Correlation research of Runt-related transcription factor 2 with proliferation genes, tumor suppressor genes and angiogenesis molecules in colon cancer lesions

Objective: To investigate the correlation of Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RunX2) with proliferation genes, tumor suppressor genes and angiogenesis molecules in colon cancer lesions. Methods: A total of 90 patients with primary colon cancer were enrolled in colon cancer group, 68 patients with benign colon polyps were enrolled in colon polyps group, the differences in the expression levels of RunX2, proliferation genes, tumor suppressor genes and angiogenesis molecules in the two groups of lesions were compared, and Pearson test was further used to evaluate the correlation of RunX2 expression level with proliferation gene, tumor suppressor gene and angiogenesis molecule expression levels in colon cancer tissues. Results: RunX2 mRNA expression level in the lesions of colon cancer group was higher than that of colon polyps group. Proliferation genes GTPBP4, HOXB7, ZNF331, ADAM17 and HSP60 mRNA expression levels in the lesions of colon cancer group were higher than those of colon polyps group;tumor suppressor genes ATF3, FOXN3, OTUD1 and NDRG2 mRNA expression levels were lower than those of colon polyps group;angiogenesis molecules Musashi 1, NF-κB, RegⅣ and STAT3 mRNA expression levels were higher than those of colon polyps group. RunX2 mRNA expression level in the colon cancer lesions was directly correlated with the expression levels of the above proliferation genes, tumor suppressor genes and angiogenesis molecules. Conclusion: RunX2 expression is abnormally high in colon cancer lesions, the specific expression level is positively correlated with cancer cell proliferation activity and angiogenesis activity, and it is an important molecular target that can lead to the occurrence and development of colon cancer.

Novel Mutation of Cleidocranial Dysplasia-related Frameshift Runt-related Transcription Factor 2 in a Sporadic Chinese Case

Background： Cleidocranial dysplasia （CCD） is an autosomal dominant disease that affects the skeletal system. Common symptoms of CCD include hypoplasia or aplasia of the clavicles, delayed or even absent closure of the fontanels, midface hypoplasia, short stature, and delayed eruption of permanent and supernumerary teeth. Previous studies reported a connection between CCD and the haploinsufficiency of runt-related transcription factor 2 （RUNX2）. Here, we report a sporadic Chinese case presenting typical symptoms of CCD. Methods： We made genetic testing on this sporadic Chinese case and identified a novel RUNX2 ffameshift mutation： c.1111 dupT. In situ immunofluorescence microscopy and osteocalcin promoter luciferase assay were performed to compare the functions of the RUNX2 mutation with those of wild-type RUNX2. Results： RUNX2 mutation was observed in the perinuclear region, cytoplasm, and nuclei. In contrast, wild-type RUNX2 was confined in the nuclei, which indicated that the subcellular compartmentalization of RUNX2 mutation was partially perturbed. The transactivation function on osteocalcin promoter of the RUNX2 mutation was obviously abrogated. Conclusions： We identified a sporadic CCD patient carrying a novel insertion/frameshift mutation of RUNX2. This finding expanded our understanding of CCD-related phenotypes.

Prognostic significance of oligodendrocyte transcription factor 2 expression in glioma patients:A systematic review and metaanalys

BACKGROUND Gliomas are the most common primary central nervous system neoplasm.Despite recent advances in the diagnosis and treatment of gliomas,patient prognosis remains dismal.Therefore,it is imperative to identify novel diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets of glioma to effectively improve treatment outcomes.AIM To investigate the association between oligodendrocyte transcription factor 2(Olig2)expression and the outcomes of glioma patients.METHODS The PubMed,Embase,Cochrane Library,and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases were searched for studies(published up to October 2023)that investigated the relationship between Olig2 expression and prognosis of glioma patients.The quality of the studies was assessed using the Newcastle Ottawa Scale.Data analyses were performed using Stata Version 12.0 software.RESULTS A total of 1205 glioma patients from six studies were included in the metaanalysis.High Olig2 expression was associated with better outcomes in glioma patients[hazard ratio(HR):0.81;95%(confidence interval)CI:0.51-1.27;P=0.000].Furthermore,the results of subgroup meta-analysis showed that high expression of Olig2 was associated with poor overall survival in European patients(HR:1.34;95%CI:0.79-2.27)and better prognosis in Asian patients(HR:0.43;95%CI:0.22-0.84).The sensitivity analysis showed that no single study had a significant effect on pooled HR,and there was also no indication of publication bias according to the Egger’s and Begger’s P value test or funnel plot test.CONCLUSION High Olig2 expression may have a positive impact on the prognosis of glioma patients,and should be investigated further as a prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for glioma.

Correlation of Runt-related transcription factor gene 3 expression in osteosarcoma tissue with cell proliferation and angiogenesis

Objective:To study the correlation of Runt-related transcription factor gene 3 (RUNX3) expression in osteosarcoma tissue with cell proliferation and angiogenesis.Methods: A total of 80 patients with osteosarcoma who were treated in our hospital between February 2014 and February 2017 were collected, and the RUNX3 expression in osteosarcoma tissue and adjacent tissue were detected. According to the RUNX3 expression in tumor tissue, the patients were further divided into high RUNX3 expression group and low RUNX3 expression group, and the proliferation gene and angiogenesis gene expression were compared.Results:RUNX3, KISS-1 and RanBP9 mRNA expression in osteosarcoma tissue were significantly lower than those in adjacent tissue while VCP, Six1, S100A6, IF-1α, MMP-14, bFGF and Ang-2 mRNA expression were significantly higher than those in adjacent tissue;KISS-1 and RanBP9 mRNA expression in osteosarcoma tissue of high RUNX3 expression group were significantly higher than those of low RUNX3 expression group while VCP, Six1, S100A6, IF-1 , MMP-14, bFGF and Ang-2 mRNA expression were significantly lower than those of low RUNX3 expression group.Conclusions:The desease of RUNX3 expression in osteosarcoma tissue is one of the direct causes of increased tumor proliferation activity and strong angiogenesis.

WWP2 promotes degradation of transcription factor OCT4 in human embryonic stem cells

POU transcription factor OCT4 not only plays an essential role in maintaining the pluripotent and self-renewing state of embryonic stem （ES） cells but also acts as a cell fate determinant through a gene dosage effect. However, the molecular mechanisms that control the intracellular OCT4 protein level remain elusive. Here, we report that human WWP2, an E3 ubiquitin （Ub）-protein ligase, interacts with OCT4 specifically through its WW domain and enhances Ub modification of OCT4 both in vitro and in vivo. We first demonstrated that endogenous OCT4 in hu- man ES cells can be post-translationally modified by Ub. Furthermore, we found that WWP2 promoted degradation of OCT4 through the 26S proteasome in a dosage-dependent manner, and the active site cysteine residue of WWP2 was required for both its enzymatic activity and proteolytic effect on OCT4. Remarkably, our data show that the en- dogenous OCT4 protein level was significantly elevated when WWP2 expression was downregulated by specific RNA interference （RNAi）, suggesting that WWP2 is an important regulator for maintaining a proper OCT4 protein level in human ES cells. Moreover, northern blot analysis showed that the WWP2 transcript was widely present in diverse human tissues/organs and highly expressed in undifferentiated human ES cells. However, its expression level was quickly decreased after human ES cells differentiated, indicating that WWP2 expression might be developmentally regulated. Our findings demonstrate that WWP2 is an important regulator of the OCT4 protein level in human ES cells.

Oligodendrocyte transcription factor 1 overexpression promotes oligodendrocyte transcription factor 2 expression in the brains of neonatal rats exposed to hypoxia

To examine the expression profiles of oligodendrocyte transcription factors 1 and 2 （Oligl and Olig2） and the interaction between these two proteins, Oligl was transfected into the lateral ventricles of neonatal rats subjected to hypoxia. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated that Olig2 was expressed throughout the nuclei in the brain, and expression increased at 3 days following hypoxia and was higher than levels at 7 days following Ad5-Oligl transfection. Western blot revealed that Oligl and Olig2 expression increased in Oligl-transfected brain cells 3 days after hypoxia, but Oligl and Olig2 expression decreased at 7 days. These results indicate that Oligl overexpression enhances Olig2 expression in brain tissues of hypoxia rats.

<i>Wrinkled</i>1 (WRI1) Homologs, AP2-Type Transcription Factors Involving Master Regulation of Seed Storage Oil Synthesis in Castor Bean (<i>Ricinus communis</i>L.)

Among APETALA2 (AP2)-type plant specific transcription factor family, WRINKLED1 (WRI1), has appeared to be a master gene transcriptionally regulating a set of carbon metabolism- and fatty acid synthesis (FAS)-related genes responsible for seed specific triacylglycerols (TAGs) storage in oil plants. B3 type transcription factors, such as ABI3 and FUS3, are known to be involved in seed development, such as seed storage protein synthesis and maturation. Based on the recent whole genome sequence data of castor bean (Ricinus communis L.), putative WRI1 homologs (RcWRI1, RcWRI2) specifically expressed in castor bean seed have been identified by comparing organ specific expression profiles among seed development-related transcription factors, seed storage specific genes (Ricin, RcOleosin) and a set of FAS genes including genes for sucrose synthase (RcSUS2), biotin carboxyl carrier protein (a subunit of acetyl-CoA carboxylase, RcBCCP2) and ketoacyl-acyl carrier protein synthase (RcKAS1). Immunoreactive signals with WRI1, FUS3 and ABI5-related polypeptides were also detected in seed specifically, consistent with the expression profiles of seed development-related genes. The WRI1 binding consensus sites, [CnTnG](n)(7)[CG], designated as the AW-box, were found at the promoter region of RcBCCP2 and RcKAS1. Thus, RcWRI1 possibly play a pivotal role in seed specific TAGs storage during seed development by directly activating FAS -related genes.

Genome-Wide Identification of Zn_(2)Cys_(6 ) Class Fungal-Specific Transcription Factors(ZnFTFs)and Functional Analysis of UvZnFTFI in Ustilaginoidea virens

Transcription factors(TFs)orchestrate the regulation of cellular gene expression and thereby determine cell functionality.In this study,we analyzed the distribution of TFs containing domains,which named as ZnFTFs,both in ascomycete and basidiomycete fungi.We found that ZnFTFs were widely distributed in these fungal species,but there was more expansion of the ZnFTF class in Ascomycota than Basidiomycota.We identified 40 ZnFTFs in Ustilaginoidea virens,and demonstrated the involvement of UvZnFTF1 in vegetative growth,conidiation,pigment biosynthesis and pathogenicity.RNA-Seq analysis suggested that UvZnFTF1 may regulate different nutrient metabolism pathways,the production of secondary metabolites,and the expression of pathogen-host interaction genes and secreted protein-encodi ng genes.Analysis of the distributi on of differe nt fungal TFs in U.virens further dem on strated that UvZnFTFs make up a large TF family and may play essential biological roles in U.virens.

Upregulation of miR-34c after silencing E2F transcription factor 1 inhibits paclitaxel combined with cisplatin resistance in gastric cancer cells

BACKGROUND MicroRNA 34c(miR-34c)has been reported to be associated with malignant types of cancer,however,it remains unknown whether miR-34c is involved in chemoresistance in gastric cancer(GC).AIM To investigate the effect of miR-34c and its upstream transcription factor E2F1 on paclitaxel combined with cisplatin resistance in GC cells.METHODS Paired GC tissues and adjacent normal tissues were randomly sampled from 74 GC patients.miR-34c and E2F1 were detected by real-time quantitative PCR(qPCR)and Western blot.In addition,the drug resistance of GC cells to paclitaxel and cisplatin was induced by concentration gradient increasing methods,and changes in miR-34c and E2F1 during this process were measured.Furthermore,E2F1 and miR-34c overexpression or underexpression vectors were constructed and transfected into drug-resistant GC cells.MTT was employed to test the sensitivity of cells to paclitaxel combined with cisplatin,qPCR was adopted to detect the expression of miR-34c,Western blot was applied to detect the expression levels of E2F1,drug resistance-related proteins and apoptosis-related proteins,and flow cytometry was used for the determination of cell apoptosis and cell cycle status.RESULTS E2F1 was overexpressed while miR-34c was underexpressed in GC.After inducing GC cells to be resistant to paclitaxel and cisplatin,E2F1 expression increased while miR-34c expression decreased.Both silencing E2F1 and overexpressing miR-34c could increase the sensitivity of drug-resistant GC cells to paclitaxel combined with cisplatin,promote cell apoptosis and inhibit cell proliferation.Among which,silencing E2F1 could reduce the expression of drug resistance-related proteins and apoptosis-related proteins,while over-expression of miR-34c could upregulate the expression of apoptosis-related proteins without affecting the expression of MDR-1,MRP and other drug resistance-related proteins.Rescue experiments demonstrated that inhibiting miR-34c could significantly weaken the sensitization of drug resistant cells,and Si E2F1 to paclitaxel combined with cisplatin.CONCLUSION E2F1 inhibits miR-34c to promote the proliferation of GC cells and enhance the resistance to paclitaxel combined with cisplatin,and silencing E2F1 is conducive to improving the efficacy of paclitaxel combined with cisplatin in GC cells.

Expression of Activated Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor and Transcription Factor E2F in Condyloma Accuminata

Objective: To study the expression of activated epi-dermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and transcrip-tion factor E2F (E2F) in Condyloma Accuminata(CA)patients. Methods: Immunofluorescent techniques were usedto investigate the expression of activated EGFR andE2F in CA patients. Results: The expression of activated EGFR on themembrane of epithelial cells in CA lesions was sig-nificantly greater compared to expression levers inthe control group (P<0.01). Moreover, the co-expres-sion of activated EGFR and E2F was significantly in-creased compared to the control group (P<0.01). Conclusion: Our observations suggest that the in-crease in activated EGFR expression may stimulatehyperplasia in CA patients through the activation oftranscription factor E2F.

The R2R3-MYB transcription factor GaPC controls petal coloration in cotton

Although a few cases of genetic epistasis in plants have been reported, the combined analysis of genetically phenotypic segregation and the related molecular mechanism remains rarely studied. Here, we have identified a gene(named GaPC) controlling petal coloration in Gossypium arboreum and following a heritable recessive epistatic genetic model. Petal coloration is controlled by a single dominant gene,GaPC. A loss-of-function mutation of GaPC leads to a recessive gene Gapc that masks the phenotype of other color genes and shows recessive epistatic interactions. Map-based cloning showed that GaPC encodes an R2R3-MYB transcription factor. A 4814-bp long terminal repeat retrotransposon insertion at the second exon led to GaPC loss of function and disabled petal coloration. GaPC controlled petal coloration by regulating the anthocyanin and flavone biosynthesis pathways. Expression of core genes in the phenylpropanoid and anthocyanin pathways was higher in colored than in white petals. Petal color was conferred by flavonoids and anthocyanins, with red and yellow petals rich in anthocyanin and flavonol glycosides, respectively. This study provides new insight on molecular mechanism of recessive epistasis,also has potential breeding value by engineering GaPC to develop colored petals or fibers for multifunctional utilization of cotton.

Long non-coding RNA CDKN2B-AS1 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma progression via E2F transcription factor 1/G protein subunit alpha Z axis

BACKGROUND A series of long non-coding RNAs(lncRNAs)have been reported to play a crucial role in cancer biology.Some previous studies report that lncRNA CDKN2B-AS1 is involved in some human malignancies.However,its role in hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)has not been fully deciphered.AIM To decipher the role of CDKN2B-AS1 in the progression of HCC.METHODS CDKN2B-AS1 expression in HCC was detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction.The malignant phenotypes of Li-7 and SNU-182 cells were detected by the CCK-8 method,EdU method,and flow cytometry,respectively.RNA immunoprecipitation was executed to confirm the interaction between CDKN2B-AS1 and E2F transcription factor 1(E2F1).Luciferase reporter assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation were performed to verify the binding of E2F1 to the promoter of G protein subunit alpha Z(GNAZ).E2F1 and GNAZ were detected by western blot in HCC cells.RESULTS In HCC tissues,CDKN2B-AS1 was upregulated.Depletion of CDKN2B-AS1 inhibited the proliferation of HCC cells,and the depletion of CDKN2B-AS1 also induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis.CDKN2B-AS1 could interact with E2F1.Depletion of CDKN2B-AS1 inhibited the binding of E2F1 to the GNAZ promoter region.Overexpression of E2F1 reversed the biological effects of depletion of CDKN2B-AS1 on the malignant behaviors of HCC cells.CONCLUSION CDKN2B-AS1 recruits E2F1 to facilitate GNAZ transcription to promote HCC progression.

MicroRNA-584-5p/RUNX family transcription factor 2 axis mediates hypoxia-induced osteogenic differentiation of periosteal stem cells

BACKGROUND The hypoxic environment during bone healing is important in regulating the differentiation of periosteal stem cells(PSCs)into osteoblasts or chondrocytes;however,the underlying mechanisms remain unclear.AIM To determine the effect of hypoxia on PSCs,and the expression of microRNA-584-5p(miR-584-5p)and RUNX family transcription factor 2(RUNX2)in PSCs was modulated to explore the impact of the miR-584-5p/RUNX2 axis on hypoxiainduced osteogenic differentiation of PSCs.METHODS In this study,we isolated primary mouse PSCs and stimulated them with hypoxia,and the characteristics and functional genes related to PSC osteogenic differentiation were assessed.Constructs expressing miR-584-5p and RUNX2 were established to determine PSC osteogenic differentiation.RESULTS Hypoxic stimulation induced PSC osteogenic differentiation and significantly increased calcified nodules,intracellular calcium ion levels,and alkaline phosphatase(ALP)activity in PSCs.Osteogenic differentiation-related factors such as RUNX2,bone morphogenetic protein 2,hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha,and ALP were upregulated;in contrast,miR-584-5p was downregulated in these cells.Furthermore,upregulation of miR-584-5p significantly inhibited RUNX2 expression and hypoxia-induced PSC osteogenic differentiation.RUNX2 was the target gene of miR-584-5p,antagonizing miR-584-5p inhibition in hypoxia-induced PSC osteogenic differentiation.CONCLUSION Our study showed that the interaction of miR-584-5p and RUNX2 could mediate PSC osteogenic differentiation induced by hypoxia.

Mapping of liver-enriched transcription factors in the human intestine

AIM: To investigate the gene expression pattern of hepatocyte nuclear factor 6 (HNF6) and other liverenriched transcription factors in various segments of the human intestine to better understand the differentiation of the gut epithelium. METHODS: Samples of healthy duodenum and jejunum were obtained from patients with pancreatic cancer whereas ileum and colon was obtained from patients undergoing right or left hemicolectomy or (recto)sigmoid or rectal resection. All surgical specimens were subjected to histopathology. Excised tissue was shock-frozen and analyzed for gene expression of liver-enriched transcription factors by semiquantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain and compared to the human colon carcinoma cell line Caco-2. Protein expression of major liver-enriched transcription factors was determined by Western blotting while the DNA binding of HNF6 was investigated by electromobility shift assays. RESULTS: The gene expression patterning of liverenriched transcription factors differed in the various segments of the human intestine with HNF6 gene expression being most abundant in the duodenum (P < 0.05) whereas expression of the zinc finger protein GATA4 and of the HNF6 target gene ALDH3A1 was most abundant in the jejunum (P < 0.05). Likewise, expression of FOXA2 and the splice variants 2 and 4 of HNF4α were most abundantly expressed in the jejunum (P < 0.05). Essentially, expression of transcription factors declined from the duodenum towards the colon with the most abundant expression in the jejunum and less in the ileum. The expression of HNF6 and of genes targeted by this factor, i.e. neurogenin 3 (NGN3) was most abundant in the jejunum followed by the ileum and the colon while DNA binding activity of HNF4α and of NGN3 was conf irmed by electromobility shift assays to an optimized probe. Furthermore, Western blotting provided evidence of the expression of several liver-enriched transcription factors in cultures of colon epithelial cells, albeit at different levels. CONCLUSION: We describe significant local and segmental differences in the expression of liver-enriched transcription factors in the human intestine which impact epithelial cell biology of the gut.

Transcription factor-based gene therapy to treat glioblastoma through direct neuronal conversion

Objective:Glioblastoma(GBM)is the most prevalent and aggressive adult primary cancer in the central nervous system.Therapeutic approaches for GBM treatment are under intense investigation,including the use of emerging immunotherapies.Here,we propose an alternative approach to treat GBM through reprogramming proliferative GBM cells into non-proliferative neurons.Methods:Retroviruses were used to target highly proliferative human GBM cells through overexpression of neural transcription factors.Immunostaining,electrophysiological recording,and bulk RNA-seq were performed to investigate the mechanisms underlying the neuronal conversion of human GBM cells.An in vivo intracranial xenograft mouse model was used to examine the neuronal conversion of human GBM cells.Results:We report efficient neuronal conversion from human GBM cells by overexpressing single neural transcription factor Neurogenic differentiation 1(Neuro D1),Neurogenin-2(Neurog2),or Achaete-scute homolog 1(Ascl1).Subtype characterization showed that the majority of Neurog2-and Neuro D1-converted neurons were glutamatergic,while Ascl1 favored GABAergic neuron generation.The GBM cell-converted neurons not only showed pan-neuronal markers but also exhibited neuron-specific electrophysiological activities.Transcriptome analyses revealed that neuronal genes were activated in glioma cells after overexpression of neural transcription factors,and different signaling pathways were activated by different neural transcription factors.Importantly,the neuronal conversion of GBM cells was accompanied by significant inhibition of GBM cell proliferation in both in vitro and in vivo models.Conclusions:These results suggest that GBM cells can be reprogrammed into different subtypes of neurons,leading to a potential alternative approach to treat brain tumors using in vivo cell conversion technology.

Es-SOX8 regulates the morphological changes of the sperm nucleus of Eriocheir sinensis by activating Es-BMP2 transcription

The SRY-related high mobility group(HMG)box(SOX)transcription factors participate in many physiological processes of animal growth,development,and reproduction and are related to spermatogenesis in many species.However,the relationship between SOX and spermatogenesis in Eriocheir sinensis is rarely reported.Here,we studied the role of Es-SOX8 in the spermatogenesis of E.sinensis and its possible regulation mechanism.Immunofluorescence results demonstrated Es-SOX8 signal in both cytoplasm and nucleus of spermatogonia,spermatocytes as well as spermatids,but not in mature spermatozoa.Hematoxylin and eosin staining showed a significant increase in the number of spermatozoa with abnormal nuclear morphology in vivo,described as prominent edges and corners,after the knockdown of Es-SOX8 through RNA interference.This indicated a possible role of Es-SOX8 in the nuclear deformation process in the spermatogenesis of E.sinensis.Analysis of the mRNA levels of Es-bone morphogenetic protein 2(BMP2)in the Es-Sox8 knocked-down testis tissue revealed significantly decreased transcription of Es-BMP2.Chromatin immunoprecipitation results showed the binding of Es-SOX8 protein to the promoter region of Es-BMP2.Thus,Es-SOX8 can directly regulate the transcription of Es-BMP2 by activating the promoter of Es-BMP2 and thus affects the sperm nucleus deformation of E.sinensis.

miR-192-5p靶向CKIP-1促进骨质疏松患者骨髓间充质干细胞成骨分化

背景:酪蛋白激酶2结合蛋白1(casein kinase 2-interaction protein-1,CKIP-1)是一种重要的骨形成负调控基因,其敲除鼠骨质显著增强、骨形成和骨密度也显著提高。而miRNA作为较早发现的小分子调控物,对大多数编码基因具有调控作用,在成骨分化中发挥重要作用。目的:探讨miRNA/CKIP-1对骨质疏松患者骨髓间充质干细胞成骨分化的影响及其分子机制。方法:采用miRNA-Seq技术检测2022年3-6月在开封市中心医院骨外科就诊32例骨质疏松患者及同期体检中心健康人群骨髓间充质干细胞中miRNA的变化情况;利用Targetscan网站预测靶向调控CKIP-1的miRNA,利用荧光素酶报告基因实验检测miRNA与CKIP-1启动子区DNA的结合;在骨髓间充质干细胞中转染miR-192-5p类似物(miR-192-5p mimics)/阴性对照(NC mimics)或miR-192-5p抑制剂(miR-192-5p inhibitor)/阴性对照(NC inhibitor),成骨诱导后第7,14天,通过实时荧光定量PCR技术及茜素红染色检测成骨标志基因Runt相关转录因子2(Runx2)、骨钙素、抗骨桥蛋白、骨唾液蛋白及CKIP-1的表达水平和骨髓间充质干细胞向成骨细胞分化的情况;采用蛋白质免疫印迹实验及茜素红染色检测miR-192-5p/CKIP-1/轴对细胞成骨分化的的调控作用。结果与结论:与健康组相比,骨质疏松组有16个miRNA表达明显升高,53个miRNA表达明显降低(P<0.05);利用Targetscan网站预测,并通过荧光素酶报告基因实验验证,发现miR-192-5p与CKIP-1有互补的核苷酸序列(P<0.05);过表达miR-192-5p,Runx2、骨钙素、骨桥素和骨唾液蛋白的表达水平显著升高(P<0.05),抑制miR-192-5p,Runx2、骨钙素、骨桥素和骨唾液蛋白的表达水平显著降低(P<0.05),而沉默CKIP-1的表达后,Runx2、骨钙素及骨桥素的蛋白水平增加(P<0.05),逆转了敲低miR-192-5p对细胞成骨分化的抑制作用。上述结果证实,miR-192-5p在骨质疏松症中表达降低;miR-192-5p通过靶向抑制CKIP-1的表达,促进骨髓间充质干细胞成骨分化。

The Transcription Factors GATA-1 and GATA-4 Have Opposite Effects on DNA Expression Driven by an Amh Promoter

An Amh promoter driving expression of a reporter gene (d2EGFP) has been used to analyze the role of two specific promoter transcription factor binding elements. In addition a downstream (3’) enhancer (DE) was also investigated. The transcription factors GATA-1 and GATA-4 had opposite effects, the former being incremental and the latter decremental. The quantitative balance between these two factors may provide a degree of control over the level of gene expression.

Dialogue between estrogen receptor and E2F signaling pathways: The transcriptional coregulator RIP140 at the crossroads

Estrogen receptors and E2F transcription factors are the key players of two nuclear signaling pathways which exert a major role in oncogenesis, particularly in the mammary gland. Different levels of dialogue between these two pathways have been deciphered and deregulation of the E2F pathway has been shown to impact the response of breast cancer cells to endocrine therapies. The present review focuses on the transcriptional coregulator RIP140/NRIP1 which is involved in several regulatory feed-back loops and inhibitory cross-talks between different nuclear signaling pathways. RIP140 regulates the transactivation potential of estrogen receptors and E2Fs and is also a direct transcriptional target of these transcription factors. Published data highlight the complex regulation of RIP140 expression at the transcriptional level and its potential role in transcription cross-talks. Indeed, a subtle regulation of RIP140 expression levels has important consequences on other transcription networks targeted by this coregulator. Another level of regulation implies titration mechanisms by which activation of a pathway leads to sequestration of the RIP140 protein and thus impinges other gene regulatory circuitries. Altogether, RIP140 occupies a place of choice in the dialogue between nuclear receptors and E2Fs, which could be highly relevant in various human pathologies such as cancer or metabolic diseases.

Identification,Structure Analyses and Expression Pattern of the ERF Transcription Factor Family in Coffea arabica

Members of the ERF Family of Transcription Factors play an important role in plant development and gene expression that regulates responses to biotic and abiotic stress.This work identified 36 ERF family genes in Coffea arabica within the AP2/ERF full domain,using the EST-based genomic resource of the Brazilian Coffee Genome Project.The ERF family genes were classified into nine of the ten existing groups through phylogenetic analysis of the deduced amino acid sequences and comparison with the sequences of the ERF family genes in Arabidopsis.In addition to the AP2 domain,other conserved domains were identified,typical of members of each group.The in silico analysis and expression profiling showed high levels of expression for libraries derived from tissues of fruits,leaves and flowers as well as for libraries subjected to water stress.These results suggest the participation of the ERF family genes of C.arabica in distinct biological functions,such as control of development,maturation,and responses to water stress.The results of this work imply in the selection of promising genes for further functional characterizations that will provide a better understanding of the complex regulatory networks related to plant development and responses to stress,opening up opportunities for coffee breeding programs.