In situ direct reprogramming of astrocytes to neurons via polypyrimidine tract-binding protein 1 knockdown in a mouse model of ischemic stroke

In situ direct reprogramming technology can directly convert endogenous glial cells into functional neurons in vivo for central nervous system repair. Polypyrimidine tract-binding protein 1(PTB) knockdown has been shown to reprogram astrocytes to functional neurons in situ. In this study, we used AAV-PHP.e B-GFAP-sh PTB to knockdown PTB in a mouse model of ischemic stroke induced by endothelin-1, and investigated the effects of GFAP-sh PTB-mediated direct reprogramming to neurons. Our results showed that in the mouse model of ischemic stroke, PTB knockdown effectively reprogrammed GFAP-positive cells to neurons in ischemic foci, restored neural tissue structure, reduced inflammatory response, and improved behavioral function. These findings validate the effectiveness of in situ transdifferentiation of astrocytes, and suggest that the approach may be a promising strategy for stroke treatment.

Roles of the tumor microenvironment in the resistance to programmed cell death protein 1 inhibitors in patients with gastric cancer

Despite the continuous developments and advancements in the treatment of gastric cancer(GC),which is one of the most prevalent types of cancer in China,the overall survival is still poor for most patients with advanced GC.In recent years,with the progress in tumor immunology research,attention has shifted toward immunotherapy as a therapeutic approach for GC.Programmed cell death protein 1(PD-1)inhibitors,as novel immunosuppressive medications,have been widely utilized in the treatment of GC.However,many patients are still resistant to PD-1 inhibitors and experience recurrence in the advanced stages of PD-1 immunotherapy.To reduce the occurrence of drug resistance and recurrence in GC patients receiving PD-1 immunotherapy,to maximize the clinical activity of immunosuppressive drugs,and to elicit a lasting immune response,it is essential to research the tumor microenvironment mechanisms leading to PD-1 inhibitor resistance in GC patients.This article reviews the progress in studying the factors influencing the resistance to PD-1 inhibitors in the GC tumor microenvironment,aiming to provide insights and a basis for reducing resistance to PD-1 inhibitors for GC patients in the future.

Polycytosine RNA-binding protein 1 regulates osteoblast function via a ferroptosis pathway in type 2 diabetic osteoporosis

BACKGROUND Recently,type 2 diabetic osteoporosis(T2DOP)has become a research hotspot for the complications of diabetes,but the specific mechanism of its occurrence and development remains unknown.Ferroptosis caused by iron overload is con-sidered an important cause of T2DOP.Polycytosine RNA-binding protein 1(PCBP1),an iron ion chaperone,is considered a protector of ferroptosis.AIM To investigate the existence of ferroptosis and specific role of PCBP1 in the development of type 2 diabetes.METHODS A cell counting kit-8 assay was used to detect changes in osteoblast viability under high glucose(HG)and/or ferroptosis inhibitors at different concentrations and times.Transmission electron microscopy was used to examine the morpho-logical changes in the mitochondria of osteoblasts under HG,and western blotting was used to detect the expression levels of PCBP1,ferritin,and the ferroptosis-related protein glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4).A lentivirus silenced and overex-pressed PCBP1.Western blotting was used to detect the expression levels of the osteoblast functional proteins osteoprotegerin(OPG)and osteocalcin(OCN),whereas flow cytometry was used to detect changes in reactive oxygen species(ROS)levels in each group.RESULTS Under HG,the viability of osteoblasts was considerably decreased,the number of mitochondria undergoing atrophy was considerably increased,PCBP1 and ferritin expression levels were increased,and GPX4 expression was decreased.Western blotting results demonstrated that infection with lentivirus overexpressing PCBP1,increased the expression levels of ferritin,GPX4,OPG,and OCN,compared with the HG group.Flow cytometry results showed a reduction in ROS,and an opposite result was obtained after silencing PCBP1.CONCLUSION PCBP1 may protect osteoblasts and reduce the harm caused by ferroptosis by promoting ferritin expression under a HG environment.Moreover,PCBP1 may be a potential therapeutic target for T2DOP.

Transcription factor glucocorticoid modulatory element-binding protein 1 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma progression by activating Yes-associate protein 1

BACKGROUND Glucocorticoid modulatory element-binding protein 1(GMEB1),which has been identified as a transcription factor,is a protein widely expressed in various tissues.Reportedly,the dysregulation of GMEB1 is linked to the genesis and development of multiple cancers.AIM To explore GMEB1’s biological functions in hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)and figuring out the molecular mechanism.METHODS GMEB1 expression in HCC tissues was analyzed employing the StarBase database.Immunohistochemical staining,Western blotting and quantitative realtime PCR were conducted to examine GMEB1 and Yes-associate protein 1(YAP1)expression in HCC cells and tissues.Cell counting kit-8 assay,Transwell assay and flow cytometry were utilized to examine HCC cell proliferation,migration,invasion and apoptosis,respectively.The JASPAR database was employed for predicting the binding site of GMEB1 with YAP1 promoter.Dual-luciferase reporter gene assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation-qPCR were conducted to verify the binding relationship of GMEB1 with YAP1 promoter region.RESULTS GMEB1 was up-regulated in HCC cells and tissues,and GMEB1 expression was correlated to the tumor size and TNM stage of HCC patients.GMEB1 overexpression facilitated HCC cell multiplication,migration,and invasion,and suppressed the apoptosis,whereas GMEB1 knockdown had the opposite effects.GMEB1 bound to YAP1 promoter region and positively regulated YAP1 expression in HCC cells.CONCLUSION GMEB1 facilitates HCC malignant proliferation and metastasis by promoting the transcription of the YAP1 promoter region.

Calcitriol attenuates liver fibrosis through hepatitis C virus nonstructural protein 3-transactivated protein 1-mediated TGF β1/Smad3 and NF-κB signaling pathways

BACKGROUND Hepatic fibrosis is a serious condition,and the development of hepatic fibrosis can lead to a series of complications.However,the pathogenesis of hepatic fibrosis remains unclear,and effective therapy options are still lacking.Our group identified hepatitis C virus nonstructural protein 3-transactivated protein 1(NS3TP1) by suppressive subtractive hybridization and bioinformatics analysis,but its role in diseases including hepatic fibrosis remains undefined.Therefore,additional studies on the function of NS3TP1 in hepatic fibrosis are urgently needed to provide new targets for treatment.AIM To elucidate the mechanism of NS3TP1 in hepatic fibrosis and the regulatory effects of calcitriol on NS3TP1.METHODS Twenty-four male C57BL/6 mice were randomized and separated into three groups,comprising the normal,fibrosis,and calcitriol treatment groups,and liver fibrosis was modeled by carbon tetrachloride(CCl4).To evaluate the level of hepatic fibrosis in every group,serological and pathological examinations of the liver were conducted.TGF-β1 was administered to boost the in vitro cultivation of LX-2 cells.NS3TP1,α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA),collagen I,and collagen Ⅲ in every group were examined using a Western blot and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction.The activity of the transforming growth factor beta 1(TGFβ1)/Smad3 and NF-κB signaling pathways in each group of cells transfected with pcDNA-NS3TP1 or siRNA-NS3TP1 was detected.The statistical analysis of the data was performed using the Student’s t test.RESULTS NS3TP1 promoted the activation,proliferation,and differentiation of hepatic stellate cells(HSCs)and enhanced hepatic fibrosis via the TGFβ1/Smad3 and NF-κB signaling pathways,as evidenced by the presence of α-SMA,collagen I,collagen Ⅲ,p-smad3,and p-p65 in LX-2 cells,which were upregulated after NS3TP1 overexpression and downregulated after NS3TP1 interference.The proliferation of HSCs was lowered after NS3TP1 interference and elevated after NS3TP1 overexpression,as shown by the luciferase assay.NS3TP1 inhibited the apoptosis of HSCs.Moreover,both Smad3 and p65 could bind to NS3TP1,and p65 increased the promoter activity of NS3TP1,while NS3TP1 increased the promoter activity of TGFβ1 receptor I,as indicated by coimmunoprecipitation and luciferase assay results.Both in vivo and in vitro,treatment with calcitriol dramatically reduced the expression of NS3TP1.Calcitriol therapy-controlled HSCs activation,proliferation,and differentiation and substantially suppressed CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis in mice.Furthermore,calcitriol modulated the activities of the above signaling pathways via downregulation of NS3TP1.CONCLUSION Our results suggest that calcitriol may be employed as an adjuvant therapy for hepatic fibrosis and that NS3TP1 is a unique,prospective therapeutic target in hepatic fibrosis.

MicroRNA-363-3p inhibits colorectal cancer progression by targeting interferon-induced transmembrane protein 1

BACKGROUND The molecular mechanisms of colorectal cancer development and progression are far from being elucidated.AIM To investigate the role of microRNA-363-3p(miR-363-3p)in the progression of colorectal cancer.METHODS Real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed to detect miRNA expression in human colorectal cancer tissues and paired normal colorectal tissues.PITA 6 was utilized to predict the targets of miR-363-3p.Dual-luciferase reporter system was used to validate the target of miR-363-3p.Plate colony formation assay and wound-healing assay were performed to evaluate cancer cells’clonogenic survival ability and migration ability,respectively.Cell proliferation was examined by cell counting kit-8 assay.Immunohistochemical staining was used to determine the expression level of interferon-induced transmembrane protein 1(IFITM1)in colorectal cancer tissues and adjacent tissues.The TCGA and GTEx databases were used to compare the expression levels of IFITM1 mRNA in colorectal cancer tissues and normal colorectal tissues and analyze the correlation between the expression levels of IFITM1 mRNA and overall survival and disease-free survival of patients.A colorectal cancer cell line with a deficiency of IFITM1 was constructed,and the regulation effect of IFITM1 on the clonogenic growth of colorectal cancer cells was clarified.RESULTS MiR-363-3p was decreased in colorectal cancer tissues compared to normal colorectal tissues.IFITM1 was characterized as a direct target of miR-363-3p.Overexpression of miR-363-3p led to decreased clonogenic survival,proliferation,and migration of colorectal cancer cells,which could be reversed by forced IFITM1 expression.CONCLUSION MiR-363-3p can constrain clonogenic survival,proliferation,and migration of colorectal cancer cells via targeting IFITM1.

Regulatory mechanism of RAD51-associated protein 1 and its upstream molecules in hepatocellular carcinoma

Background:The DNA damage repair mechanism plays a crucial role in the occurrence and development of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC),and RAD51-associated protein 1(RAD51AP1)has received increasing attention as an important protein in the homologous recombination repair pathway.However,the role of RAD51AP1 and its molecular regulatory mechanism in HCC still need further investigation.Methods:We first analysed RAD51AP1 expression,functional enrichment and prognostic value in HCC.Then,the miRWalk,miRDB,and Encyclopedia of RNA Interactomes databases were used to predict the corresponding microRNAs and long noncoding RNAs of RAD51AP1,and their expression levels and prognostic value were analysed.Results:RAD51AP1 was upregulated in the majority of cancers include HCC.The Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analyses revealed that RAD51AP1 was mainly involved in pathways related to the cell cycle and repair in HCC.Moreover,the expression level of RAD51AP1 was significantly correlated with T stage,pathologic stage,histologic grade and the level of alpha-fetoprotein.In addition,RAD51AP1 was an independent risk factor significantly and had a high predictive value in HCC.Based on ceRNA network,RAD51AP1 may be regulated by upstream MSC-AS1 and hsa-miR-23c to affect the HCC occurrence and development.Conclusions:High expression of RAD51AP1 plays an important biological role in the cell cycle and repair pathways,and has important diagnostic and prognostic value in HCC.Based on the regulatory mechanism of ceRNA network,we speculate that lncRNA MSC-AS1 acts on hsa-miR-23c and regulates DNA damage repair of HCC through RAD51AP1.It provides a new perspective for further study of DNA damage repair mechanism and potential related treatment of HCC.

Expression changes of microtubule associated protein 1B in the brain of Fmr1 knockout mice

Objective To explore the regulatory effect of fragile X mental retardation protein （FMRP） on the translation of microtubule associated protein 1B （MAP1B）. Methods The expressions of MAP1B protein and MAP1B mRNA in the brains of 1-week and 6-week old fragile X mental retardation-1 （FmrI） knockout （KO） mice were investigated by immunohistochemistry, Western blot, and in situ hybridization, with the age-matched wild type mice （WT） as controls. Results The mean optical density （MOD） of MAP1B was significantly decreased in each brain region in KO6W compared with WT6W, whereas in KO1W, this decrease was only found in the hippocampus and cerebellum. MAP1B in 6-week mice was much less than that in 1-week mice of the same genotype. The results of Western blot and in situ hybridization showed that MAP1B protein and MAP1B mRNA were significantly decreased in the hippocampus of both KO1W and KO6W. Conclusion The decreased MAP1B protein and MAP1B mRNA in the Fmrl knockout mice indicate that FMRP may positively regulate the expression of MAP1B.

Fusion Expression of Raphanus sativus-Antifungal Protein 1 (Rs-AFP1) in Escherichia coli and Its Antifungal Activity on Verticillium dahliae

The Raphanus sativus L. antifungal protein 1 (Rs_AFP1) gene was isolated by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The complete open reading frame and the fragment encoding the putative mature protein were inserted into the prokaryotic expression vector pET_32b(+), respectively. Subsequent expression showed that the Rs_AFP1 was produced in E. coli as a 27 kD fusion protein only when the N_terminal signal peptide was removed. After treatment with thrombin to remove part of the N_terminal His.tag sequence, the bacterially expressed Rs_AFP1 was used for fungal growth inhibition assay which was conducted on Verticillium dahliae Kleb., a soil_born fungus causing the cotton wilt disease. Results showed that, in the liquid medium, the Rs_AFP1 fusion protein at a concentration of 0.3 g/L clearly inhibited the growth of V. dahliae and the germination of spores. Thus the bacterially expressed fusion protein had the antifungal activity against V. dahliae.

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.

Expression and role of specificity protein 1 in the sclera remodeling of experimental myopia in guinea pigs

AIM：To study the expression of collagen I and transcription factor specificity protein 1（Sp1）,a transforming growth factor-β1（TGF-β1） downstream target,and reveal the impact of the TGF-β1-Sp1 signaling pathway on collagen remodeling in myopic sclera.METHODS：Seventy-five 1-week-old guinea pigs were randomly divided into normal control,form deprivation myopia（FDM）,and self-control groups.FDM was induced for different times using coverage with translucent latex balloons and FDM recovery was performed for 1wk after 4wk treatment;then,changes in refractive power and axial length were measured.Immunohistochemistry and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction were used to evaluate dynamic changes in collagen I and Sp1 expression in the sclera of guinea pigs with emmetropia and experimental myopia,and the relationship between collagen I and Sp1 levels was analyzed.RESULTS：In the FDM group,the refractive power was gradually changed（from 2.09±0.30 D at week 0 to-1.23±0.69 D,-4.17±0.59 D,-7.07±0.56 D,and-4.30±0.58 D at weeks 2,4,6,and 1wk after 4wk,respectively;P〈0.05）,indicating deepening of myopia.The axial length was increased（from 5.92±0.39 mm at week 0 to 6.62±0.36 mm,7.30±0.34 mm,7.99±0.32 mm,and 7.41±0.36 mm at weeks 2,4,6,and 1wk after 4wk;P〈0.05）.The m RNA and protein expression of Sp1 and collagen I in the sclera of the FDM group was lower than that of the control groups（P〈0.05）,and the reduction was eye-coverage time-dependent.Furthermore,correlation between Sp1 and collagen I down-regulation in the myopic sclera was observed.CONCLUSION：Our data indicate that transcription factor Sp1 may be involved in the regulation of type I collagensynthesis/degradation during myopic sclera remodeling,suggesting that TGF-β1 signaling plays a role in the development and progression of myopia.

Metastasis-associated protein 1 induces VEGF-C and facilitates lymphangiogenesis in colorectal cancer

AIM:To study the correlation between high metastasisassociated protein 1(MTA1)expression and lymphangiogenesis in colorectal cancer(CRC)and its role in production of vascular endothelial growth factor-C(VEGF-C). METHODS:Impact of high MTA1 and VEGF-C expression levels on disease progression and lymphovasculardensity(LVD,D2-40-immunolabeled)in 81 cases of human CRC was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. VEGF-C mRNA and protein expressions in human LoVo and HCT116 cell lines were detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting,respectively,with a stable expression vector or siRNA. RESULTS:The elevated MTA1 and VEGF-C expression levels were correlated with lymph node metastasis and Dukes stages(P<0.05).Additionally,high MTA1 expression level was correlated with a large tumor size(P< 0.05).A significant correlation was found between MTA1 and VEGF-C protein expressions in tumor cells(r=0.371, P<0.05).Similar to the VEGF-C expression level,high MTA1 expression level was correlated with high LVD in CRC(P<0.05).Furthermore,over-expression of MTA1 significantly enhanced the VEGF-C mRNA and protein expression levels,whereas siRNAs-knocked down MTA1 decreased the VEGF-C expression level. CONCLUSION:MTA1,as a regulator of tumor-associated lymphangiogenesis,promotes lymphangiogenesis in CRC by mediating the VEGF-C expression.

Epithelial membrane protein 1 negatively regulates cell growth and metastasis in colorectal carcinoma

AIM: To determine the expression and function of epithelial membrane protein 1 (EMP1) in colorectal carcinoma.

Hypermethylation and aberrant expression of Wnt antagonist secreted frizzled-related protein 1 in gastric cancer

AIM： To identify the methylation of secreted frizzled-related protein 1 （SFRP1） in gastric cancer and to investigate the aberrant expression of SFRP1 and its correlation with the clinical pathological features of patients. METHODS： We determined SFRP1 methylation and SFRP1 mRNA expression in 3 gastric cancer cell lines SGC-7901, BGC-823, HGC-27, from 52 primary gastric cancer specimens and matched tumor adjacent tissue specimens by methylation-specific （MSP） PCR and RT-PCR respectively. Fisher＇s exact test was used to analyze the statistical association between clinical pathological data and aberrant expression of SFRP1. RESULTS： In 3 cancer cell lines, BGC-823 and HGC-27 had methylated SFRP1 and lost SFRP1 mRNA expression. After treatment of BGC-823 and HGC-27 with the demethylating agent, 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine, SFRP1 was re-expressed. In 52 primary gastric cancer specimens and matched tumor adjacent tissue specimens, hypermethylation of SFRP1 was detected in 23 （44%） and 8 （15%） specimens respectively （x^2= 10.34, P 〈 0.01）. Loss of SFRP1 expression was detected in 17（33%） and 6 （12%） specimens respectively （x^2= 6.75, P 〈 0.01）. There was a significant correlation between SFRP1 hypermethylation and SFRP1 expression loss. SFRP1 expression was also correlated significantly with tumor stage and lymph node status, but not with patient sex, age and histological type. CONCLUSION： SFRP1 inactivation is a common and early event caused mainly by hypermethylation in gastric cancer. SFRP1 expression loss may be correlated with tumor metastasis in primary gastric cancer.

X-box-binding protein 1-modified neural stem cells for treatment of Parkinson's disease

X-box-binding protein 1-transfected neural stem cells were transplanted into the right lateral ventricles of rats with rotenone-induced Parkinson＇s disease. The survival capacities and differentiation rates of cells expressing the dopaminergic marker tyrosine hydroxylase were higher in X-box-binding protein 1-transfected neural stem cells compared to non-transfected cells. Moreover, dopamine and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid levels in the substantia nigra were significantly increased, α-synuclein expression was decreased, and neurological behaviors were significantly ameliorated in rats following transplantation of X-box-binding protein 1-transfected neural stem cells. These results indicate that transplantation of X-box-binding protein 1-transfected neural stem cells can promote stem cell survival and differentiation into dopaminergic neurons, increase dopamine and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid levels, reduce α-synuclein aggregation in the substantia nigra, and improve the symptoms of Parkinson＇s disease in rats.

Regulation of Survivin and CDK4 by Epstein-Barr virus encoded latent mem-brane protein 1 in nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell lines

Latent membrane protein 1 （LMP1）, an important protein encoded by Epstein Barr virus （EBV）, has been implied to link with the pathogenesis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma （NPC）. Its dual effects of increasing cell proliferation and inhibiting cell apoptosis have been confirmed. In this study, we showed that the expression of Survivin and CDK4 protein in CNE-LMP1, a LMP1 positive NPC epithelial cell line, is higher than in LMP1 negative NPC epithelial cell line- CNE1, and the expression is LMP1 dosage-dependent. Although it was reported that Survivin specifically expressed in cell cycle G2/M phase, our studies suggested that LMP1 could promote the expression of Survivin in G0/G1, S and G2/ M phase. It also showed that Survivin and CDK4 could be accumulated more in the nuclei triggered by LMP1. More interestingly, Survivin and CDK4 could form a protein complex in the nuclei of CNE-LMP1 rather than in that of CNE1, which demonstrated that the interaction between these two proteins could be promoted by LMPI. These results strongly suggested that the role of LMP1 in the regulation of Survivin and CDK4 may also shed some light on the mechanism research of LMP1 in NPC.

Effects of transfected adenovirus-mediated transcription factor X-box binding protein 1 on hippocampal-derived neural stem cell proliferation and apoptosis under hypoxia

BACKGROUND： Neural stem cell （NSC） survival is closely associated with cell apoptosis in ischemic-hypoxic regions following transplantation. Numerous studies have revealed that X-box binding protein 1 （XBP1） is a transcription factor during endoplasmic reticulum unfolded protein response and is essential for cell survival, differentiation, and anti-apoptotic effects. OBJECTIVE： To determine the effects of the XBP1 gene on NSC proliferation and apoptosis under hypoxic conditions following XBP1 gene transfection into rat embryonic hippocampal NSCs using recombinant adenovirus vector. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： In vitro experiments were performed at the Laboratory of Cell Biology of Jilin University and Laboratory of Proteomics, Department of Neurology, Jilin University China from September 2008 to November 2009. MATERIALS： Recombinant adenovirus package XBP1 gene and Ad-XBPl-enhanced green fluorescent protein plasmid （Guangzhou Easywin BioMed Technology, China）, rabbit anti-XBP1 and its target gene estrogen receptor degradation-enhancing a-mannosidase-like protein （EDEM） glucose-regulated protein 78 （GRP78）, anti-apoptotic molecule Bcl-2 and proapoptotic molecule Bax polyclonal antibody （Santa Cruz Biotechnology, Inc., Santa Cruz, CA, USA）, and COCI2 （Sigma, St. Louis, MO, USA） were used in the present study. METHODS： Hippocampi from embryonic, Sprague Dawley rats on gestational day 16 were harvested for NSC isolation and cloning, followed by immunofluorescence for Nestin and sub-culturing. The recombinant adenovirus Ad-XBPl-enhanced green fluorescent protein plasmid was transfected into rat embryonic hippocampal NSCs, and then CoCl2 was applied to induce hypoxia. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Cell quantification and 3-（4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl）-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide colorimetric assay were utilized to detect proliferation in XBPl-transfected NSCs for 7 consecutive days. Western blot assay was utilized to quantify XBP1 GRP78, EDEM, Bcl-2, and Bax expression. Flow cytometry was used to measure apoptosis. RESULTS： NSC proliferation was significantly enhanced following XBP1 gene transfection （P 〈 0.05）. Under hypoxic conditions, GRP78, EDEM, and Bcl-2 levels increased, but Bax levels decreased. In addition, NSC apoptosis decreased following transfection （P 〈 0.05）. CONCLUSION： The XBP1 gene was successfully transfected into rat embryonic hippocampal NSCs using a recombinant adenovirus vector. NSC proliferation following transfection, as well as anti-apoptotic effects under hypoxia, was significantly increased.

Up-regulated Wnt1-inducible signaling pathway protein 1 correlates with poor prognosis and drug resistance by reducing DNA repair in gastric cancer

BACKGROUND Wnt1-inducible signaling pathway protein 1(WISP1)is upregulated in several types of human cancer,and has been implicated in cancer progression.However,its clinical implications in gastric cancer(GC)remain unclear.AIM To explore the expression pattern and clinical significance of WISP1 in GC.METHODS Public data portals,including Oncomine,The Cancer Genome Atlas database,Coexpedia,and Kaplan-Meier plotter,were analyzed for the expression and clinical significance of WISP1 mRNA levels in GC.One hundred and fifty patients who underwent surgery for GC between February 2010 and October 2012 at the Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University were selected for validation study.WISP1 levels were measured at both the mRNA and protein levels by RTqPCR,Western blot analysis,and immunohistochemistry(IHC).In addition,the in situ expression of WISP1 in the GC tissues was determined by IHC,and the patients were accordingly classified into high-and low-expression groups.The correlation of WISP1 expression status with patient prognosis was then determined by univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses.WISP1 was knocked down by RNA interference.The 50%inhibitory concentration of oxaliplatin was detected by CellTiter-Blue assay.RESULTS WISP1 levels at both the mRNA and protein levels were remarkably upregulated in GC tissues compared to normal tissues.Moreover,IHC revealed that WISP1 expression was associated with T stage and chemotherapy outcome,but not with lymph node metastasis,age,gender,histological grade,or histological type.GC patients with high WISP1 expression showed a poor overall survival.Multivariate survival analysis indicated that WISP1 was an important prognostic factor for GC patients.Mechanistically,knock-down of WISP1 expression enhanced sensitivity to oxaliplatin by reducing DNA repair and enhancing DNA damage.CONCLUSION Significantly upregulated WISP1 expression is associated with cancer progression,chemotherapy outcome,and prognosis in GC.Mechanistically,knock-down of WISP1 expression enhances oxaliplatin sensitivity by reducing DNA repair and enhancing DNA damage.WISP1 may be a potential therapeutic target for GC treatment or a potential biomarker for diagnosis and prognosis.

Effect of salvianolate on intestinal epithelium tight junction protein zonula occludens protein 1 in cirrhotic rats

AIM:To study the effect of salvianolate on tight junctions(TJs) and zonula occludens protein 1(ZO-1) in small intestinal mucosa of cirrhotic rats.METHODS:Cirrhosis was induced using carbon tetrachloride.Rats were randomly divided into the untreated group,low-dose salvianolate(12 mg/kg) treatment group,medium-dose salvianolate(24 mg/kg) treatment group,and high-dose salvianolate(48 mg/kg) treatment group,and were treated for 2 wk.Another 10 healthy rats served as the normal control group.Histological changes in liver tissue samples were observed under a light microscope.We evaluated morphologic indices of ileal mucosa including intestinal villi width and thickness of mucosa and intestinal wall using a pathological image analysis system.Ultrastructural changes in small intestinal mucosa were investigated in the five groups using transmission electron microscopy.The changes in ZO-1 expression,a tight junction protein,were analyzed by immunocytochemistry.The staining index was calculated as the product of the staining intensity score and the proportion of positive cells.RESULTS:In the untreated group,hepatocytes showed a disordered arrangement,fatty degeneration was extensive,swelling was obvious,and disorganized lobules were divided by collagen fibers in hepatic tissue,which were partly improved in the salvianolate treated groups.In the untreated group,abundant lymphocytes infiltrated the fibrous tissue with proliferation of bile ducts,and collagen fibers gradually decreased and damaged hepatic lobules were partly repaired following salvianolate treatment.Compared with the untreated group,no differences in intestinal villi width between the five groups were observed.The villi height as well as mucosa and intestinal wall thickness gradually thickened with salvianolate treatment and were significantly shorter in the untreated group compared with those in the salvianolate treatment groups and normal group(P < 0.01).The number of microvilli decreased and showed irregular lengths and arrangements in the untreated group.The intercellular space between epithelial cells was wider.The TJs were discontinuous,which indicated disruption in TJ morphology in the untreated group.In the treated groups,the microvilli in the intestinal epithelium were regular and the TJs were gradually integrated and distinct.The expression of ZO-1 decreased in the small intestine of the untreated cirrhotic rats.The high expression rate of ZO-1 in ileal mucosa in the untreated group was significantly lower than that in the medium-dose salvianolate group(21.43% vs 64.29%,χ 2 = 5.25,P < 0.05),high-dose salvianolate group(21.43% vs 76.92%,χ 2 = 8.315,P < 0.01) and normal group(21.43% vs 90%,χ 2 = 10.98,P < 0.01).CONCLUSION:Salvianolate improves liver histopathological changes,repairs intestinal mucosa and TJ structure,and enhances ZO-1 expression in the small intestinal mucosa in cirrhotic rats.

Serum chitinase-3-like protein 1 is a biomarker of liver fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B in China

Background:Serum chitinase-3-like protein 1(CHI3L1)is a potential biomarker for fibrosis assessment.We aimed to evaluate serum CHI3L1 as a noninvasive diagnostic marker for chronic hepatitis B virusrelated fibrosis.Methods:Serum CHI3L1 levels were measured by ELISA in 134 chronic hepatitis B(CHB)patients.Significant fibrosis was defined as a liver stiffness>9.7 kPa.The performance of CHI3L1 was assessed and compared to that of other noninvasive tests by receiver operating characteristic(ROC)analysis.Results:Serum CHI3L1 levels were significantly higher in CHB patients with significant hepatic fibrosis(≥F2)than in those without significant hepatic fibrosis(<F2)(56.5 ng/mL vs.81.9 ng/mL,P<0.001).In CHB patients,the specificity and sensitivity of CHI3L1 for predicting significant fibrosis were 75.6%and 59.1%,respectively,with a cut-off of 76.0 ng/mL and an area under the ROC curve of 0.728(95%CI:0.637–0.820).Conclusions:Serum CHI3L1 levels could be an effective new serological biomarker for the diagnosis of liver fibrosis.Moreover,CHI3L1 is feasible in monitoring disease progression.