Thioridazine reverses trastuzumab resistance in gastric cancer by inhibiting S-phase kinase associated protein 2-mediated aerobic glycolysis

BACKGROUND Trastuzumab constitutes the fundamental component of initial therapy for patients with advanced human epidermal growth factor receptor 2(HER-2)-positive gastric cancer(GC).However,the efficacy of this treatment is hindered by substantial challenges associated with both primary and acquired drug resistance.While S-phase kinase associated protein 2(Skp2)overexpression has been implicated in the malignant progression of GC,its role in regulating trastuzumab resistance in this context remains uncertain.Despite the numerous studies investigating Skp2 inhibitors among small molecule compounds and natural products,there has been a lack of successful commercialization of drugs specifically targeting Skp2.AIM To discover a Skp2 blocker among currently available medications and develop a therapeutic strategy for HER2-positive GC patients who have experienced progression following trastuzumab-based treatment.METHODS Skp2 exogenous overexpression plasmids and small interfering RNA vectors were utilized to investigate the correlation between Skp2 expression and trastuzumab resistance in GC cells.Q-PCR,western blot,and immunohistochemical analyses were conducted to evaluate the regulatory effect of thioridazine on Skp2 expression.A cell counting kit-8 assay,flow cytometry,a amplex red glucose/glucose oxidase assay kit,and a lactate assay kit were utilized to measure the proliferation,apoptosis,and glycolytic activity of GC cells in vitro.A xenograft model established with human GC in nude mice was used to assess thioridazine's effectiveness in vivo.RESULTS The expression of Skp2 exhibited a negative correlation with the sensitivity of HER2-positive GC cells to trastuzumab.Thioridazine demonstrated the ability to directly bind to Skp2,resulting in a reduction in Skp2 expression at both the transcriptional and translational levels.Moreover,thioridazine effectively inhibited cell proliferation,exhibited antiapoptotic properties,and decreased the glucose uptake rate and lactate production by suppressing Skp2/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin/glucose transporter type 1 signaling pathways.The combination of thioridazine with either trastuzumab or lapatinib exhibited a more pronounced anticancer effect in vivo,surpassing the efficacy of either monotherapy.CONCLUSION Thioridazine demonstrates promising outcomes in preclinical GC models and offers a novel therapeutic approach for addressing trastuzumab resistance,particularly when used in conjunction with lapatinib.This compound has potential benefits for patients with Skp2-proficient tumors.

Rho-associated protein kinase modulates neurite extension by regulating microtubule remodeling and vinculin distribution

Rho-associated protein kinase is an essential regulator of cytoskeletal dynamics during the process of neurite extension. However, whether Rho kinase regulates microtubule remodeling or the distri- bution of adhesive proteins to mediate neurite outgrowth remains unclear. By specifically modulat- ing Rho kinase activity with pharmacological agents, we studied the morpho-dynamics of neurite outgrowth. We found that lysophosphatidic acid, an activator of Rho kinase, inhibited neurite out- growth, which could be reversed by Y-27632, an inhibitor of Rho kinase. Meanwhile, reorganization of microtubules was noticed during these processes, as indicated by their significant changes in the soma and growth cone. In addition, exposure to lysophosphatidic acid led to a decreased mem- brane distribution of vinculin, a focal adhesion protein in neurons, whereas Y-27632 recruited vin- culin to the membrane. Taken together, our data suggest that Rho kinase regulates rat hippocampal neurite growth and microtubule formation via a mechanism associated with the redistribution of vinculin.

Downregulation of rho-associated protein kinase 1 by mi R-124 in colorectal cancer

AIM: To investigate the roles and interactions of rhoassociatedprotein kinase (ROCK)1 and miR-124 inhuman colorectal cancer (CRC).METHODS: Expression of ROCK1 protein wasexamined by Western blotting, and quantitativereverse transcriptase PCR was performed to measureexpression of ROCK1 mRNA and miR-124. Two cancercell lines were transfected with pre-miR-124 (mimic)and anti-miR-124 (inhibitor) and the effects onROCK1 protein and mRNA expression were observed.In addition, cell proliferation was assessed via a5-ethynyl-2′ deoxyuridine assay. Soft agar formationassay, and cell migration and invasion assays wereused to determine the effect of survivin on thetransformation and invasion activity of CRC cells.RESULTS: miR-124 was significantly downregulated inCRC compared to normal specimens (0.603 ± 0.092 vs1.147 ± 0.286, P = 0.016) and in metastatic comparedto nonmetastatic CRC specimens (0.416 ± 0.047 vs0.696 ± 0.089, P = 0.020). Expression of miR-124 wassignificantly associated with CRC metastasis, tumor Tand N stages, and tumor grade (all P < 0.05). ROCK1protein was significantly increased in CRC comparedto normal tissues (1.896 ± 0.258 vs 0.866 ± 0.136,P = 0.026), whereas ROCK1 mRNA expression wasunaltered (2.613 ± 0.251 vs 2.325 ± 0.246). miR-124and ROCK1 were inversely expressed in CRC tissuesand cell lines. ROCK1 mRNA was unaltered in cellstransfected with miR-124 mimic and miR-124 inhibitor,compared to normal controls. There was a significantreduction in ROCK1 protein in cells transfected withmiR-124 mimic and a significant increase in cells transfected with miR-124 inhibitor (P s < 0.05).Transformation and invasion of cells transfectedwith miR-124 inhibitor were significantly increasedcompared to those in normal controls (P < 0.05). Cellstransfected with miR-124 inhibitor showed increasedcell proliferation.CONCLUSION: miR-124 promotes hyperplasia andcontributes to invasion of CRC cells, but downregulatesROCK1. ROCK1 and miR-124 may play important rolesin CRC.

Comparative analysis of protein kinases and associated domains between Ascomycota and Basidiomycota

Protein kinases play an important role in every aspect of cellular life.In this study,we systemically identified protein kinases from the predicted proteomes of 59 representative fungi from Ascomycota and Basidiomycota.Comparative analysis revealed that fungi from Ascomycota and Basidiomycota differed in the number and variety of protein kinases.Some groups of protein kinases,such as calmodulin/calcium regulated kinases(CMGC) and those with the highest group percentages are the most prevalent protein kinases among all fungal species tested.In contrast,the STE group(homologs of the yeast STE7,STE11 and STE20 genes),was more abundant in Basidiomycetes than in Ascomycetes.Importantly,the distribution of some protein kinase families appeared to be subphylum-specific.The tyrosine kinase-like(TKL) group had a higher protein kinase density in Agaricomycotina fungi.In addition,the distribution of accessory domains,which could have functional implications,demonstrated that usage bias varied between the two phyla.Principal component analysis revealed a divergence between the main functional domains and associated domains in fungi.This study provides novel insights into the variety and expansion of fungal protein kinases between Ascomycota and Basidiomycota.

Changes in microtubule-associated protein tau during peripheral nerve injury and regeneration

Tau, a primary component of microtubule-associated protein, promotes microtubule assembly and/or disassembly and maintains the stability of the microtubule structure. Although the importance of tau in neurodegenerative diseases has been well demonstrated, wheth- er tau is involved in peripheral nerve regeneration remains unknown. In the current study, we obtained sciatic nerve tissue from adult rats 0, 1, 4, 7, and 14 days after sciatic nerve crush and examined tau mRNA and protein expression levels and the location of tau in the sciatic nerve following peripheral nerve injury. The results from our quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis showed that compared with the uninjured control sciatic nerve, mRNA expression levels for both tau and tau tubulin kinase 1, a serine/ threonine kinase that regulates tau phosphorylation, were decreased following peripheral nerve injury. Our western blot assay results suggested that the protein expression levels of tau and phosphorylated tau initially decreased 1 day post nerve injury but then gradually increased. The results of our immunohistochemical labeling showed that the location of tau protein was not altered by nerve injury. Thus, these results showed that the expression of tau was changed following sciatic nerve crush, suggesting that tau may be involved in periph- eral nerve repair and regeneration.

Inhibition of RhoA/Rho-kinase pathway suppresses the expression of extracellular matrix induced by CTGF or TGF-β in ARPE-19

AIM:To investigate the role of Rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK) inhibitor, Y27632, in mediating the production of extracellular matrix (ECM) components including fibronectin, matrix metallo-proteinase-2 (MMP-2) and type I collagen as induced by connective tissue growth factor(CTGF) or transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) in a human retinal pigment epithelial cell line, ARPE-19. METHODS:The effect of Y27632 on the CTGF or TGF-β induced phenotype in ARPE-19 cells was measured with immunocytochemistry as the change in F-actin. ARPE-19 cells were treated with CTGF (1, 10, 100ng/mL)and TGF-β (10ng/mL) in serum free media, and analyzed for fibronectin, laminin, and MMP-2 and type I collagen by RT-qPCR and immunocytochemistry. Cells were also pretreated with an ROCK inhibitor, Y27632, to analyze the signaling contributing to ECM production. ·RESULTS:Treatment of ARPE-19 cells in culture with TGF-β or CTGF induced an ECM change from a cobblestone morphology to a more elongated swirl pattern indicating a mesenchymal phenotype. RT-qPCR analysis and different gene expression analysis demonstrated an upregulation in expression of genes associated with cytoskeletal structure and motility. CTGFor TGF-β significantly increased expression of fibronectin mRNA (P =0.006, P =0.003 respectively), laminin mRNA (P =0.006, P =0.005), MMP-2 mRNA (P =0.006, P =0.001), COL1A1 mRNA (P =0.001, P =0.001), COL1A2 mRNA (P = 0.001, P =0.001). Preincubation of ARPE-19 with Y27632 (10mmol/L) significantly prevented CTGF or TGF-β induced fibronectin (P=0.005, P=0.003 respectively), MMP-2 (P = 0.003, P =0.002), COL1A1 (P =0.006, P =0.003), and COL1A2 (P =0.006, P =0.004) gene expression, but not laminin (P =0.375, P =0.516). CONCLUSION:Our study demonstrated that both TGF-β and CTGF upregulate the expression of ECM components including fibronectin, laminin, MMP-2 and type I collagen by activating the RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway. During this process, ARPE-19 cells were shown to change from an epithelial to a mesenchymal phenotype in vitro. Y27632, a ROCK inhibitor, inhibited the transcription of fibronectin, MMP-2 and type I collagen, but not laminin. The data from our work suggest a role for CTGF as a profibrotic mediator. Inhibiting the RhoA/ROCK pathway represents a potential target to prevent the fibrosis of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells. This might lead to a novel therapeutic approach to preventing the onset of early proliferative vitreoretinopathy(PVR).

XAF1 mediates apoptosis through an extracellular signal-regulated kinase pathway in colon cancer

Background:XIAP-associated factor 1(XAF1)negatively regulates the function of the X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein(XIAP),a member of the IAP family that exerts antiapoptotic effects.The extracellular signal-regulated kinase(ERK)pathway is thought to increase cell proliferation and to protect cells from apoptosis.The aim of the study was to investigate the correlation between the ERK1/2 signaling pathway and XAF1 in colon cancer.Methods:Four human colon cancer cell lines,HCT1116 and Lovo(wildtype p53),DLD1 and SW1116(mutant p53),were used.Lovo stable transfectants with XAF1 sense and antisense were established.The effects of dominant-negative MEK1(DN-MEK1)and MEK-specific inhibitor U0126 on the ERK signaling pathway and expression of XAF1 and XIAP proteins were determined.The transcription activity of core XAF1 promoter was assessed by dual luciferase reporter assay.Cell proliferation was measured by MTT assay.Apoptosis was determined by Hoechst 33258 staining.Results:U0126 increased the expression of XAF1 in a time-and dose-dependent manner.A similar result was obtained in cells transfected with DN-MEK1 treatment.Conversely,the expression of XIAP was down-regulated.Activity of the putative promoter of the XAF1 gene was significantly increased by U0126 treatment and DN-MEK1 transient transfection.rhEGF-stimulated phosphorylation of ERK appeared to have little or no effect on XAF1 expression.Overexpression of XAF1 was more sensitive to U0126-induced apoptosis,whereas down-regulation of XAF1 by antisense reversed U0126-induced inhibition of cell proliferation.Conclusions:XAF1 expression was up-regulated by inhibition of the ERK1/2 pathway through transcriptional regulation,which required de novo protein synthesis.The results suggest that XAF1 mediates apoptosis induced by the ERK1/2 pathway in colon cancer.

Rho kinase:A new target for treatment of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury

Rho kinase inhibitor fasudil hydrochloride has been shown to reduce cerebral vasospasm, to inhibit inflammation and apoptosis and to promote the recovery of neurological function. However, the effect of fasudil hydrochloride on claudin-5 protein expression has not been reported after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion. Therefore, this study sought to explore the effects of fasudil hydrochloride on blood-brain barrier permeability, growth-associated protein-43 and claudin-5 protein expression, and to further understand the neuroprotective effect of fasudil hydrochloride. A focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion model was established using the intraluminal suture technique. Fasudil hydrochloride （15 mg/kg） was intraperitoneally injected once a day. Neurological deficit was evaluated using Longa＇s method. Changes in permeability of blood-brain barrier were measured using Evans blue. Changes in RhoA, growth-associated protein-43 and claudin-5 protein expression were detected using immunohistochemistry and western blotting. Results revealed that fasudil hydrochloride noticeably contributed to the recovery of neurological function, improved the function of blood-brain barrier, inhibited RhoA protein expression, and upregulated growth-associated protein-43 and claudin-5 protein expression following cerebral ischemia/reperfusion. Results indicated that Rho kinase exhibits a certain effect on neurovascular damage following cerebral ischemia/reperfusion. Intervention targeted Rho kinase might be a new therapeutic target in the treatment of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion.

A new cell death program regulated by toll-like receptor 9 through p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway in a neonatal rat model with sepsis associated encephalopathy

Background:Sepsis,a serious condition with high mortality,usually causes sepsis associated encephalopathy(SAE)that involves neuronal cell death.However,the cell death programs involved and their underlying mechanisms are not clear.This study aimed to explore the regulatory mechanisms of different cell death programs in SAE.Methods:A neonatal rat model of SAE was established by cecal ligation and perforation.Survival rate and vital signs(mean arterial pressure and heart rate)were monitored,nerve reflexes were evaluated,and cortical pathological changes were observed by hematoxylin and eosin staining.The expression of pyroptosis,apoptosis,and necroptosis(PANoptosis)-related proteins,mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK),and its upstream regulator toll-like receptor 9(TLR9)were detected.The expression of TLR9 in neurons was observed by immunofluorescence staining.The ultrastructure of neurons was observed by transmission electron microscope.Results:First,PANoptosis was found in cortical nerve cells of the SAE rats.Meanwhile,the subunits of MAPKs,p38 MAPK,Jun N-terminal kinase,and extracellular signal-regulated kinase(ERK)were activated.After pharmacologically inhibiting each of the subunits,only p38 MAPK was found to be associated with PANoptosis.Furthermore,blocking the p38 MAPK signaling pathway activated necroptosis but inhibited apoptosis and pyroptosis.When necroptosis was pharmacologically inhibited,apoptosis and pyroptosis were reactivated.Finally,we found that the expression of TLR9,a regulator of MAPKs,was significantly increased in this model.After down-regulation of TLR9,p38 MAPK,and ERK signaling pathways were inhibited,which led to the inhibition of PANoptosis.Further analysis found that down-regulation of TLR9 improved the survival rate and reduced the pathological changes in SAE rats.Conclusions:Our study showed that the programs comprising PANoptosis are activated simultaneously in SAE rats.TLR9 activated PANoptosis through the p38 MAPK signaling pathway.TLR9 may work as a potential target for SAE treatment.

汉黄芩素干预糖尿病脑梗死模型大鼠的神经损伤

背景:汉黄芩素是黄芩根中提取的一种黄酮类化合物,既往研究表明汉黄芩素对脑缺血再灌注损伤有保护作用,还能降低糖尿病小鼠的血糖及其并发症,但其在糖尿病脑梗死中的作用及机制还不清楚。目的:探究汉黄芩素对糖尿病脑梗死大鼠神经损伤的影响,并探究其作用机制。方法:将SD大鼠随机分为6组:对照组、模型组、汉黄芩素低、中、高剂量组和汉黄芩素高剂量+RhoA激活剂组,每组10只。除对照组外,其余组通过腹腔注射链脲佐菌素和大脑中动脉闭塞法构建糖尿病脑梗死大鼠模型,汉黄芩素低、中、高剂量组分别灌胃10,20,40 mg/kg汉黄芩素,汉黄芩素高剂量+RhoA激活剂组灌胃40 mg/kg汉黄芩素并腹腔注射10 mg/kg溶血磷脂酸,对照组和模型组给予等量生理盐水,1次/d,连续7 d。末次给药结束后,各组大鼠进行神经功能缺损评分,检测血糖水平,TTC染色检测脑梗死体积,苏木精-伊红染色观察脑组织病理变化,ELISA试剂盒检测脑组织中肿瘤坏死因子α、白细胞介素6和丙二醛、超氧化物歧化酶水平,Western blot检测脑组织中RhoA、ROCK2蛋白表达。结果与结论:(1)与对照组相比,模型组大鼠神经元结构严重受损,细胞坏死、变性;神经功能缺损评分、血糖水平、脑梗死体积升高(P<0.05);脑组织中肿瘤坏死因子α、白细胞介素6、丙二醛水平升高(P<0.05),超氧化物歧化酶水平下降(P<0.05);脑组织中RhoA、ROCK2蛋白表达升高(P<0.05);(2)与模型组相比,汉黄芩素低、中、高剂量组神经元损伤改善,细胞变性和坏死减少;神经功能缺损评分、血糖水平、脑梗死体积下降(P<0.05);脑组织中肿瘤坏死因子α、白细胞介素6、丙二醛水平下降(P<0.05),超氧化物歧化酶水平升高(P<0.05);脑组织中RhoA、ROCK2蛋白表达下降(P<0.05);(3)与汉黄芩素高剂量组相比,汉黄芩素高剂量+RhoA激活剂组明显抑制糖尿病脑梗死大鼠上述指标的改善(P<0.05)。结果表明:汉黄芩素能够改善糖尿病脑梗死大鼠血糖水平,减轻脑梗死和神经损伤,其作用机制可能与抑制RhoA/ROCK信号通路有关。

Desensitization of G-protein-coupled receptors induces vascular hypocontractility in response to norepinephrine in the mesenteric arteries of cirrhotic patients and rats

BACKGROUND: The increased β-arrestin-2 and its combination with G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) lead to GPCRs desensitization. The latter may be responsible for decreased contractile reactivity in the mesenteric arteries of cirrhotic patients and rats. The present study is to investigate the machinery changes of α-adrenergic receptors and G proteins and their roles in the contractility of mesenteric arteries of cirrhotic patients and animal models. METHODS: Patients with cirrhosis due to hepatitis B and cirrhotic rats induced by CCl 4 were studied. Mesenteric artery contractility in response to norepinephrine was determined by a vessel perfusion system. The contractile effect of G protein-coupled receptor kinase-2 (GRK-2) inhibitor on the mesenteric artery was evaluated. The protein expression of the α 1 adrenergic receptor, G proteins, β-arrestin-2, GRK-2 as well as the activity of Rho associated coiled-coil forming protein kinase-1 (ROCK-1) were measured by Western blot. In addition, the interaction of α 1 adrenergic receptor with β-arrestin-2 was assessed by co-immunoprecipitation. RESULTS: The portal vein pressure of cirrhotic patients and rats was significantly higher than that of controls. The doseresponse curve to norepinephrine in mesenteric arteriole was shifted to the right, and EC 50 was significantly increased in cirrhotic patients and rats. There were no significant differences in the expressions of the α 1 adrenergic receptor and G proteins in the cirrhotic group compared with the controls. However, the protein expressions of GRK-2 and β-arrestin-2 were significantly elevated in cirrhotic patients and rats compared with those of the controls. The interaction of the α 1 adrenergic receptor and β-arrestin-2 was significantly aggravated. This interaction was significantly reversed by GRK-2 inhibitor. Both the protein expression and activity of ROCK-1 were significantly decreased in the mesenteric artery in patients with cirrhosis compared with those of the controls, and this phenomenon was not shown in the cirrhotic rats. Norepinephrine significantly increased the activity of ROCK-1 in normal rats but not in cirrhotic ones. Norepinephrine significantly increased ROCK-1 activity in cirrhotic rats when GRK-2 inhibitor was used. CONCLUSIONS: β-arrestin-2 expression and its interaction with GPCRs are significantly upregulated in the mesenteric arteries in patients and rats with cirrhosis. These upregulations result in GPCR desensitization, G-protein dysfunction and ROCK inhibition. These may explain the decreased contractility of the mesenteric artery in response to vasoconstrictors.

JNK1,JNK2,and JNK3 are involved in P-glycoprotein-mediated multidrug resistance of hepatocellular carcinoma cells

BACKGROUND:Multidrug resistance(MDR)is extremely common in hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)and is a major problem in cancer eradication by limiting the efficacy of chemotherapy.Modulation of c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase(JNK)activation could be a new method to reverse MDR.However,the relationship between JNK activity and MDR in HCC cells is unknown.This study aimed to explore the relationship between MDR and JNK in HCC cell lines with different degrees of MDR.METHODS:A MDR human HCC cell line,SMMC-7721/ ADM,was developed by exposing parental cells to gradually increasing concentrations of adriamycin.The MTT assay was used to determine drug sensitivity.Flow cytometry was used to analyze the cell cycle distribution and to measure the expression levels of P-glycoprotein(P-gp)and MDR-related protein(MRP)-1 in these cells.JNK1,JNK2 and JNK3 mRNA expression levels were quantified by real-time PCR.Expression and phosphorylation of JNK1,JNK2,and JNK3 were analyzed by Western blotting.RESULTS:The MDR of SMMC-7721/ADM cells resistant to 0.05 mg/L adriamycin was mainly attributed to the overexpression of P-gp but not MRP1.In addition,these cells had a significant increase in percentage in the S phase,accompanied by a decrease in percentage in the G0/G1 phase,which is likely associated with a reduced ability for cell proliferation and MDR generation.We found that JNK1,JNK2,and JNK3 activities were negatively correlated with the degree of MDR in HCC cells.CONCLUSION:This study suggests that JNK1,JNK2,and JNK3 activities are negatively correlated with the degree of MDR in HCC cells.

Electroacupuncture preconditioning protects against focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury via suppression of dynamin-related protein 1

Electroacupuncture preconditioning at acupoint Baihui （GV20） can reduce focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury. However, the precise protective mechanism remains unknown. Mitochondrial fission mediated by dynamin-related protein 1 （Drp1） can trigger neuronal apoptosis following cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury. Herein, we examined the hypothesis that electroacupuncture pretreatment can regulate Drp1, and thus inhibit mitochondrial fission to provide cerebral protection. Rat models of focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury were established by middle cerebral artery occlusion at 24 hours after 5 consecutive days of preconditioning with electroacupuncture at GV20 （depth 2 mm, intensity 1 mA, frequency 2/15 Hz, for 30 minutes, once a day）. Neurological function was assessed using the Longa neurological deficit score. Pathological changes in the ischemic penumbra on the injury side were assessed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. Cellular apoptosis in the ischemic penumbra on the injury side was assessed by terminal deoxyribonucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-digoxigenin nick end labeling staining. Mitochondrial ultrastructure in the ischemic penumbra on the injury side was assessed by transmission electron microscopy. Drp1 and cytochrome c expression in the ischemic penumbra on the injury side were assessed by western blot assay. Results showed that electroacupuncture preconditioning decreased expression of total and mitochondrial Drp1, decreased expression of total and cytosolic cytochrome c, maintained mitochondrial morphology and reduced the proportion of apoptotic cells in the ischemic penumbra on the injury side, with associated improvements in neurological function. These data suggest that electroacupuncture preconditioning-induced neuronal protection involves inhibition of the expression and translocation of Drp1.

Phosphorylation of tau protein over time in rats subjected to transient brain ischemia

Transient brain ischemia has been shown to induce hyperphosphorylation of the micro- tubule-associated protein tau. To further determine the mechanisms underlying these processes, we investigated the interaction between tau, glycogen synthase kinase （GSK）-313 and protein phos- phatase 2A. The results confirmed that tau protein was dephosphorylated during brain ischemia; in addition, the activity of GSK-3β was increased and the activity of protein phosphatase 2A was de- creased. After reperfusion, tau protein was hyperphosphorylated, the activity of GSK-3β was de- creased and the activity of protein phosphatase 2A remained low. Importantly, the interaction of tau with GSK-3β and protein phosphatase 2A was altered during ischemia and reperfusion. Lithium chloride could affect tau phosphorylation by regulating the interaction of tau with GSK-3β and pro- tein phosphatase 2A, and improve learning and memory ability of rats after transient brain ischemia. The present study demonstrated that it was the interaction of tau with GSK-3β and protein phos- phatase 2A, rather than their individual activities, that dominates the phosphorylation of tau in tran- sient brain ischemia. Hyperphosphorylated tau protein may play an important role in the evolution of brain injury in ischemic stroke. The neuroprotective effects of lithium chloride partly depend on the inhibition of tau phosphorylation during transient brain ischemia.

Dissecting the genetic basis of maize deep-sowing tolerance by combining association mapping and gene expression analysis

Deep-sowing is an important method for avoiding drought stress in crop species,including maize.Identifying candidate genes is the groundwork for investigating the molecular mechanism underlying maize deep-sowing tolerance.This study evaluated four traits(mesocotyl length at 10 and 20 cm planting depths and seedling emergence rate on days 6 and 12)related to deep-sowing tolerance using a large maize population containing 386 inbred lines genotyped with 0.5 million high-quality single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs).The genomewide association study detected that 273 SNPs were in linkage disequilibrium(LD)with the genetic basis of maize deep-sowing tolerance.The RNA-sequencing analysis identified 1944 and 2098 differentially expressed genes(DEGs)in two comparisons,which shared 281 DEGs.By comparing the genomic locations of the 273 SNPs with those of the 281 DEGs,we identified seven candidate genes,of which GRMZM2G119769 encoded a sucrose non-fermenting 1 kinase interactor-like protein.GRMZM2G119769 was selected as the candidate gene because its homologs in other plants were related to organ length,auxin,or light response.Candidate gene association mapping revealed that natural variations in GRMZM2G119769 were related to phenotypic variations in maize mesocotyl length.Gene expression of GRMZM2G119769 was higher in deep-sowing tolerant inbred lines.These results suggest that GRMZM2G119769 is the most likely candidate gene.This study provides information on the deep-sowing tolerance of maize germplasms and identifies candidate genes,which would be useful for further research on maize deep-sowing tolerance.

西藏地区结直肠癌免疫治疗和靶向治疗相关分子标志物的检测及意义

目的研究西藏地区结直肠癌中SWI/SNF相关、基质相关、肌动蛋白依赖性染色质调节因子A亚科成员4(SMARCA4)/Brahma相关基因1、V-raf鼠类肉瘤病毒癌基因同源物B(BRAF)、P53、程序性死亡受体1(PD-1)及程序性死亡配体1(PD-L1)免疫组织化学表达和BRAF、神经营养因子酪氨酸受体激酶(NTRK)基因改变情况,为西藏地区结直肠癌患者的靶向治疗及免疫治疗提供依据。方法收集2015年1月至2021年7月西藏自治区人民医院经手术切除病理确诊为结直肠癌病例64例,全部病例均进行SMARCA4、BRAF、P53、PD-1、PD-L1免疫组织化学染色和NTRK1、NTRK2、NTRK3融合基因荧光原位杂交检测及BRAF V600E基因突变PCR检测。结果64例结直肠癌病例男女比例1.21∶1,平均年龄(56.59±13.27)岁;46例(71.88%)位于结肠,18例(28.12%)位于直肠;60例(93.75%)为腺癌,4例(6.25%)为其他类型;11例(17.19%)为T1或T2期,53例(82.81%)为T3或T4期;24例(37.50%)出现淋巴结转移。免疫组织化学方面,64例中1例(1.56%)SMARCA4部分肿瘤细胞表达减弱或缺失,4例(6.25%)BRAF肿瘤细胞阳性表达,35例(54.69%)P53为突变型表达;45例(70.31%)PD-1肿瘤相关免疫细胞阳性比例分数<10%,19例(29.69%)≥10%;52例(81.25%)PD-L1联合阳性分数<10,12例(18.75%)≥10。64例NTRK1、NTRK2、NTRK3融合基因检测均为阴性;4例(6.25%)检测到BRAF V600E基因突变;1例SMARCA4表达缺失病例未检测到SMARCA4基因改变。PD-L1的表达与错配修复缺陷/高度微卫星不稳定和PD-1的高表达呈显著正相关(χ^(2)=10.223,P=0.001;χ^(2)=11.979,P=0.001)。结论西藏地区结直肠癌中较少出现SMARCA4表达减弱或缺失及NTRK融合基因改变,少数病例有BRAF V600E基因突变,Pan-TRK和BRAF免疫组织化学可作为NTRK融合基因及BRAF基因突变的初筛方法。错配修复缺陷/高度微卫星不稳定的病例中更容易出现PD-L1蛋白高表达,这部分患者有望获益于免疫治疗。P53突变与PD-L1表达无相关性,PD-1的高表达和PD-L1的高表达呈正相关。

Yes相关蛋白(YAP)通过激活PI3K/AKT通路促进皮肤鳞状细胞癌细胞侵袭和迁移

目的探讨Yes相关蛋白(YAP)在皮肤鳞状细胞癌(cSCC)中表达及与cSCC侵袭和迁移中的作用。方法通过免疫组织化学染色法检测cSCC、鲍温病(BD)、癌旁正常皮肤组织中YAP的表达水平,并分析与临床病理参数之间的关系;利用慢病毒转染构建YAP基因敲低的A431稳定细胞株,利用四甲基罗丹明标记的鬼笔环肽检测A431细胞微丝分布和数量,Transwell TM实验检测细胞侵袭能力,划痕实验检测A431细胞的迁移能力;免疫荧光细胞化学染色法观察敲低YAP后上皮间质转化(EMT)相关标志物上皮钙黏素(E-cadherin)、锌指转录因子Snail的表达;Western blot法检测E-cadherin、Snail、β-catenin、磷脂酰肌醇3激酶(PI3K)、蛋白激酶B(AKT)、磷酸化的蛋白激酶B(p-AKT)、核糖体蛋白S6(S6)、磷酸化S6(p-S6)、4E结合蛋白1(4EBP1)、磷酸化的4EBP1(p-4EBP1)的表达。结果YAP在cSCC和BD中表达显著高于癌旁正常皮肤组织;cSCC中YAP高表达与肿瘤大小、分化程度、侵袭程度密切相关,与患者的性别、年龄、发病部位、形态类型、是否神经脉管侵犯不相关;敲低A431细胞中YAP后,肿瘤细胞的侵袭、迁移能力降低,细胞微丝变细、伪足变少;E-cadherin表达增加,Snail和β-catenin蛋白表达降低,p-AKT、p-S6及p-4EBP1蛋白表达降低。结论YAP在cSCC中高表达,YAP激活PI3K/AKT信号通路促进cSCC的侵袭、迁移及EMT过程。

LncRNA MALAT1通过靶向miR-146a调节PI3K/Akt信号通路影响胃癌细胞的增殖、迁移和侵袭

目的 探究长链非编码RNA(long non-coding RNA,LncRNA)肺腺癌转移相关转录子1(metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1,MALAT1)通过调节miR-146a对胃癌(gastric cancer, GC)细胞的增殖、迁移和侵袭的影响及其机制。方法 收集GC组织和配对正常胃上皮组织,将GC细胞MNK-45分为空白对照(blank control, BC)组(未转染)、MALAT1 siRNA-NC组(转染MALAT1 siRNA-NC)、MALAT1 siRNA组(转染MALAT1 siRNA)、miR-146a mimics-NC组(转染miR-146a mimics-NC)、miR-146a mimics组(转染miR-146a mimics)、MALAT1 siRNA+miR-146a inhibitor-NC组(共转染MALAT1 siRNA+miR-146a inhibitor-NC)、MALAT1 siRNA+miR-146a inhibitor组(共转染MALAT1 siRNA+miR-146a inhibitor)。定量荧光PCR(qRT-PCR)检测胃组织或细胞中MALAT1、miR-146a表达量;CCK-8法和克隆形成实验检测细胞增殖能力;Transwell法检测细胞侵袭和迁移能力;RNA pull down实验、双荧光素酶报告实验分析MALAT1和miR-146a的结合情况;Western blot检测磷脂酰肌醇3激酶(phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, PI3K)/蛋白激酶B(protein kinase B,Akt)通路蛋白及c-Myc、基质金属蛋白酶9(matrix metalloproteinase 9,MMP9)蛋白表达量。结果 转染MALAT1 siRNA可明显降低MNK-45细胞的MALAT1表达量,敲低MALAT1或过表达miR-146a可降低细胞活力、克隆能力、迁移和侵袭,增加miR-146a表达,降低PI3Kp85α、PI3Kp85β、c-Myc、MMP9蛋白表达量及p-Akt/Akt水平;MALAT1可结合并靶向下调miR-146a表达;低表达miR-146a可逆转敲低MALAT1对MNK-45细胞增殖、迁移和侵袭的抑制效应。结论 MALAT1可能作为ceRNA吸附并降解miR-146a,敲低MALAT1可上调miR-146a表达,并通过PI3K/Akt通路抑制GC细胞增殖、迁移和侵袭。

苦参碱调节RhoA-ROCK信号通路对冠心病模型大鼠Th17/Treg细胞平衡的影响

目的探讨苦参碱(Matrine)对冠心病(coronary heart disease,CHD)大鼠辅助T细胞17(helper T cell 17,Th17)/调节性T细胞(regulatory T cells,Treg)细胞平衡及Ras同源基因家族成员A(RhoA)-Rho相关的卷曲螺旋激酶(ROCK)信号通路的影响。方法建立冠心病模型,将实验大鼠分为对照组、模型组、苦参碱低剂量(50 mg·kg^(-1))组、苦参碱高剂量(200 mg·kg^(-1))组及苦参碱高剂量(200 mg·kg^(-1))+LPA组(10 mg·kg^(-1))。超声心动图进行大鼠心功能检测;酶联免疫吸附试验(enzyme linked immunosorbent assay,ELISA)法进行白细胞介素17(IL-17)、转化生长因子β(TGF-β)水平检测;流式细胞术检测Th17、Treg数量及Th17/Treg比值;免疫组化进行内皮型一氧化氮合酶(eNOS)、内皮素1(ET-1)蛋白表达水平检测;Masson染色进行大鼠心肌组织的病理形态变化观察;TTC染色检测各组大鼠心肌梗死情况;TUNEL染色进行心肌组织中细胞凋亡情况检测;试剂盒检测RhoA活性;Western Blot法进行半胱氨酸天冬氨酸蛋白酶3(Caspase-3)、B细胞淋巴瘤因子2(Bcl-2)、Bcl-2相关X蛋白(Bax)、RhoA、ROCK1、ROCK2蛋白表达水平检测。结果与对照组比较,模型组心肌组织有大量蓝色胶原纤维沉积,左室舒张末期容积(left ventricular end-diastolic volume,LVEDV)、左室收缩末期容积(left ventricular end-systolic volume,LVESV)、IL-17、Th17、Th17/Treg、ET-1、心肌梗死面积、细胞凋亡率、TUNEL阳性率、Bax、Caspase-3、RhoA活性、RhoA、ROCK1、ROCK2表达水平明显升高,左室射血分数(left ventricular ejection fraction,LVEF)、左室缩短分数(left ventricular shortening fraction,LVFS)、TGF-β、Treg、eNOS、Bcl-2表达水平明显降低(P<0.05)。与模型组比较,Matrine-L组、苦参碱高剂量组心肌组织蓝色胶原纤维逐渐减少,LVEDV、LVESV、IL-17、Th17、Th17/Treg、ET-1、心肌梗死面积、细胞凋亡率、TUNEL阳性率、Bax、Caspase-3、RhoA活性、RhoA、ROCK1、ROCK2表达水平依次明显降低,LVEF、LVFS、TGF-β、Treg、eNOS、Bcl-2表达水平依次明显升高(P<0.05)。与苦参碱高剂量组比较,苦参碱高剂量+LPA组心肌组织蓝色胶原纤维增多,LVEDV、LVESV、IL-17、Th17、Th17/Treg、ET-1、心肌梗死面积、细胞凋亡率、TUNEL阳性率、Bax、Caspase-3、RhoA活性、RhoA、ROCK1、ROCK2表达水平明显升高,LVEF、LVFS、TGF-β、Treg、eNOS、Bcl-2表达水平明显降低(P<0.05)。结论苦参碱通过抑制RhoAROCK信号通路调节Th17/Treg细胞平衡,改善冠心病大鼠心肌损伤。

NUSAP1在肿瘤相关巨噬细胞中的表达及对非小细胞肺癌的影响

目的探究NUSAP1在肿瘤相关巨噬细胞中表达对非小细胞肺癌的影响机制。方法使用Western blot检测检测人癌和癌周巨噬细胞中NUSAP1、p-PI3K以及MMP-9的相对蛋白表达量;使用慢病毒感染M2巨噬细胞,构建骨髓诱导M2与人非小细胞肺癌细胞株Lewis共培养体外模拟NSCLC肿瘤微环境,使用Western blot检测M2巨噬细胞中NUSAP1、p-PI3K以及MMP-9的相对蛋白表达量。使用细胞划痕实验检测非小细胞肺癌细胞的迁移能力。结果人体样本Western blot检测结果显示非小细胞肺癌组织中NUSAP1,PI3K与MMP-9的相对蛋白表达量显著高于癌周组织(P<0.05);体外实验通过小鼠巨噬细胞与Lewis共培养以模拟体内肿瘤环境,Western blot检测慢病转染敲低NUSAP1后p-PI3K与MMP-9均表达降低(P<0.05),上调NUSAP1后p-PI3K与MMP-9表达均升高(P<0.05)。MMP-9过表达(OV-MMP-9)抵消了由于敲低NUSAP1所造成的MMP-9表达水平降低,同时shRNA-NUSAP1+ovMMP-9组侵袭率明显高于shRNA-NUSAP1+OVNC组(P<0.05)。shRNANUSAP1(NUSAP1敲低)组比shNUSAP1组的迁移宽度明显增加,说明迁移能力受限;在敲低NUSAP1的基础尚过表达MMP-9(OV-MMP-9)后迁移能力明显变强,迁移宽度显著变小(P<0.05)。结论NUSAP1在肿瘤相关巨噬细胞中通过促进PI3K通路的激活及MMP-9的表达从而促进非小细胞肺癌细胞的迁移。