Superexpressão do receptor de Inositol 1,4, 5-trifosfato isoforma 3 (ITPR3) em colangiocarcinoma e sua correlação com a proteína dependente de cálcio S100A4 / Inositol 1,4, 5-triphosphate receptor isoform 3 (ITPR3) overexpression in cholangiocarcinoma and its correlation with calcium-dependent protein S100A4

O colangiocarcinoma (CCA) é a segunda neoplasia mais maligna do fígado que surge na árvore biliar. O CCA está associado com mau prognóstico e os principais fatores envolvidos em sua patogênese não são bem compreendidos. Os receptores tirosina quinases (RTKs), como o receptor do fator de crescimento epidérmico (EGFR), podem mediar as vias de sinalização de cálcio intracelular (Ca 2+ ), via inositol 1,4,5-trifosfato (InsP3). Eles ativam os receptores 1,4,5-trifosfato (ITPRs) e regulam o crescimento tumoral. ITPR isoforma 3 é o principal canal de liberação intracelular de Ca 2+ em colangiócitos. Os efeitos do Ca 2+ intracelular, por sua vez são mediados por proteínas de ligação de cálcio, como calmodulina e proteína A4 de ligação de cálcio S100 (S100A4). No entanto, o significado clínico patológico e biológico de EGFR, ITPR3 e S100A4 no CCA permanece obscuro. Assim, o presente trabalho investiga a imuno exprepressão dessas três proteínas em 59 pacientes diagnosticados com CCA, submetidos a tratamento cirúrgico curativo e correlaciona os dados com características clínico-patológicas e sobrevida. A alta expressão de ITPR3 foi correlacionada com os níveis de CA 19-9, estágio TNM e metástases em linfonodos (N). Além disso, a expressão de ITPR3 foi aumentada em CCA distal em comparação com ductos biliares de controle e CCAs intra-hepáticos e peri-hilares. Os escores clínicos ITPR3 e S100A4 foram significativamente correlacionados. Em resumo, a super expressão de ITPR3 pode contribuir para a progressão da CCA e pode representar um potencial alvo terapêutico. Palavras-chave: ITPRs; ITPR3; S100A4; Colangiocarcinoma; Fígado; Câncer

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is the second most malignant neoplasm in the liver that arises from the biliary tree. CCA is associated with a poor prognosis, and the key players involved in its pathogenesis are still not well understood. Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), such as epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), can mediate intracellular calcium (Ca2+) signaling pathways via inositol 1,4,5trisphosphate (InsP3), activating inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors (ITPRs) and regulating tumor growth. ITPR isoform 3 (ITPR3) is the main intracellular Ca2+ release channel in cholangiocytes. The effects of intracellular Ca2+ are mediated by calciumbinding proteins such as Calmodulin and S100 calcium-binding protein A4 (S100A4). However, the clinicopathological and biological significance of EGFR, ITPR3 and S100A4 in CCA remains unclear. Thus, the present work investigates the immunoexpression of these three proteins in 59 CCAs from patients who underwent curative surgical treatment and correlates the data with clinicopathological features and survival. High ITPR3 expression was correlated with CA 19-9 levels, TNM stage and lymph node metastasis (N). Furthermore, ITPR3 expression was increased in distal CCA compared to control bile ducts and intrahepatic and perihilar CCAs. In summary, ITPR3 overexpression could contribute to CCA progression and it may represent a potential therapeutic target.

Valor de las técnicas moleculares y de los factores de riesgo en el diagnóstico y evolución de la esporotricosis. A propósito de 2 casos por Sporothrix brasiliensis y S. globosa / Value of molecular techniques and risk factors in the diagnosis and evolution of sporotrichosis. About 2 cases of Sporothrix brasiliensis and S. globosa

La Esporotricosis es una micosis profunda causada por el hongo dimorfo Sporothrix schenckii, El advenimiento de técnicas moleculares como la reacción en cadena de la polimerasa ha hecho posible identificar varias especies dentro del complejo Sporothrix spp como S. brasiliensis, S. schenckii sensu stricto, S. globosa, S mexicana y S. albicans. Las diferencias son moleculares, pero también geográficas, macroscópicas, en asimilación de azúcares y crecimiento de colonias a 37º; determinando formas clínicas, evolución y respuestas terapéuticas diferentes. Comunicamos 2 casos de Esporotricosis diagnosticados en el Hospital Nacional de Paraguay, cuyos estudios de PCR del gen de la calmodulina hechos en el extranjero, determinaron ser producidos por S. brasiliensis y S. globosa respectivamente. El objetivo de la comunicación es resaltar la importancia de las técnicas moleculares para el diagnóstico preciso de la especie de Sporothrix spp, considerando los factores de riesgo asociados a la caracterización epidemiológica y a las diferencias clínico-evolutivas de los casos de esporotricosis.

Sporotrichosis is a deep mycosis caused by the dimorphic fungus Sporothrix schenckii. The advent of molecular techniques as the polymerase chain reaction has made it possible to identify several species within the Sporothrix spp complex such as S. brasiliensis, S. schenckii sensu stricto, S. globosa, S mexicana and S. albicans. The differences are molecular but also geographic, macroscopic, in sugar assimilation and colony growth at 37º, determining different clinical forms, evolution and therapeutic responses. We report 2 cases of sporotrichosis diagnosed in the National Hospital of Paraguay, whose studies of PCR of the calmodulin gene carried out abroad, determined to be produced by S. brasiliensis and S. globosa respectively. The objective of the communication is to highlight the importance of molecular techniques for the precise diagnosis of the species of Sporothrix spp, considering the risk factors associated with the epidemiological characterization and the clinical-evolutionary differences of the cases of sporotrichosis.

Effect of calmodulin and its mutants on binding to Na1.2 IQ / 浙江大学学报·医学版

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the effect of calmodulin (CaM) and its mutants on binding to voltage-gated Na channel isoleucine-glutamine domain (Na1.2 IQ).@*METHODS@#The cDNA of Na1.2 IQ was constructed by PCR technique, CaM mutants CaM, CaM and CaM were constructed with Quickchange site-directed mutagenesis kit (QIAGEN). The binding of Na1.2 IQ to CaM and CaM mutants under calcium and calcium free conditions were detected by pull-down assay.@*RESULTS@#Na1.2 IQ and CaM were bound to each other at different calcium concentrations, while GST alone did not bind to CaM. The binding affinity of CaM and Na1.2 IQ at [Ca]-free was greater than that at 100 nmol/L [Ca] ( < 0.05). In the absence of calcium, the binding amount of CaM wild-type to Na1.2 IQ was greater than that of its mutant, and the binding affinity of CaM to Na1.2 IQ was the weakest among the three mutants ( < 0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#The binding ability of CaM and CaM mutants to Na1.2 IQ is Ca-dependent. This study has revealed a new mechanism of Na1.2 regulated by CaM, which would be useful for the study of ion channel related diseases.

Avaliação de mecanismos de modificação pós-traducional da óxido nítrico sintase endotelial (eNOS) associados a biodisponibilidade do óxido nítrico em artérias de ratas espontaneamente hipertensas (SHR) ao final da prenhez / Evaluation of post-translational modification mechanisms of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) associated with the nitric oxide bioavailability in arteries from spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) in the end of pregnancy

A redução da reatividade vascular à fenilefrina (PE) em aorta de ratas espontaneamente hipertensas (SHR) ao final da prenhez é dependente de maior produção e/ou maior biodisponibilidade de óxido nítrico (NO), consequente do aumento da fosforilação da enzima óxido nítrico sintase endotelial (eNOS) via PI3K/Akt. A glicosilação do tipo N-acetil-glucosamina (O-GlcNAc) é uma modificação pós-traducional que compete com a fosforilação pelos mesmos sítios de ligação nas proteínas. A O-GlcNAcilação da eNOS em serina1177 leva a redução da sua atividade enquanto a fosforilação leva a sua ativação. Além destes mecanismos, a interação da eNOS com outras proteínas é capaz de regular positiva ou negativamente a sua atividade. O objetivo deste trabalho foi analisar possíveis alterações nos mecanismos de modificação pós-traducional que controlam a ativação da eNOS os quais poderiam contribuir para maior ativação e maior biodisponibilidade de NO observada em artérias de ratas prenhes. Foram avaliados o conteúdo proteico O-GlcNAc e também expressão das enzimas que participam desta modificação, O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT) e O-GlcNAcase (OGA) por Western Blotting e a atividade da OGA por ensaio bioquímico em aorta e em artéria mesentérica (2º ou 3º ramo) de ratas não prenhes (NP) e prenhes (P), normotensas (Wistar) e SHR. Ensaios de Western Blotting foram realizados também para análise da expressão das seguintes proteínas: Cav-1, p-Cav-1, CaM e Hsp90. Realizamos a contagem do número de cavéolas endoteliais da aorta e da artéria mesentérica na presença ou ausência da metil-ß-ciclodextrina (dextrina, 10 mmol/L) por microscopia eletrônica. Em estudos funcionais, avaliamos a participação da enzima OGA, pela inibição com PugNAc (100 µmol/L) e das cavéolas, utilizando um desorganizador de cavéolas, a dextrina (10 ou 20 mmol/L), na menor reatividade vascular à PE observada em aortas de ratas P. Observamos que o conteúdo de proteínas O-GlcNAciladas estava diminuído em aorta e em leito mesentérico de ratas Wistar P e SHR P. Apesar da expressão da OGT e da OGA não estar alterada, a atividade da OGA foi aumentada em aorta e leito mesentérico de ratas Wistar P, mas, encontra-se diminuída em aorta e aumentada em leito mesentérico de SHP P. A incubação com PugNAc reverteu a reduzida reatividade à PE em aorta e artéria mesentérica de ratas Wistar P mas este efeito não foi observado em vasos SHR P, demonstrando que a OGA parece ter um papel importante na redução da O-GlcNAcilação de proteínas vasculares em Wistar P. Em vasos incubados com PugNAc, a remoção do endotélio ou a incubação com L-NAME, não alterou significativamente a reatividade à PE. Juntos estes resultados sugerem que a maior atividade da eNOS observada em vasos de Wistar P, fica prejudicada na presença do PugNAc, e depende da atividade da OGA. Como não houve alteração da resposta contrátil à PE em vasos de SHR P incubados com PugNAc, possivelmente um mecanismo diferente, envolvendo a menor atividade da OGT, ocorre nestas artérias para a redução da O-GlcNAcilação da eNOS. A desorganização das cavéolas por meio da dextrina causou aumento de contração à PE e redução de potência da ACh em aortas de Wistar NP e SHR NP, porém não houve alteração em aortas de ratas Wistar P e SHR P. A dextrina não alterou o número de cavéolas em artérias de Wistar P e SHR P quando comparado com ratas NP. SHR NP apresentam um reduzido número de cavéolas das aortas em relação a Wistar NP bem como expressão reduzida de Cav-1, p-Cav-1 e CaM. A prenhez não foi capaz de alterar a expressão da Cav-1, CaM e Hsp90 em aorta e leito mesentérico de ratas normotensas e hipertensas. Estes resultados sugerem que a prenhez não altera a expressão das proteínas Cav-1, CaM e Hsp90 e possivelmente a interação com a eNOS em aorta e artérias mesentéricas de ratas normotensas e hipertensas. Em conclusão, entre os mecanismos estudados de modificação pós-traducional da eNOS, a redução da O-GlcNAcilação da eNOS, por mecanismos que envolvem a atividade da OGA e possivelmente da OGT, favoreceria a fosforilação da eNOS e consequente maior biodisponibilidade de NO, contribuindo desta forma para modulação da resposta contrátil da PE nas artérias de ratas P(AU)

Reduction of vascular reactivity to phenylephrine (PE) in aorta of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) at the end of pregnancy is dependent on higher production and/or higer bioavailability of nitric oxide (NO), as a consequence of increased endothelial nitric oxide synthase enzyme (eNOS) phosphorylation, by PI3K/Akt. Glycosylation with O-linked N-acetylglucosamine (O-GlcNAc) is a post-translational modification that competes with phosphorylation by the same binding sites in proteins. O-GlcNAcylation of eNOS on serine site leads to a reduction in its activity while eNOS phosphorylation leads to its activation. In addition to these mechanisms, the interaction of eNOS with other proteins is able to regulate positively or negatively its activity. The objective of this study was to analyze possible changes in the mechanisms of post-translational modification that control the eNOS activation, which could contribute to its the greater activation and greater bioavailability of NO observed in arteries of pregnant rats. The O-GlcNAc-protein content and also the enzymes expression that participate in this modification, O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT) and O-GlcNAcase (OGA) was assessed by Western Blotting, and OGA activity were evaluated by biochemical assay in the aorta and in the artery mesenteric (2nd or 3rd branch) of non-pregnant (NP) and pregnant (P), normotensive rats (Wistar) and SHR. Western Blotting assays were also performed for expression analysis of the following proteins: Cav-1, p-Cav-1, CaM and Hsp90. We performed the counting of the number of endothelial caveolae in the aorta and the mesenteric artery in the presence or absence of methyl-ß-cyclodextrin (dextrin, 10 mmol/L) by electronic microscopy. In functional studies, we evaluated the participation of the OGA enzyme, by inhibition with PugNAc (100 µmol/L) and of the caveolae, using a caveolae disassembler, dextrin (10 or 20 mmol/L), in the reduced vascular reactivity observed in aortas or mesenteric arteries of P rats. We observed that the content of O-GlcNAcylated proteins was decreased in the aorta and in the mesenteric bed of Wistar P and SHR P rats. Although OGT and OGA expression is not altered, OGA activity was increased in the aorta and mesenteric bed of Wistar P rats but was decreased in the aorta and increased in the mesenteric bed of SHP P. Incubation with PugNAc reversed the reduced reactivity to PE in the aorta and mesenteric artery of Wistar P but this effect was not observed in SHR P arteries, demonstrating that OGA appears to play an important role in reducing O-GlcNAcylation of vascular proteins in Wistar P. In arteries incubated with PugNAc, endothelial removal or incubation with L-NAME did not significantly alter reactivity to PE. Together, these results suggest that the greater eNOS activity observed in Wistar P vessels was impaired in the presence of PugNAc, and it depends on OGA activity. As there was no change in the contractile response to PE in SHR P arteries incubated with PugNAc, possibly a different mechanism, involving the lower activity of OGT, occurs in these vessels for the reduction of O-GlcNAcylation of eNOS. Dextrin caused increased contraction of PE and decreased ACh potency in Wistar NP and SHR NP aortas, but there was no change in aortas of Wistar P and SHR P. Dextrin did not alter the number of cavelae in Wistar P and SHR P arteries compared to NP rats. SHR NP showed a lower number of caveolae than to NP Wistar as well reduced expression of Cav-1 and CaM. Pregnancy was not able to alter the expression of Cav-1, CaM and Hsp90 in the aorta and mesenteric bed of normotensive and hypertensive rats. These results suggest that pregnancy does not alter the expression of Cav-1, CaM and Hsp90 proteins and possibly interaction with eNOS in the aorta and mesenteric arteries of normotensive and hypertensive rats. In conclusion, among the studied mechanisms of post-translational modification of eNOS, the reduction of O-GlcNAcylation of eNOS, by mechanisms that involve OGA activity and possibly OGT, would favor eNOS phosphorylation and consequent greater NO bioavailability, contributing in this way for modulation of the contractile response to PE in the arteries of P rats(AU)

Cloning and expression analysis of calmodulin gene from Pinellia ternate / 中国中药杂志

According to the data of Pinellia ternate transcriptome,two calmodulin genes were cloned and named as Pt Ca M1 and PtCa M2 respectively. The results of bioinformatics analysis showed that Pt Ca Ms genes contained a 450 bp open reading frame,encoding149 amino acids.The identity of the coding sequences was 80%,and the identity of amino acids sequence was 91%. Pt Ca Ms genes contained EF-hand structure domain,belonging to the Ca M families. The Real-time PCR analysed the expression patterns of Pt Ca Ms in different tissues and different treatments. RESULTS:: showed that Pt Ca M1 and Pt Ca M2 gene were the highest expression level in tuber. Under Ca Cl2 treatment,the expressions of Pt Ca Ms were significantly higher than the control. Under EGTA,La Cl3 and TFP treatments,the expression level of Pt Ca Ms decreased gradually. In this study,the Pt Ca Ms gene were successfully cloned from P. ternate,which laid a foundation for the functional characteristic of Pt Ca Ms gene and the synthesis of alkaloids from P. ternata for further study.

New Records of Four Species Belonging to Eurotiales from Soil and Freshwater in Korea

Four strains of Penicillium and Talaromyces species are described and illustrated in an inventory of fungal species belonging to Eurotiales. The strains, CNUFC-DDS17-1, CNUFC-DDS27-1, CNUFC-PTM72-1, and CNUFC-YJW3-31, were isolated from soil and freshwater samples from South Korea. Based on their morphological characteristics and sequence analyses by the combined β-tubulin and calmodulin gene, the CNUFC-DDS17-1, CNUFC-DDS27-1, CNUFC-PTM72-1, and CNUFC-YJW3-31 isolates were identified as Penicillium pasqualense, Penicillium sanguifluum, Talaromyces apiculatus, and Talaromyces liani, respectively. The designated strains were found to represent a previously undescribed species of Korean fungal biota. In this study, detailed morphological descriptions and phylogenetic relationships of these species are provided.

Three Unrecorded Species Belonging to Penicillium Section Sclerotiora from Marine Environments in Korea

Species that belong to Penicillium section Sclerotiora are commonly found in various terrestrial environments, but only a few have been reported in marine environments. Because the number of Penicillium species reported in marine environments is increasing, we investigated the diversity of Penicillium section Sclerotiora in marine environments in Korea. Based on sequence analyses of β-tubulin and calmodulin loci, 21 strains of section Sclerotiora were identified as P. bilaiae, P. daejeonium, P. exsudans, P. herquei, P. cf. guanacastense, P. mallochii, P. maximae, and P. viticola. Three of them were confirmed as new to Korea: P. exsudans, P. mallochii, and P. maximae. Here, we have provided detailed morphological descriptions of these unrecorded species.

Fungal Diversity and Enzyme Activity Associated with the Macroalgae, Agarum clathratum

Agarum clathratum, a brown macroalgae species, has recently become a serious environmental problem on the coasts of Korea. In an effort to solve this problem, fungal diversity associated with decaying A. clathratum was investigated and related β-glucosidase and endoglucanase activities were described. A total of 233 fungal strains were isolated from A. clathratum at 15 sites and identified 89 species based on morphology and a multigene analysis using the internal transcribed spacer region (ITS) and protein-coding genes including actin (act), β-tubulin (benA), calmodulin (CaM), and translation elongation factor (tef1). Acremonium, Corollospora, and Penicillium were the dominant genera, and Acremonium fuci and Corollospora gracilis were the dominant species. Fifty-one species exhibited cellulase activity, with A. fuci, Alfaria terrestris, Hypoxylon perforatum, P. madriti, and Pleosporales sp. Five showing the highest enzyme activities. Further enzyme quantification confirmed that these species had higher cellulase activity than P. crysogenum, a fungal species described in previous studies. This study lays the groundwork for bioremediation using fungi to remove decaying seaweed from populated areas and provides important background for potential industrial applications of environmentally friendly processes.

EF-hand like Region in the N-terminus of Anoctamin 1 Modulates Channel Activity by Ca²⁺ and Voltage

Anoctamin1 (ANO1) also known as TMEM16A is a transmembrane protein that functions as a Ca²⁺ activated chloride channel. Recently, the structure determination of a fungal Nectria haematococca TMEM16 (nhTMEM16) scramblase by X-ray crystallography and a mouse ANO1 by cryo-electron microscopy has provided the insight in molecular architecture underlying phospholipid scrambling and Ca²⁺ binding. Because the Ca²⁺ binding motif is embedded inside channel protein according to defined structure, it is still unclear how intracellular Ca²⁺ moves to its deep binding pocket effectively. Here we show that EF-hand like region containing multiple acidic amino acids at the N-terminus of ANO1 is a putative site regulating the activity of ANO1 by Ca²⁺ and voltage. The EF-hand like region of ANO1 is highly homologous to the canonical EF hand loop in calmodulin that contains acidic residues in key Ca²⁺-coordinating positions in the canonical EF hand. Indeed, deletion and Ala-substituted mutation of this region resulted in a significant reduction in the response to Ca²⁺ and changes in its key biophysical properties evoked by voltage pulses. Furthermore, only ANO1 and ANO2, and not the other TMEM16 isoforms, contain the EF-hand like region and are activated by Ca²⁺. Moreover, the molecular modeling analysis supports that EF-hand like region could play a key role during Ca²⁺ transfer. Therefore, these findings suggest that EF-hand like region in ANO1 coordinates with Ca²⁺ and modulate the activation by Ca²⁺ and voltage.

The role of calmodulin in regulating calcium-permeable PKD2L1 channel activity

Polycystic kidney disease 2-like-1 (PKD2L1), polycystin-L or transient receptor potential polycystin 3 (TRPP3) is a TRP superfamily member. It is a calcium-permeable non-selective cation channel that regulates intracellular calcium concentration and thereby calcium signaling. Although the calmodulin (CaM) inhibitor, calmidazolium, is an activator of the PKD2L1 channel, the activating mechanism remains unclear. The purpose of this study is to clarify whether CaM takes part in the regulation of the PKD2L1 channel, and if so, how. With patch clamp techniques, we observed the current amplitudes of PKD2L1 significantly reduced when coexpressed with CaM and CaMΔN. This result suggests that the N-lobe of CaM carries a more crucial role in regulating PKD2L1 and guides us into our next question on the different functions of two lobes of CaM. We also identified the predicted CaM binding site, and generated deletion and truncation mutants. The mutants showed significant reduction in currents losing PKD2L1 current-voltage curve, suggesting that the C-terminal region from 590 to 600 is crucial for maintaining the functionality of the PKD2L1 channel. With PKD2L1608Stop mutant showing increased current amplitudes, we further examined the functional importance of EF-hand domain. Along with co-expression of CaM, ΔEF-hand mutant also showed significant changes in current amplitudes and potentiation time. Our findings suggest that there is a constitutive inhibition of EF-hand and binding of CaM C-lobe on the channel in low calcium concentration. At higher calcium concentration, calcium ions occupy the N-lobe as well as the EF-hand domain, allowing the two to compete to bind to the channel.

First Report of Two Colletotrichum Species Associated with Bitter Rot on Apple Fruit in Korea – C. fructicola and C. siamense

Bitter rot caused by the fungal genus Colletotrichum is a well-known, common disease of apple and causes significant yield loss. In 2013, six fungal strains were isolated from Fuji apple fruits exhibiting symptoms of bitter rot from Andong, Korea. These strains were identified as Colletotrichum fructicola and C. siamense based on morphological characteristics and multilocus sequence analysis of the internal transcribed spacer rDNA, actin, calmodulin, chitin synthase, and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase Pathogenicity tests confirmed the involvement of C. fructicola and C. siamense in the development of disease symptoms on apple fruits. This is the first report of C. fructicola and C. siamense causing bitter rot on apple fruit in Korea.

Protective effects of genistein on Aβ₂₅₋₃₅-induced PC12 cell injury via regulating CaM-CaMKIV signaling pathway / 中国中药杂志

Genistein is a kind of isoflavone compounds， also called phytoestrogens， with clinical effects on cardiovascular disease， cancer and postmenopausal-related gynecological diseases， and also has the potentiality in the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's disease(AD). In this study， the protective effect of genistein on Aβ₂₅₋₃₅-induced PC12 cell injury and effect on CaM-CaMKIV signaling pathway were observed to investigate its mechanism for AD. PC12 cells were cultured and then the safe concentration of genistein and the modeling concentration and optimal time point of administration of Aβ₂₅₋₃₅ were screened by MTT assay. After being pretreated with different concentrations of genistein(25， 50， 100 μmol·L⁻¹) on PC12 cells， the AD model of PC12 cells was induced by Aβ₂₅₋₃₅. Then the survival rate of cells was detected by MTT assay; morphological change of cells was observed under the inverted microscope， and apoptosis of cells was assessed by AO/EB fluorescence staining; the neuroprotective effects of genistein on AD cell model were observed and the optimal concentration of genistein was determined. Expressions of mRNA and protein levels of CaM， CaMKK， CaMKIV and tau were detected by qRT-PCR and Western blot assay， respectively. The results showed that as compared with the blank group， the cell survival rate was decreased; the cell damage and apoptosis were increased; and the expressions of mRNA and protein levels of CaM， CaMKK， CaMKIV and tau were increased in AD model group. Genistein could significantly improve the cell survival rate， reduce the cell damage and apoptosis of AD cell model， and significantly down-regulate the expressions of mRNA and protein levels of CaM， CaMKK， CaMKIV and tau of AD cell model. These results indicated that genistein has obviously neuroprotective effect on the AD cell model induced by Aβ₂₅₋₃₅， and the mechanism may be related to the down-regulation of CaM-CaMKIV signaling pathway and Tau protein expression.

In Silico Model-driven Assessment of the Effects of Brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor Deficiency on Glutamate and Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid: Implications for Understanding Schizophrenia Pathophysiology

OBJECTIVE: Deficient brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is one of the important mechanisms underlying the neuroplasticity abnormalities in schizophrenia. Aberration in BDNF signaling pathways directly or circuitously influences neurotransmitters like glutamate and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). For the first time, this study attempts to construct and simulate the BDNF-neurotransmitter network in order to assess the effects of BDNF deficiency on glutamate and GABA. METHODS: Using CellDesigner, we modeled BDNF interactions with calcium influx via N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR)-Calmodulin activation; synthesis of GABA via cell cycle regulators protein kinase B, glycogen synthase kinase and β-catenin; transportation of glutamate and GABA. Steady state stability, perturbation time-course simulation and sensitivity analysis were performed in COPASI after assigning the kinetic functions, optimizing the unknown parameters using random search and genetic algorithm. RESULTS: Study observations suggest that increased glutamate in hippocampus, similar to that seen in schizophrenia, could potentially be contributed by indirect pathway originated from BDNF. Deficient BDNF could suppress Glutamate decarboxylase 67-mediated GABA synthesis. Further, deficient BDNF corresponded to impaired transport via vesicular glutamate transporter, thereby further increasing the intracellular glutamate in GABAergic and glutamatergic cells. BDNF also altered calcium dependent neuroplasticity via NMDAR modulation. Sensitivity analysis showed that Calmodulin, cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) and CREB regulated transcription coactivator-1 played significant role in this network. CONCLUSION: The study presents in silico quantitative model of biochemical network constituting the key signaling molecules implicated in schizophrenia pathogenesis. It provides mechanistic insights into putative contribution of deficient BNDF towards alterations in neurotransmitters and neuroplasticity that are consistent with current understanding of the disorder.

Taxonomic Characterization, Evaluation of Toxigenicity, and Saccharification Capability of Aspergillus Section Flavi Isolates from Korean Traditional Wheat-Based Fermentation Starter Nuruk

The most economically important species used in a wide range of fermentation industries throughout Asia belong to Aspergillus section Flavi, which are morphologically and phylogenetically indistinguishable, with a few being toxigenic and therefore a major concern. They are frequently isolated from Korean fermentation starters, such as nuruk and meju. The growing popularity of traditional Korean alcoholic beverages has led to a demand for their quality enhancement, therefore requiring selection of efficient non-toxigenic strains to assist effective fermentation. This study was performed to classify the most efficient strains of Aspergillus section Flavi isolated from various types of traditional wheat nuruk, based on a polyphasic approach involving molecular and biochemical evaluation. A total of 69 strains were isolated based on colony morphology and identified as Aspergillus oryzae/flavus based on internal transcribed spacer and calmodulin gene sequencing. Interestingly, none were toxigenic based on PCR amplification of intergenic regions of the aflatoxin cluster genes norB-cypA and the absence of aflatoxin in the culture supernatants by thin-layer chromatography analysis. Saccharification capability of the isolates, assessed through α-amylase and glucoamylase activities, revealed that two isolates, TNA24 and TNA15, showed the highest levels of activity. Although the degrees of variation in α-amylase and glucoamylase activities among the isolates were higher, there were only slight differences in acid protease activity among the isolates with two, TNA28 and TNA36, showing the highest activities. Furthermore, statistical analyses showed that α-amylase activity was positively correlated with glucoamylase activity (p < 0.001), and therefore screening for either was sufficient to predict the saccharifying capacity of the Aspergillus strain.

Diversity of Marine-Derived Aspergillus from Tidal Mudflats and Sea Sand in Korea

Aspergillus (Trichocomaceae, Eurotiales, and Ascomycota) is a genus of well-defined asexual spore-forming fungi that produce valuable compounds such as secondary metabolites and enzymes; however, some species are also responsible for diseases in plants and animals, including humans. To date, 26 Aspergillus species have been reported in Korea, with most species located in terrestrial environments. In our study, Aspergillus species were isolated from mudflats and sea sand along the western and southern coasts of Korea. A total of 84 strains were isolated and identified as 17 Aspergillus species in 11 sections on the basis of both morphological characteristics and sequence analysis of the calmodulin gene (CaM) locus. Commonly isolated species were A. fumigatus (26 strains), A. sydowii (14 strains), and A. terreus (10 strains). The diversity of Aspergillus species isolated from mudflats (13 species) was higher than the diversity of those from sea sand (five species). Four identified species—A. caesiellus, A. montenegroi, A. rhizopodus, and A. tabacinus—are in the first records in Korea. Here, we provide detailed descriptions of the morphological characteristics of these four species.

Association between gene polymorphism of calcium/calmodulin-dependent kinase 4 and efficacy of amlodipine in the treatment of hypertension in Chinese Han nationality / 中南大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To evaluate the association between single nucleotide polymorphisms of calcium/calmodulin-dependent kinase 4 (CAMK4) and the therapeutic effect of amlodipine in essential hypertensive patients in Chinese Han nationality.
@*METHODS@#A total of 108 mild-to-moderate essential hypertension patients in Chinese Han nationality were treated with amlodipine for 8 weeks at a dosage of 5 mg/d. Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism was performed to detect the genotypes (rs10491334). Blood pressure was measured and analyzed.
@*RESULTS@#The result of rs10491334 polymorphism of CAMK4 was consistent with Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium distribution and the frequencies of C allele and T allele were 88.89% and 11.11%, respectively. The systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure before amlodipine treatment were not statistically different among different genotype carriers (P>0.05). The blood pressure was significantly reduced in all patients after amlodipine treatment (P<0.05). Systolic blood pressure was significantly decreased in patients with rs10491334 CC genotype and CT genotype compared with those patients with rs10491334 TT genotype. Total effective rates of CT and TT carriers were higher than those of the CC genotype carriers (P<0.01).
@*CONCLUSION@#The CAMK4 gene polymorphism might be associated with the efficacy of calcium channel blocker in treating mild-to-moderate essential hypertension patients.

Diagnostic and Predictive Levels of Calcium-binding Protein A8 and Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor-associated Factor 6 in Sepsis-associated Encephalopathy: A Prospective Observational Study / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Despite its high prevalence, morbidity, and mortality, sepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE) is still poorly understood. The aim of this prospective and observational study was to investigate the clinical significance of calcium-binding protein A8 (S100A8) in serum and tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in diagnosing SAE and predicting its prognosis.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Data of septic patients were collected within 24 h after Intensive Care Unit admission from July 2014 to March 2015. Healthy medical personnel served as the control group. SAE was defined as cerebral dysfunction in the presence of sepsis that fulfilled the exclusion criteria. The biochemical indicators, Glasgow Coma Scale, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation score II, TRAF6 in PBMC, serum S100A8, S100β, and neuron-specific enolase were evaluated in SAE patients afresh. TRAF6 and S100A8 were also measured in the control group.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Of the 57 enrolled patients, 29 were diagnosed with SAE. The S100A8 and TRAF6 concentrations in SAE patients were both significantly higher than that in no-encephalopathy (NE) patients, and higher in NE than that in controls (3.74 ± 3.13 vs. 1.08 ± 0.75 vs. 0.37 ± 0.14 ng/ml, P < 0.01; 3.18 ± 1.55 vs. 1.02 ± 0.63 vs. 0.47 ± 0.10, P < 0.01). S100A8 levels of 1.93 ng/ml were diagnostic of SAE with 92.90% specificity and 69.00% sensitivity in the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, and the area under the curve was 0.86 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.76-0.95). TRAF6-relative levels of 1.44 were diagnostic of SAE with 85.70% specificity and 86.20% sensitivity, and the area under the curve was 0.94 (95% CI: 0.88-0.99). In addition, S100A8 levels of 2.41 ng/ml predicted 28-day mortality of SAE with 90.00% specificity and 73.70% sensitivity in the ROC curve, and the area under the curve was 0.88. TRAF6 relative levels of 2.94 predicted 28-day mortality of SAE with 80.00% specificity and 68.40% sensitivity, and the area under the curve was 0.77. Compared with TRAF6, the specificity of serum S100A8 in diagnosing SAE and predicting mortality was higher, although the sensitivity was low. In contrast, the TRAF6 had higher sensitivity for diagnosis.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Peripheral blood levels of S100A8 and TRAF6 in SAE patients were elevated and might be related to the severity of SAE and predict the outcome of SAE. The efficacy and specificity of S100A8 for SAE diagnosis were superior, despite its weak sensitivity. S100A8 might be a better biomarker for diagnosis of SAE and predicting prognosis.</p>

Evolution of mammographic image quality in the state of Rio de Janeiro / A evolução da qualidade da imagem em mamografia no Estado do Rio de Janeiro

Objective: To evaluate the evolution of mammographic image quality in the state of Rio de Janeiro on the basis of parameters measured and analyzed during health surveillance inspections in the period from 2006 to 2011. Materials and Methods: Descriptive study analyzing parameters connected with imaging quality of 52 mammography apparatuses inspected at least twice with a one-year interval. Results: Amongst the 16 analyzed parameters, 7 presented more than 70% of conformity, namely: compression paddle pressure intensity (85.1%), films development (72.7%), film response (72.7%), low contrast fine detail (92.2%), tumor mass visualization (76.5%), absence of image artifacts (94.1%), mammography-specific developers availability (88.2%). On the other hand, relevant parameters were below 50% conformity, namely: monthly image quality control testing (28.8%) and high contrast details with respect to microcalcifications visualization (47.1%). Conclusion: The analysis revealed critical situations in terms of compliance with the health surveillance standards. Priority should be given to those mammography apparatuses that remained non-compliant at the second inspection performed within the one-year interval. .

Objetivo: Avaliar a evolução da qualidade da imagem de mamógrafos localizados no Estado do Rio de Janeiro, de 2006 a 2011, com base em parâmetros medidos e observados durante inspeções sanitárias. Materiais e Métodos: Estudo descritivo sobre a evolução de parâmetros que condicionam a qualidade da imagem focalizou 52 mamógrafos, inspecionados no mínimo duas vezes, com intervalo de um ano. Resultados: Dos 16 parâmetros avaliados, 7 apresentaram mais de 70% de conformidade: força do dispositivo de compressão (85,1%), processamento dos filmes (72,7%), resposta do filme do serviço (72,7%), detalhes lineares de baixo contraste (92,2%), visualização de massas tumorais (76,5%), ausência de artefatos de imagem (94,1%), existência de processadoras específicas para mamografia (88,2%). Importantes parâmetros apresentaram-se abaixo de 50% de conformidade: realização de testes mensais da qualidade de imagem pelo estabelecimento (28,8%) e detalhes de alto contraste, que dizem respeito à visualização de microcalcificações (47,1%). Conclusão: A análise revelou situações críticas da atuação da vigilância sanitária, cuja prioridade deveria ser dirigida aos estacionários, ou seja, os mamógrafos que permaneceram na situação de não conformidade nas inspeções realizadas com intervalo de um ano. .

Study on interference effect of Sijunzi decoction on brain-gut CaM/CaMK II of spleen Qi deficiency syndrome rats / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the dynamic time-phase expressions of key genes of brain-gut CaM signal pathway of spleen Qi deficiency rats and the intervention effect of Sijunzi decoction.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into the normal control group, model 14 d, 21 d, 28 d groups, and Sijunzi decoction 14 d, 21 d, 28 d groups. Except for the normal control group, the remaining groups were included into the spleen Qi deficiency model with the bitter cold breaking Qi method (ig 7.5 g · kg⁻¹ · d⁻¹ of Rheum officinale, Fructus aurantii immaturus, Magnolia officinalis preparation) and the exhaustive swimming method. On the 7th day after the modeling, the Sijunzi decoction groups were orally administered with Sijunzi decoction 20 g · kg⁻¹ · d⁻¹. The expressions of key genes CaM/CaMK II of CaM signaling pathway in hippocampus and intestine at different time points by immunohistochemical method and Western blot. At the same time, the intervention effect of Sijunzi decoction on spleen Qi deficiency rats and its mechanism were analyzed.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>Spleen Qi deficiency rats showed higher intestinal CaM/CaMK II expression and lower hippocampus CaM/CaMK II expression than normal rats (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). After the treatment of Sijunzi decoction, spleen Qi deficiency rats showed reduction in intestinal CaM/CaMK II expression and increase in hippocampus CaM/CaMK II expression (P < 0.05, P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The formation of spleen Qi deficiency syndrome may be related to the high expression of CaM/CaMK II in small intestine tissues and its low expression in hippocampus tissues. Sijunzi decoction may achieve the therapeutic effect in spleen Qi deficiency syndrome by reducing the CaM/CaMK II expression in intestinal tissues and increasing it in hippocampus tissues.</p>

Characterization of a Clonorchis sinensis antigen, calmodulin, and its relationship with liver fibrosis / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To characterize the biological function of calmodulin (CaM) from Clonorchis sinensis (C. sinensis, Cs) and investigate its role in clonorchiasis-associated hepatic fibrosis.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The full-length sequence of CsCaM gene was isolated from Cs cDNA library and its homologues were searched using BLASTx for comparison. Bioinformatics analysis was performed to compare the homologues and predict the physiochemical characteristics and functional domains. The gene was cloned in a prokaryotic plasmid and expressed in E. coli, and the recombinant protein was purified by affinity chromatography for immunizing rats to produce polyclonal antibodies, whose titer was determined using ELISA analysis. Immunoblotting analysis was carried out to determine of the purity and antibody recognition of CsCaM. Immunofluorescence assay was employed to analyze the tissue location of the protein. A rat model of liver fibrosis was established by introperitoneal injection of the recombinant protein.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The recombinant CsCaM protein obtained contained 150 amino acids with a theoretical molecular mass of 23.4 kD. CsCaM homologue had EF hand motifs. The recombinant pET-30a-CsCaM plasmid expressed in BL21 E. coli was about 23.4 kD. The total IgG antibody titer in the immunized mice reached the peak level (over 1: 51200) 2 to 4 weeks after the first injection. Immunohistochemistry showed that CsCaM located in the testis of adult C. sinensis. The rats receiving intraperitoneal injection of CsCaM showed severe liver inflammation with mild to moderate liver fibrosis.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The pro-inflammation and pro-fibrosis effects of CsCaM in rat liver suggest its involvement in clonorchiasis- associated hepatic fibrosis.</p>