Screening biomarkers for spinal cord injury using weighted gene co-expression network analysis and machine learning

Immune changes and inflammatory responses have been identified as central events in the pathological process of spinal co rd injury.They can greatly affect nerve regeneration and functional recovery.However,there is still limited understanding of the peripheral immune inflammato ry response in spinal cord inju ry.In this study.we obtained microRNA expression profiles from the peripheral blood of patients with spinal co rd injury using high-throughput sequencing.We also obtained the mRNA expression profile of spinal cord injury patients from the Gene Expression Omnibus(GEO)database(GSE151371).We identified 54 differentially expressed microRNAs and 1656 diffe rentially expressed genes using bioinformatics approaches.Functional enrichment analysis revealed that various common immune and inflammation-related signaling pathways,such as neutrophil extracellular trap formation pathway,T cell receptor signaling pathway,and nuclear factor-κB signal pathway,we re abnormally activated or inhibited in spinal cord inju ry patient samples.We applied an integrated strategy that combines weighted gene co-expression network analysis,LASSO logistic regression,and SVM-RFE algorithm and identified three biomarke rs associated with spinal cord injury:ANO10,BST1,and ZFP36L2.We verified the expression levels and diagnostic perfo rmance of these three genes in the original training dataset and clinical samples through the receiver operating characteristic curve.Quantitative polymerase chain reaction results showed that ANO20 and BST1 mRNA levels were increased and ZFP36L2 mRNA was decreased in the peripheral blood of spinal cord injury patients.We also constructed a small RNA-mRNA interaction network using Cytoscape.Additionally,we evaluated the proportion of 22 types of immune cells in the peripheral blood of spinal co rd injury patients using the CIBERSORT tool.The proportions of naive B cells,plasma cells,monocytes,and neutrophils were increased while the proportions of memory B cells,CD8^(+)T cells,resting natural killer cells,resting dendritic cells,and eosinophils were markedly decreased in spinal cord injury patients increased compared with healthy subjects,and ANO10,BST1 and ZFP26L2we re closely related to the proportion of certain immune cell types.The findings from this study provide new directions for the development of treatment strategies related to immune inflammation in spinal co rd inju ry and suggest that ANO10,BST2,and ZFP36L2 are potential biomarkers for spinal cord injury.The study was registe red in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry(registration No.ChiCTR2200066985,December 12,2022).

Weighted gene co-expression network analysis reveals similarities and differences of molecular features between dilated and ischemic cardiomyopathies

Cardiomyopathies represent the most common clinical and genetic heterogeneous group of diseases that affect the heart function.Though progress has been made to elucidate the process,molecular mechanisms of different classes of cardiomyopathies remain elusive.This paper aims to describe the similarities and differences in molecular features of dilated cardiomyopathy(DCM)and ischemic cardiomyopathy(ICM).We firstly detected the co-expressed modules using the weighted gene co-expression network analysis(WGCNA).Significant modules associated with DCM/ICM were identified by the Pearson correlation coefficient(PCC)between the modules and the phenotype of DCM/ICM.The differentially expressed genes in the modules were selected to perform functional enrichment.The potential transcription factors(TFs)prediction was conducted for transcription regulation of hub genes.Apoptosis and cardiac conduction were perturbed in DCM and ICM,respectively.TFs demonstrated that the biomarkers and the transcription regulations in DCM and ICM were different,which helps make more accurate discrimination between them at molecular levels.In conclusion,comprehensive analyses of the molecular features may advance our understanding of DCM and ICM causes and progression.Thus,this understanding may promote the development of innovative diagnoses and treatments.

Predicting Arabidopsis thaliana Gene Function by Transitiving Co-expression in Shortest-path

The present paper predicted the function of unknow genes by analyzing the co-expression data of Arabidopsis thaliana from biological pathway based on the shortest-path algorithm. This paper proposed that transitive co-expression among genes can be used as an important attribute to link genes of the same biological pathway. The genes from the same biological pathway with similar functions are strongly correlated in expression. Moreover,the function of unknown genes can be predicted by the known genes where they are strongly correlated in expression lying on the same shortest-path from the biological pathway. Analyzing the Arabidopsis thaliana from the biological pathway,this study showed that this method can reliably reveal function of the unknown Arabidopsis thaliana genes and the approach of predicting gene function by transitiving co-expression in shortest-path is feasible and effective.

Identify the signature genes for diagnose of uveal melanoma by weight gene co-expression network analysis

AIM: To identify and understand the relationship between co-expression pattern and clinic traits in uveal melanoma, weighted gene co-expression network analysis(WGCNA) is applied to investigate the gene expression levels and patient clinic features. Uveal melanoma is the most common primary eye tumor in adults. Although many studies have identified some important genes and pathways that were relevant to progress of uveal melanoma, the relationship between co-expression and clinic traits in systems level of uveal melanoma is unclear yet. We employ WGCNA to investigate the relationship underlying molecular and phenotype in this study.METHODS: Gene expression profile of uveal melanoma and patient clinic traits were collected from the Gene Expression Omnibus(GEO) database. The gene co-expression is calculated by WGCNA that is the R package software. The package is used to analyze the correlation between pairs of expression levels of genes.The function of the genes were annotated by gene ontology(GO).RESULTS: In this study, we identified four co-expression modules significantly correlated with clinictraits. Module blue positively correlated with radiotherapy treatment. Module purple positively correlates with tumor location(sclera) and negatively correlates with patient age. Module red positively correlates with sclera and negatively correlates with thickness of tumor. Module black positively correlates with the largest tumor diameter(LTD). Additionally, we identified the hug gene(top connectivity with other genes) in each module. The hub gene RPS15 A, PTGDS, CD53 and MSI2 might play a vital role in progress of uveal melanoma.CONCLUSION: From WGCNA analysis and hub gene calculation, we identified RPS15 A, PTGDS, CD53 and MSI2 might be target or diagnosis for uveal melanoma.

Identification of key genes involved in axon regeneration and Wallerian degeneration by weighted gene co-expression network analysis

Peripheral nerve injury repair requires a certain degree of cooperation between axon regeneration and Wallerian degeneration.Therefore,investigating how axon regeneration and degeneration work together to repair peripheral nerve injury may uncover the molecular mechanisms and signal cascades underlying peripheral nerve repair and provide potential strategies for improving the low axon regeneration capacity of the central nervous system.In this study,we applied weighted gene co-expression network analysis to identify differentially expressed genes in proximal and distal sciatic nerve segments from rats with sciatic nerve injury.We identified 31 and 15 co-expression modules from the proximal and distal sciatic nerve segments,respectively.Functional enrichment analysis revealed that the differentially expressed genes in proximal modules promoted regeneration,while the differentially expressed genes in distal modules promoted neurodegeneration.Next,we constructed hub gene networks for selected modules and identified a key hub gene,Kif22,which was up-regulated in both nerve segments.In vitro experiments confirmed that Kif22 knockdown inhibited proliferation and migration of Schwann cells by modulating the activity of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase signaling pathway.Collectively,our findings provide a comparative framework of gene modules that are co-expressed in injured proximal and distal sciatic nerve segments,and identify Kif22 as a potential therapeutic target for promoting peripheral nerve injury repair via Schwann cell proliferation and migration.All animal experiments were approved by the Institutional Animal Ethics Committee of Nantong University,China(approval No.S20210322-008)on March 22,2021.

Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis of Gene Modules for the Prognosis of Esophageal Cancer

Esophageal cancer is a common malignant tumor, whose pathogenesis and prognosis factors are not fully understood. This study aimed to discover the gene clusters that have similar functions and can be used to predict the prognosis of esophageal cancer. The matched microarray and RNA sequencing data of 185 patients with esophageal cancer were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas(TCGA), and gene co-expression networks were built without distinguishing between squamous carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. The result showed that 12 modules were associated with one or more survival data such as recurrence status, recurrence time, vital status or vital time. Furthermore, survival analysis showed that 5 out of the 12 modules were related to progression-free survival(PFS) or overall survival(OS). As the most important module, the midnight blue module with 82 genes was related to PFS, apart from the patient age, tumor grade, primary treatment success, and duration of smoking and tumor histological type. Gene ontology enrichment analysis revealed that 'glycoprotein binding' was the top enriched function of midnight blue module genes. Additionally, the blue module was the exclusive gene clusters related to OS. Platelet activating factor receptor(PTAFR) and feline Gardner-Rasheed(FGR) were the top hub genes in both modeling datasets and the STRING protein interaction database. In conclusion, our study provides novel insights into the prognosis-associated genes and screens out candidate biomarkers for esophageal cancer.

Cloning and Homology Comparison of S Gene for Isolate TH-98 of Porcine Transmissible Gastroenteritis Virus

TH-98 isolate of transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV) was propagated and harvested on swine testicle (ST) monolayer cell. Two pairs of primers were designed to amplify S gene by RT-PCR according to the published sequence of TGEV'S gene cDNA with Oligo version 4.1 and DNasis software. The products of PCR were named Sa and Sb, of 2.3 kb and 2.1 kb respectively. Sa was inserted in EcoR I and Kpn I sites after Sb was cloned in Kpn I and Pst I multiple cloning sites of the same pUC18 plasmid. The recombinant pUC-S plasmid was identified and analyzed by corresponding restriction endonuclease and nested PCR on the basis of the genetic sites of S gene and pUC18 plasmid, which was identified as S gene of TGEV. Recombinant pUC-S was sequenced and analyzed in comparison with the other strains. Gene sequence comparison indicated that TH-98 shared 99, 97, 98, 97 and 94% identities with Purdue-115(US), Miller(US), TO14(Japan), FS772(British), 96-1933(British), respectively, their deduced amino acid homology was 99, 97, 97, 96 and 93% correspondingly. In addition, the analysis report verified that pUC-S owned a complete open reading frame (ORF) including initiation codon, signal sequences, remaining sequences and termination codon as well. Therefore, the results affirmed that S gene of TGEV TH-98 was extremely conservative.

Analysis of Growth Characteristics and Differentially Expressed Homologous Genes in Rhodobacter sphaeroides under Normal and Simulated Microgravity Conditions

The term “microgravity” is used to describe the “weightlessness” or “zero-g” circumstances that can only be found in space beyond earth’s atmosphere. Rhodobacter sphaeroides is a gram-negative purple phototroph, used as a model organism for this study due to its genomic complexity and metabolic versatility. Its genome has been completely sequenced, and profiles of the differential gene expression under aerobic, semi-aerobic, and photosynthetic conditions were examined. In this study, we hypothesized that R. sphaeroides will show altered growth characteristics, morphological properties, and gene expression patterns when grown under simulated microgravity. To test that, we measured the optical density and colony-forming units of cell cultures grown under both microgravity and normal gravity conditions. Differences in the cell morphology were observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images by measuring the length and the surface area of the cells under both conditions. Furthermore, we also identified homologous genes of R. spheroides using the differential gene expression study of Acidovorax under microgravity in our laboratory. Growth kinetics results showed that R. sphaeroides cells grown under microgravity experience a shorter log phase and early stationary phase compared to the cells growing under normal gravity conditions. The length and surface area of the cells under microgravity were significantly higher confirming that bacterial cells experience altered morphological features when grown under microgravity conditions. Differentially expressed homologous gene analysis indicated that genes coding for several COG and GO functions, such as metabolism, signal-transduction, transcription, translation, chemotaxis, and cell motility are differentially expressed to adapt and survive microgravity.

Identification of Potential Therapeutic Targets of Alzheimer's Disease By Weighted Gene Co-Expression Network Analysis

Objective Alzheimer's disease(AD)is the most common cause of dementia.The pathophysiology of the disease mostly remains unearthed,thereby challenging drug development for AD.This study aims to screen high throughput gene expression data using weighted co-expression network analysis(WGCNA)to explore the potential therapeutic targets.Methods The dataset of GSE36980 was obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus(GEO)database.Normalization,quality control,filtration,and soft-threshold calculation were carried out before clustering the co-expressed genes into different modules.Furthermore,the correlation coefiidents between the modules and clinical traits were computed to identify the key modules.Gene ontology and pathway enrichment analyses were performed on the key module genes.The STRING database was used to construct the protein-protein interaction(PPI)networks,which were further analyzed by Cytoscape app(MCODE).Finally,validation of hub genes was conducted by external GEO datasets of GSE 1297 and GSE 28146.Results Co-expressed genes were clustered into 27 modules,among which 6 modules were identified as the key module relating to AD occurrence.These key modules are primarily involved in chemical synaptic transmission(G0:0007268),the tricarboxylic acid(TCA)cycle and respiratory electron transport(R-HSA-1428517).WDR47,OXCT1,C3orfl4,ATP6V1A,SLC25A14,NAPB were found as the hub genes and their expression were validated by external datasets.Conclusions Through modules co-expression network analyses and PPI network analyses,we identified the hub genes of AD,including WDR47,0XCT1,C3orfl4i ATP6V1A,SLC25A14 and NAPB.Among them,three hub genes(ATP6V1A,SLC25A14,OXCT1)might contribute to AD pathogenesis through pathway of TCA cycle.

Identification of key genes regulating the synthesis of quercetin derivatives in Rosa roxburghii through integrated transcriptomics and metabolomics

Rosa roxburghii fruit is rich in flavonoids, but little is known about their biosynthetic pathways. In this study, we employed transcriptomics and metabolomics to study changes related to the flavonoids at five different stages of R. roxburghii fruit development. Flavonoids and the genes related to their biosynthesis were found to undergo significant changes in abundance across different developmental stages, and numerous quercetin derivatives were identified. We found three gene expression modules that were significantly associated with the abundances of the different flavonoids in R. roxburghii and identified three structural UDP-glycosyltransferase genes directly involved in the synthesis of quercetin derivatives within these modules. In addition, we found that RrBEH4, RrLBD1 and RrPIF8could significantly increase the expression of downstream quercetin derivative biosynthesis genes. Taken together,these results provide new insights into the metabolism of flavonoids and the accumulation of quercetin derivatives in R. roxburghii.

Functional investigation and two-sample Mendelian randomization study of primary biliary cholangitis hub genes

BACKGROUND The identification of specific gene expression patterns is crucial for understanding the mechanisms underlying primary biliary cholangitis(PBC)and finding relevant biomarkers for diagnosis and therapeutic evaluation.AIM To determine PBC-associated hub genes and assess their clinical utility for disease prediction.METHODS PBC expression data were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus database.Overlapping genes from differential expression analysis and weighted gene coexpression network analysis(WGCNA)were identified as key genes for PBC.Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes and Gene Ontology analyses were performed to explore the potential roles of key genes.Hub genes were identified in protein-protein interaction(PPI)networks using the Degree algorithm in Cytoscape software.The relationship between hub genes and immune cells was investigated.Finally,a Mendelian randomization study was conducted to determine the causal effects of hub genes on PBC.RESULTS We identified 71 overlapping key genes using differential expression analysis and WGCNA.These genes were primarily enriched in pathways related to cytokinecytokine receptor interaction,and Th1,Th2,and Th17 cell differentiation.We utilized Cytoscape software and identified five hub genes(CD247,IL10,CCL5,CCL3,and STAT3)in PPI networks.These hub genes showed a strong correlation with immune cell infiltration in PBC.However,inverse variance weighting analysis did not indicate the causal effects of hub genes on PBC risk.CONCLUSION Hub genes can potentially serve as valuable biomarkers for PBC prediction and treatment,thereby offering significant clinical utility.

Transglutaminase 2 serves as a pathogenic hub gene of KRAS mutant colon cancer based on integrated analysis

BACKGROUND Colon cancer is acknowledged as one of the most common malignancies worldwide,ranking third in United States regarding incidence and mortality.Notably,approximately 40%of colon cancer cases harbor oncogenic KRAS mutations,resulting in the continuous activation of epidermal growth factor receptor signaling.AIM To investigate the key pathogenic genes in KRAS mutant colon cancer holds considerable importance.METHODS Weighted gene co-expression network analysis,in combination with additional bioinformatics analysis,were conducted to screen the key factors driving the progression of KRAS mutant colon cancer.Meanwhile,various in vitro experiments were also conducted to explore the biological function of transglutaminase 2(TGM2).RESULTS Integrated analysis demonstrated that TGM2 acted as an independent prognostic factor for progression-free survival.Immunohistochemical analysis on tissue microarrays revealed that TGM2 was associated with an elevated probability of perineural invasion in patients with KRAS mutant colon cancer.Additionally,biological roles of the key gene TGM2 was also assessed,suggesting that the downregulation of TGM2 attenuated the proliferation,invasion,and migration of the KRAS mutant colon cancer cell line.CONCLUSION This study underscores the potential significance of TGM2 in the progression of KRAS mutant colon cancer.This insight not only offers a theoretical foundation for therapeutic approaches but also highlights the need for additional clinical trials and fundamental research to support our preliminary findings.

Identification of Potential Zinc Deficiency Responsive Genes and Regulatory Pathways in Rice by Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis

Zinc(Zn)malnutrition is a major public health issue.Genetic biofortification of Zn in rice grain can alleviate global Zn malnutrition.Therefore,elucidating the genetic mechanisms regulating Zn deprivation response in rice is essential to identify elite genes useful for breeding high grain Zn rice varieties.Here,a meta-analysis of previous RNA-Seq studies involving Zn deficient conditions was conducted using the weighted gene co-expression network analysis(WGCNA)and other in silico prediction tools to identify modules(denoting cluster of genes with related expression pattern)of co-expressed genes,modular genes which are conserved differentially expressed genes(DEGs)across independent RNA-Seq studies,and the molecular pathways of the conserved modular DEGs.WGCNA identified 16 modules of co-expressed genes.Twenty-eight and five modular DEGs were conserved in leaf and crown,and root tissues across two independent RNA-Seq studies.Functional enrichment analysis showed that 24 of the 28 conserved modular DEGs from leaf and crown tissues significantly up-regulated 2 Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)pathways and 15 Gene Ontology(GO)terms,including the substrate-specific transmembrane transporter and the small molecule metabolic process.Further,the well-studied transcription factors(OsWOX11 and OsbHLH120),protein kinase(OsCDPK20 and OsMPK17),and miRNAs(OSA-MIR397A and OSA-MIR397B)were predicted to target some of the identified conserved modular DEGs.Out of the 24 conserved and up-regulated modular DEGs,19 were yet to be experimentally validated as Zn deficiency responsive genes.Findings from this study provide a comprehensive insight on the molecular mechanisms of Zn deficiency response and may facilitate gene and pathway prioritization for improving Zn use efficiency and Zn biofortification in rice.

Identification of the key genes and mechanisms associated with transcatheter arterial chemoembolisation refractoriness in hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND Transcatheter arterial embolisation(TACE)is the primary treatment for intermediate-stage hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)patients while some HCC cases have shown resistance to TACE.AIM To investigate the key genes and potential mechanisms correlated with TACE refractoriness in HCC.METHODS The microarray datasets of TACE-treated HCC tissues,HCC and non-HCC tissues were collected by searching multiple public databases.The respective differentially expressed genes(DEGs)were attained via limma R package.Weighted gene co-expression network analysis was employed for identifying the significant modules related to TACE non-response.TACE refractoriness-related genes were obtained by intersecting up-regulated TACE-associated and HCC-associated DEGs together with the genes in significant modules related to TACE nonresponse.The key genes expression in the above two pairs of samples was compared respectively via Wilcoxon tests and standard mean differences model.The prognostic value of the key genes was evaluated by Kaplan-Meier curve.Multivariate analysis was utilised to investigate the independent prognostic factor in key genes.Single-cell RNA(scRNA)sequencing analysis was conducted to explore the cell types in HCC.TACE refractoriness-related genes activity was calculated via AUCell packages.The CellChat R package was used for the investigation of the cell–cell communication between the identified cell types.RESULTS HCC tissues of TACE non-responders(n=66)and TACE responders(n=81),HCC(n=3941)and non-HCC(n=3443)tissues were obtained.The five key genes,DLG associated protein 5(DLGAP5),Kinesin family member 20A(KIF20A),Assembly factor for spindle microtubules(ASPM),Kinesin family member 11(KIF11)and TPX2 microtubule nucleation factor(TPX2)in TACE refractoriness-related genes,were identified.The five key genes were all up-regulated in the TACE non-responders group and the HCC group.High expression of the five key genes predicted poor prognosis in HCC.Among the key genes,TPX2 was an independent prognostic factor.Four cell types,hepatocytes,embryonic stem cells,T cells and B cells,were identified in the HCC tissues.The TACE refractoriness-related genes expressed primarily in hepatocytes and embryonic stem cells.Hepatocytes,as the providers of ligands,had the strongest interaction with embryonic stem cells that provided receptors.CONCLUSION Five key genes(DLGAP5,KIF20A,ASPM,KIF11 and TPX2)were identified as promoting refractory TACE.Hepatocytes and embryonic stem cells were likely to boost TACE refractoriness.

Co-expression Network Analysis Identifies Fourteen Hub Genes Associated with Prognosis in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma

Summary:Renal cancer is a common genitourinary malignance,of which clear cell renal cell carcinoma(ccRCC)has high aggressiveness and leads to most cancer-related deaths.Identification of sensitive and reliable biomarkers for predicting tumorigenesis and progression has great significance in guiding the diagnosis and treatment of ccRCC.Here,we identified 2397 common difTerentially expressed genes(DEGs)using paired normal and tumor ccRCC tissues from GSE53757 and The Cancer Genome Atlas(TCGA).Then,we performed weighted gene co-expression network analysis and protein-protein interaction network analysis,17 candidate hub genes were identified.These candidate hub genes were further validated in GSE36895 and Oncomine database and 14 real hub genes were identified.All the hub genes were up-regulated and significantly positively correlated with pathological stage and histologic grade of ccRCC.Survival analysis showed that the higher expression level of each hub gene tended to predict a worse clinical outcome.ROC analysis showed that all the hub genes can accurately distinguish between tumor and normal samples,and between early stage and advanced stage ccRCC.Moreover,all the hub genes were positively associated with distant metastasis,lymph node infiltration,tumor recurrence and the expression of MKi67,suggesting these genes might promote tumor proliferation,invasion and metastasis.Furthermore,the functional annotation demonstrated that most genes were enriched in cell-cycle related biological function.In summary,our study identified 14 potential biomarkers for predicting tumorigenesis and progression,which might contribute to early diagnosis,prognosis prediction and therapeutic intervention.

Identification of potential key molecules and signaling pathways for psoriasis based on weighted gene co-expression network analysis

BACKGROUND Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease,the pathogenesis of which is more complicated and often requires long-term treatment.In particular,moderate to severe psoriasis usually requires systemic treatment.Psoriasis is also associated with many diseases,such as cardiometabolic diseases,malignant tumors,infections,and mood disorders.Psoriasis can appear at any age,and lead to a substantial burden for individuals and society.At present,psoriasis is still a treatable,but incurable,disease.Previous studies have found that micro RNAs(mi RNAs)play an important regulatory role in the progression of various diseases.Currently,mi RNAs studies in psoriasis and dermatology are relatively new.Therefore,the identification of key mi RNAs in psoriasis is helpful to elucidate the molecular mechanism of psoriasis.AIM To identify key molecular markers and signaling pathways to provide potential basis for the treatment and management of psoriasis.METHODS The mi RNA and m RNA data were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus database.Then,differentially expressed m RNAs(DEm RNAs)and differentially expressed mi RNAs(DEmi RNAs)were screened out by limma R package.Subsequently,DEm RNAs were analyzed for Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomics functional enrichment.The“WGCNA”R package was used to analyze the co-expression network of all mi RNAs.In addition,we constructed mi RNA-m RNA regulatory networks based on identified hub mi RNAs.Finally,in vitro validation was performed.All experimental procedures were approved by the ethics committee of Chinese PLA General Hospital(S2021-012-01).RESULTS A total of 639 DEm RNAs and 84 DEmi RNAs were identified.DEm RNAs screening criteria were adjusted P(adj.P)value<0.01 and|log Fold Change|(|log FC|)>1.DEmi RNAs screening criteria were adj.P value<0.01 and|logFC|>1.5.KEGG functional analysis demonstrated that DEm RNAs were significantly enriched in immune-related biological functions,for example,tolllike receptor signaling pathway,cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction,and chemokine signaling pathway.In weighted gene co-expression network analysis,turquoise module was the hub module.Moreover,10 hub mi RNAs were identified.Among these 10 hub mi RNAs,only 8 hub mi RNAs predicted the corresponding target m RNAs.97 negatively regulated mi RNA-m RNA pairs were involved in the mi RNA-m RNA regulatory network,for example,hsa-mi R-21-5 pclaudin 8(CLDN8),hsa-mi R-30 a-3 p-interleukin-1 B(IL-1 B),and hsa-mi R-181 a-5 p/hsa-mi R-30 c-2-3 p-C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 9(CXCL9).Real-time polymerase chain reaction results showed that IL-1 B and CXCL9 were up-regulated and CLDN8 was down-regulated in psoriasis with statistically significant differences.CONCLUSION The identification of potential key molecular markers and signaling pathways provides potential research directions for further understanding the molecular mechanisms of psoriasis.This may also provide new research ideas for the prevention and treatment of psoriasis in the future.

Phosphatase and tensin homology deleted in chromosome 10,hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha gene expression in colorectal adenoma and adenocarcinoma and their relation to vascular endothelial growth factor protein expression

To examine phosphatase and tensin homology deleted in chromosome 10 (PTEN),hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1 alpha) gene expressions and their relation to vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF) protein expression in the patients with human colorectal adenomas and adenocarcinomas.Methods The expression of PTEN,HIF-1 alpha gene was detected by using in situ hybridization,and the VEGF expression levels by immunohistochemistry in colorectal adenomas and primary colorectal adenocarcinoma.Results Strong expression of HIF-1 alpha was detectable in the majority of colorectal dadenocarcinoma,particularly surrounding areas of necrosis in adenocarcinoma.PTEN,HIF-1 alpha mRNA and VEGF protein were positive in 51.6%,67.7% and 59.7% respectively in 62 cases of adenocarcinomas,and 77.8%,44.4% and 33.3% respectively in 18 cases of adenomas.The positive rate of VEGF was higher in the patients with colorectal adenocarcinomas than that in those with adenomas,whereas that of PTEN mRNA was contrary.HIF-1 mRNA expression was correlated significantly with lymph node metastasis,liver metastasis,Duke’s stage and recurrence.During colorectal tumor progression,the expression of HIF-1 alpha mRNA was positively correlated with the VEGF protein expression (χ2= 4.751 ,P<0.05),but negatively with the PTEN mRNA expression(χ2=21.84,P<0.01).Conclusion The absence or low expression of PTEN and the increased levels of HIF-1α and VEGF may paly an important role in carcinogenesis and progression of colorectal carcinoma.These results suggest that VEGF upregulated by HIF-1 alpha gene may be involved in angiogenesis of colorectal adenocarcinoma.4 refs,1 tab.

Cloning and Analysis of a Disease Resistance Gene Homolog from Soybean

Conserved domains e.g. nucleotide binding site (NBS) were found in several cloned plant disease resistance genes. Based on the NBS domain, resistance gene analogs (RGAs) have been isolated previously and were used as probes to screen a soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.) cDNA library. A full-length cDNA, KR3, was obtained by screening the library and rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) method. Sequence analysis revealed that the cDNA is 2 353 bp in length and the open reading frame (ORF) codes for a polypeptide of 636 amino acids with a Toll-Interleukin-1 receptor (TIR) and a NBS domain. Sequence alignment showed that it was similar to N gene of tobacco. The phylogenetic tree analysis of R proteins with NBS from higher plants was performed. The KR3 gene has low copies in soybean genome and its expression was induced by exogenous salicylic acid (SA).

Gene Sequence, Soluble Expression and Homologous Comparison of a D-Hydantoinase fromPseudomonas putida YZ-26

A 1440bp open-reading frame encoding D-hydantoinase from Pseudomonas putida YZ-26 was cloned and sequenced（ GenBank AY387829）. The DNA fragment was inserted into Nde and BamHI sites of vector pET-3a, yielding a recombinant plasmid, pET-HDT. After being transferred into the host strain, the artificial strain, pET-HDT/ E. coli BL21 can express the D-hydantoinase as the soluble form in the Lura-Bertani medium without addition of any inducers. The activity of the enzyme toward substrate DL-hydantoin can reach 3000-4000 IU per cells from one-liter bacterial culture incubated at 30 ℃ for 10-12 h. By the comparison of amino acid sequence homology, hydrophobic residues analysis and secondary structure prediction, it was found that D-hydantoinase reported herein is quite similar to that from Pseudomonas putdia CCRC12857, and alike to that from Pseudomonas putdia DSM84 or other bacteria. A rapid and efficient purification procedure of the enzyme was performed by a three-step procedure： ammonium sulfate fractionation, phenyl Sepharose hydrophobic interaction chromatography and Sephacryl S-200 gel filtration. The molecular mass of the monomeric enzyme is 52042 Da as determined by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry.