Skin-derived precursor Schwann cells have been reported to play a protective role in the central nervous system. The neuroprotective effects of skin-derived precursor Schwann cells may be attributable to the release o...Skin-derived precursor Schwann cells have been reported to play a protective role in the central nervous system. The neuroprotective effects of skin-derived precursor Schwann cells may be attributable to the release of growth factors that nourish host cells. In this study, we first established a cellular model of Parkinson’s disease using 6-hydroxydopamine. When SH-SY5 Y cells were pretreated with conditioned medium from skin-derived precursor Schwann cells, their activity was greatly increased. The addition of insulin-like growth factor-2 neutralizing antibody markedly attenuated the neuroprotective effects of skin-derived precursor Schwann cells. We also found that insulin-like growth factor-2 levels in the peripheral blood were greatly increased in patients with Parkinson’s disease and in a mouse model of Parkinson’s disease. Next, we pretreated cell models of Parkinson’s disease with insulin-like growth factor-2 and administered insulin-like growth factor-2 intranasally to a mouse model of Parkinson’s disease induced by 6-hydroxydopamine and found that the level of tyrosine hydroxylase, a marker of dopamine neurons, was markedly restored, α-synuclein aggregation decreased, and insulin-like growth factor-2 receptor downregulation was alleviated. Finally, in vitro experiments showed that insulin-like growth factor-2 activated the phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase(PI3 K)/AKT pathway. These findings suggest that the neuroprotective effects of skin-derived precursor Schwann cells on the central nervous system were achieved through insulinlike growth factor-2, and that insulin-like growth factor-2 may play a neuroprotective role through the insulin-like growth factor-2 receptor/PI3 K/AKT pathway. Therefore, insulin-like growth factor-2 may be an useful target for Parkinson’s disease treatment.展开更多
AIM:To investigate the healing process after severe corneal epithelial damage in rats treated with mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs)cultured with or without keratinocyte growth factor(KGF-2)and autologous serum(AS)on amnio...AIM:To investigate the healing process after severe corneal epithelial damage in rats treated with mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs)cultured with or without keratinocyte growth factor(KGF-2)and autologous serum(AS)on amniotic membrane(AM).Many patients are blind and devastated by severe ocular surface diseases due to limbal stem cell deficiency.Bone marrow-derived MSCs are potential sources for cellbased tissue engineering to repair or replace the corneal tissue,having the potential to differentiate to epithelial cells.METHODS:The study included 5 groups each including 10 female'Sprague Dawley'rats in addition to20 male rats used as bone marrow donors.Group I rats received AM+MSCs,Group II rats AM+MSCs cultured with KGF-2,Group III rats AM+MSCs cultured with KGF-2+AS,Group IV rats only AM and Group V rats,none.AS was derived from blood drawn from male rats and bone marrow was obtained from the femur and tibia bones of the same animals.Therapeutic effect was evaluated with clinical,histopathological and immunohistochemical assessment.MSC engraftment was demonstrated via detection of donor genotype(Y+)in the recipient tissue(X)with polymerase chain reaction.RESULTS:Corneal healing was significantly better in Groups I-III rats treated with MSC transplantation compared to Group IV and Group V rats with supportive treatment only.The best results were obtained in Group III rats with 90%transparency,70%lack of neovascularization,and 100%epithelium damage limited to less than 1/4 of cornea.CONCLUSION:We suggest that culture of MSCs with KGF-2 and AS on AM is effective in corneal repair in case of irreversible damage to limbal stem cells.展开更多
Accumulating evidence suggests that a disruption of early brain development,in which insulin-like growth factor-2(IGF-2)has a crucial role,may underlie the pathophysiology of schizophrenia.Our previous study has shown...Accumulating evidence suggests that a disruption of early brain development,in which insulin-like growth factor-2(IGF-2)has a crucial role,may underlie the pathophysiology of schizophrenia.Our previous study has shown that decreased serum IGF-2 was correlated with the severity of psychopathology in patients with schizophrenia.Here we conducted a prospective observation trial to investigate the effects of atypical antipsychotics on serum IGF-2 level and its relationship with clinical improvements in schizophrenia patients.Thirty-one schizophrenia patients with acute exacerbation and 30 healthy individuals were recruited in this study.Psychiatric symptoms were assessed using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale(PANSS)and serum IGF-2 levels were determined using ELISA.We found that schizophrenia patients with acute exacerbation had lower serum IGF-2 levels than control individuals at baseline(P<0.05).After 2 months of atypical antipsychotic treatment,a significant improvement in each PANSS subscore and total score was observed in patients(all P<0.01),and the serum IGF-2 levels of patients were significantly increased compared with those at baseline(203.13±64.62 vs.426.99±124.26 ng/mL;t=−5.044,P<0.001).Correlation analysis revealed that the changes of serum IGF-2 levels in patients were significantly correlated with the improvements of negative symptoms(r=−0.522,P=0.006).Collectively,our findings demonstrated changes of serum IGF-2 response to improvements of negative symptoms in schizophrenia patients treated with atypical antipsychotics,suggesting that serum IGF-2 might be a treatment biomarker for schizophrenia.展开更多
Background The present study aimed to investigate the detailed mode and specific sites for their binding as well as the functional relevance of this binding in the phenotypic proliferation of vascular smooth muscle ce...Background The present study aimed to investigate the detailed mode and specific sites for their binding as well as the functional relevance of this binding in the phenotypic proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells(SMCs). Methods CREG knocked-down SMCs were employed to evaluate the biological activity of wtCREG and mCREG.Expressions of SMC differentiation markers SM myosin heavy chain(SM-MHC),SM-actin,heavy caldesmon and myocardin were determined by Western blotting using specific antibodies. Cellular growth of SMCs was assessed by bromide dewuridine (BrdU) incorporation and cell cycle analysis on fluorescence-activated cell sorting(FACS).A solid-phase binding assay was used to study the binding of CREG to extracellular domains of M6P/IGF2R.The cellular co-localization of the two recombinant CREGs with M6P/IGF2R was detected on SMC surface by immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence analysis.Results The molecular weight of wtCREG was around 30 kD while that of the mCREG was~25 kD.Treatment of wtCREG with PNGase F reduced its molecular weight from~30 kD to~25 kD,whereas PNGase F treatment had no effect on the molecular weight of mCREG.Both wtCREG and mCREG proteins enhanced SMC differentiation,inhibited BrdU incorporation,and arrested cell cycle progression when added to the culture medium.In CREG knocked-down SMCs,the amount of CREG detected by immunoblotting in M6P/IGF2R immunoprecipitates was significantly reduced when compared to normal cells.Both recombinant CREGs co-immunoprecipitated with M6P/IGF2R, although slightly reduced amount of the mutant CREG was detected in M6P/IGF2R immunoprecipitates.Immunostaining revealed that His-tagged CREGs co-localized with IGF2R on the cell surface in a glycosylation-independent manner.In vitro binding assay showed that CREGs bound to M6P/ IGF2R extracellular domains 7-10 and 11-13 in a glycosylation -dependent and -independent manner,respectively.Further blocking experiments using soluble M6P/IGF2R fragments and M6P/IGF2R neutralizing antibody indicated that the biological activities of recombinant CREGs in SMC growth and the up-regulation of SMC differentiation markers were all abolished by treatment with the M6P/IGF2R neutralizing antibody. However,although the growth inhibitory effect of wtCREG was nearly abolished by D7-10 or D11-13,the effect of mCREG was only reversed by Dll-13,indicating that the binding to domains 11-13 is required for CREG to modulate the proliferation of SMCs.Conclusions These data suggest that solubleCREG proteins can exert their biological function via binding to the extracellular domains 7-10 and 11-13 of cell surface M6P/IGF2R in both a glycosylation-dependent and -independent manner.展开更多
Objective;In vitro studies have shown that KGF-2 has a proliferative effect on neonatal foreskin kerati-nocytes.Cells from adult donors have been shown to respond to KGF-1 to a lesser degree than neonatal keratino-cyt...Objective;In vitro studies have shown that KGF-2 has a proliferative effect on neonatal foreskin kerati-nocytes.Cells from adult donors have been shown to respond to KGF-1 to a lesser degree than neonatal keratino-cytes.The purpose of the study was to investigate the proliferative effect of KGF-2 on keratinocytes from an adultsubject.Methods;Standard medium was Keratinocyte Growth Medium without BPE,hydrocortisone and EGF.Ke-ratinocytes cultured from a 48-year-old subject were seeded at 2 10~4 in 32 mm ...展开更多
There is evidence that the expression of members of the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) protein family is altered in post-mortem brains of humans suffering from major depressive disorder. The present study examined w...There is evidence that the expression of members of the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) protein family is altered in post-mortem brains of humans suffering from major depressive disorder. The present study examined whether the expression of fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF2) and fibroblast growth factor receptor-1 (FGFR1) protein is altered following chronic stress in an animal model. Rats were exposed to 35 days of chronic unpredictable mild stress, and then tested using open-field and sucrose consumption tests. Compared with the control group, rats in the chronic stress group exhibited obvious depressive-like behaviors, including anhedonia, anxiety and decreased mobility. The results of western blot analysis and immunohistochemical analysis revealed a downregulation of the expression of FGF2 and FGFR1 in the hippocampus of rats, particularly in the CA1, CA3 and dentate gyrus. This decreased expression is in accord with the results of post-mortem studies in humans with major depressive disorder. These findings suggest that FGF2 and FGFR1 proteins participate in the pathophysiology of depressive-like behavior, and may play an important role in the mechanism of chronic stress-induced depression.展开更多
BACKGROUND: Human gliomas are more likely to express basic fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) insulin-like growth factor-1(IGF-1), and IGF-1 receptor (IGF-1R) than normal brain tissue. These factors activate si...BACKGROUND: Human gliomas are more likely to express basic fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) insulin-like growth factor-1(IGF-1), and IGF-1 receptor (IGF-1R) than normal brain tissue. These factors activate signal transduction systems of Ras/MAPK and PI3K/Akl, which promote glioma growth. OBJECTIVE: To utilize RNA interference (RNAi) technique to down-regulate FGF-2, IGF-1, and IGF-1R gene expression, and to investigate the effects of these genes on rat C6 glioma cells, as well as the feasibility of RNAi for treating glioma. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING: This neurooncological, randomized, controlled, in vivo and in vitro experiment, which used RNAi methodology, was performed at the Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences between August 2005 and February 2008. MATERIALS: Rat C6 cell lines were purchased from Shanghai Institute of Cellular Biology Affiliated to Chinese Academy of Sciences. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) was synthesized by Shanghai GenePharma. Anti-IGF-1, anti-IGF-1R, anti-FGF-2, anti-mouse and anti-rabbit IgG G1-HRP antibodies were provided by Santa Cruz Biotechnology, USA. Four to six week-old BALB/c nude mice were purchased from the Laboratory Animal Center, Chinese Academy of Sciences. METHODS: C6 glioma cells were transfected with siRNA, which was chemically synthesized in vitro to correspond to endogenous FGF-2, IGF-1, and IGF-1R genes. The inhibition ratio of targeting mRNA expression was detected by semiquantitative RT-PCR, and protein expression was determined by Western blot analysis. C6 glioma cell proliferation was observed using a growth curve C6 glioma cell apoptosis rate and cell cycle were detected by flow cytometry. C6 glioma cell growth regression was observed by transwell migration assay. In addition, nude mouse subcutaneous tumor models were used in this study. For studying the anti-tumor effects of IGF-1 and IGF-1R siRNA, two blank control groups, with six mice each, were set up: A (2.5 μg siRNA was injected one week after C6 cells were inoculated, Le., when tumor volume reached 8 mm × 8 mm) and B (siRNA was injected at the same time with C6 cells were inoculated. To study the effects of FGF-2 siRNA, the groups consisted of a blank control group, negative control group, 2.6 μg siRNA group, 4 μg siRNA group, and 5.3 μg siRNA group, with six mice each. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: mRNA and protein inhibition ratio of FGF-2, IGF-1, and IGF-1 R; C6 glioma cell proliferation, apoptosis, and cycle growth arrest; C6 glioma cell growth regression and subcutaneous tumorigenicity rates. RESULTS: All siRNA constructs proved to be effective. After 48 hours, transfection of 200 nmol/L siRNA resulted in a FGF-2 or IGF-1R gene inhibition ratio 〉 80% and an IGF-1 gene inhibition ratio of approximately 70%. Protein expression levels for FGF-2, IGF-1, and IGF-1R decreased in a dose-dependent manner following siRNA transfection, with an inhibition rate 〉 85%, 60%, and 50%, respectively. C6 glioma cell proliferation and apoptosis rates increased in proportion to siRNA. The apoptosis rate of C6 glioma cells induced by FGF-2, IGF-1, and IGF-1R siRNA was 39.96%, 15.07% and 22.47%, respectively (P 〈 0.01). Transfection of 200 nmol/L IGF or IGF-1R siRNA for 48 hours suppressed C6 glioma cell migration. At 30 days after intratumoral injection of 2.6, 4, and 5.3 tJg FGF-2 siRNA, tumor growth regression rate of FGF-2 siRNA was 56%, 67%, and 86%, respectively. The tumor growth regression rate was 71.88% and 45.71%, respectively, when IGF-1 or IGF-1R siRNA was intratumorally injected 1 week after C6 glioma cell transplantation. When IGF-1 or IGF-1 R siRNA was intratumorally injected during C6 glioma cell transplantation, the tumor growth regression rate was 78.13% and 74.29%, respectively. CONCLUSION: siRNA transfection downregulated gene expression of FGF-2, IGF-1, and IGF-1R In addition, siRNA treatment markedly suppressed glioma cell proliferation, growth, and migration, and concomitantly reduced subcutaneous tumorigenicity.展开更多
Interferon Regulatory Factor-2 (IRF-2) belongs to IRF family, was identified as a mammalian transcription factor involved in Interferon beta (IFNβ) gene regulation. Besides that IRF-2 is involved in immunomodulation,...Interferon Regulatory Factor-2 (IRF-2) belongs to IRF family, was identified as a mammalian transcription factor involved in Interferon beta (IFNβ) gene regulation. Besides that IRF-2 is involved in immunomodulation, hematopoietic differentiation, cell cycle regulation and oncogenesis. We have done molecular sub-cloning and expression of recombinant murine IRF-2 as GST (Glutathione-S-Transferase)- IRF-2 fusion protein in E. coli/XL-1blue cells. Recombinant IRF-2 with GST moiety at N-terminus expressed as GST-IRF-2 (~66 kd) in E. coli along with different low molecular mass degradation products revealed approximately 30, 42, 60 and 62 kd by SDS-PAGE and Western blot, respectively. We further confirm that degradation takes place at C-terminus of the fusion protein not at N-terminus as anti-GST antibody was detecting all bands in the immunoblot. The recombinant IRF-2 was biologically active along with their degradation products in terms of their DNA binding activity as assessed by Electrophoretically Mobility Shift Assay (EMSA). We observed three different molecular mass DNA/protein complexes (1 - 3) with Virus Response Element (VRE) derived from human Interferon IFNβ gene and five different molecular mass complexes (1 - 5) with IRF-E motif (GAAAGT)4 in EMSA gel. GST only expressed from empty vector did not bind to these DNA elements. To confirm that the binding is specific, all complexes were competed out completely when challenged with 100-X fold molar excess of IRF-E oligo under cold competition. It means degradation products along with full-length protein are able to interact with VREβ as well as IRF-E motif. This means degradation products may regulate the target gene (s) activation/repression via interacting with VRE/IRF-E.展开更多
Purpose: To determine whether the topical application of keratinocyte growth factor-2 (KGF-2) can enhance corneal epithelial healing in rabbit alkali burned cornea. In addition, the distribution and proliferation of c...Purpose: To determine whether the topical application of keratinocyte growth factor-2 (KGF-2) can enhance corneal epithelial healing in rabbit alkali burned cornea. In addition, the distribution and proliferation of corneal epithelial stem cells in KGF-2-treated and control corneas were investigated to explain their mechanisms of effects on the epithelium. Methods: Twenty-four New Zealand eyes were divided into four groups, treated with KGF-2 solution (1, 50, 100 μg/ml) and PBS solution. Eighth millimeter filter paper discs, produced by standard paper punch, were soaked for 15 sec in 0.5N NaOH solution. The alkali-soaked discs were applied to the central cornea, centered on the pupil and held gently in position with forceps for 1 min. The cornea was finally irrigated over 1 min with 100 ml balanced salt solution (BSS). Keratinocyte growth factor-2 was then applied topically three times a day. The phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) group was served as a control. Each corneal epithelial defect was subsequently photographed every 24 hours with a slit lamp and was measured by computer-assisted digitizer. In each group, two rabbits were sacrificed for light microscopic examination after the interval of 7, 14 and 21 days. Meanwhile, the cornea epithelium was examined by immunohistochemistry for P63, AE5, EGFR. Results: Topical application of 10 μg/ml to 100 μg/ml KGF-2 significantly accelerated corneal epithelial wound healing when compared with controls. After 24 hours, epithelial healing rate of the 100 μg/ml KGF-2 group and the PBS treated group was (74±6)% and (40±8)% (P < 0.05). After 48 hours, the rate of the C group was (94±6)%, whereas in the control group it was (73±12)% (P < 0.05). Epithelial defects were often recurrent, which happened only two times in the 100 μg/ml KGF-2-treated group, but many times in the control group. In the corneal epithelial stem cell analysis, the number of the P63 positive cells was higher in the KGF-2-treated corneal epithelium than in the controls. The P63 positive cells in the alkali burned epithelium were found not only in the limbal area but also in the central cornea. In addition, the number of stem cells in each group came to the maximum on the 14th day. For example, on the 7th day after alkali injury, it was 40.3±2.1 NPC in the non-limbal area of 50 μg/ml KGF-2-treated group; whereas, it was 84.8±2.7 NPC on the 14th day(P = 0.000). Conclusions: From the daily evaluation of the corneal surface as well as the microscopic examinations at the end of the three periods of observation, we concluded that KGF-2 provided a beneficial effect in the treatment of alkali burns of the cornea. Furthermore, the results of epithelial stem cell analysis demonstrated that KGF-2 accelerated the corneal epithelial healing by markedly stimulating epithelial stem cells proliferation and making them migrate to the central cornea.展开更多
AIM: To study the localization and function of a eukaryotic initiation factor 2 (eIF2α)-associated 67-kDa glycoprotein (p67).METHODS: Immunofluorescence staining,35S-Met/Cys metabolic labeling,Western blotting analys...AIM: To study the localization and function of a eukaryotic initiation factor 2 (eIF2α)-associated 67-kDa glycoprotein (p67).METHODS: Immunofluorescence staining,35S-Met/Cys metabolic labeling,Western blotting analysis,sucrose gradient centrifugation and high speed centrifugation were used to determine the localization of proteins in transiently transfected COS-1 cells.Transient co-transfection followed by co-immunoprecipitation was used to study the interaction between p67 and double-stranded RNA (dsRNA)-dependent protein kinase (PKR).Wheat germ agglutinin agarose beads were used to absorb glycosylated proteins.In vivo 32P-labeling followed by immunoprecipitation and Western blotting were used to measure PKR autophosphorylation,eIF2α phosphorylation,and p67 expression in normal and breast cancer cells.RESULTS: The image from immunofluorescence staining showed that p67 was overexpressed in the cytosol but not in the nucleus.In a sucrose gradient,approxi-mately 30% of the overexpressed p67 was bound with ribosomes.p67 interacted with the kinase domain,butnot the dsRNA-binding domains of PKR.Only the glycosylated p67 was associated with the ribosome,and p67 did not compete with PKR for ribosome binding.In breast cancer cells,there was increased autophosphorylation of PKR but no phosphorylation of eIF2α,compared with normal breast cells.α The ratio of glycosylated/deglycosylated p67 was altered in breast cancer cells.CONCLUSION: Glycosylation of p67 is required for its ribosomal association and can potentially inhibit PKR via interaction with the kinase domain of PKR.展开更多
Objective:Preeclampsia(PE)is a common complication during pregnancy.miR-100a is expressed in the placenta and regulates the survival and development of placental cells.Insulin growth factor-2(IGF-2)may serve as its do...Objective:Preeclampsia(PE)is a common complication during pregnancy.miR-100a is expressed in the placenta and regulates the survival and development of placental cells.Insulin growth factor-2(IGF-2)may serve as its downstream target.This study investigated the protective mechanisms of ginsenoside Rg3 against PE in rat model.Materials and Methods:LPS-induced rat PE models were suitable for intravenous administration of the highly expressed miR-100a ginsenoside Rg3 lentiviral vector.Human trophoblasts were cultured in vitro for JEG-3,and PE cell models were constructed.In vivo effects on tumor growth and apoptosis were observed.Ginsenoside Rg3 was treated with different concentrations of shRNA,miR-100a analogs,inhibitors,or IGF-2.Autophagy and the expression of autophagy-related proteins were examined.Trophoblast activity and migration were determined using Cell Counting Kit-8 and Transwell assays.Both drugs strongly inhibited trophoblasts under normal conditions with some synergy between them.Double-luciferase return assay confirmed the binding affinity of miR-100a for IGF-2.Results:In response to Rg3,autophagy and the expression of autophagy-related proteins LC3-I/II,Beclin1,and SQSTM1 were reduced in PE rat placental trophoblasts.Rg3 inhibited autophagy in JEG-3 cells and promoted JEG-3 survival and migration in a concentration-dependent manner.miR-100a upregulated PE expression.These results suggested that autophagy was a vital signaling system.Rg3 intervention inhibited miR-100a expression and miR-100a downregulated IGF-2 expression in placental tissues and promoted autophagy,thereby inhibiting JEG-3cell survival and migration.In rats,Rg3 inhibited PE development by regulating the activity of the miR-100a-IGF-2 signaling axis.Conclusion:Ginsenoside Rg3 positively regulates the miR-100a-IGF-2 axis and protects PE rats by inhibiting trophoblastic autophagy and promoting trophoblastic cell survival and migration.展开更多
Background: Endothelial dysflinction is considered as the initiating process and pathological basis of cardiovascnlar disease. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and prostacyclin synthase (PGIS), inducible nitric oxide syn...Background: Endothelial dysflinction is considered as the initiating process and pathological basis of cardiovascnlar disease. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and prostacyclin synthase (PGIS), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and endothelial NOS (eNOS) are key enzymes with opposing actions in inflammation and oxidative stress, which are believed to be the major driver of endothelial dysfunction. And in hypoxia (Hx), Hx-inducible factor (HIF)-1α and HIF-2α are predominantly induced to activate vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), restllting in abnormal proliferation. Whether and how Tongxinluo (TXL) modulates COX-2, PGIS, iNOS, eNOS, HIF-1α, HIF-2α, and VEGF in Hx-stimulated human cardiac microvascular endothelial cells (HCM ECs) have not been clarified. Methods: HCMEC were treated with CoCl2 to mimic Hx and the mRNA expressions of COX-2, PGIS, iNOS, eNOS, HIF-1α, HIF-2α. and VEGF were first confirmed, and then their mRNA expression and protein content as well as the cell pathological alterations were evaluated for TXL treatment with different concentrations, In addition, the effector molecular of inflammation prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and the oxidative marker nitrotyrosine (NT) was adopted to reflect HCMEC in.jury. Results: Hx could induce time-dependent increase of COX-2, iNOS, HIF-2α, and VEGF in HCMEC. Based on the Hx-induced increase, TXL could mainly decrease COX-2, iNOS, HIF-2α, and VEGF in a concentration-dependent manner, with limited effect on the increase of PGIS and eNOS. Their protein contents verified the mRNA expression changes, which was consistent with the cell morphological alterations. Furthermore, high dose TXL could inhibit the Hx-induced increase of PG E, and NT contents, attenuating the inflammatory and oxidative injury. Conclusions: TXL could inhibit inflammation-related COX-2, oxidative stress-related iNOS, and H IF-2α/VEGF to antagonize Hx-induced HCMEC injury.展开更多
INTRODUCTION Coronary artery disease (CAD) and its clinical manifestations,including myocardial infarction (MI),are leading causes of death and infirmity worldwide.A variety of environmental and genetic risk facto...INTRODUCTION Coronary artery disease (CAD) and its clinical manifestations,including myocardial infarction (MI),are leading causes of death and infirmity worldwide.A variety of environmental and genetic risk factors are associated with CAD,including hypercholesterolemia,hypertension,obesity,diabetes,and a family history of early CAD.展开更多
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,Nos. 81873742 (to KFK), 81901195 (to JBS)Nantong Technology Project,Nos. JC2020052 (to XSG),JCZ19087 (to XSG)。
文摘Skin-derived precursor Schwann cells have been reported to play a protective role in the central nervous system. The neuroprotective effects of skin-derived precursor Schwann cells may be attributable to the release of growth factors that nourish host cells. In this study, we first established a cellular model of Parkinson’s disease using 6-hydroxydopamine. When SH-SY5 Y cells were pretreated with conditioned medium from skin-derived precursor Schwann cells, their activity was greatly increased. The addition of insulin-like growth factor-2 neutralizing antibody markedly attenuated the neuroprotective effects of skin-derived precursor Schwann cells. We also found that insulin-like growth factor-2 levels in the peripheral blood were greatly increased in patients with Parkinson’s disease and in a mouse model of Parkinson’s disease. Next, we pretreated cell models of Parkinson’s disease with insulin-like growth factor-2 and administered insulin-like growth factor-2 intranasally to a mouse model of Parkinson’s disease induced by 6-hydroxydopamine and found that the level of tyrosine hydroxylase, a marker of dopamine neurons, was markedly restored, α-synuclein aggregation decreased, and insulin-like growth factor-2 receptor downregulation was alleviated. Finally, in vitro experiments showed that insulin-like growth factor-2 activated the phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase(PI3 K)/AKT pathway. These findings suggest that the neuroprotective effects of skin-derived precursor Schwann cells on the central nervous system were achieved through insulinlike growth factor-2, and that insulin-like growth factor-2 may play a neuroprotective role through the insulin-like growth factor-2 receptor/PI3 K/AKT pathway. Therefore, insulin-like growth factor-2 may be an useful target for Parkinson’s disease treatment.
文摘AIM:To investigate the healing process after severe corneal epithelial damage in rats treated with mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs)cultured with or without keratinocyte growth factor(KGF-2)and autologous serum(AS)on amniotic membrane(AM).Many patients are blind and devastated by severe ocular surface diseases due to limbal stem cell deficiency.Bone marrow-derived MSCs are potential sources for cellbased tissue engineering to repair or replace the corneal tissue,having the potential to differentiate to epithelial cells.METHODS:The study included 5 groups each including 10 female'Sprague Dawley'rats in addition to20 male rats used as bone marrow donors.Group I rats received AM+MSCs,Group II rats AM+MSCs cultured with KGF-2,Group III rats AM+MSCs cultured with KGF-2+AS,Group IV rats only AM and Group V rats,none.AS was derived from blood drawn from male rats and bone marrow was obtained from the femur and tibia bones of the same animals.Therapeutic effect was evaluated with clinical,histopathological and immunohistochemical assessment.MSC engraftment was demonstrated via detection of donor genotype(Y+)in the recipient tissue(X)with polymerase chain reaction.RESULTS:Corneal healing was significantly better in Groups I-III rats treated with MSC transplantation compared to Group IV and Group V rats with supportive treatment only.The best results were obtained in Group III rats with 90%transparency,70%lack of neovascularization,and 100%epithelium damage limited to less than 1/4 of cornea.CONCLUSION:We suggest that culture of MSCs with KGF-2 and AS on AM is effective in corneal repair in case of irreversible damage to limbal stem cells.
基金This work was supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.81760254)the Natural Science Foundation of Fujian Province of China(No.2019J01164)the Scientific Foundation of Quanzhou City for High Level Talents(No.2019C075R).
文摘Accumulating evidence suggests that a disruption of early brain development,in which insulin-like growth factor-2(IGF-2)has a crucial role,may underlie the pathophysiology of schizophrenia.Our previous study has shown that decreased serum IGF-2 was correlated with the severity of psychopathology in patients with schizophrenia.Here we conducted a prospective observation trial to investigate the effects of atypical antipsychotics on serum IGF-2 level and its relationship with clinical improvements in schizophrenia patients.Thirty-one schizophrenia patients with acute exacerbation and 30 healthy individuals were recruited in this study.Psychiatric symptoms were assessed using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale(PANSS)and serum IGF-2 levels were determined using ELISA.We found that schizophrenia patients with acute exacerbation had lower serum IGF-2 levels than control individuals at baseline(P<0.05).After 2 months of atypical antipsychotic treatment,a significant improvement in each PANSS subscore and total score was observed in patients(all P<0.01),and the serum IGF-2 levels of patients were significantly increased compared with those at baseline(203.13±64.62 vs.426.99±124.26 ng/mL;t=−5.044,P<0.001).Correlation analysis revealed that the changes of serum IGF-2 levels in patients were significantly correlated with the improvements of negative symptoms(r=−0.522,P=0.006).Collectively,our findings demonstrated changes of serum IGF-2 response to improvements of negative symptoms in schizophrenia patients treated with atypical antipsychotics,suggesting that serum IGF-2 might be a treatment biomarker for schizophrenia.
文摘Background The present study aimed to investigate the detailed mode and specific sites for their binding as well as the functional relevance of this binding in the phenotypic proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells(SMCs). Methods CREG knocked-down SMCs were employed to evaluate the biological activity of wtCREG and mCREG.Expressions of SMC differentiation markers SM myosin heavy chain(SM-MHC),SM-actin,heavy caldesmon and myocardin were determined by Western blotting using specific antibodies. Cellular growth of SMCs was assessed by bromide dewuridine (BrdU) incorporation and cell cycle analysis on fluorescence-activated cell sorting(FACS).A solid-phase binding assay was used to study the binding of CREG to extracellular domains of M6P/IGF2R.The cellular co-localization of the two recombinant CREGs with M6P/IGF2R was detected on SMC surface by immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence analysis.Results The molecular weight of wtCREG was around 30 kD while that of the mCREG was~25 kD.Treatment of wtCREG with PNGase F reduced its molecular weight from~30 kD to~25 kD,whereas PNGase F treatment had no effect on the molecular weight of mCREG.Both wtCREG and mCREG proteins enhanced SMC differentiation,inhibited BrdU incorporation,and arrested cell cycle progression when added to the culture medium.In CREG knocked-down SMCs,the amount of CREG detected by immunoblotting in M6P/IGF2R immunoprecipitates was significantly reduced when compared to normal cells.Both recombinant CREGs co-immunoprecipitated with M6P/IGF2R, although slightly reduced amount of the mutant CREG was detected in M6P/IGF2R immunoprecipitates.Immunostaining revealed that His-tagged CREGs co-localized with IGF2R on the cell surface in a glycosylation-independent manner.In vitro binding assay showed that CREGs bound to M6P/ IGF2R extracellular domains 7-10 and 11-13 in a glycosylation -dependent and -independent manner,respectively.Further blocking experiments using soluble M6P/IGF2R fragments and M6P/IGF2R neutralizing antibody indicated that the biological activities of recombinant CREGs in SMC growth and the up-regulation of SMC differentiation markers were all abolished by treatment with the M6P/IGF2R neutralizing antibody. However,although the growth inhibitory effect of wtCREG was nearly abolished by D7-10 or D11-13,the effect of mCREG was only reversed by Dll-13,indicating that the binding to domains 11-13 is required for CREG to modulate the proliferation of SMCs.Conclusions These data suggest that solubleCREG proteins can exert their biological function via binding to the extracellular domains 7-10 and 11-13 of cell surface M6P/IGF2R in both a glycosylation-dependent and -independent manner.
文摘Objective;In vitro studies have shown that KGF-2 has a proliferative effect on neonatal foreskin kerati-nocytes.Cells from adult donors have been shown to respond to KGF-1 to a lesser degree than neonatal keratino-cytes.The purpose of the study was to investigate the proliferative effect of KGF-2 on keratinocytes from an adultsubject.Methods;Standard medium was Keratinocyte Growth Medium without BPE,hydrocortisone and EGF.Ke-ratinocytes cultured from a 48-year-old subject were seeded at 2 10~4 in 32 mm ...
文摘There is evidence that the expression of members of the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) protein family is altered in post-mortem brains of humans suffering from major depressive disorder. The present study examined whether the expression of fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF2) and fibroblast growth factor receptor-1 (FGFR1) protein is altered following chronic stress in an animal model. Rats were exposed to 35 days of chronic unpredictable mild stress, and then tested using open-field and sucrose consumption tests. Compared with the control group, rats in the chronic stress group exhibited obvious depressive-like behaviors, including anhedonia, anxiety and decreased mobility. The results of western blot analysis and immunohistochemical analysis revealed a downregulation of the expression of FGF2 and FGFR1 in the hippocampus of rats, particularly in the CA1, CA3 and dentate gyrus. This decreased expression is in accord with the results of post-mortem studies in humans with major depressive disorder. These findings suggest that FGF2 and FGFR1 proteins participate in the pathophysiology of depressive-like behavior, and may play an important role in the mechanism of chronic stress-induced depression.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.30371459Science and Technology Development Fund of Shanghai,No.034047
文摘BACKGROUND: Human gliomas are more likely to express basic fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) insulin-like growth factor-1(IGF-1), and IGF-1 receptor (IGF-1R) than normal brain tissue. These factors activate signal transduction systems of Ras/MAPK and PI3K/Akl, which promote glioma growth. OBJECTIVE: To utilize RNA interference (RNAi) technique to down-regulate FGF-2, IGF-1, and IGF-1R gene expression, and to investigate the effects of these genes on rat C6 glioma cells, as well as the feasibility of RNAi for treating glioma. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING: This neurooncological, randomized, controlled, in vivo and in vitro experiment, which used RNAi methodology, was performed at the Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences between August 2005 and February 2008. MATERIALS: Rat C6 cell lines were purchased from Shanghai Institute of Cellular Biology Affiliated to Chinese Academy of Sciences. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) was synthesized by Shanghai GenePharma. Anti-IGF-1, anti-IGF-1R, anti-FGF-2, anti-mouse and anti-rabbit IgG G1-HRP antibodies were provided by Santa Cruz Biotechnology, USA. Four to six week-old BALB/c nude mice were purchased from the Laboratory Animal Center, Chinese Academy of Sciences. METHODS: C6 glioma cells were transfected with siRNA, which was chemically synthesized in vitro to correspond to endogenous FGF-2, IGF-1, and IGF-1R genes. The inhibition ratio of targeting mRNA expression was detected by semiquantitative RT-PCR, and protein expression was determined by Western blot analysis. C6 glioma cell proliferation was observed using a growth curve C6 glioma cell apoptosis rate and cell cycle were detected by flow cytometry. C6 glioma cell growth regression was observed by transwell migration assay. In addition, nude mouse subcutaneous tumor models were used in this study. For studying the anti-tumor effects of IGF-1 and IGF-1R siRNA, two blank control groups, with six mice each, were set up: A (2.5 μg siRNA was injected one week after C6 cells were inoculated, Le., when tumor volume reached 8 mm × 8 mm) and B (siRNA was injected at the same time with C6 cells were inoculated. To study the effects of FGF-2 siRNA, the groups consisted of a blank control group, negative control group, 2.6 μg siRNA group, 4 μg siRNA group, and 5.3 μg siRNA group, with six mice each. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: mRNA and protein inhibition ratio of FGF-2, IGF-1, and IGF-1 R; C6 glioma cell proliferation, apoptosis, and cycle growth arrest; C6 glioma cell growth regression and subcutaneous tumorigenicity rates. RESULTS: All siRNA constructs proved to be effective. After 48 hours, transfection of 200 nmol/L siRNA resulted in a FGF-2 or IGF-1R gene inhibition ratio 〉 80% and an IGF-1 gene inhibition ratio of approximately 70%. Protein expression levels for FGF-2, IGF-1, and IGF-1R decreased in a dose-dependent manner following siRNA transfection, with an inhibition rate 〉 85%, 60%, and 50%, respectively. C6 glioma cell proliferation and apoptosis rates increased in proportion to siRNA. The apoptosis rate of C6 glioma cells induced by FGF-2, IGF-1, and IGF-1R siRNA was 39.96%, 15.07% and 22.47%, respectively (P 〈 0.01). Transfection of 200 nmol/L IGF or IGF-1R siRNA for 48 hours suppressed C6 glioma cell migration. At 30 days after intratumoral injection of 2.6, 4, and 5.3 tJg FGF-2 siRNA, tumor growth regression rate of FGF-2 siRNA was 56%, 67%, and 86%, respectively. The tumor growth regression rate was 71.88% and 45.71%, respectively, when IGF-1 or IGF-1R siRNA was intratumorally injected 1 week after C6 glioma cell transplantation. When IGF-1 or IGF-1 R siRNA was intratumorally injected during C6 glioma cell transplantation, the tumor growth regression rate was 78.13% and 74.29%, respectively. CONCLUSION: siRNA transfection downregulated gene expression of FGF-2, IGF-1, and IGF-1R In addition, siRNA treatment markedly suppressed glioma cell proliferation, growth, and migration, and concomitantly reduced subcutaneous tumorigenicity.
文摘Interferon Regulatory Factor-2 (IRF-2) belongs to IRF family, was identified as a mammalian transcription factor involved in Interferon beta (IFNβ) gene regulation. Besides that IRF-2 is involved in immunomodulation, hematopoietic differentiation, cell cycle regulation and oncogenesis. We have done molecular sub-cloning and expression of recombinant murine IRF-2 as GST (Glutathione-S-Transferase)- IRF-2 fusion protein in E. coli/XL-1blue cells. Recombinant IRF-2 with GST moiety at N-terminus expressed as GST-IRF-2 (~66 kd) in E. coli along with different low molecular mass degradation products revealed approximately 30, 42, 60 and 62 kd by SDS-PAGE and Western blot, respectively. We further confirm that degradation takes place at C-terminus of the fusion protein not at N-terminus as anti-GST antibody was detecting all bands in the immunoblot. The recombinant IRF-2 was biologically active along with their degradation products in terms of their DNA binding activity as assessed by Electrophoretically Mobility Shift Assay (EMSA). We observed three different molecular mass DNA/protein complexes (1 - 3) with Virus Response Element (VRE) derived from human Interferon IFNβ gene and five different molecular mass complexes (1 - 5) with IRF-E motif (GAAAGT)4 in EMSA gel. GST only expressed from empty vector did not bind to these DNA elements. To confirm that the binding is specific, all complexes were competed out completely when challenged with 100-X fold molar excess of IRF-E oligo under cold competition. It means degradation products along with full-length protein are able to interact with VREβ as well as IRF-E motif. This means degradation products may regulate the target gene (s) activation/repression via interacting with VRE/IRF-E.
基金National Natural Science Foundation of China ( No.39870801) Special Purpose Original New Drug Foundationin Technology Domain of Guangzhou (No.2006Z3-E4091)Medical Technique Foundation of Guangdong Province (No. B2006118) .
文摘Purpose: To determine whether the topical application of keratinocyte growth factor-2 (KGF-2) can enhance corneal epithelial healing in rabbit alkali burned cornea. In addition, the distribution and proliferation of corneal epithelial stem cells in KGF-2-treated and control corneas were investigated to explain their mechanisms of effects on the epithelium. Methods: Twenty-four New Zealand eyes were divided into four groups, treated with KGF-2 solution (1, 50, 100 μg/ml) and PBS solution. Eighth millimeter filter paper discs, produced by standard paper punch, were soaked for 15 sec in 0.5N NaOH solution. The alkali-soaked discs were applied to the central cornea, centered on the pupil and held gently in position with forceps for 1 min. The cornea was finally irrigated over 1 min with 100 ml balanced salt solution (BSS). Keratinocyte growth factor-2 was then applied topically three times a day. The phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) group was served as a control. Each corneal epithelial defect was subsequently photographed every 24 hours with a slit lamp and was measured by computer-assisted digitizer. In each group, two rabbits were sacrificed for light microscopic examination after the interval of 7, 14 and 21 days. Meanwhile, the cornea epithelium was examined by immunohistochemistry for P63, AE5, EGFR. Results: Topical application of 10 μg/ml to 100 μg/ml KGF-2 significantly accelerated corneal epithelial wound healing when compared with controls. After 24 hours, epithelial healing rate of the 100 μg/ml KGF-2 group and the PBS treated group was (74±6)% and (40±8)% (P < 0.05). After 48 hours, the rate of the C group was (94±6)%, whereas in the control group it was (73±12)% (P < 0.05). Epithelial defects were often recurrent, which happened only two times in the 100 μg/ml KGF-2-treated group, but many times in the control group. In the corneal epithelial stem cell analysis, the number of the P63 positive cells was higher in the KGF-2-treated corneal epithelium than in the controls. The P63 positive cells in the alkali burned epithelium were found not only in the limbal area but also in the central cornea. In addition, the number of stem cells in each group came to the maximum on the 14th day. For example, on the 7th day after alkali injury, it was 40.3±2.1 NPC in the non-limbal area of 50 μg/ml KGF-2-treated group; whereas, it was 84.8±2.7 NPC on the 14th day(P = 0.000). Conclusions: From the daily evaluation of the corneal surface as well as the microscopic examinations at the end of the three periods of observation, we concluded that KGF-2 provided a beneficial effect in the treatment of alkali burns of the cornea. Furthermore, the results of epithelial stem cell analysis demonstrated that KGF-2 accelerated the corneal epithelial healing by markedly stimulating epithelial stem cells proliferation and making them migrate to the central cornea.
文摘AIM: To study the localization and function of a eukaryotic initiation factor 2 (eIF2α)-associated 67-kDa glycoprotein (p67).METHODS: Immunofluorescence staining,35S-Met/Cys metabolic labeling,Western blotting analysis,sucrose gradient centrifugation and high speed centrifugation were used to determine the localization of proteins in transiently transfected COS-1 cells.Transient co-transfection followed by co-immunoprecipitation was used to study the interaction between p67 and double-stranded RNA (dsRNA)-dependent protein kinase (PKR).Wheat germ agglutinin agarose beads were used to absorb glycosylated proteins.In vivo 32P-labeling followed by immunoprecipitation and Western blotting were used to measure PKR autophosphorylation,eIF2α phosphorylation,and p67 expression in normal and breast cancer cells.RESULTS: The image from immunofluorescence staining showed that p67 was overexpressed in the cytosol but not in the nucleus.In a sucrose gradient,approxi-mately 30% of the overexpressed p67 was bound with ribosomes.p67 interacted with the kinase domain,butnot the dsRNA-binding domains of PKR.Only the glycosylated p67 was associated with the ribosome,and p67 did not compete with PKR for ribosome binding.In breast cancer cells,there was increased autophosphorylation of PKR but no phosphorylation of eIF2α,compared with normal breast cells.α The ratio of glycosylated/deglycosylated p67 was altered in breast cancer cells.CONCLUSION: Glycosylation of p67 is required for its ribosomal association and can potentially inhibit PKR via interaction with the kinase domain of PKR.
文摘Objective:Preeclampsia(PE)is a common complication during pregnancy.miR-100a is expressed in the placenta and regulates the survival and development of placental cells.Insulin growth factor-2(IGF-2)may serve as its downstream target.This study investigated the protective mechanisms of ginsenoside Rg3 against PE in rat model.Materials and Methods:LPS-induced rat PE models were suitable for intravenous administration of the highly expressed miR-100a ginsenoside Rg3 lentiviral vector.Human trophoblasts were cultured in vitro for JEG-3,and PE cell models were constructed.In vivo effects on tumor growth and apoptosis were observed.Ginsenoside Rg3 was treated with different concentrations of shRNA,miR-100a analogs,inhibitors,or IGF-2.Autophagy and the expression of autophagy-related proteins were examined.Trophoblast activity and migration were determined using Cell Counting Kit-8 and Transwell assays.Both drugs strongly inhibited trophoblasts under normal conditions with some synergy between them.Double-luciferase return assay confirmed the binding affinity of miR-100a for IGF-2.Results:In response to Rg3,autophagy and the expression of autophagy-related proteins LC3-I/II,Beclin1,and SQSTM1 were reduced in PE rat placental trophoblasts.Rg3 inhibited autophagy in JEG-3 cells and promoted JEG-3 survival and migration in a concentration-dependent manner.miR-100a upregulated PE expression.These results suggested that autophagy was a vital signaling system.Rg3 intervention inhibited miR-100a expression and miR-100a downregulated IGF-2 expression in placental tissues and promoted autophagy,thereby inhibiting JEG-3cell survival and migration.In rats,Rg3 inhibited PE development by regulating the activity of the miR-100a-IGF-2 signaling axis.Conclusion:Ginsenoside Rg3 positively regulates the miR-100a-IGF-2 axis and protects PE rats by inhibiting trophoblastic autophagy and promoting trophoblastic cell survival and migration.
基金grants from the Major State Basic Research Development Program of China (973 Program),the National Natural Science Foundation of China,the Hebei Natural Science Foundation
文摘Background: Endothelial dysflinction is considered as the initiating process and pathological basis of cardiovascnlar disease. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and prostacyclin synthase (PGIS), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and endothelial NOS (eNOS) are key enzymes with opposing actions in inflammation and oxidative stress, which are believed to be the major driver of endothelial dysfunction. And in hypoxia (Hx), Hx-inducible factor (HIF)-1α and HIF-2α are predominantly induced to activate vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), restllting in abnormal proliferation. Whether and how Tongxinluo (TXL) modulates COX-2, PGIS, iNOS, eNOS, HIF-1α, HIF-2α, and VEGF in Hx-stimulated human cardiac microvascular endothelial cells (HCM ECs) have not been clarified. Methods: HCMEC were treated with CoCl2 to mimic Hx and the mRNA expressions of COX-2, PGIS, iNOS, eNOS, HIF-1α, HIF-2α. and VEGF were first confirmed, and then their mRNA expression and protein content as well as the cell pathological alterations were evaluated for TXL treatment with different concentrations, In addition, the effector molecular of inflammation prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and the oxidative marker nitrotyrosine (NT) was adopted to reflect HCMEC in.jury. Results: Hx could induce time-dependent increase of COX-2, iNOS, HIF-2α, and VEGF in HCMEC. Based on the Hx-induced increase, TXL could mainly decrease COX-2, iNOS, HIF-2α, and VEGF in a concentration-dependent manner, with limited effect on the increase of PGIS and eNOS. Their protein contents verified the mRNA expression changes, which was consistent with the cell morphological alterations. Furthermore, high dose TXL could inhibit the Hx-induced increase of PG E, and NT contents, attenuating the inflammatory and oxidative injury. Conclusions: TXL could inhibit inflammation-related COX-2, oxidative stress-related iNOS, and H IF-2α/VEGF to antagonize Hx-induced HCMEC injury.
文摘INTRODUCTION Coronary artery disease (CAD) and its clinical manifestations,including myocardial infarction (MI),are leading causes of death and infirmity worldwide.A variety of environmental and genetic risk factors are associated with CAD,including hypercholesterolemia,hypertension,obesity,diabetes,and a family history of early CAD.