Ceramide synthases in mammalians, worms, and insects: emerging schemes

2010 ◽  
Vol 1 (5-6) ◽  
pp. 411-422 ◽  
Author(s):  
André Voelzmann ◽  
Reinhard Bauer
Keyword(s):  
Biological Function ◽  
Sequence Similarity ◽  
Multiple Roles ◽  
Model Systems ◽  
Lipid Homeostasis ◽  
Biological Processes ◽  
Ceramide Synthase ◽  
Biological Functions ◽  
High Sequence Similarity ◽  
Ceramide Synthases

AbstractThe ceramide synthase (CerS) gene family comprises a group of highly conserved transmembrane proteins, which are found in all studied eukaryotes. The key feature of the CerS proteins is their role in ceramide synthase activity. Therefore, their original name ‘longevity assurance gene (Lass) homologs’, after the founding member, the yeast longevity assurance gene lag1, was altered to ‘CerS’. All CerS have high sequence similarity in a domain called LAG1 motif and a subset of CerS proteins is predicted to contain a Homeobox (Hox) domain. These domains could be the key to the multiple roles CerS have. CerS proteins play a role in diverse biological processes such as proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, stress response, cancer, and neurodegeneration. In this review, we focus on CerS structure and biological function with emphasis of biological functions in the widely used model systems Caenorhabditis elegans and Drosophila melanogaster. Also, we focus on the accumulating data suggesting a role for CerS in lipid homeostasis.

scholarly journals The biological function of m6A reader YTHDF2 and its role in human disease

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jin-yan Wang ◽  
Ai-qing Lu
Keyword(s):  
Ribosomal Rna ◽  
Biological Function ◽  
Prognostic Biomarker ◽  
Great Part ◽  
Rna Modification ◽  
Biological Processes ◽  
Rrna Processing ◽  
Biological Functions ◽  
Domain Family ◽  
Human Cancers

AbstractN6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification is a dynamic and reversible post-transcriptional modification and the most prevalent internal RNA modification in eukaryotic cells. YT521-B homology domain family 2 (YTHDF2) is a member of m6A “readers” and its role in human diseases remains unclear. Accumulating evidence suggests that YTHDF2 is greatly implicated in many aspects of human cancers and non-cancers through various mechanisms. YTHDF2 takes a great part in multiple biological processes, such as migration, invasion, metastasis, proliferation, apoptosis, cell cycle, cell viability, cell adhesion, differentiation and inflammation, in both human cancers and non-cancers. Additionally, YTHDF2 influences various aspects of RNA metabolism, including mRNA decay and pre-ribosomal RNA (pre-rRNA) processing. Moreover, emerging researches indicate that YTHDF2 predicts the prognosis of different cancers. Herein, we focus on concluding YTHDF2-associated mechanisms and potential biological functions in kinds of cancers and non-cancers, and its prospects as a prognostic biomarker.

scholarly journals Illegitimate Recombination between Duplicated Genes Generated from Recursive Polyploidizations Accelerated the Divergence of the Genus Arachis

Genes ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (12) ◽  
pp. 1944
Author(s):  
Shaoqi Shen ◽  
Yuxian Li ◽  
Jianyu Wang ◽  
Chendan Wei ◽  
Zhenyi Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Conversion ◽  
Sequence Similarity ◽  
Dna Recombination ◽  
Duplicate Gene ◽  
Duplicated Genes ◽  
Biological Functions ◽  
High Sequence Similarity ◽  
Arachis Hypogaea L ◽  
Peanut Genome ◽  
Chromosome Regions

The peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is the leading oil and food crop among the legume family. Extensive duplicate gene pairs generated from recursive polyploidizations with high sequence similarity could result from gene conversion, caused by illegitimate DNA recombination. Here, through synteny-based comparisons of two diploid and three tetraploid peanut genomes, we identified the duplicated genes generated from legume common tetraploidy (LCT) and peanut recent allo-tetraploidy (PRT) within genomes. In each peanut genome (or subgenomes), we inferred that 6.8–13.1% of LCT-related and 11.3–16.5% of PRT-related duplicates were affected by gene conversion, in which the LCT-related duplicates were the most affected by partial gene conversion, whereas the PRT-related duplicates were the most affected by whole gene conversion. Notably, we observed the conversion between duplicates as the long-lasting contribution of polyploidizations accelerated the divergence of different Arachis genomes. Moreover, we found that the converted duplicates are unevenly distributed across the chromosomes and are more often near the ends of the chromosomes in each genome. We also confirmed that well-preserved homoeologous chromosome regions may facilitate duplicates’ conversion. In addition, we found that these biological functions contain a higher number of preferentially converted genes, such as catalytic activity-related genes. We identified specific domains that are involved in converted genes, implying that conversions are associated with important traits of peanut growth and development.

Comparison and Analysis of Computational Methods for Identifying N6 - methyladenosine Sites in Saccharomyces Cerevisiae

2020 ◽  
Vol 26 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pengmian Feng ◽  
Lijing Feng ◽  
Chaohui Tang
Keyword(s):  
Saccharomyces Cerevisiae ◽  
Computational Methods ◽  
Computational Analysis ◽  
Computational Prediction ◽  
Experimental Methods ◽  
Biological Processes ◽  
Biological Functions ◽  
Precise Location ◽  
Future Directions ◽  
The Past

Background and Purpose: N 6 -methyladenosine (m6A) plays critical roles in a broad set of biological processes. Knowledge about the precise location of m6A site in the transcriptome is vital for deciphering its biological functions. Although experimental techniques have made substantial contributions to identify m6A, they are still labor intensive and time consuming. As good complements to experimental methods, in the past few years, a series of computational approaches have been proposed to identify m6A sites. Methods: In order to facilitate researchers to select appropriate methods for identifying m6A sites, it is necessary to give a comprehensive review and comparison on existing methods. Results: Since researches on m6A in Saccharomyces cerevisiae are relatively clear, in this review, we summarized recent progresses on computational prediction of m6A sites in S. cerevisiae and assessed the performance of existing computational methods. Finally, future directions of computationally identifying m6A sites were presented. Conclusion: Taken together, we anticipate that this review will provide important guides for computational analysis of m 6A modifications.

scholarly journals Lipids, lysosomes and mitochondria: insights into Lewy body formation from rare monogenic disorders

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Erskine ◽  
David Koss ◽  
Viktor I. Korolchuk ◽  
Tiago F. Outeiro ◽  
Johannes Attems ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Parkinson’S Disease ◽  
Parkinson's Disease ◽  
Lewy Bodies ◽  
Mitochondrial Diseases ◽  
Model Systems ◽  
Lipid Homeostasis ◽  
Lysosomal Storage ◽  
Iron Storage ◽  
Monogenic Disorders ◽  
Storage Disorders

AbstractAccumulation of the protein α-synuclein into insoluble intracellular deposits termed Lewy bodies (LBs) is the characteristic neuropathological feature of LB diseases, such as Parkinson’s disease (PD), Parkinson’s disease dementia (PDD) and dementia with LB (DLB). α-Synuclein aggregation is thought to be a critical pathogenic event in the aetiology of LB disease, based on genetic analyses, fundamental studies using model systems, and the observation of LB pathology in post-mortem tissue. However, some monogenic disorders not traditionally characterised as synucleinopathies, such as lysosomal storage disorders, iron storage disorders and mitochondrial diseases, appear disproportionately vulnerable to the deposition of LBs, perhaps suggesting the process of LB formation may be a result of processes perturbed as a result of these conditions. The present review discusses biological pathways common to monogenic disorders associated with LB formation, identifying catabolic processes, particularly related to lipid homeostasis, autophagy and mitochondrial function, as processes that could contribute to LB formation. These findings are discussed in the context of known mediators of α-synuclein aggregation, highlighting the potential influence of impairments to these processes in the aetiology of LB formation.

scholarly journals Efficient CRISPR/Cas9 mediated Pooled-sgRNAs assembly accelerates targeting multiple genes related to male sterility in cotton

Plant Methods ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohamed Ramadan ◽  
Muna Alariqi ◽  
Yizan Ma ◽  
Yanlong Li ◽  
Zhenping Liu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Transformation ◽  
Sequence Similarity ◽  
High Specificity ◽  
Transformation Method ◽  
High Sequence Similarity ◽  
Single Experiment ◽  
Next Generation Sequencing Technology ◽  
Cotton Transformation ◽  
Assembly Method ◽  
Multiple Genes

Abstract Background Upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum), harboring a complex allotetraploid genome, consists of A and D sub-genomes. Every gene has multiple copies with high sequence similarity that makes genetic, genomic and functional analyses extremely challenging. The recent accessibility of CRISPR/Cas9 tool provides the ability to modify targeted locus efficiently in various complicated plant genomes. However, current cotton transformation method targeting one gene requires a complicated, long and laborious regeneration process. Hence, optimizing strategy that targeting multiple genes is of great value in cotton functional genomics and genetic engineering. Results To target multiple genes in a single experiment, 112 plant development-related genes were knocked out via optimized CRISPR/Cas9 system. We optimized the key steps of pooled sgRNAs assembly method by which 116 sgRNAs pooled together into 4 groups (each group consisted of 29 sgRNAs). Each group of sgRNAs was compiled in one PCR reaction which subsequently went through one round of vector construction, transformation, sgRNAs identification and also one round of genetic transformation. Through the genetic transformation mediated Agrobacterium, we successfully generated more than 800 plants. For mutants identification, Next Generation Sequencing technology has been used and results showed that all generated plants were positive and all targeted genes were covered. Interestingly, among all the transgenic plants, 85% harbored a single sgRNA insertion, 9% two insertions, 3% three different sgRNAs insertions, 2.5% mutated sgRNAs. These plants with different targeted sgRNAs exhibited numerous combinations of phenotypes in plant flowering tissues. Conclusion All targeted genes were successfully edited with high specificity. Our pooled sgRNAs assembly offers a simple, fast and efficient method/strategy to target multiple genes in one time and surely accelerated the study of genes function in cotton.

scholarly journals Evolution of Chi motifs in Proteobacteria

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Angélique Buton ◽  
Louis-Marie Bobay
Keyword(s):  
Sequence Similarity ◽  
Bacterial Species ◽  
Double Strand Breaks ◽  
Dna Double Strand Breaks ◽  
Large Dataset ◽  
High Sequence Similarity ◽  
Strand Breaks ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Dna Motif ◽  
And Staphylococcus Aureus

Abstract Homologous recombination is a key pathway found in nearly all bacterial taxa. The recombination complex allows bacteria to repair DNA double strand breaks but also promotes adaption through the exchange of DNA between cells. In Proteobacteria, this process is mediated by the RecBCD complex, which relies on the recognition of a DNA motif named Chi to initiate recombination. The Chi motif has been characterized in Escherichia coli and analogous sequences have been found in several other species from diverse families, suggesting that this mode of action is widespread across bacteria. However, the sequences of Chi-like motifs are known for only five bacterial species: E. coli, Haemophilus influenzae, Bacillus subtilis, Lactococcus lactis and Staphylococcus aureus. In this study we detected putative Chi motifs in a large dataset of Proteobacteria and we identified four additional motifs sharing high sequence similarity and similar properties to the Chi motif of E. coli in 85 species of Proteobacteria. Most Chi motifs were detected in Enterobacteriaceae and this motif appears well conserved in this family. However, we did not detect Chi motifs for the majority of Proteobacteria, suggesting that different motifs are used in these species. Altogether these results substantially expand our knowledge on the evolution of Chi motifs and on the recombination process in bacteria.

scholarly journals Molecular Forces Governing the Biological Function of Per-Arnt-Sim-B (PAS-B) Domains: A Comparative Computational Study

Biophysica ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-14
Author(s):  
João Victor de Souza ◽  
Piotr Zaborniak ◽  
Sylvia Reznikov ◽  
Matthew Kondal ◽  
Ruidi Zhu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Juvenile Hormone ◽  
Hormone Receptor ◽  
Redox Regulation ◽  
Biological Function ◽  
Computational Study ◽  
Sequence Similarity ◽  
Molecular Characteristics ◽  
Drosophila Suzukii ◽  
Xenobiotic Stress ◽  
Molecular Features

Per-Arnt-Sim (PAS) domains are evolutionarily-conserved regions found in proteins in all living systems, involved in transcriptional regulation and the response to hypoxic and xenobiotic stress. Despite having low primary sequence similarity, they show an impressively high structural conservation. Nonetheless, understanding the underlying mechanisms that drive the biological function of the PAS domains remains elusive. In this work, we used molecular dynamics simulations and bioinformatics tools in order the investigate the molecular characteristics that govern the intrinsic dynamics of five PAS-B domains (human AhR receptor, NCOA1, HIF1α, and HIF2α transcription factors, and Drosophila Suzukii (D. Suzukii) juvenile hormone receptor JHR). First, we investigated the effects of different length of N and C terminal regions of the AhR PAS-B domain, showing that truncation of those segments directly affects structural stability and aggregation propensity of the domain. Secondly, using the recently annotated PAS-B located in the methoprene-tolerant protein/juvenile hormone receptor (JHR) from D. Suzukii, we have shown that the mutation of the highly conserved “gatekeeper” tyrosine to phenylalanine (Y322F) does not affect the stability of the domain. Finally, we investigated possible redox-regulation of the AhR PAS-B domain by focusing on the cysteinome residues within PAS-B domains. The cysteines in AhR PAS-B are directly regulating the dynamics of the small molecule ligand-gating loop (residues 305 to 326). In conclusion, we comprehensibly described several molecular features governing the behaviour of PAS-B domains in solution, which may lead to a better understanding of the forces driving their biological functions.

Meiotic Recombination Between Paralogous RBCSB Genes on Sister Chromatids of Arabidopsis thaliana

Genetics ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 166 (2) ◽  
pp. 947-957 ◽  
Author(s):  
John G Jelesko ◽  
Kristy Carter ◽  
Whitney Thompson ◽  
Yuki Kinoshita ◽  
Wilhelm Gruissem
Keyword(s):  
Gene Cluster ◽  
Dna Sequences ◽  
Meiotic Recombination ◽  
Sequence Similarity ◽  
Specific Gene ◽  
High Sequence Similarity ◽  
Paralogous Genes ◽  
Chimeric Genes ◽  
Unequal Recombination ◽  
Sister Chromatids

Abstract Paralogous genes organized as a gene cluster can rapidly evolve by recombination between misaligned paralogs during meiosis, leading to duplications, deletions, and novel chimeric genes. To model unequal recombination within a specific gene cluster, we utilized a synthetic RBCSB gene cluster to isolate recombinant chimeric genes resulting from meiotic recombination between paralogous genes on sister chromatids. Several F1 populations hemizygous for the synthRBCSB1 gene cluster gave rise to Luc+ F2 plants at frequencies ranging from 1 to 3 × 10-6. A nonuniform distribution of recombination resolution sites resulted in the biased formation of recombinant RBCS3B/1B::LUC genes with nonchimeric exons. The positioning of approximately half of the mapped resolution sites was effectively modeled by the fractional length of identical DNA sequences. In contrast, the other mapped resolution sites fit an alternative model in which recombination resolution was stimulated by an abrupt transition from a region of relatively high sequence similarity to a region of low sequence similarity. Thus, unequal recombination between paralogous RBCSB genes on sister chromatids created an allelic series of novel chimeric genes that effectively resulted in the diversification rather than the homogenization of the synthRBCSB1 gene cluster.

scholarly journals The Complete Chloroplast Genome of the Vulnerable Oreocharis esquirolii (Gesneriaceae): Structural Features, Comparative and Phylogenetic Analysis

Plants ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (12) ◽  
pp. 1692
Author(s):  
Li Gu ◽  
Ting Su ◽  
Ming-Tai An ◽  
Guo-Xiong Hu
Keyword(s):  
Phylogenetic Analysis ◽  
Sequence Similarity ◽  
Single Copy ◽  
Structural Features ◽  
Rrna Genes ◽  
Trna Genes ◽  
Sequencing Data ◽  
High Sequence Similarity ◽  
Plastid Genomes ◽  
Cp Genome

Oreocharis esquirolii, a member of Gesneriaceae, is known as Thamnocharis esquirolii, which has been regarded a synonym of the former. The species is endemic to Guizhou, southwestern China, and is evaluated as vulnerable (VU) under the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) criteria. Until now, the sequence and genome information of O. esquirolii remains unknown. In this study, we assembled and characterized the complete chloroplast (cp) genome of O. esquirolii using Illumina sequencing data for the first time. The total length of the cp genome was 154,069 bp with a typical quadripartite structure consisting of a pair of inverted repeats (IRs) of 25,392 bp separated by a large single copy region (LSC) of 85,156 bp and a small single copy region (SSC) of18,129 bp. The genome comprised 114 unique genes with 80 protein-coding genes, 30 tRNA genes, and four rRNA genes. Thirty-one repeat sequences and 74 simple sequence repeats (SSRs) were identified. Genome alignment across five plastid genomes of Gesneriaceae indicated a high sequence similarity. Four highly variable sites (rps16-trnQ, trnS-trnG, ndhF-rpl32, and ycf 1) were identified. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that O. esquirolii grouped together with O. mileensis, supporting resurrection of the name Oreocharis esquirolii from Thamnocharisesquirolii. The complete cp genome sequence will contribute to further studies in molecular identification, genetic diversity, and phylogeny.

scholarly journals Two Unrelated 8-Vinyl Reductases Ensure Production of Mature Chlorophylls in Acaryochloris marina

2016 ◽  
Vol 198 (9) ◽  
pp. 1393-1400 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guangyu E. Chen ◽  
Andrew Hitchcock ◽  
Philip J. Jackson ◽  
Roy R. Chaudhuri ◽  
Mark J. Dickman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Transcriptional Control ◽  
Sequence Similarity ◽  
Open Reading Frames ◽  
High Sequence Similarity ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Ethyl Group ◽  
Acaryochloris Marina ◽  
Vinyl Group ◽  
Vinyl Reductase ◽  
Reading Frames

ABSTRACTThe major photopigment of the cyanobacteriumAcaryochloris marinais chlorophylld, while its direct biosynthetic precursor, chlorophylla, is also present in the cell. These pigments, along with the majority of chlorophylls utilized by oxygenic phototrophs, carry an ethyl group at the C-8 position of the molecule, having undergone reduction of a vinyl group during biosynthesis. Two unrelated classes of 8-vinyl reductase involved in the biosynthesis of chlorophylls are known to exist, BciA and BciB. The genome ofAcaryochloris marinacontains open reading frames (ORFs) encoding proteins displaying high sequence similarity to BciA or BciB, although they are annotated as genes involved in transcriptional control (nmrA) and methanogenesis (frhB), respectively. These genes were introduced into an 8-vinyl chlorophylla-producing ΔbciBstrain ofSynechocystissp. strain PCC 6803, and both were shown to restore synthesis of the pigment with an ethyl group at C-8, demonstrating their activities as 8-vinyl reductases. We propose thatnmrAandfrhBbe reassigned asbciAandbciB, respectively; transcript and proteomic analysis ofAcaryochloris marinareveal that bothbciAandbciBare expressed and their encoded proteins are present in the cell, possibly in order to ensure that all synthesized chlorophyll pigment carries an ethyl group at C-8. Potential reasons for the presence of two 8-vinyl reductases in this strain, which is unique for cyanobacteria, are discussed.IMPORTANCEThe cyanobacteriumAcaryochloris marinais the best-studied phototrophic organism that uses chlorophylldfor photosynthesis. Unique among cyanobacteria sequenced to date, its genome contains ORFs encoding two unrelated enzymes that catalyze the reduction of the C-8 vinyl group of a precursor molecule to an ethyl group. Carrying a reduced C-8 group may be of particular importance to organisms containing chlorophylld. Plant genomes also contain orthologs of both of these genes; thus, the bacterial progenitor of the chloroplast may also have contained bothbciAandbciB.

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