Biology subjects

Shao, S.

Publications and source records attributed to Shao, S..

4 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2018

5-HAYED peptide can protect AD brain by scavenging the redundant iron ions and the catalyzed radicals

Alzheimers disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by memory and cognitive decline. It is incurable currently and places a great burden on the caregivers of patients. Iron is rich in the brain of AD suffers. It catalyzes radicals which impairs neurons. Therefore, reducing the redundant brain iron is pressing to ease AD. To scavenge the excessive brain iron catalyzed radical, thus protect the brain and decrease the incidence of AD. We synthesized a soluble iron-pro 5-HAYED peptide. By injecting 5-HAYED to the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of the AD mouse, we observed that the 5-HAYED is able to decrease the brain iron and radical level, which behaving neurons protection, and can ameliorate the cognition status for AD mouse. Further, 5-HAYED can decreased the AD incidence and can reverse the AD associated anemia and inflammation without hurt kidney and liver.

neuroscience↗

bioRxiv2017

MapZ forms a stable ring structure that acts as a track for FtsZ treadmilling in Streptococcus mutans

Bacterial binary division requires the accurate placement of the division machinery. FtsZ, the vital component of the division machinery, can assemble into filaments and self-organize into a ring structure (Z-ring) at the proper site for cell division. Thus, understanding how bacteria control the spatiotemporal formation of the FtsZ ring is crucial for small molecule and nanoparticle antibacterial drug discovery. MapZ, a recently identified FtsZ regulator in Streptococcaceae, has been found to localize at the mid-cell and position the FtsZ ring. However, the mechanism is still unclear. Here, by using total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy, super-resolution imaging, and single molecule tracking, we investigated the mechanism by which MapZ regulates the FtsZ ring position. The results show that FtsZ exhibites dynamic treadmilling motion in S. mutans. Importantly, depletion of MapZ leads to an unconstrained movement of treadmilling FtsZ filaments and a shorter lifetime of the constricting FtsZ ring. Furthermore, by revealing that MapZ forms an immobile ring-like nanostructure at the division site, our study suggests that MapZ forms a stable ring that acts as a nanotrack to guide and restrict treadmilling FtsZ filaments in S. mutans, representing a novel way in which bacteria control the division.

microbiology↗

bioRxiv2017

A descending pathway through electrical coupling facilitates undulatory wave propagation in C. elegans

Descending signals from the brain play critical roles in controlling and modulating locomotion kinematics. In the Caenorhabditis elegans nervous system, descending AVB premotor interneurons exclusively form gap junctions with B-type motor neurons that drive forward locomotion. We combined genetic analysis, optogenetic manipulation, and computational modeling to elucidate the function of AVB-B gap junctions during forward locomotion. First, we found that some B-type motor neurons generated intrinsic rhythmic activity, constituting distributed central pattern generators. Second, AVB premotor interneurons drove bifurcation of B-type motor neuron dynamics, triggering their transition from stationary to oscillatory activity. Third, proprioceptive couplings between neighboring B-type motor neurons entrained the frequency of body oscillators, forcing coherent propagation of bending waves. Despite substantial anatomical differences between the worm motor circuit and those in higher model organisms, we uncovered converging principles that govern coordinated locomotion.\n\nSignificance StatementA deep understanding of the neural basis of motor behavior must integrate neuromuscular dynamics, mechanosensory feedback, as well as global command signals, to predict behavioral dynamics. Here, we report on an integrative approach to defining the circuit logic underlying coordinated locomotion in C. elegans. Our combined experimental and computational analysis revealed that (1) motor neurons in C. elegans could function as intrinsic oscillators; (2) Descending inputs and proprioceptive couplings work synergistically to facilitate the sequential activation of motor neuron activities, allowing bending waves to propagate efficiently along the body. Our work thus represents a key step towards an integrative view of animal locomotion.

neuroscience↗

bioRxiv2017

Multiplexed sgRNA Expression Allows Versatile Single Non-repetitive DNA Labeling and Endogenous Gene Regulation

The CRISPR/Cas9 system has made significant contribution to genome editing, gene regulation and chromatin studies in recent years. High-throughput and systematic investigations into the multiplexed biological systems and disease conditions require simultaneous expression and coordinated functioning of multiple sgRNAs. However, current co-transfection based sgRNA co-expression systems remain poorly efficient and virus-based transfection approaches are relatively costly and labor intensive. Here we established a vector-independent method allowing multiple sgRNA expression cassettes to be assembled in series into a single plasmid. This synthetic biology-based strategy excels in its efficiency, controllability and scalability. Taking the flexibility advantage of this all-in-one sgRNA expressing system, we further explored its applications in single non-repetitive genomic locus imaging as well as coordinated gene regulation in live cells. With its strong potency, our method will greatly facilitate the understandings in genome structure, function and dynamics, and will contribute to the systemic investigations into complex physiological and pathological conditions.

synthetic biology↗