Your browser doesn't support javascript.
loading
Show: 20 | 50 | 100
Results 1 - 20 de 302
Filter
1.
Food Chem ; 456: 139887, 2024 May 29.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38865819

ABSTRACT

Fennel essential oil (FEO) a natural spice that has versatile biological activities. However, the direct use of FEO is limited due to its water insolubility and poor stability. Chilled pork is prone to spoilage during storage. To solve these problems, this study aimed to prepare an inclusion complex (IC) of FEO with hydroxypropyl-ß-cyclodextrin via co-precipitation and apply it to the preservation of chilled pork. Results indicated that the optimal parameters were encapsulating temperature 37 °C, wall-core ratio 14:1 g/mL, stirring speed 600 r/min, and encapsulating time 240 min, obtaining an encapsulation efficiency of 83.75%. The results of scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy, and nuclear magnetic resonance demonstrated the successful preparation of IC. The release of FEO from IC was controllable through adjusting the different temperatures and relative humidities. Furthermore, IC effectively delayed the spoilage of chilled pork and extended its shelf life by 6 days at 4 °C.

2.
Curr Protoc ; 4(6): e1059, 2024 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38896106

ABSTRACT

U1-70K (snRNP70) serves as an indispensable protein component within the U1 complex, assuming a pivotal role in both constitutive and alternative RNA splicing processes. Notably, U1-70K engages in interactions with SR proteins, instigating the assembly of the spliceosome. This protein undergoes regulation through phosphorylation at multiple sites. Of significant interest, U1-70K has been implicated in Alzheimer's disease, in which it tends to form detergent-insoluble aggregates. Even though it was identified more than three decades ago, our understanding of U1-70K remains notably constrained, primarily due to challenges such as low levels of recombinant expression, susceptibility to protein degradation, and insolubility. In endeavoring to address these limitations, we devised a multifaceted approach encompassing codon optimization, strategic purification, and a solubilization protocol. This methodology has enabled us to achieve a high yield of full-length, soluble U1-70K, paving the way for its comprehensive biophysical and biochemical characterization. Furthermore, we provide a detailed protocol for the preparation of phosphorylated U1-70K. This set of protocols promises to be a valuable resource for scientists exploring the intricate web of U1-70K-related mechanisms in the context of RNA splicing and its implications in neurodegenerative disorders and other disorders and biological processes. © 2024 The Authors. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol 1: Expression and purification of full-length U1-70K from E. coli Support Protocol 1: Making chemically competent BL21 Star pRARE/pBB535 cells Basic Protocol 2: Phosphorylation of full-length U1-70K using SRPK1 Support Protocol 2: Purification of SRPK1 Basic Protocol 3: Expression and purification of U1-70K BAD1 from E. coli Basic Protocol 4: Phosphorylation of U1-70K BAD1 using SRPK1 Basic Protocol 5: Expression and purification of U1-70K BAD2 from E. coli.


Subject(s)
Escherichia coli , Ribonucleoprotein, U1 Small Nuclear , Escherichia coli/genetics , Escherichia coli/metabolism , Humans , Ribonucleoprotein, U1 Small Nuclear/metabolism , Ribonucleoprotein, U1 Small Nuclear/genetics , Ribonucleoprotein, U1 Small Nuclear/isolation & purification , Phosphorylation , Recombinant Proteins/isolation & purification , Recombinant Proteins/metabolism , Recombinant Proteins/genetics , Recombinant Proteins/biosynthesis , Gene Expression , Protein Domains
3.
Nat Commun ; 15(1): 4880, 2024 Jun 07.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38849347

ABSTRACT

Assembling graphene sheets into macroscopic fibers with graphitic layers uniaxially aligned along the fiber axis is of both fundamental and technological importance. However, the optimal performance of graphene-based fibers has been far lower than what is expected based on the properties of individual graphene. Here we show that both mechanical properties and electrical conductivity of graphene-based fibers can be significantly improved if bridges are created between graphene edges through covalent conjugating aromatic amide bonds. The improved electrical conductivity is likely due to extended electron conjugation over the aromatic amide bridged graphene sheets. The larger sheets also result in improved π-π stacking, which, along with the robust aromatic amide linkage, provides high mechanical strength. In our experiments, graphene edges were bridged using the established wet-spinning technique in the presence of an aromatic amine linker, which selectively reacts to carboxyl groups at the graphene edge sites. This technique is already industrial and can be easily upscaled. Our methodology thus paves the way to the fabrication of high-performance macroscopic graphene fibers under optimal techno-economic and ecological conditions.

4.
Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) ; 15: 1393111, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38846492

ABSTRACT

Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) is a disease characterized by spermatogenesis failure and comprises phenotypes such as hypospermatogenesis, mature arrest, and Sertoli cell-only syndrome. Studies have shown that FA cross-linked anemia (FA) pathway is closely related to the occurrence of NOA. There are FA gene mutations in male NOA patients, which cause significant damage to male germ cells. The FA pathway is activated in the presence of DNA interstrand cross-links; the key step in activating this pathway is the mono-ubiquitination of the FANCD2-FANCI complex, and the activation of the FA pathway can repair DNA damage such as DNA double-strand breaks. Therefore, we believe that the FA pathway affects germ cells during DNA damage repair, resulting in minimal or even disappearance of mature sperm in males. This review summarizes the regulatory mechanisms of FA-related genes in male azoospermia, with the aim of providing a theoretical reference for clinical research and exploration of related genes.


Subject(s)
Azoospermia , Fanconi Anemia Complementation Group Proteins , Signal Transduction , Animals , Humans , Male , Azoospermia/genetics , Azoospermia/metabolism , Azoospermia/pathology , DNA Damage , DNA Repair , Fanconi Anemia Complementation Group Proteins/metabolism , Fanconi Anemia Complementation Group Proteins/genetics , Spermatogenesis
5.
Natl Sci Rev ; 11(7): nwad307, 2024 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38883295

ABSTRACT

Since the discovery of the high-temperature superconductors H3S and LaH10 under high pressure, compressed hydrides have received extensive attention as promising candidates for room-temperature superconductors. As a result of current high-pressure theoretical and experimental studies, it is now known that almost all the binary hydrides with a high superconducting transition temperature (T c) require extremely high pressure to remain stable, hindering any practical application. In order to further lower the stable pressure and improve superconductivity, researchers have started exploring ternary hydrides and had many achievements in recent years. Here, we discuss recent progress in ternary hydrides, aiming to deepen the understanding of the key factors regulating the structural stability and superconductivity of ternary hydrides, such as structural motifs, bonding features, electronic structures, electron-phonon coupling, etc. Furthermore, the current issues and challenges of superconducting ternary hydrides are presented, together with the prospects and opportunities for future research.

6.
Heliyon ; 10(11): e31677, 2024 Jun 15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38841453

ABSTRACT

Background: Metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) of plasma DNA has become an attractive diagnostic method for infectious diseases; however, the rate of false-positive results is high. This study aims to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of mNGS in plasma versus blood cell samples for immunocompromised children with febrile diseases. Methods: The results of conventional microbiological test (CMT) and mNGS using plasma and blood cells in 106 patients with 128 episodes of febrile diseases from the Department of Hematology/Oncology were analyzed and described. Results: The positivity rates for CMT and mNGS of plasma and blood cells were 35.9 %, 84.4 % and 46.9 %, respectively (P < 0.001). Notably, mNGS identified multiple pathogens in a single specimen in 68.5 % of plasma samples and 38.3 % of blood cell samples (P < 0.001). Furthermore, plasma and blood cell mNGS identified causative pathogens in 58 and 46 cases, accounting for 53.7 % and 76.7 % of the mNGS-positive cases for each sample type, respectively (P = 0.002). By integrating results from both plasma and blood cell samples, causative pathogens were identified in 77 cases (60.2 %), enhancing sensitivity to 87.5 % but reducing specificity to 15.0 %, compared to plasma (65.9 % sensitivity and 20.0 % specificity) and blood cell samples (52.3 % sensitivity and 80.0 % specificity). Conclusions: mNGS of plasma is sensitive but has a high false-positive rate, while mNGS of blood cells has low sensitivity but higher specificity.

7.
Eur J Radiol ; 177: 111554, 2024 Jun 05.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38850724

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Hepatic venovenous communications (HVVC) is detectable in more than one-third of cirrhotic patients, where portal hypertension (PHT) tends to present more severely. We aimed to explore the prognostic implications of HVVC in patients with sinusoidal PHT treated by transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS). METHOD: The multicenter data of patients (2020-2022) undergoing balloon-occluded hepatic venography during TIPS were retrospectively analyzed. Pre-TIPS total bile acids (TBA) levels in portal, hepatic and peripheral veins were compared between groups. The primary endpoint was the development of overt hepatic encephalopathy (HE) within one year after TIPS. RESULTS: 183 patients were eligible and classified by the presence (n = 69, 37.7 %) or absence (n = 114, 62.3 %) of HVVC. The agreement between wedged hepatic venous pressure and portal venous pressure was poor in HVVC group (intraclass correlation coefficients [ICC]: 0.141, difference: 13.4 mmHg, p < 0.001), but almost perfect in non-HVVC group (ICC: 0.877, difference: 0.4 mmHg, p = 0.152). At baseline, patients with HVVC had lower Model for end-stage liver disease scores (p < 0.001), blood ammonia levels (p < 0.001), TBA concentrations in the hepatic (p = 0.011) and peripheral veins (p = 0.049) rather than in the portal veins (p = 0.516), and a higher portosystemic pressure gradient (p = 0.035), suggesting more effective intrahepatic perfusion in this group. Within 1-year post-TIPS, HVVC group had a lower incidence of overt HE (11.7 % vs. 30.5 %, p = 0.004, HR: 0.34, 95 % CI: 0.16-0.74, absolute risk difference [ARD]: -17.4) and an improved liver transplantation-free survival rate (97.1 % vs. 86.8 %, p = 0.021, HR: 0.16, 95 % CI: 0.05-0.91, ARD: -10.3). CONCLUSIONS: For patients with sinusoidal PHT treated by TIPS, the presence of HVVC was associated with a reduced risk of overt HE and a potential survival benefit.

8.
Heliyon ; 10(11): e32139, 2024 Jun 15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38868014

ABSTRACT

SARS-CoV-2 evolves gradually to cause COVID-19 epidemic. One of driving forces of SARS-CoV-2 evolution might be activation of apolipoprotein B mRNA editing catalytic subunit-like protein 3 (APOBEC3) by inflammatory factors. Here, we aimed to elucidate the effect of the APOBEC3-related viral mutations on the infectivity and immune evasion of SARS-CoV-2. The APOBEC3-related C > U mutations ranked as the second most common mutation types in the SARS-CoV-2 genome. mRNA expression of APOBEC3A (A3A), APOBEC3B (A3B), and APOBEC3G (A3G) in peripheral blood cells increased with disease severity. A3B, a critical member of the APOBEC3 family, was significantly upregulated in both severe and moderate COVID-19 patients and positively associated with neutrophil proportion and COVID-19 severity. We identified USP18 protein, a key molecule centralizing the protein-protein interaction network of key APOBEC3 proteins. Furthermore, mRNA expression of USP18 was significantly correlated to ACE2 and TMPRSS2 expression in the tissue of upper airways. Knockdown of USP18 mRNA significantly decreased A3B expression. Ectopic expression of A3B gene increased SARS-CoV-2 infectivity. C > U mutations at S371F, S373L, and S375F significantly conferred with the immune escape of SARS-CoV-2. Thus, APOBEC3, whose expression are upregulated by inflammatory factors, might promote SARS-CoV-2 evolution and spread via upregulating USP18 level and facilitating the immune escape. A3B and USP18 might be therapeutic targets for interfering with SARS-CoV-2 evolution.

9.
Inorg Chem ; 2024 Jun 14.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38874621

ABSTRACT

Noble gases with inert chemical properties have rich bonding modes under high pressure. Interestingly, Xe and Xe form covalent bonds, originating from the theoretical simulation of the pressure-induced decomposition of XeF2, which has yet to be experimentally confirmed. Moreover, the structural phase transition and metallization of XeF2 under high pressure have always been controversial. Therefore, we conducted extensive experiments using a laser-heated diamond anvil cell technique to investigate the above issues of XeF2. We propose that XeF2 undergoes a structural phase transition and decomposition above 84.1 GPa after laser heating, and the decomposed product Xe2F contains Xe-Xe covalent bonds. Neither the pressure nor temperature alone could bring about these changes in XeF2. With our UV-vis absorption experiment, I4/mmm-XeF2 was metalized at 159 GPa. This work confirms the existence of Xe-Xe covalent bonds and provides insights into the controversy surrounding XeF2, enriching the research on noble gas chemistry under high pressure.

10.
Nano Lett ; 24(20): 6002-6009, 2024 May 22.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38739273

ABSTRACT

Two-dimensional van der Waals heterostructures (2D-vdWHs) based on transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) provide unparalleled control over electronic properties. However, the interlayer coupling is challenged by the interfacial misalignment and defects, which hinders a comprehensive understanding of the intertwined electronic orders, especially superconductivity and charge density wave (CDW). Here, by using pressure to regulate the interlayer coupling of non-centrosymmetric 6R-TaS2 vdWHs, we observe an unprecedented phase diagram in TMDs. This phase diagram encompasses successive suppression of the original CDW states from alternating H-layer and T-layer configurations, the emergence and disappearance of a new CDW-like state, and a double superconducting dome induced by different interlayer coupling effects. These results not only illuminate the crucial role of interlayer coupling in shaping the complex phase diagram of TMD systems but also pave a new avenue for the creation of a novel family of bulk heterostructures with customized 2D properties.

11.
Biotechnol Lett ; 2024 May 08.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38717663

ABSTRACT

To enhance the import of heme for the production of active hemoproteins in Escherichia coli C41 (DE3) lacking the special heme import system, heme receptor ChuA from E. coli Nissle 1917 was modified through molecular docking and the other components (ChuTUV) for heme import was overexpressed, while heme import was tested through growth assay and heme sensor HS1 detection. A ChuA mutant G360K was selected, which could import 3.91 nM heme, compared with 2.92 nM of the wild-type ChuA. In addition, it presented that the expression of heme transporters ChuTUV was not necessary for heme import. Based on the modification of ChuA (G360K), the titer of human hemoglobin and the peroxidase activity of leghemoglobin reached 1.19 µg g-1 DCW and 24.16 103 U g-1 DCW, compared with 1.09 µg g-1 DCW and 21.56 103 U g-1 DCW of the wild-type ChuA, respectively. Heme import can be improved through the modification of heme receptor and the engineered strain with improved heme import has a potential to efficiently produce high-active hemoproteins.

12.
Nat Commun ; 15(1): 4254, 2024 May 18.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38762501

ABSTRACT

Excitons in two-dimensional (2D) semiconductors have offered an attractive platform for optoelectronic and valleytronic devices. Further realizations of correlated phases of excitons promise device concepts not possible in the single particle picture. Here we report tunable exciton "spin" orders in WSe2/WS2 moiré superlattices. We find evidence of an in-plane (xy) order of exciton "spin"-here, valley pseudospin-around exciton filling vex = 1, which strongly suppresses the out-of-plane "spin" polarization. Upon increasing vex or applying a small magnetic field of ~10 mT, it transitions into an out-of-plane ferromagnetic (FM-z) spin order that spontaneously enhances the "spin" polarization, i.e., the circular helicity of emission light is higher than the excitation. The phase diagram is qualitatively captured by a spin-1/2 Bose-Hubbard model and is distinct from the fermion case. Our study paves the way for engineering exotic phases of matter from correlated spinor bosons, opening the door to a host of unconventional quantum devices.

13.
ACS Appl Mater Interfaces ; 16(20): 26234-26244, 2024 May 22.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38711193

ABSTRACT

The huge volume expansion/contraction of silicon (Si) during the lithium (Li) insertion/extraction process, which can lead to cracking and pulverization, poses a substantial impediment to its practical implementation in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). The development of low-strain Si-based composite materials is imperative to address the challenges associated with Si anodes. In this study, we have engineered a TiSi2 interface on the surface of Si particles via a high-temperature calcination process, followed by the introduction of an outermost carbon (C) shell, leading to the construction of a low-strain and highly stable Si@TiSi2@NC composite. The robust TiSi2 interface not only enhances electrical and ionic transport but also, more critically, significantly mitigates particle cracking by restraining the stress/strain induced by volumetric variations, thus alleviating pulverization during the lithiation/delithiation process. As a result, the as-fabricated Si@TiSi2@NC electrode exhibits a high initial reversible capacity (2172.7 mAh g-1 at 0.2 A g-1), superior rate performance (1198.4 mAh g-1 at 2.0 A g-1), and excellent long-term cycling stability (847.0 mAh g-1 after 1000 cycles at 2.0 A g-1). Upon pairing with LiNi0.6Co0.2Mn0.2O2 (NCM622), the assembled Si@TiSi2@NC||NCM622 pouch-type full cell exhibits exceptional cycling stability, retaining 90.1% of its capacity after 160 cycles at 0.5 C.

14.
Front Psychol ; 15: 1310204, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38774720

ABSTRACT

In order to cope with the volatile social environment and organisational change, more and more scholars call on leaders to stimulate subordinate effectiveness to a greater extent with inclusive behaviour. Existing studies focus on the positive impact of inclusive leadership, but ignore its potential negative impact. This study integrates Cognition-affection Personality System Theory to explore the double-edged sword mechanism of inclusive leadership on subordinates' work behaviour. Through the data analysis of 518 paired questionnaires collected in three stages, the results are as follows: Inclusive leadership has a positive impact on subordinates' psychological entitlement and state gratitude; Psychological entitlement and state gratitude play mediation roles not only between inclusive leadership and work withdrawal behaviour, but also between inclusive leadership and active behaviour; Subordinate narcissistic personality moderates the positive effect of inclusive leadership on psychological entitlement and state gratitude, and then moderates the indirect effect of inclusive leadership on subordinate work withdrawal behaviour and proactive behaviour through psychological entitlement and state gratitude. The above results expand the research on the action mechanism and boundary conditions of inclusive leadership in Chinese organisational context, and provide practical guidance for organisational managers to effectively conduct inclusive leadership.

15.
J Virol ; : e0071424, 2024 May 29.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38809021

ABSTRACT

Lassa virus (LASV) is the causative agent of human Lassa fever which in severe cases manifests as hemorrhagic fever leading to thousands of deaths annually. However, no approved vaccines or antiviral drugs are currently available. Recently, we screened approximately 2,500 compounds using a recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) expressing LASV glycoprotein GP (VSV-LASVGP) and identified a P-glycoprotein inhibitor as a potential LASV entry inhibitor. Here, we show that another identified candidate, hexestrol (HES), an estrogen receptor agonist, is also a LASV entry inhibitor. HES inhibited VSV-LASVGP replication with a 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 0.63 µM. Importantly, HES also inhibited authentic LASV replication with IC50 values of 0.31 µM-0.61 µM. Time-of-addition and cell-based membrane fusion assays suggested that HES inhibits the membrane fusion step during virus entry. Alternative estrogen receptor agonists did not inhibit VSV-LASVGP replication, suggesting that the estrogen receptor itself is unlikely to be involved in the antiviral activity of HES. Generation of a HES-resistant mutant revealed that the phenylalanine at amino acid position 446 (F446) of LASVGP, which is located in the transmembrane region, conferred resistance to HES. Although mutation of F446 enhanced the membrane fusion activity of LASVGP, it exhibited reduced VSV-LASVGP replication, most likely due to the instability of the pre-fusion state of LASVGP. Collectively, our results demonstrated that HES is a promising anti-LASV drug that acts by inhibiting the membrane fusion step of LASV entry. This study also highlights the importance of the LASVGP transmembrane region as a target for anti-LASV drugs.IMPORTANCELassa virus (LASV), the causative agent of Lassa fever, is the most devastating mammarenavirus with respect to its impact on public health in West Africa. However, no approved antiviral drugs or vaccines are currently available. Here, we identified hexestrol (HES), an estrogen receptor agonist, as the potential antiviral candidate drug. We showed that the estrogen receptor itself is not involved in the antiviral activity. HES directly bound to LASVGP and blocked membrane fusion, thereby inhibiting LASV infection. Through the generation of a HES-resistant virus, we found that phenylalanine at position 446 (F446) within the LASVGP transmembrane region plays a crucial role in the antiviral activity of HES. The mutation at F446 caused reduced virus replication, likely due to the instability of the pre-fusion state of LASVGP. These findings highlight the potential of HES as a promising candidate for the development of antiviral compounds targeting LASV.

16.
Int J Mol Sci ; 25(9)2024 Apr 28.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38732022

ABSTRACT

The molecular weight (MW) of an enzyme is a critical parameter in enzyme-constrained models (ecModels). It is determined by two factors: the presence of subunits and the abundance of each subunit. Although the number of subunits (NS) can potentially be obtained from UniProt, this information is not readily available for most proteins. In this study, we addressed this gap by extracting and curating subunit information from the UniProt database to establish a robust benchmark dataset. Subsequently, we propose a novel model named DeepSub, which leverages the protein language model and Bi-directional Gated Recurrent Unit (GRU), to predict NS in homo-oligomers solely based on protein sequences. DeepSub demonstrates remarkable accuracy, achieving an accuracy rate as high as 0.967, surpassing the performance of QUEEN. To validate the effectiveness of DeepSub, we performed predictions for protein homo-oligomers that have been reported in the literature but are not documented in the UniProt database. Examples include homoserine dehydrogenase from Corynebacterium glutamicum, Matrilin-4 from Mus musculus and Homo sapiens, and the Multimerins protein family from M. musculus and H. sapiens. The predicted results align closely with the reported findings in the literature, underscoring the reliability and utility of DeepSub.


Subject(s)
Databases, Protein , Deep Learning , Protein Subunits , Protein Subunits/chemistry , Protein Subunits/metabolism , Animals , Humans , Protein Multimerization , Mice , Computational Biology/methods
17.
Environ Sci Pollut Res Int ; 31(21): 30353-30369, 2024 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38637485

ABSTRACT

Chitosan stands out as the only known polysaccharide of its kind, second only to cellulose. As the second-largest biopolymer globally, chitosan and its derivatives are extensively used in diverse areas such as metal anti-corrosion prevention, food production, and medical fields. Its benefits include environmental friendliness, non-toxicity, cost-effectiveness, and biodegradability. Notably, the use of chitosan and its derivatives has gained substantial attention and has been extensively researched in the fields of metal anti-corrosion prevention and antibacterial applications. By means of chemical modification or synergistic action, the inherent limitations of chitosan can be substantially improved, thereby enhancing its biological and physicochemical properties to meet a wider range of applications and more demanding application requirements. This article offers a comprehensive review of chitosan and its modified composite materials, focusing on the enhancement of their anticorrosion and antibacterial properties, as well as the mechanisms by which they serve as anticorrosion and antibacterial agents. Additionally, it summarizes the synthesis routes of various modification methods of chitosan and their applications in different fields, aiming to contribute to the interdisciplinary development and potential applications of chitosan in various areas.


Subject(s)
Chitosan , Chitosan/chemistry , Chitosan/pharmacology , Corrosion , Anti-Infective Agents/pharmacology , Anti-Infective Agents/chemistry , Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology , Anti-Bacterial Agents/chemistry
19.
Nucleic Acids Res ; 52(8): 4676-4690, 2024 May 08.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38567732

ABSTRACT

SRSF1 governs splicing of over 1500 mRNA transcripts. SRSF1 contains two RNA-recognition motifs (RRMs) and a C-terminal Arg/Ser-rich region (RS). It has been thought that SRSF1 RRMs exclusively recognize single-stranded exonic splicing enhancers, while RS lacks RNA-binding specificity. With our success in solving the insolubility problem of SRSF1, we can explore the unknown RNA-binding landscape of SRSF1. We find that SRSF1 RS prefers purine over pyrimidine. Moreover, SRSF1 binds to the G-quadruplex (GQ) from the ARPC2 mRNA, with both RRMs and RS being crucial. Our binding assays show that the traditional RNA-binding sites on the RRM tandem and the Arg in RS are responsible for GQ binding. Interestingly, our FRET and circular dichroism data reveal that SRSF1 unfolds the ARPC2 GQ, with RS leading unfolding and RRMs aiding. Our saturation transfer difference NMR results discover that Arg residues in SRSF1 RS interact with the guanine base but not other nucleobases, underscoring the uniqueness of the Arg/guanine interaction. Our luciferase assays confirm that SRSF1 can alleviate the inhibitory effect of GQ on gene expression in the cell. Given the prevalence of RNA GQ and SR proteins, our findings unveil unexplored SR protein functions with broad implications in RNA splicing and translation.


Subject(s)
G-Quadruplexes , Protein Binding , Serine-Arginine Splicing Factors , Serine-Arginine Splicing Factors/metabolism , Serine-Arginine Splicing Factors/genetics , Serine-Arginine Splicing Factors/chemistry , Humans , Binding Sites , RNA Splicing , RNA Recognition Motif/genetics , RNA, Messenger/metabolism , RNA, Messenger/genetics , RNA, Messenger/chemistry , RNA/metabolism , RNA/genetics , RNA/chemistry
20.
Curr Protoc ; 4(4): e1017, 2024 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38578012

ABSTRACT

The Ser/Arg-rich splicing factors (SR proteins) constitute a crucial protein family in alternative splicing, comprising twelve members characterized by unique repetitive Arg-Ser dipeptide sequences (RS) and one to two RNA-recognition motifs (RRM). The RS regions of SR proteins undergo variable phosphorylation, resulting in unphosphorylated, partially phosphorylated, or hyper-phosphorylated states based on functional requirements. Despite the identification of the SR protein family over 30 years ago, the purification of native SR proteins in soluble form at large quantities has presented challenges due to their low solubility. This protocol delineates a method for acquiring soluble, full-length, unphosphorylated, hypo- and hyper-phosphorylated SRSF1, a prototypical SR family member. Notably, this protocol facilitates the purification of SRSF1 in ample quantities suitable for NMR, as well as various biophysical and biochemical studies. The methodologies and principles outlined herein are expected to extend beyond SRSF1 protein production and can be adapted for purifying other SR protein family members or SR-related proteins, such as snRNP70 and U2AF-35. Given the involvement of these proteins in numerous essential biological processes, this protocol will prove beneficial to researchers in related fields. © 2024 The Authors. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol 1: Purification of SRSF1 from E. coli Support Protocol: Purification of ULP1 Basic Protocol 2: Purification of hypo-phosphorylated SRSF1 from E. coli Basic Protocol 3: Purification of hyper-phosphorylated SRSF1 from E. coli.


Subject(s)
Escherichia coli , Proteins , Escherichia coli/genetics , Phosphorylation , Alternative Splicing
SELECTION OF CITATIONS
SEARCH DETAIL
...