| 1. |
- Clark, Andrew G., et al.
(författare)
-
Evolution of genes and genomes on the Drosophila phylogeny
- 2007
-
Ingår i: Nature. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0028-0836 .- 1476-4687. ; 450:7167, s. 203-218
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Comparative analysis of multiple genomes in a phylogenetic framework dramatically improves the precision and sensitivity of evolutionary inference, producing more robust results than single-genome analyses can provide. The genomes of 12 Drosophila species, ten of which are presented here for the first time (sechellia, simulans, yakuba, erecta, ananassae, persimilis, willistoni, mojavensis, virilis and grimshawi), illustrate how rates and patterns of sequence divergence across taxa can illuminate evolutionary processes on a genomic scale. These genome sequences augment the formidable genetic tools that have made Drosophila melanogaster a pre-eminent model for animal genetics, and will further catalyse fundamental research on mechanisms of development, cell biology, genetics, disease, neurobiology, behaviour, physiology and evolution. Despite remarkable similarities among these Drosophila species, we identified many putatively non-neutral changes in protein-coding genes, non-coding RNA genes, and cis-regulatory regions. These may prove to underlie differences in the ecology and behaviour of these diverse species.
|
|
| 2. |
- Song, Hong-Wei, et al.
(författare)
-
Thermal fatigue on pistons induced by shaped high power laser : Part II: Design of spatial intensity distribution via numerical simulation
- 2008
-
Ingår i: International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer. - : Elsevier BV. - 0017-9310 .- 1879-2189. ; 51:3-4, s. 768-778
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- In the laser induced thermal fatigue simulation test on pistons, the high power laser was transformed from the incident Gaussian beam into a concentric multi-circular pattern with specific intensity ratio. The spatial intensity distribution of the shaped beam, which determines the temperature field in the piston, must be designed before a diffractive optical element (DOE) can be manufactured. In this paper, a reverse method based on finite element model (FEM) was proposed to design the intensity distribution in order to simulate the thermal loadings on pistons. Temperature fields were obtained by solving a transient three-dimensional heat conduction equation with convective boundary conditions at the surfaces of the piston workpiece. The numerical model then was validated by approaching the computational results to the experimental data. During the process, some important parameters including laser absorptivity, convective heat transfer coefficient, thermal conductivity and Biot number were also validated. Then, optimization procedure was processed to find favorable spatial intensity distribution for the shaped beam, with the aid of the validated FEM. The analysis shows that the reverse method incorporated with numerical simulation can reduce design cycle and design expense efficiently. This method can serve as a kind of virtual experimental vehicle as well, which makes the thermal fatigue simulation test more controllable and predictable.
|
|
| 3. |
- Wei, Jian-Feng, et al.
(författare)
-
Formation of Kv2.1-FAK complex as a mechanism of FAK activation, cell polarization and enhanced motility
- 2008
-
Ingår i: Journal of Cellular Physiology. - : Wiley. - 0021-9541 .- 1097-4652. ; 217:2, s. 544-557
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) plays key roles in cell adhesion and migration. We now report that the delayed rectifier Kv2.1 potassium channel, through its LD-like motif in N-terminus, may interact with FAK and enhance phosphorylation of FAK(397) and FAK(576/577) Overlapping distribution of Kv2.1 and FAK was observed on soma and proximal dendrites of cortical neurons. FAK expression promotes a polarized membrane distribution of the Kv2.1 channel. In Kv2.1-transfected CHO cells, formation of the Kv2.1-FAK complex was stimulated by fibronectin/integrin and inhibited by the K channel blocker tetraethylammonium (TEA). FAK phosphorylation was minimized by shRNA knockdown of the Kv2.1 channel, point mutations of the N-terminus, and TEA, respectively. Cell migration morphology was altered by Kv2.1 knockdown or TEA, hindering cell migration activity. In wound healing tests in vitro and a traumatic injury animal model, Kv2.1 expression and co-localization of Kv2.1 and FAK significantly enhanced directional cell migration and wound closure. It is suggested that the Kv2.1 channel may function as a promoting signal for FAK activation and cell motility.
|
|
| 4. |
- Cao, Yong-Xiao, et al.
(författare)
-
Ligustilide induces vasodilatation via inhibiting voltage dependent calcium channel and receptor-mediated Ca(2+) influx and release.
- 2006
-
Ingår i: Vascular Pharmacology. - : Elsevier BV. - 1537-1891. ; 45:3, s. 171-176
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of ligustilide on vasodilatation in rat mesenteric artery and the mechanisms responsible for it. Isometric tension of rat mesenteric artery rings was recorded by a sensitive myograph system in vitro. The results showed that ligustilide at concentrations more than 10 mu M relaxed potassium chloride (KCl)-preconstricted rat mesenteric artery in a con centration-dependent manner. The vasodilatation effect of ligustilide was not dependent on endothelium. Ligustilide rightwards shifted concentration-response curves induced by KCl, calcium chloride (CaCl2), noradrenaline (NA) or 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) in a non-parallel manner. This suggests that the vasodilatation effects were most likely via voltage-dependent calcium channel (VDCC) and receptor-operated calcium channel (ROCC). Propranolol, glibenclamide, tetraethylammonium and barium chloride did not affect the vasodilation induced by ligustilide, showing that beta-adrenoceptor, ATP sensitive potassium channel, calcium-activated potassium channel and inwardly rectifying potassium channel were not involved in the vasodilatation. Ligustilide concentration-dependently inhibited the vasoconstriction induced by NA or CaCl2 in Ca2+-free medium, indicating that the vasodilatation relates to inhibition of extracellular Ca2+ influx through VDCC and ROCC, and intracellular Ca2+ release from Ca2+ store. Since caffeine-induced contraction was inhibited by ligustilide, inhibition of intracellular Ca2+ released by ligustilide occurred via the ryanodine receptors. Our results suggest that ligustilide induces vasodilatation in rat mesenteric artery by inhibiting the VDCC and ROCC, and receptor-mediated Ca2+ influx and release. (c) 2006 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
|
|
| 5. |
- Garrison, Sean P, et al.
(författare)
-
Selection against PUMA gene expression in Myc-driven B-cell lymphomagenesis.
- 2008
-
Ingår i: Molecular and cellular biology. - 1098-5549. ; 28:17, s. 5391-402
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The p53 tumor suppressor pathway limits oncogenesis by inducing cell cycle arrest or apoptosis. A key p53 target gene is PUMA, which encodes a BH3-only proapoptotic protein. Here we demonstrate that Puma deletion in the Emu-Myc mouse model of Burkitt lymphoma accelerates lymphomagenesis and that approximately 75% of Emu-Myc lymphomas naturally select against Puma protein expression. Furthermore, approximately 40% of primary human Burkitt lymphomas fail to express detectable levels of PUMA and in some tumors this is associated with DNA methylation. Burkitt lymphoma cell lines phenocopy the primary tumors with respect to DNA methylation and diminished PUMA expression, which can be reactivated following inhibition of DNA methyltransferases. These findings establish that PUMA is silenced in human malignancies, and they suggest PUMA as a target for the development of novel chemotherapeutics.
|
|
| 6. |
- Lee, Sang Hwui, et al.
(författare)
-
Fine keyed alignment and bonding for wafer-level 3D ICs
- 2006
-
Ingår i: MATERIALS RESEARCH SOCIETY SYMPOSIUM PROCEEDINGS. - WARRENDALE, PA : MATERIALS RESEARCH SOCIETY. ; , s. 433-438
-
Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- Precise wafer-to-wafer alignment accuracy is crucial to interconnecting circuits on different wafers in three dimensional integrated circuits. We discuss the use of fabricated structures on wafer surfaces to mechanically achieve higher alignment accuracy than can be achieved with our existing (baseline) alignment protocol. The keyed alignment structures rely on structures with tapered side-walls that can slide into each after two wafers are "pre-aligned" using our baseline alignment protocol. Results indicate that alignment accuracy is about a quarter micron, well below the one micron alignment accuracy obtained in our baseline alignment procedure using commercial state-of-the-art wafer alignment equipment. In addition to improving alignment, the alignment structures also hinder undesirable bonding-induced misalignment. The keyed alignment structures are also promising for nano-imprint lithography.
|
|
| 7. |
- Liao, Rong-Zhen, et al.
(författare)
-
Reaction mechanism of the dinuclear zinc enzyme N-acyl-L-homoserine lactone hydrolase : a quantum chemical study
- 2009
-
Ingår i: Inorganic Chemistry. - : American Chemical Society (ACS). - 0020-1669 .- 1520-510X. ; 48:4, s. 1442-1448
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- N-acyl-L-homoserine lactone hydrolase (AHL lactonase) is a dinuclear zinc enzyme responsible for the hydrolytic ring opening of AHLs, disrupting quorum sensing in bacteria. The reaction mechanism is investigated using hybrid density functional theory. A model of the active site is designed on the basis of the X-ray crystal structure, and stationary points along the reaction pathway are optimized and analyzed. Two possible mechanisms based on two different substrate orientations are considered. The calculations give support to a reaction mechanism that involves two major chemical steps: nucleophilic attack on the substrate carbonyl carbon by the bridging hydroxide and ring opening by direct ester C - O bond cleavage. The roles of the two zinc ions are analyzed. Zn1 is demonstrated to stabilize the charge of the tetrahedral intermediate, thereby facilitating the nucleophilic attack, while Zn2 stabilizes the charge of the alkoxide resulting from the ring opening, thereby lowering the barrier for the C - O bond cleavage.
|
|
| 8. |
- Liao, Rong-Zhen, et al.
(författare)
-
Theoretical investigation of the reaction mechanism of the dinuclear zinc enzyme dihydroorotase
- 2008
-
Ingår i: Chemistry - A European Journal. - : Wiley. - 0947-6539 .- 1521-3765. ; 14:14, s. 4287-4292
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The reaction mechanism of the dinuclear zinc enzyme dihydroorotase was investigated by using hybrid density functional theory. This enzyme catalyzes the reversible interconversion of dihydroorotate and carbamoyl aspartate. Two reaction mechanisms in which the important active site residue Asp250 was either protonated or unprotonated were considered. The calculations establish that Asp250 must be unprotonated for the reaction to take place. The bridging hydroxide is shown to be capable of performing nucleophilic attack on the substrate from its bridging position and the role of Znβ is argued to be the stabilization of the tetrahedral intermediate and the transition state leading to it, thereby lowering the barrier for the nucleophilic attack. It is furthermore concluded that the rate-limiting step is the protonation of the amide nitrogen by Asp250 coupled with C-N bond cleavage, which is consistent with previous experimental findings from isotope labeling studies.
|
|
| 9. |
- Liao, Rong-Zhen, et al.
(författare)
-
Theoretical study of the RNA hydrolysis mechanism of the dinuclear zinc enzyme RNase Z
- 2009
-
Ingår i: European Journal of Inorganic Chemistry. - Weinheim : Wiley. - 1434-1948 .- 1099-1948 .- 1099-0682. ; :20, s. 2967-2972
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- RNase Z is a dinuclear zinc enzyme that catalyzes the removal of the tRNA 3'-end trailer. Density functional theory is used to investigate the phosphodiester hydrolysis mechanism of this enzyme with a model of the active site constructed on the basis of the crystal structure. The calculations imply that the reaction proceeds through two steps. The first step is a nucleophihc attack by a bridging hydroxide coupled with protonation of the leaving group by a Glu-His diad. Subsequently, a water molecule activated by the same Glu-His diad makes a reverse attack, regenerating the bridging hydroxide. The second step is calculated to be the rate-limiting step with a barrier of 18 kcal/mol, in good agreement with experimental kinetic studies. Both zinc ions participate in substrate binding and orientation, facilitating nucleophilic attack. In addition, they act as electrophilic catalysts to stabilize the pentacoordinate trigonal-bipyramidal transition states.
|
|
| 10. |
- Meng, Wen-Jian, et al.
(författare)
-
Microsatellite instability did not predict individual survival in sporadic stage II and III rectal cancer patients
- 2007
-
Ingår i: Oncology. - : S. Karger AG. - 0890-9091 .- 0030-2414 .- 1423-0232. ; 72:1-2, s. 82-88
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objectives: Tumors with high-frequency microsatellite instability (MSI-H) have unique biological behavior and the predictive role of microsatellite instability (MSI) status on survival of colorectal cancer is still debated. The prognostic significance of MSI status in sporadic stage II and III rectal cancer patients needs to be more precisely defined. So we investigated the relationship between MSI status and clinicopathological features and prognosis in these patients. Methods: DNAs from fresh-frozen paired samples of tumors and corresponding normal tissue from 128 stage II and III rectal cancer patients were analyzed for MSI by PCR amplification using markers recommended by a National Cancer Institute workshop on MSI. To assess prognostic significance, Cox proportional hazards modeling was used. Results: Twelve (9.3%) tumors in our study were MSI-H, 28 (21.9%) were low-frequency MSI (MSI-L) and 88 (68.8%) were microsatellite stable (MSS). Most of the MSI-H tumors compared with MSI-L and MSS tumors were found in female patients (p = 0.031), had mucinous histology (p = 0.023), high grade of differentiation (p = 0.002) and high level of preoperative serum carcinoembryonic antigen (p = 0.005). Rectal cancer patients with MSI-H did not show a better clinical outcome than those with MSI-L/MSS, neither in all cases (p = 0.986) nor in stage II and stage III disease analyzed separately (p = 0.705 and p = 0.664, respectively). Conclusions: Data provided here demonstrated there was high incidence of MSI-H and MSI was not a prognostic factor in sporadic stage II and III rectal cancers from the Chinese Han population included in this study. Tumor stage is more suitable than MSI status for prediction of individual survival in sporadic stage II and III rectal cancer patients. Copyright © 2007 S. Karger AG.
|
|
