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  1. Recent progress in the utilization of biosynthesized polyhydroxyalkanoates for biomedical applications - Review
    Butt FI, Muhammad N, Hamid A, Moniruzzaman M, Sharif F
    Int J Biol Macromol, 2018 Dec;120(Pt A):1294-1305.
    PMID: 30189278 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2018.09.002
    PHAs (polyhydroxyalkanoates) have emerged as biodegradable plastics more strongly in the 20th century. A wide range of bacterial species along with fungi, plants, oilseed crops and carbon sources have been used extensively to synthesize PHA on large scales. Alteration of PHA monomers in their structures and composition has led to the development of biodegradable and biocompatible polymers with highly specific mechanical properties. This leads to the incorporation of PHA in numerous biomedical applications within the previous decade. PHAs have been fabricated in various forms to perform tissue engineering to repair liver, bone, cartilage, heart tissues, cardiovascular tissues, bone marrow, and to act as drug delivery system and nerve conduits. A large number of animal trials have been carried out to assess the biomedical properties of PHA monomers, which also confirms the high compatibility of PHA family for this field. This review summarizes the synthesis of PHA from different sources, and biosynthetic pathways and biomedical applications of biosynthesized polyhydroxyalkanoates.
    Matched MeSH terms: Bacteria/genetics; Plants/genetics; Biosynthetic Pathways/genetics*
  2. Fulltext Quantifying the genetic parameters of feed efficiency in juvenile Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus
    de Verdal H, Vandeputte M, Mekkawy W, Chatain B, Benzie JAH
    BMC Genet, 2018 11 16;19(1):105.
    PMID: 30445908 DOI: 10.1186/s12863-018-0691-y
    BACKGROUND: Improving feed efficiency in fish is crucial at the economic, social and environmental levels with respect to developing a more sustainable aquaculture. The important contribution of genetic improvement to achieve this goal has been hampered by the lack of accurate basic information on the genetic parameters of feed efficiency in fish. We used video assessment of feed intake on individual fish reared in groups to estimate the genetic parameters of six growth traits, feed intake, feed conversion ratio (FCR) and residual feed intake in 40 pedigreed families of the GIFT strain of Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus. Feed intake and growth were measured on juvenile fish (22.4 g mean body weight) during 13 consecutive meals, representing 7 days of measurements. We used these data to estimate the FCR response to different selection criteria to assess the potential of genetics as a means of increasing FCR in tilapia.

    RESULTS: Our results demonstrate genetic control for FCR in tilapia, with a heritability estimate of 0.32 ± 0.11. Response to selection estimates showed FCR could be efficiently improved by selective breeding. Due to low genetic correlations, selection for growth traits would not improve FCR. However, weight loss at fasting has a high genetic correlation with FCR (0.80 ± 0.25) and a moderate heritability (0.23), and could be an easy to measure and efficient criterion to improve FCR by selective breeding in tilapia.

    CONCLUSION: At this age, FCR is genetically determined in Nile tilapia. A selective breeding program could be possible and could help enabling the development of a more sustainable aquaculture production.

    Matched MeSH terms: Selective Breeding/genetics; Body Weight/genetics; Cichlids/genetics*
  3. Genetic polymorphisms of ATG16L1 and IRGM genes in Malaysian patients with Crohn's disease
    Kee BP, Ng JG, Ng CC, Hilmi I, Goh KL, Chua KH
    J Dig Dis, 2020 Jan;21(1):29-37.
    PMID: 31654602 DOI: 10.1111/1751-2980.12829
    OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between genetic polymorphisms in ATG16L1 and IRGM genes and the development of Crohn's disease (CD) in Malaysian patients.

    METHODS: Altogether 335 participants were recruited, including 85 patients with CD and 250 unrelated healthy controls, and their informed consent was obtained. Genomic DNA was extracted via a conventional phenol-chloroform extraction method. Six single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in ATG16L1 and IRGM genes were genotyped using TaqMan SNP genotyping assays. Associations between SNP and CD were determined using Fisher's exact test, odds ratio, and 95% confidence interval. Statistical power and the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium were also calculated.

    RESULTS: Two SNPs (rs2241880 and rs6754677) in the ATG16L1 gene were significantly associated with the onset of CD in the Malaysian population. The A allele and homozygous A/A genotype of the rs2241880 A/G polymorphism were protective against CD in the overall Malaysian and Malay population. The G allele and homozygous G/G genotype of the rs6754677 G/A polymorphism were protective in the Indian population, whereas the homozygous A/A genotype showed a risk of developing CD. The homozygous G/G genotype of IRGM rs11747270 was significantly present in the controls. However, this significance was not observed in a race-stratified analysis. All three ATG16L1 SNPs were associated with inflamed terminal ileum. IRGM rs4958847 and rs11747270 increased the risk of developing arthritis in patients with CD.

    CONCLUSION: We found a significant association between SNP, which are located in autophagy-related genes, and CD in a Malaysian population.

    Matched MeSH terms: Crohn Disease/genetics*; GTP-Binding Proteins/genetics*; Autophagy-Related Proteins/genetics*
  4. Fulltext Association Analysis of 14 Candidate Gene Polymorphism with Depression and Stress among Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
    Lee KW, Ching SM, Ramachandran V, Tusimin M, Mohd Nordin N, Chong SC, et al.
    Genes (Basel), 2019 11 30;10(12).
    PMID: 31801286 DOI: 10.3390/genes10120988
    The association of candidate genes and psychological symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress among women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in Malaysia was determined in this study, followed by the determination of their odds of getting psychological symptoms, adjusted for socio-demographical background, maternal, and clinical characteristics. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) recorded a significant association between SNP of EPHX2 (rs17466684) and depression symptoms (AOR = 7.854, 95% CI = 1.330-46.360) and stress symptoms (AOR = 7.664, 95% CI = 1.579-37.197). Associations were also observed between stress symptoms and SNP of OXTR (rs53576) and (AOR = 2.981, 95% CI = 1.058-8.402) and SNP of NRG1 (rs2919375) (AOR = 9.894, 95% CI = 1.159-84.427). The SNP of EPHX2 (rs17466684) gene polymorphism is associated with depression symptoms among Malaysian women with GDM. SNP of EPHX2 (rs17466684), OXTR (rs53576) and NRG1 (rs2919375) are also associated with stress symptoms.
    Matched MeSH terms: Anxiety/genetics; Depressive Disorder/genetics*; Diabetes, Gestational/genetics*
  5. Fulltext Virulence-associated genes and antibiotic resistance patterns of Vibrio spp. isolated from cultured marine fishes in Malaysia
    Mohamad N, Amal MNA, Saad MZ, Yasin ISM, Zulkiply NA, Mustafa M, et al.
    BMC Vet Res, 2019 May 28;15(1):176.
    PMID: 31138199 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-019-1907-8
    BACKGROUND: Vibriosis is an important bacterial disease of cultured marine fishes worldwide. However, information on the virulence and antibiotic resistance of Vibrio spp. isolated from fish are scarce. This study investigates the distribution of virulence associated genes and antibiotic resistance patterns of Vibrio spp. isolated from cage-cultured marine fishes in Malaysia.

    RESULTS: A total of 63 Vibrio spp. isolated from 62 cultured marine fishes in various geographical regions in Peninsular Malaysia were analysed. Forty-two of the isolates (66.7%) were positive for all chiA, luxR and vhpA, the virulence genes produced by pathogenic V. harveyi. A total of 62 Vibrio isolates (98%) had tlh gene of V. parahaemolyticus, while flaC gene of V. anguillarum was detected in 43 of isolates (68%). Other virulence genes, including tdh, trh, hlyA and toxRvc were absent from any of the isolates. Multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) was exhibited in all strains of Harveyi clade, particularly against ampicillin, penicillin, polypeptides, cephems and streptomycin. The MAR index ranged between 0.06 and 0.56, and 75% of the isolates have MAR index of higher than 0.20. Host species and geographical origin showed no correlation with the presence of virulence genes and the antibiotic resistance patterns of Vibrio spp.

    CONCLUSIONS: The study indicates that majority of Vibrio spp. isolated from cultured marine fishes possess virulence genes, but were not associated with human pathogen. However, the antibiotics resistance is a real concern and warrants ongoing surveillance. These findings represent an updated knowledge on the risk of Vibrio spp. to human health, and also provides valuable insight on alternative approaches to combat vibriosis in cultured fish.

    Matched MeSH terms: Vibrio/genetics*; Virulence/genetics; Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial/genetics*
  6. Characterization of a novel type I l-asparaginase from Acinetobacter soli and its ability to inhibit acrylamide formation in potato chips
    Jiao L, Chi H, Lu Z, Zhang C, Chia SR, Show PL, et al.
    J Biosci Bioeng, 2020 Jun;129(6):672-678.
    PMID: 32088137 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiosc.2020.01.007
    l-Asparaginases have the potential to inhibit the formation of acrylamide, a harmful toxin formed during high temperature processing of food. A novel bacterium which produces l-asparaginase was screened. Type I l-asparaginase gene from Acinetobacter soli was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli. The recombinant l-asparaginase had an activity of 42.0 IU mL-1 and showed no activity toward l-glutamine and d-asparagine. The recombinant l-asparaginase exhibited maximum catalytic activity at pH 8.0 and 40°C. The enzyme was stable in the pH ranging from 6.0 to 9.0. The activity of the recombinant enzyme was substantially enhanced by Ba2+, dithiothreitol, and β-mercaptoethanol. The Km and Vmax values of the l-asparaginase for the l-asparagine were 3.22 mmol L-1 and 1.55 IU μg-1, respectively. Moreover, the recombinant l-asparaginase had the ability to mitigate acrylamide formation in potato chips. Compared with the untreated group, the content of acrylamide in samples treated with the enzyme was effectively decreased by 55.9%. These results indicate that the novel type I l-asparaginase has the potential for application in the food processing industry.
    Matched MeSH terms: Acinetobacter/genetics; Asparaginase/genetics; Escherichia coli/genetics
  7. Functional characterization of two variants in the 3'-untranslated region (UTR) of transcription factor 4 gene and their association with schizophrenia in sib-pairs from multiplex families
    Mohamed ZI, Tee SF, Chow TJ, Loh SY, Yong HS, Bakar AKA, et al.
    Asian J Psychiatr, 2019 Feb;40:76-81.
    PMID: 30771755 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajp.2019.02.001
    Transcription factor 4 (TCF4) gene plays an important role in nervous system development and it always associated with the risk of schizophrenia. Since miRNAs regulate targetgenes by binding to 3'UTRs of target mRNAs, the functional variants located in 3'UTR of TCF4 are highly suggested to affect the gene expressions in schizophrenia. To test the hypothesis regarding the effects of the variants located in 3'UTR of TCF4, we conducted an in silico analysis to identify the functional variants and their predicted functions. In this study, we sequenced the 3'UTR of TCF4 in 13 multiplex schizophrenia families and 14 control families. We found two functional variants carried by three unrelated patients. We determined that the C allele of rs1272363 and the TC insert of rs373174214 might suppress post- transcriptional expression. Secondly, we cloned the region that flanked these two variants into a dual luciferase reporter system and compared the luciferase activities between the pmirGLO-TCF4 (control), pmirGLO-TCF4-rs373174214 and pmirGLO-TCF4-rs1273263. Both pmirGLO-TCF4-rs373174214 and pmirGLO-TCF4-rs1273263 caused lower reporter gene activities, as compared to the control. However, only the C allele of rs1272363 reduced the luciferase activity significantly (p = 0.0231). Our results suggested that rs1273263 is a potential regulator of TCF4 expression, and might be associated with schizophrenia.
    Matched MeSH terms: Gene Expression Regulation/genetics*; Schizophrenia/genetics*; 3' Untranslated Regions/genetics*
  8. Quorum sensing is required for full virulence of Vibrio campbellii towards tiger grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus) larvae
    Noor NM, Defoirdt T, Alipiah N, Karim M, Daud H, Natrah I
    J Fish Dis, 2019 Apr;42(4):489-495.
    PMID: 30742313 DOI: 10.1111/jfd.12946
    The link between quorum sensing in Vibrio campbellii and its virulence towards tiger grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus) was investigated using V. campbellii wild type and quorum-sensing mutants with inactive quorum sensing or constitutively maximal quorum-sensing activity, and signal molecule synthase mutants. The results showed that wild-type V. campbellii is pathogenic to grouper larvae, causing more than 50% mortality after 4 days of challenge. Furthermore, the mortality of larvae challenged with the mutant with maximally active quorum sensing was significantly higher than that of larvae challenged with the wild type, whereas a higher survival was observed in the larvae challenged to the mutant with a completely inactive quorum-sensing system. Grouper larvae challenged with either the signal molecule synthase triple mutant, the harveyi autoinducer-1 (HAI-1) synthase mutant and the autoinducer-2 (AI-2) synthase mutant showed higher survival than larvae challenged with the wild type. In contrast, larvae challenged with the cholerae autoinducer-1 (CAI-1) synthase mutant showed high mortality. This indicates that HAI-1 and AI-2, but not CAI-1, are required for full virulence of V. campbellii towards grouper larvae. Our data suggest that quorum-sensing inhibition could be an effective strategy to control V. campbellii infections in tiger grouper.
    Matched MeSH terms: Homoserine/genetics; Vibrio/genetics; 4-Butyrolactone/genetics
  9. The emergence of the multi-species NIP1 effector in Rhynchosporium was accompanied by high rates of gene duplications and losses
    Mohd-Assaad N, McDonald BA, Croll D
    Environ Microbiol, 2019 08;21(8):2677-2695.
    PMID: 30838748 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.14583
    Plant pathogens secrete effector proteins to manipulate the host and facilitate infection. Cognate hosts trigger strong defence responses upon detection of these effectors. Consequently, pathogens and hosts undergo rapid coevolutionary arms races driven by adaptive evolution of effectors and receptors. Because of their high rate of turnover, most effectors are thought to be species-specific and the evolutionary trajectories are poorly understood. Here, we investigate the necrosis-inducing protein 1 (NIP1) effector in the multihost pathogen genus Rhynchosporium. We retraced the evolutionary history of the NIP1 locus using whole-genome assemblies of 146 strains covering four closely related species. NIP1 orthologues were present in all species but the locus consistently segregated presence-absence polymorphisms suggesting long-term balancing selection. We also identified previously unknown paralogues of NIP1 that were shared among multiple species and showed substantial copy-number variation within R. commune. The NIP1A paralogue was under significant positive selection suggesting that NIP1A is the dominant effector variant coevolving with host immune receptors. Consistent with this prediction, we found that copy number variation at NIP1A had a stronger effect on virulence than NIP1B. Our analyses unravelled the origins and diversification mechanisms of a pathogen effector family shedding light on how pathogens gain adaptive genetic variation.
    Matched MeSH terms: Ascomycota/genetics*; Fungal Proteins/genetics; Virulence/genetics
  10. Fulltext Diurnal biomarkers reveal key photosynthetic genes associated with increased oil palm yield
    Neoh BK, Wong YC, Teh HF, Ng TLM, Tiong SH, Ooi TEK, et al.
    PLoS One, 2019;14(3):e0213591.
    PMID: 30856213 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0213591
    To investigate limiters of photosynthate assimilation in the carbon-source limited crop, oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.), we measured differential metabolite, gene expression and the gas exchange in leaves in an open field for palms with distinct mesocarp oil content. We observed higher concentrations of glucose 1-phosphate, glucose 6-phosphate, sucrose 6-phosphate, and sucrose in high-oil content palms with the greatest difference being at 11:00 (p-value ≤0.05) immediately after the period of low morning light intensity. Three important photosynthetic genes were identified using differentially expressed gene analysis (DEGs) and were found to be significantly enriched through Gene Ontology (GO) and pathway enrichment: chlorophyll a-b binding protein (CAB-13), photosystem I (PSI), and Ferredoxin-NADP reductase (FNR), particularly for sampling points at non-peak light (11:00 and 19:00), ranging from 3.3-fold (PSI) and 5.6-fold (FNR) to 10.3-fold (CAB-13). Subsequent gas exchange measurements further supported increased carbon assimilation through higher level of internal CO2 concentration (Ci), stomatal conductance (gs) and transpiration rate (E) in high-oil content palms. The selection for higher expression of key photosynthesis genes together with CO2 assimilation under low light is likely to be important for crop improvement, in particular at full maturity and under high density planting regimes where light competition exists between palms.
    Matched MeSH terms: Plant Proteins/genetics*; Plant Leaves/genetics*; Arecaceae/genetics*
  11. Universal mitochondrial 16s rRNA biomarker for mini-barcode to identify fish species in Malaysian fish products
    Hossain MAM, Uddin SMK, Chowdhury ZZ, Sultana S, Johan MR, Rohman A, et al.
    Food Addit Contam Part A Chem Anal Control Expo Risk Assess, 2019 Apr;36(4):493-506.
    PMID: 30865559 DOI: 10.1080/19440049.2019.1580389
    Mislabelling in fish products is a highly significant emerging issue in world fish trade in terms of health and economic concerns. DNA barcoding is an efficient sequencing-based tool for detecting fish species substitution but due to DNA degradation, it is in many cases difficult to amplify PCR products of the full-length barcode marker (~650 bp), especially in severely processed products. In the present study, a pair of universal primers targeting a 198 bp sequence of the mitochondrial 16s rRNA gene was designed for identification of fish species in the processed fish products commonly consumed in Malaysia. The specificity of the universal primers was tested by both in-silico studies using bioinformatics software and through cross-reaction assessment by practical PCR experiments against the DNA from 38 fish species and 22 other non-target species (animals and plants) and found to be specific for all the tested fish species. To eliminate the possibility of any false-negative detection, eukaryotic endogenous control was used during specificity evaluation. The developed primer set was validated with various heat-treated (boiled, autoclaved and microwaved) fish samples and was found to show high stability under all processing conditions. The newly developed marker successfully identified 92% of the tested commercial fish products with 96-100% sequence similarities. This study reveals a considerable degree of species mislabelling (20.8%); 5 out of 24 fish products were found to be mislabelled. The new marker developed in this work is a reliable tool to identify fish species even in highly processed products and might be useful in detecting fish species substitution thus protecting consumers' health and economic interests.
    Matched MeSH terms: Fishes/genetics*; Mitochondria/genetics*; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics*
  12. Characterization of Oil Palm Acyl-CoA-Binding Proteins and Correlation of Their Gene Expression with Oil Synthesis
    Amiruddin N, Chan PL, Azizi N, Morris PE, Chan KL, Ong PW, et al.
    Plant Cell Physiol, 2020 Apr 01;61(4):735-747.
    PMID: 31883014 DOI: 10.1093/pcp/pcz237
    Acyl-CoA-binding proteins (ACBPs) are involved in binding and trafficking acyl-CoA esters in eukaryotic cells. ACBPs contain a well-conserved acyl-CoA-binding domain. Their various functions have been characterized in the model plant Arabidopsis and, to a lesser extent, in rice. In this study, genome-wide detection and expression analysis of ACBPs were performed on Elaeis guineensis (oil palm), the most important oil crop in the world. Seven E. guineensis ACBPs were identified and classified into four groups according to their deduced amino acid domain organization. Phylogenetic analysis showed conservation of this family with other higher plants. All seven EgACBPs were expressed in most tissues while their differential expression suggests various functions in specific tissues. For example, EgACBP3 had high expression in inflorescences and stalks while EgACBP1 showed strong expression in leaves. Because of the importance of E. guineensis as an oil crop, expression of EgACBPs was specifically examined during fruit development. EgACBP3 showed high expression throughout mesocarp development, while EgACBP1 had enhanced expression during rapid oil synthesis. In endosperm, both EgACBP1 and EgACBP3 exhibited increased expression during seed development. These results provide important information for further investigations on the biological functions of EgACBPs in various tissues and, in particular, their roles in oil synthesis.
    Matched MeSH terms: Plant Proteins/genetics*; Diazepam Binding Inhibitor/genetics*; Arecaceae/genetics
  13. A new complex translocation (8;22;21)(q22;q12;q22) in RUNX1/RUNX1T1 acute myeloid leukaemia
    Tay Za K, Shanmugam H, Chin EFM
    Malays J Pathol, 2019 Dec;41(3):333-338.
    PMID: 31901918
    INTRODUCTION: Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) with t(8;21)(q22;q22) producing RUNX1-RUNX1T1 rearrangement is a distinct sub-type which is usually associated with a favourable clinical outcome. Variant forms of t(8;21) are rare. Herein we describe a novel variant of t(8;21) AML in a 25-year-old pregnant woman who presented with intermittent fever.

    CASE REPORT: Her peripheral smear and bone marrow aspirate showed many myeloblasts. Chromosomal study revealed t(8;22;21)(q22;q12;q22) and loss of X chromosome. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) using whole chromosome painting probes confirmed the three-way translocation involving chromosomes 8, 21 and 22. RUNX1-RUNX1T1 rearrangement was identified in FISH and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction confirming the diagnosis of AML with variant t(8;21). The patient was treated with standard chemotherapy. She achieved morphological remission one month after induction chemotherapy.

    DISCUSSION: Although the clinical significance of variant t(8;21) is not well delineated, the evaluation of 31 such cases suggests patients with variant t(8;21) have similar prognosis to those with classical t(8;21).

    Matched MeSH terms: Translocation, Genetic/genetics; Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/genetics*; Core Binding Factor Alpha 2 Subunit/genetics*
  14. Amycolatopsis granulosa sp. nov., Amycolatopsis ruanii sp. nov. and Amycolatopsis thermalba sp. nov., thermophilic actinomycetes isolated from arid soils
    Zucchi TD, Tan GYA, Bonda ANV, Frank S, Kshetrimayum JD, Goodfellow M
    Int J Syst Evol Microbiol, 2012 Jun;62(Pt 6):1245-1251.
    PMID: 21764982 DOI: 10.1099/ijs.0.031039-0
    The taxonomic positions of three thermophilic actinomycetes isolated from arid soil samples were established by using a polyphasic approach. The organisms had chemical and morphological features that were consistent with their classification in the genus Amycolatopsis. 16S rRNA gene sequence data supported the classification of the isolates in the genus Amycolatopsis and showed that they formed distinct branches in the Amycolatopsis methanolica subclade. DNA-DNA relatedness studies between the isolates and their phylogenetic neighbours showed that they belonged to distinct genomic species. The three isolates were readily distinguished from one another and from the type strains of species classified in the A. methanolica subclade based on a combination of phenotypic properties and by genomic fingerprinting. Consequently, it is proposed that the three isolates be classified in the genus Amycolatopsis as representatives of Amycolatopsis granulosa sp. nov. (type strain GY307(T) = NCIMB 14709(T) = NRRL B-24844(T)), Amycolatopsis ruanii sp. nov. (type strain NMG112(T) = NCIMB 14711(T) = NRRL B-24848(T)) and Amycolatopsis thermalba sp. nov. (type strain SF45(T) = NCIMB 14705(T) = NRRL B-24845(T)).
    Matched MeSH terms: Actinomycetales/genetics; DNA, Bacterial/genetics; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
  15. Characterization of the relationship between polar and lateral flagellar genes in clinical Aeromonas dhakensis: phenotypic, genetic and biochemical analyses
    Lau TV, Puah SM, Tan JMA, Puthucheary SD, Chua KH
    Braz J Microbiol, 2021 Jun;52(2):517-529.
    PMID: 33768508 DOI: 10.1007/s42770-021-00457-8
    Flagellar-mediated motility is a crucial virulence factor in many bacterial species. A dual flagellar system has been described in aeromonads; however, there is no flagella-related study in the emergent human pathogen Aeromonas dhakensis. Using 46 clinical A. dhakensis, phenotypic motility, genotypic characteristics (flagellar genes and sequence types), biochemical properties and their relationship were investigated in this study. All 46 strains showed swimming motility at 30 °C in 0.3% Bacto agar and carried the most prevalent 6 polar flagellar genes cheA, flgE, flgG, flgH, flgL, and flgN. On the contrary, only 18 strains (39%) demonstrated swarming motility on 0.5% Eiken agar at 30 °C and they harbored 11 lateral flagellar genes lafB, lafK, lafS, lafT, lafU, flgCL, flgGL, flgNL, fliEL, fliFL, and fliGL. No association was found between biochemical properties and motility phenotypes. Interestingly, a significant association between swarming and strains isolated from pus was observed (p = 0.0171). Three strains 187, 277, and 289 isolated from pus belonged to novel sequence types (ST522 and ST524) exhibited fast swimming and swarming profiles, and they harbored > 90% of the flagellar genes tested. Our findings provide a fundamental understanding of flagellar-mediated motility in A. dhakensis.
    Matched MeSH terms: Aeromonas/genetics*; Flagella/genetics*; Flagellin/genetics*
  16. The effect of Plasmodium vivax infection on SOCS gene expression in Anopheles dirus (Diptera: Culicidae)
    Kittiwattanawong K, Ponlawat A, Boonrotpong S, Nanakorn N, Kongchouy N, Moonmake S, et al.
    Trop Biomed, 2020 Jun 01;37(2):397-408.
    PMID: 33612809
    The Anopheles dirus mosquito is a primary malaria vector that transmits many species of Plasmodium parasites in Thailand and is widely spread across its geographic area. In the current study, the levels of expression of the suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS) gene in An. dirus mosquitoes infected with P. vivax were examined. The level of the gene's expression determined by mRNA extraction in An. dirus females (n=2,400) was studied at different times (0, 12, 24, 36, and 48 h after feeding), with different types of blood feeding (non-feeding, parasite-negative blood feeding, parasite-positive blood feeding) and in different parts of the body of mosquito samples (thorax and abdomen). The datasets were analyzed based on their relative expression ratio by the 2-ΔΔCT method and were tested for significant differences with ANOVA. The results showed that the An. dirus SOCS gene was stimulated in the abdomen 12 h and 24 h after blood feeding about three times more highly than in unfed females, with the difference being significant. At 24 h after P. vivax-infected blood feeding, the SOCS gene in the abdomen was expressed more highly than 24 h after parasite-negative blood feeding and expression was almost 36 times higher than in the control group who were not fed blood. However, in the thorax at all times after feeding and non-feeding, there was no expression of the SOCS gene. Therefore, the SOCS gene in An. dirus was most highly expressed 24 h post-feeding with a P. vivax-infected bloodmeal, which indicates that the SOCS gene in the major malaria vector in Thailand plays an important role in its immune system and its response to P. vivax infection.
    Matched MeSH terms: Anopheles/genetics*; Insect Proteins/genetics*; Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling Proteins/genetics*
  17. Genetic variation of NADH dehydrogenase subunit 1 (nad1) mitochondrial gene sequence in adult Necator americanus hookworms recovered from a female patient in Thailand
    Eamsobhana P, Yong HS, Roongruangchai K, Tungtrongchitr A, Wanachiwanawin D
    Trop Biomed, 2020 Jun 01;37(2):536-541.
    PMID: 33612820
    Two female and one male adult hookworms were recovered from a female patient in Thailand. Based on gross and microscopic morphology, the three hookworms are members of Necator americanus. Phylogenetic reconstruction based on partial NADH dehydrogenase subunit 1 (nad1) mitochondrial gene sequences shows that these hookworms belong to the same genetic lineage as N. americanus adult worm from Zhejiang, China. The male and female hookworms were genetically distinct, belonging to two different nad1-haplotypes. This is the first report targeting the nad1 gene on the identification and genetic characterization of the human hookworms originated from infected patient. The nad1 gene marker is useful for species and higher taxa differentiation of hookworms.
    Matched MeSH terms: DNA, Mitochondrial/genetics; NADH Dehydrogenase/genetics*; Necator americanus/genetics
  18. Clone, expression and plasminogen binding property of three fructose-1,6-bisphosphate aldolases from Clonorchis sinensis
    Li S, Lu BP, Feng J, Zhou JJ, Xie ZZ, Liang C, et al.
    Trop Biomed, 2020 Dec 01;37(4):852-863.
    PMID: 33612738 DOI: 10.47665/tb.37.4.852
    Fructose-1,6-bisphosphate aldolase (FbA), a well characterized glycometabolism enzyme, has been found to participate in other important processes besides the classic catalysis. To understand the important functions of three fructose-1,6-bisphosphate aldolases from Clonorchis sinensis (CsFbAs, CsFbA-1/2/3) in host-parasite interplay, the open reading frames of CsFbAs were cloned into pET30a (+) vector and the resulting recombinant plasmids were transformed into Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) for expression of the proteins. Purified recombinant CsFbAs proteins (rCsFbAs) were approximately 45.0 kDa on 12% SDS-PAGE and could be probed with each rat anti-rCsFbAs sera by western blotting analysis. ELISA and ligand blot overlay indicated that rCsFbAs of 45.0 kDa as well as native CsFbAs of 39.5 kDa from total worm extracts and excretory-secretory products of Clonorchis sinensis (CsESPs) could bind to human plasminogen, and the binding could be efficiently inhibited by lysine analog ε-aminocaproic acid. Our results suggested that as both the components of CsESPs and the plasminogen binding proteins, three CsFbAs might be involved in preventing the formation of the blood clot so that Clonorchis sinensis could acquire enough nutrients from host tissue for their successful survival and colonization in the host. Our work will provide us with new information about the biological function of three CsFbAs and their roles in hostparasite interplay.
    Matched MeSH terms: Clonorchis sinensis/genetics; Fructose-Bisphosphate Aldolase/genetics; Recombinant Proteins/genetics
  19. Dysregulation of miR-638 in the progression of cancers
    Chong ZX, Yeap SK, Ho WY
    Pathol Res Pract, 2021 Apr;220:153351.
    PMID: 33642053 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2021.153351
    MicroRNA (miRNA) is a form of short, single-stranded and non-coding RNA that is important in regulating the post-transcriptional modification of multiple downstream targets. Many miRNAs have been reported to involve in controlling the progression of human diseases, and one of them is miR-638, which play essential roles in regulating the development of human cancer. By targeting the 3'-ends of its targets, miR-638 can regulate cellular processes including proliferation, invasion, metastases, angiogenesis, apoptosis and inflammation. This review was aimed to summarize current findings on the roles of miR-638 in different human cancers based on the results from various in vitro, in vivo and clinical studies. The biogenesis process and tissue expression, followed by the roles of miR-638 in regulating the development of various human cancers by targeting different downstream targets were covered in this review. The potential applications and challenges of employing miR-638 as cancer biomarker and therapeutic agent were also discussed.
    Matched MeSH terms: Neoplasms/genetics*; Biomarkers, Tumor/genetics*; MicroRNAs/genetics*
  20. Fulltext Isolation and Identification of Inter-Species Enterovirus Recombinant Genomes
    Bentley K, Tee HK, Pearson A, Lowry K, Waugh S, Jones S, et al.
    Viruses, 2021 11 29;13(12).
    PMID: 34960659 DOI: 10.3390/v13122390
    Positive-strand RNA virus evolution is partly attributed to the process of recombination. Although common between closely genetically related viruses, such as within species of the Enterovirus genus of the Picornaviridae family, inter-species recombination is rarely observed in nature. Recent studies have shown recombination is a ubiquitous process, resulting in a wide range of recombinant genomes and progeny viruses. While not all recombinant genomes yield infectious progeny virus, their existence and continued evolution during replication have critical implications for the evolution of the virus population. In this study, we utilised an in vitro recombination assay to demonstrate inter-species recombination events between viruses from four enterovirus species, A-D. We show that inter-species recombinant genomes are generated in vitro with polymerase template-switching events occurring within the virus polyprotein coding region. However, these genomes did not yield infectious progeny virus. Analysis and attempted recovery of a constructed recombinant cDNA revealed a restriction in positive-strand but not negative-strand RNA synthesis, indicating a significant block in replication. This study demonstrates the propensity for inter-species recombination at the genome level but suggests that significant sequence plasticity would be required in order to overcome blocks in the virus life cycle and allow for the production of infectious viruses.
    Matched MeSH terms: Enterovirus/genetics*; RNA, Viral/genetics; Reassortant Viruses/genetics*
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