副溶血弧菌QsvR ChIP-qPCR方法的建立

目的:建立副溶血弧菌QsvR的染色质免疫共沉淀实时定量PCR(ChIP-qPCR)实验方法。方法:通过热激转化和转化结合将标记2×Flag标签的qsvR片段转入qsvR突变株(ΔqsvR)中,阿拉伯糖诱导表达QsvR-2×Flag蛋白,通过甲醛与基因组DNA进行交联形成2×Flag-QsvR-DNA复合物,将基因组DNA超声裂解为100~1000 bp大小不等的片段,通过特异性抗原抗体反应将蛋白质-DNA复合物沉淀下来,高盐和加热解交联,回收DNA进行qPCR定量DNA,分析副溶血弧菌体内QsvR与靶基因的结合情况。结果:成功构建出实验菌株ΔqsvR/pBAD33-qsvR-2×Flag,以不加阿拉伯糖诱导为对照,经阿拉伯糖诱导菌株的aphA、opaR、exsB和vtrA的免疫共沉淀量明显较高,表明在副溶血弧菌体内QsvR与aphA、opaR、exsB和vtrA具有结合作用。结论:成功建立了副溶血弧菌QsvR的ChIP-qPCR实验方法,可用于原核生物体内蛋白质-DNA相互作用的研究。

替普瑞酮通过E3泛素连接酶CHIP减轻LPS引起的心肌炎症反应和心功能障碍

目的:探究替普瑞酮又称香叶基香叶基丙酮,GGA)对脂多糖(LPS)诱导的心功能障碍的治疗作用及机制。方法:(1)取8周龄C57BL/6雄性野生型小鼠和热休克蛋白70(HSP70)羧基末端相互作用蛋白(CHIP)基因敲除小鼠,随机分为对照组、LPS组、LPS+GGA组和GGA组,每组8只。用腹腔注射LPS(25 mg/kg)的方法建立模型,于LPS刺激后1 h给予小鼠腹腔注射GGA(100 mg/kg)。利用小动物超声系统评估小鼠心脏功能;采集各组小鼠血清,检测血清肌酸激酶同工酶(CK-MB)和乳酸脱氢酶(LDH)水平;HE染色观察病理学改变;ELISA检测心脏组织中炎症因子肿瘤坏死因子α(TNF-α)和白细胞介素6(IL-6)的水平;Western blot检测各组心脏组织HSP70、CHIP、核转运蛋白α2(KPNA2)、髓过氧化物酶(MPO)、血管细胞黏附分子(VCAM)和细胞间黏附分子(ICAM)的蛋白表达以及细胞核NF-κB的水平。(2)利用小鼠心肌细胞HL-1,建立LPS刺激的离体细胞炎症模型。ELISA检测细胞上清中TNF-α和IL-6的水平;Western blot检测心肌细胞中HSP70、CHIP和KPNA2蛋白表达;免疫荧光染色观察细胞核NF-κB的表达。结果:(1)GGA有效改善LPS刺激小鼠的心脏功能,显著提高射血分数和左室短轴缩短率(P<0.01),减少血清CK-MB和LDH含量(P<0.01),减轻心肌损伤。(2)GGA显著减少LPS引起的TNF-α和IL-6炎症因子的释放(P<0.01),以及NF-κB的入核,降低心肌组织中KPNA2、MPO、VCAM和ICAM蛋白表达,增加心肌组织和细胞HSP70的水平(P<0.01)。(3)在CHIP基因敲除的心肌细胞和小鼠中,GGA不能抑制LPS引起的炎症反应,失去了改善LPS刺激小鼠心脏功能的作用。结论:GGA能够减轻LPS引起的心功能障碍,其作用机制与升高HSP70的表达,促进CHIP的活化,减少NF-κB的入核,抑制炎症因子的释放有关。CHIP的敲除使GGA丧失了减轻LPS诱导的炎症反应和心肌损伤的作用。

Study on the Simultaneously Quantitative Detection for β-Lactoglobulin and Lactoferrin of Cow Milk by Using Protein Chip Technique

Objective To research a protein chip method which can simultaneously quantitative detect β-Lactoglobulin （β-L） and Lactoferrin （Lf） at one time. Methods Protein chip printer was used to print both anti-β-L antibodies and anti-Lf antibodies on each block of protein chip. And then an improved sandwich detection method was applied while the other two detecting antibodies for the two antigens were added in the block after they were mixed. The detection conditions of the quantitative detection for simultaneous measurement of β-L and Lf with protein chip were optimized and evaluated. Based on these detected conditions, two standard curves of the two proteins were simultaneously established on one protein chip. Finally, the new detection method was evaluated by using the analysis of precision and accuracy. Results By comparison experiment, mouse monoclonal antibodies of the two antigens were chosen as the printing probe. The concentrations of β-L and Lf probes were 0.5 mg/mL and 0.5 mg/mL, respectively, while the titers of detection antibodies both of β-L and Lf were 1：2,000. Intra- and inter-assay variability was between 4.88% and 38.33% for all tests. The regression coefficients of protein chip comparing with ELISA for β-L and Lf were better than 0.734, and both of the two regression coefficients were statistically significant （r = 0.734, t = 2.644, P = 0.038; and r = 0.774, t = 2.998, P = 0.024）. Conclusion A protein chip method of simultaneously quantitative detection for β-L and Lf has been established and this method is worthy in further application.

MicroRNA-363-3p inhibits colorectal cancer progression by targeting interferon-induced transmembrane protein 1

BACKGROUND The molecular mechanisms of colorectal cancer development and progression are far from being elucidated.AIM To investigate the role of microRNA-363-3p(miR-363-3p)in the progression of colorectal cancer.METHODS Real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed to detect miRNA expression in human colorectal cancer tissues and paired normal colorectal tissues.PITA 6 was utilized to predict the targets of miR-363-3p.Dual-luciferase reporter system was used to validate the target of miR-363-3p.Plate colony formation assay and wound-healing assay were performed to evaluate cancer cells’clonogenic survival ability and migration ability,respectively.Cell proliferation was examined by cell counting kit-8 assay.Immunohistochemical staining was used to determine the expression level of interferon-induced transmembrane protein 1(IFITM1)in colorectal cancer tissues and adjacent tissues.The TCGA and GTEx databases were used to compare the expression levels of IFITM1 mRNA in colorectal cancer tissues and normal colorectal tissues and analyze the correlation between the expression levels of IFITM1 mRNA and overall survival and disease-free survival of patients.A colorectal cancer cell line with a deficiency of IFITM1 was constructed,and the regulation effect of IFITM1 on the clonogenic growth of colorectal cancer cells was clarified.RESULTS MiR-363-3p was decreased in colorectal cancer tissues compared to normal colorectal tissues.IFITM1 was characterized as a direct target of miR-363-3p.Overexpression of miR-363-3p led to decreased clonogenic survival,proliferation,and migration of colorectal cancer cells,which could be reversed by forced IFITM1 expression.CONCLUSION MiR-363-3p can constrain clonogenic survival,proliferation,and migration of colorectal cancer cells via targeting IFITM1.

Exosomes derived from microglia overexpressing miR-124-3p alleviate neuronal endoplasmic reticulum stress damage after repetitive mild traumatic brain injury

We previously reported that miR-124-3p is markedly upregulated in microglia-derived exosomes following repetitive mild traumatic brain injury.However,its impact on neuronal endoplasmic reticulum stress following repetitive mild traumatic brain injury remains unclear.In this study,we first used an HT22 scratch injury model to mimic traumatic brain injury,then co-cultured the HT22 cells with BV2 microglia expressing high levels of miR-124-3p.We found that exosomes containing high levels of miR-124-3p attenuated apoptosis and endoplasmic reticulum stress.Furthermore,luciferase reporter assay analysis confirmed that miR-124-3p bound specifically to the endoplasmic reticulum stress-related protein IRE1α,while an IRE1αfunctional salvage experiment confirmed that miR-124-3p targeted IRE1αand reduced its expression,thereby inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum stress in injured neurons.Finally,we delivered microglia-derived exosomes containing miR-124-3p intranasally to a mouse model of repetitive mild traumatic brain injury and found that endoplasmic reticulum stress and apoptosis levels in hippocampal neurons were significantly reduced.These findings suggest that,after repetitive mild traumatic brain injury,miR-124-3 can be transferred from microglia-derived exosomes to injured neurons,where it exerts a neuroprotective effect by inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum stress.Therefore,microglia-derived exosomes containing miR-124-3p may represent a novel therapeutic strategy for repetitive mild traumatic brain injury.

Transplantation of human placental chorionic plate-derived mesenchymal stem cells for repair of neurological damage in neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy

Neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy is often associated with permanent cerebral palsy,neurosensory impairments,and cognitive deficits,and there is no effective treatment for complications related to hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy.The therapeutic potential of human placental chorionic plate-derived mesenchymal stem cells for various diseases has been explored.However,the potential use of human placental chorionic plate-derived mesenchymal stem cells for the treatment of neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy has not yet been investigated.In this study,we injected human placental chorionic plate-derived mesenchymal stem cells into the lateral ventricle of a neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy rat model and observed significant improvements in both cognitive and motor function.Protein chip analysis showed that interleukin-3 expression was significantly elevated in neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy model rats.Following transplantation of human placental chorionic plate-derived mesenchymal stem cells,interleukin-3 expression was downregulated.To further investigate the role of interleukin-3 in neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy,we established an in vitro SH-SY5Y cell model of hypoxic-ischemic injury through oxygen-glucose deprivation and silenced interleukin-3 expression using small interfering RNA.We found that the activity and proliferation of SH-SY5Y cells subjected to oxygen-glucose deprivation were further suppressed by interleukin-3 knockdown.Furthermore,interleukin-3 knockout exacerbated neuronal damage and cognitive and motor function impairment in rat models of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy.The findings suggest that transplantation of hpcMSCs ameliorated behavioral impairments in a rat model of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy,and this effect was mediated by interleukin-3-dependent neurological function.

Targeted anti-cancer therapy: Co-delivery of VEGF siRNA and Phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC) via cRGD-modified lipid nanoparticles for enhanced anti-angiogenic efficacy

Anti-tumor angiogenesis therapy, targeting the suppression of blood vessel growth in tumors, presents a potent approach in the battle against cancer. Traditional therapies have primarily concentrated on single-target techniques, with a specific emphasis on targeting the vascular endothelial growth factor, but have not reached ideal therapeutic efficacy. In response to this issue, our study introduced a novel nanoparticle system known as CS-siRNA/PEITC&L-cRGD NPs. These chitosan-based nanoparticles have been recognized for their excellent biocompatibility and ability to deliver genes. To enhance their targeted delivery capability, they were combined with a cyclic RGD peptide (cRGD). Targeted co-delivery of gene and chemotherapeutic agents was achieved through the use of a negatively charged lipid shell and cRGD, which possesses high affinity for integrin αvβ3 overexpressed in tumor cells and neovasculature. In this multifaceted approach, co-delivery of VEGF siRNA and phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC) was employed to target both tumor vascular endothelial cells and tumor cells simultaneously. The co-delivery of VEGF siRNA and PEITC could achieve precise silencing of VEGF, inhibit the accumulation of HIF-1α under hypoxic conditions, and induce apoptosis in tumor cells. In summary, we have successfully developed a nanoparticle delivery platform that utilizes a dual mechanism of action of anti-tumor angiogenesis and pro-tumor apoptosis, which provides a robust and potent strategy for the delivery of anti-cancer therapeutics.

Reverse ChIP:研究DNA-蛋白质相互作用的新方法

反向染色质免疫共沉淀技术(reverse chromatin immunoprecipitation assay,Reverse ChIP)是一种在体内状态下分析DNA-蛋白质相互作用的新方法.它用特异的核酸探针捕获靶DNA片段及与其相结合的蛋白质,蛋白质用质谱仪检测,以达到确定靶DNA位点全部相关蛋白质的目的.其可对靶DNA位点相关蛋白质进行全面、系统地鉴定,特别是寻找已知DNA元件相应的调节蛋白.在发现、鉴定靶DNA位点相关蛋白质和研究DNA-蛋白质相互作用中有重要应用价值.

Physiological roles of mitogen-activated-protein-kinase-activated p38-regulated/activated protein kinase

Mitogen-activated protein kinases(MAPKs)are a family of proteins that constitute signaling pathways involved in processes that control gene expression,cell division, cell survival,apoptosis,metabolism,differentiation and motility.The MAPK pathways can be divided into conventional and atypical MAPK pathways.The first group converts a signal into a cellular response through a relay of three consecutive phosphorylation events exerted by MAPK kinase kinases,MAPK kinase,and MAPK.Atypical MAPK pathways are not organized into this three-tiered cascade.MAPK that belongs to both conventional and atypical MAPK pathways can phosphorylate both non-protein kinase substrates and other protein kinases.The latter are referred to as MAPK-activated protein kinases.This review focuses on one such MAPK-activated protein kinase,MAPK-activated protein kinase 5(MK5)or p38-regulated/activated protein kinase(PRAK).This protein is highly conserved throughout the animal kingdom and seems to be the target of both conventional and atypical MAPK pathways.Recent findings on the regulation of the activity and subcellular localization,bona fide interaction partners and physiological roles of MK5/PRAK are discussed.

Effect of Panax notoginseng saponins on the expression of beta-amyloid protein in the cortex of the parietal lobe and hippocampus, and spatial learning and memory in a mouse model of senile dementia

BACKGROUND： The pharmacological actions of Panax notoginseng saponins （PNS） lie in removing free radicals, anti-inflammation and anti-oxygenation. It can also improve memory and behavior in rat models of Alzheimer＇s disease. OBJECTIVE： Using the Morris water maze, immunohistochemistry, real-time PCR and RT-PCR, this study aimed to measure improvement in spatial learning, memory, expression of amyloid precursor protein （App） and β -amyloid （A β ）, to investigate the mechanism of action of PNS in the treatment of AD in the senescence accelerated mouse-prone 8 （SAMP8） and compare the effects with huperzine A. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： A completely randomized grouping design, controlled animal experiment was performed in the Center for Research ＆ Development of New Drugs, Guangxi Traditional Chinese Medical University from July 2005 to April 2007. MATERIALS： Sixty male SAMP8 mice, aged 3 months, purchased from Tianjin Chinese Traditional Medical University of China, were divided into four groups： PNS high-dosage group, PNS low-dosage group, huperzine A group and control group. PNS was provided by Weihe Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. （batch No.： Z53021485, Yuxi, Yunan Province, China）. Huperzine A was provided by Zhenyuan Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. （batch No.： 20040801, Zhejiang, China）. METHODS： The high-dosage group and low-dosage group were treated with 93.50 and 23.38 mg/kg PNS respectively per day and the huperzine A group was treated with 0.038 6 mg/kg huperzine A per day, all by intragastric administration, for 8 consecutive weeks. The same volume of double distilled water was given to the control group. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： After drug administration, learning and memory abilities were assessed by place navigation and spatial probe tests. The recording indices consisted of escape latency （time-to-platform）, and the percentage of swimming time spent in each quadrant. The number of A β 1-40, A β 1-42 and App immunopositive neurons in the brains of SAMP8 mice was analyzed by immunohistochemistry. The mRNA content ofApp, tau, acetylcholinesterase, and synaptophysin （Syp） was tested by real time PCR and RT-PCR. RESULTS： The PCR results show that PNS can downregulate the expression of the App gene and upregulate the expression of the Syp gene in the parietal cortex and hippocampus of SAMP8 mice. The therapeutic effects of the PNS high-dosage group were greater than those of the PNS low-dosage group and the huperzine A group （P 〈 0.05）. The results of the Morris water maze and immunohistochemistry indicated that PNS can improve the capacity for spatial learning and memory in SAMP8 mice, and reduce the content of A β 1-40, A β 1-42 and expression of App in the brains of SAMP8 mice. The therapeutic effects of the PNS high-dosage group were greater than that of the PNS low-dosage group and the huperzine A group （P 〈 0.05）. CONCLUSION： These results support the hypothesis that PNS plays a therapeutic and protective role on the pathological lesions and learning dysfunction of Alzheimer＇s disease. The therapeutic effects of PNS for Alzheimer＇s disease are possibly achieved through downregulating the expression of the App gene and upregulating the expression of the Syp gene. The therapeutic effects of PNS are dose-dependent and are greater than the effect of huperzine A.

Development of a Rapid Multi-residue Assay for Detecting β-lactams Using Penicillin Binding Protein 2x

Objective To develop a rapid multi-residue assay for detecting 16 demanded by the European Union （EU）. Methods A recombinant penicillin-binding protein （PBP） 2x＊ from Streptococcus pneumoniae R6 was expressed in vitro and six β-1actams were conjugated to HRP by four methods. A rapid multi-residue assay for β-1actams was established with PBP2x＊ and HRP-conjugate. Results PBP2x＊ was expressed and purified successfully and the ideal HRP-conjugate was identified. The multi-residue assay was developed. After optimization, penicillin G, ampicillin, amoxicillin, cloxacillin, dicloxacillin, oxacillin, nafcillin, cephalexin, ceftiofur, cefalonium, cefquinome, cefazolin, cefoperazone, cephacetrile, and cephapirin can be detected at levels below MRL in milk with simple pretreatment. Conclusion This assay developed can detect all 16 β-1actams demanded by the European Union （EU）. The whole procedure takes only 45 min and can detect 42 samples and the standards with duplicate analysis.

MicroRNA-185-5p mediates regulation of SREBP2 expression by hepatitis C virus core protein

AIM: To investigate the molecular mechanism for regulation of cholesterol metabolism by hepatitis C virus(HCV) core protein in Hep G2 cells.METHODS: HCV genotype 1b core protein was cloned and expressed in Hep G2 cells. The cholesterol content was determined after transfection. The expression of sterol regulatory element binding protein 2(SREBP2) and the rate-limiting enzyme in cholesterol synthesis(HMGCR) was measured by quantitative real-time PCR and immunoblotting after transfection. The effects of core protein on the SREBP2 promoter and 3'-untranslated region were analyzed by luciferase assay. We used different target predictive algorithms, micro RNA(mi RNA) mimics/inhibitors, and site-directed mutation to identify a putative target of a particular mi RNA.RESULTS: HCV core protein expression in Hep G2 cells increased the total intracellular cholesterol level(4.05 ± 0.17 vs 6.47 ± 0.68, P = 0.001), and this increase corresponded to an increase in SREBP2 and HMGCR m RNA levels(P = 0.009 and 0.037, respectively) and protein expression. The molecular mechanism studyrevealed that the HCV core protein increased the expression of SREBP2 by enhancing its promoter activity(P = 0.004). In addition, mi R-185-5p expression was tightly regulated by the HCV core protein(P = 0.041). Moreover, overexpression of mi R-185-5p repressed the SREBP2 m RNA level(P = 0.022) and protein expression. In contrast, inhibition of mi R-185-5p caused upregulation of SREBP2 protein expression. mi R-185-5p was involved in the regulation of SREBP2 expression by HCV core protein. CONCLUSION: HCV core protein disturbs the cholesterol homeostasis in Hep G2 cells via the SREBP2 pathway; mi R-185-5p is involved in the regulation of SREBP2 by the core protein.

Accumulation of Carbohydrate and Regulation of 14-3-3 Protein on Sucrose Phosphate Synthase(SPS) Activity in Two Tomato Species

To explore the differences of carbohydrate metabolism in two tomato species and discuss the possible regulation of 14-3-3 proteins on the sucrose phosphate synthase （SPS） activity, we determined the contents of soluble sugar and starch through high performance liquid chromatography （HPLC）. The activities of sugar-metabolizing enzymes were assayed in desalted extract, and the relative expression levels of related genes in sugar metabolism were determined though real-time RT-PCR. The results indicated that glucose and fructose were mainly accumulated during the maturation of the fruit because of the high acid invertase （AI） and neutral invertase （NI） in Micro-Tom （Solanum lycopersicum） fruit, while in Solanum chmielewskii fruit, SPS which went along with the change of sucrose content led to the rapid sucrose increase during the fruit ripening. TFT1 and TFT10, belonging to 14-3-3 protein in tomato, were likely to down-regulated SPS activity during young and intumescence period.

14-3-3 gamma and zeta protein expression in active microglia Immune response mechanisms of Parkinson’s disease

BACKGROUND： The progressive degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in Parkinson＇s disease is associated with an activated glial reaction, combined with an inflammatory process. These responses lead to the production of cytokines, such as interferon- γ, tumor necrosis factor- α （TNF- α ）, and interleukin-1 β. In addition, 14-3-3 protein is a component of Lewy bodies in Parkinson＇s disease. OBJECTIVE： To observe the expression of 14-3-3 γ and ζ protein, as well as TNF-α, in mouse microglia, as well as changes after lipopolysaccharide （LPS） activation. To investigate possible mechanisms of dopaminergic neuronal injury due to activated microglia. To and clarify the immune response mechanisms of Parkinson＇s disease. DESIGN： Randomized controlled observation, cell study.SETTING： Laboratory of Department of Neurology, the Affiliated Union Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology. MATERIALS： The BV-2 immortalized murine microglia cell line was purchased from China Unit cell center. LPS was provided by Sigma Company. Cell cultures were purchased from Gibco. Phospho-（Ser） 14-3-3 binding motif antibody was purchased from Santa Cruz Biotechnologies. FITC was provided by Linfei Biotechnology, Wuhan, China. TNF- α ELISA was provided by Jingmei Biotech Co, Wuhan, China. The flow cytometer was provided by Becton Dickinson, Canada. METHODS： The present experiment was performed at the Laboratory of Department of Neurology, the Affiliated Union Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology from April to December 2006. The microglial cell line, BV-2, was cultured in vitro and stimulated with LPS for 2, 6, 12, and 24 hours. BV-2 cultures without LPS were used as controls. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Expression of 14-3-3 γ protein was detected by flow cytometry. 14-3-3 ζ percentage expression and the mean fluorescence intensity was detected by immunofluorescence. TNF- α expression was detected by ELISA. RESULTS： 14-3-3 γ protein expression analysis： following LPS-induction in BV-2 cells, the fluorescence intensity of the 14-3-3 γ proteins gradually decreased. The 12 and 24 hours groups exhibited significantly lower expression than the normal control group （P 〈 0.05）. 14-3-3 ζ percentage expression and the mean fluorescence intensity： the percentage of 14-3-3 ζ protein expression gradually decreased with LPS stimulation. The mean fluorescence intensity from the 6, 12, and 24 hours groups was significantly less than the control group （P 〈 0.05）. TNF-α expression： resting BV-2 cells did not express TNF-α. Following 2 hours of LPS stimulation, TNF-α was highly expressed in BV-2 cells, but decreased again by 24 hours. CONCLUSION： Dopaminergic neuronal injury, due to activated microglial cells, might be related to the participation of 14-3-3 proteins and the release of TNF-α.

Inhibition of DNA-dependent Protein Kinase Catalytic Subunit by Small Molecule Inhibitor NU7026 Sensitizes Human Leukemic K562 Cells to Benzene Metabolite-induced Apoptosis

Benzene is an established leukotoxin and leukemogen in humans. We have previously re- ported that exposure of workers to benzene and to benzene metabolite hydroquinone in cultured cells induced DNA-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit （DNA-PKcs） to mediate the cellular response to DNA double strand break （DSB） caused by DNA-damaging metabolites. In this study, we used a new, small molecule, a selective inhibitor of DNA-PKcs, 2-（morpholin-4-yl）-benzo[h]chomen-4-one （NU7026）, as a probe to analyze the molecular events and pathways in hydroquinone-induced DNA DSB repair and apoptosis. Inhibition of DNA-PKcs by NU7026 markedly potentiated the apoptotic and growth inhibitory effects of hydroquinone in proerythroid leukemic K562 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Treatment with NU7026 did not alter the production of reactive oxygen species and oxidative stress by hydroquinone but repressed the protein level of DNA-PKcs and blocked the induction of the kinase mRNA and protein expression by hydroquinone. Moreover, hydroquinone increased the phos- phorylation of Akt to activate Akt, whereas co-treatment with NU7026 prevented the activation of Akt by hydroquinone. Lastly, hydroquinone and NU7026 exhibited synergistic effects on promoting apop- tosis by increasing the protein levels of pro-apoptotic proteins Bax and caspase-3 but decreasing the protein expression of anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2. Taken together, the findings reveal a central role of DNA-PKcs in hydroquinone-induced hematotoxicity in which it coordinates DNA DSB repair, cell cycle progression, and apoptosis to regulate the response to hydroquinone-induced DNA damage.

Genome-wide analysis of OVATE family proteins in cucumber(Cucumis sativus L.)

OVATE family proteins(OFPs)are plant-specific proteins with a conserved OVATE domain that regulate plant growth and development.Although OFPs have been studied in several species,their biological functions remain largely unknown in cucumber(Cucumis sativus L.).This study identified 19 Cs OFPs distributed on seven chromosomes in cucumber.Most Cs OFP genes were expressed in reproductive organs,but with different expression patterns.Ectopic expression of Cs OFP12-16c in Arabidopsis resulted in shorter and blunt siliques.The overall results indicated that Cs OFP12-16c regulates silique development in Arabidopsis and may have a similar function in cucumber.

Weak cation exchange 2 protein chip for detecting differentially expressed brainstem proteins in a rat model of closed traumatic brain injury

BACKGROUND： Studies have reported the combined use of two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry to detect differentially expressed proteins in the rat brainstem following brain injury. However, the detected differential proteins often exhibit low sensitivity and high relative molecular weight. Although protein chip technology is thought to compensate for these inadequacies, no related studies or results have been reported. OBJECTIVE： To propose the application of weak cation exchange protein chips in combination with mass spectrometry for determining protein expression profiles and characteristics in the brainstem following closed brain injury. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： Randomized, controlled, animal experiments utilizing proteomics were performed from June 2007 to December 2008 in the Proteomics Laboratory, Medical College of Chinese People＇s Armed Police Force. MATERIALS： Weak cation exchange 2 protein chip, Ciphergen Proteinchip System （PBS-IIC）. METHODS： A total of 72 rats were randomly assigned to two groups： sham-surgery （n = 12） and injury （n = 60）. A closed traumatic brain injury model caused by falling object was replicated in the injury group, which was then subdivided into five subgroups according to different time points after injury： 4, 8, 12, 24, and 48 hours, with 12 rats in each subgroup. In the sham-surgery group, only the skin was removed and the stainless steel pad was fixed to the skull. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： The brain injury rats were sacrificed at 4, 8, 12, 24, and 48 hours after injury, respectively, and the control rats were sacrificed at 24 hours. Pathological changes in the brainstem were determined using hematoxylin-eosin staining, and differential protein expression in the brainstem was detected using a weak cation exchange 2 protein chip and protein chip reader. RESULTS： In the sham-surgery group, cells appeared normal. However, in the brain injury group, some brainstem neurons exhibited pyknosis, with reduced numbers of Nissl bodies in the cytoplasm swollen cell bodies and nuclei, irregular staining in the cytoplasm, and decreased numbers of neurons. Results from weak cation exchange 2 protein chip detection demonstrated that, compared with the sham-surgery group, the expression profiles of 2 proteins were altered in the brainstem of the injury group. At 12, 24, and 48 hours after injury, expression was increased （P 〈 0.01 ）. The mass charge ratio （M/Z） of 7 862 differentially expressed proteins was greater in the sham-surgery group compared with 12 and 24 hours after injury （P 〈 0.05）. CONCLUSION： The combined method of weak cation exchange 2 protein chip and mass spectrometry detected differential protein expression in the brainstem following closed brain injury in the rats, which suggested that closed brain injury induced altered protein expression profiles in the brainstem.

Integration and verification case of IP-core based system on chip design

In this paper, the design and verification process of an automobile-engine-fan control system on chip （SoC） are introduced. The SoC system, SHU-MV08, reuses four new intellectual property （IP） cores and the design flow is accomplished with 0.35 btm chartered CMOS technology. Some special functions of IP cores, the detailed integration scheme of four IP cores, and the verification method of the entire SoC are presented. To settle the verification problems brought by analog IP cores, NanoSim based chip-level mixed-signal verification method is introduced. The verification time is greatly reduced and the first tape-out achieves success which proves the validity of our design.

Effects of natural cerebrolysin on protective proteins and pro-apoptotic molecules in mesenchymal stem cells following beta-amyloid peptide1-40-induced endoplasmic reticulum stress

BACKGROUND： Studies have demonstrated that β-amyloid peptide （Aβ）, a characteristic pathological product of Alzheimer＇s disease （AD）, results in neuronal endoplasmic reticulum stress （ERS）. However, the mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine against ERS in AD are poorly understood. OBJECTIVE： To measure expression levels of protective proteins （GRP78 and GRP94） of ER molecular partners and pro-apoptotic Caspase-12 ER membrane expression following application of traditional Chinese medicine natural cerebrolysin （NC） to treat Aβ1-40-induced ERS. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： A parallel-controlled study was performed at the Institute of Integrated Western and Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen Hospital of Southern Medical University between September 2006 and November 2008. MATERIALS： Sprague Dawley male rats, 6-8 weeks old, were used to harvest tibial and femoral bone marrow. Isolation and purification of mesenchymal stem cells （MSCs） were established from the whole bone marrow by removing non-adherent cells in primary and passage cultures. Aβ1-40 was provided by Sigma, USA. NC was provided by Shenzhen Institute of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, China. NC was predominantly composed of Renshen （Radix Ginseng）, Tianma （Rhizoma Gastrodiae）, and Yinxingye （Ginkgo Leaf） in a proportion of 1 ： 2： 2. Following conventional water extraction technology, an extract （1 ： 20） was prepared. Six adult, male, New Zealand rabbits underwent intragastric administration of NC extract （0.976 g/kg per day） for 1 month to prepare NC-positive serum, and the remaining 6 rabbits received intragastric administration of physiological saline to prepare normal blank serum. METHODS： A total of 500 nmol/L Aβ1-40 was used to establish ERS models of primary cultured MSCs. AD cell models were incubated with different doses of NC-positive serum （2.5%, 5%, and 10%）. MSCs treated with normal blank serum served as normal blank controls. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and fluorescent immunocytochemistry were respectively used to measure mRNA and protein expression levels of GRP78, GRP94, and Caspase-12 in MSCs. RESULTS： Following Aβ1-40 exposure, mRNA and protein expression levels of GRP78 and GRP94, as well as Caspase-12, significantly increased （P 〈 0.05）, suggesting successful establishment of ERS models. Following NC-positive serum application, mRNA and protein expression levels of GRP78 and GRP94 in MSCs significantly increased （P 〈 0.05 or P 〈 0.01）. However, mRNA and protein expression levels of Caspase-12 significantly decreased （P 〈 0.05, or P 〈 0.01） compared with the ERS model group. These effects were dose-dependent. CONCLUSION： NC downregulated Caspase-12 expression and upregulated GRP78 and GRP94 expression in MSCs in a dose-dependent manner under the state of Aβ1-40-induced ERS.

Evaluation of the Dietary Reference Intakes for Japanese (2010 Edition): Recommended Protein, Pantothenic acid, Vitamin D, and Iron Intakes for Breast-Fed Infants Aged 6 - 11 Months

Objective: With regard to the 2010 edition of Dietary Reference Intakes for Japanese (DRIs-2010), we investigated whether the DRIs for two age groups, breast-fed infants aged 6-8 and 9-11 months, can be fulfilled for every nutrient in actual dietary practice. Design: We evaluated (1) whether the DRIs for all nutrients can be fulfilled in a formula with energy and protein exceeding their DRIs, (2) whether the DRIs for all nutrients can be fulfilled in a formula prepared in accordance with Japanese government-recommended weaning guidelines, and (3) what kinds of formulas can be prepared if the DRIs for all nutrients are fulfilled without referring to the weaning guidelines. Setting: Simulation of diet menu on the basis of published data in our university and survey of diet menu in a university hospital attached to a national medical school. Subjects: The three types of formulas were planned for ten days. Results: It was impossible to simultaneously fulfil the DRIs for 6 - 8-month-old infants concerning pantothenic acid, vitamin D, and iron and those for 9 - 11-month-old infants concerning these nutrients plus protein. Conclusion: According to the DRIs-2010, the DRI for all nutrients could not be fulfilled in an ingestible formula.