Amino acid deletions at positions 893 and 894 of cytotoxinassociated gene A protein affect Helicobacter pylori gastric epithelial cell interactions

BACKGROUND Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)persistently colonizes the human gastric mucosa in more than 50%of the global population,leading to various gastroduodenal diseases ranging from chronic gastritis to gastric carcinoma.Cytotoxin-associated gene A(CagA)protein,an important oncoprotein,has highly polymorphic Glu-Pro-Ile-Tyr-Ala segments at the carboxyl terminus,which play crucial roles in pathogenesis.Our previous study revealed a significant association between amino acid deletions at positions 893 and 894 and gastric cancer.AIM To investigate the impact of amino acid deletions at positions 893 and 894 on CagA function.METHODS We selected a representative HZT strain from a gastric cancer patient with amino acid deletions at positions 893 and 894.The cagA gene was amplified and mutated into cagA-NT and cagA-NE(sequence characteristics of strains from nongastric cancer patients),cloned and inserted into pAdtrack-CMV,and then transfected into AGS cells.The expression of cagA and its mutants was examined using realtime polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting,cell elongation via cell counting,F-actin cytoskeleton visualization using fluorescence staining,and interleukin-8(IL-8)secretion via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.RESULTS The results revealed that pAdtrack/cagA induced a more pronounced hummingbird phenotype than pAdtrack/cagA-NT and pAdtrack/cagA-NE(40.88±3.10 vs 32.50±3.17,P<0.001 and 40.88±3.10 vs 32.17±3.00,P<0.001)at 12 hours after transfection.At 24 hours,pAdtrack/cagA-NE induced significantly fewer hummingbird phenotypes than pAdtrack/cagA and pAdtrack/cagA-NT(46.02±2.12 vs 53.90±2.10,P<0.001 and 46.02±2.12 vs 51.15±3.74,P<0.001).The total amount of F-actin caused by pAdtrack/cagA was significantly lower than that caused by pAdtrack/cagA-NT and pAdtrack/cagA-NE(27.54±17.37 vs 41.51±11.90,P<0.001 and 27.54±17.37 vs 41.39±14.22,P<0.001)at 12 hours after transfection.Additionally,pAdtrack/cagA induced higher IL-8 secretion than pAdtrack/cagA-NT and pAdtrack/cagA-NE at different times after transfection.CONCLUSION Amino acid deletions at positions 893 and 894 enhance CagA pathogenicity,which is crucial for revealing the pathogenic mechanism of CagA and identifying biomarkers of highly pathogenic H.pylori.

Establishment of human cerebral organoid systems to model early neural development and assess the central neurotoxicity of environmental toxins

Human brain development is a complex process,and animal models often have significant limitations.To address this,researchers have developed pluripotent stem cell-derived three-dimensional structures,known as brain-like organoids,to more accurately model early human brain development and disease.To enable more consistent and intuitive reproduction of early brain development,in this study,we incorporated forebrain organoid culture technology into the traditional unguided method of brain organoid culture.This involved embedding organoids in matrigel for only 7 days during the rapid expansion phase of the neural epithelium and then removing them from the matrigel for further cultivation,resulting in a new type of human brain organoid system.This cerebral organoid system replicated the temporospatial characteristics of early human brain development,including neuroepithelium derivation,neural progenitor cell production and maintenance,neuron differentiation and migration,and cortical layer patterning and formation,providing more consistent and reproducible organoids for developmental modeling and toxicology testing.As a proof of concept,we applied the heavy metal cadmium to this newly improved organoid system to test whether it could be used to evaluate the neurotoxicity of environmental toxins.Brain organoids exposed to cadmium for 7 or 14 days manifested severe damage and abnormalities in their neurodevelopmental patterns,including bursts of cortical cell death and premature differentiation.Cadmium exposure caused progressive depletion of neural progenitor cells and loss of organoid integrity,accompanied by compensatory cell proliferation at ectopic locations.The convenience,flexibility,and controllability of this newly developed organoid platform make it a powerful and affordable alternative to animal models for use in neurodevelopmental,neurological,and neurotoxicological studies.

Peripheral blood RNA biomarkers can predict lesion severity in degenerative cervical myelopathy

Degenerative cervical myelopathy is a common cause of spinal cord injury,with longer symptom duration and higher myelopathy severity indicating a worse prognosis.While numerous studies have investigated serological biomarkers for acute spinal cord injury,few studies have explored such biomarkers for diagnosing degenerative cervical myelopathy.This study involved 30 patients with degenerative cervical myelopathy(51.3±7.3 years old,12 women and 18 men),seven healthy controls(25.7±1.7 years old,one woman and six men),and nine patients with cervical spondylotic radiculopathy(51.9±8.6 years old,three women and six men).Analysis of blood samples from the three groups showed clear differences in transcriptomic characteristics.Enrichment analysis identified 128 differentially expressed genes that were enriched in patients with neurological disabilities.Using least absolute shrinkage and selection operator analysis,we constructed a five-gene model(TBCD,TPM2,PNKD,EIF4G2,and AP5Z1)to diagnose degenerative cervical myelopathy with an accuracy of 93.5%.One-gene models(TCAP and SDHA)identified mild and severe degenerative cervical myelopathy with accuracies of 83.3%and 76.7%,respectively.Signatures of two immune cell types(memory B cells and memory-activated CD4^(+)T cells)predicted levels of lesions in degenerative cervical myelopathy with 80%accuracy.Our results suggest that peripheral blood RNA biomarkers could be used to predict lesion severity in degenerative cervical myelopathy.

The autophagy-lysosome pathway:a potential target in the chemical and gene therapeutic strategies for Parkinson’s disease

Parkinson’s disease is a common neurodegenerative disease with movement disorders associated with the intracytoplasmic deposition of aggregate proteins such asα-synuclein in neurons.As one of the major intracellular degradation pathways,the autophagy-lysosome pathway plays an important role in eliminating these proteins.Accumulating evidence has shown that upregulation of the autophagy-lysosome pathway may contribute to the clearance ofα-synuclein aggregates and protect against degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in Parkinson’s disease.Moreover,multiple genes associated with the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease are intimately linked to alterations in the autophagy-lysosome pathway.Thus,this pathway appears to be a promising therapeutic target for treatment of Parkinson’s disease.In this review,we briefly introduce the machinery of autophagy.Then,we provide a description of the effects of Parkinson’s disease–related genes on the autophagy-lysosome pathway.Finally,we highlight the potential chemical and genetic therapeutic strategies targeting the autophagy–lysosome pathway and their applications in Parkinson’s disease.

Dysregulation of genes involved in the long-chain fatty acid transport in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma(PDAC)is an aggressive lethal malignancy with limited options for treatment and a 5-year survival rate of 11%in the United States.As for other types of tumors,such as colorectal cancer,aberrant de novo lipid synthesis and reprogrammed lipid metabolism have been suggested to be associated with PDAC development and progression.AIM To identify the possible involvement of lipid metabolism in PDAC by analyzing in tumoral and non-tumoral tissues the expression level of the most relevant genes involved in the long-chain fatty acid(FA)import into cell.METHODS A gene expression analysis of FASN,CD36,SLC27A1,SLC27A2,SLC27A3,SLC27A4,SLC27A5,ACSL1,and ACSL3 was performed by qRT-PCR in 24 tumoral PDAC tissues and 11 samples from non-tumoral pancreatic tissues obtained via fine needle aspiration or via surgical resection.The genes were considered significantly dysregulated between the groups when the p value was<0.05 and the fold change(FC)was≤0.5 and≥2.RESULTS We found that three FA transporters and two long-chain acyl-CoA synthetases genes were significantly upregulated in the PDAC tissue compared to the non-tumoral tissue:SLC27A2(FC=5.66;P=0.033),SLC27A3(FC=2.68;P=0.040),SLC27A4(FC=3.13;P=0.033),ACSL1(FC=4.10;P<0.001),and ACSL3(FC=2.67;P=0.012).We further investigated any possible association between the levels of the analyzed mRNAs and the specific characteristics of the tumors,including the anatomic location,the lymph node involvement,and the presence of metastasis.A significant difference in the expression of SLC27A3(FC=3.28;P=0.040)was found comparing patients with and without lymph nodes involvement with an overexpression of this transcript in 17 patients presenting tumoral cells in the lymph nodes.CONCLUSION Despite the low number of patients analyzed,these preliminary results seem to be promising.Addressing lipid metabolism through a broad strategy could be a beneficial way to treat this malignancy.Future in vitro and in vivo studies on these genes may offer important insights into the mechanisms linking PDAC with the long-chain FA import pathway.

Recovery of the injured neural system through gene delivery to surviving neurons in Parkinson’s disease

A critical unaddressed problem in Parkinson’s disease is the lack of therapy that slows or hampers neurodegeneration.While medications effectively manage symptoms,they offer no long-term benefit because they fail to address the underlying neuronal loss.This highlights that the elusive goals of halting progression and restoring damaged neurons limit the long-term impact of current approaches.Recent clinical trials using gene therapy have demonstrated the safety of various vector delivery systems,dosages,and transgenes expressed in the central nervous system,signifying tangible and substantial progress in applying gene therapy as a promising Parkinson’s disease treatment.Intriguingly,at diagnosis,many dopamine neurons remain in the substantia nigra,offering a potential window for recovery and survival.We propose that modulating these surviving dopamine neurons and axons in the substantia nigra and striatum using gene therapy offers a potentially more impactful therapeutic approach for future research.Moreover,innovative gene therapies that focus on preserving the remaining elements may have significant potential for enhancing long-term outcomes and the quality of life for patients with Parkinson’s disease.In this review,we provide a perspective on how gene therapy can protect vulnerable elements in the substantia nigra and striatum,offering a novel approach to addressing Parkinson’s disease at its core.

AAV2-PDE6B restores retinal structure and function in the retinal degeneration 10 mouse model of retinitis pigmentosa by promoting phototransduction and inhibiting apoptosis

Retinitis pigmentosa is a group of inherited diseases that lead to retinal degeneration and photoreceptor cell death.However,there is no effective treatment for retinitis pigmentosa caused by PDE6B mutation.Adeno-associated virus(AAV)-mediated gene therapy is a promising strategy for treating retinitis pigmentosa.The aim of this study was to explore the molecular mechanisms by which AAV2-PDE6B rescues retinal function.To do this,we injected retinal degeneration 10(rd10)mice subretinally with AAV2-PDE6B and assessed the therapeutic effects on retinal function and structure using dark-and light-adapted electroretinogram,optical coherence tomography,and immunofluorescence.Data-independent acquisition-mass spectrometry-based proteomic analysis was conducted to investigate protein expression levels and pathway enrichment,and the results from this analysis were verified by real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blotting.AAV2-PDE6B injection significantly upregulated PDE6βexpression,preserved electroretinogram responses,and preserved outer nuclear layer thickness in rd10 mice.Differentially expressed proteins between wild-type and rd10 mice were closely related to visual perception,and treating rd10 mice with AAV2-PDE6B restored differentially expressed protein expression to levels similar to those seen in wild-type mice.Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genome analysis showed that the differentially expressed proteins whose expression was most significantly altered by AAV2-PDE6B injection were enriched in phototransduction pathways.Furthermore,the phototransductionrelated proteins Pde6α,Rom1,Rho,Aldh1a1,and Rbp1 exhibited opposite expression patterns in rd10 mice with or without AAV2-PDE6B treatment.Finally,Bax/Bcl-2,p-ERK/ERK,and p-c-Fos/c-Fos expression levels decreased in rd10 mice following AAV2-PDE6B treatment.Our data suggest that AAV2-PDE6B-mediated gene therapy promotes phototransduction and inhibits apoptosis by inhibiting the ERK signaling pathway and upregulating Bcl-2/Bax expression in retinitis pigmentosa.

Heterogeneity of mature oligodendrocytes in the central nervous system

Mature oligodendrocytes form myelin sheaths that are crucial for the insulation of axons and efficient signal transmission in the central nervous system.Recent evidence has challenged the classical view of the functionally static mature oligodendrocyte and revealed a gamut of dynamic functions such as the ability to modulate neuronal circuitry and provide metabolic support to axons.Despite the recognition of potential heterogeneity in mature oligodendrocyte function,a comprehensive summary of mature oligodendrocyte diversity is lacking.We delve into early 20th-century studies by Robertson and Río-Hortega that laid the foundation for the modern identification of regional and morphological heterogeneity in mature oligodendrocytes.Indeed,recent morphologic and functional studies call into question the long-assumed homogeneity of mature oligodendrocyte function through the identification of distinct subtypes with varying myelination preferences.Furthermore,modern molecular investigations,employing techniques such as single cell/nucleus RNA sequencing,consistently unveil at least six mature oligodendrocyte subpopulations in the human central nervous system that are highly transcriptomically diverse and vary with central nervous system region.Age and disease related mature oligodendrocyte variation denotes the impact of pathological conditions such as multiple sclerosis,Alzheimer's disease,and psychiatric disorders.Nevertheless,caution is warranted when subclassifying mature oligodendrocytes because of the simplification needed to make conclusions about cell identity from temporally confined investigations.Future studies leveraging advanced techniques like spatial transcriptomics and single-cell proteomics promise a more nuanced understanding of mature oligodendrocyte heterogeneity.Such research avenues that precisely evaluate mature oligodendrocyte heterogeneity with care to understand the mitigating influence of species,sex,central nervous system region,age,and disease,hold promise for the development of therapeutic interventions targeting varied central nervous system pathology.

Pan-TRK positive uterine sarcoma in immunohistochemistry without neurotrophic tyrosine receptor kinase gene fusions:A case report

BACKGROUND The classification of uterine sarcomas is based on distinctive morphological and immunophenotypic characteristics,increasingly supported by molecular genetic diagnostics.Data on neurotrophic tyrosine receptor kinase(NTRK)gene fusionpositive uterine sarcoma,potentially aggressive and morphologically similar to fibrosarcoma,are limited due to its recent recognition.Pan-TRK immunohistochemistry(IHC)analysis serves as an effective screening tool with high sensitivity and specificity for NTRK-fusion malignancies.CASE SUMMARY We report a case of a malignant mesenchymal tumor originating from the uterine cervix,which was pan-TRK IHC-positive but lacked NTRK gene fusions,accompanied by a brief literature review.A 55-year-old woman presented to the emergency department with abdominal pain and distension,exhibiting significant ascites and multiple solid pelvic masses.Pelvic examination revealed a tumor encompassing the uterine cervix,extending to the vagina and uterine corpus.A punch biopsy of the cervix indicated NTRK sarcoma with positive immunochemical pan-TRK stain.However,subsequent next generation sequencing revealed no NTRK gene fusion,leading to a diagnosis of poorly differentiated,advanced-stage sarcoma.CONCLUSION The clinical significance of NTRK gene fusion lies in potential treatment with TRK inhibitors for positive sarcomas.Identifying such rare tumors is crucial due to the potential applicability of tropomyosin receptor kinase inhibitor treatment.

Genetic and epigenetic alterations associated with gestational diabetes mellitus and adverse neonatal outcomes

Gestational diabetes mellitus(GDM)is a metabolic disorder,recognised during 24-28 weeks of pregnancy.GDM is linked with adverse newborn outcomes such as macrosomia,premature delivery,metabolic disorder,cardiovascular,and neurological disorders.Recent investigations have focused on the correlation of genetic factors such asβ-cell function and insulin secretary genes(transcription factor 7 like 2,potassium voltage-gated channel subfamily q member 1,adipo-nectin etc.)on maternal metabolism during gestation leading to GDM.Epigenetic alterations like DNA methylation,histone modification,and miRNA expression can influence gene expression and play a dominant role in feto-maternal meta-bolic pathways.Interactions between genes and environment,resulting in differ-ential gene expression patterns may lead to GDM.Researchers suggested that GDM women are more susceptible to insulin resistance,which alters intrauterine surroundings,resulting hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia.Epigenetic modi-fications in genes affecting neuroendocrine activities,and metabolism,increase the risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes in offspring.There is currently no treatment or effective preventive method for GDM,since the molecular processes of insulin resistance are not well understood.The present review was undertaken to un-derstand the pathophysiology of GDM and its effects on adverse neonatal out-comes.In addition,the study of genetic and epigenetic alterations will provide lead to researchers in the search for predictive molecular biomarkers.

Autophagy-targeting modulation to promote peripheral nerve regeneration

Nerve regeneration following traumatic peripheral nerve injuries and neuropathies is a complex process modulated by diverse factors and intricate molecular mechanisms.Past studies have focused on factors that stimulate axonal outgrowth and myelin regeneration.However,recent studies have highlighted the pivotal role of autophagy in peripheral nerve regeneration,particularly in the context of traumatic injuries.Consequently,autophagy-targeting modulation has emerged as a promising therapeutic approach to enhancing peripheral nerve regeneration.Our current understanding suggests that activating autophagy facilitates the rapid clearance of damaged axons and myelin sheaths,thereby enhancing neuronal survival and mitigating injury-induced oxidative stress and inflammation.These actions collectively contribute to creating a favorable microenvironment for structural and functional nerve regeneration.A range of autophagyinducing drugs and interventions have demonstrated beneficial effects in alleviating peripheral neuropathy and promoting nerve regeneration in preclinical models of traumatic peripheral nerve injuries.This review delves into the regulation of autophagy in cell types involved in peripheral nerve regeneration,summarizing the potential drugs and interventions that can be harnessed to promote this process.We hope that our review will offer novel insights and perspectives on the exploitation of autophagy pathways in the treatment of peripheral nerve injuries and neuropathies.

AAV-mediated expression of p65shRNA and bone morphogenetic protein 4 synergistically enhances chondrocyte regeneration

BACKGROUND:Adeno-associated virus(AAV)gene therapy has been proven to be reliable and safe for the treatment of osteoarthritis in recent years.However,given the complexity of osteoarthritis pathogenesis,single gene manipulation for the treatment of osteoarthritis may not produce satisfactory results.Previous studies have shown that nuclear factorκB could promote the inflammatory pathway in osteoarthritic chondrocytes,and bone morphogenetic protein 4(BMP4)could promote cartilage regeneration.OBJECTIVE:To test whether combined application of AAV-p65shRNA and AAV-BMP4 will yield the synergistic effect on chondrocytes regeneration and osteoarthritis treatment.METHODS:Viral particles containing AAV-p65-shRNA and AAV-BMP4 were prepared.Their efficacy in inhibiting inflammation in chondrocytes and promoting chondrogenesis was assessed in vitro and in vivo by transfecting AAV-p65-shRNA or AAV-BMP4 into cells.The experiments were divided into five groups:PBS group;osteoarthritis group;AAV-BMP4 group;AAV-p65shRNA group;and BMP4-p65shRNA 1:1 group.Samples were collected at 4,12,and 24 weeks postoperatively.Tissue staining,including safranin O and Alcian blue,was applied after collecting articular tissue.Then,the optimal ratio between the two types of transfected viral particles was further investigated to improve the chondrogenic potential of mixed cells in vivo.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The combined application of AAV-p65shRNA and AAV-BMP4 together showed a synergistic effect on cartilage regeneration and osteoarthritis treatment.Mixed cells transfected with AAV-p65shRNA and AAV-BMP4 at a 1:1 ratio produced the most extracellular matrix synthesis(P<0.05).In vivo results also revealed that the combination of the two viruses had the highest regenerative potential for osteoarthritic cartilage(P<0.05).In the present study,we also discovered that the combined therapy had the maximum effect when the two viruses were administered in equal proportions.Decreasing either p65shRNA or BMP4 transfected cells resulted in less collagen II synthesis.This implies that inhibiting inflammation by p65shRNA and promoting regeneration by BMP4 are equally important for osteoarthritis treatment.These findings provide a new strategy for the treatment of early osteoarthritis by simultaneously inhibiting cartilage inflammation and promoting cartilage repair.

Establishment and Application of a Real-time PCR Method for Detecting stx2 Gene in Shiga Toxin-producing Escherichia coli(STEC)

[Objective] This study aimed to establish a real-time PCR method for de- tecting stx2 gene in Shiga toxin-producing E. coli （STEC）. [Method] According to the known STEC stx2 gene sequences published in GenBank, PCR primers and probes were designed based on the conserved region to construct recombinant plasmid as a positive template, thus optimizing the reaction conditions and establishing the real- time PCR method. [Result] A standard curve was established based on the opti- mized real-time PCR system, indicting a good linear correlation between the initial template concentration and Ct value, with the correlation coefficient F^e of above 0.995. The established method had a good specificity, without non-specific amplifica- tion for 10 non-STEC intestinal bacterial strains; the detection limit of initial template was 1.0x102 copies/μI, indicating a high sensitivity; furthermore, the coefficients of variation within and among batches were lower than 1% and 5% respectively, sug- gesting a good repeatability. [Conclusion] In this study, a real-time PCR method was successfully established for detecting STEC stx2 gene, which provided technical means for rapid detection of STEC in samples.

Gene therapy for human colorectal carcinoma using human CEA promoter controlled bacterial ADP-ribosylating toxin genes:PEA and DTA gene transfer

AIM To establish a tissue-specific gene therapy for colorectal carcinoma using bacterial ADP-ribosylating toxin genes.METHODS Pseudomonas exotoxin A domain Ⅱ+Ⅲ (PEA) was cloned from genomic DNA of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. PEA and diphtheria toxin A chain gene (DTA) were modified to express eukaryotically. After sequencing, the toxin genes under the control of human carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) promoter were cloned into retroviral vectors to construct CEAPEA and CEADTA respectively. In vitro cotransfection of the constructs with luciferase vectors and in vivo gene transfer in nude mice were subsequently carried out.RESULTS Both CEAPEA and CEADTA specifically inhibited the reporter gene expression in the CEA positive human colorectal carcinoma (CRC) cells in vitro. Direct injection of CEAPEA and CEADTA constructs into the established human tumors in BALB/c nude mice led to significant and selective reductions in CRC tumor size as compared with that in control groups.CONCLUSION The toxin genes, working as therapeutic genes, are suitable for the tissue-specific gene therapy for colorectal carcinoma.

Effects of endotoxin on expression of ras, p53 and bcl-2 oncoprotein in hepatocarcinogenesis induced by thioacetamide in rats

AIM To evaluate the relationship between expression of ras, p53, bcl 2 gene products, and hepatocarcinogenesis since endotoxemia produced from lipopolysaccharide admi nistration and/or the hypophagocytic state of splenectomy significantly accelerated hepatocarcinogenesis induced by thioacetamide. 〖WTH4〗METHODS〓〖WTXFZ〗The hepatocarcinoma model was induced by oral intake of 0 03% thioacetamide for six months. During the induction of hepatocarcinoma model, rats were additionally treated with splenectomy and/or lipopolysaccharide administration. The techniques of flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry and immunoelectronmicroscopy were applied to quantitative analysis of the expression of oncogene proteins. RESULTS In this model system, overexpression of ras p21 protein mainly occurred on precancerous cell population or in early stage of hepatocyte transformation. And the levels of ras p21 declined when nuclear DNA aneuploid increased. Expression of bcl 2 protein slowly and steadily rose with more hepatocytes staying in S+G2M phases as the hepatocarcinoma became more malignant. P53 was moderately expressed during the hepatocarcinogenesis. There was no statistical correlation between endotoxemia levels and the changes of ras, p53 and bcl 2 gene products. CONCLUSION Over expression of oncogene ras p21 was likely to be a precursor of the premalignant hepatocytes and it might be responsible for the initiation of hepatocarcinogenesis. Bcl 2 protein expression is proportional to the severity of the malignancies. P53 may be a key pathway on the transformation and development of hepatocarcinoma. This study confirmed the hypothesis that there are multiple genes and multiple steps involved in hepatocarcinogenesis. Expressions of oncogene proteins reflected the properties of the premalignant and malignant cells, but not directly related to endotoxemia statistically.[JP]

Isolation and identification of a marine killer yeast strain YF07b and cloning of the gene encoding killer toxin from the yeast

It was found that the marine yeast strain YF07b could secrete a large amount of killer toxin against a pathogenic yeast strain WCY which could cause milky disease in Portunus trituberculcttus. The marine yeast strain YF07b was identified to be Pichia anomala according to the results of routine yeast identification and 18S rDNA and ITS sequences. The gene encoding killer toxin in the marine yeast strain YF07b was amplified by PCR technology. After sequencing, the results show that an open reading frame, consisting of 1 281 bp, encoded a presumed protein of 427 amino acids. The sequence of the cloned gene was found to have 99% match with that of the gene encoding killer toxin in Pichia anomalas strain K. A signal peptide including 17 amino acids appeared in the N-terminal domain of the killer toxin. Therefore, the mature protein consisted of 410 amino acids, its molecular mass was estimated to be 47.4 ku and its isoelctronic point was 4.5.

Role of Helicobacter pylori virulence factor cytotoxin-associated gene A in gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma

Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)infection might initiate and contribute to the progression of lymphoma from gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue(MALT).Increasing evidence shows that eradication of H.pylori with antibiotic therapy can lead to regression of gastric MALT lymphoma and can result in a 10-year sustained remission.The eradication of H.pylori is the standard care for patients with gastric MALT lymphoma.Cytotoxin-associated gene A(CagA)protein,one of the most extensively studied H.pylori virulence factors,is strongly associated with the gastric MALT lymphoma.CagA possesses polymorphisms according to its C-terminal structure and displays different functions among areas and races.After being translocated into B lymphocytes via typeⅣsecretion system,CagA deregulates intracellular signaling pathways in both tyrosine phosphorylation-dependent and-independent manners and/or some other pathways,and thereby promotes lymphomagenesis.A variety of proteins including p53and protein tyrosine phosphatases-2 are involved in the malignant transformation induced by CagA.Mucosal inflammation is the foundational mechanism underlying the occurrence and development of gastric MALT lymphoma.

Generation of Reactive Oxygen Species in Different Fractions of the Coelomocytes of Holothurian Eupentacta fraudatrix in Response to the Thermostable Toxin of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis in Vitro

Pure fraction (92%-95%) of phagocytes (FP) and a mixture of amoebocytes(62%) and morula cells (38 %) FPMC of the holothurian Eupentacta fraudatrix (Holothuroidea, Dendrochirota) were obtained by using ficoll verographine step gradient. Basal production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in FP quantified by using reduction of nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) was more than twice that in FPMC. Thermostable toxin of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis (TST) at different concentrations ( 0.2; 0.5; 2.5 μg/ml, but not 0.1 μg/ml) stimulated NBT reduction in FPMC after 24 h incubation. In FP, TST at concentrations of 0.1 and 0.2 μg/ml inhibited and at concentrations of 0.5 and 2.5 μg/ml stimulated NBT reduction after 24 h incubation. Maximal effect was observed in FP and FPMC at TST concentrations of 0.5 and 0.2 μg/ml, respectively. Addition of catalase (0.7 μg/ml) to the cells treated with TST (2.5 μg/ml) was followed by a decrease in NBT reduction compared to that under toxin treatment alone. TST stimulated superoxide dismutase activity in concentration dependent manner (maximum at 0.5 μg/ml concentration in FP) after 24 h treatment, and this stimulation was prevented by a commercial catalase. Plant lectin concanavalin A stimulated NBT reduction more than 5 fold in FPMC compared to the control. With addition of TST, lectin stimulated ROS to lesser extent than that with lectin alone. When catalase, TST, and lectin were added into the FPMC simultaneously, ROS increase was similar to that under lectin treatment alone. On the whole, data obtained indicated that ROS generation in holothurian coelomocytes especially occurs in both stimulated and not stimulated phagocytes, and that changes in ROS production by these cells may be one of the mechanisms of antibacterial protection of holothurians.

Suppression of colorectal tumorigenesis by recombinant Bacteroides fragilis enterotoxin-2 in vivo

AIM To evaluate the impact of recombinant Bacteroides fragilis enterotoxin-2 (BFT-2, or Fragilysin) on colorectal tumorigenesis in mice induced by azoxymethane/dextran sulfate sodium (AOM/DSS). METHODS Recombinant proBFT-2 was expressed in Escherichia coli strain Rosetta (DE3) and BFT-2 was obtained and tested for its biological activity via colorectal adenocarcinoma cell strains SW-480. Seventy C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into a blank (BC; n = 10), model (AD; n = 20), model + low-dose toxin (ADLT; n = 20, 10 mu g), and a model + high-dose toxin (ADHT; n = 20, 20 mu g) group. Mice weight, tumor formation and pathology were analyzed. Immunohistochemistry determined Ki-67 and Caspase-3 expression in normal and tumor tissues of colorectal mucosa. RESULTS Recombinant BFT-2 was successfully obtained, along with its biological activity. The most obvious weight loss occurred in the AD group compared with the ADLT group (21.82 +/- 0.68 vs 23.23 +/- 0.91, P < 0.05) and the ADHT group (21.82 +/- 0.68 vs 23.57 +/- 1.06, P < 0.05). More tumors were found in the AD group than in the ADLT and ADHT groups (19.75 +/- 3.30 vs 6.50 +/- 1.73, P < 0.05; 19.75 +/- 3.30 vs 6.00 +/- 2.16, P < 0.05). Pathology showed that 12 mice had adenocarcinoma and 6 cases had adenoma in the AD group. Five mice had adenocarcinoma and 15 had adenoma in the ADLT group. Four mice had adenocarcinoma and 16 had adenoma in the ADHT group. The incidence of colorectal adenocarcinoma in both the ADHT group and the ADHT group was reduced compared to that in the AD group (P < 0.05, P < 0.05). The positive rate of Ki-67 in the ADLT group and the ADHT group was 50% and 40%, respectively, both of which were lower than that found in the AD group (94.44%, P < 0.05, P < 0.05). Caspase-3 expression in the ADLT group and the ADHT group was 45% and 55%, both of which were higher than that found in the BC group (16.67%, P < 0.05, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION Oral administration with lower-dose biologically active recombinant BFT-2 inhibited colorectal tumorigenesis in mice.

Prevalence of shiga toxins(stx_1,stx_2),eaeA and hly genes of Escherichia coli O157:H7 strains among children with acute gastroenteritis in southern of Iran

Objective:To survey the prevalence severe diarrhea arising from these bacteria in children under 5 years old in Marvdasht.Methods:In this study faecal sample from 615 children aged <5years old who were hospitalized lor gastroenteritis in Fars hospitals in Iran were collected and then enriched in Escherichia coli(E.coli) broth and modified tryplone soy broth with novobiocin media,fermentation of sorbitol,lactose and β— glucoronidase activity of isolated strains was examined by CT—SMAC,VRBA and chromogenic media respectively.Then isolation of E.coli O157:H7 have been confirmed with the use of specific antisera and with multiplex PCR method presence of virulence genes including:xtx_1.stx_2,eae.A.hly has been analyzed.Results:E.coli O157:H7 was detected in 7(1.14%) stool specimens.A significanl difference was seen between detection rale of isolated bacteria from age groups 18-23 months and other age groups(P=0.004).Out of considered virulence genes.only 1 of the isolated strains(0.16%)he stx,and eaeA genes were seen and also all isolated hacleria had resistance to penicillin,ampicillin and erythromycin antibiotics.Conclusions:We found thai children < 2 years of age were at highest risk of infection with E.coli O157:H7.Regarding severity of E.coli O157:H7 pathogenesis,low infectious dose and lack of routine assay for detection ol these bacleria in clinical laboratory,further and completed studies on diagnosis and genolyping of this E.coli O157:H7 strain has been recommended.