Chronic Hyperinsulinism Induced Down-regulation of Insulin Post-Receptor Signaling Transduction in Hep G2 Cells

To study the regulatory effect of acute and chronic insulin treatmenton insulin post- re- ceptor signaling transduction pathway in a human hepatom a cell line (Hep G2 ) ,Hep G2 cells were incubated in the presence or absence of insulin with different concentrations in serum free m edia for16 h and then stim ulated with10 0 nmol/ L insulin for1m in.Protein levels of insulin receptor β- subunit(IRβ) ,insulin receptor substrate- 1(IRS- 1) and p85 subunit of phosphatidylinositol3- kinase(PI3- kinase) were determined in total cell lysates by Western- im munoblot.Phosphorylat- ed proteins IRβ,IRS- 1and interaction of PI3- kinase with IRS- 1were determ ined by im munopre- cipitation.Results showed that 1- min insulin stimulation rapidly induced tyrosine phosphorylation of IRβ and IRS- 1,which in turn,resulting in association of PI 3- kinase with IRS- 1.1- 10 0 nm ol/ L chronic insulin treatment induced a dose- dependent decrease in the protein level of IRβ and a slight decrease in the protein level of IRS- 1.There was a m ore marked reduction in the phospho- rylation of IRβ,IRS- 1,reaching a nadir of2 2 % (P<0 .0 1) and15 % (P<0 .0 1) of control lev- els,respectively,after16 h treatment with 10 0 nm ol/ L insulin.The association between IRS- 1 and PI3- kinase was decreased by6 6 % (P<0 .0 1) .There was no significant change in PI3- ki- nase protein levels. These data suggest that chronic insulin treatm ent can induce alterations of IRβ,IRS- 1and PI 3- kinase three early steps in insulin action,which contributes significantly to insulin resistance,and may account for desensitization of insulin action.

P48-Triggered transmembrane signaling transduction of human monocytes:mobilization of calcium ion and activation of protein kinase C(PKC)

P48 is a cytokine which induces monocyte differentia-tion and the induction of cytotoxic activity. In this study,the signal transduction events involved in the stimulation of monocytes with the membrane form of P48 (mP48) were investigated. Monocyte stimulation with mP48 was found to involve the mobilization of intracellular calcium (Ca2+)and the activation and translocation of PKC from the cy-tosol to the membrane. Membane P48 induced a rapid rise of intracellular Ca2+ in a dose dependent maner. Simi-larly the stimulation of monocytes with P48 was found to involve the activation and translocation of PKC. The translocation of PKC was rapid (within 0-5 min) yet tran-sient with PKC activity returning to control levels by 8 min. The functional role of protein kineses in P48 induced TNF secretion was studied using various kinese inhibitors. The PKC inhibitors, H-7 and sphingosine, were found to inhibit P48 induced TNF secretion with 50% inhibition at 5μM HA1004, which inhibts cyclic nucleotide-dependent kinase (PKA, Ki 1.2μM), did not inhibit TNF secretion. H-8 (PKA inhibitor) was found to be an effective inhibitor of TNF secretion only at high concentrations(30μp. The Calmodulin-dependent kinase inhibitor, W7 (Ki 12μM)was found to be effective at concentration above 5μM.These findings suggest that P48-triggered TNF secretion involves transmembrane Ca2+ signaling and the subse-quent activation of at least two protein kineses, PKC and CaMK.

Signaling transduction pathways involved in basophil adhesion and histamine release

Background Little is known about basophil with respect to the different signaling transduction pathways involved in spontaneous, cytokine or anti-IgE induced adhesion and how this compares to IgE-dependent and IgE-independent mediator secretion. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the roles of β1 and β2 integrins in basophil adhesion as well as hosphatidylinositol 3-kinase （PI3K）, src-kinases and extracellular signal regulated kinase （ERK）1/2 in basophil adhesion and histamine release （HR）. Methods Basophils （purity of 10%-50%） were preincubated with anti-CD29 or anti-CD 18 blocking antibodies before used for adhesion study. Basophils were preincubated with the pharmacological inhibitors wortmannin, PP1, PD98059 before used for adhesion and HR study. Cell adherence to bovine serum albumin （BSA） or fibronectin （Fn） was monitored using cell associated histamine as a basophil marker and the histamine was measured by the glass fiber assay. Results Basophil spontaneous adhesion to Fn was inhibited by anti-CD29. Interleukin （IL）-3, granulocyte/macrophage colony stimulating factor （GM-CSF） induced adhesion to BSA was inhibited by anti-CD18. Wortmannin at 1 μmol/L and PP1 at 20 μmol/L strongly interfered with, whereas PD98059 at 50μmol/L weakly inhibited basophil spontaneous adhesion to Fn. One μmol/L wortmannin strongly inhibited IL-3, IL-5, GM-CSF and anti-IgE induced adhesion to BSA. PP1 at 20 μmol/L partly inhibited anti-IgE induced adhesion. Fifty μmol/L PD98059 marginally inhibited IL-5, weakly inhibited anti-IgE, partly inhibited GM-CSF induced adhesion. Wortmannin, PP1 and PD98059 inhibited anti-IgE （1：100 or 1：1000） induced basophil HR in a dose dependent manner. They inhibited calcium ionophore A23187 （10 μmol/L, 5 μmol/L） induced basophil HR in a dose dependent manner, but to different extend with PP1 being the most efficient. Conclusions Basophil spontaneous adhesion to Fn is mediated by β 1-integrins whereas cytokine induced adhesion to BSA is mediated by β 2-integrins. PI3K, src-kinases and ERK1/2 play distinct signaling roles in basophil adhesion and HR. PI3K is the key player while ERK1/2 is the weakest participant.

SELF-ADAPTIVE CONTROLS OF A COMPLEX CELLULAR SIGNALING TRANSDUCTION SYSTEM

In cells, the interactions of distinct signaling transduction pathways originating from cross-talkings between signaling molecules give rise to the formation of signaling transduction networks, which contributes to the changes (emergency) of kinetic behaviors of signaling system compared with single molecule or pathway. Depending on the known experimental data, we have constructed a model for complex cellular signaling transduction system, which is derived from signaling transduction of epidermal growth factor receptor in neuron. By the computational simulating methods, the self-adaptive controls of this system have been investigated. We find that this model exhibits a relatively stable selfadaptive system, especially to over-stimulation of agonist, and the amplitude and duration of signaling intermediates in it could be controlled by multiple self-adaptive effects, such as 'signal scattering', 'positive feedback', 'negative feedback' and 'B-Raf shunt'. Our results provide an approach to understanding the dynamic behaviors of complex biological systems.

Signaling transduction by IgG receptors

To review and summarize literature regarding stimulatory and inhibitory signaling pathways from different types of Fc gamma r eceptors (FcγRs).Data source Articles were obtained from Medline from January 1 991 to April 2002. Study selection Over 100 English language papers and reviews pu blished over the last 11 years were selected.Results and Conclusions Stimulatory Fcγ receptors include Fc γRI, FcγRIIA, FcγRIIC, and FcγRIII A. They transduce signals through the imm unoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif (ITAM) in subunits or in the cytopl asmic domain. Inhibitory Fcγ receptors, such as FcγRIIB, are single chain receptors, transducing signals through an immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibi tory motif (ITIM) in cytoplasmic domains. Stimulatory signals include protein ph osphorylation, increase in intracellular free calcium, the production of 1,4,5- triphosphate inositol (IP 3) and diacylglycerol (DAG) mainly through the Src-f amily kinases, phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3-K) and phospholipase C (PLC). In hibitory signaling has been implicated in the repression of the above activities as well as inhibition of B cell responses through Src homology 2-containing in ositol phosphatase (SHIP).

Involvement of cAMP in ABA Signal Transduction in Tobacco Suspension Cells

Abscisic acid (ABA) plays an important role in plant growth and developmental processes. Although some ABA signal molecules, such as cADPR, Ca2+, etc., have been reported, there. was no evidence proving the involvement of cAMP in A-B-A, signal transduction. In this present study, the constructed gene ( rd29A-GUS) was transformed into Nicotiana tabacum, and calli was induced from the transgenic plant. The suspension cells obtained from the callus grew well and uniformly. Treatment of the suspension cells with ABA led to an increase in GUS activity, indicating that these transgenic suspension cells are useful for the study of ABA signaling. Addition of nicotinamide (cADPR inhibitor) or U-73122 (phospholiphase C inhibitor) could only partially inhibit the increase of GUS activity elicited by ABA. The inhibitory effect of nicotinamide was enhanced by application of K252a (inhibitor of protein kinase). Treatment of the suspension cells with 8-Br-cAMP, a membrane-permeable analogue of cAMP, could partially replace the effect of ABA. Furthermore, intracellular addition of IBMX (phosphodiesterase inhibitor) mimicked die effect of exogenous cAMP on the deduction of expression of rd29A promoter. These results suggested that cAMP was an important messenger in ABA signal transduction in tobacco suspension cell.

Impacts of PI3K/protein kinase B pathway activation in reactive astrocytes: from detrimental effects to protective functions

Astrocytes are the most abundant type of glial cell in the central nervous system.Upon injury and inflammation,astrocytes become reactive and undergo morphological and functional changes.Depending on their phenotypic classification as A1 or A2,reactive astrocytes contribute to both neurotoxic and neuroprotective responses,respectively.However,this binary classification does not fully capture the diversity of astrocyte responses observed across different diseases and injuries.Transcriptomic analysis has revealed that reactive astrocytes have a complex landscape of gene expression profiles,which emphasizes the heterogeneous nature of their reactivity.Astrocytes actively participate in regulating central nervous system inflammation by interacting with microglia and other cell types,releasing cytokines,and influencing the immune response.The phosphoinositide 3-kinase(PI3K)/protein kinase B(AKT)signaling pathway is a central player in astrocyte reactivity and impacts various aspects of astrocyte behavior,as evidenced by in silico,in vitro,and in vivo results.In astrocytes,inflammatory cues trigger a cascade of molecular events,where nuclear factor-κB serves as a central mediator of the pro-inflammatory responses.Here,we review the heterogeneity of reactive astrocytes and the molecular mechanisms underlying their activation.We highlight the involvement of various signaling pathways that regulate astrocyte reactivity,including the PI3K/AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR),αvβ3 integrin/PI3K/AKT/connexin 43,and Notch/PI3K/AKT pathways.While targeting the inactivation of the PI3K/AKT cellular signaling pathway to control reactive astrocytes and prevent central nervous system damage,evidence suggests that activating this pathway could also yield beneficial outcomes.This dual function of the PI3K/AKT pathway underscores its complexity in astrocyte reactivity and brain function modulation.The review emphasizes the importance of employing astrocyte-exclusive models to understand their functions accurately and these models are essential for clarifying astrocyte behavior.The findings should then be validated using in vivo models to ensure real-life relevance.The review also highlights the significance of PI3K/AKT pathway modulation in preventing central nervous system damage,although further studies are required to fully comprehend its role due to varying factors such as different cell types,astrocyte responses to inflammation,and disease contexts.Specific strategies are clearly necessary to address these variables effectively.

NECAB family of neuronal calcium-binding proteins in health and disease

The N-terminal EF-hand calcium-binding proteins 1–3(NECAB1–3) constitute a family of predominantly neuronal proteins characterized by the presence of at least one EF-hand calcium-binding domain and a functionally less well characterized C-terminal antibiotic biosynthesis monooxygenase domain. All three family members were initially discovered due to their interactions with other proteins. NECAB1 associates with synaptotagmin-1, a critical neuronal protein involved in membrane trafficking and synaptic vesicle exocytosis. NECAB2 interacts with predominantly striatal G-protein-coupled receptors, while NECAB3 partners with amyloid-β A4 precursor protein-binding family A members 2 and 3, key regulators of amyloid-β production. This demonstrates the capacity of the family for interactions with various classes of proteins. NECAB proteins exhibit distinct subcellular localizations: NECAB1 is found in the nucleus and cytosol, NECAB2 resides in endosomes and the plasma membrane, and NECAB3 is present in the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus. The antibiotic biosynthesis monooxygenase domain, an evolutionarily ancient component, is akin to atypical heme oxygenases in prokaryotes but is not wellcharacterized in vertebrates. Prokaryotic antibiotic biosynthesis monooxygenase domains typically form dimers, suggesting that calcium-mediated conformational changes in NECAB proteins may induce antibiotic biosynthesis monooxygenase domain dimerization, potentially activating some enzymatic properties. However, the substrate for this enzymatic activity remains uncertain. Alternatively, calcium-mediated conformational changes might influence protein interactions or the subcellular localization of NECAB proteins by controlling the availability of protein–protein interaction domains situated between the EF hands and the antibiotic biosynthesis monooxygenase domain. This review summarizes what is known about genomic organization, tissue expression, intracellular localization, interaction partners, and the physiological and pathophysiological role of the NECAB family.

Function of the CaMKII-ryanodine receptor signaling pathway in rabbits with left ventricular hypertrophy and triggered ventricular arrhythmia

BACKGROUND:Calcium calmodulin-dependent kinase II(CaMKII) can be more active in patients with left ventricular hypertrophy(LVH),which in turn causes phosphorylation of ryanodine receptors,resulting in inactivation and the instability of intracellular calcium homeostasis.The present study aimed to determine the effect of CaMKII-ryanodine receptor pathway signaling in rabbits with left ventricular hypertrophy and triggered ventricular arrhythmia.METHODS:Forty New Zealand rabbits were randomized into four groups(10 per group):sham group,LVH group,KN-93 group(LVH+KN-93),and ryanodine group(LVH+ryanodine).Rabbits in the LVH,KN-93,and ryanodine groups were used to establish a left ventricular hypertrophy model by the coarctation of the abdominal aorta,while those in the sham group did not undergo the coarctation.After eight weeks,action potentials(APs) were recorded simultaneously in the endocardium and epicardium,and a transmural electrocardiogram(ECG) was also recorded in the rabbit left ventricular wedge model.Drugs were administered to the animals in the KN-93 and ryanodine groups,and the frequency of triggered APs and ventricular tachycardia was recorded after the rabbits were given isoprenaline(1 μmol/L) and high-frequency stimulation.RESULTS:The frequency(animals/group) of triggered APs was 0/10 in the sham group,10/10 in the LVH group,4/10 in the KN-93 group,and 1/10 in the ryanodine group.The frequencies of ventricular tachycardia were 0/10,9/10,3/10,and 1/10,respectively.The frequencies of polymorphic ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation were 0/10,7/10,2/10,and 1/10,respectively.The frequencies of triggered ventricular arrhythmias in the KN-93 and ryanodine groups were much lower than those in the LVH group(P<0.05).CONCLUSIONS:KN-93 and ryanodine can effectively reduce the occurrence of triggered ventricular arrhythmia in rabbits with LVH.The CaMKII-ryanodine signaling pathway can be used as a new means of treating ventricular arrhythmia.

The roles of the proteasome pathway in signal transduction and neurodegenerative diseases

There are two degradation systems in mammalian cells, autophagy/lysosomal pathway and ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. Proteasome is consist of multiple protein subunits and plays important roles in degradation of short-lived cellular proteins. Recent studies reveal that proteasomal degradation system is also involved in signal transduction and regulation of various cellular functions. Dysfunction or dysregulation of proteasomal function may thus be an important pathogenic mechanism in certain neurological disorders. This paper reviews the biological functions of proteasome in signal transduction and its potential roles in neurodegenerative diseases.

Ski and SnoN, potent negative regulators of TGF-β signaling

Ski and the closely related SnoN were discovered as oncogenes by their ability to transform chicken embryo fibroblasts upon overexpression. While elevated expressions of Ski and SnoN have also been reported in many human cancer cells and tissues, consistent with their pro-oncogenic activity, emerging evidence also suggests a potential anti-oncogenic activity for both. In addition, Ski and SnoN have been implicated in regulation of cell differentiation, especially in the muscle and neuronal lineages. Multiple cellular partners of Ski and SnoN have been identifed in an effort to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying the complex roles of Ski and SnoN. In this review, we summarize recent findings on the biological functions of Ski and SnoN, their mechanisms of action and how their levels of expression are regulated.

Wnt signaling and stem cell control

Wnt signaling has been implicated in the control over various types of stem cells and may act as a niche factor to maintain stem cells in a self-renewing state. As currently understood, Wnt proteins bind to receptors of the Frizzled and LRP families on the cell surface. Through several cytoplasmic relay components, the signal is transduced to β-catenin, which then enters the nucleus and forms a complex with TCF to activate transcription of Wnt target genes. Wnts can also signal through tyrosine kinase receptors, in particular the ROR and RYK receptors, leading to alternative modes of Wnt signaling. During the growth of tissues, these ligands and receptors are dynamically expressed, often transcriptionally controlled by Wnt signals themselves, to ensure the right balance between proliferation and differentiation. Isolated Wnt proteins are active on a variety of stem cells, including neural, mammary and embryonic stem cells. In general, Wnt proteins act to maintain the undifferentiated state of stem cells, while other growth factors instruct the cells to proliferate. These other factors include FGF and EGF, signaling through tyrosine kinase pathways.

Influence of CO_2 pneumoperitoneum on intracellular pH and signal transduction in cancer cells

Object: The authors studied the influence of CO2 pneumoperitoneum on intracellular pH and signal transduction arising from cancer cell multiplication in laparoscopic tumor operation. Method: They set up a simulation of pneumoperitoneum under different CO2 pressure, and then measured the variation of intracellular pH (pHi) at different time and the activity of protein kinase C (PKC) and protein phosphatase 2a (PP2a) at the end of the pneumoperitoneum. After 1 week, the concentration of cancer cells in the culture medium was calculated. Result: When the pressure of CO2 pneumoperitoneum was 0, 10, 20, 30 mmHg respectively, the average pHi was 7.273, 7.075, 6.783, 6.693 at the end of the pneumoperitoneum; PKC activity was 159.4, 168.5,178.0, 181.6 nmol/(g.min) and PP2a was 4158.3, 4066.9, 3984.0, 3878.5 nmol/(g.min) respectively. After 1 week, the cancer cells concentration was 2.15×105, 2.03×105, 2.20×105, 2.18×105 L-1. Conclusion: CO2 pneumoperitoneum could promote acidosis in cancer cells, inducing the activation of protein kinase C and deactivation of protein phosphatase 2a, but it could not accelerate the mitosis rate of the cancer cells.

Molecular signal transduction in vascular cell apoptosis

Apoptosis is a form of genetically programmed cell death, which plays a key role in regulation of cellularity in a variety of tissue and cell types including the cardiovascular tissues. Under both physiological and pathophysiological conditions, various biophysiological and biochemical factors, including mechanical forces, reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, cytokines, growth factors, oxidized lipoproteins, etc., may influence apoptosis of vascular cells. The Fas/Fas ligand/caspase death-signaling pathway, Bcl-2 protein family/mitochondria, the tumor suppressive gene p53, and the proto-oncogene c-myc may be activated in atherosclerotic lesions, and mediates vascular apoptosis during the development of atherosclerosis. Abnormal expression and dysfunction of these apoptosis-regulating genes may attenuate or accelerate vascular cell apoptosis and affect the integrity and stability of atherosclerotic plaques. Clarification of the molecular mechanism that regulates apoptosis may help design a new strategy for treatment of atherosclerosis and its major complication, the acute vascular syndromes.

The SHP-2 tyrosine phosphatase:Signaling mechanisms and biological functions

Cellular biological activities are tightly controlled by intracellular signaling processes initiated by extracellular signals. Protein tyrosine phosphatases, which remove phosphate groups from phosphorylated signaling molecules, play equally important tyrosine roles as protein tyrosine kinases in signal transduction. SHP-2, a cytoplajsmic SH2 domain containing protein tyrosine phosphatase, is involved in the signaling pathways of a variety of growth factors and cytokines. Recent studies have clearly demonstrated that this phosphatase plays an important role in transducing signal relay from the cell surface to the nucleus, and is a critical intracellular regulator in mediating cell proliferation and differentiation.

Late SV40 factor:A key mediator of Notch signaling in human hepatocarcinogenesis

AIM:To investigate the relationship between late SV40 factor(LSF)and Notch signaling in the development and progress of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).METHODS:Liver cancer tissue specimens from 25 patients were analyzed for Notch-1 and LSF expression by immunohistochemistry.The correlation between expression and the biological effects of Notch-1 and LSF were analyzed using genetic and pharmacological strategies in HCC cell lines and human normal cell lines,including hepatic stellate cells(HSC)and human embryonic kidney epithelial cells(HEK).RESULTS:Immunohistochemistry showed that both Notch-1 and LSF were significantly upregulated in HCC samples(76%,19/25,P<0.0001 and 84%,21/25,P<0.0001,respectively)compared with non-cancer samples.Activation of Notch-1 by exogenous transfection of Notch1 intracellular domain increased LSF expression in HSC and HEK cells to levels similar to those seen in HepG2 cells.Furthermore,blocking Notch-1 activation with aγ-secretase inhibitor,DAPT,downregulated LSF expression in HepG2 cells.Additionally,a biological behavior assay showed that forced overexpression of LSF promoted HepG2 cell proliferation and invasion.CONCLUSION:LSF is a key mediator of the Notch signaling pathway,suggesting that it might be a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of HCC.

Tetrandrine inhibits activation of rat hepatic stellate cells in vitro via transforming growth factor-β signaling

AIM: To investigate the effect of various concentrations of tetrandrine on activation of quiescent rat hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling in vitro.METHODS: HSCs were isolated from rats by in situperfusion of liver and 18% Nycodenz gradient centrifugation, and primarily cultured on uncoated plastic plates for 24 hwith DMEM containing 20% fetal bovine serum (FBS/DMEM) before the culture medium was substituted with 2% FBS/DMEM for another 24 h. Then, the HSCs were cultured in 2% FBS/DMEM with tetrandrine (0.25, 0.5, 1,2 mg/L, respectively). Cell morphological features were observed under an inverted microscope, smooth muscleα-actin (α-SMA) was detected by immunocytochemistry and image analysis system, laminin (LN) and type Ⅲprocollagen (PCⅢ) in supernatants were determined byradioimmunoassay. TGF-β1 mRNA, Smad 7 mRNA and Smad 7 protein were analyzed with RT-PCR and Western blotting, respectively.RESULTS: Tetrandrine at the concentrations of 0.25-2 mg/L prevented morphological transformation of HSC from the quiescent state to the activated one, while α-SMA, LN and PCⅢ expressions were inhibited. As estimated by gray values, the expression of α-SMA in tetrandrine groups (0.25, 0.5, 1, 2 mg/L) was reduced from 21.3% to 42.2%(control: 0.67, tetrandrine groups: 0.82, 0.85, 0.96, or 0.96, respectively, which were statistically different from the control, P＜0.01), and the difference was more significant in tetrandrine at 1 and 2 mg/L. The content of LN in supernatants was significantly decreased in tetrandrine groups to 58.5%, 69.1%, 65.8% or 60.0% that of the control respectively, and that of PCⅢ to 84.6%, 81.5%,75.7% or 80.7% respectively (P＜0.05 vs control), with no significant difference among tetrandrine groups. RTPCR showed that TGF-β1 mRNA expression was reduced by tetrandrine treatments from 56.56% to 87.90% in comparison with the control, while Smad 7 mRNA was increased 1.4-4.8 times. The TGF-β1 mRNA and Smad 7 mRNA expression was in a significant negative correlation (r= -0.755, P＜0.01), and both were significantly correlated with α-SMA protein expression (r = -0.938, P＜0.01;r = 0.938, P＜0.01, respectively). The up-regulation of Smad 7 protein by tetrandrine (1 mg/L)was confirmed by Western blotting as well.CONCLUSION: Tetrandrine has a direct inhibiting effect on the activation of rat HSCs in culture. It up-regulates the expression of Smad 7 which in turn blocks TGF-β1 expression and signaling.

Influence on Cellular Signal Transduction Pathway in Dairy Cow Mammary Gland Epithelial Cells by Galactopoietic Compound Isolated from Vaccariae segetalis

The galactopoietic mechanism of Vaccaria segetalis is still unknown. Understanding dibutyl phthalate （DBP） separated from Vaccaria segetalis on the expression of lactation signal transduction genes of mammary gland epithelial cells, including prlr, erα, akt1, socs2, pparγ and elf5, will be helpful to reveal the molecular mechanism. Western blot and qRT- PCR were used to study the change of prlr, erα, akt, socs2, pparγ, and elf5 expression at mRNA and protein level. Co- localization expression of prolactin receptor （PRLR） and estrogen receptor α （ERα） was observed by immunofluorescence; the expression changes of miRNAs （21, 125b, 143, and 195） and the secretion of β-casein and lactose were detected by qRT-PCR and RP-HPLC. The results showed that Vaccaria segetalis active compound had similar fuctions as estrogen and/or prolactin （PRL） in dairy cow mammary gland epithelial cells （DCMECs）, increased the expressions of prlr, erα, akt1, and elf5 genes, while repressed pparγ expressions. DBP promoted socs2 mRNA expression, but its protein expressions were repressed. Furthermore, both DBP and PRL could repress the expressions of miRNA-125b, miRNA-143 and miRNA- 195 in DCMECs. DBP could repress the expression of miRNA-21, while the influence of PRL on miRNA-21 was not certain. DBP could promote the lactation ability of DCMECs by regulating the ER and PRLR cellular signal transduction pathway.

Primary evidence for involvement of IP_(3) in heat-shock signal transduction in Arabidopsis

The role of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate （IP3） in transducing heat-shock （HS） signals was examined in Arabidopsis. The whole-plant IP3 level increased within 1 min of HS at 37℃. After 3 min of HS, the IP3 level reached a maximum 2.5 fold increase. Using the transgenic Arabidopsis plants that have AtHsp 18.2 promoter-β-glucuronidase （GUS） fusion gene, it was found that the level of GUS activity was up-regulated by the addition of caged IP3 at both non-HS and HS temperatures and was down-regulated by the phospholipase C （PLC） inhibitors {1-[6-（（ 1713-3-Methoxyestra-1,3,5（10）-trien- 7-yl）amino）hexyl]-2,5-pyrrolidinedione } （U-73122）. The intracellular-free calcium ion concentration （[Ca^2＋]i） increased during HS at 37℃ in suspension-cultured Arabidopsis cells expressing apoaequorin. Treatment with U-73122 prevented the increase of [Ca^2＋]i to some extent. Above results provided primary evidence for the possible involvement of IP3 in HS signal transduction in higher plants.

DNA chip-based expression profile analysis indicates involvement of the phosphatidylinositol signaling pathway in multiple plant responses to hormone and abiotic treatments

The phosphatidylinositol (PI) metabolic pathway is considered critical in plant responses to many environmental factors,and previous studies have indicated the involvement of multiple PI-related gene families during cellular responses.Through a detailed analysis of the Arabidopsis thaliana genome,82 polypeptides were identified as being involved in PI signaling. These could be grouped into different families including PI synthases (PIS),PI-phosphate kinases (PIPK),phospholipases (PL),inositol polyphosphate phosphatases (IPPase),inositol polyphosphate kinases (IPK),PI transfer proteins and putative inositol polyphosphate receptors. The presence of more than 10 isoforms of PIPK,PLC,PLD and IPPase suggested that these genes might be differentially expressed during plant cellular responses or growth and development. Accordingly,DNA chip technology was employed to study the expression patterns of various isoforms.In total,79 mRNA clones were amplified and used for DNA chip generation. Expression profile analysis was performed using samples that represented multiple tissues or cellular responses. Tested samples included normal leaf,stem and flower tissues,and leaves from plants treated with various hormones (auxin,cytokinin,gibberellin,abscisic acid and brassinosteroid) or environmental factors (temperature,calcium,sodium,drought,salicylic acid and jasmonic acid).Results showed that many PI pathway-related genes were differentially expressed under these experimental conditions.In particular,the different isoforms of each family were specifically expressed in many cases,suggesting their involvement in tissue specificity and cellular responses to environmental conditions. This work provides a starting point for functional studies of the relevant PI-related proteins and may help shed light onto the role of PI pathways in development and cellular responses.