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Adult zebrafish possess the remarkable capacity to regenerate neurons. In the damaged zebrafish retina, Müller glia reprogram and divide to produce neuronal progenitor cells (NPCs) that proliferate and differentiate into both lost neuronal cell types and those unaffected by the damage stimulus, which suggests that developmental specification/differentiation programs might be recapitulated during regeneration. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction revealed that developmental competence factors are expressed following photoreceptor damage induced by intense light or in a genetic rod photoreceptor cell ablation model. In both light- and N-Methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA)-damaged adult zebrafish retinas, NPCs, but not proliferating Müller glia, expressed fluorescent reporters controlled by promoters of ganglion ( Show less

We sought to identify immunoglobin G autoantibodies predictive of early treatment response to methotrexate, the recommended first-line therapy for patients with newly diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis, and to the interleukin-6 receptor inhibitor biologic tocilizumab, initiated as the first disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug. In baseline sera of a subset of patients with newly diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis in the U-Act-Early study, selected based on specific responder/non-responder criteria using the Disease Activity Score assessing 28 joints (DAS28) within the first 20 weeks, we measured immunoglobin G antibody reactivity against 463 protein antigens and performed supervised cluster analysis to identify predictive autoantibodies for treatment response. The analysis subset comprised 56 patients in the methotrexate arm (22 responders, 34 non-responders) and 50 patients in the tocilizumab arm (34 responders, 16 non-responders). For comparison, these analyses were also performed in 50 age- and gender-matched healthy controls. Increased reactivity in responders versus non-responders was found in the methotrexate arm against two antigens-DOT1-like histone lysine methyltransferase (p = 0.009) and tropomyosin (p = 0.003)-and in the tocilizumab arm against one antigen-neuro-oncological ventral antigen 2 (p = 0.039). Decreased reactivity was detected against two antigens in the methotrexate arm-G1 to S phase transition 2 (p = 0.023) and the zinc finger protein ZPR1 (p = 0.021). Reactivity against the identified antigens was not statistically significant in either treatment arm for patients with rheumatoid factor-positive versus-negative or anti-cyclic citrullinated test-positive versus test-negative rheumatoid arthritis (p ≥ 0.06). Comprehensive profiling of baseline sera revealed several novel immunoglobin G autoantibodies associated with early treatment response to methotrexate and to tocilizumab in disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug-naive patients with rheumatoid arthritis. These findings could eventually yield clinically relevant predictive markers, if corroborated in different patient cohorts, and may facilitate future benefit in personalised healthcare. Show less

The rs964184 variant in the ZPR1 gene has been associated with blood lipids and cardiovascular disease risk in the general population through genome-wide association study, but its effect in patients with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) has never been studied. The objectives of the present study are to investigate the effect of the rs964184 SNP on blood lipids and on the risk of incident myocardial infarction (MI) in patients with FH. This study included 725 patients with genetically confirmed FH. The MI events that occurred throughout the lifespan until the last medical visit were included. The median observation period was 50 years. An exome chip genotyping method (Illumina) was used to impute the rs964184 genotype. Among the 725 patients, 190 individuals carried one risk allele G (CG genotype), whereas 15 patients were carriers of the GG genotype. A significant difference in circulating triglycerides was observed between the 3 groups (1.33 [1.03-1.73] vs 1.46 [1.09-2.11] vs 1.56 [1.07-2.42] mmol/L, for the CC, CG, and GG carriers, respectively, P = .004 for the analysis of variance). The ZPR1 SNP rs964184 was significantly associated with MI even after correction for classical cardiovascular risk factors (hazard ratio 5.68, 95% confidence interval 2.40-13.45, P = .00008). The cardiovascular risk in patients with FH is highly heterogeneous, and this study suggests that the rs964184 variant of the ZPR1 gene represents one of the important modulating factors. Show less

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a metabolic disorder which accounts for high morbidity and mortality due to complications like renal failure, amputations, cardiovascular disease, and cerebrovascular events. We collected medical reports, lifestyle details, and blood samples of individuals and used the polymerase chain reaction-ligase detection reaction method to genotype the SNPs, and a visit was conducted in August 2016 to obtain the incidence of Type 2 diabetes in the 2113 eligible people. To explore which genes and environmental factors are associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus in a Chinese Han population, we used elastic net to build a model, which is to explain which variables are strongly associated with T2DM, rather than predict the occurrence of T2DM. The genotype of the additive of rs964184, together with the history of hypertension, regular intake of meat and waist circumference, increased the risk of T2DM (adjusted OR = 2.38, p = 0.042; adjusted OR = 3.31, p < 0.001; adjusted OR = 1.05, p < 0.001). The TT genotype of the additive and recessive models of rs12654264, the CC genotype of the additive and dominant models of rs2065412, the TT genotype of the additive and dominant models of rs4149336, together with the degree of education, regular exercise, reduced the risk of T2DM (adjusted OR = 0.46, p = 0.017; adjusted OR = 0.53, p = 0.021; adjusted OR = 0.59, p = 0.021; adjusted OR = 0.57, p = 0.01; adjusted OR = 0.59, p = 0.021; adjusted OR = 0.57, p = 0.01; adjusted OR = 0.50, p = 0.007; adjusted OR = 0.80, p = 0.032) . Eventually we identified a set of SNPs and environmental factors: rs5805 in the SLC12A3, rs12654264 in the HMGCR, rs2065412 and rs414936 in the ABCA1, rs96418 in the ZPR1 gene, waistline, degree of education, exercise frequency, hypertension, and the intake of meat. Although there was no interaction between these variables, people with two risk factors had a higher risk of T2DM than those only having one factor. These results provide the theoretical basis for gene and other risk factors screening to prevent T2DM. Show less

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a neuromuscular disorder caused by homozygous mutation or deletion of the survival motor neuron 1 (SMN1) gene. A second copy, SMN2, is similar to SMN1 but produces ∼10% SMN protein because of a single-point mutation that causes splicing defects. Chronic low levels of SMN cause accumulation of co-transcriptional R-loops and DNA damage leading to genomic instability and neurodegeneration in SMA. Severity of SMA disease correlates inversely with SMN levels. SMN2 is a promising target to produce higher levels of SMN by enhancing its expression. Mechanisms that regulate expression of SMN genes are largely unknown. We report that zinc finger protein ZPR1 binds to RNA polymerase II, interacts in vivo with SMN locus and upregulates SMN2 expression in SMA mice and patient cells. Modulation of ZPR1 levels directly correlates and influences SMN2 expression levels in SMA patient cells. ZPR1 overexpression in vivo results in a systemic increase of SMN levels and rescues severe to moderate disease in SMA mice. ZPR1-dependent rescue improves growth and motor function and increases the lifespan of male and female SMA mice. ZPR1 reduces neurodegeneration in SMA mice and prevents degeneration of cultured primary spinal cord neurons derived from SMA mice. Further, we show that the low levels of ZPR1 associated with SMA pathogenesis cause accumulation of co-transcriptional RNA-DNA hybrids (R-loops) and DNA damage leading to genomic instability in SMA mice and patient cells. Complementation with ZPR1 elevates senataxin levels, reduces R-loop accumulation and rescues DNA damage in SMA mice, motor neurons and patient cells. In conclusion, ZPR1 is critical for preventing accumulation of co-transcriptional R-loops and DNA damage to avert genomic instability and neurodegeneration in SMA. ZPR1 enhances SMN2 expression and leads to SMN-dependent rescue of SMA. ZPR1 represents a protective modifier and a therapeutic target for developing a new method for the treatment of SMA. Show less

A novel autosomal recessive disorder characterized by pre- and postnatal growth restriction with microcephaly, distinctive craniofacial features, congenital alopecia, hypoplastic kidneys with renal insufficiency, global developmental delay, severe congenital sensorineural hearing loss, early mortality, hydrocephalus, and genital hypoplasia was observed in 4 children from 3 families of New Mexican Hispanic heritage. Three of the children died before 3 years of age from uremia and/or sepsis. Exome sequencing of the surviving individual identified a homozygous c.587T>C (p.Ile196Thr) mutation in ZPR1 Zinc Finger (ZPR1) that segregated appropriately in her family. In a second family, the identical variant was shown to be heterozygous in the affected individual's parents and not homozygous in any of her unaffected siblings. ZPR1 is a ubiquitously expressed, highly conserved protein postulated to transmit proliferative signals from the cell membrane to the nucleus. Structural modeling reveals that p.Ile196Thr disrupts the hydrophobic core of ZPR1. Patient fibroblast cells showed no detectable levels of ZPR1 and the cells showed a defect in cell cycle progression where a significant number of cells remained arrested in the G1 phase. We provide genetic and molecular evidence that a homozygous missense mutation in ZPR1 is associated with a rare and recognizable multisystem syndrome. Show less

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the most common cause of death worldwide. This study aimed to validate the association of the rs964184 polymorphism with the CHD risk and included 874 CHD patients and 776 controls. rs964184 polymorphism genotyping was performed using Tm-shift polymerase chain reaction. A strong association of the rs964184 polymorphism with CHD was found (genotype: X Our results indicate that both gender and age have great impacts on the association of the rs964184 polymorphism with CHD among Chinese. Show less

Zinc finger protein 259 (ZNF259), also known as ZPR1, is a zinc finger-containing protein that can bind the intracellular tyrosine kinase domain of EGFR. At present, our knowledge on ZNF259 in cancers is limited. Here, we aimed to explore the biological functions of ZNF259 in breast cancer and reveal their mechanisms. The expression of ZNF259 was measured in 133 cases of breast cancer by immunohistochemistry. The online database Kaplan-Meier (KM) Plotter Online Tool was used to analyze the relationship between ZNF259 expression and breast cancer patient survival prognosis. Plasmid transfection and small interfering RNA and inhibitor treatments were carried out to explore the functions of ZNF259 in breast cancer cell lines and its potential mechanism. Matrigel invasion and wound healing assays were performed to detect the invasion and migration ability of cancer cells. In addition, protein expressions in tissues and cells were determined by Western blotting. ZNF259 expression was much higher in breast cancer cells than in the adjacent normal breast duct glandular epithelial cells (75.94% vs 7.52%, ZNF259 could promote breast cancer cell invasion and migration by activating the ERK/GSK3β/Snail signaling pathway. Show less

Cholesterol ratios (total cholesterol (TC)/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) and triglyceride (TG)/HDL-c) have been suggested as better indicators to predict various clinical features such as insulin resistance and heart disease. Therefore, we aimed to build a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) set to predict constitutional lipid metabolism. The genotype data of 7795 samples were obtained from the Korea Association Resource. Among the total of 7795 samples, 7016 subjects were used to perform 10-fold cross-validation. We selected the SNPs that showed significance constantly throughout all 10 cross-validation sets; another 779 samples were used as the final validation set. After performing the 10-fold cross-validation, the six SNPs ( Show less

ZPR1 proteins belong to the C4-type of zinc finger coordinators known in animal cells to interact with other proteins and participate in cell growth and proliferation. In contrast, the current knowledge regarding plant ZPR1 proteins is very scarce. Here, we identify a novel potato nuclear factor belonging to this family and named StZPR1. StZPR1 is specifically expressed in photosynthetic organs during the light period, and the ZPR1 protein is located in the nuclear chromatin fraction. From modelling and experimental analyses, we reveal the StZPR1 ability to bind the circadian DNA cis motif 'CAACAGCATC', named CIRC and present in the promoter of the clock-controlled double B-box StBBX24 gene, the expression of which peaks in the middle of the day. We found that transgenic lines silenced for StZPR1 expression still display a 24 h period for the oscillation of StBBX24 expression but delayed by 4 h towards the night. Importantly, other BBX genes exhibit altered circadian regulation in these lines. Our data demonstrate that StZPR1 allows fitting of the StBBX24 circadian rhythm to the light period and provide evidence that ZPR1 is a novel clock-associated protein in plants necessary for the accurate rhythmic expression of specific circadian-regulated genes. Show less

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is caused by the low levels of survival motor neuron (SMN) protein and is characterized by motor neuron degeneration and muscle atrophy. Respiratory failure causes death in SMA but the underlying molecular mechanism is unknown. The zinc finger protein ZPR1 interacts with SMN. ZPR1 is down regulated in SMA patients. We report that ZPR1 functions downstream of SMN to regulate HoxA5 levels in phrenic motor neurons that control respiration. Spatiotemporal inactivation of Zpr1 gene in motor neurons down-regulates HoxA5 and causes defects in the function of phrenic motor neurons that results in respiratory failure and perinatal lethality in mice. Modulation in ZPR1 levels directly correlates and influences levels of HoxA5 transcription. In SMA mice, SMN-deficiency causes down-regulation of ZPR1 and HoxA5 that result in degeneration of phrenic motor neurons. Identification of ZPR1 and HoxA5 as potential targets provides a paradigm for developing strategies to treat respiratory distress in SMA. Show less

The SNP of rs964184 in ZPR1 has recently been associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Japanese individuals. To comprehensively investigate the association of common variants in ZPR1 with T2DM in Han Chinese individuals, we designed a two-stage case-control study of 3,505 T2DM patients and 6,911 unrelated healthy Han Chinese individuals. A total of 24 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were genotyped, and single-SNP association, imputation and gender-specific association analyses were performed. To increase the coverage of genetic markers, we implemented imputation techniques to extend the number of tested makers to 280. A novel SNP, rs2075290, and the previously reported SNP, rs964184, were significantly associated with T2DM in the two independent datasets, and individuals harboring the CC genotype of rs2075290 and GG genotype of rs964184 exhibited higher levels of fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and blood hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) than individuals of other genotypes. Additionally, haplotype analyses indicated that two haplotype blocks containing rs2075290 or rs964184 were also significantly associated with T2DM. In summary, these results suggest that ZPR1 plays an important role in the etiology of T2DM, and this gene might be involved in abnormal glucose metabolism. Show less

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is an autosomal recessive motor neuron disease with a high incidence and is the most common genetic cause of infant mortality. SMA is primarily characterized by degeneration of the spinal motor neurons that leads to skeletal muscle atrophy followed by symmetric limb paralysis, respiratory failure, and death. In humans, mutation of the Survival Motor Neuron 1 (SMN1) gene shifts the load of expression of SMN protein to the SMN2 gene that produces low levels of full-length SMN protein because of alternative splicing, which are sufficient for embryonic development and survival but result in SMA. The molecular mechanisms of the (a) regulation of SMN gene expression and (b) degeneration of motor neurons caused by low levels of SMN are unclear. However, some progress has been made in recent years that have provided new insights into understanding of the cellular and molecular basis of SMA pathogenesis. In this review, we have briefly summarized recent advances toward understanding of the molecular mechanisms of regulation of SMN levels and signaling mechanisms that mediate neurodegeneration in SMA. Show less

To investigate the role of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in zebrafish retinal development and myelination. Morpholino oligonucleotides (MO), which are complementary to the translation start site of the wild-type embryonic zebrafish TNF-α mRNA sequence, were synthesized and injected into one- to four-cell embryos. The translation blocking specificity was verified by Western blotting using an anti-TNF-α antibody, whole-mount in situ hybridization using a hepatocyte-specific mRNA probe ceruloplasmin (cp), and co-injection of TNF-α MO and TNF-α mRNA. An atonal homolog 7 (atoh7) mRNA probe was used to detect neurogenesis onset. The retinal neurodifferentiation was analyzed by immunohistochemistry using antibodies Zn12, Zpr1, and Zpr3 to label ganglion cells, cones, and rods, respectively. Myelin basic protein (mbp) was used as a marker to track and observe the myelination using whole-mount in situ hybridization. Targeted knockdown of TNF-α resulted in specific suppression of TNF-α expression and a severely underdeveloped liver. The co-injection of TNF-α MO and mRNA rescued the liver development. Retinal neurogenesis in TNF-α morphants was initiated on time. The retina was fully laminated, while ganglion cells, cones, and rods were well differentiated at 72 hours post-fertilization (hpf). mbp was expressed in Schwann cells in the lateral line nerves and cranial nerves from 3 days post-fertilization (dpf) as well as in oligodendrocytes linearly along the hindbrain bundles and the spinal cord from 4 dpf, which closely resembled its endogenous profile. TNF-α is not an essential regulator for retinal neurogenesis and optic myelination. Show less

UNC119 proteins are involved in G protein trafficking in mouse retinal photoreceptors and Caenorhabditis elegans olfactory neurons. An Unc119 null allele is associated with cone-rod dystrophy in mouse, but the mechanism leading to disease is not understood. We studied the role of Unc119 paralogs and Arl3l2 in zebrafish vision and retinal organization resulting from unc119c and arl3l2 knockdown. Zebrafish unc119c was amplified by PCR from retina and pineal gland cDNA. Its expression pattern in the eye and pineal gland was determined by whole-mount in-situ hybridization. unc119c and arl3l2 were knocked down using morpholino-modified oligonucleotides (MO). Their visual function was assessed with a quantitative optomotor assay on 6 days post-fertilization larvae. Retinal morphology was analyzed using immunohistochemistry with anti-cone arrestin (zpr-1) and anti-cone transducin-α (GNAT2) antibodies. The zebrafish genome contains four genes encoding unc119 paralogs located on different chromosomes. The exon/intron arrangements of these genes are identical. Three Unc119 paralogs are expressed in the zebrafish retina, termed Unc119a-c. Based on sequence similarity, Unc119a and Unc119b are orthologs of mammalian UNC119a and UNC119b, respectively. A third, Unc119c, is unique and not present in mammals. Whole mount in-situ hybridization revealed that unc119a and unc119b RNA are ubiquitously expressed in the CNS, and unc119c is specifically expressed in photoreceptive tissues (pineal gland and retina). A Unc119 interactant, Arl3l2 also localizes to the pineal gland and the retina. As measured by the optomotor response, unc119c and arl3l2 knockdown resulted in significantly lower vision compared to wild-type zebrafish larvae and control morpholino (MO). Immunohistological analysis with anti-cone transducin and anti-cone arrestin (zpr-1) indicates that knockdown of unc119c leads to photoreceptor degeneration mostly affecting cones. Our results suggest that Unc119c is the only Unc119 paralog that is highly specific to the retina in zebrafish. Unc119c and Arl3l2 proteins are important for the function of cones. Show less

Various loci and genes that confer susceptibility to coronary heart disease (CHD) have been identified in Caucasian populations by genome-wide association studies (GWASs). As type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) is an important risk factor for CHD, we hypothesized that certain polymorphisms may contribute to the genetic susceptibility to CHD through affecting the susceptibility to type 2 DM. The purpose of the present study was to examine a possible association of type 2 DM in Japanese individuals with 29 polymorphisms identified as susceptibility loci for CHD by meta-analyses of the GWASs. The study subjects comprised of 3,757 individuals (1,444 subjects with type 2 DM and 2,313 controls). The polymorphism genotypes were determined by the multiplex bead-based Luminex assay, which combines the polymerase chain reaction and sequence-specific oligonucleotide probes with suspension array technology. To compensate for multiple comparisons of genotypes, the criterion of a false discovery rate (FDR) ≤0.05 was adopted for testing the statistical significance of the association. The comparisons of allele frequencies by the χ Show less

Although genetic variants, which regulate lipid metabolism, have been extensively investigated in Caucasian populations, the genes, which confer susceptibility to dyslipidemia in Japanese individuals, remain to be elucidated. The aim of the present study was to examine a possible association among hypertriglyceridemia, hypo‑high density lipoprotein (HDL)‑cholesterolemia or hyper‑low density lipoprotein (LDL)‑cholesterolemia in Japanese individuals with 29 polymorphisms observed to confer susceptibility for coronary heart disease. This was performed through meta‑analyses of genome‑wide association studies in Caucasian populations. The study population comprised 2,354 individuals with dyslipidemia (hypertriglyceridemia, hypo‑HDL‑cholesterolemia or hyper‑LDL‑cholesterolemia) and 3,106 control individuals. To compensate for multiple comparisons of genotypes, a false discovery rate (FDR) of <0.05 was adopted to determine the statistical significance of the associations. Comparisons of allele frequencies using the χ2 test revealed that rs964184 of zinc finger gene (ZPR1; FDR=2.1x10‑7), rs4845625 of interleukin 6 receptor (IL6R; FDR=0.032), rs46522 of ubiquitin‑conjugating enzyme E2Z gene (UBE2Z; FDR=0.032) and rs17514846 of furin (FDR=0.041) were significantly associated with hypertriglyceridemia. The χ2 test revealed that rs599839 of proline/serine‑rich coiled‑coil 1 (PSRC1; FDR=0.004) and rs2075650 of translocase of outer mitochondrial membrane 40 homolog (TOMM40; FDR=0.004) were significantly associated with hyper‑LDL‑cholesterolemia. Multivariate logistic regression analysis with adjustment for age, gender and body mass index revealed that rs964184 of ZPR1 (P=5.1x10‑7; odds ratio, 1.37; dominant model), rs4845625 of IL6R (P=0.0019, odds ratio, 1.25; dominant model) and rs46522 of UBE2Z (P=0.0039, odds ratio, 1.19; dominant model) were significantly associated with hypertriglyceridemia, and that rs599839 of PSRC1 (P=0.0004, odds ratio, 0.70; dominant model) and rs2075650 of TOMM40 (P=0.0004, odds ratio, 1.43; dominant model) were significantly associated with hyper‑LDL‑cholesterolemia. Therefore, ZPR1, IL6R, and UBE2Z may be susceptibility loci for hypertriglyceridemia, whereas PSRC1 and TOMM40 may be such loci for hyper-LDL-cholesterolemia in Japanese individuals. Show less

Zinc finger protein 259 (ZNF259) binds to the cytoplasmic domain of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in quiescent cells and contributes tolipid metabolism. This case and control study investigated the association between ZNF259 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and metabolic syndrome (MetS). This study included 1,812 MetS patients and 2,036 controls from the Jilin province of Northeastern China. MetS was diagnosed using the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria. Three ZNF259 SNPs (rs964184, rs2075290 and rs2075294) were genotyped using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS). There were significant differences between metabolic syndrome and healthy control subjects for the ZNF259 rs964184 and rs2075290 genotypes. The minor alleles of both SNPs were associated with an increased risk of MetS and associated conditions (elevated triglycerides, elevated blood pressure, increased abdominal obesity, fasting hyperglycemia, and low HDL-C; p < 0.05). The distribution of haplotype G-G-G (rs964184, rs2075290 and rs2075294) was significantly different between MetS patients and controls (OR = 1.39; 95% CI, 1.24 - 1.56; p < 0.01). This study demonstrated that ZNF259 variants were associated with elevated MetS risk in a Han Chinese population from the Jilin province of Northeastern China. Show less

Although genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have identified various genes and loci in predisposition to metabolic syndrome (MetS) or each component of this condition, the genetic basis of MetS in individuals remains to be identified definitively. The aim of the present study was to examine the possible association of MetS in individuals with 29 polymorphisms that were previously identified as susceptibility loci for coronary artery disease or myocardial infarction by meta-analyses of GWASs. The study population comprised 1,822 subjects with MetS and 1,096 controls. Subjects with MetS had ≥3 of the 5 components of the diagnostic criteria for MetS, whereas control individuals had 0-1 of the 5 components. The genotypes for the 29 polymorphisms were determined by the multiplex bead-based Luminex assay. Comparisons of allele frequencies by the χ Show less

The triglyceride (TG) response to a high-fat meal (postprandial lipemia, PPL) affects cardiovascular disease risk and is influenced by genes and environment. Genes involved in lipid metabolism have dominated genetic studies of PPL TG response. We sought to elucidate common genetic variants through a genome-wide association (GWA) study in the Genetics of Lipid Lowering Drugs and Diet Network (GOLDN). The GOLDN GWAS discovery sample consisted of 872 participants within families of European ancestry. Genotypes for 2,543,887 variants were measured or imputed from HapMap. Replication of our top results was performed in the Heredity and Phenotype Intervention (HAPI) Heart Study (n = 843). PPL TG response phenotypes were constructed from plasma TG measured at baseline (fasting, 0 hour), 3.5 and 6 hours after a high-fat meal, using a random coefficient regression model. Association analyses were adjusted for covariates and principal components, as necessary, in a linear mixed model using the kinship matrix; additional models further adjusted for fasting TG were also performed. Meta-analysis of the discovery and replication studies (n = 1715) was performed on the top SNPs from GOLDN. GOLDN revealed 111 suggestive (p < 1E-05) associations, with two SNPs meeting GWA significance level (p < 5E-08). Of the two significant SNPs, rs964184 demonstrated evidence of replication (p = 1.20E-03) in the HAPI Heart Study and in a joint analysis, was GWA significant (p = 1.26E-09). Rs964184 has been associated with fasting lipids (TG and HDL) and is near ZPR1 (formerly ZNF259), close to the APOA1/C3/A4/A5 cluster. This association was attenuated upon additional adjustment for fasting TG. This is the first report of a genome-wide significant association with replication for a novel phenotype, namely PPL TG response. Future investigation into response phenotypes is warranted using pathway analyses, or newer genetic technologies such as metabolomics. Show less

Little is known about the association of ZNF259 rs2075290 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and serum lipid levels in the Chinese population. This study aimed to detect the association of ZNF259 rs2075290 SNP and environmental factors with serum lipid levels between males and females in the Mulao and Han populations. Genotyping of ZNF259 rs2075290 SNP was performed in 788 of Mulao and 778 of Han participants using polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism. The genotype frequencies were significantly different between Mulao and Han populations (AA, 50.1% Vs 58.9%; AG, 42.3% Vs 35.7%; GG, 7.6% Vs 5.4%, P = 0.002) and between Han males and females (AA, 64.5% Vs 55.2%; AG, 28.3% Vs 40.6%; GG, 7.2% Vs 4.2%, P = 0.001). Serum levels of triglyceride (TG) in Mulao males, and total cholesterol (TC), TG and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in Mulao females were different between the AA and AG/GG genotypes (P < 0.05-0.001). Serum TC, LDL-C and apolipoprotein (Apo) A1 levels in Han males, and TG and ApoB levels and ApoA1/ApoB ratio in Han females were different between the AA and AG/GG genotypes (P < 0.05-0.001). An interaction between ZNF259 rs2075290 polymorphism and male gender on serum TC, LDL-C, and ApoA1 levels was noted in Han population (P < 0.05-0.01) but not in Mulao's. The subjects with AG/GG genotype in Mulao males and females and Han females have less favorable lipid profiles than those with AA genotype. In contrast, the subjects with AG/GG genotype in Han males have more favorable lipid profiles than those with AA genotype. These findings suggest that the association between ZNF259 rs2075290 SNP and serum lipid levels might have ethnic- and/or sex-specificity. Show less

The single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the BUD13 homolog (BUD13) and zinc finger protein 259 (ZNF259) genes have been associated with one or more serum lipid traits in the European populations. However, little is known about such association in the Chinese populations. Our objectives were to determine the association of the BUD13/ZNF259 SNPs and their haplotypes with hypercholesterolaemia (HCH)/hypertriglyceridaemia (HTG) and to identify the possible gene-gene interactions among these SNPs. Genotyping of 6 SNPs was performed in 634 hyperlipidaemic and 547 normolipidaemic participants. The ZNF259 rs2075290, ZNF259 rs964184 and BUD13 rs10790162 SNPs were significantly associated with serum lipid levels in both HCH and non-HCH populations (P < 0.008-0.001). On single locus analysis, only BUD13 rs10790162 was associated with HCH (OR: 2.23, 95% CI: 1.05, 4.75, P = 0.015). The G-G-A-A-C-C haplotype, carrying rs964184-G-allele, was associated with increased risk of HCH (OR: 1.35, 95% CI: 1.10, 1.66, P = 0.005) and HTG (OR: 1.75, 95% CI: 1.39, 2.21, P = 0.000). The A-C-G-G-C-C and A-C-A-G-T-C haplotypes, carrying rs964184-C-allele, were associated with reduced risk of HCH (OR: 0.77, 95% CI: 0.61, 0.99, P = 0.039 and OR: 0.66, 95% CI: 0.47, 0.94, P = 0.021 respectively). On multifactor dimensionality reduction analyses, the two- to three-locus models showed a significant association with HCH and HTG (P < 0.01-0.001). The BUD13/ZNF259 SNPs, which were significant in the European populations, are also replicable in the Southern Chinese population. Moreover, inter-locus interactions may exist among these SNPs. However, further functional studies are required to clarify how these SNPs and genes actually affect the serum lipid levels. Show less

Stem cells in the shoot apex of plants produce cells required for the formation of new leaves. Adult leaves are composed of multiple tissue layers arranged along the dorso-ventral (adaxial/abaxial) axis. Class III homeodomain leucine zipper (HD-ZIPIII) transcription factors play an important role in the set-up of leaf polarity in plants. Loss of HD-ZIPIII function results in strongly misshapen leaves and in severe cases fosters the consumption of the apical stem cells, thus causing a growth arrest in mutant plants. HD-ZIPIII mRNA is under tight control by microRNAs 165/166. In addition to the microRNA-action a second layer of regulation is established by LITTLE ZIPPER (ZPR)-type microProteins, which can interact with HD-ZIPIII proteins, forming attenuated protein complexes. Here we show that REVOLUTA (REV, a member of the HD-ZIPIII family) directly regulates the expression of ARGONAUTE10 (AGO10), ZPR1 and ZPR3. Because AGO10 was shown to dampen microRNA165/6 function, REV establishes a positive feedback loop on its own activity. Since ZPR-type microProteins are known to reduce HD-ZIPIII protein activity, REV concomitantly establishes a negative feedback loop. We propose that the interconnection of these microRNA/microProtein feedback loops regulates polarity set-up and stem cell activity in plants. Show less

Primary loss of photoreceptors caused by diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa is one of the main causes of blindness worldwide. To study such diseases, rodent models of N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU)-induced retinal degeneration are widely used. As zebrafish (Danio rerio) are a popular model system for visual research that offers persistent retinal neurogenesis throughout the lifetime and retinal regeneration after severe damage, we have established a novel MNU-induced model in this species. Histology with staining for apoptosis (TUNEL), proliferation (PCNA), activated Müller glial cells (GFAP), rods (rhodopsin) and cones (zpr-1) were performed. A characteristic sequence of retinal changes was found. First, apoptosis of rod photoreceptors occurred 3 days after MNU treatment and resulted in a loss of rod cells. Consequently, proliferation started in the inner nuclear layer (INL) with a maximum at day 8, whereas in the outer nuclear layer (ONL) a maximum was observed at day 15. The proliferation in the ONL persisted to the end of the follow-up (3 months), interestingly, without ongoing rod cell death. We demonstrate that rod degeneration is a sufficient trigger for the induction of Müller glial cell activation, even if only a minimal number of rod cells undergo cell death. In conclusion, the use of MNU is a simple and feasible model for rod photoreceptor degeneration in the zebrafish that offers new insights into rod regeneration. Show less

Fuel ethanol production is far more costly to produce than fossil fuels. There are a number of approaches to cost-effective fuel ethanol production from biomass. We characterized stress response of thermotolerant Saccharomyces cerevisiae KNU5377 during glucose-based batch fermentation at high temperature (40°C). S. cerevisiae KNU5377 (KNU5377) transcription factors (Hsf1, Msn2/4, and Yap1), metabolic enzymes (hexokinase, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, isocitrate dehydrogenase, and alcohol dehydrogenase), antioxidant enzymes (thioredoxin 3, thioredoxin reductase, and porin), and molecular chaperones and its cofactors (Hsp104, Hsp82, Hsp60, Hsp42, Hsp30, Hsp26, Cpr1, Sti1, and Zpr1) are upregulated during fermentation, in comparison to S. cerevisiae S288C (S288C). Expression of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase increased significantly in KNU5377 cells. In addition, cellular hydroperoxide and protein oxidation, particularly lipid peroxidation of triosephosphate isomerase, was lower in KNU5377 than in S288C. Thus, KNU5377 activates various cell rescue proteins through transcription activators, improving tolerance and increasing alcohol yield by rapidly responding to fermentation stress through redox homeostasis and proteostasis. Show less

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is caused by mutation of the Survival Motor Neurons 1 (SMN1) gene and is characterized by degeneration of spinal motor neurons. The severity of SMA is primarily influenced by the copy number of the SMN2 gene. Additional modifier genes that lie outside the SMA locus exist and one gene that could modify SMA is the Zinc Finger Protein (ZPR1) gene. To test the significance of ZPR1 downregulation in SMA, we examined the effect of reduced ZPR1 expression in mice with mild and severe SMA. We report that the reduced ZPR1 expression causes increase in the loss of motor neurons, hypermyelination in phrenic nerves, increase in respiratory distress and disease severity and reduces the lifespan of SMA mice. The deficiency of SMN-containing sub-nuclear bodies correlates with the severity of SMA. ZPR1 is required for the accumulation of SMN in sub-nuclear bodies. Further, we report that ZPR1 overexpression increases levels of SMN and promotes accumulation of SMN in sub-nuclear bodies in SMA patient fibroblasts. ZPR1 stimulates neurite growth and rescues axonal growth defects in SMN-deficient spinal cord neurons from SMA mice. These data suggest that the severity of disease correlates negatively with ZPR1 levels and ZPR1 may be a protective modifier of SMA. Show less

The cellular and molecular cues involved in creating branched tubular networks that transport liquids or gases throughout an organism are not well understood. To identify factors required in branching and lumen formation of Drosophila tracheal terminal cells, a model for branched tubular networks, we performed a forward genetic-mosaic screen to isolate mutations affecting these processes. From this screen, we have identified the first Drosophila mutation in the gene Zpr1 (Zinc finger protein 1) by the inability of Zpr1-mutant terminal cells to form functional, gas-filled lumens. We show that Zpr1 defective cells initiate lumen formation, but are blocked from completing the maturation required for gas filling. Zpr1 is an evolutionarily conserved protein first identified in mammalian cells as a factor that binds the intracellular domain of the unactivated epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). We show that down-regulation of EGFR in terminal cells phenocopies Zpr1 mutations and that Zpr1 is epistatic to ectopic lumen formation driven by EGFR overexpression. However, while Zpr1 mutants are fully penetrant, defects observed when reducing EGFR activity are only partially penetrant. These results suggest that a distinct pathway operating in parallel to the EGFR pathway contributes to lumen formation, and this pathway is also dependent on Zpr1. We provide evidence that this alternative pathway may involve fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) signaling. We suggest a model in which Zpr1 mediates both EGFR and FGFR signal transduction cascades required for lumen formation in terminal cells. To our knowledge, this is the first genetic evidence placing Zpr1 downstream of EGFR signaling, and the first time Zpr1 has been implicated in FGFR signaling. Finally, we show that down-regulation of Smn, a protein known to interact with Zpr1 in mammalian cells, shows defects similar to Zpr1 mutants. Show less

To determine whether the exogenous expression of glutathione reductase (GR) from Brassica rapa subsp. pekinensis (BrGR) can reduce the deleterious effects of unfavorable conditions, we constructed a transgenic Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain bearing the GR gene cloned into the yeast expression vector, pVTU260. BrGR expression was confirmed by semi reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis, immunoblotting analysis and an enzyme assay. Ectopic BrGR-expression improved cellular glutathione (GSH) homeostasis after higher GSH accumulation in the transgenic yeast than in the wild-type yeast under H(2)O(2)-induced oxidative stress. The BrGR-expressing yeast strain induced the activation of metabolic enzymes (Hxt, G6PDH, GAPDH and Ald), antioxidant systems (Gpx, Trx2, Trx3, Trr1, Tsa1 and porin) and molecular chaperones (Hsp104, Hsp90, Hsp70, Hsp42, Hsp26, Grp, Sti1 and Zpr1), which led to lower oxidative protein damage after a reduction in the level of cellular ROS in the BrGR-expressing yeast strain exposed to H(2)O(2) than in the wild-type yeast strain. BrGR-expression increased the ability to adapt and recover from H(2)O(2)-induced oxidative stress and various stressors, including heat shock, menadione, tert-butyl hydroperoxide, heavy metals, sodium dodecyl sulfate, ethanol and NaCl, but did not affect fermentation capacity. These results suggest that ectopic BrGR expression confers acquired tolerance by improving proteostasis and redox homeostasis through co-activation of various cell rescue proteins against ROS-induced oxidative stress in yeast cells. Show less

Childhood spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is caused by a reduction in survival motor neuron (SMN) protein. SMN is a ubiquitously expressed house keeping protein that is involved in RNA production and processing. However, although SMN is expressed in every cell type, only the lower motor neurons of the spinal cord are degraded in SMA. It remains unclear why this is the case. Recently, SMN has been linked to the axonal transport of beta-actin mRNA from the cell body down to the growth cones. beta-Actin is transported actively in neurite granules (NGs). However, it remains unclear which known SMN-binding partners are present in these SMN-NGs. To address this we have analysed SMN-NGs in a human neuronal cell line, SH-SY5Y, using antibodies against the majority of reported SMN-binding partners, including: Gemin2, Gemin3, Gemin4, Gemin5, Gemin6, Gemin7, Sm core proteins, fibrillarin, EWS, PFNII, Unrip and ZPR1. The obtained results highlight the metamorphic nature of the SMN complex, suggesting that not all the "core" SMN-binding proteins are transported in SMN-NGs. Show less