miR-24-3p promotes proliferation and inhibits apoptosis of porcine granulosa cells by targeting P27

Ovarian follicle development is associated with the physiological functions of granulosa cells(GCs),including proliferation and apoptosis.The level of miR-24-3p in ovarian tissue of high-yielding Yorkshire×Landrace sows was significantly higher than that of low-yielding sows.However,the functions of miR-24-3p on GCs are unclear.In this study,using flow cytometry,5-ethynyl-2′-de-oxyuridine(EdU)staining,and cell count,we showed that miR-24-3p promoted the proliferation of GCs increasing the proportion of cells in the S phase and upregulating the expression of cell cycle genes,moreover,miR-24-3p inhibited GC apoptosis.Mechanistically,on-line prediction,bioinformatics analysis,a luciferase reporter assay,RT-qPCR,and Western blot results showed that the target gene of miR-24-3p in proliferation and apoptosis is cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1B(P27/CDKN1B).Furthermore,the effect of miR-24-3p on GC proliferation and apoptosis was attenuated by P27 overexpression.These findings suggest that miR-24-3p regulates the physiological functions of GCs.

Overexpression of 14-3-3 protein protects pheochromocytoma cells against 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium toxicity

Objective To investigate the effects of 14-3-3 protein overexpression on the 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium （MPP^＋） induced pheochromocytoma （PC12） cell death and the potential mechanisms. Methods pcDNA3.1（＋）-14-3-3 plasmids, which could be expressed in mammalian cell, were constructed and transfected into PC 12 cells with Lipofectamine 2000. The expression of 14-3-3 protein, Bcl-2 protein, and BAD protein were determined by western blot. 3-（4,5- dimethylthiazol-2-yl）-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide （MTT） assay, microplate reader, and flow cytometric analysis were used to measure cell viability, the caspase activity, and apoptotic ratio respectively. Results （1） The expression of 14-3-3 protein increased significantly three weeks after pcDNA3.1（＋）-14-3-3 plasmids transfected into PC 12 cells. （2） MPP^＋ caused a decrease of cell viability in a dose-dependent manner. At 100μmol/L MPP^＋, cell viability reduced approximately 50%. （3） The caspase activity increased along with the MPP^＋ concentrations rising and reached its maximum value （0.34 μmol/mg protein） at 100 μmol/L MPP＊. However caspase activity decreased significantly when the MPP^＋ concentration exceeded 100 μmol/L. （4） Overexpression of 14-3-3 protein decreased the apoptosis ratio of PC 12 cells treated with 100μmol/L MPP^＋ from 26.5% to 8.6%. （5） Bcl-2 protein tended to decrease but BAD protein tended to increase after treatment of PC 12 cells with 100 μmol/L MPP^＋. Overexpression of 14-3-3 protein significantly increased the cellular level of Bcl-2 protein and decreased that of BAD protein. Conclusion Overexpression of 14-3-3 protein may reduce MPP^＋-induced apoptotic cell death in PC12 cells by up-regulating the Bcl-2 expression and down-regulating the BAD expression. These results may provide a promising target for treatment of Parkinson＇s disease.

Involvement of ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK in up-regulation of 14-3-3 protein induced by hydrogen peroxide preconditioning in PC12 cells

Objective To investigate the protective effects of hydrogen peroxide preconditioning （HPP） on the pheochromocytoma （PC12） cells treated with 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium （MPP^＋） and to explore the potential mechanisms. Methods The viability and apoptosis of PC 12 cells were determinded by 3-（4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl）-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide （MTT） assay and 4′,6′-diamidino-2-phenylindole （DAPI） staining, respectively. The expressions of 14-3-3 protein and phospholylated p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase （MAPK） were determined by Western blot. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） was used to measure the activity of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase 1/2 （ERK1/2）. Results The cell viability decreased and the number of apoptotic cells increased dramatically in MPP^＋ group compared with that in Control group. HPP induced a significant increase in cell viability and a marked decrease in population of apoptotic cells of the MPP^＋- treated PC 12 cells, accompanied with up-regulation of 14-3-3 protein and increase of ERK 1/2 and p38 MAPK activities. The 14-3-3 protein expression was positively correlated with the phosphorylation of ERK1/2. Furthermore, inhibition of the ERK1/2 with PD98059 abolished the 14-3-3 protein up-regulation in PC 12 cells induced by HPP. Conclusion HPP protects PC 12 cells against MPP＋ toxicity by up-regulating 14-3-3 protein expression through the ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK signaling pathways.

Long non-coding RNA H19 regulates neurogenesis of induced neural stem cells in a mouse model of closed head injury

Stem cell-based therapies have been proposed as a potential treatment for neural regeneration following closed head injury.We previously reported that induced neural stem cells exert beneficial effects on neural regeneration via cell replacement.However,the neural regeneration efficiency of induced neural stem cells remains limited.In this study,we explored differentially expressed genes and long non-coding RNAs to clarify the mechanism underlying the neurogenesis of induced neural stem cells.We found that H19 was the most downregulated neurogenesis-associated lnc RNA in induced neural stem cells compared with induced pluripotent stem cells.Additionally,we demonstrated that H19 levels in induced neural stem cells were markedly lower than those in induced pluripotent stem cells and were substantially higher than those in induced neural stem cell-derived neurons.We predicted the target genes of H19 and discovered that H19 directly interacts with mi R-325-3p,which directly interacts with Ctbp2 in induced pluripotent stem cells and induced neural stem cells.Silencing H19 or Ctbp2 impaired induced neural stem cell proliferation,and mi R-325-3p suppression restored the effect of H19 inhibition but not the effect of Ctbp2 inhibition.Furthermore,H19 silencing substantially promoted the neural differentiation of induced neural stem cells and did not induce apoptosis of induced neural stem cells.Notably,silencing H19 in induced neural stem cell grafts markedly accelerated the neurological recovery of closed head injury mice.Our results reveal that H19 regulates the neurogenesis of induced neural stem cells.H19 inhibition may promote the neural differentiation of induced neural stem cells,which is closely associated with neurological recovery following closed head injury.

Ni doped La_(0.6)Sr_(0.4)FeO_(3-δ) symmetrical electrode for solid oxide fuel cells

The conventional Ni cermet anode suffers from severe carbon deposition and sulfur poisoning when fossil fuels are used. Alternative anode materials are desired for high performance hydrocarbon fuel solid oxide fuel cells （SOFCs）. We report the rational design of a very active Ni doped La0.6Sr0.4FeO3‐δ（LSFN） electrode for hydrocarbon fuel SOFCs. Homogeneously dispersed Ni‐Fe alloy nanoparticles were in situ extruded onto the surface of the LSFN particles during the operation of the cell. Sym‐metric SOFC single cells were prepared by impregnating a LSFN precursor solution onto a YSZ （yt‐tria stabilized zirconia） monolithic cell with a subsequent heat treatment. The open circuit voltage of the LSFN symmetric cell reached 1.18 and 1.0 V in humidified C3H8 and CH4 at 750？？, respective‐ly. The peak power densities of the cells were 400 and 230 mW/cm2 in humidified C3H8 and CH4, respectively. The electrode showed good stability in long term testing, which revealed LSFN has good catalytic activity for hydrocarbon fuel oxidation.

Interaction of 14-3-3σ with KCMF1 suppresses the proliferation and colony formation of human colon cancer stem cells

AIM: To investigate the biological function of 14-3-3σ protein and to look for proteins that interact with 14-3-3σ protein in colon cancer stem cells. METHODS: Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was performed to amplify the 14-3-3σ gene from the mRNA of colon cancer stem cells. The gene was then cloned into the pGEM-T vector. After being sequenced, the target gene 14-3-3σ was cut from the pGEM-T vector and cloned into the pGBKT7 yeast expression plasmid. Then, the bait plasmid pGBKT7-14-3-3σ was transformed into the yeast strain AH109. After the expression of the pGBKT7-14-3-3σ fusion protein in the AH109 yeast strain was accomplished, a yeast two-hybrid screening assay was performed by mating AH109 with Y187 that contained a HeLa cDNA library plasmid. The interaction between the 14-3-3σ protein and the proteins obtained from positive colonies was further confirmed by repeating the yeast two-hybridscreen. After extracting and sequencing the plasmids from the positive colonies, we performed a bioinformatics analysis. A coimmunoprecipitation assay was performed to confirm the interaction between 14-3-3σ and the proteins obtained from the positive colonies. Finally, we constructed 14-3-3σ and potassium channel modulatory factor 1 (KCMF1) siRNA expression plasmids and transfected them into colon cancer stem cells. RESULTS: The bait plasmid pGBKT7-14-3-3σ was constructed successfully, and the 14-3-3σ protein had no toxic or autonomous activation effect on the yeast. Nineteen true-positive colonies were selected and sequenced, and their full-length sequences were obtained. We searched for homologous DNA sequences for these sequences from GenBank. Among the positive colonies, four coding genes with known functions were obtained, including KCMF1 , quinone oxidore-ductase (NQO2 ), hydroxyisobutyrate dehydrogenase (HIBADH ) and 14-3-3σ . For the subsequent coimmu-noprecipitation assay, the plasmids PCDEF-Flag-14-3-3σ, PCDEF-Myc-KCMF1, PCDEF-Myc-NQO2 and PCDEF-Myc-HIBADH were successfully constructed, and the sequences were further confirmed by DNA sequencing. The Fugene 6 reagent was used to transfect the plasmids, and fluorescence-activated cell sorting analysis showed the transfection efficiency was 97.8% after 48 h. The HEK 293FT cells showed the stable expression of the PCDEF-Flag-14-3-3σ, PCDEF-Myc-KCMF1, PCDEF-Myc-NQO2 and PCDEF-Myc-HIBADH plasmids. After anti-Myc antibody immunoprecipitation with Myc-KCMF1, Myc-NQO2 and Myc-HIBADH from cell lysates, the presence of Flag-14-3-3σ protein in the immuno-precipitated complex was determined by western blot analysis. The knock-down expression of the 14-3-3σ and KCMF1 proteins significantly inhibited cell proliferation and colony formation of SW1116csc. CONCLUSION: Genes of the proteins that interactedwith 14-3-3σ were successfully screened from a HeLa cDNA library. KCMF1 and 14-3-3σ protein may affect the proliferation and colony formation of human colon cancer stem cells.

Altered profiles of nuclear matrix proteins during the differentiation of human gastric mucous adenocarcinoma MGc80-3 cells

AIM： To find and identify specific nuclear matrix proteins associated with proliferation and differentiation of carcinoma cells, which will be potential markers for cancer diagnosis and targets in cancer therapy. METHODS： Nuclear matrix proteins were selectively extracted from MGcS0-3 cells treated with or without hexamethylamine bisacetamide （HMBA）, and subjected to 2-D gel electrophoresis. The resulted protein patterns were analyzed by Melanie software. Spots of nuclear matrix proteins differentially expressed were excised and subjected to in situ digestion with trypsin. Peptide masses were obtained by matrix-assisted laser-desorption/ ionization time of flight mass spectrometry （MALDI-TOFMS） analysis and submitted for database searching using Mascot tool. RESULTS： The MGc80-3 cells were induced into differentiation by HMBA. There were 22 protein spots which changed remarkably in the nuclear matrix, from differentiation of MGcS0-3 cells compared to control. Eleven of which were identified. Seven proteinsactin, prohibitin, porin 31HL, heterogeneous nuclear dbonucleoprotein A2/B1, vimentin, ATP synthase, and heat shock protein 60 were downregulated, whereas three proteins - heat shock protein gp96, heat shock protein 90-beta, and valosin-containing protein were upregulated, and the oxygen-regulated protein was only found in the differentiated MGc80-3 cells. CONCLUSION： The induced differentiation of carcinoma cells is accompanied by the changes of nuclear matrix proteins. Further characterization of those proteins will show the mechanism of cellular proliferation and differentiation, as well as cancer differentiation.

Growth inhibition of hepatocellular carcinoma tumor endothelial cells by miR-204-3p and underlying mechanism

AIM: To investigate the mechanism by which miR-204-3p inhibits the growth of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tumor endothelial cells (TECs).

Potential role of chitinase 3-like-1 in inflammation-associated carcinogenic changes of epithelial cells

The family of mammalian chitinases includes members both with and without glycohydrolase enzymatic activity against chitin, a polymer of N-acetylglucosamine. Chitin is the structural component of fungi, crustaceans, insects and parasitic nematodes, but is completely absent in mammals. Exposure to antigens containing chitin- or chitin-like structures sometimes induces strong T helper type-I responses in mammals, which may be associated with the induction of mammalian chitinases. Chitinase 3-like-1 （CHI3L1）, a member of the mammalian chitinase family, is induced specifically during the course of inflammation in such disorders as inflammatory bowel disease, hepatitis and asthma. In addition, CHI3L1 is expressed and secreted by several types of solid tumors including glioblastoma, colon cancer, breast cancer and malignant melanoma. Although the exact function of CHI3L1 in inflammation and cancer is still largely unknown, CHI3L1 plays a pivotal role in exacerbating the inflammatory processes and in promoting angiogenesis and remodeling of the extracellular matrix. CHI3L1 may be highly involved in the chronic engagement of inflammation which potentiates development of epithelial tumorigenesis presumably by activating the mitogen-activated protein kinase and the protein kinase B signaling pathways. Anti-CHI3L1 antibodies or pan-chitinase inhibitors may have the potential to suppress CHI3Ll-mediated chronic inflammation and the subsequent carcinogenic change in epithelial cells.

MiR-214-3p promotes proliferation and inhibits estradiol synthesis in porcine granulosa cells

Background: Granulosa cells(GCs) proliferation and estradiol synthesis significantly affect follicular development.The miR-214-3p expression in the ovarian tissues of high-yielding sows is higher than that in low-yielding sows,indicating that miR-214-3p may be involved in sow fertility. However, the functions and mechanisms of miR-214-3p on GCs are unclear. This study focuses on miR-214-3p in terms of the effects on GCs proliferation and estradiol synthesis.Results: Our findings revealed that miR-214-3p promotes proliferation and inhibits estradiol synthesis in porcine GCs. MiR-214-3p can increase the percentage of S-phase cells, the number of EdU labeled positive cells, and cell viability. However, E2 concentration was reduced after miR-214-3p agomir treatment. We also found that miR-214-3p up-regulates the expression of cell cycle genes including cell cycle protein B(Cyclin B), cell cycle protein D(Cyclin D), cell cycle protein E(Cyclin E), and cyclin-dependent kinase 4(CDK4) at the transcription and translation levels, but down-regulates the mRNA and protein levels of cytochrome P450 family 11 subfamily A member 1(CYP11A1), cytochrome P450 family 19 subfamily A member 1(CYP19A1), and steroidogenic acute regulatory protein(StAR)(i.e., the key enzymes in estradiol synthesis). On-line prediction, bioinformatics analysis, a luciferase reporter assay, RT-qPCR, and Western blot results showed that the target genes of miR-214-3p in proliferation and estradiol synthesis are Mfn2 and NR5A1, respectively.Conclusions: Our findings suggest that miR-214-3 p plays an important role in the functional regulation of porcine GCs and therefore may be a target gene for regulating follicular development.

Effects of miR-101-3p on goat granulosa cells in vitro and ovarian development in vivo via STC1

Background:MiRNAs act as pivotal post-transcriptional gene mediators in the regulation of diverse biological processes,including proliferation,development and apoptosis.Our previous study has showed that miR-101-3p is differentially expressed in dairy goat ovaries compared single with multiple litters.The objective of this research was to explore the potential function and molecular mechanism of miR-101-3p via its target STC1 in goat ovarian growth and development.Results:cDNA libraries were constructed using goat granulosa cells transfected with miR-101-3p mimics and negative control by RNA-sequencing.In total,142 differentially expressed unigenes(DEGs)were detected between two libraries,including 78 down-regulated and 64 up-regulated genes.GO and KEGG enrichment analysis showed the potential impacts of DEGs on ovarian development.STC1 was singled out from DEGs for further research owing to it regulates reproductive-related processes.In vitro,bioinformatics analysis and 3′-UTR assays confirmed that STC1 was a target of miR-101-3p.ELISA was performed to detect the estrogen(E2)and progesterone(P4)levels.CCK8,EdU and flow cytometry assays were performed to detect the proliferation and apoptosis of granulosa cells.Results showed that miR-101-3p regulated STAR,CYP19A1,CYP11A1 and 3β-HSD steroid hormone synthesis-associated genes by STC1 depletion,thus promoted E2 and P4 secretions.MiR-101-3p also affected the key protein PI3K,PTEN,AKT and mTOR in PI3K-AKT pathway by STC1,thereby suppressing proliferation and promoting apoptosis of granulosa cells.In vivo,the distribution and expression levels of miR-101-3p in mouse ovaries were determined through fluorescence in situ hybridisation(FISH).Immunohistochemistry results showed that STC1 expression was suppressed in mouse ovaries in miR-101-3p-agonist and siRNA-STC1 groups.Small and stunted ovarian fragments,decreased numbers of follicles at diverse stages were observed using Hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining,thereby showing unusual ovarian development after miR-101-3p overexpression or STC1 depletion.Inhibition of miR-101-3p manifested opposite results.Conclusions:Taken together,our results demonstrated a regulatory mechanism of miR-101-3p via STC1 in goat granulosa cells,and offered the first in vivo example of miR-101-3p and STC1 functions required for ovarian development.

Differentially expressed genes and signalling pathways are involved in mouse osteoblast-like MC3T3-E1 cells exposed to 17-β estradiol

Oestrogen is essential for maintaining bone mass, and it has been demonstrated to induce osteoblast proliferation and bone formation.In this study, complementary DNA（cDNA） microarrays were used to identify and study the expression of novel genes that may be involved in MC3T3-E1 cells’ response to 17-b estradiol. MC3T3-E1 cells were inoculated in minimum essential media alpha（a-MEM）cell culture supplemented with 17-b estradiol at different concentrations and for different time periods. MC3T3-E1 cells treated with1028mol？L2117-b estradiol for 5 days exhibited the highest proliferation and alkaline phosphatase（ALP） activity; thus, this group was chosen for microarray analysis. The harvested RNA was used for microarray hybridisation and subsequent real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction（RT-PCR） to validate the expression levels for selected genes. The microarray results were analysed using both functional and pathway analysis. In this study, microarray analysis detected 5 403 differentially expressed genes,of which 1 996 genes were upregulated and 3 407 genes were downregulated, 1 553 different functional classifications were identified by gene ontology（GO） analysis and 53 different pathways were involved based on pathway analysis. Among the differentially expressed genes, a portion not previously reported to be associated with the osteoblast response to oestrogen was identified. These findings clearly demonstrate that the expression of genes related to osteoblast proliferation, cell differentiation, collagens and transforming growth factor beta（TGF-b）-related cytokines increases, while the expression of genes related to apoptosis and osteoclast differentiation decreases, following the exposure of MC3T3-E1 cells to a-MEM supplemented with 17-b estradiol. Microarray analysis with functional gene classification is critical for a complete understanding of complementary intracellular processes. This microarray analysis provides large-scale gene expression data that require further confirmatory studies.

Silencing Filamin A Inhibits the Invasion and Migration of Breast Cancer Cells by Up-regulating 14-3-3σ

Filamin A and 14-3-3-σ are closely associated with the development of breast cancer. However, the exact relationship between them is still unknown. The present study aimed to examine the interaction of filamin A with 14-3-3-σ in the invasion and migration of breast cancer. RNA interference technology was employed to silence filamin A in MDA-MB-231 cells. Real-time PCR and Westem blotting were used to detect the expression of filamin A and 14-3-3-σ at mRNA and protein levels, respectively. Double immunofluorescence was applied to show their colocalization morphologically. Wound healing assay and Trans-well assay were used to testify the migration and invasion of MDA-MB-231 cells in filamin A-silenced cells. The results showed that silencing filamin A significantly increased the mRNA and protein levels of 14-3-3σ. In addition, double immunofluorescence displayed that filamin A and 14-3-3σ were predominantly colocalized in the cytoplasm of MDA-MB-231 cells. Silencing filamin A led to the enhanced fluorescence of 14-3-3σ. Furthermore, cell functional experiments showed that silencing filamin A inhibited the migration and invasion of MDA-MB-231 cells in vitro. In conclusion, silencing filamin A may inhibit the invasion and migration of breast cancer cells by upregulating 14-3-3σ.

Cr-poisoning under open-circuit condition in LaNi_(0.6)Fe_(0.4)O_(3-δ)-based nano composite cathodes for solid oxide fuel cells prepared by infiltration process

LaNi（0.6）Fe（0.4）O（3-δ） （LNF） powders were synthesized by the glycine-nitrate process and LNF-gadolinium-doped ceria （GDC） nanocomposite cathodes for solid oxide fuel cells （SOFCs） were fabricated by infiltration from LNF porous backbones. Electrochemical properties and Cr-poisoning behavior of LNF-GDC cathodes were studied. Single phase perovskite LNF could be obtained at the glycine to nitrate molar ratio of 1：1. The polarization resistance of the LNF-GDC nanocomposite cathode was significantly decreased in comparison with the LNF. This phenomenon was associated with enhanced catalytic activity and enlarged triple-phase boundary （TPB） length by GDC nano particles. In addition, the nanocomposite cathode showed good Cr tolerance under open circuit condition. The LNF-GDC nanocomposite cathodes were expected for use as a potential cathode in intermediate- temperature solid oxide fuel cells （IT-SOFC）.

MiR-494-3p regulates cell proliferation and apoptosis via KLF7 in Schwann cells

Peripheral nerve injury is a common neurodegenerative disease,which causes disability and a huge economic burden for patients.MicroRNAs(miRNAs)have been acknowledged as major regulators and therapeutic targets of neurological disease.Thus,the functional studies of miRNAs in neurological disease will contribute to discover new therapeutic targets for peripheral nerve injury.Sprague Dawley rats treated sciatic nerve surgical injury were regarded as peripheral nerve injury model in vivo.The expression of miR-494-3p and Kruppel like factor7(KLF7)were measured by Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(RT-qPCR)assay.In addition,western blot analysis was conducted to measure the protein levels of KLF7,Bax,Bcl-2,and C-caspase 3.Cell viability and apoptosis were detected in Schwann cells by EdU stain and flow cytometry,respectively.The interaction between miR-494-3p and KLF7 was investigated by dual-luciferase reporter assay.The expression of miR-494-3p was reduced at the beginning,but KLF7 was enhanced in Sprague Dawley rats with peripheral nerve injury.Knockdown of miR-494-3p promoted cell proliferation and suppressed apoptosis,while overexpression of miR-494-3p or silencing KLF7 led to opposite results.Moreover,the upregulation of KLF7 attenuated miR-494-3p overexpression-induced suppressive effects on viability and promotion of apoptosis in Schwann cells.MiR-494-3p negatively regulates KLF7 in Schwann cells to mediate proliferation and apoptosis.

circ_0003204 regulates the osteogenic differentiation of human adipose-derived stem cells via miR-370-3p/HDAC4 axis

Human adipose-derived stem cells(hASCs)are a promising cell type for bone tissue regeneration.Circular RNAs(circRNAs)have been shown to play a critical role in regulating various cell differentiation and involve in mesenchymal stem cell osteogenesis.However,how circRNAs regulate hASCs in osteogenesis is still unclear.Herein,we found circ_0003204 was significantly downregulated during osteogenic differentiation of hASCs.Knockdown of circ_0003204 by si RNA or overexpression by lentivirus confirmed circ_0003204 could negatively regulate the osteogenic differentiation of hASCs.We performed dual-luciferase reporting assay and rescue experiments to verify circ_0003204 regulated osteogenic differentiation via sponging miR-370-3p.We predicted and confirmed that miR-370-3p had targets in the 3′-UTR of HDAC4 m RNA.The following rescue experiments indicated that circ_0003204 regulated the osteogenic differentiation of hASCs via miR-370-3p/HDAC4 axis.Subsequent in vivo experiments showed the silencing of circ_0003204 increased the bone formation and promoted the expression of osteogenic-related proteins in a mouse bone defect model,while overexpression of circ_0003204 inhibited bone defect repair.Our findings indicated that circ_0003204 might be a promising target to promote the efficacy of hASCs in repairing bone defects.

La_(0.75)Sr_(0.25)Cr_(0.5)Mn_(0.5)O_(3)-δ−Ce_(0.8)Gd_(0.2)O_(1.9) composite electrodes as anodes in LaGaO_(3)-based direct carbon solid oxide fuel cells

Direct carbon solid oxide fuel cells(DC-SOFCs)are promising,green,and efficient power-generating devices that are fueled by solid carbons and comprise all-solid-state structures.Developing suitable anode materials for DC-SOFCs is a substantial scientific challenge.Herein we investigated the use of La_(0.75)Sr_(0.25)Cr_(0.5)Mn_(0.5)O_(3)-δ−Ce_(0.8)Gd_(0.2)O_(1.9)(LSCM−GDC)composite electrodes as anodes for La_(0.9)Sr_(0.1)Ga_(0.8)Mg_(0.2)O_(3)-δelectrolyte-based DC-SOFCs,with Camellia oleifera shell char as the carbon fuel.The LSCM−GDC-anode DC-SOFC delivered a maximum power density of 221 mW/cm^(2) at 800℃ and it significantly improved to 425 mW/cm^(2) after Ni nanoparticles were introduced into the LSCM−GDC anode through wet impregnation.The microstructures of the prepared anodes were characterized,and the stability of the anode in a DC-SOFC and the influence of catalytic activity on open circuit voltage were studied.The above results indicate that LSCM–GDC anode is promising to be applied in DC-SOFCs.

Na^+/HCO_3^- cotransporter is expressed on β and α cells during rat pancreatic development

AIM To determine the expression and localization of the electrogenic Na^+/HCO_3^- cotransporter(NBC1) in rat pancreas during development. METHODS The rat pancreas from postnatal and embryos removed from the uterus of pregnant rats that had been sacrificed by CO2 asphyxiation were used. Rat pancreas from embryonic day(E) 15.5 and E18.5 rat embryos was isolated under a stereomicroscope. Rat pancreas from postnatal(P) days 0, 7, 14, 21 and adult was directly isolated by the unaided eye. The RT-PCR analysis of the NBC1 specific region on rat pancreastissues from different developmental stages. The two antibodies which target the NBC1 common COOHterminal region and NH2-terminal region detected a clear band of about 145 k Da in the Western blot analysis. The localization of NBC1 was examined by immuno-fluorescence detection. RESULTS The results revealed the first peak of NBC1 expression at E18.5 and the second peak at P14. Meanwhile, the low NBC1 expression occurred at P7 and adult stages. Our results demonstrated, for the first time, the presence of NBC1 in the plasma membrane of β and α cells, as well as in the basolateral membrane of acinar cells of the rat pancreas at different stages of development. CONCLUSION The data strongly suggests that NBC1 is diversely expressed in the pancreas at different developmental stages, where it may exert its functions in pancreatic development especially islet cell growth through HCO_3^- transport and pH regulation.

Gap junctions enhance the antiproliferative effect of microrna-124-3p in glioblastoma cells

OBJECTIVE MicroR NA(miR NA)holds promise as a novel therapeutic tool for cancer treatment.However,the transfection efficiency of current delivery systems represents a bottleneck for clinical applications.Here,we demonstrate that gap junctions mediate an augmentative effect on the antiproliferation mediated by mi R-124-3p in U87 and C6 glioblastoma cells.METHODS The functional inhibition of gap junctions using either si RNA or pharmacological inhibition eliminated the mi R-124-3p-mediated antiproliferation,whereas the enhancement of gap junctions with retinoic acid treatment augmented this mi R-124-3p-mediated antiproliferation.A similar effect was observed in glioblastoma xenograft models.RESULTS More importantly,patch clamp and co-culture assays demonstrated the transmission of mi R-124-3p through gap junction channels into adjacent cells.In further exploring the impact of gap junction-mediated transport of mi R-124-3p on mi R-124-3p target pathways,we found that mi R-124-3p inhibited glioblastoma cell growth in part by decreasing the protein expression of cyclindependent kinase 6,leading to cel cycle arrest at the G0/G1phase;moreover,pharmacological regulation of gap junctions affected this cell cycle arrest.CONCLUSION Our results indicate that the″bystander″effects of functional gap junctions composed of connexin 43 enhance the antitumor effect of mi R-124-3p in glioblastoma cells by transferring mi R-124-3p to adjacent cells,thereby enhancing G0/G1cell cycle arrest.These observations provide a new guiding strategy for the clinical application of mi RNA therapy in tumor treatment.

miR-103-3p regulates the differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in myelodysplastic syndrome

The pathogenesis of myelodysplastic syndrome(MDS)may be related to the abnormal expression of microRNAs(miRNAs),which could influence the differentiation capacity of mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs)towards adipogenic and osteogenic lineages.In this study,exosomes from bone marrow plasma were successfully extracted and identified.Assessment of miR-103-3p expression in exosomes isolated from BM in 34 MDS patients and 10 controls revealed its 0.52-fold downregulation in patients with MDS compared with controls(NOR)and was downregulated 0.55-fold in MDS-MSCs compared with NOR-MSCs.Transfection of MDS-MSCs with the miR-103-3p mimic improved osteogenic differentiation and decreased adipogenic differentiation in vitro,while inhibition of miR-103-3p showed the opposite results in NOR-MSCs.Thus,the expression of miR-103-3p decreases in MDS BM plasma and MDS-MSCs,significantly impacting MDS-MSCs differentiation.The miR-103-3p mimics may boost MDS-MSCs osteogenic differentiation while weakening lipid differentiation,thereby providing possible target for the treatment of MDS pathogenesis.