Pyrroline-5-Carboxylate Reductase-2 Promotes Colorectal Cancer Progression via Activating PI3K/AKT/mTOR Pathway

Aim. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect and underlying pathway of pyrroline-5-carboxylate reductase-2 (PYCR2) on colorectal cancer (CRC). Methods. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database was used to analyze PYCR2 expression levels and clinical information. Cell proliferation was evaluated using colony forming and EdU assay. Cell apoptosis rate was determined using flow cytometry. Cell migration and invasion were measured by performing a Transwell assay, and PYCR2, MMP-2, MMP-9, Bax, cleaved caspase-3, Bcl-2, cleaved PARP, p-PI3K, PI3K, p-AKT, AKT, p-mTOR, and mTOR protein levels were detected by Western blot. Results. A review of the TCGA database revealed that PYCR2 was highly expressed in CRC patients and that high PYCR2 expression was associated with advanced stage, adenocarcinoma, nodal metastasis, and poor survival rate. Moreover, PYCR2 knockdown reduced cell viability, proliferation, migration, and invasion and increased apoptosis. Additionally, PYCR2 knockdown increased Bax, cleaved caspase-3, and cleaved PARP levels and decreased Bcl-2, MMP-2, MMP-9, p-PI3K, p-AKT, and p-mTOR levels in CRC cells. Effects of silencing PYCR2 on proliferation, migration, invasion, apoptosis, and the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway in CRC cells were all reversed using a PI3K activator (740Y-P). Conclusion. PYCR2 was highly expressed in CRC, and its knockdown suppressed CRC tumorigenesis via inhibiting the activation of PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. This finding provides a new theoretical foundation for the treatment of CRC.

Construction of a complete set of Neisseria meningitidis mutants and its use for the phenotypic profiling of this human pathogen

The bacterium Neisseria meningitidis causes life-threatening meningitis and sepsis. Here, we construct a complete collection of defined mutants in protein-coding genes of this organism, identifying all genes that are essential under laboratory conditions. The collection, named NeMeSys 2.0, consists of individual mutants in 1584 non-essential genes. We identify 391 essential genes, which are associated with basic functions such as expression and preservation of genome information, cell membrane structure and function, and metabolism. We use this collection to shed light on the functions of diverse genes, including a gene encoding a member of a previously unrecognised class of histidinol-phosphatases; a set of 20 genes required for type IV pili function; and several conditionally essential genes encoding antitoxins and/or immunity proteins. We expect that NeMeSys 2.0 will facilitate the phenotypic profiling of a major human bacterial pathogen.

Toxicity, Physiological, and Ultrastructural Effects of Arsenic and Cadmium on the Extremophilic Microalga Chlamydomonas acidophila

The cytotoxicity of cadmium (Cd), arsenate (As(V)), and arsenite (As(III)) on a strain of Chlamydomonas acidophila, isolated from the Rio Tinto, an acidic environment containing high metal(l)oid concentrations, was analyzed. We used a broad array of methods to produce complementary information: cell viability and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation measures, ultrastructural observations, transmission electron microscopy energy dispersive x-ray microanalysis (TEM–XEDS), and gene expression. This acidophilic microorganism was affected differently by the tested metal/metalloid: It showed high resistance to arsenic while Cd was the most toxic heavy metal, showing an LC50 = 1.94 µM. Arsenite was almost four-fold more toxic (LC50= 10.91 mM) than arsenate (LC50 = 41.63 mM). Assessment of ROS generation indicated that both arsenic oxidation states generate superoxide anions. Ultrastructural analysis of exposed cells revealed that stigma, chloroplast, nucleus, and mitochondria were the main toxicity targets. Intense vacuolization and accumulation of energy reserves (starch deposits and lipid droplets) were observed after treatments. Electron-dense intracellular nanoparticle-like formation appeared in two cellular locations: inside cytoplasmic vacuoles and entrapped into the capsule, around each cell. The chemical nature (Cd or As) of these intracellular deposits was confirmed by TEM–XEDS. Additionally, they also contained an unexpected high content in phosphorous, which might support an essential role of poly-phosphates in metal resistance.

Provide security for wireless mobile networks with different multiple access Techniques and MANET Network

The most recent versatile innovation of new features in mobile technology is needed for advancement of the Internet, for the features of better, quicker access of information. Cell division subscribers pay additional costs for instant messaging, stock quotes, and Furthermore easy internet access on their phones. In order to support such a capable system, we need pervasive, high-speed remote connectivity. Bluetooth and 802.11 are currently existing techniques for providing high speed digital wireless connectivity. The extension of 4G technology gave scope for mobile communications. Mobile is not only a portable talking gadget but also utilized for multiple distinctive purposes.4G offers higher data rates for consistent roaming. That portable mobile client might communicate without any disturbance due to network problems. In this process report we discuss different tests that 4G will facing and also gives the solutions for those problems. We recommend our own method for enhancing QoS On 4G eventually by utilizing both SMIP and SIP. We recommend that by utilizing such plan we might accomplish better QoS throughout that process of handover.

Real-time diffraction computed tomography data reduction

Diffraction imaging is an X-ray imaging method which uses the crystallinity information (cell parameter, orientation) as a signal to create an image pixel by pixel: a pencil beam is raster-scanned onto a sample and the (powder) diffraction signal is recorded by a large area detector. With the flux provided by third-generation synchrotrons and the speed of hybrid pixel detectors, the acquisition speed of these experiments is now limited by the transfer rate to the local storage as the data reduction can hardly be performed in real time. This contribution presents the benchmarking of a typical data analysis pipeline for a diffraction imaging experiment like the ones performed at ESRF ID15a and proposes some disruptive techniques to decode CIF binary format images using the computational power of graphics cards to be able to perform data reduction in real time.

The effect of sonic hedgehog on motor neuron positioning in the spinal cord during chicken embryo development

ABSTRACTSonic hedgehog (Shh) is a vertebrate homologue of the secreted Drosophila protein hedgehog, and is expressed by the notochord and the floor plate in the developing spinal cord. Shh provides signals relevant for positional information, cell proliferation, and possibly cell survival depending on the time and location of the expression. Although the role of Shh in providing positional information in the neural tube has been experimentally proven, the exact underlying mechanism still remains unclear. In this study, we report that overexpression of Shh affects motor neuron positioning in the spinal cord during chicken embryo development by inducing abnormalities in the structure of the motor column and motor neuron integration. In addition, Shh overexpression inhibits the expression of dorsal transcription factors and commissural axon projections. Our results indicate that correct location of Shh expression is the key to the formation of the motor column. In conclusion, the overexpression of Shh in the spinal cord not only affects the positioning of motor neurons, but also induces abnormalities in the structure of the motor column.