

CBX8 acts as an independent RNA-binding protein to regulate the maturation of miR-378a-3p in colon cancer cells

CBX8 is the core component of the PCG family protein PRC1 complex. It is overexpressed in many solid tumors and plays an important role in the prognosis and biological behaviors of tumors such as occurrence, development, invasion, and metastasis. However, exploration of the role and molecular mechanism of CBX8 in tumors is still in its infancy. Our study found that the down-regulation of CBX8 expression by RNA interference induced differential expression of several microRNAs in human colon cancer cells. The 5 most differentially expressed miRNA precursors (pre-miRNA) (hsa-miR-363-3p, hsa-miR-378a-3p, hsa-miR-371b-3p, hsa-miR-361-3p, and hsa-miR-576-3p) share a common motif sequence: ARAAAKUGCMC. We selected miR-378a-3p and further revealed that the negative regulation of miRNA expression by CBX8 mainly occurs in the processing of pre-miRNA to mature miRNA. CBX8 uses its own RNA-binding domain to interact with pre-miRNA, and is dependent on its own nuclear localization characteristics to limit nucleoplasmic transport of pre-miRNA. Changing the characteristic sequence of pre-miRNA or mutating the RNA-binding domain and nuclear localization signal of CBX8 can effectively weaken the regulation of miR-378a-3p expression by CBX8. However, our experimental results showed that miR-378a-3p inhibited the malignant expression of human colon cancer cells by targeting PDIA4, resulting in increased activity of caspases-3 and -7. In summary, our study suggests that CBX8 acts as an independent RNA-binding protein to regulate miRNA expression. Simultaneously, this study shows the correlation between the CBX8/miR-378a-3p/PDIA4 pathway and the malignant biological properties of colorectal cancer, suggesting this proposed pathway as a possible therapeutic target for human cancers.

PDIA4 Correlates with Poor Prognosis and is a Potential Biomarker in Glioma

Purpose

Gliomas, characterized by aggressiveness and invasiveness, remain incurable after conventional therapies. The molecular mechanisms driving the progression and maintenance of glioma are still poorly understood.

Methods

The TCGA and CGGA databases were chosen for bioinformatics analysis. Gene expression profiling interactive analysis (GEPIA) was performed for differential analysis. The Kaplan–Meier method was chosen for survival analysis. Analysis of stromal and immune infiltration was performed using the ESTIMATE algorithm and xCell package. qPCR and Western blotting were performed to measure the expression of PDIA4 at the mRNA and protein levels. IHC was performed to detect the expression of PDIA4 in glioma tissues. The viability of glioma cells was evaluated by the CCK8 assay.

Results

In this study, we identified high PDIA4 expression in gliomas that correlated with poor prognosis. The association between IDH1 and different glioma patterns also indicated the potential biological role of PDIA4 in tumor development. Mechanistically, PDIA4 interacted with multiple immunological components to promote an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). Knockdown of PDIA4 significantly impaired the proliferation of GBM cells.

Conclusion

Our results confirm that PDIA4 is an efficient biomarker of gliomas, with clinical implications for prognosis and therapeutic strategies.

Proteomic Analysis of Perihematoma Tissue from Patients with Intracerebral Hemorrhage Using iTRAQ-Based Quantitative Proteomics

Intracerebral hemorrhage is a complicated disorder with limited proven prognostic and therapeutic targets and elusive mechanisms. With proteomic methods, we aimed to explore the global protein expression profile of perihematomal tissue from ICH patients and identify potential pathophysiological pathways and protein markers. Using iTRAQ-labeling quantitative proteomics technology, four ICH brain sample and four non-ICH brain samples were analyzed. Among the 3740 quantifiable proteins, 884 were dysregulated in the patients compared to those in the controls (p < 0.05). After bioinformatics analysis, the differentially expressed proteins were found to be mostly involved in hemostatic processes, nutrient metabolism signaling pathways, and antioxidation pathways. Moreover, fibronectin 1 was revealed to be at the center of the protein-protein interaction networks. In summary, the potential pathways and brain protein markers that could potentially be used to predict the prognosis of ICH were obtained from the altered proteomic profile of perihematomal tissue. Thus, these data may yield novel insights into the mechanisms of ICH-induced secondary brain injury.

Bioactive constituents of Salvia przewalskii and the molecular mechanism of its antihypoxia effects determined using quantitative proteomics

Context: Environmental hypobaric hypoxia induces several physiological or pathological responses in individuals in high-altitude regions. Salvia przewalskii Maxim (Labiatae) (SPM) is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine and has known antibacterial, antiviral, antioxidant, anti-thrombotic, and anti-depressant activities.Objective: This study examined the antihypoxia effects of SPM in vivo.Materials and methods: The dried and pulverised of SPM was extracted from root crude drug with 70% ethanol with ultrasound. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three groups (n = 10): normal group, hypoxia group (altitude of 4260 m), and hypoxia + SPM group (altitude of 4260 m, SPM of 1.0 g/kg/day). The experiment persisted for 4 weeks. The mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP), hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) mRNA, and lung pathology were analysed using pulmonary artery pressure recorder, quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and histopathological analysis. Moreover, the effects of SPM on lung proteomes during hypoxia were observed by a TMT-based proteomic approach.Results: Pre-treatment with SPM decreased mPAP (24.86%) and HIF-1α (31.24%), and attenuated the pathological changes in lung tissues. In addition, a total of 28 proteins were differentially expressed in lung of hypoxia + SPM group (fold change > ± 1.2 and p < 0.05). The differentially altered proteins were primarily associated with antioxidative stress, as evidenced by the downregulated expression of Adh7, Cyp2d1, Plod2, Selenow, ND3, and Fabp1, and fructose metabolism, as evidenced by the downregulated expression of Khk and Aldob.Discussion and conclusions: These results suggested that SPM is a promising drug for antihypoxia. The mechanism of action might be related to increasing antioxidant capacity and inhibiting fructose metabolism.

A new perspective on the toxicity of arsenic-contaminated soil: Tandem mass tag proteomics and metabolomics in earthworms

The toxicity of low-level arsenic (As)-contaminated soil is not well understood. An integrated proteomic and metabolomic approach combined with morphological examination was used to investigate the potential biological toxicity of As-contaminated soil based on an exposure experiment with the earthworm Eisenia fetida. The results showed that the earthworm hindgut accumulated high As concentrations resulting in injury to the intestinal epithelia, chloragogenous tissues and coelom tissues. Furthermore, As-contaminated soil induced a significant increase in betaine levels and a decrease in dimethylglycine and myo-inositol levels in the earthworms, suggesting that the osmoregulatory metabolism of the earthworms may have been disturbed. The significantly altered levels of asparagine and dimethylglycine were proposed as potential biomarkers of As-contaminated soil. The upregulation of soluble calcium-binding proteins and profilin, the downregulation of sodium/potassium-transporting ATPase, and the proteins changes identified by gene ontology enrichment analysis confirmed that the earthworms suffered from osmotic stress. In addition, the significant changes in glycine-tRNA ligase activity and coelomic tissue injury revealed that As accumulation may disturb the earthworm immune system. This work provided new insight into the proteomic and metabolic toxicity of low-level As-contaminated soil ecosystems in earthworms, extended our knowledge of dual omics and highlighted the mechanisms underlying toxicity.

Integration of gene profile to explore the hub genes of lung adenocarcinoma: A quasi-experimental study

BACKGROUND

Lung cancer is a leading cause of morbidity diseases worldwide, but the key mechanisms of lung cancer remain elusive. This study aims to integrate of GSE 118370 and GSE 32863 profile and identify the key genes and pathway involved in human lung adenocarcinoma.

METHODS

R software (RStudio, Version info: R 3.2.3, Forrester, USA) were utilized to find the differentially expressed genes. All the differentially expressed genes were analyzed by gene ontology, kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes. Protein-protein interaction networks were constructed by STRING database and analyzed by Cytohubber and Module. The cancer genome atlas database was used to verification the expression of hub genes. Quantitative reverse transcription-PCR was used to verify the bio-information results.

RESULTS

Sixty-four lung adenocarcinoma and 64 adjacent normal tissues were used for integration analysis. Five hundred ninety-nine co-expression genes were locked. Biological processes mainly enriched in angiogenesis. Cellular component focused on extracellular exosome and molecular function aimed on protein disulfide isomerase activity. Cytohubber analysis showed that GNG11, FPR2, P4HB, PIK3R1, CDC20, ADCY4, TIMP1, IL6, CXC chemokine ligand (CXCL)12, and GAS6 acted as the hub genes during lung adenocarcinoma. Module analysis presented Chemokine signaling pathway was a key pathway. Quantitative reverse transcription-PCR showed that the expression level of GNG11, FPR2, PIK3R1, ADCY4, IL6, CXCL12, and GAS6 were significantly decreased and P4HB, CDC20 and TIMP1 were increased in human adenocarcinoma tissues (P < .05). The cancer genome atlas online analysis showed GNG11 was not associated with survival.

CONCLUSIONS

This study firstly reported GNG11 acting as a hub gene in adenocarcinoma. GNG11 could be used as a biomarker for human adenocarcinoma. Chemokine signaling pathway might play important roles in lung adenocarcinoma.

Metabolic mechanisms of Coilia nasus in the natural food intake state during migration

As a prominent member of freshwater and coastal fish faunas, Coilia nasus migrates annually from the sea up the Yangtze River in China to spawn. It is traditionally believed that C. nasus generally do not feed during their spawning migration. However, we recently documented the occurrence of food intake phenomenon in C. nasus following voluntary fasting. The purpose of the current study is to explore the metabolic mechanisms on C. nasus in response to food intake during migration. A total of 23,159 differentially expressed mRNA molecules and 204 metabolites were identified in transcriptome and metabolome analyses. Our results provide insights into the activation of energy consumption and reinforcement of energy storage during migration, and also identify key genes involved in food intake regulation. Our findings will be useful for future research on population recruitment and energy utilization in wild C. nasus.

iTRAQ-based proteomics analysis on insomnia rats treated with Mongolian medical warm acupuncture

OBJECTIVE

To explore the proteomic changes in the hypothalamus of rats treated with Mongolian medical warm acupuncture for insomnia therapy based proteomics.

METHOD

We used an iTRAQ-based quantitative proteomic approach to identify proteins that potential molecular mechanisms involved in the treatment of insomnia by Mongolian medical warm acupuncture.

RESULT

In total, 7477 proteins were identified, of which 36 proteins showed increased levels and 45 proteins showed decreased levels in insomnia model group (M) compared with healthy control group (C), 72 proteins showed increased levels and 44 proteins showed decreased levels from the warm acupuncture treated insomnia group (W) compared with healthy controls (C), 28 proteins showed increased levels and 17 proteins showed decreased levels from the warm acupuncture-treated insomnia group (W) compared with insomnia model group (M). Compared with healthy control groups, warm acupuncture-treated insomnia group showed obvious recovered. Bioinformatics analysis indicated that up-regulation of neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction and oxytocin signaling was the most significantly elevated regulate process of Mongolian medical warm acupuncture treatment for insomnia. Proteins showed that increased/decreased expression in the warm acupuncture-treated insomnia group included Prolargin (PRELP), NMDA receptor synaptonuclear-signaling and neuronal migration factor (NSMF), Transmembrane protein 41B (TMEM41B) and Microtubule-associated protein 1B (MAP1B) to adjust insomnia.

CONCLUSION

A combination of findings in the present study suggest that warm acupuncture treatment is efficacious in improving sleep by regulating the protein expression process in an experimental rat model and may be of potential benefit in treating insomnia patients with the added advantage with no adverse effects.

Molecular Diagnosis of Cystic Neoplasms of the Pancreas: a Review

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of incidental pancreatic cystic neoplasms (PCNs) has increased dramatically with advancements in cross-sectional imaging. Diagnostic imaging is limited in differentiating between benign and malignant PCNs. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of biomarkers that can be used to distinguish PCNs.

METHODS

A review of the literature on molecular diagnosis of cystic neoplasms of the pancreas was performed.

RESULTS

Pancreatic cysts can be categorized into inflammatory and non-inflammatory lesions. Inflammatory cysts include pancreatic pseudocysts. Noninflammatory lesions include both mucinous and non-mucinous lesions. Mucinous lesions include intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) and mucinous cystic neoplasm. Non-mucinous lesions include serous cystadenoma and solid-pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas. Imaging, cyst aspiration, and histologic findings, as well as carcinoembryonic antigen and amylase are commonly used to distinguish between cyst types. However, molecular techniques to detect differences in genetic mutations, protein expression, glycoproteomics, and metabolomic profiling are important developments in distinguishing between cyst types.

DISCUSSION

Nomograms incorporating common clinical, laboratory, and imaging findings have been developed in a better effort to predict malignant IPMN. The incorporation of top molecular biomarker candidates to nomograms may improve the predictive ability of current models to more accurately diagnose malignant PCNs.

A complete route for biodegradation of potentially carcinogenic cyanotoxin microcystin-LR in a novel indigenous bacterium

Microcystin-leucine-arginine (MC-LR), a cyclic potentially carcinogenic hepatotoxin, occurs frequently in aquatic habitats worldwide and seriously threatens ecosystem and public health. Limited effectiveness of physicochemical treatments to remove MC-LR from drinking water has led to a search for alternative cost-effective and environment friendly biodegradation strategies. Obtaining MC-degrading bacteria and understanding their MC-degrading mechanisms are outstanding challenges. Here, a novel indigenous bacterium named Sphingopyxis sp. YF1 with a high efficient capacity for MC-degradation was successfully isolated from eutrophic Lake Taihu. Through integrating mass spectrometer and multi-omics analyses accompanied by functional verification of certain genes and proteins, a complete MC-degradation pathway was firstly identified, in which MC-LR was sequentially degraded into linearized MC-LR, tetrapeptide, Adda, phenylacetic acid, and finally potential product CO₂. Some specific proteins such as microcystinase, linearized-microcystinase, tetrapeptidease and PAAase responsible for this pathway were identified. This study pioneeringly demonstrated that MC-LR can be completely degraded through natural remediation processes and revealed a significant potential for MC-LR biodegradation in both natural environment and engineered systems.

Arenobufagin, isolated from toad venom, inhibited epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and suppressed migration and invasion of lung cancer cells via targeting IKKβ/NFκB signal cascade

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer incidence and mortality worldwide. Arenobufagin (Arg), a representative natural bufadienolide compound, is one of the major bioactive components isolated from toad venom ("Chan Su"named in Chinese to treat multifarious clinical neoplasms in China). However, the underlying molecular mechanisms that Arg inhibited the metastasis of lung cancer cells remain poorly understood.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The mobility capacities of lung cancer cells treated with Arg were evaluated using wound healing assay. The anti-migratory and anti-invasive effects of Arg on lung cancer cells were investigated by transwell invasion assay and matrigel invasion assay. iTRAQ-labeled LC-MS proteomics was used to analyze the potential proteins related to metastasis in lung cancer cells treated with Arg and differentially-expressed proteins related to EMT and NFκB signaling cascade were further confirmed by Western blotting assay. The changed subcellular localization of p65 in lung cancer A549 and H1299 cells treated with Arg was detected by immunofluorescence staining. Molecular docking and molecular dynamic (MD) simulation assay were performed to verify the binding between Arg and IKKα/IKKβ. siRNA knockdown was used to check whether Arg inhibited EMT of lung cancer cells via targeting NFκB signaling cascade, which was further verified by in vivo study of lung cancer cell xenograft mice model and pulmonary metastasis mice model accompanying with immunohistochemical and hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining.

RESULTS

Arg suppressed the wound closure of lung cancer cells using wound healing assay. Moreover, Arg significantly inhibited the migration and invasion of lung cancer cells by transwell invasion assay and matrigel invasion assay. 24 unique differentially-expressed proteins related to metastasis in lung cancer cells treated with Arg were identified using iTRAQ-labeled LC-MS proteomics and 14 differentially-expressed proteins related to EMT were further confirmed by Western blotting assay. Arg significantly decreased the phosphorylation of IKKβ, IκBα and p65 in the cytoplasm of lung cancer cells by Western blotting assay, and remarkably reduced the release of p65 from the cytoplasm to the nucleus. Arg could be bound in the ATP binding pocket of IKKα and IKKβ by molecular docking assay, and MD simulation assay further demonstrated that Arg binding to the ATP-binding pocket of IKKβ was very stable in 300 ns MD simulation, compared with the binding of Arg and IKKα. IKKβ/NFκB signaling cascade was also involved in the inhibitory effect of Arg on EMT of lung cancer cells by siRNA knockdown assay. The study of lung cancer cell xenograft mice model and pulmonary metastasis mice model in vivo indicated that Arg inhibited EMT and suppressed migration and invasion of lung cancer cells via downregulating IKKβ/NFκB signaling cascade.

CONCLUSION

In the present study, we explored the molecular mechanism of Arg prohibiting the metastasis of lung cancer cells in vitro and in vivo, which displayed Arg could target IKKβ to inactive NFκB signaling cascade and further change the expression of proteins related to EMT. These results highlight the potential of toad venom as a potential chemotherapeutic agent and warrant its development as the clinical therapy for lung cancer.

C-reactive protein derived from perivascular adipose tissue accelerates injury-induced neointimal hyperplasia

AIM

Inflammation within the perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) in obesity plays an important role in cardiovascular disorders. C-reactive protein (CRP) level in obesity patients is significantly increased and associated with the occurrence and progression of cardiovascular disease. We tested the hypothesis CRP derived from PVAT in obesity contributes to vascular remodeling after injury.

METHODS

A high-fat diet (HFD) significantly increased CRP expression in PVAT. We transplanted thoracic aortic PVAT from wild-type (WT) or transgenic CRP-expressing (CRPTG) mice to the injured femoral artery in WT mice.

RESULTS

At 4 weeks after femoral artery injury, the neointimal/media ratio was increased significantly in WT mice that received PVAT from CRPTG mice compared with that in WT mice that received WT PVAT. Transplanted CRPTG PVAT also significantly accelerated adventitial macrophage infiltration and vasa vasorum proliferation. It was revealed greater macrophage infiltration in CRPTG adipose tissue than in WT adipose tissue and CRP significantly increased the adhesion rate of monocytes through receptor Fcγ RI. Proteome profiling showed CRP over-expression promoted the expression of chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 7 (CXCL7) in adipose tissue, transwell assay showed CRP increased monocyte migration indirectly via the induction of CXCL7 expression in adipocytes.

CONCLUSION

CRP derived from PVAT was significantly increased in HFD mice and promoted neointimal hyperplasia after vascular injury.

PDIA4: The basic characteristics, functions and its potential connection with cancer

Disulfide bond formation is catalyzed by the protein disulfide Isomerases (PDI) family. This is a critical step in protein folding which occurs within the endoplasmic reticulum. PDIA4, as a member of the PDI family, can cause the adjustment of αIIβ 3 affinities which activate platelet and promote thrombosis formation. Endoplasmic reticulum response is triggered by accumulation of abnormal folding proteins concomitant with increasing PDIA4 expression. Besides, current researches indicate that activated platelets and ERS response affect tumor progression. And PDIA4, as previous reported, also participates in tumor progression by affecting cell apoptosis and DNA repair machinery without specific mechanisms revealed.Therefore, PDI inhibitor might possess great potential value in against tumor progression. In this review, we summarize information on PDIA4 including its the basic characteristics and its implication on tumor.

Lysozyme-Assisted Photothermal Eradication of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Infection and Accelerated Tissue Repair with Natural Melanosome Nanostructures

Patients often face the challenge of antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections and lengthy tissue reconstruction after surgery. Herein, human hair-melanosome derivatives (HHMs), comprising keratins and melanins, are developed using a simple "low-temperature alkali heat" method for potentially personalized therapy. The mulberry-shaped HHMs have an average width of ∼270 nm and an average length of ∼700 nm, and the negatively charged HHMs can absorb positively charged Lysozyme (Lyso) to form the HHMs-Lyso composites through electrostatic interaction. These naturally derived biodegradable nanostructures act as exogenous killers to eliminate methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection with a high antibacterial efficacy (97.19 ± 2.39%) by synergistic action of photothermy and "Lyso-assisted anti-infection" in vivo. Additionally, HHMs also serve as endogenous regulators of collagen alpha chain proteins through the "protein digestion and absorption" signaling pathway to promote tissue reconstruction, which was confirmed by quantitative proteomic analysis in vivo. Notably, the 13 upregulated collagen alpha chain proteins in the extracellular matrix (ECM) after HHMs treatment demonstrated that keratin from HHMs in collagen-dependent regulatory processes serves as a notable contributor to augmented wound closure. The current paradigm of natural material-tissue interaction regulates the cell-ECM interaction by targeting cell signaling pathways to accelerate tissue repair. This work may provide insight into the protein-level pathways and the potential mechanisms involved in tissue repair.

iTRAQ-based mitochondrial proteome analysis of the molecular mechanisms underlying postharvest senescence of Zizania latifolia

To explore the molecular mechanisms underlying postharvest senescence of Zizania latifolia, the changes in the mitochondrial proteome of plants treated with or without (control) 1-methyleyelopropene and ethylene during storage at room temperature for 0, 3 and 6 days were investigated using isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) labeling combined with two-dimensional liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. A total of 1,390 proteins with two or more peptides were identified, of which 211 showed a significant (p < .05) change (at least twofold) in relative abundance. Monitoring the parallel reaction validated the reliability and accuracy of the iTRAQ results. Bioinformatics and functional analysis of these differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) revealed that postharvest senescence of Z. latifolia could be attributed to (a) strengthened pentose phosphate pathway, (b) imbalanced protein, amino acid, organic acid, and fatty acid metabolism, (c) disordered energy homeostasis, (d) exacerbated oxidative damage, (e) RNA degradation, (f) activation of the Ca²⁺ , mitogen-activated protein kinase, and jasmonic acid signaling pathways, (g) programed cell death, (h) excessive biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, or (i) degradation of cell structure. Our findings provide integrated insight into the molecular mechanisms of postharvest senescence during storage as well as the DEPs that show promise as targets for controlling senescence-induced quality deterioration of Z. latifolia. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Postharvest senescence is the most important factor that causes fast quality deterioration of Zizania latifolia. The understanding of the processes leading to postharvest senescence of Z. latifolia is essential in enhancing the commercial value and extending the shelf life of the product. It is currently believed that the mitochondrial metabolism is closely related to postharvest senescence. For this, the changes of proteome in Z. latifolia mitochondria treated with or without (control) 1-MCP and ETH during storage at room temperature were investigated. Results showed that a variety of physiobiochemical responses occur during postharvest senescence of Z. latifolia. 1-MCP treatment significantly inhibited the changes of these physiobiochemical processes, finally, retarding the postharvest senescence of Z. latifolia. ETH treatment had opposite effects on proteome changes compared with 1-MCP treatment. Taken together, these results enrich the understanding of the molecular mechanisms of postharvest senescence of Z. latifolia.

Management of solid pseudopapillary neoplasms of pancreas: A single center experience of 243 consecutive patients

BACKGROUND

Solid pseudopapillary neoplasm of the pancreas (SPN) is a rare neoplasm, which mainly affects young women. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinicopathological features and surgical management of SPNs in our institution.

METHODS

Patients who underwent surgery for a pathologically confirmed SPN in our institution between January 2008 and October 2018 were collected. Their clinical characteristics and survival associations were analyzed.

RESULTS

In total, 243 pathologically confirmed patients were analyzed in this study, including 181(74.5%)females and 62(25.5%) males. The mean age was 35.3 years old (range: 12-64 years old) with average tumor size of 4.83 cm (range: 0.8-16 cm). 239 patients underwent complete surgical resection. After median follow-up of 46 months (range: 10-118 months), four patients died due to tumor progression. All the other people were absent of local recurrence or distant metastasis.

CONCLUSIONS

SPN is a latent malignant tumor with excellent prognosis. Surgical resection is recommended even in the presence of liver metastasis. If possible, function-preserving surgery is advocated. High Ki67 index may predict the malignant potential and poor prognosis of SPNs.

Impact of Combined Acidic and Hyperosmotic Shock Conditions on the Proteome ofListeria monocytogenesATCC 19115 in a Time-Course Study

Listeria monocytogenescan cause listeriosis in humans through consumption of contaminated food and can adapt to and grow under a wide array of physiochemical stresses. Consequently, it causes persistent food safety issues and requires vigilant sanitation processes to be in place, especially for the manufacture of high-risk food products. In this study, the global proteomic responses of the food-borne pathogenL. monocytogenesstrain ATCC 19115 were determined when exposed to nonthermal inactivation. This process was examined in the early stationary growth phase with the strain placed under simultaneous exposure to low pH (pH 3.5) and high salinity (aw0.900, 14% NaCl). Proteomic responses, measured using iTRAQ techniques, were conducted over a time course (5 min, 30 min, and 1 h at 25°C). The enumeration results showed that, at 5 min, cells underwent initial rapid inactivation by 1.2 log units and 2.5 log units after 30 min, and after that, culturability remained stable when sampled at 1 h. From the iTRAQ results, the proteome level changes that occur rapidly during the inactivation process mainly affected prophage, cell defense/detoxification, carbohydrate-related metabolism, transporter proteins, phosphotransferase systems, cell wall biogenesis, and specific cell surface proteins. Pathway map analysis revealed that several pathways are affected including pentose and glucuronate interconversions, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, pyruvate metabolism, valine, leucine and isoleucine biosynthesis, oxidative phosphorylation, and proteins associated with bacterial invasion of epithelial cells and host survival. Proteome profiling provided a better understanding of the physiological responses of this pathogen to adapt to lethal nonthermal environments and indicates the need to improve food processing and storage methods, especially for non- or minimally thermally processed foods.

Y75B8A.8 (HC8) protein of Haemonchus contortus: A functional inhibitor of host IL-2

Interleukin 2 (IL-2) is an important immune regulatory factor in the immune response of the host. However, little is known about the inhibitor of host IL-2 in Haemonchus contortus infection. In this study, we found that globin domain-containing protein (HCGB) and Protein Y75B8A.8 (HC8) from H contortus excretory and secretory products are two binding proteins of IL-2 in goats. The yeast two-hybrid screening further validated the positive interactions of IL-2 with HCGB and HC8. Meanwhile, we found that HC8 had inhibitory effects on IL-2-induced peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) proliferation, while HCGB did not. Furthermore, transcriptional analysis revealed that HC8 could block the IL-2-activated signalling pathway. Our results showed that HC8 was a functional inhibitor of goat IL-2.

Cardiac proteomics reveals the potential mechanism of microtubule associated protein 4 phosphorylation-induced mitochondrial dysfunction

Background

Our previous work suggested that microtubule associated protein 4 (MAP4) phosphorylation led to mitochondrial dysfunction in MAP4 phosphorylation mutant mice with cardiomyopathy, but the detailed mechanism was still unknown. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the potential mechanism involved in mitochondrial dysfunction responsible for cardiomyopathy.

Methods

The present study was conducted to explore the potential mechanism underlying the mitochondrial dysfunction driven by MAP4 phosphorylation. Strain of mouse that mimicked constant MAP4 phosphorylation (S737 and S760) was generated. The isobaric tag for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) analysis was applied to the heart tissue. Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), and protein-protein interaction (PPI) were all analyzed on the basis of differential expressed proteins (DEPs).

Results

Among the 72 cardiac DEPs detected between the two genotypes of mice, 12 were upregulated and 60 were downregulated. GO analysis showed the biological process, molecular function, and cellular component of DEPs, and KEGG enrichment analysis linked DEPs to 96 different biochemical pathways. In addition, the PPI network was also extended on the basis of DEPs as the seed proteins. Three proteins, including mitochondrial ubiquitin ligase activator of NF-κB 1, reduced form of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH)-ubiquinone oxidoreductase 75 kDa subunit, mitochondrial and growth arrest, and DNA-damage-inducible proteins-interacting protein 1, which play an important role in the regulation of mitochondrial function, may correlate with MAP4 phosphorylation-induced mitochondrial dysfunction. Western blot was used to validate the expression of the three proteins, which was consistent with iTRAQ experiments.

Conclusions

These findings revealed that the DEPs caused by MAP4 phosphorylation in heart tissue using iTRAQ technique and may provide clues to uncover the potential mechanism of MAP4 phosphorylation-induced mitochondrial dysfunction.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s41038-019-0146-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Proteomics and microstructure profiling of goat milk protein after homogenization

This study investigated the protein changes in goat milk during the homogenization process using label-free quantification. We quantified 310 and 315 proteins in the control group (CG) and homogenized group (HG), respectively, and 16 proteins were significantly different between the 2 groups. For HG, the goat milk protein particle sizes were smaller and more evenly distributed and exhibited an increase in the regular arrangement of the secondary structures. Proteomics analysis verified that xanthine dehydrogenase and asparaginase-like 1 expression in CG were higher than in HG, whereas the opposite was observed for fructose-bisphosphate aldolase, κ-casein, and β-casein. Significant changes were found in the homogenization-treated goat milk proteome that were related to goat milk glycolysis/gluconeogenesis metabolism. This work provides updated information on the current proteome characteristics of homogenized goat milk, which may be important for applying the protein component of goat milk to human nutrition and health.

iTRAQ Proteomic Analysis of Continuously Cropped Soybean Root Inoculated With Funneliformis mosseae

Soybean (Glycine max) is susceptible to root rot when subjected to continuous cropping, and this disease can seriously diminish the crop yield. Proteomics analyses can show the difference of protein expression in different treatment samples. Herein, isobaric tag for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) labeling and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) were employed for proteomic analysis of continuously cropped soybean inoculated with the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus (AMF) Funneliformis mosseae. The AMF can reduce the incidence of root rot and increase plant height, biomass index in 1, 2, and 4 year of continuous cropping. Differential expression of proteins in soybean roots was determined following 1 year of continuous cropping. A total of 131 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were identified in F. mosseae-treated samples, of which 49 and 82 were up- and down-regulated, respectively. The DEPs were annotated with 117 gene ontology (GO) terms, with 48 involved in biological processes, 31 linked to molecular functions, and 39 associated with cell components. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis mapped the DEPs to 113 mainly metabolic pathways including oxidative phosphorylation, glycolysis, and amino acid metabolism. Expression of glucan 1,3-beta-glucosidase, chalcone isomerase, calcium-dependent phospholipid binding and other defense-related proteins was up-regulated by F. mosseae, suggesting inoculation promotes the growth and development of soybean and increases disease resistance. The findings provide an experimental basis for further research on the molecular mechanisms of AMF in resolving problems associated with continuous soybean cropping.

Diverse preparation methods for small intestinal submucosa (SIS): Decellularization, components, and structure

The native extracellular matrix (ECM) biomaterial derived from small intestinal submucosa (SIS) is widely applied in tissue engineering for tissue repair and regeneration. SIS ECM is obtained through physical and chemical methods to remove the intrinsic cells, which would otherwise cause adverse immune reactions when the SIS ECM is implanted into the host body. Several research teams have reported diverse SIS decellularization methods. However, there was no consensus on the criteria to be used for the decellularization methods for SIS and further research on the mechanism action of SIS is needed for comprehensive detection of the biological composition. In this present study, we used three reported methods to prepare SIS and compared their effects on decellularization and the remaining biological components, microstructure and cytocompatibility. SIS prepared by the three kinds of decellularization methods all achieved the recommended criteria, had good biocompatibility and retained most active components. Nevertheless, regardless of which decellularization method was used, the microstructure and bioactive components of the prepared SIS were damaged in varying degrees. We recommend that researchers need to select a decellularization method that would be appropriate to use according to their research purposes. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 107A: 689-697, 2019.

Acyl-CoA dehydrogenase long chain expression is associated with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma progression and poor prognosis

Background

Acyl-CoA dehydrogenase long chain (ACADL) was revealed to have a correlation with malignant progression of cancer. However, whether ACADL plays a role in clinical therapy remains unclear. The clinicopathological role of ACADL in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) will be discussed in this study.

Materials and methods

The expression of ACADL was analyzed via real-time PCR and Western blotting to assess mRNA and protein levels in ESCC cell lines and normal esophageal epithelial cells (NEECs), in six paired ESCC tumors and relative normal tissues. Furthermore, immunohistochemical staining was performed on 135 paraffin-embedded ESCC specimens to assess ACADL expression. The clinicopathological significance of ACADL expression was further investigated via survival analysis and Cox regression analysis.

Results

ACADL was found to be markedly upregulated in ESCC cell lines when compared with NEECs. Moreover, various experiments such as quantitative real-time PCR, Western blot, and immunohistochemical analyses all revealed that ACADL expression was increased in all six paired ESCC tumors and matched normal tissues. Furthermore, immunohistochemical analysis revealed an increased level of ACADL protein expression in all 135 paraffin-embedded samples from ESCC patients, which increased with disease progression.

Conclusion

We demonstrated that ACADL is overexpressed in ESCC, both in cell lines and clinical specimens. ACADL is found to be a vital regulator in ESCC progression and can predict a worse outcome for ESCC patients, suggesting that ACADL might be a valuable molecule to be targeted for clinical therapy of ESCC treatment.

Fecal Microbiota Transplantation Beneficially Regulates Intestinal Mucosal Autophagy and Alleviates Gut Barrier Injury

The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in human and animal health, and its disorder causes multiple diseases. Over the past decade, FMT has gained increasing attention due to the success in treating Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Although FMT appears to be effective, how FMT functions in the recipient remains unknown. Whether FMT exerts this beneficial effect through a series of changes in the host organism caused by alteration of gut microbial structure is also not known. In the present study, newborn piglets and E. coli K88-infected piglets were selected as models to explore the interplay between host and gut microbiota following FMT. Our results showed that FMT triggered intestinal mucosal autophagy and alleviated gut barrier injury caused by E. coli K88. This report provides a theoretical basis for the use of FMT as a viable therapeutic method for gut microbial regulation.

Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is one of the most effective ways to regulate the gut microbiota. Here, we investigated the effect of exogenous fecal microbiota on gut function from the perspective of analysis of the mucosal proteomes in a piglet model. A total of 289 differentially expressed proteins were annotated with 4,068 gene ontology (GO) function entries in the intestinal mucosa, and the levels of autophagy-related proteins in the forkhead box O (FoxO) signaling pathway were increased whereas the levels of proteins related to inflammation response were decreased in the recipient. Then, to assess the alleviation of epithelial injury in the Escherichia coli K88-infected piglets following FMT, intestinal microbiome-metabolome responses were determined. 16S rRNA gene sequencing showed that the abundances of beneficial bacteria, such as Lactobacillus and Succinivibrio, were increased whereas those of Enterobacteriaceae and Proteobacteria bacteria were decreased in the infected piglets following FMT. Metabolomic analysis revealed that levels of 58 metabolites, such as lactic acid and succinic acid, were enhanced in the intestinal lumen and that seven metabolic pathways, such as branched-chain amino acid metabolism pathways, were upregulated in the infected piglets following FMT. In concordance with the metabolome data, results of metagenomics prediction analysis also demonstrated that FMT modulated the metabolic functions of gut microbiota associated with linoleic acid metabolism. In addition, intestinal morphology was improved, a result that coincided with the decrease of intestinal permeability and the enhancement of mucins and mucosal expression of tight junction proteins in the recipient. Taken together, the results showed that FMT triggered intestinal mucosal protective autophagy and alleviated gut barrier injury through alteration of the gut microbial structure.

IMPORTANCE The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in human and animal health, and its disorder causes multiple diseases. Over the past decade, FMT has gained increasing attention due to the success in treating Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Although FMT appears to be effective, how FMT functions in the recipient remains unknown. Whether FMT exerts this beneficial effect through a series of changes in the host organism caused by alteration of gut microbial structure is also not known. In the present study, newborn piglets and E. coli K88-infected piglets were selected as models to explore the interplay between host and gut microbiota following FMT. Our results showed that FMT triggered intestinal mucosal autophagy and alleviated gut barrier injury caused by E. coli K88. This report provides a theoretical basis for the use of FMT as a viable therapeutic method for gut microbial regulation.

Comparative proteomics analysis of Trichinella spiralis muscle larvae exposed to albendazole sulfoxide stress

The drug albendazole (ABZ) has a positive effect against Trichinella spiralis infection and has been used for the treatment and prevention of trichinellosis in humans and animals. However, the molecular mechanism ofthe effects of ABZ on T. spiralis remains unknown. Albendazole sulfoxide (ABZSO) is the main intermediary metabolic product of ABZ, and it is often used as a substitute for ABZ in metabolism and bioavailability research. Herein, isobaric tagging reagents for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ)-based LC-MS/MS analysis was used to identify the effect of ABZSO on the proteome of T. spiralis muscle larvae in vitro. 3795 proteins were quantified from 22974 unique peptides. Comparative proteomics analysis displayed that 417 proteins were remarkably differentially expressed in ABZSO-treated larvae, of which 213 proteins were up-regulated and 204 proteins were down-regulated. Quantitative real-time PCR of ten randomly-selected genes verified the proteomic data. Gene ontology annotation and KEGG pathway analysis showed that most of the differentially expressed proteins were involved in cell apoptosis, signal pathway, amino acid metabolism, protein synthesis/assembly/degradation and other biological processes. This study firstly provided the comprehensive proteomics data of T. spiralis in response to ABZSO, and would help us to deeply understand the molecular mechanism of ABZSO effects on T. spiralis.

The differentially mitochondrial proteomic dataset in human ovarian cancer relative to control tissues

This data article presents a differentially mitochondrial proteomic dataset in human ovarian cancer tissues relative to control tissues. The mitochondrial samples were prepared from human ovarian cancer and control ovary tissues, and were digested with trypsin. The tryptic peptides from ovarian cancer and control mitochondrial samples were labeled by isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ) reagents, followed by strong-cation exchange (SCX) chromatography, liquid chromatography (LC)-tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS), and bioinformatic analysis. This data article is related to a published article (Li et al., 2018) [1].

iTRAQ-Based Proteomic Analysis reveals possible target-related proteins and signal networks in human osteoblasts overexpressing FGFR2

Background

Fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) play a vital role in skeletogenesis. However, the molecular mechanisms triggered by FGFR2 in osteoblasts are still not fully understood. In this study, proteomics and bioinformatics analysis were performed to investigate changes in the protein profiles regulated by FGFR2, with the goal of characterizing the molecular mechanisms of FGFR2 function in osteoblasts.

Methods

In this study, FGFR2-overexpression cell line was established using the lentivirus-packaging vector in human osteoblasts (hFOB1.19). Next, the isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) in combination with the liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method was used to compare the proteomic changes between control and FGFR2-overexpression cells. Thresholds (fold-change of ≥ 1.5 and a P-value of < 0.05) were selected to determine differentially expressed proteins (DEPs). The bioinformatics analysis including GO and pathway analysis were done to identify the key pathways underlying the molecular mechanism.

Results

A Total of 149 DEPs was identified. The DEPs mainly located within organelles and involved in protein binding and extracellular regulation of signal transduction. ColI, TNC, FN1 and CDKN1A were strikingly downregulated while UBE2E3, ADNP2 and HSP70 were significantly upregulated in FGFR2-overexpression cells. KEEG analysis suggested the key pathways included cell death, PI3K-Akt signaling, focal adhesion and cell cycle.

Conclusions

To our knowledge, this is the first protomic research to investigate alterations in protein levels and affected pathways in FGFR2-overexpression osteoblasts. Thus, this study not only provides a comprehensive dataset on overall protein changes regulated by FGFR2, but also shed light on its potential molecular mechanism in human osteoblasts.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12953-018-0140-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Implication of STARD5 and cholesterol homeostasis disturbance in the endoplasmic reticulum stress-related response induced by pro-apoptotic aminosteroid RM-133

The aminosteroid derivative RM-133 is an effective anticancer molecule for which proof of concept has been achieved in several mouse xenograph models (HL-60, MCF-7, PANC-1 and OVCAR-3). To promote this new family of molecules toward a clinical phase 1 trial, the mechanism of action governing the anticancer properties of the representative candidate RM-133 needs to be characterized. In vitro experiments were first used to determine that RM-133 causes apoptosis in cancer cells. Then, using proteomic and transcriptomic experiments, RM-133 cytotoxicity was proven to be achieved via the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-related apoptosis, which characterizes RM-133 as an endoplasmic reticulum stress aggravator (ERSA) anticancer drug. Furthermore, an shRNA-genome-wide screening has permitted to identify the steroidogenic acute regulator-related lipid transfer protein 5 (STARD5) as a major player in the RM-133 ER-related apoptosis mechanism, which was validated by an in vitro binding experiment. Altogether, the results presented herein suggest that RM-133 provokes a disturbance of cholesterol homeostasis via the implication of STARD5, which delivers an ERSA molecule to the ER. These results will be a springboard for RM-133 in its path toward clinical use.

Identification of plasma biomarkers for distinguishing bipolar depression from major depressive disorder by iTRAQ-coupled LC-MS/MS and bioinformatics analysis

It is important to differentiate between bipolar disorder (BD) and major depressive disorder (MDD) in the first depressive episode because of the potential treatment implications. Previous studies have mainly focused on the different clinical features or pathological biomarkers to distinguish these two diseases; however, a better understanding of the proteomics profiling of BD may help aid future therapeutic strategies. Here, we applied isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ) technology combined with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) to identify differentially expressed proteins between MDD and bipolar depression (BP). In total, 30 MDD, 30 BP and 30 healthy subjects were included. Proteins from depleted plasma samples were digested into peptides, individually labeled with iTRAQ reagents, combined and subjected to LC-MS/MS and further bioinformatics analyses. Our results showed that 9 proteins were significantly altered between MDD and BP. Briefly, B2RAN2, B4E1B2, APOA1, ENG, SBSN and QSOX2 were up-regulated, whereas ORM1, MRC2 and SLPI were down-regulated. Most identified proteins were related to the immune system. The bioinformatics analysis showed that B2RAN2 (highly similar to vanin-1) was involved in the significantly enriched KEGG pathways "pantothenate and CoA biosynthesis" (P=0.009). B2RAN2 and ENG may play important roles in depression. They may serve as candidate biomarkers for distinguishing MDD and BP. Further validation and investigation are required to illuminate the roles of B2RAN2 and ENG in MDD and BP. The current study provided a potential and novel biomarker panel that may, in turn, aid the diagnosis of BD.

Protein disulfide isomerase a4 acts as a novel regulator of cancer growth through the procaspase pathway

Protein disulfide isomerase a4 (PDIA4) is implicated in the growth and death of tumor cells; however, its molecular mechanism and therapeutic potential in cancer are unclear. Here, we found that PDIA4 expression was upregulated in a variety of tumor cell lines and human lung adenocarcinoma tissues. Knockdown and overexpression of PDIA4 in tumor cells showed that PDIA4 facilitated cell growth via the reduction of caspases 3 and 7 activity. Consistently, Lewis lung carcinoma cells overexpressing PDIA4 grew faster than did parental cells in tumor-bearing mice, as shown by a reduced survival rate, increased tumor size and metastasis, and decreased cell death and caspases 3 and 7 activity. PDIA4 knockdown resulted in opposite outcomes. Moreover, results obtained in mice with spontaneous hepatoma indicated that PDIA4 deficiency significantly reduced hepatic tumorigenesis and cyst formation and increased mouse survival, tumor death, and caspases 3 and 7 activity. Mechanistic studies illustrated that PDIA4 negatively regulated tumor cell death by inhibiting degradation and activation of procaspases 3 and 7 via their mutual interaction in a CGHC-dependent manner. Finally, we found that 1,2-dihydroxytrideca-5,7,9,11-tetrayne, a PDIA4 inhibitor, reduced tumor development via enhancement of caspase-mediated cell death in TSA tumor-bearing mice. These findings characterize PDIA4 as a negative regulator of cancer cell apoptosis and suggest that PDIA4 is a potential therapeutic target for cancer.

iTRAQ analysis of the tobacco leaf proteome reveals that RNA-directed DNA methylation (RdDM) has important roles in defense against geminivirus-betasatellite infection

Geminiviruses have caused serious losses in crop production. To investigate the mechanisms underlying host defenses against geminiviruses, an isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ)-based quantitative proteomic approach was used to explore the expression profiles of proteins in Nicotiana benthamiana (N. benthamiana) leaves in response to tomato yellow leaf curl China virus (TYLCCNV) with its betasatellite (TYLCCNB) at an early phase. In total, 4155 proteins were identified and 272 proteins were changed differentially in response to TYLCCNV/TYLCCNB infection. Bioinformatics analysis indicated that S-adenosyl-l-methionine cycle II was the most significantly up-regulated biochemical process during TYLCCNV/TYLCCNB infection. The mRNA levels of three proteins in S-adenosyl-l-methionine cycle II were further analyzed by qPCR, each was found significantly up-regulated in TYLCCNV/TYLCCNB-infected N. benthamiana. This result suggested a strong promotion of the biosynthesis of available methyl groups during geminivirus infections. We further tested the potential role of RdDM in N. benthamiana by virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) and found that a disruption in RdDM resulted in more severe infectious symptoms and higher accumulation of viral DNA after TYLCCNV/TYLCCNB infection. Although the precise functions of these proteins still need to be determined, our proteomic results enhance the understanding of plant antiviral mechanisms.

BIOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE

One of the major limitations to crop growth in the worldwide is the prevalence of geminiviruses. They are able to infect food and cash crops and cause serious crop failures and economic losses worldwide, especially in Africa and Asia. Tomato yellow leaf curl China virus (TYLCCNV), which causes severe viral diseases in China, is a monopartite geminivirus associated with the betasatellite (TYLCCNB). However, the mechanisms underlying the TYLCCNV/TYLCCNB defense in plants are still not fully understood at the molecular level. In this study, the combined proteomic, bioinformatic and VIGS analyses revealed that TYLCCNV/TYLCCNB invasion caused complex proteomic alterations in the leaves of N. benthamiana involving the processes of stress and defense, energy production, photosynthesis, protein homeostasis, metabolism, cell structure, signal transduction, transcription, transportation, and cell growth/division. Promotion of available methyl groups via the S-adenosyl-l-methionine cycle II pathway in N. benthamiana appeared crucial for antiviral responses. These findings enhance our understanding in the proteomic aspects of host antiviral defenses against geminiviruses, and also demonstrate that the combination of proteomics with bioinformatics and VIGS analysis is an effective approach to investigate systemic plant responses to geminiviruses and to shed light on plant-virus interactions.

Proteomic analysis of Fasciola hepatica excretory and secretory products (FhESPs) involved in interacting with host PBMCs and cytokines by shotgun LC-MS/MS

Fasciola hepatica is a helminth parasite with a worldwide distribution, which can cause chronic liver disease, fasciolosis, leading to economic losses in the livestock and public health in many countries. Control is mostly reliant on the use of drugs, and as a result, drug resistance has now emerged. The identification of F. hepatica genes involved in interaction between the parasite and host immune system is utmost important to elucidate the evasion mechanisms of the parasite and develop more effective strategies against fasciolosis. In this study, we aimed to identify molecules in F. hepatica excretory and secretory products (FhESPs) interacting with the host peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), Th1-like cytokines (IL2 and IFN-γ), and Th17-like cytokines (IL17) by Co-IP combined with tandem mass spectrometry. The results showed that 14, 16, and 9 proteins in FhESPs could bind with IL2, IL17, and IFN-γ, respectively, which indicated that adult F. hepatica may evade the host immune responses through directly interplaying with cytokines. In addition, nine proteins in FhESPs could adhere to PBMCs. Our findings provided potential targets as immuno-regulators, and will be helpful to elucidate the molecular basis of host-parasite interactions and search for new potential proteins as vaccine and drug target candidates.

Phosphoproteome Analysis Reveals the Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Deoxynivalenol-Induced Intestinal Toxicity in IPEC-J2 Cells

Deoxynivalenol (DON) is a widespread trichothecene mycotoxin that commonly contaminates cereal crops and has various toxic effects in animals and humans. DON primarily targets the gastrointestinal tract, the first barrier against ingested food contaminants. In this study, an isobaric tag for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ)-based phosphoproteomic approach was employed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying DON-mediated intestinal toxicity in porcine epithelial cells (IPEC-J2) exposed to 20 μM DON for 60 min. There were 4153 unique phosphopeptides, representing 389 phosphorylation sites, detected in 1821 phosphoproteins. We found that 289 phosphopeptides corresponding to 255 phosphoproteins were differentially phosphorylated in response to DON. Comprehensive Gene Ontology (GO) analysis combined with Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment revealed that, in addition to previously well-characterized mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling, DON exposure altered phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt (PI3K/Akt) and Janus kinase/signal transducer, and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT) pathways. These pathways are involved in a wide range of biological processes, including apoptosis, the intestinal barrier, intestinal inflammation, and the intestinal absorption of glucose. DON-induced changes are likely to contribute to the intestinal dysfunction. Overall, identification of relevant signaling pathways yielded new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying DON-induced intestinal toxicity, and might help in the development of improved mechanism-based risk assessments in animals and humans.

The Immunohistochemical Evaluation of Solid Pseudopapillary Tumors of the Pancreas and Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors Reveals ERO1Lβ as a New Biomarker

Solid pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas (SPTP) is a class of low-grade malignant tumors that carry a favorable prognosis after surgery. Our group has reported that dysfunctions in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) protein processing pathway may play a role in tumor development. However, alterations of this pathway in other pancreatic tumors had not been well investigated. In this study, we collected 35 SPTP and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor (PNET) specimens and described the clinicopathological features of them. We performed immunohistochemistry (IHC) for 6 representative proteins (ERO1Lβ, TRAM1, GRP94, BIP, P4HB, and PDIA4) involved in the ER pathway in both SPTP and PNET specimens. We compared the IHC scoring results of tumors and matched normal pancreas tissues and demonstrated that these proteins were downregulated in SPTP specimens. Five of these proteins (TRAM1, GRP94, BIP, P4HB, and PDIA4) did not display significant changes between PNET and normal pancreas tissue. However, ERO1Lβ was upregulated in PNET tissues compared to the normal tissues, which could be used as a pathological biomarker in the future.