Detection of k-ras gene point mutation in fine needle aspiration and pancreatic juice by sequence special primer method and its clinical significance

INTRODUCTIONThe point mutation rate of k-ras gene at codon 12 inpancreatic adenocarcinoma is reported to be as highas 90%,and with no mutations in normalpancreas tissues or other pancreatic disorders.Wehave detected the presence of k-ras gene

In Vitro Anti-tumor Immune Response Induced by Dendritic Cells Transfected with Recombinant Adenovirus Carrying Mutant K-ras Genes

Summary： The specific anti-tumor immune response induced by mouse bone marrow dendritic cells （DCs） lransfected with recombinant adenovirus carrying mutant k-ras genes was investighted. DCs were generated from mouse bone marrow in the presence of rmGM-CSF （3.3 ng/mL） and rmIL-4 （1.3 ng/mL） and detected by FACS, and then transfecled with the recombinant adenovirus encoding mutant k ras gene. The efficacy of transfection and T cell stimulating activity of DCs were detected. CTL activity of the mice vaccinated with DCs was observed. The resuhs showed thai DCs had dendritic veiled morphology. BmDCs highly expressed B7-1（80%）, B7-2（77%）, MHC Ⅱ （70%）, CDllc （65%）, CD40 （70%） and CD54 （96%） with FACS, and no significant difference in the expression was observed before and after the transfection （P〈0.05）. The DCs transfeeled by mutant k-ras gene could significantly stimulate lymphoeytes proliferation as compared with those transfeeted by Ad e or non-modified DCs （P〈0.05）. DC vaccine transfected by mutant k-ras gene could induce CTL activity against Lewis lung cancer, but not against B16. The specific eytotoxicity against Lewis lung cancer in Ad-k-ras/12-transdueed DC group was signifieantly higher than those in the control, vector and non transfeeted DCs groups （P〈0.05）. It was concluded that special antitumor response could be induced by DCs transfected with recombinant adenovirus carrying mutant k-ras genes.

Study of mutations of p53, APC and K-ras genes in 47 cases of intestinalmetaplasia of gastric mucosa

Objective:To study the role of the mutations of p53, APC and K-ras genes in 47 cases of 3 types of intestinal metaplasia (IM) of gastric mucosa. Methods:In 47 cases of IM, exons 5- 8 of p53 and exons 15 of APC were examined with PCR-SSCP and codon 12 of K-ras with PCR-RFLP to detect the existence of any mutations of these structures. Results:Muta- tions of p53, APC and K-ras were found in 29.8% (14/47),6.4% (3/47) and 6.4% (3/47) respectively in our series of patients who consisted of 33 with types I and II and 14 with type III of IM. The mutation rate of p53 was far higher in patients with type III IM (57.1%,8/14) than in those with types I and II IM(18.2%,6/33)(P <0.05). Though the mutation rate of APC and K-ras was also higher in the patients with type III IM than in those with types I and II IM, it was of no statistical significance (P >0.05). In one case of type III IM, mutation of both p53 and K-ras was found. Conclusion: The molecular changes of 3 types of IM are different. The mutation of p53 may be closely related to carcinogenesis in cases of type III IM and it serve as a sign for the early diagnosis of gastric carcinoma.

Promoter hypermethylation of tissue specific tumor supressor genes and point mutation in K-ras, c-myc proto-oncogenes in urinary (transitional cell) bladder carcinoma

In a total of 83 UN specimens were investigated for proto-oncogene mutations, tumor supressor genes promoter methylation status and c-myc and Ki-67 expression. Point mutations in c-myc were detected in cases with high grade and proliferation index. Mutated K-ras proto-onco- gene profiles were detected in 17 (21%) tumoral spiecemens that examined. Tumor specimens were also showed hypermethylated promoter domain for the SFRP2, MGMT tumor supressor genes. These findings showed the combine effect of mutated c-myc and K-ras oncogene and epigenetic inactivation of tissue specific tumor supressor genes (TS) play a crucial role in tumor progression and recurrence in UN carcinogenesis.

APC and K-ras gene mutation in aberrant crypt foci of human colon

AIM To study the genetic alteration in ACF andto define the possibility that ACF may be a veryearly morphological lesion with molecularchanges, and to explore the relationshipbetween ACF and colorectal adenoma evencarcinoma.METHODS DNA from 35 CRC, 15 adenomas, 34ACF and 10 normal mucus was isolated by meansof microdissection. Direct gene sequencing of K-ras gene including codon 12, 13 and 61 as well asthe mutation cluster region (MCR) of APC genewas performed.RESULTS K-ras gene mutation frequency inACF, adenoma and carcinoma was 17.6% (6/34), 13.3% (2/ 15), and 14.3% (5/ 35)respectively, showing no difference ( P > 0.05)in K-fas gene mutation among three pathologicprocedures. The K-ras gene mutation inadenoma, carcinoma and 4 ACF restricted incodon 12 (GGT→GAT), but the other 2 mutationsfrom ACF located in codon 13 (GGC→GAC). K-res gene mutation was found more frequently inolder patients and patients with polypoidcancer. No mutation in codon 61 was found in thethree tissue types. Mutation rate of APO gene inadenoma and carcinoma was 22.9% (8/35) and26.7% (4/ 15), which was higher than ACF(2.9%) (P < 0.05). APC gene mutation incarcinoma was not correlated with age ofpatients, location, size and differentiation oftumor.CONCLUSION ACF might be a very earlymorphological lesion in the tumorogenesis ofcolorectal tumor. The morphological feature andgene mutation status was different in ACF andadenoma. ACF is possibly putative'microadenoma' that might be the precursor ofadenoma. In addition, the development of asubgroup of colorectal carcinomas mightundergo a way of 'normal epithelium→ ACF→carcinomas'.

Values of mutations of K-ras oncogene at codon 12 in detection of pancreatic cancer:15-year experience

AIM:To summarize progress in the study of K-ras gene studies in pancreatic cancer and its potential clinical significance in screening test for early detection of pancreatic cancer,and to differentiate pancreatic cancer from chronic pancreatitis in recent decade.METHODS:Literature search (MEDLINE 1986-2003) was performed using the key words K-ras gene, pancreatic cancer, chronic pancreatitis, and diagnosis. Two kind of opposite points of view on the significance of K-ras gene in detection early pancreatic cancer and differentiation pancreatic cancer from chronic pancreatitis were investigated.The presence of a K-ras gene mutation at codon 12 has been seen in 75-100% of pancreatic cancers, and is not rare in patients with chronic pancreatitis, and represents an increased risk of developing pancreatic cancer. However,the significance of the detection of this mutation in specimens obtained by needle aspiration from pure pancreatic juice and from stools for its utilization for the detection of early pancreatic cancer, and differentiation pancreatic cancer from chronic pancreatitis remains controversial.CONCLUSION:The value of K-ras gene mutation for the detection of early pancreatic cancer and differentiation pancreatic cancer from chronic pancreatitis remains uncertains in clinical pratice. Nevertheless, K-ras mutation screening may increase the sensitivity of FNA and ERP cytology and may be useful in identifying pancreatitis patients at high risk for developing cancer, and as a adjunct with cytology to differentiate pancreatic cancer from chronic pancreatitis.

Detection of K-ras gene mutation in fecal samples from elderly large intestinal cancer patients and its diagnostic significance

AIM:To study the diagnostic significance of K-ras gene mutations in fecal samples from elderly patients with large intestinal cancer.METHODS: DNA was extracted in the fecal and tissue samples from 23 large intestinal cancer patients, 20 colonic adenomatoid polypus patients and 20 healthy subjects. The K-ras gene mutations at the first and second bases of codon 12 were detected by the allele specific mismatch method.RESULTS: The K-ras gene mutation was 56.52%(13/23) in the large intestinal cancer patients, which was notably higher than that in the normal subjects whose K-ras gene mutation was 5%(1/20) (x^2=12.93, P<0.001). There was no significant difference in comparison with that of colonic adenomatoid polypus patients whose K-ras gene mutation was 30%(6/12)(x^2=3.05, P>0.05). The K-ras gene mutation at the second base of codon 12 was 92.13%(12/13) in the large intestinal cancer patients. There was no significant difference between the detection rate of K-ras gene mutation in the fecal and tissue samples (X^2=9.35, P<0.01).CONCLUSION:Our results indicate that detection of the K-ras gene mutations in fecal samples provides a non-invasive diagnostic method for the elderly large intestinal cancer patients. Its significance in the early diagnosis of large intestinal cancer awaits further studies.

Detection of K-ras gene mutation at codon 12 by pancreatic duct brushing for pancreatic cancer

OBJECTIVE: To assess the diagnostic value of endoscopic pancreatic duct brushing in detecting mutation of the K-ras gene at codon 12 in cytologic specimens from patients with pancreatic cancer. METHODS: Thirty-five patients treated at Changhai Hospital, Shanghai between 1999 and 2001 were enrolled. Their cells obtained by pancreatic duct brushing during endoscopic retrograde tholangiopancreatography (ERCP) were suspended with phosphate buffer solution (PBS). DNA of the cells was extracted and mutation of the K-ras gene at codon 12 detected by means of PCR-SSCP. RESULTS: The K-ras gene mutation rate of pancreatic cancer was 70%, which was higher than that of chronic pancreatitis (14%, P<0.05). K-ras gene mutation was not found in patients with pancreatic cystorcarcinoma and duodenum carcinoma. As to the location of pancreatic cancer, no significant difference was observed between the head, the body and tail. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy of pancreatic duct brushing in detecting pancreatic cancer was 70%, 94%, and 83%, respectively. CONCLUSION: K-ras analysis of pancreatic brushing samples is helpful in the diagnosis of patients with early pancreatic cancer.

Detection of point mutation in K-ras oncogene at codon 12 in pancreatic diseases

AIM:To investigate frequency and clinical significance of K-ras mutations in pancreatic diseases and to identify its diagnostic values in pancreatic carcinoma.METHODS:117 ductal lesions were identified in the available sections from pancreatic resection specimens of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, comprising 24 pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, 19 peritumoral ductal atypical hyperplasia, 58 peritumoral ductal hyperplasia and 19 normal duct at the tumor free resection margin. 24 ductal lesions were got from 24 chronic pancreatitis. DNA was extracted.Codon 12 K-ras mutations were examined using the two-step polymerase chain reaction (PCR) combined with restriction enzyme digestion,followed by nonradioisotopic single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) analysis and by means of automated DNA sequencing.RESULTS: K-ras mutation rate of the pancreatic carcinoma was 79%(19/24) which was significantly higher than that in the chronic pancreatitis 33%(8/24) (P<0.01). It was also found that K-ras mutation rate was progressively increased from normal duct at the tumor flee resectbn margin, peritumoral ductal hyperplasia, peritumoral ductal atypical hyperplasia to pancreatic ductal adenocardnoma. The mutation pattern of K-ras 12 codon of chronic pancreatitis was GGT→GAT, GGT and CGT,which is identical to that in pancreatic carcinoma.CONCLUSION:K-ras mutation may play a role in the malignant transformation of pancreatic ductal cell. K-ras mutation was not specific enough to diagnose pancreatic carcinoma.

INHIBITION OF ACTIVATED K-RAS GENE BY SIRNA EXPRESSION CASSETTES IN HUMAN PANCREATIC CARCINOMA CELL LINE MIAPACA-2

Objective: To construct the small interfering RNA(siRNA) expression cassettes (SECs) targeting activated K-ras gene sequence and investigate the effects of SECs on K-ras gene in human pancreatic cancer cell line MIAPaCa-2. Methods: Three different sites of SECs were constructed by PCR. The K1/siRNA, K2/siRNA and K3/siRNA were located at the site 194, 491 and 327, respectively. They were transfected into MiaPaCa-2 cells by liposome to inhibit the expression of activated K-ras. In the interfering groups of site 194,491, we observed the cytopathic effect of confluent MiaPaCa-2 cells after they were incubated for 48 hours, and detected the apoptosis in cells by FACS, then we tested the alternation of K-ras gene in confluent MiaPaCa-2 cells by RT-PCR,immunofluorescence and western blot, respectively. Results: Introductions of the K1/siRNA and K2/siRNA against K-ras into MiaPaCa-2 cells led to cytopathic effect, slower proliferation and increased apoptosis, while the appearances of control MiaPaCa-2 cells remained well. The number of apoptotic cells increased compared with control cells. RT-PCR,immunofluorescence and western blot showed the effects of inhibited expression of activated K-ras gene by RNA interference in the K1/siRNA and K2/siRNA groups. We also found that the introduction of K3/siRNA had no effect on MiaPaCa-2 cells. Conclusion: K1/siRNA and K2/siRNA can inhibit the expression of activated K-ras and decrease the growth of MiaPaCa-2 cells, while K3/siRNA has no such effect, demonstrating that the suppression of tumor growth by siRNA is sequence-specific. We conclude that K-ras is involved in maintenance of tumor growth of human pancreatic cancer, and SECs against K-ras expression may be a powerful tool to be used therapeutically against human pancreatic cancer.

Progress in clinical diagnosis and treatment of colorectal cancer with rare genetic variants

Targeted therapy is crucial for advanced colorectal cancer(CRC) positive for genetic drivers. With advances in deep sequencing technology and new targeted drugs, existing standard molecular pathological detection systems and therapeutic strategies can no longer meet the requirements for careful management of patients with advanced CRC. Thus, rare genetic variations require diagnosis and targeted therapy in clinical practice. Rare gene mutations, amplifications, and rearrangements are usually associated with poor prognosis and poor response to conventional therapy. This review summarizes the clinical diagnosis and treatment of rare genetic variations, in genes including erb-b2 receptor tyrosine kinase 2(ERBB2), B-Raf proto-oncogene, serine/threonine kinase(BRAF), ALK receptor tyrosine kinase/ROS proto-oncogene 1, receptor tyrosine kinase(ALK/ROS1), neurotrophic receptor tyrosine kinases(NTRKs), ret proto-oncogene(RET), fibroblast growth factor receptor 2(FGFR2), and epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR), to enhance understanding and identify more accurate personalized treatments for patients with rare genetic variations.

Detection of K-ras Gene Point Mutation＇s Style in Human Pancreatic Cancer Cell Line PANC-1 by PCR-SSP

客观：在人的胰腺的癌症房间线 PANC-1 检测 K 地岬基因点变化的风格；确定地岬目标位置的 bp 顺序由 RNA 介入了。方法：为关于变化式样的聚合酶链反应(PCR ) 的三种特殊顺序教材(SSP )(GAT，法国总工会；GGT ) 在 12 K 地岬上的鳕鱼被用来学习人的胰腺的癌症房间线 PANC-1。扩大产品与 polyacrylamine 胶化电气泳动被学习检测点变化的风格。结果：在 12 上的鳕鱼的 K 地岬基因点变化的风格是在人的胰腺的癌症房间线的 GAT。结论：PCR-SSP 是快速的，方便；高特定。结果为胰腺的癌症由 RNA 干扰为进一步的基因治疗提供一个基础。

Comprehensive analysis of the potential pathogenesis of COVID-19 infection and liver cancer

BACKGROUND A growing number of clinical examples suggest that coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)appears to have an impact on the treatment of patients with liver cancer compared to the normal population,and the prevalence of COVID-19 is significantly higher in patients with liver cancer.However,this mechanism of action has not been clarified.Gene sets for COVID-19(GSE180226)and liver cancer(GSE87630)were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus database.After identifying the common differentially expressed genes(DEGs)of COVID-19 and liver cancer,functional enrichment analysis,protein-protein interaction network construction and scree-ning and analysis of hub genes were performed.Subsequently,the validation of the differential expression of hub genes in the disease was performed and the regulatory network of transcription factors and hub genes was constructed.RESULTS Of 518 common DEGs were obtained by screening for functional analysis.Fifteen hub genes including aurora kinase B,cyclin B2,cell division cycle 20,cell division cycle associated 8,nucleolar and spindle associated protein 1,etc.,were further identified from DEGs using the“cytoHubba”plugin.Functional enrichment analysis of hub genes showed that these hub genes are associated with P53 signalling pathway regulation,cell cycle and other functions,and they may serve as potential molecular markers for COVID-19 and liver cancer.Finally,we selected 10 of the hub genes for in vitro expression validation in liver cancer cells.CONCLUSION Our study reveals a common pathogenesis of liver cancer and COVID-19.These common pathways and key genes may provide new ideas for further mechanistic studies.

Peripheral blood RNA biomarkers can predict lesion severity in degenerative cervical myelopathy

Degenerative cervical myelopathy is a common cause of spinal cord injury,with longer symptom duration and higher myelopathy severity indicating a worse prognosis.While numerous studies have investigated serological biomarkers for acute spinal cord injury,few studies have explored such biomarkers for diagnosing degenerative cervical myelopathy.This study involved 30 patients with degenerative cervical myelopathy(51.3±7.3 years old,12 women and 18 men),seven healthy controls(25.7±1.7 years old,one woman and six men),and nine patients with cervical spondylotic radiculopathy(51.9±8.6 years old,three women and six men).Analysis of blood samples from the three groups showed clear differences in transcriptomic characteristics.Enrichment analysis identified 128 differentially expressed genes that were enriched in patients with neurological disabilities.Using least absolute shrinkage and selection operator analysis,we constructed a five-gene model(TBCD,TPM2,PNKD,EIF4G2,and AP5Z1)to diagnose degenerative cervical myelopathy with an accuracy of 93.5%.One-gene models(TCAP and SDHA)identified mild and severe degenerative cervical myelopathy with accuracies of 83.3%and 76.7%,respectively.Signatures of two immune cell types(memory B cells and memory-activated CD4^(+)T cells)predicted levels of lesions in degenerative cervical myelopathy with 80%accuracy.Our results suggest that peripheral blood RNA biomarkers could be used to predict lesion severity in degenerative cervical myelopathy.

A Theory of Bio-Quantum Genetics

The physical mechanism of heredity or inheritance of genes is a quantum mechanical and/or quantum computational process. A theory of bio-quantum genetics is established in this paper. Principle of Bio-quantum Genetics is suggested. I propose and define the soft-genes of genetics controlling the processes of heredity or inheritance of genes. This research deals with the quantum mechanisms of Mendel plant heredity and family inheritance as examples of bio-quantum genetics, deepening our understanding of heredity or inheritance. I believe that more contributions will be made to promote researches of bio-quantum genetics or quantum biology at large.

Epidemiological Surveillance: Genetic Diversity of Rotavirus Group A in the Pearl River Delta, Guangdong, China in 2019

Objective This study aimed to understand the epidemic status and phylogenetic relationships of rotavirus group A(RVA)in the Pearl River Delta region of Guangdong Province,China.Methods This study included individuals aged 28 days–85 years.A total of 706 stool samples from patients with acute gastroenteritis collected between January 2019 and January 2020 were analyzed for 17 causative pathogens,including RVA,using a Gastrointestinal Pathogen Panel,followed by genotyping,virus isolation,and complete sequencing to assess the genetic diversity of RVA.Results The overall RVA infection rate was 14.59%(103/706),with an irregular epidemiological pattern.The proportion of co-infection with RVA and other pathogens was 39.81%(41/103).Acute gastroenteritis is highly prevalent in young children aged 0–1 year,and RVA is the key pathogen circulating in patients 6–10 months of age with diarrhea.G9P[8](58.25%,60/103)was found to be the predominant genotype in the RVA strains,and the 41 RVA-positive strains that were successfully sequenced belonged to three different RVA genotypes in the phylogenetic analysis.Recombination analysis showed that gene reassortment events,selection pressure,codon usage bias,gene polymorphism,and post-translational modifications(PTMs)occurred in the G9P[8]and G3P[8]strains.Conclusion This study provides molecular evidence of RVA prevalence in the Pearl River Delta region of China,further enriching the existing information on its genetics and evolutionary characteristics and suggesting the emergence of genetic diversity.Strengthening the surveillance of genotypic changes and gene reassortment in RVA strains is essential for further research and a better understanding of strain variations for further vaccine development.

A review of the literature on the use of CRISPR/Cas9 gene therapy to treat hepatocellular carcinoma

Noncoding RNAs instruct the Cas9 nuclease to site speifillyl cleave DNA in the CRISPR/Cas9 system.Despite the high incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC),the patient's outcome is poor.As a result of the emergence of therapeutic resistance in HCC patients,dlinicians have faced difficulties in treating such tumor.In addition,CRISPR/Cas9 screens were used to identify genes that improve the dlinical response of HCC patients.It is the objective of this article to summarize the current understanding of the use of the CRISPR/Cas9 system for the treatment of cancer,with a particular emphasis on HCC as part of the current state of knowledge.Thus,in order to locate recent developments in oncology research,we examined both the Scopus database and the PubMed database.The ability to selectively interfere with gene expression in combinatorial CRISPR/Cas9 screening can lead to the discovery of new effective HCC treatment regimens by combining clinically approved drugs.Drug resistance can be overcome with the help of the CRISPR/Cas9 system.HCC signature genes and resistance to treatment have been uncovered by genome-scale CRISPR activation screening although this method is not without limitations.It has been extensively examined whether CRISPR can be used as a tool for disease research and gene therapy.CRISPR and its applications to tumor research,particularly in HCC,are examined in this study through a review of the literature.

Genetic and epigenetic targets of natural dietary compounds as anti-Alzheimer's agents

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder and the most common cause of dementia that principally affects older adults.Pathogenic factors,such as oxidative stress,an increase in acetylcholinesterase activity,mitochondrial dysfunction,genotoxicity,and neuroinflammation are present in this syndrome,which leads to neurodegeneration.Neurodegenerative pathologies such as Alzheimer’s disease are considered late-onset diseases caused by the complex combination of genetic,epigenetic,and environmental factors.There are two main types of Alzheimer’s disease,known as familial Alzheimer’s disease(onset<65 years)and late-onset or sporadic Alzheimer’s disease(onset≥65 years).Patients with familial Alzheimer’s disease inherit the disease due to rare mutations on the amyloid precursor protein(APP),presenilin 1 and 2(PSEN1 and PSEN2)genes in an autosomaldominantly fashion with closely 100%penetrance.In contrast,a different picture seems to emerge for sporadic Alzheimer’s disease,which exhibits numerous non-Mendelian anomalies suggesting an epigenetic component in its etiology.Importantly,the fundamental pathophysiological mechanisms driving Alzheimer’s disease are interfaced with epigenetic dysregulation.However,the dynamic nature of epigenetics seems to open up new avenues and hope in regenerative neurogenesis to improve brain repair in Alzheimer’s disease or following injury or stroke in humans.In recent years,there has been an increase in interest in using natural products for the treatment of neurodegenerative illnesses such as Alzheimer’s disease.Through epigenetic mechanisms,such as DNA methylation,non-coding RNAs,histone modification,and chromatin conformation regulation,natural compounds appear to exert neuroprotective effects.While we do not purport to cover every in this work,we do attempt to illustrate how various phytochemical compounds regulate the epigenetic effects of a few Alzheimer’s disease-related genes.

Genetically modified non-human primate models for research on neurodegenerative diseases

Neurodegenerative diseases(NDs)are a group of debilitating neurological disorders that primarily affect elderly populations and include Alzheimer's disease(AD),Parkinson's disease(PD),Huntington's disease(HD),and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis(ALS).Currently,there are no therapies available that can delay,stop,or reverse the pathological progression of NDs in clinical settings.As the population ages,NDs are imposing a huge burden on public health systems and affected families.Animal models are important tools for preclinical investigations to understand disease pathogenesis and test potential treatments.While numerous rodent models of NDs have been developed to enhance our understanding of disease mechanisms,the limited success of translating findings from animal models to clinical practice suggests that there is still a need to bridge this translation gap.Old World nonhuman primates(NHPs),such as rhesus,cynomolgus,and vervet monkeys,are phylogenetically,physiologically,biochemically,and behaviorally most relevant to humans.This is particularly evident in the similarity of the structure and function of their central nervous systems,rendering such species uniquely valuable for neuroscience research.Recently,the development of several genetically modified NHP models of NDs has successfully recapitulated key pathologies and revealed novel mechanisms.This review focuses on the efficacy of NHPs in modeling NDs and the novel pathological insights gained,as well as the challenges associated with the generation of such models and the complexities involved in their subsequent analysis.

Biotin-modified Galactosylated Chitosan-gene Carrier in Hepatoma Cells Targeting Delivery

Our previous studies have successfully grafted biotin and galactose onto chitosan(CS)and synthesized biotin modified galactosylated chitosan(Bio-GC).The optimum N/P ratio of Bio-GC and plasmid DNA was 3:1.At this N/P ratio,the transfection efficiency in the hepatoma cells was the highest with a slow release effect.Bio-GC nanomaterials exhibit the protective effect of preventing the gene from nuclease degradation,and can target the transfection into hepatoma cells by combination with galactose and biotin receptors.The transfection rate was inhibited by the competition of galactose and biotin.Bio-GC nanomaterials were imported into cells’cytoplasm by their receptors,followed by the imported exogenous gene transfected into the cells.Bio-GC nanomaterials can also cause inhibitory activity in the hepatoma cells in the model of orthotopic liver transplantation in mice,by carrying the gene through the blood to the hepatoma tissue.Taken together,bio-GC nanomaterials act as gene vectors with the activity of protecting the gene from DNase degradation,improving the rate of transfection in hepatoma cells,and transporting the gene into the cytoplasm in vitro and in vivo.Therefore,they are efficient hepatoma-targeting gene carriers.