Sign in to use this feature.

Years

Between: -

Subjects

remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline

Journals

Article Types

Countries / Regions

Search Results (126)

Search Parameters:
Keywords = threonine (Thr)

Order results
Result details
Results per page
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
24 pages, 3890 KiB  
Article
Dietary Insulinogenic Amino Acid Restriction Improves Glucose Metabolism in a Neonatal Piglet Model
by Matthew W. Gorton, Parniyan Goodarzi, Xia Lei, Michael Anderson, Mohammad Habibi, Nedra Wilson and Adel Pezeshki
Nutrients 2025, 17(10), 1675; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17101675 - 15 May 2025
Viewed by 772
Abstract
Background: Dietary consumption of insulinogenic amino acids (IAA) is known to contribute to the development of insulin resistance. It remains to be studied whether dietary IAA restriction improves glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity and whether this improvement is related to alterations in glucose [...] Read more.
Background: Dietary consumption of insulinogenic amino acids (IAA) is known to contribute to the development of insulin resistance. It remains to be studied whether dietary IAA restriction improves glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity and whether this improvement is related to alterations in glucose metabolism in peripheral tissues. The objective of this study was to examine the effect of IAA restriction on glucose metabolism in a piglet model. Methods: Following the acclimation period, thirty-two seven-day-old male piglets were randomly assigned into one of three groups for three weeks as follows (n = 10–11/group): (1) NR (control): basal diet without IAA restriction; (2) R50: basal diet with IAA restricted by 50%; (3) R75: basal diet with IAA restricted by 75%. IAA were alanine (Ala), arginine (Arg), isoleucine (Ile), leucine (Leu), lysine (Lys), threonine (Thr), phenylalanine (Phe), and valine (Val) as suggested by previous studies. Thermal images, body weight, and growth parameters were recorded weekly, oral glucose tolerance tests were performed on week 2 of the study, and blood and tissue samples were collected on week 3 after a meal test. Results: R75 improved glucose tolerance and, together with R50, reduced blood insulin concentration and homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) value, which is suggestive of improved insulin sensitivity following IAA restriction. R75 increased thermal radiation and decreased adipocyte number in white adipose tissue (WAT). R75 had a greater transcript of glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1), phosphofructokinase, liver type (PFKL), and pyruvate kinase, liver, and RBC (PKLR) in the liver and glucokinase (GCK) in WAT indicating a higher uptake of glucose in the liver and greater glycolysis in both liver and WAT. R75 increased the mRNA abundance of insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS1) and protein kinase B (AKT1) in skeletal muscle suggestive of enhanced insulin signaling. Further, R75 had a higher mRNA of fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF-21) in both the liver and hypothalamus and its upstream molecules such as activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) and inhibin subunit beta E (INHBE) which may contribute to increased energy expenditure and improved glucose tolerance during IAA restriction. Conclusions: IAA restriction improves glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity in piglets while not reducing body weight, likely through improved hepatic glycolysis and insulin signaling in skeletal muscle, and induced FGF-21 signaling in both the liver and hypothalamus. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Proteins and Amino Acids)
Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 2023 KiB  
Article
Antimicrobial Activity of a Synthetic Brevibacillin Analog Against Multidrug-Resistant Campylobacter spp.
by Khaled Abdallah, Omar Fliss, Nguyen Phuong Pham, Louis David Guay, Hélène Gingras, Chantal Godin, Philippe Leprohon, Eric Biron, Ismail Fliss and Marc Ouellette
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(10), 4657; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26104657 - 13 May 2025
Viewed by 706
Abstract
Campylobacter spp. is one of the most prevalent causes of zoonotic foodborne infections associated with diarrhea in humans. The growing threat of antibiotic resistance calls for innovative approaches. The antimicrobial lipopeptide brevibacillin produced by Brevibacillus laterosporus and its synthetic analog brevibacillin Thr1 showed [...] Read more.
Campylobacter spp. is one of the most prevalent causes of zoonotic foodborne infections associated with diarrhea in humans. The growing threat of antibiotic resistance calls for innovative approaches. The antimicrobial lipopeptide brevibacillin produced by Brevibacillus laterosporus and its synthetic analog brevibacillin Thr1 showed promising activity against Salmonella and E. coli. The latter is a 1602.13 Da positively charged (+3) synthetic peptide of 13 residues that showed reduced cytotoxicity (IC50 of 32.2 µg/mL against Caco-2 cells) and hemolytic activity (1.2% hemolysis at 128 µg/mL) compared to the native peptide. It contains an N-terminal L-isoleucic fatty acid chain and four non-proteinogenic amino acids and ends with valinol at its C-terminus. One key structural modification is the substitution of α,β-dehydrobutyric acid with threonine. We investigated the antimicrobial potential of the synthetic brevibacillin Thr1 analog against a collection of 44 clinical Campylobacter spp. that were obtained from two reference laboratories. Susceptibility testing revealed marked resistance to ciprofloxacin, tetracycline, and ampicillin among the strains, with more than half expressing a multidrug-resistant phenotype. The genomes of the 44 strains were sequenced to study the genes responsible for their antimicrobial resistance. Tetracycline resistance was associated with tet(O), ciprofloxacin resistance with mutations in gyrA and regulatory sequences modulating the expression of an efflux system, and aminoglycoside resistance with genes of the aph family. The brevibacillin Thr1 analog was produced by chemical synthesis, and evaluation of its activity against a subset of clinical strains by microdilution revealed minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration ranging from 8 µg/mL to 64 µg/mL. The peptide was active against multidrug-resistant isolates with a bactericidal effect. Of note, despite numerous attempts, it proved impossible to select Campylobacter spp. for resistance to the brevibacillin Thr1 analog. These results underline the potential of lipopeptides, notably brevibacillin, as antimicrobial alternatives against antibiotic-resistant Campylobacter bacterial infections. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antibacterial Activity against Drug-Resistant Strains, 2nd Edition)
Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 1481 KiB  
Article
Differentiating Canine Chronic Inflammatory Enteropathies Using Faecal Amino Acid Profiles: Potential and Limitations
by Cristina Higueras, Claudia Ruiz-Capillas, Ana Herrero, Angel Sainz, Mercedes García-Sancho, Fernando Rodríguez-Franco, Mar Larrosa and Ana I. Rey
Animals 2025, 15(8), 1185; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15081185 - 21 Apr 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 534
Abstract
The aims of this study were to characterise the faecal amino acid profile of dogs with different chronic digestive diseases (food-responsive enteropathy (FRE), immunosuppressant-responsive enteropathy (IRE)) prior to dietary change, and Giardia infection (GIA), compared to healthy control (HC), and to evaluate their [...] Read more.
The aims of this study were to characterise the faecal amino acid profile of dogs with different chronic digestive diseases (food-responsive enteropathy (FRE), immunosuppressant-responsive enteropathy (IRE)) prior to dietary change, and Giardia infection (GIA), compared to healthy control (HC), and to evaluate their discriminating potential. The HC group presented lower faecal tyrosine (Tyr) and aromatic amino acids (AAAs) compared to FRE or IRE dogs (p = 0.0001). Additionally, the HC group had lower levels of threonine (Thr) (p = 0.0005) than the IRE group, while FRE dogs showed intermediate values. No statistically significant differences in faecal amino acids were observed between FRE and IRE dogs. In contrast, the GIA group had higher faecal amino acid values (except glutamic acid (Glu)) compared to the other dogs. The most determinant variables contributing to the discriminant functions were Tyr, Glu, arginine, and phenylalanine. Validation results of the discriminant functions showed that 44% of stool samples were misclassified, resulting in a 56% success rate. The faecal amino acid profile did not accurately distinguish FRE from IRE dogs; however, faecal excretion of AAs was generally higher in dogs with GIA. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 1120 KiB  
Article
Impact of Threonine Supply in Early Ages on Gut Tissue Morphology, Liver Histology, and the Possible Changes in Leukocyte Numbers of Broilers
by Veronika Halas, Szilvia Áprily, József Nagy, Janka Turbók, Annamária Tischler, Nóra Katalin Szeli, Örs Petneházy, Orsolya Csötönyi, Judit Enyezdi and Virág Ács
Animals 2025, 15(3), 370; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15030370 - 27 Jan 2025
Viewed by 911
Abstract
Delayed feed access post-hatch negatively impacts growth and intestinal development in broilers. Threonine (Thr) is known to support epithelial tissue development. This study evaluated the effects of early feeding strategies, including in ovo Thr administration and hydrogel provision, on broiler performance, gut and [...] Read more.
Delayed feed access post-hatch negatively impacts growth and intestinal development in broilers. Threonine (Thr) is known to support epithelial tissue development. This study evaluated the effects of early feeding strategies, including in ovo Thr administration and hydrogel provision, on broiler performance, gut and liver histomorphology, and leukocyte profiles. Control birds were fed immediately post-hatch, while others experienced a 48 h feed delay. One group received in ovo Thr on day 17 of incubation, while others were given Hydrogel® with or without Thr during the first 48 h post-hatch. Immediate feed birds showed the best performance (p < 0.05), while early Thr supplementation (in ovo or hydrogel) partially mitigated the negative effects of delayed feed access. On day 21, birds treated with in ovo Thr had 4% higher body weight (BW) than untreated birds (p < 0.05). Birds given hydrogel post-hatch showed no significant BW differences compared to other groups (p > 0.05), but 48 h delayed, non-supplemented birds had 34.3% lower BW than immediate-fed birds (p < 0.05). Compensation was linked to improved gut architecture, though no significant effects were observed on leukocyte profiles or liver histology. In ovo Thr feeding is recommended to mitigate the adverse effects of a two-day delay in feed access for broiler chickens. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Animal Nutrition)
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

17 pages, 7192 KiB  
Article
Effect of Dy3+ Ions on Structural, Thermal and Spectroscopic Properties of L-Threonine Crystals: A Visible Light-Emitting Material
by João G. de Oliveira Neto, Otávio C. da Silva Neto, Jéssica A. O. Rodrigues, Jailton R. Viana, Alysson Steimacher, Franciana Pedrochi, Francisco F. de Sousa and Adenilson O. dos Santos
Quantum Beam Sci. 2025, 9(1), 3; https://doi.org/10.3390/qubs9010003 - 13 Jan 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1342
Abstract
In this study, L-threonine crystals (L-thr) containing Dy3+ ions (L-thrDy5 and L-thrDy10) with varying mass concentrations (5% and 10%) were successfully synthesized using a solvent slow evaporation method. The structural properties were characterized by Powder X-ray diffraction and Rietveld refinement. The data [...] Read more.
In this study, L-threonine crystals (L-thr) containing Dy3+ ions (L-thrDy5 and L-thrDy10) with varying mass concentrations (5% and 10%) were successfully synthesized using a solvent slow evaporation method. The structural properties were characterized by Powder X-ray diffraction and Rietveld refinement. The data revealed that all three samples crystallized in orthorhombic symmetry (P212121-space group) and presented four molecules per unit cell (Z = 4). However, the addition of Dy3+ ions induced a dilation effect in the lattice parameters and cell volume of the organic structure. Additionally, the average crystallite size, lattice microstrain, percentage of void centers, and Hirshfeld surface were calculated for the crystals. Thermogravimetric and differential thermal analysis experiments showed that L-thr containing Dy3+ ions are thermally stable up to 214 °C. Fourier transform infrared and Raman spectroscopy results indicated that the Dy3+ ions interact indirectly with the L-thr molecule via hydrogen bonds, slightly affecting the crystalline structure of the amino acid. Optical analysis in the ultraviolet–visible region displayed eight absorption bands associated with the electronic transitions characteristic of Dy3+ ions in samples containing lanthanides. Furthermore, L-thrDy5 and L-thrDy10 crystals, when optically excited at 385 nm, exhibited three photoluminescence bands centered around approximately 554, 575, and 652 nm, corresponding to the 4F7/26H11/2, 4F9/26H13/2, and 4F9/26H11/2 de-excitations. Therefore, this study demonstrated that L-thr crystals containing Dy3+ ions are promising candidates for the development of optical materials due to their favorable physical and chemical properties. Additionally, it is noteworthy that the synthesis of these systems is cost-effective, and the synthesis method used is efficient. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Engineering and Structural Materials)
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

15 pages, 3822 KiB  
Article
The Metabolome Characteristics of Aerobic Endurance Development in Adolescent Male Rowers Using Polarized and Threshold Model: An Original Research
by Fanming Kong, Miaomiao Zhu, Xinliang Pan, Li Zhao, Sanjun Yang, Jinyuan Zhuo, Cheng Peng, Dongkai Li and Jing Mi
Metabolites 2025, 15(1), 17; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo15010017 - 4 Jan 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 820
Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to explore the molecular response mechanisms of differential blood metabolites before and after 8 weeks of threshold and polarized training models using metabolomics technology combined with changes in athletic performance. Methods: Twenty-four male rowers aged 14–16 were randomly divided [...] Read more.
Objective: This study aimed to explore the molecular response mechanisms of differential blood metabolites before and after 8 weeks of threshold and polarized training models using metabolomics technology combined with changes in athletic performance. Methods: Twenty-four male rowers aged 14–16 were randomly divided into a THR group and a POL group (12 participants each). The THR group followed a threshold training model (72%, 24%, and 4% of training time in low-, moderate-, and high-intensity zones, respectively), while the POL group followed a polarized training model (78%, 8%, and 14% training-intensity distribution). Both groups underwent an 8-week training program. Aerobic endurance changes were assessed using a 2 km maximal rowing performance test, and untargeted metabolome analysis was conducted to examine blood metabolomic changes before and after the different training interventions. Aerobic endurance changes were assessed through a 2 km maximal rowing test. Non-targeted metabolomics analysis was employed to evaluate changes in blood metabolome profiles before and after the different training interventions. Results: After 8 weeks of training, both the THR and POL groups exhibited significant improvements in 2 km maximal rowing performance (p < 0.05), with no significant differences between the groups. The THR and POL groups had 46 shared differential metabolites before and after the intervention, primarily enriched in sphingolipid metabolism, glutathione metabolism, and glycine, serine, and threonine metabolism pathways. Nine unique differential metabolites were identified in the THR group, mainly enriched in pyruvate metabolism, glycine, serine, and threonine metabolism, glutathione metabolism, and sphingolipid metabolism. A total of 14 unique differential metabolites were identified in the POL group, predominantly enriched in sphingolipid metabolism, glycine, serine, and threonine metabolism, aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis, and glutathione metabolism. Conclusions: The 8-week THR and POL training models demonstrated similar effects on enhancing aerobic performance in adolescent male rowers, indicating that both training modalities share similar blood metabolic mechanisms for improving aerobic endurance. Furthermore, both the THR group and the POL group exhibited numerous shared metabolites and some differential metabolites, suggesting that the two endurance training models share common pathways but also have distinct aspects in enhancing aerobic endurance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Interactions between Exercise Physiology and Metabolism)
Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 7637 KiB  
Article
A Genome-Wide Characterization of Receptor-like Cytoplasmic Kinase IV Subfamily Members in Populus deltoides Identifies the Potential Role of PdeCRCK6 in Plant Osmotic Stress Responses
by Huanhuan Pan, Zhengquan He, Linxiu Liu, Renyue Cai, Hu Huang, Xinru Xie, Xun Cao, Yanan Li, Wenmin Qiu, Zhuchou Lu, Xiaojiao Han, Guirong Qiao, Renying Zhuo, Jianjun Hu and Jing Xu
Plants 2024, 13(23), 3371; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13233371 - 30 Nov 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1151
Abstract
The IV subfamily of receptor-like cytoplasmic kinase (RLCK-IV), known as calcium-binding receptor-like cytoplasmic kinases (CRCKs), plays a vital role in plant signal transduction, particularly in coordinating growth and responses to abiotic stresses. However, our comprehension of CRCK genes in Populus deltoides, a [...] Read more.
The IV subfamily of receptor-like cytoplasmic kinase (RLCK-IV), known as calcium-binding receptor-like cytoplasmic kinases (CRCKs), plays a vital role in plant signal transduction, particularly in coordinating growth and responses to abiotic stresses. However, our comprehension of CRCK genes in Populus deltoides, a species characterized as fast-growing and pest-resistant but with drought intolerance, is limited. Here, we identify 6 members of the CRCK subfamily on a genome-wide scale in P. deltoides, denoted as PdeCRCK1PdeCRCK6. An evolutionary and structural analysis revealed highly conserved kinase catalytic domains across all PdeCRCKs, characterized by calmodulin (CaM)-binding sites and serine (Ser)/threonine (Thr) phosphorylation sites. The cis-acting elements of promoters indicated the presence of responsive elements for plant hormones, abiotic stresses, and transcription factor binding sites, which is supported by the distinct transcriptional expression patterns of PdeCRCKs under abscisic acid (ABA), polyethylene glycol (PEG), and mannitol treatments. A transient overexpression of PdeCRCK3/5/6 in tobacco (Nicotiana benthamiana) leaves indicated their involvement in reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging, polyamine gene synthesis, and ABA signaling pathway modulation. Immunoprecipitation–Mass Spectrometry (IP–MS) and a yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) assay showed that PdeCRCK6 interacted with AAA-type ATPase proteins and ubiquitin, suggesting its potential function in being involved in chloroplast homeostasis and the 26S ubiquitin protease system. Taken together, these findings offer a comprehensive analysis of the RLCK-IV subfamily members in P. deltoides, especially laying a foundation for revealing the potential mechanism of PdeCRCK6 in response to osmotic stresses and accelerating the molecular design breeding of drought tolerance in poplar. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 705 KiB  
Article
Determination and Prediction of Amino Acid Digestibility in Rapeseed Cake for Growing-Finishing Pigs
by Hui Tang, Ganyi Feng, Jingfeng Zhao, Qing Ouyang, Xiaojie Liu, Xianji Jiang, Menglong Deng, Zhengjun Xie, Fengming Chen, Xihong Zhou, Rui Li and Yulong Yin
Animals 2024, 14(19), 2764; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14192764 - 25 Sep 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1451
Abstract
Objective: The experiment was conducted to determine the apparent or standardized ileal digestibility (AID or SID) of crude protein (CP) and amino acids (AA) in 10 rapeseed cake samples fed to pigs, and to construct predictive models for the SID of CP and [...] Read more.
Objective: The experiment was conducted to determine the apparent or standardized ileal digestibility (AID or SID) of crude protein (CP) and amino acids (AA) in 10 rapeseed cake samples fed to pigs, and to construct predictive models for the SID of CP and AA based on the chemical composition of rapeseed cakes. Methods: Twenty-two cannulated pigs (initial body weight: 39.8 ± 1.2 kg) were assigned to two 11 × 3 incomplete Latin square designs, including an N-free diet and 10 diets containing rapeseed cake. Each experimental period included 5 days of adaptation and 2 days of ileal digesta collection. Titanium dioxide (TiO2) was added at 0.3% to all the diets as an indigestible marker for calculating the ileal CP and AA digestibility. Results: The coefficients of variation (CV) of the content of crude fat (EE), crude fiber (CF), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and total glucosinolates (TGS) in 10 samples of rapeseed cake were greater than 10%. The standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of crude protein (CP), lysine (Lys), methionine (Met), threonine (Thr), and tryptophan (Trp) in rapeseed cake was 73.34% (61.49 to 81.12%), 63.01% (41.41 to 73.10%), 69.47% (50.55 to 88.16%), 79.61% (74.41 to 87.58%), and 94.43% (91.34 to 97.20%), respectively. The best prediction equations for SIDCP, SIDLys, and SIDVal were as follows: SIDCP = 90.124 − 0.54NDF (R2 = 0.58), SIDLys = 100.107 − 1.229NDF (R2 = 0.94), and SIDVal = 151.012 − 2.990TGS (R2 = 0.57). Conclusion: Overall, great variation exists among the 10 rapeseed cakes, and the NDF, TGS, and heating temperature can be used as the key predictors for the SID of CP and AA. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exploration of Sustainable Feed Resources and Pig Dietary Strategies)
Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 2186 KiB  
Article
Threonine Phosphorylation and the Yin and Yang of STAT1: Phosphorylation-Dependent Spectrum of STAT1 Functionality in Inflammatory Contexts
by Maha M. Elbrashy, Hozaifa Metwally, Shuhei Sakakibara and Tadamitsu Kishimoto
Cells 2024, 13(18), 1531; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells13181531 - 12 Sep 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1529
Abstract
Threonine phosphorylation promotes inflammatory functions of STAT1 while restricting its interferon (IFN) signaling in innate immune responses. However, it remains unclear whether the restriction of STAT1-mediated IFN signaling conferred by threonine phosphorylation is a ubiquitous mechanism or one that is context-dependent. To address [...] Read more.
Threonine phosphorylation promotes inflammatory functions of STAT1 while restricting its interferon (IFN) signaling in innate immune responses. However, it remains unclear whether the restriction of STAT1-mediated IFN signaling conferred by threonine phosphorylation is a ubiquitous mechanism or one that is context-dependent. To address this, we utilized pristane-induced lupus, a prototype IFN-driven systemic autoimmune disease model characterized by the production of high-titer autoantibodies against nucleic acid-associated antigens. Through genetic and biochemical assays, we demonstrate that Thr748 phosphorylation is dispensable for STAT1 functionality in pristane-induced lupus. Genetically engineered mice expressing the phospho-deficient threonine 748-to-alanine (T748A) mutant STAT1 exhibited similar survival rates, high titers of anti-dsDNA IgG, and nephritis compared to their wild-type littermates. In sharp contrast, STAT1 deficiency protected mice against pristane-induced lupus, as evidenced by increased survival, low titers of anti-dsDNA IgG, and less severe nephritis in the STAT1 knockout mice compared to their T748A littermates. Our study suggests a phosphorylation-dependent modularity that governs the spectrum of STAT1 functionality in inflammatory contexts: IFN phospho-tyrosine-dependent and inflammatory phospho-threonine-dependent, with Thr748 phosphorylation driving selective inflammatory activities, particularly those not driven by the canonical JAK pathway. From a broader perspective, our findings provide deeper insights into how distinct phosphorylation events shape the combinatorial logic of signaling cassettes, thereby regulating context-dependent responses. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 6889 KiB  
Article
Exogenous Application of Amino Acids Alleviates Toxicity in Two Chinese Cabbage Cultivars by Modulating Cadmium Distribution and Reducing Its Translocation
by Longcheng Li, Qing Chen, Shihao Cui, Muhammad Ishfaq, Lin Zhou, Xue Zhou, Yanli Liu, Yutao Peng, Yifa Yu and Wenliang Wu
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(15), 8478; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25158478 - 3 Aug 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1387
Abstract
Plants communicate underground by secreting multiple amino acids (AAs) through their roots, triggering defense mechanisms against cadmium (Cd) stress. However, the specific roles of the individual AAs in Cd translocation and detoxification remain unclear. This study investigated how exogenous AAs influence Cd movement [...] Read more.
Plants communicate underground by secreting multiple amino acids (AAs) through their roots, triggering defense mechanisms against cadmium (Cd) stress. However, the specific roles of the individual AAs in Cd translocation and detoxification remain unclear. This study investigated how exogenous AAs influence Cd movement from the roots to the shoots in Cd-resistant and Cd-sensitive Chinese cabbage cultivars (Jingcui 60 and 16-7 cultivars). The results showed that methionine (Met) and cysteine (Cys) reduced Cd concentrations in the shoots of Jingcui 60 by approximately 44% and 52%, and in 16-7 by approximately 43% and 32%, respectively, compared to plants treated with Cd alone. However, threonine (Thr) and aspartic acid (Asp) did not show similar effects. Subcellular Cd distribution analysis revealed that AA supplementation increased Cd uptake in the roots, with Jingcui 60 preferentially storing more Cd in the cell wall, whereas the 16-7 cultivar exhibited higher Cd concentrations in the organelles. Moreover, Met and Cys promoted the formation of Cd-phosphate in the roots of Jingcui 60 and Cd-oxalate in the 16-7 cultivar, respectively. Further analysis showed that exogenous Cys inhibited Cd transport to the xylem by downregulating the expression of HMA2 in the roots of both cultivars, and HMA4 in the 16-7 cultivar. These findings provide insights into the influence of exogenous AAs on Cd partitioning and detoxification in Chinese cabbage plants. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Toxicology)
Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 4921 KiB  
Article
Threonine Deficiency Increases Triglyceride Deposition in Primary Duck Hepatocytes by Reducing STAT3 Phosphorylation
by Zhong Zhuang, Wenqian Jia, Lei Wu, Yongpeng Li, Yijia Lu, Minghong Xu, Hao Bai, Yulin Bi, Zhixiu Wang, Shihao Chen, Yong Jiang and Guobin Chang
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(15), 8142; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25158142 - 26 Jul 2024
Viewed by 1695
Abstract
Liver lipid metabolism disruption significantly contributes to excessive fat buildup in waterfowl. Research suggests that the supplementation of Threonine (Thr) in the diet can improve liver lipid metabolism disorder, while Thr deficiency can lead to such metabolic disorders in the liver. The mechanisms [...] Read more.
Liver lipid metabolism disruption significantly contributes to excessive fat buildup in waterfowl. Research suggests that the supplementation of Threonine (Thr) in the diet can improve liver lipid metabolism disorder, while Thr deficiency can lead to such metabolic disorders in the liver. The mechanisms through which Thr regulates lipid metabolism remain unclear. STAT3 (signal transducer and activator of transcription 3), a crucial transcription factor in the JAK-STAT (Janus kinase–signal transducer and activator of transcription) pathway, participates in various biological processes, including lipid and energy metabolism. This research investigates the potential involvement of STAT3 in the increased lipid storage seen in primary duck hepatocytes as a result of a lack of Thr. Using small interfering RNA and Stattic, a specific STAT3 phosphorylation inhibitor, we explored the impact of STAT3 expression patterns on Thr-regulated lipid synthesis metabolism in hepatocytes. Through transcriptome sequencing, we uncovered pathways related to lipid synthesis and metabolism jointly regulated by Thr and STAT3. The results showed that Thr deficiency increases lipid deposition in primary duck hepatocytes (p < 0.01). The decrease in protein and phosphorylation levels of STAT3 directly caused this deposition (p < 0.01). Transcriptomic analysis revealed that Thr deficiency and STAT3 knockdown jointly altered the mRNA expression levels of pathways related to long-chain fatty acid synthesis and energy metabolism (p < 0.05). Thr deficiency, through mediating STAT3 inactivation, upregulated ELOVL7, PPARG, MMP1, MMP13, and TIMP4 mRNA levels, and downregulated PTGS2 mRNA levels (p < 0.01). In summary, these results suggest that Thr deficiency promotes lipid synthesis, reduces lipid breakdown, and leads to lipid metabolism disorders and triglyceride deposition by downregulating STAT3 activity in primary duck hepatocytes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Amino Acids and Related Compounds in Health and Disease)
Show Figures

Figure 1

11 pages, 1098 KiB  
Review
Mechanism of DAPK1 for Regulating Cancer Stem Cells in Thyroid Cancer
by Mi-Hyeon You
Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2024, 46(7), 7086-7096; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb46070422 - 5 Jul 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1935
Abstract
Death-associated protein kinase 1 (DAPK1) is a calcium/calmodulin (Ca2+/CaM)-dependent serine/threonine (Ser/Thr) protein kinase and is characteristically downregulated in metastatic cancer. Several studies showed that DAPK1 is involved in both the early and late stages of cancer. DAPK1 downregulation is elaborately controlled [...] Read more.
Death-associated protein kinase 1 (DAPK1) is a calcium/calmodulin (Ca2+/CaM)-dependent serine/threonine (Ser/Thr) protein kinase and is characteristically downregulated in metastatic cancer. Several studies showed that DAPK1 is involved in both the early and late stages of cancer. DAPK1 downregulation is elaborately controlled by epigenetic, transcriptional, posttranscriptional, and posttranslational processes. DAPK1 is known to regulate not only cancer cells but also stromal cells. Recent studies showed that DAPK1 was involved not only in tumor suppression but also in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cancer stem cell (CSC) formation in colon and thyroid cancers. CSCs are major factors in determining cancer aggressiveness in cancer metastasis and treatment prognosis by influencing EMT. However, the molecular mechanism involved in the regulation of cancer cells by DAPK1 remains unclear. In particular, little is known about the existence of CSCs and how they are regulated in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) among thyroid cancers. In this review, we describe the molecular mechanism of CSC regulation by DAPK1 in PTC progression. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 2985 KiB  
Article
CaMKIV-Mediated Phosphorylation Inactivates Freud-1/CC2D1A Repression for Calcium-Dependent 5-HT1A Receptor Gene Induction
by Kimberly Galaraga, Anastasia Rogaeva, Nathan Biniam, Mireille Daigle and Paul R. Albert
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(11), 6194; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25116194 - 4 Jun 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1668
Abstract
Calcium calmodulin-dependent protein kinase (CaMK) mediates calcium-induced neural gene activation. CaMK also inhibits the non-syndromic intellectual disability gene, Freud-1/CC2D1A, a transcriptional repressor of human serotonin-1A (5-HT1A) and dopamine-D2 receptor genes. The altered expression of these Freud-1-regulated genes is implicated in mental illnesses such [...] Read more.
Calcium calmodulin-dependent protein kinase (CaMK) mediates calcium-induced neural gene activation. CaMK also inhibits the non-syndromic intellectual disability gene, Freud-1/CC2D1A, a transcriptional repressor of human serotonin-1A (5-HT1A) and dopamine-D2 receptor genes. The altered expression of these Freud-1-regulated genes is implicated in mental illnesses such as major depression and schizophrenia. We hypothesized that Freud-1 is blocked by CaMK-induced phosphorylation. The incubation of purified Freud-1 with either CaMKIIα or CaMKIV increased Freud-1 phosphorylation that was partly prevented in Freud-1-Ser644Ala and Freud-1-Thr780Ala CaMK site mutants. In human SK-N-SH neuroblastoma cells, active CaMKIV induced the serine and threonine phosphorylation of Freud-1, and specifically increased Freud-1-Thr780 phosphorylation in transfected HEK-293 cells. The activation of purified CaMKIIα or CaMKIV reduced Freud-1 binding to its DNA element on the 5-HT1A and dopamine-D2 receptor genes. In SK-N-SH cells, active CaMKIV but not CaMKIIα blocked the Freud-1 repressor activity, while Freud-1 Ser644Ala, Thr780Ala or dual mutants were resistant to inhibition by activated CaMKIV or calcium mobilization. These results indicate that the Freud-1 repressor activity is blocked by CaMKIV-induced phosphorylation at Thr780, resulting in the up-regulation of the target genes, such as the 5-HT1A receptor gene. The CaMKIV-mediated inhibition of Freud-1 provides a novel de-repression mechanism to induce 5-HT1A receptor expression for the regulation of cognitive development, behavior and antidepressant response. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Neuromodulatory Effects of Serotonin)
Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 1808 KiB  
Article
Effect of Miscellaneous Meals Replacing Soybean Meal in Feed on Growth Performance, Serum Biochemical Parameters, and Microbiota Composition of 25–50 kg Growing Pigs
by Xianliang Zhan, Lei Hou, Zhentao He, Shuting Cao, Xiaolu Wen, Shuai Liu, Yaojie Li, Shaozhen Chen, Huayu Zheng, Dongyan Deng, Kaiguo Gao, Xuefen Yang, Zongyong Jiang and Li Wang
Animals 2024, 14(9), 1354; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14091354 - 30 Apr 2024
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2513
Abstract
The present study aims to determine the effect of miscellaneous meals (rapeseed meal, cottonseed meal, and sunflower meal) replacing soybean meal in feed on growth performance, apparent digestibility of nutrients, serum biochemical parameters, serum free amino acid content, microbiota composition and SCFAs content [...] Read more.
The present study aims to determine the effect of miscellaneous meals (rapeseed meal, cottonseed meal, and sunflower meal) replacing soybean meal in feed on growth performance, apparent digestibility of nutrients, serum biochemical parameters, serum free amino acid content, microbiota composition and SCFAs content in growing pigs (25–50 kg). A total of 72 (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire) growing pigs with initial weights of 25.79 ± 0.23 kg were randomly divided into three treatments. The pigs were fed corn–soybean meal (CON), corn–soybean–miscellaneous meals (CSM), and corn–miscellaneous meals (CMM). Each treatment included six replicates with four pigs per pen (n = 24, 12 barrows and 12 gilts). Soybean meal accounted for 22.10% of the basal diet in the CON group. In the CSM group, miscellaneous meals partially replaced soybean meal with a mixture of 4.50% rapeseed meal, 3.98% cottonseed meal, and 4.50% sunflower meal. In the CMM group, miscellaneous meals entirely replaced soybean meal with a mixture of 8.50% rapeseed meal, 8.62% cottonseed meal, and 8.5% sunflower. The results showed that compared with the CON, the CSM and CMM groups significantly improved the average daily gain (ADG) of growing pigs during the 25–50 kg stage (p < 0.05) but had no effects on average daily feed intake (ADFI) and average daily feed intake/average daily gain (F/G) (p > 0.05). Moreover, the CMM group significantly reduced nutrient apparent digestibility of gross energy compared with the CON group. The serum biochemical parameters results showed that the CSM group significantly improved the contents of total protein (TP) compared with the CON group (p < 0.05). The CMM group significantly improved the contents of total protein (TP), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) compared with the CON group in serum (p < 0.05). In comparison with the CON group, the CMM group also significantly improved lysine (Lys), threonine (Thr), valine (Val), isoleucine (Ile), leucine (Leu), phenylalanine (Phe), arginine (Arg), and citrulline (Cit) levels in serum (p < 0.05). However, the CMM group significantly decreased non-essential amino acid content glycine (Gly) in serum compared with CON (p < 0.05), while compared with the CON group, the CSM and CMM groups had no significant effects on the relative abundance, the alpha-diversity, or the beta-diversity of fecal microbiota. Moreover, compared with the CON group, the CSM group significantly increased butyric acid and valeric acid contents of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in feces (p < 0.05). In contrast to the CON group, the CMM group significantly reduced the contents of SCFAs in feces, including acetic acid, propionic acid, and isobutyric acid (p < 0.05). Collectively, the results of the present study indicate that miscellaneous meals (rapeseed meal, cottonseed meal, and sunflower meal) can partially replace the soybean meal and significantly improve the growth performance of growing pigs during the 25–50 kg stage. Thus, miscellaneous meals are a suitable protein source as basal diets to replace soybean meals for 25–50 kg growing pigs. These results can be helpful to further develop miscellaneous meals as a functional alternative feed ingredient to soybean meal. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exploration of Sustainable Feed Resources and Pig Dietary Strategies)
Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 747 KiB  
Article
Comparison of Morphometric Parameters, Nutritional Composition, and Textural Properties of Seven Crustaceans Species
by Zhigang Yang, Qingqing Jiang, Wuxiao Zhang, Silei Xia, Hongyan Tian, Fei Liu, Wenping Yang, Yebing Yu, Yanmin Wu, Yongzhi Zhu, Zhiqiang Xu, Zemao Gu, Aimin Wang and Aqin Chen
Fishes 2024, 9(4), 141; https://doi.org/10.3390/fishes9040141 - 17 Apr 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2518
Abstract
In order to study the muscle quality of different crustaceans, we aim to provide a comprehensive assessment of their muscle quality characteristics as a theoretical reference. In this work, seven major species of farmed and consumer crustaceans were selected, including crayfish ( [...] Read more.
In order to study the muscle quality of different crustaceans, we aim to provide a comprehensive assessment of their muscle quality characteristics as a theoretical reference. In this work, seven major species of farmed and consumer crustaceans were selected, including crayfish (Procambarus clarkii), freshwater prawns (Macrobrachium rosenbergii), pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei), black tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon), kuruma prawns (Penaeus japonicus), river prawns (Macrobranchium nipponense), and Chinese shrimp (Penaeus chinensis). Their morphometric parameters, nutritional composition, textural properties, and physical and chemical indexes were comparatively analyzed. The results showed that the meat content (MC, about 14.78%) of crayfish was significantly lower than that of the other six species. By contrast, pacific white shrimp had the highest MC, although the MCs of black tiger shrimp, kuruma prawns, and Chinese shrimp are greater than 40%. All seven crustacean species were high in protein and low in fat, while pacific white shrimp had the highest crude protein, crude lipid, and crude ash content compared to the other crustaceans. The content of threonine (Thr) was the highest in crayfish. The content of methionine (Met) and lysine (Lys) was the highest in freshwater prawns. The content of isoleucine (Ile), leucine (Leu), and non–essential amino acid (NEAA) was the highest in pacific white shrimp. C18:2n-6 (linoleic acid, LA) was the highest in freshwater prawns and pacific white shrimp; C18:3n-3 (linolenic acid, LNA), C20:4n-6 (arachidonic acid, AA), unsaturated fatty acids (UFA), and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) were all the highest in crayfish; and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) was the highest in freshwater prawns, but the content was not significantly different from crayfish, pacific white shrimp, black tiger shrimp, and Chinese shrimp. Pacific white shrimp had the highest values for hardness, cohesiveness, gumminess, and chewiness. The redness values of crayfish, black tiger shrimp, and Chinese shrimp were significantly higher than those of the other three species except kuruma prawns. Compared to other crustaceans, river prawns had the highest drip loss and cooking loss. Black tiger shrimp and Chinese shrimp had the lowest cooking loss rates. The research shows that the tail muscle of the seven species of crustaceans is rich in protein, essential amino acids, unsaturated fatty acids and low in fat, representing a high-quality protein. Among these crustaceans, the main essential amino acids and essential fatty acids in the tail muscle of pacific white shrimp, freshwater prawns, and crayfish are higher in content and better in nutritional value. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

Back to TopTop