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.

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.

Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 promotes the Warburg effect possibly by inducing pyruvate kinase M2 phosphorylation in liver precancerous lesions

BACKGROUND Study shows that signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3) can increase the Warburg effect by stimulating hexokinase 2 in breast cancer and upregulate lactate dehydrogenase A and pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 1 in myeloma. STAT3 and pyruvate kinase M2(PKM2) can also be activated and enhance the Warburg effect in hepatocellular carcinoma. Precancerous lesions are critical to human and rodent hepatocarcinogenesis. However, the underlying molecular mechanism for the development of liver precancerous lesions remains unknown. We hypothesized that STAT3 promotes the Warburg effect possibly by upregulating p-PKM2 in liver precancerous lesions in rats.AIM To investigate the mechanism of the Warburg effect in liver precancerous lesions in rats.METHODS A model of liver precancerous lesions was established by a modified Solt-Farber method. The liver pathological changes were observed by HE staining and immunohistochemistry. The transformation of WB-F344 cells induced with Nmethyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine and hydrogen peroxide was evaluated by the soft agar assay and aneuploidy. The levels of glucose and lactate in the tissue and culture medium were detected with a spectrophotometer. The protein levels of glutathione S-transferase-π, proliferating cell nuclear antigen(PCNA), STAT3,and PKM2 were examined by Western blot and immunofluorescence.RESULTS We found that the Warburg effect was increased in liver precancerous lesions in rats. PKM2 and p-STAT3 were upregulated in activated oval cells in liverprecancerous lesions in rats. The Warburg effect, p-PKM2, and p-STAT3 expression were also increased in transformed WB-F344 cells. STAT3 activation promoted the clonal formation rate, aneuploidy, alpha-fetoprotein expression,PCNA expression, G1/S phase transition, the Warburg effect, PKM2 phosphorylation, and nuclear translocation in transformed WB-F344 cells.Moreover, the Warburg effect was inhibited by stattic, a specific inhibitor of STAT3, and further reduced in transformed WB-F344 cells after the intervention for PKM2.CONCLUSION The Warburg effect is initiated in liver precancerous lesions in rats. STAT3 activation promotes the Warburg effect by enhancing the phosphorylation of PKM2 in transformed WB-F344 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.

Sox2 transcription network acts as a molecular switch to regulate properties of neural stem cells

Neural stem cells(NSCs) contribute to ontogeny by producing neurons at the appropriate time and location. Neurogenesis from NSCs is also involved in various biological functions in adults. Thus, NSCs continue to exert their effects throughout the lifespan of the organism. The mechanism regulating the core functional properties of NSCs is governed by intra- and extracellular signals. Among the transcription factors that serve as molecular switches, Sox2 is considered a key factor in NSCs. Sox2 forms a core network with partner factors, thereby functioning as a molecular switch. This review discusses how the network of Sox2 partner and target genes illustrates the molecular characteristics of the mechanism underlying the self-renewal and multipotency of NSCs.

A novel SATB1 binding site in the BCL2 promoter region possesses transcriptional regulatory function

BCL2 is a key regulator of apoptosis.Our previous work has demonstrated that special AT-rich sequence-binding protein 1 （SATB1） is positively correlated with BCL2 expression.In the present study,we report a new SATB1 binding site located between P1 and P2 promoters of the BCL2 gene.The candidate SATB1 binding sequence predicted by bioinformatic analysis was investigated in vitro and in vivo by electrophoretic gel mobility shift assays （EMSA） and chromatin immunoprecipitation （ChIP）.One 25-bp sequence,named SB1,was confirmed to be SATB1 binding site.The regulatory function of SB1 and its relevance to SATB1 were further examed with dual-luciferase reporter assay system in Jurkat cells.We found that SB1 could negatively regulate reporter gene activity.Mutation of SATB1 binding site further repressed the activity.Knockdown of SATB1 also enhanced this negative effect of SB1.Our data indicate that the SB1 sequence possesses negative transcriptional regulatory function and this function can be antagonized by SATB1.

<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.

SHP2 regulates skeletal cell fate by modifying SOX9 expression and transcriptional activity

Chondrocytes and osteoblasts differentiate from a common mesenchymal precursor, the osteochondroprogenitor（OCP）, and help build the vertebrate skeleton. The signaling pathways that control lineage commitment for OCPs are incompletely understood. We asked whether the ubiquitously expressed protein-tyrosine phosphatase SHP2（encoded by Ptpn11） affects skeletal lineage commitment by conditionally deleting Ptpn11 in mouse limb and head mesenchyme using ＂Cre-lox P＂-mediated gene excision.SHP2-deficient mice have increased cartilage mass and deficient ossification, suggesting that SHP2-deficient OCPs become chondrocytes and not osteoblasts. Consistent with these observations, the expression of the master chondrogenic transcription factor SOX9 and its target genes Acan, Col2a1, and Col10a1 were increased in SHP2-deficient chondrocytes, as revealed by gene expression arrays, q RT-PCR, in situ hybridization, and immunostaining. Mechanistic studies demonstrate that SHP2 regulates OCP fate determination via the phosphorylation and SUMOylation of SOX9, mediated at least in part via the PKA signaling pathway. Our data indicate that SHP2 is critical for skeletal cell lineage differentiation and could thus be a pharmacologic target for bone and cartilage regeneration.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

Ceruloplasmin or Fibronectin Synergism with Quartz Dust on Stimulating Collagen Gene Transcription in Human 2BS Fibroblast

Human α1(Ⅰ), α2(Ⅰ) and α1(Ⅲ) cDNA probes and RNA dot hybridization were employed to quantitate collagen mRNA changes after adding silica dust into the media of human 2BS fibroblasts. At all dosages used (100, 200, 500 and 1000μg), the α1(Ⅰ), α2(Ⅰ)and α1(Ⅲ) mRNA levels increased one day after dusting. At the same dosage of silica (100μg), α1(Ⅲ) mRNA increased earlier than type Ⅰ collagen mRNA did. The type Ⅰ and type Ⅲ collagen mRNA contents in the experimental groups were higher than those in control on days 3, 5, 7 and 9. The effect of ceruloplasmin (Cp) and fibronectin (Fn) on collagen mRNA synthesis was also studied, after adding silica dust, Cp or Fn into the media of human 2BS fibroblast. The results showed that Cp and Fn have stimulating effect on collagen mRNA production. When both Cp and silica dust were added into cell culture media, the collagen mRNA level was increased more than those of adding either Cp or silica dust alone. Similar situations were found for Fn. Cp (or Fn) synergism with silica dust on stimulating transcription of human collagen gene was suggested

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。

Study on the Regulation of Bcl-2 Gene on Rat Spermatogenic Cells Apoptosis in Transcription Level

Objective To detect the change of Bcl 2 gene expression in the apopototic process of spermatogenic cells in rat with vasoligation and vasostomy, and to find out the relationship between the transcription of Bcl 2 and the apoptosis of spermatognic cells Materials & Methods Sixty adult male Sprague Dawley rats in 3 groups were operated with vasoligation and vasostomy. Then hybridization in situ with hypersensitive Bcl 2 RNA probe was used to detect the change of Bcl 2 mRNA. Results The transcription of Bcl 2 gene in spermatogenic cells was obviously inhibited in the vasoligation group compared with that in the control group (P<0.05), and the transcription in the vasostomy group showed no difference from that of the control group. Conclusion Bcl 2 gene has an anti apoptotic effect in rats with vasostomy, and there was a transcriptional regulation of Bcl 2 gene in rat spermatogenic cell during the period of pre vasoligation to post vasoligation and to post vasosotomy.

Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Gonadal(HPG)Axis and Transcriptional Regulatory Elements Regulate piwil2 Gene Expression During Gametogenesis and Gonadal Development in Japanese Flounder(Paralichthys olivaceus)

The P-element induced wimpy testis(Piwi)proteins,which are associated with PIWI-interacting RNAs(piRNAs),play important roles in meiosis,germ cell division,and germline maintenance.In this study,we identified and characterized the Paralichthys olivaceus piwil2 gene,a constituent factor of the piRNA pathways involved in the biogenesis of reproductive development.The biological analysis indicated that piwil2,which contains PAZ and PIWI domains,was highly conserved between teleosts and tetrapods.The piwil2 distribution profile in different tissues confirmed a sexually dimorphic expression pattern,with a higher expression level in testis.In situ hybridization demonstrated that piwil2 was expressed in the oogonia and oocytes of the ovaries as well as in the Sertoli cells and spermatocytes of the testes.Gene piwil2 showed a maternally inherited expression pattern during embryonic development,and was highly expressed during the early embryonic development.Different luciferase reporters were constructed to determine the transcriptional regulatory mechanisms of piwil2.The piwil2 core promoter region was located at−360 bp to−60 bp.Furthermore,some representative sex hormones,including human chorionic gonadotropin,17α-methyltestosterone,and estradiol-17βhad distinct regulatory effects on piwil2.In a summery,these results indicate that piwil2,regulated by sex hormones and transcriptional elements,has vital functions in the reproductive cycle and gonadal development.

EGR1 is essential for transcriptional regulation of BMPR2

In this study, RLM-RACE was used to identify the transcriptional start site 387 bp upstream of the translational start. Evolutionarily conserved transcription factor binding sites were identified, and a series of luciferase reporter constructs driven by BMPR2 promoter elements used to determine their functional relevance. We found the promoter area from 983 bp to 90 bp upstream of the transcriptional start gave maximal activity, greater than longer constructs, with an area between 570 bp and 290 bp upstream of the transcriptional start containing an important repressor element. To characterize this repressor, we used a combination of EMSA, mutation of the EGR1 binding site, transfection with EGR1 and NAB1 constructs, and mutation of the NAB1 binding site within the EGR1 protein. From this we conclude that EGR1 is essential to BMPR2 transcription, but that NAB1 binding to EGR1 causes it to act as a repressor.

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.