Biology subjects

Zhang, C.-J.

Publications and source records attributed to Zhang, C.-J..

3 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2025

Prenatal liver is resistant to low glucose-induced inhibition of mTORC1

Prenatal development may adopt unique patterns of metabolic responses to different nutrient supplies. AMPK and mTOR are two central metabolic regulators, with AMPK acting to slow down and mTOR to promote anabolism. Typically, low glucose inhibits TRPVs, leading to AMPK activation and mTOR complex I (mTORC1) inhibition. Here, we observed surprisingly that mTORC1 in the foetal liver remains active in low glucose, although AMPK is effectively activated in an AMP-dependent manner. Mechanistically, we found that TRPV4, a key liver TRPV, is acetylated at K608, disabling its inactivation by fructose-1,6-bisphosphate (FBP)-unoccupied aldolase. Mutation of K608 to arginine renders TRPV4 able to respond to low glucose in foetal hepatocytes. Consistently, embryonic liver-specific expression of acetylation-defective TRPV4-K608R mutant led to mTORC1 inhibition, and caused abnormal intrauterine development or even foetal death. Our findings reveal that the TRPV-mediated resistance of mTORC1 inhibition in low glucose acts as a safeguard for normal foetal development.

biochemistry↗

bioRxiv2020

Expanding diversity of Asgard archaea and the elusive ancestry of eukaryotes

Comparative analysis of 162 (nearly) complete genomes of Asgard archaea, including 75 not reported previously, substantially expands the phylogenetic and metabolic diversity of the Asgard superphylum, with six additional phyla proposed. Phylogenetic analysis does not strongly support origin of eukaryotes from within Asgard, leaning instead towards a three-domain topology, with eukaryotes branching outside archaea. Comprehensive protein domain analysis in the 162 Asgard genomes results in a major expansion of the set of eukaryote signature proteins (ESPs). The Asgard ESPs show variable phyletic distributions and domain architectures, suggestive of dynamic evolution via horizontal gene transfer (HGT), gene loss, gene duplication and domain shuffling. The results appear best compatible with the origin of the conserved core of eukaryote genes from an unknown ancestral lineage deep within or outside the extant archaeal diversity. Such hypothetical ancestors would accumulate components of the mobile archaeal eukaryome via extensive HGT, eventually, giving rise to eukaryote-like cells.

genomics↗

bioRxiv2019

Camelina (Camelina sativa L. Crantz) Crop Performance, Insect Pollinators, and Pollen Dispersal in the Northeastern US.

Camelina sativa (camelina) is an oilseed crop in the Brassicaceae that has been genetically engineered for the production of biofuels, dietary supplements, and other industrial compounds. Cultivation in North America is both recent and limited, so there are gaps in knowledge regarding yield, weed competition, and pollen-mediated gene flow. For these experiments, camelina SO-40 was grown for three years without weed control. Spring-sown camelina was harvested at 80-88 days with [~]1200 growing degree days (GDD) with yields of 425-508 kg/hectare. Camelina yields were the same with or without weeds, showing competitive ability in low-management conditions. Crop failure in 2015 was associated with delayed rainfall and above-average temperatures after seeding. Camelina flowers attracted pollinating insects from the Hymenoptera, Diptera, Lepidoptera, and Coleoptera. Hymenoptera included honey bees (Apis melifera), mining bees (Andrenidae), sweat bees (Halictidae), bumble bees (Bombus spp.) and leaf cutter bees (Megachilidae). Insect visitation on camelina flowers was associated with modest increases in seed yield. Honey bees comprised 28-33% of all pollinators and were shown to carry camelina pollen on their legs. Air sampling showed that wind-blown pollen was present at low concentrations at 9 m beyond the edges of the field. These experiments demonstrated for the first time that camelina pollen dispersal could occur through honey bees or wind, although bee activity would likely be more significant for long-distance gene flow.

plant biology↗