Biology subjects

Hoang, P. T.

Publications and source records attributed to Hoang, P. T..

4 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2025

KIF5A downregulation in spinal muscular atrophy links axonal regeneration defects with ALS

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a devastating neuromuscular disorder caused by mutations in the Survival Motor Neuron 1 (SMN1) gene, leading to decreased SMN levels and motor neuron dysfunction. SMN-restoring therapies offer clinical benefit, but the downstream molecular consequences of SMN reduction remain incompletely understood. Here, we demonstrate that SMN deficiency results in downregulation of KIF5A in human neurons and in a mouse model of SMA. We provide evidence that reduced SMN levels impair axon regeneration, which is rescued by KIF5A overexpression and that the RNA-binding protein SMN functions to stabilize KIF5A mRNA. These findings provide evidence of a molecular link between SMA and ALS pathophysiology, highlighting KIF5A as a new SMN target. Our findings suggest SMN-independent interventions targeting KIF5A could represent a complementary therapeutic approach for SMA and other motor neuron diseases.

neuroscience↗

bioRxiv2025

Genome diversity and phylogeny of the section Alatae of genus Lemna (Lemnaceae), comprising the presumed species Lemna aequinoctialis, Le. perpusilla and Le. aoukikusa

O_LIThe Section Alatae of genus Lemna of the monocotyledonous aquatic duckweed family (Lemnaceae) consists of rather diverse accessions with unknown phylogeny and unclear taxonomic assignment. In contrast to other duckweeds, some Alatae accessions, in addition to mainly vegetative propagation, produce readily flowers and viable seeds. We analyzed the genomic diversity and phylogenetic relationship of 52 Alatae accessions. C_LIO_LIFor this purpose, we applied multiple molecular and cytogenetic approaches, including plastid and nuclear sequence polymorphisms, chromosome counting, genome size determination and genomic in situ hybridization in combination with geographic distribution. C_LIO_LIWe uncovered ploidy variation, recurrent hybridization, and backcrosses between diploid species and their hybrids. The latter successfully spread over three continents. C_LIO_LIThe results elucidate the evolution of Alatae accessions (summarized in Fig. 7) and explain the difficult taxonomic assignment of distinct accessions. Our study might be an example for analogous studies to resolve the hitherto unclear relationships among accessions of the duckweed genera Wolffiella and Wolffia. C_LI O_FIG O_LINKSMALLFIG WIDTH=200 HEIGHT=166 SRC="FIGDIR/small/632899v1_fig7.gif" ALT="Figure 7"> View larger version (23K): org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@d05f08org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@f33c5org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@ff7adorg.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@4da6e4_HPS_FORMAT_FIGEXP M_FIG O_FLOATNOFigure 7C_FLOATNO Hypothetical scenario of evolution within Lemna Section Alatae. In bold are accessions from America. The classically defined diploid species Le. aequinoctialis and Le. perpusilla sensu stricto were confirmed by the applied molecular methods. The previously named Le. aoukikusa accessions were uncovered as tetraploid interspecific hybrids between Le. aequinoctialis and Le. perpusilla. In addition, further tri- and tetraploid hybrids as well as tri- and tetraploid "Backcross hybrids" were detected from the USA and China, respectively. C_FIG

evolutionary biology↗

bioRxiv2023

The genomes and epigenomes of aquatic plants (Lemnaceae) promote triploid hybridization and clonal reproduction

The Lemnaceae (duckweeds) are the worlds smallest but fastest growing flowering plants. Prolific clonal propagation facilitates continuous micro-cropping for plant-based protein and starch production, and holds tremendous promise for sequestration of atmospheric CO2. Here, we present chromosomal assemblies, annotations, and phylogenomic analysis of Lemna genomes that uncover candidate genes responsible for the metabolic and developmental traits of the family, such as anatomical reduction, adaxial stomata, lack of stomatal closure, and carbon sequestration via crystalline calcium oxalate. Lemnaceae have selectively lost genes required for RNA interference, including Argonaute genes required for reproductive isolation (the triploid block) and haploid gamete formation. Triploid hybrids arise commonly among Lemna, and we have found mutations in highly-conserved meiotic crossover genes that could support polyploid meiosis. Syntenic comparisons with Wolffia and Spirodela reveal that diversification of these genera coincided with the "Azolla event" in the mid-Eocene, during which aquatic macrophytes reduced high atmospheric CO2 levels to those of the current ice age. Facile regeneration of transgenic fronds from tissue culture, aided by reduced epigenetic silencing, makes Lemna a powerful biotechnological platform, as exemplified by recent engineering of high-oil Lemna that outperforms oil seed crops.

plant biology↗

bioRxiv2020

3D8, a nucleic acid-hydrolyzing scFv, confers antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 and multiple coronaviruses in vitro

BackgroundThe current pandemic, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is responsible for the etiology of Coronavirus-induced disease 19 (COVID-19) and poses a critical public health threat worldwide. Effective therapeutics and vaccines against multiple coronaviruses remain unavailable. Single chain variable fragment (scFv), a recombinant antibody exhibits broad-spectrum antiviral activity against DNA and RNA viruses owing to its nucleic acid-hydrolyzing property. ObjectiveThis study is aimed to investigate an antiviral activity of 3D8 scFv against SARS-CoV-2 and other coronaviruses. Methods3D8, a recombinant scFv antibody was evaluated for antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2, HCoV-OC43 and PEDV in Vero E6 cell cultures. Viral growth was quantified with quantitative RT-qPCR and plaque assay. Nucleic acid hydrolyzing activity of 3D8 was assessed through abzyme assays of in vitro viral transcripts and cell viability was determined by MTT assay. Results3D8 inhibited the replication of SARS-CoV-2, human coronavirus OC43 (HCoV-OC43), and porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV). Our results revealed the prophylactic and therapeutic effects of 3D8 scFv against SARS-CoV-2 in Vero E6 cells. Immunoblot and plaque assays showed the reduction of coronavirus nucleoproteins and infectious particles respectively in 3D8 scFv-treated cells. ConclusionsThis data demonstrates the broad-spectrum antiviral activity of 3D8 against SARS-CoV-2 and other coronaviruses. Thus, it could be considered a potential antiviral countermeasure against SARS-CoV-2 and zoonotic coronaviruses.

microbiology↗