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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.
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Site-specific field management adaptation is key to feeding the world in the 21st century
Rapid climate change and growing population threaten global food security across the globe. Several studies have proposed early planting, increased irrigation, and increased fertilizer applications as climate adaptation strategies, yet none have considered combined and site-specific field management strategies as a comprehensive solution. Here, we analyzed non-irrigated wheat yield responses to climate change and field management adaptation using a mechanistic crop model evaluated against observed global non-irrigated wheat-yield over 3-year intervals spanning 13 years at 3749 sites (RMSE = 36 gC m -2 ). Early planting with later-maturing varieties provided the most benefit to future yields among the proposed field management adaptation strategies. Improved water use efficiency from increased CO 2 led to relatively low benefits of additional irrigation. Here we estimated that spatially heterogeneous adaption strategies had the potential to improve global wheat yields by 91% by 2100 compared to the present day. The yield improvements from combined field adaptation strategies were larger than the sum of improvements from the individual strategies. These synergistic benefits were shown to result from complementary processes regulating nutrient and water uptake, physiological tolerance to heat stress, and internal carbon and nutrient cycling.
Twin-screw granulation: Mechanistic understanding of the effect of material properties on key granule quality attributes through the analysis of mixing dynamics and granulation rate mechanisms
This study focuses on understanding the effect of material properties on granule quality attributes through the analysis of mixing dynamics and granulation rate mechanisms. Powder wettability, binder viscosity, and liquid-to-solid (L/S) ratio were the factors that were investigated in this study. Further, the mixing occurring inside the twin-screw granulator (TSG) was quantitatively assessed by obtaining the axial dispersion coefficient from the experimentally measured residence time distribution (RTD) curves. It was observed that the quality of the nuclei fed to the kneading zone significantly affected the mixing dynamics. The quality of nuclei was governed by nucleation kinetics, which in turn was principally affected by the liquid saturation of the nuclei and the ratio of drop penetration time and encounter time, which in turn were affected by the L/S ratio and binder viscosity respectively. The hydrophobicity of the blend mainly affected the extent of nucleation. The type of nuclei entering the kneading zone and mixing dynamics in the TSG also determined whether the granulation growth mechanism was “layering-dominant” or “viscous-dominant”. It was also shown that the resultant granule quality attributes were a reflection of the growth mechanisms. Ultimately, a mechanistic link between material properties, mixing dynamics, granulation rate mechanisms, and granule quality attributes was established.
The “bacterial heterodisulfide” DsrC is a key protein in dissimilatory sulfur metabolism
Not Available
The C-terminus of PufX plays a key role in dimerisation and assembly of the reaction center light-harvesting 1 complex from Rhodobacter sphaeroides
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Site-directed mutagenesis of the glycine-rich loop of death associated protein kinase (DAPK) identifies it as a key structure for catalytic activity
Abstract not provided
Identification and clarification of the role of key active site residues in bacterial glutathione S-transferase zeta/maleylpyruvate isomerase
Highlights: {yields} Application of site-directed mutagenesis to probe the active site residues of glutathione-dependent maleylpyruvate isomerase. {yields} Two conserved residues, Arg8 and Arg176, in zeta class glutathione S-transferases are critical for maleylpyruvate orientation and enolization. {yields} Arg109, found exclusively in NagL, participates in k{sub cat} regulation. {yields} The T11A mutant exhibited a significantly decreased K{sub m} value for glutathione with little impact on maleylpyruvate kinetics. {yields} The Thr11 residue appears to have significance in the evolution of glutathione S-transferase classes. -- Abstract: The maleylpyruvate isomerase NagL from Ralstonia sp. strain U2, which has been structurally characterized previously, catalyzes the isomerization of maleylpyruvate to fumarylpyruvate. It belongs to the class zeta glutathione S-transferases (GSTZs), part of the cytosolic GST family (cGSTs). In this study, site-directed mutagenesis was conducted to probe the functions of 13 putative active site residues. Steady-state kinetic information for mutants in the reduced glutathione (GSH) binding site, suggested that (a) Gln64 and Asp102 interact directly with the glutamyl moiety of glutathione, (b) Gln49 and Gln64 are involved in a potential electron-sharing network that influences the ionization of the GSH thiol. The information also suggests that (c) His38, Asn108 and Arg109 interact with the GSH glycine moiety, (d) His104 has a role in the ionization of the GSH sulfur and the stabilization of the maleyl terminal carboxyl group in the reaction intermediate and (e) Arg110 influences the electron distribution in the active site and therefore the ionization of the GSH thiolate. Kinetic data for mutants altered in the substrate-binding site imply that (a) Arg8 and Arg176 are critical for maleylpyruvate orientation and enolization, and (b) Arg109 (exclusive to NagL) participates in k{sub cat} regulation. Surprisingly, the T11A mutant had a decreased GSH K{sub m} value, whereas little impact on maleylpyruvate kinetics was observed, suggesting that this residue plays an important role in GSH binding. An evolutionary trend in this residue appears to have developed not only in prokaryotic and eukaryotic GSTZs, but also among the wider class of cGSTs.
Key residues for the oligomerization of A{beta}42 protein in Alzheimer's disease
Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer A{beta} oligomers are neurotoxins and likely the causing agents for Alzheimer's disease. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer A{beta}42 fusion protein form globular oligomers. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer A{beta}42 fusion protein oligomers contain SDS-resistant tetramers and hexamers. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Cysteine substitutions at residues 31, 32, 34, 39-41 disrupt A{beta}42 oligomerization. -- Abstract: Deposition of amyloid fibrils consisting of amyloid {beta} (A{beta}) protein as senile plaques in the brain is a pathological hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. However, a growing body of evidence shows that soluble A{beta} oligomers correlate better with dementia than fibrils, suggesting that A{beta} oligomers may be the primary toxic species. The structure and oligomerization mechanism of these A{beta} oligomers are crucial for developing effective therapeutics. Here we investigated the oligomerization of A{beta}42 in the context of a fusion protein containing GroES and ubiquitin fused to the N-terminus of A{beta} sequence. The presence of fusion protein partners, in combination with a denaturing buffer containing 8 M urea at pH 10, is unfavorable for A{beta}42 aggregation, thus allowing only the most stable structures to be observed. Transmission electron microscopy showed that A{beta}42 fusion protein formed globular oligomers, which bound weakly to thioflavin T and Congo red. SDS-PAGE shows that A{beta}42 fusion protein formed SDS-resistant hexamers and tetramers. In contrast, A{beta}40 fusion protein remained as monomers on SDS gel, suggesting that the oligomerization of A{beta}42 fusion protein is not due to the fusion protein partners. Cysteine scanning mutagenesis at 22 residue positions further revealed that single cysteine substitutions of the C-terminal hydrophobic residues (I31, I32, L34, V39, V40, and I41) led to disruption of hexamer and tetramer formation, suggesting that hydrophobic interactions between these residues are most critical for A{beta}42 oligomerization.
Human epididymis protein 4 (HE4) plays a key role in ovarian cancer cell adhesion and motility
Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer We generated stable transduced HE4 overexpression and knockdown cells. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer HE4 was associated with EOC cell adhesion and motility. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer HE4 might have some effects on activation of EGFR-MAPK signaling pathway. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer HE4 play an important role in EOC tumorigenicity. -- Abstract: Human epididymis protein 4 (HE4) is a novel and specific biomarker for epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). We previously demonstrated that serum HE4 levels were significantly elevated in the majority of EOC patients but not in subjects with benign disease or healthy controls. However, the precise mechanism of HE4 protein function is unknown. In this study, we generated HE4-overexpressing SKOV3 cells and found that stably transduced cells promoted cell adhesion and migration. Knockdown of HE4 expression was achieved by stable transfection of SKOV3 cells with a construct encoding a short hairpin DNA directed against the HE4 gene. Correspondingly, the proliferation and spreading ability of HE4-expressed cells were inhibited by HE4 suppression. Mechanistically, impaired EGFR and Erk1/2 phosphorylation were observed in cells with HE4 knockdown. The phosphorylation was restored when the knockdown cells were cultured in conditioned medium containing HE4. Moreover, in vivo tumorigenicity showed that HE4 suppression markedly inhibited the growth of tumors. This suggests that expression of HE4 is associated with cancer cell adhesion, migration and tumor growth, which can be related to its effects on the EGFR-MAPK signaling pathway. Our results provide evidence of the cellular and molecular mechanisms that may underlie the motility-promoting role of HE4 in EOC progression. The role of HE4 as a target for gene-based therapy might be considered in future studies.
L-glutamine is a key parameter in the immunosuppression phenomenon
Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The absence of L-Gln inhibited iNOS activity, but not ARG1 one. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer MSC-1 cells were able to inhibit Jurkat cell growth, but not their viability. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Absence of L-Gln down-regulated central carbon metabolism and L-Arg recycling. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Absence of L-Gln deteriorated cell bioenergetic status. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer L-Gln is crucial for iNOS-mediated immunosuppression activity. -- Abstract: Suppression of tumour-specific T-cell functions by myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) is a dominant mechanism of tumour escape. MDSCs express two enzymes, i.e. inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and arginase (ARG1), which metabolize the semi-essential amino acid L-arginine (L-Arg) whose bioavailability is crucial for T-cell proliferation and functions. Recently, we showed that glutaminolysis supports MDSC maturation process by ensuring the supply of intermediates and energy. In this work, we used an immortalized cell line derived from mouse MDSCs (MSC-1 cell line) to further investigate the role of L-glutamine (L-Gln) in the maintenance of MDSC immunosuppressive activity. Culturing MSC-1 cells in L-Gln-limited medium inhibited iNOS activity, while ARG1 was not affected. MSC-1 cells inhibited Jukat cell growth without any noticeable effect on their viability. The characterization of MSC-1 cell metabolic profile revealed that L-Gln is an important precursor of lactate production via the NADP{sup +}-dependent malic enzyme, which co-produces NADPH. Moreover, the TCA cycle activity was down-regulated in the absence of L-Gln and the cell bioenergetic status was deteriorated accordingly. This strongly suggests that iNOS activity, but not that of ARG1, is related to an enhanced central carbon metabolism and a high bioenergetic status. Taken altogether, our results suggest that the control of glutaminolysis fluxes may represent a valuable target for immunotherapy.
Key role of microRNA-15a in the KLF4 suppressions of proliferation and angiogenesis in endothelial and vascular smooth muscle cells
Highlights: •This is the first demonstration that miR-15a is a novel target gene of KLF4. •A novel finding that KLF4 increases the expression of miR-15a in ECs and VSMCs. •The novel mechanism is that KLF4 inhibits the proliferation of ECs via miR-15a. •The novel mechanism is that KLF4 inhibits the proliferation of VSMCs via miR-15. •miR-15a mediates the anti-angiogenic activity of KLF4. -- Abstract: While recent insights indicate that the transcription factor Krüppel-like factor 4 (KLF4) is indispensable for vascular homeostasis, its exact role in proliferation and angiogenesis and how it functions remain unresolved. Thus, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the role of KLF4 in the proliferations of endothelial and vascular smooth muscle cells, as well as the angiogenesis. The overexpression of KLF4 in endothelial cells significantly impaired tube formation. KLF4 inhibited the formation of a vascular network in implanted Matrigel plugs in nude mice. Importantly, we found that KLF4 significantly upregulated the miR-15a expression in endothelial cells and vascular smooth muscle cells, and conversely, KLF4 depletion reduced the amount of miR-15a. Furthermore, KLF4 blocked cell cycle progression and decreased cyclin D1 expression in endothelial cells and vascular smooth muscle cells through the induction of miR-15a. Intriguingly, the delivery of a miR-15a antagomir to nude mice resulted in marked attenuation of the anti-angiogenic effect of KLF4. Collectively, our present study provide the first evidence that miR-15a as a direct transcriptional target of KLF4 that mediates the anti-proliferative and anti-angiogenic actions of KLF4, which indicates that KLF4 upregulation of miR-15a may represent a therapeutic option to suppress proliferative vascular disorders.
Crystal structure of the CueO mutants at Glu506, the key amino acid located in the proton transfer pathway for dioxygen reduction
Highlights: •Proton transfer pathway in the four-electron reduction of dioxygen by CueO. •Compensatory hydrogen bond network comprised of only water molecules in the Glu to Ala mutant. •Shutdown of the hydrogen bond network by the Glu to Ile mutation. •X-ray crystal structures of the CueO mutants with the modified proton transport pathway. -- Abstract: Glu506 involved in the hydrogen bond network leading from solvent waters to the trinuclear copper center in a multicopper oxidase, CueO plays a crucial role to transport protons in the four-electron reduction of dioxygen to water. We performed X-ray crystal structure analyses of the Glu506Ala and Glu506Ile mutants, showing the formation of a compensatory proton transport pathway with only water molecules and a disruption of the hydrogen bond network due to the bulky side chain, respectively. We discuss the efficiency of proton transport through the hydrogen bond network based on the present results and our previous modification of the proton transport pathway by the Glu506 to Gln mutation, which have allowed us to trap and characterize the reaction intermediates.
Kaiso is a key regulator of spleen germinal center formation by repressing Bcl6 expression in splenocytes
Highlights: •Knockout of Kaiso results in concordant high expression of Bcl6 and c-Myc in spleen. •Kaiso binds the Bcl6 promoter and represses Bcl6 transcription by recruiting NCoR. •Upregulated Bcl6 increases splenocyte proliferation and causes large diffused GC. •Cell cycle-inhibition genes such as Cdkn1b and Cdkn1a are repressed by Bcl6. -- Abstract: Kaiso was previously described as a methylated DNA-binding protein and a transcription repressor interacting with the corepressor protein complex NCoR. In the current study, we show that generation-3 Kaiso knockout mice show a phenotype of splenomegaly and large diffused germinal centers (GC). In the spleens of Kaiso knockout mice, Bcl6 (a transcriptional repressor that plays a critical role in GC development in spleen) and c-Myc were highly expressed, while the cell cycle arrest genes p27 (CDKN1B), p21 (CDKN1A) and Gadd45a were downregulated. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and transcription assays suggested that Kaiso represses Bcl6 expression, and in Kaiso knockout mice, derepressed Bcl6 increased cell proliferation by suppressing p27 (CDKN1B), p21 (CDKN1A) and Gadd45a, while upregulating the oncogene c-Myc. Further evidence for Kaiso regulation of splenomegaly was provided by B lymphocyte Ramos cells, in which ectopic KAISO repressed BCL6 and c-MYC expression, while concomitantly increasing the expression of the cell cycle arrestors p21, p27 and Gadd45a. In summary, derepressed Bcl6 expression may be responsible for increases in GC cell proliferation and splenomegaly of Kaiso knockout mice.
Cell proliferation is a key determinant of the outcome of FOXO3a activation
The FOXO family of forkhead transcription factors have a pivotal role in determining cell fate in response to oxidative stress. FOXO activity can either promote cell survival or induce cell death. Increased FOXO-mediated cell death has been implicated in the pathogenesis of degenerative diseases affecting musculoskeletal tissues. The aim of this study was to determine the conditions under which one member of the FOXO family, FOXO3a, promotes cell survival as opposed to cell death. Treatment of primary human tenocytes with 1 pM hydrogen peroxide for 18 h resulted in increased protein levels of FOXO3a. In peroxide-treated cells cultured in low serum media, FOXO3a inhibited cell proliferation and protected against apoptosis. However in peroxide treated cells cultured in high serum media, cell proliferation was unchanged but level of apoptosis significantly increased. Similarly, in tenocytes transduced to over-express FOXO3a, cell proliferation was inhibited and level of apoptosis unchanged in cells cultured in low serum. However there was a robust increase in cell death in FOXO3a-expressing cells cultured in high serum. Inhibition of cell proliferation in either peroxide-treated or FOXO3a-expressing cells cultured in high serum protected against apoptosis induction. Conversely, addition of a Chk2 inhibitor to peroxide-treated or FOXO3a-expressing cells overrode the inhibitory effect of FOXO3a on cell proliferation and led to increased apoptosis in cells cultured in low serum. This study demonstrates that proliferating cells may be particularly susceptible to the apoptosis-inducing actions of FOXO3a. Inhibition of cell proliferation by FOXO3a may be a critical event in allowing the pro-survival rather than the pro-apoptotic activity of FOXO3a to prevail. - Highlights: • FOXO3a activity can result in either promotion of cell survival or apoptosis. • The outcome of FOXO3a activation differs in proliferating compared to non-proliferating cells. • Proliferating cells are susceptible to FOXO3a-mediated apoptosis. • Inhibition of cell proliferation by FOXO3a promotes cell survival.
The protein inhibitor of nNOS (PIN/DLC1/LC8) binding does not inhibit the NADPH-dependent heme reduction in nNOS, a key step in NO synthesis
The neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) is an essential enzyme involved in the synthesis of nitric oxide (NO), a potent neurotransmitter. Although previous studies have indicated that the dynein light chain 1 (DLC1) binding to nNOS could inhibit the NO synthesis, the claim is challenged by contradicting reports. Thus, the mechanism of nNOS regulation remained unclear. nNOS has a heme-bearing, Cytochrome P450 core, and the functional enzyme is a dimer. The electron flow from NADPH to Flavin, and finally to the heme of the paired nNOS subunit within a dimer, is facilitated upon calmodulin (CaM) binding. Here, we show that DLC1 binding to nNOS-CaM complex does not affect the electron transport from the reductase to the oxygenase domain. Therefore, it cannot inhibit the rate of NADPH-dependent heme reduction in nNOS, which results in L-Arginine oxidation. Also, the NO release activity does not decrease with increasing DLC1 concentration in the reaction mix, which further confirmed that DLC1 does not inhibit nNOS activity. These findings suggest that the DLC1 binding may have other implications for the nNOS function in the cell. - Highlights: • The effect of interaction of nNOS with DLC1 has been debatable with contradicting reports in literature. • Purified DLC1 has no effect on electron transport between reductase and oxygenase domain of purified nNOS-CaM. • The NO release activity of nNOS was not altered by DLC1, supporting that DLC1 does not inhibit the enzyme. • These findings suggest that the DLC1 binding may have other implications for the nNOS function in the cell.
Identification of the key determinant of the transport promiscuity in Na+-translocating rhodopsins
Highlights: • Rhodopsin of Dokdonia sp. is a highly specific light-dependent Na{sup +} transporter. • H{sup +}-transport activity of Na{sup +}-rhodopsins is controlled by residue in position 253. • Replacement of a single atom confers a dual Na{sup +}/H{sup +} specificity to Dokdonia rhodopsin. • The engineered rhodopsin photocycle was resolved on a submillisecond time scale. Bacterial Na{sup +}-transporting rhodopsins convert solar energy into transmembrane ion potential difference. Typically, they are strictly specific for Na{sup +}, but some can additionally transport H{sup +}. To determine the structural basis of cation promiscuity in Na{sup +}-rhodopsins, we compared their primary structures and found a single position that harbors a cysteine in strictly specific Na{sup +}-rhodopsins and a serine in the promiscuous Krokinobacter eikastus Na{sup +}-rhodopsin (Kr2). A Cys253Ser variant of the strictly specific Dokdonia sp. PRO95 Na{sup +}-rhodopsin (NaR) was indeed found to transport both Na{sup +} and H{sup +} in a light-dependent manner when expressed in retinal-producing Escherichia coli cells. The dual specificity of the NaR variant was confirmed by analysis of its photocycle, which revealed an acceleration of the cation-capture step by comparison with the wild-type NaR in a Na{sup +}-deficient medium. The structural basis for the dependence of the Na{sup +}/H{sup +} specificity in Na{sup +}-rhodopsin on residue 253 remains to be determined.