Project description:Genus Halimeda is a worldwide distributed reef-building organism facilitated by fast growth and a rapid turnover rate in tropical and sub-tropical oceans. It is an excellent candidate for calcareous algae research because its calcification occurs extracellular, which deposits aragonite in the semi-enclosed inter-utricle space. In this study, we sampled the thalli of Halimeda macroloba in Sanya Bay of the South China Sea. The mean winter and summer water temperatures in Sanya Bay were 25.05℃ and 28.72℃, respectively. Additionally, the mean surface and bottom layer water temperatures in summer were 29.61℃ and 27.23℃. In order to simulate the natural temperature range, a factorial experimental design with three treatments (25°C, 28°C, and 31°C) was set. The goal of this study was to decipher the underlying traits that may facilitate H. opuntia to maintain high productivity and active physiology under different temperatures. Here, we employed iTRAQ-based quantitative proteomics and untargeted metabolomics approaches to investigate the protein and metabolite profiles of H. macroloba.
Project description:The continued emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants and persistent inflammatory complications of COVID-19 highlight the urgent need for therapeutics with both antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. Despite intensive global efforts, no approved antiviral therapy with these dual functions has yet been developed, representing a significant gap in current COVID-19 treatment strategies. In this study, we identify BAY 11-7082 (BAY) as a dual–action compound that inhibits SARS-CoV-2 replication and the production of virus-induced proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines, including IL-6, IL-8, CXCL1, and CXCL2. BAY predominantly exerts its antiviral activity at the post-entry stage of the viral life cycle. Mechanistically, BAY potentially interacts with SARS-CoV-2 NSP14 and inhibits virus-induced phosphorylation and degradation of IκBα, suppressing NF-κB activation through the IKK-IκBα signaling axis. Furthermore, BAY exhibits potent antiviral activity against multiple SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs). Collectively, these findings support the potential of BAY as a dual-action therapeutic candidate, combining antiviral and anti-inflammatory effects, against SARS-CoV-2 and its emerging variants.
Project description:The continued emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants and persistent inflammatory complications of COVID-19 highlight the urgent need for therapeutics with both antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. Despite intensive global efforts, no approved antiviral therapy with these dual functions has yet been developed, representing a significant gap in current COVID-19 treatment strategies. In this study, we identify BAY 11-7082 (BAY) as a dual–action compound that inhibits SARS-CoV-2 replication and the production of virus-induced proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines, including IL-6, IL-8, CXCL1, and CXCL2. BAY predominantly exerts its antiviral activity at the post-entry stage of the viral life cycle. Mechanistically, BAY potentially interacts with SARS-CoV-2 NSP14 and inhibits virus-induced phosphorylation and degradation of IκBα, suppressing NF-κB activation through the IKK-IκBα signaling axis. Furthermore, BAY exhibits potent antiviral activity against multiple SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs). Collectively, these findings support the potential of BAY as a dual-action therapeutic candidate, combining antiviral and anti-inflammatory effects, against SARS-CoV-2 and its emerging variants.