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.

Unilateral rNurr1-V5 transgene expression in nigral dopaminergic neurons mitigates bilateral neuropathology and behavioral deficits in parkinsonian rats withα-synucleinopathy

Parkinsonism by unilateral,intranigralβ-sitosterolβ-D-glucoside administration in rats is distinguished in that theα-synuclein insult begins unilaterally but spreads bilaterally and increases in severity over time,thus replicating several clinical features of Parkinson’s disease,a typicalα-synucleinopathy.As Nurr1 repressesα-synuclein,we evaluated whether unilateral transfected of rNurr1-V5 transgene via neurotensin-polyplex to the substantia nigra on day 30 after unilateralβ-sitosterolβ-D-glucoside lesion could affect bilateral neuropathology and sensorimotor deficits on day 30 post-transfection.This study found that rNurr1-V5 expression but not that of the green fluorescent protein(the negative control)reducedβ-sitosterolβ-D-glucoside-induced neuropathology.Accordingly,a bilateral increase in tyrosine hydroxylase-positive cells and arborization occurred in the substantia nigra and increased tyrosine hydroxylase-positive ramifications in the striatum.In addition,tyrosine hydroxylase-positive cells displayed less senescence markerβ-galactosidase and more neuron-cytoskeleton markerβIII-tubulin and brain-derived neurotrophic factor.A significant decrease in activated microglia(positive to ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1)and neurotoxic astrocytes(positive to glial fibrillary acidic protein and complement component 3)and increased neurotrophic astrocytes(positive to glial fibrillary acidic protein and S100 calcium-binding protein A10)also occurred in the substantia nigra.These effects followed the bilateral reduction inα-synuclein aggregates in the nigrostriatal system,improving sensorimotor behavior.Our results show that unilateral rNurr1-V5 transgene expression in nigral dopaminergic neurons mitigates bilateral neurodegeneration(senescence and loss of neuron-cytoskeleton and tyrosine hydroxylase-positive cells),neuroinflammation(activated microglia,neurotoxic astrocytes),α-synuclein aggregation,and sensorimotor deficits.Increased neurotrophic astrocytes and brain-derived neurotrophic factor can mediate the rNurr1-V5 effect,supporting its potential clinical use in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease.

Pathogenesis of chronic enteropathy associated with the SLCO2A1 gene:Hypotheses and conundrums

Chronic enteropathy associated with the SLCO2A1 gene(CEAS)is a complex gastroenterological condition characterized by multiple ulcers in the small intestine with chronic bleeding and protein loss.This review explores the potential mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of CEAS,focusing on the role of SLCO2A1-encoded prostaglandin transporter OATP2A1 and its impact on prostaglandin E2(PGE2)levels.Studies have suggested that elevated PGE2 levels contribute to mucosal damage,inflammation,and disruption of the intestinal barrier.The effects of PGE2 on macrophage activation and Maxi-Cl channel functionality,as well as its interaction with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs play crucial roles in the progression of CEAS.Understanding the balance between its protective and pro-inflammatory effects and the complex interactions within the gastrointestinal tract can shed light on potential therapeutic targets for CEAS and guide the development of novel,targeted therapies.

Expression,deleton and mnutation of ρ16 gene in human gastric cancer

AIM To investigate the relationship between the expression of p16 gene and the gastric carcinogenesis,depth of invasion and lymph node metastases, and to evaluate the deletion and mutation of exon 2 in p16 gene in gastric carcinoma.METHODS The expression of P16 protein was examined by streptavidin-peroxidase conjugated method (S-P); the deletion and mutation of p16 gene were respectively examined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and polymerase chain reaction single-strand conformation polymorphism analysis (PCR-SSCP) in gastric carcinoma.RESULTS Expression of P16 protein was detected in 96.25% (77/80) of the normal gastric mucosa, in 92.00% (45/50) of the dysplastic gastric mucosa and in 47.54% (58/122) of the gastric carcinoma. The positive rate of P16 protein expression in gastric carcinoma was significantly lower than that in normal gastric mucosa and dysplastic gastric mucosa (P＜0.05). The positive rate of P16 protein expression in mucoid carcinoma 10.00% (1/ 10) was significantly lower than that in poorly differentiated carcinoma 51.22% ( 21/ 41 ),undifferentiated carcinoma 57.69% (15/26) and signet ring cell carcinoma 62.50% (10/ 16) (P＜0.05). The positive rate of p16 protein in 30 cases paired primary and lymph node metastatic gastric carcinoma: There was 46.67% (14/30) in primary gastric carcinoma, 16.67% (5/30) in lymph node metastatic gastric carcinoma. The positive rate of lymph node metastatic carcinoma was significantly lower than that of primary carcinoma (P＜0.05). There was of p16 gene mutation in exon 2, but 5 cases displayed deletion of p16 gene in exon 2 in the 25 primary gastric carcinomas.CONCLUSIONS The expression loss of P16 protein related to the gastric carcinogenesis, gastric carcinoma histopathological subtypes and lymph metastasis. The mutation of p16 gene in exon 2 may not be involved in gastric carcinogenesis. But the deletion of p16 gene in exon 2 may be involved in gastric carcinogenesis.

Cloning and Phylogenetic Analysis of NS1 Genes from Different Isolates of H9N2 Subtype Duck Influenza Virus

[ Objective] The study aimed to lay a foundation for the further studies on function mechanism of NS1 protein in the interspecies transmission of waterfowl influenza virus. [Method] Using the serologic assay and the specific RT-PCR method, some strains of H9 subtype waterfowl influenza virus were isolated from the 12 to 20 day-old muscovy duck flocks without any clinical symptoms in different areas of Guangdong Province. Four of these strains, including A/duck/ZQ/303/2007（H9N2） （A3 for short）, A/Duck/FJ/301/2007 （H9N2） （C1 for short）, A/Duck/NH/306/2007（H9N2） （ D6 for short）, A/duck/SS/402/2007（H9N2） （ E2 for short）, and a strain named A/duck/ZC/2007（H9N2） （L1 for short） from a muscovy duck died of avian influenza virus （AIV）, were used for NSl gene cloning and sequencing. Subsequently, the obtained NSl gene sequences were compared with other NS1 sequences registered in GenBank, and the phylogenetic analysis was also conducted. [Result] When compared with the H9N2 AIV NS1 sequences in GenBank, the NSl genes of the four AIV strains A3, C1, 136 and E2 displayed homologies ranging from 99% to 100% at nucleotide level, and 95% to 100% at amino acid level; while the NSl gene of L1 strain displayed homology ranging from 94% to 97% at nucleotide level, and 93% to 98% at amino acid level. The phylogenetic tree demonstrated that A3, C1, D6 and E2 were highly resemblant, and L1 was closest to AY66473 （chicken, 2003）. By comparison with the NS1 gene sequences of L1, AF523514 （duck）, AY664743 （chicken） and EF155262.1 （quail） using DNAstar, A3, C1, D6 and E.2 presented nucleotide variations at site 21 （ R→Q）, 70, 71 （ KE→EG）, 86 （ A→S）, 124 （V→M） and 225 （ S→N）, and amino acid variations at site 21,70, 71 and 86 in dsRNA- dependent protein kinase （PKR） binding domain of NSl gene, which induced the evident variations of antigenic determinant and surface proba- bility plot of NS1 protein. [ Conclusion] This study suggested that the amino acid sequence variation in PKR binding domain of NS1 protein had something to do with the virus pathogenicity.

Cytochrome P450 2E1 genetic polymorphism and gastric cancer in Changle,Fujian Province

AIM: Genetic polymorphism in enzymes of carcinogen metabolism has been found to have the influence on the susceptibility to cancer. Cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) is considered to play an important role in the metabolic activation of procarcinogens such as N-nitrosoamines and low molecular weight organic compounds. The purpose of this study is to determine whether CYP450 2E1 polymorphisms are associated with risks of gastric cancer. METHODS: We conducted a population based case-control study in Changle county, Fujian Province, a high-risk region of gastric cancer in China. Ninety-one incident gastric cancer patients and ninety-four healthy controls were included in our study. Datas including demographic characteristics, diet intake, and alcohol and tobacco consumption of individuals in our study were completed by a standardized questionnaire.PCR-RFLP revealed three genotypes:heterozygote (C1/C2) and two homozygotes (C1/C1 and C2/C2) in CYP2E1. RESULTS: The frequency of variant genotypes (C1/C2 and C2/C2) in gastric cancer cases and controls was 36.3% and 24.5%, respectively. The rare homozygous C2/C2 genotype was found in 6 individuals in gastric cancer group(6.6%), whereas there was only one in the control group (1.1%). However, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups (two-tailed Fisher's exact test P=0.066). Individuals in gastric cancer group were more likely to carry genotype C1/C2 (odds ratio, OR=1.50) and C2/C2 (OR=7.34) than individuals in control group (chi(2) =4.597, for trend P=0.032). The frequencies of genotypes with the C2 allele (C1/C2 and C2/C2 genotypes) were compared with those of genotypes without C2 allele (C1/C1 genotype) among individuals in gastric cancer group and control group according to the pattern of gastric cancer risk factors. The results show that individuals who exposed to these gastric cancer risk factors and carry the C2 allele seemed to have a higher risk of developing gastric cancer. CONCLUSION: Polymorphism of CYP2E1 gene may have some effect in the development of gastric cancer in Changle county, Fujian Province.

PDRG1 at the interface between intermediary metabolism and oncogenesis

PDRG1 is a small oncogenic protein of 133 residues. In normal human tissues, the p53 and DNA damageregulated gene 1(PDRG1) gene exhibits maximal expression in the testis and minimal levels in the liver. Increased expression has been detected in several tumor cells and in response to genotoxic stress. High-throughput studies identified the PDRG1 protein in a variety of macromolecular complexes involved in processes that are altered in cancer cells. For example, this oncogene has been found as part of the RNA polymerase Ⅱ complex, the splicing machinery and nutrient sensing machinery, although its role in these complexes remains unclear. More recently, the PDRG1 protein was found as an interaction target for the catalytic subunits of methionine adenosyltransferases. These enzymes synthesize S-adenosylmethionine, the methyl donor for, among others, epigenetic methylations that occur on the DNA and histones. In fact, downregulation of S-adenosylmethionine synthesis is the first functional effect directly ascribed to PDRG1. The existence of global DNA hypomethylation, together with increased PDRG1 expression, in many tumor cells highlights the importance of this interaction as one of the putative underlying causes for cell transformation. Here, we will review the accumulated knowledge on this oncogene, emphasizing the numerous aspects that remain to be explored.

Age-related macular degeneration treatment in the era of molecular medicine

Age-related macular degeneration(AMD) is the leading cause of irreversible blindness in the developed world. The quality of life of both patients and families is impacted by this prevalent disease. Previously, macular degeneration had no known effective treatment. Today, vitamins for non-exudative AMD and intravitreal injection of medications for its exudative form are primary forms of current treatment. Modern advances in molecular science give rise to new possibilities of disease management. In the year 2003 the sequencing of the entire human genome was completed. Since that time, genes such as complement factor H, high-temperature requirement factor A1, and age-relateed maculopathy susceptibility 2 have been discovered and associated with a higher risk of AMD. A patient's genetic make-up may dictate the effectiveness of current or future therapeutic options. In addition, utilizing genetic data and incorporating it into new treatments(such as viral vectors) may lead to longer-lasting(or permanent) VEGF blockade and specific targeting of complement related genes. There have also been considerable advances in stem cell directed treatment of AMD. Retinal pigment epithelial(RPE) cells can be derived from human embryonic stem cells, induced pluripotent stem cells, or adult human RPE stem cells. Utilizing animal models of RPE and retinal degeneration, stem cell-derived RPE cells have been successfully implanted into the subretinal space. They have been injected as a cell mass or as a pre-prepared monolayer on a thin membrane. Visual recovery has been demonstrated in a retinal dystrophic rat model. Preliminary data on 2 human subjects also demonstrates possible early visual benefit from transplantation of stem cell-derived RPE. As more data is published, and as differentiation and implantation techniques are optimized, the stabilization and possible improvement of vision in individuals with non-exudative macular becomes a real possibility. We conclude that the technologic advances that continue to unfold in both genetic and stem cell research offer optimism in the future treatment of AMD.

The Role of Predominant Expression of Th2 Type Cytokines Gene in the Genesis and Development of Human Gliomas

Objective: To explore the expression of Th1/Th2 cytokines gene in human gliomas and its role in the genesis and development of human gliomas.Methods: Using IL-2 and IFNγ as Th1 type cytokines, IL-4, IL-6 and IL-10 as Th2 type cytokines, the biological activity of cytokines in the supernatant of glioma cell lines was assayed by ELISA method, and the gene expression of Th1/Th2 cytokines in human glioma cells, glioma infiltrating lymphocytes and glioma cell lines were detected by RT-PCR.Results: There was predominant expression of Th2 type cytokines in human glioma cells, glioma infiltrating lymphocytes and glioma cell lines, but there was no such expression in normal brain tissues.Conclusion: It suggested that there is a relationship between the Th2 type cytokines expression in human gliomas and the immunosupressive status of human glioma patients. The predominant expression of Th2 type cytokines may play an important role in the genesis and development of human gliomas. Key words glioma - Th1/Th2 - gene expression - RT-PCR This project was supported by a grant from National Natural Sciences foundation of China (No. 30271335).

Cloning of Cotton Delta-12 Oleate Desaturase Gene FAD2-1 and Construction of Its ihpRNA and amiRNA Interference Vectors

Delta-12 oleate desaturase gene （FAD2-1） which converts oleic acid into linoleic acid, is the key enzyme determining the fatty acid composition of cottonseed oil. By employing RT-PCR method, full length cDNA of cotton delta-12 oleate desat- urase gene GhFAD2-1 containing an open reading frame of 1 158 bp was cloned for constructing RNAi vector. A 515 bp long specific fragment of this gene was se- lected for constructing ihpRNA vector under the control of a seed-specific promoter NAPIN, named pFGC1008-NAPIN-FAD2-1; meanwhile miRNA gene-silencing vector pCAMBIA1302-amiRNA-FAD2-1 targeting GhFAD2-1 was also constructed.

Effects of epinephrine on angiogenesis-related gene expressions in cultured rat cardiomyocytes

Epinephrine is often used for the treatment of patients with heart failure, low cardiac output and cardiac arrest. It can acutely improve hemodynamic parameters; however, it does not seem to improve longer term clinical outcomes. Therefore, we hypothesized that epinephrine may induce unfavorable changes in gene expression of cardiomyocyte. Thus, we investigated effects of epinephrine exposure on the mediation or modulation of gene expression of cultured cardiomyocytes at a genome-wide scale. Our investigation revealed that exposure of cardiomyocytes to epinephrine in an in vitro environment can up-regulate the expression ofangiopoietin-2 gene （~ 2.1 times）, and down-regulate the gene expression of neuregulin 1 （-3.7 times）, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 （-2.4 times） and SPARC-related modular calcium-binding protein-2 （-4.5 times）. These changes suggest that epinephrine exposure may induce inhibition of angiogenesis-related gene expressions in cultured rat cardiomyocytes. The precise clinical significance of these changes in gene expression, which was induced by epinephrine exposure, warrants further experimental and clinical investigations.

Detection of ATP2C1 Gene Mutation in Familial Benign Chronic Pemphigus

Summary： The ATP2C1 gene mutation in one ease of familial benign chronic pemphigus was investigated.One patient was diagnosed as familial benign chronic pemphigus by pathology, ultrastructral examination and clinical features. Genomic DNA was extracted from blood samples. Mutation of ATP2CI gene was detected by polymerase chain reaction （PCR） and DNA sequencing. The results showed that deletion mutation was detected in ATP2C1 gene in this patient, which was 2374delTTTG. No mutation was found in the family members and normal individuals. It was coneluded that the 2374delTTTG mutation in ATP2C1 gene was the specific mutation for the clinical phenotype for this patient and was a de novo mutation.

Polymorphism of Intron 14 of Porcine CACNA2D1 Gene and Effects on Muscular pH_(45)

[ Objective] To detect polymorphism of intron 14 of porcine CACNA2Dt gene and thus provide conditions for the marker-assisted selec- tion of pork quality traits. [Method] The polymorphism of the exon 14 and intron 14 of porcine CACNA2D1 gene was detected in six breeds by PCR- SSCP. The genetic effects of different genotypes on the pH45 value of eye muscle and ham joint muscle were also analyzed. I-Result] There were three kinds of genotypes, namely, AA, AG and GG, in the intron 14 of porcine CACNA2 DI gene. The polymorphic locus （ G --~ A） was at the 1 145 nt of the sequence （GenBank Accepted No. FJ156361 ）. The results of X2 test showed that the distribution of these three kinds of genotypes was significantly different in the six breeds （P〈0.05）. The pH45 values of eye muscle and ham joint muscle were significantly different between geno- type AA and genotype AG of pigs in F2 generation from the Jianhua x Pietrain resource family （ P 〈 0.05）. [Conclusion ] The polymorphism of the in- tron 14 of porcine CACNA2D1 gene has effects on the pH45 values of eye muscle and ham joint muscle.

The heterodimeric structure of heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein C1/C2 dictates 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D-directed transcriptional events in osteoblasts

Heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein （hnRNP） C plays a key role in RNA processing but also exerts a dominant negative effect on responses to 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D （1,25（OH）2D） by functioning as a vitamin D response element-binding protein （VDRE-BP）. hnRNPC acts a tetramer of hnRNPC1 （huC1） and hnRNPC2 （huC2）, and organization of these subunits is critical to in vivo nucleic acid-binding. Overexpression of either huC1 or huC2 in human osteoblasts is sufficient to confer VDRE-BP suppression of 1,25（OH）2D-mediated transcription. However, huC1 or huC2 alone did not suppress 1,25（OH）2D-induced transcription in mouse osteoblastic cells. By contrast, overexpression of huC1 and huC2 in combination or transfection with a bone-specific polycistronic vector using a ＂self-cleaving＂ 2A peptide to co-express huC1/C2 suppressed 1,25D-mediated induction of osteoblast target gene expression. Structural diversity of hnRNPC between human/NWPs and mouse/rat/rabbit/dog was investigated by analysis of sequence variations within the hnRNP CLZ domain. The predicted loss of distal helical function in hnRNPC from lower species provides an explanation for the altered interaction between huC1/C2 and their mouse counterparts. These data provide new evidence of a role for hnRNPC1/C2 in 1,25（OH）2D-driven gene expression, and further suggest that species-specific tetramerization is a crucial determinant of its actions as a regulator of VDR-directed transactivation.

Population Genetic Analysis of the Rice Stem Borer, Chilo suppressalis, in the South China

Genetic variation and patterns of genetic differentiation of the rice stem borer, Chilo suppressalis （Lepidoptera： Pyralidae）, from the South China were analyzed using 6 microsatellite markers and two partial mtDNA （cox1 and cox2） regions. All of the 6 microsatellite loci were polymorphic in the studied seven populations. The allelic richness per population ranged between 5.67 and 14.00, and average H E and H O values were 0.6246-0.8329 and 0.2634-0.6061, respectively. As the mitochondrial genome is a single genetic locus, we only present results for the concatenated data set （cox1 plus cox2 gene sequences, 513 bp）. The concatenated data showed high level of genetic diversity and there are 23 variable polymorphic sites among the 513 sites in concatenated data. Nearly all of （20 of 21） pairwise F ST comparisons among populations showed genetic differentiation with moderate to high pairwise F ST values based on microsatellite markers. However, for the mtDNA data, most of the seven populations did not show significant differentiation with other populations. The differences of population differentiation obtained with the two different genetic markers could be mainly attributed to the different mutation rates of microsatellite and mtDNA. There was not genetic structure existed in these studied populations based on microsatellite loci and mtDNA data. The analysis based on network, mismatch distribution, Tajima＇s D and F S indicated that the studied populations were from the recent same ancestor or the same refuge and followed by a sudden demographic expansion condition.

STUDY OF ECK GENE EXON-3 FROM HUMAN NORMAL TISSUE AND BREAST CANCER CELL LINE

Objective To establish a method cloning the exon 3 of eck gene from normal tissue and ZR 75 1 cell line (a human breast cancer cell line)and study whether these genes exist mutant. Methods Designed a pair of specific primers and amplified the exon 3 of eck gene fragment from the extracted genomic DNA derived from normal epithelial cells from skin tissue and ZR 75 1 cell line respectively by PCR technique. Transformed the E.coil. JM109 with recombinant plamids constructed by inserting the amplified fragments into medium vector pUCm T and sequenced these amplified fragments after primary screening of endonuclease restriction digestion and PCR amplification. Results ① Obtained the genomic DNA of human normal epithelial cells and ZR 75 1 cell line respectively. ② Obtained the amplified fragments of human exon 3 of eck gene through PCR technique. ③ Obtained the cloning vectors of exon 3 of eck gene of human normal epithelial cells and ZR 75 1 cell line respectively. ④ ZR 75 1 cell line exists mutation of nucleotides. Conclusion Successfully established the method of cloning the human exon 3 of eck gene and found some mutations in the detected samples. This study lays a foundation for further studying the function of eck gene in tumorgenesis.

Gene Expression Profiling of the Mouse Pancreas during the Secondary Transition in the Organogenesis of the Pancreatic Gland*

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease that impacts the homeostasis of blood sugar levels caused by loss or defect of insulin-producing β-cells in the Islets of Langerhans. Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is caused by auto-immune mediated destruction of β-cells, whereas in T2D, insulin is produced but used inefficiently. T2D accounts for 90% of people with diabetes worldwide (WHO 1999) and is the fastest increasing disease worldwide (https://diabetesatlas.org/en/). For an improved understanding of the pathomechanism of diabetes, profound knowledge of pancreas organogenesis and the associated gene regulatory networks is required. Therefore, we dissected and profiled the pancreatic endodermal and non-endodermal compartment between the embryonic stages (E) 12.5 and E 15.5 when progenitor cells commit to their different pancreatic lineages. Our associated study mined the global mRNA expression profile to increase the understanding of the secondary transition, endodermal-non-endodermal tissue interaction, and diabetic-related gene regulation. Furthermore, we validated 635 regulated pancreatic genes using the publicly available GenePaint.org, respective gp3.mpg.de to evaluate genes associated with genetic variants in Single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) related to T2D.

Co-existing squamous cell carcinoma and chronic myelomonocytic leukemia with ASXL1 and EZH2 gene mutations:A case report

BACKGROUND Chronic myelomonocytic leukemia(CMML),a rare clonal hematopoietic stem cell disorder characterized by myelodysplastic syndrome and myeloproliferative neoplasms,has a generally poor prognosis,and easily progresses to acute myeloid leukemia.The simultaneous incidence of hematologic malignancies and solid tumors is extremely low,and CMML coinciding with lung malignancies is even rarer.Here,we report a case of CMML,with ASXL1 and EZH2 gene mutations,combined with non-small cell lung cancer(lung squamous cell carcinoma).CASE SUMMARY A 63-year-old male,suffering from toothache accompanied by coughing,sputum,and bloody sputum for three months,was given a blood test after experiencing continuous bleeding resulting from a tooth extraction at a local hospital.Based on morphological results,the patient was diagnosed with CMML and bronchoscopy was performed in situ to confirm the diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma in the lower lobe of the lung.After receiving azacitidine,programmed cell death protein 1,and platinum-based chemotherapy drugs,the patient developed severe myelosuppression and eventually fatal leukocyte stasis and dyspnea.CONCLUSION During the treatment and observation of CMML and be vigilant of the growth of multiple primary malignant tumors.

Genetic counseling in post-genomic era: Don't pretend to know the meaning of a gene mutation if you don't know

In this post-genomic era, more and more susceptibility loci of many possible genetic diseases are published. As our knowledge about these susceptibility loci is limited and partial, we should be very careful and responsible when patients seek genetic counseling about these possible genetic diseases. We should apply Confucius' s principle about knowledge and information to genetic conseling, and tell the truth to our patients about what we know and what we do not know. Like many other cancers, breast cancer is a very complicated, multifactorial disease; genetic factors, lifestyles and eating habits, environmental factors, and viral infections might be involved in breast cancer; hence, it is difficult to figure out the real etiology of breast cancer. It is not crystal clear that a person who carries mutations of the breast cancer 1, early onset and/or breast cancer 2, early onset genes would eventually get breast cancer in her/his lifetime. No person should undergo a preventive double mastectomy, unless we know the etiology of breast cancer someday.

Correlation of Kif2a and HPK1 expression in breast cancer with the oncogene and drug resistance gene expression

Objective: To investigate the correlation of Kif2a and HPK1 expression in breast cancer with the oncogene and drug resistance gene expression. Methods: A total of 91 patients with breast cancer and 85 patients with breast adenoma who accepted surgical treatment in our hospital between August 2016 and February 2018 were selected, and the breast cancer tissues and breast adenoma tissues were collected respectively as the research samples. Fluorescence quantitative PCR method was used to detect the expression of Kif2a and HPK1 genes as well as oncogenes and drug resistance genes in sample tissues, and Pearson test was used to evaluate the inner link of Kif2a and HPK1 gene expression in breast cancer tissue with oncogene and drug resistance gene expression. Results: Kif2a mRNA expression in breast cancer tissues was higher than that in breast adenoma tissues whereas HPK1 mRNA expression was lower than that in breast adenoma tissues;oncogenes DEK, iASPP-SV, Stat3, MDM2 and Fra-1 mRNA expression were higher than those in breast adenoma tissues;drug resistance genes ESR1, MDR1, P-gp, MRP1 and GST- mRNA expression were higher than those in breast adenoma tissues whereas BCRP mRNA expression was lower than that in breast adenoma tissues. Correlation analysis showed that the Kif2a and HPK1 gene expression in breast cancer tissues were directly correlated with the expression of oncogenes and drug resistance genes. Conclusion: Kif2a gene is abnormally highly expressed whereas HPK1 gene is abnormally lowly expressed in breast cancer tissues, and they are involved in the regulation of oncogene and drug resistance gene expression.