Identification of Prognosis-Related Genes and Key Target Genes for Pancreatic Cancer: A Bioinformatics Analysis

Objective: The mortality and morbidity rates associated with pancreatic cancer (PaCa) are extremely high. Various studies have demonstrated that pancreatic cancer will be the fourth cancer-related death by 2030, raising more concern for scholars to find effective methods to prevent and treat in order to improve the pancreatic cancer outcome. Using bioinformatic analysis, this study aims to pinpoint key genes that could impact PaCa patients’ prognosis and could be used as therapeutic targets. Methods: The TCGA and GEO datasets were integratively analyzed to identify prognosis-related differentially expressed genes. Next, the STRING database was used to develop PPI networks, and the MCODE and CytoNCA Cytoscape in Cytoscape were used to screen for critical genes. Through CytoNCA, three kinds of topology analysis were considered (degree, betweenness, and eigenvector). Essential genes were confirmed as potential target treatment through Go function and pathways enrichment analysis, a developed predictive risk model based on multivariate analysis, and the establishment of nomograms using the clinical information. Results: Overall, the GSE183795 and TCGA datasets associated 1311 and 2244 genes with pancreatic cancer prognosis, respectively. We identified 132 genes that were present in both datasets. The PPI network analysis using, the centrality analysis approach with the CytoNCA plug-in, showed that CDK2, PLK1, CCNB1, and TOP2A ranked in the top 5% across all three metrics. The independent analysis of a risk model revealed that the four key genes had a Hazard Ratio (HR) > 1. The monogram showed the predictive risk model and individual patient survival predictions were accurate. The results indicate that the effect of the selected vital genes was significant and that they could be used as biomarkers to predict a patient’s outcome and as possible target therapy in patients with pancreatic cancer. GO function and pathway analysis demonstrated that crucial genes might affect the P53 signaling pathway and FoxO signaling pathway, through which Meiotic nuclear division and cell cycle may have a significant function in essential genes affecting the outcome of patients who have pancreatic cancer. Conclusions: This study suggests that CDK2, CCNB1, PLK1 and TOP2A are four key genes that have a significant influence on PaCa migration and proliferation. CDK2, CCNB1, PLK1, and TOP2A can be used as potential PaCa prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets. However, experimental validation is necessary to confirm these predictions. Our study comes into contributions to the development of personalized target therapy for pancreatic cancer patients.

Loss of canonical Wnt signaling is involved in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer＇s disease（AD） is the most common form of dementia in the older population, however, the precise cause of the disease is unknown. The neuropathology is characterized by the presence of aggregates formed by amyloid-β（Aβ） peptide and phosphorylated tau; which is accompanied by progressive impairment of memory. Diverse signaling pathways are linked to AD, and among these the Wnt signaling pathway is becoming increasingly relevant, since it plays essential roles in the adult brain. Initially, Wnt signaling activation was proposed as a neuroprotective mechanism against Aβ toxicity. Later, it was reported that it participates in tau phosphorylation and processes of learning and memory. Interestingly, in the last years we demonstrated that Wnt signaling is fundamental in amyloid precursor protein（APP） processing and that Wnt dysfunction results in Aβ production and aggregation in vitro. Recent in vivo studies reported that loss of canonical Wnt signaling exacerbates amyloid deposition in a transgenic（Tg） mouse model of AD. Finally, we showed that inhibition of Wnt signaling in a Tg mouse previously at the appearance of AD signs, resulted in memory loss, tau phosphorylation and Aβ formation and aggregation; indicating that Wnt dysfunction accelerated the onset of AD. More importantly, Wnt signaling loss promoted cognitive impairment, tau phosphorylation and Aβ1–42 production in the hippocampus of wild-type（WT） mice, contributing to the development of an Alzheimer＇s-like neurophatology. Therefore, in this review we highlight the importance of Wnt/β-catenin signaling dysfunction in the onset of AD and propose that the loss of canonical Wnt signaling is a triggering factor of AD.

Targeting of human aFGF gene into silkworm,Bombyx mori L. through homologous recombination

The long-arm and short-arm genes of fibroin light chain (L-chain) of silkworm, Bombyx Mori L., and the gene of human acidic fibroblast growth factor were cloned respectively and subsequently inserted into a transfer vector pVL 1392 used as a tool to target the L-chain region of the silkworm genome. Genomic DNA from their offsprings was extracted and the expected targeting was detected using polymerase chain reaction and DNA sequencing, as well as protein analysis. The results showed that positive events occurred and that the FGF gene was integrated into the L-chain locus through homologous recombination.

Polymorphisms of micro RNA target genes IL12B, INSR, CCND1 and IL10 in gastric cancer

AIM To evaluate associations between mi RNA target genes IL12B,INSR,CCND1 and IL10 polymorphisms and gastric cancer(GC)in European population.METHODS Gene polymorphisms were analyzed in 508 controls and474 GC patients from 3 tertiary centers in Germany,Lithuania and Latvia.Controls were patients from the out-patient departments,who were referred for upper endoscopy because of dyspeptic symptoms and had no history of previous malignancy.Gastric cancer(GC)patients had histopathological verification of gastric adenocarcinoma.Genomic DNA was extracted using salting out method from peripheral blood mononuclear cells.IL12B T>G(rs1368439),INSR T>C(rs1051690),CCND1 A>C(rs7177)and IL10 T>C(rs3024498)SNPs were genotyped by the real-time polymerase chain reaction.Associations between gene polymorphism and GC were evaluated using multiple logistic regression analysis with adjustment for sex,age and country of birth.RESULTS We observed similar distribution of genotypes and allelic frequencies of all polymorphisms between GC patients and controls except of INSR rs1051690.The frequency of the T allele of INSR gene was significantly higher in GC patients than in controls(23.26%and 19.19%respectively,P=0.028).CT genotype was also more prevalent in patients compared to control group(38.48%and 30.12%respectively,P<0.021).Logistic regression analysis revealed that only one polymorphism(rs1051690 in INSR gene)was associated with increased risk of GC.Carriers of CT genotype had higher odds of GC when compared to CC genotype(OR=1.45,95%PI:1.08-1.95,P=0.01).Similar association was observed in a dominant model for INSR gene,where comparison of TT+CT vs CC genotypes showed an increased risk of GC(OR=1.44,95%PI:1.08-1.90,P=0.01).Other analyzed SNPs were not associated with the presence of GC.CONCLUSION INSR rs1051690 SNP is associated with increased risk of GC,while polymorphisms in IL12B,CCND1 and IL10genes are not linked with the presence of GC.

Targeted mutagenesis of amino acid transporter genes for rice quality improvement using the CRISPR/Cas9 system

High grain protein content(GPC) reduces rice eating and cooking quality(ECQ). We generated OsAAP6 and OsAAP10 knockout mutants in three high-yielding japonica varieties and one japonica line using the CRISPR/Cas9 system. Mutation efficiency varied with genetic background in the T_0 generation, and GPC in the T_1 generation decreased significantly,owing mainly to a reduction in glutelin content. Amylose content was down-regulated significantly in some Osaap6 and all Osaap10 mutants. The increased taste value of these mutants was supported by Rapid Visco Analysis(RVA) profiles, which showed higher peak viscosity and breakdown viscosity and lower setback viscosity than the wild type. There were no significant deficiencies in agronomic traits of the mutants. Targeted mutagenesis of OsAAP6 and OsAAP10, especially OsAAP10, using the CRISPR/Cas9 system can rapidly reduce GPC and improve ECQ of rice, providing a new strategy for the breeding cultivars with desired ECQ.

Screening key target genes for pulmonary arterial hypertension based on bioinformatics

Background:Screening key target genes for pulmonary arterial hypertension(PAH)based on bioinformatics to provide a reference for the clinical development of drugs to cure PAH.Methods:The keyword“pulmonary arterial hypertension”was used to search related genes in the National Center for Biotechnology Information database(NCBI).The obtained genes data was input to the database of Database for Annotation,Visualization and Integrated Discovery(DAVID)(Version 6.8)to collect relevant information about pathways and genes.And the data of genes were enriched in 37 pathways and genes with occurrence frequency≥10 were respectively imported into the String database to construct protein-protein interaction(PPI)network diagrams,and the two network diagrams were compared.Results:VEGFA,MAPK1,MAPK3,IL6,JUN and TNF were among the highest-ranked genes in two network diagrams.Conclusion:The pathogenesis of PAH is associated with multiple pathways such as the TGF-βsignaling pathway,PI3K-Akt signaling pathway,MAPK signaling pathway,HIF-1 signaling pathway and so on.The study of VEGFA,MAPK1,MAPK3,IL6,JUN and TNF are closely related to PAH is necessary for us to study further.Through gene interaction network and pathway analysis of disease-associated genes,which will help us to screen the critical target genes of PAH and provide a reference for clinical development of effective drugs for PAH.

Profiling of gene fusion involving targetable genes in Chinese gastric cancer

BACKGROUND Approximately half of all new cases of gastric cancer(GC)and related deaths occur in China.More than 80%of patients with GC are diagnosed at an advanced stage,which results in poor prognosis.Although HER2-directed therapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors have been somewhat successful,new drugs are still needed for the treatment of GC.Notably,several gene fusion-targeted drugs have been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration for solid tumors,including GC,such as larotrectinib for NTRK fusion-positive cancers and zenocutuzumab for NRG1 fusion-positive cancers.However,gene fusions involving targetable genes have not been well characterized in Chinese patients with GC.AIM To identify the profile of fusions involving targetable genes in Chinese patients with GC using clinical specimens and determine the distribution of patients with gene fusion variants among the molecular subtypes of GC.METHODS We retrospectively analyzed gene fusion events in tumor tissue samples from 954 Chinese patients with GC.Clinicopathological characteristics were obtained from their medical records.Genetic alterations,such as single nucleotide variants,indels,amplifications,and gene fusions,were identified using a targeted sequencing panel containing 825 genes.Fusions were validated by fluorescence in situ hybridization(FISH)using break-apart probes.The microsatellite instability(MSI)status was evaluated using MSIsensor from the targeted sequencing panel data.Tumor mutational burden(TMB)was calculated using the total number of nonsynonymous mutations divided by the total genomic targeted region.Chi-square analysis was used to determine the enrichment of gene fusions associated with the molecular subtypes of GC.RESULTS We found that 1.68%(16/954)of patients harbored 20 fusion events involving targetable genes.RARA fusions(n=5)were the most common,followed by FGFR2,BRAF,MET,FGFR3,RET,ALK,EGFR,NTRK2,and NRG1 fusions.Two of the RARA fusions,EML4-ALK(E6:E20)and EGFRSEPTIN14(E7:E10),have been identified in other tumors but not in GC.Surprisingly,18 gene fusion events were previously not reported in any cancer types.Twelve of the eighteen novel gene fusions included complete exons encoding functional domains of targetable genes,such as the tyrosine kinase domain of receptor tyrosine kinases and the DNA-and ligand-binding domains of RARA.Consistent with the results of detection using the targeted sequencing fusion panel,the results of FISH(fluorescence in situ hybridization)confirmed the rearrangement of FGFR2 and BRAF in tumors from patients 04 and 09,respectively.Genetic analysis indicated that the fusion genes were significantly enriched in patients with ERBB2 amplification(P=0.02);however,there were no significant differences between fusion-positive and fusion-negative patients in age,sex,MSI status,and TMB.CONCLUSION We characterized the landscape of fusions involving targetable genes in a Chinese GC cohort and found that 1.68%of patients with GC harbor potential targetable gene fusions,which were enriched in patients with ERBB2 amplification.Gene fusion detection may provide a potential treatment strategy for patients with GC with disease progression following standard therapy.

Identification and analysis of core target genes of miR-29b-3p in glioma

Objective:To investigate the core target genes of miR-29b-3p,and analyze the clinical significance of the core target genes in glioma.Methods:Bioinformatics analysis was used to predict and screen the target genes of miR-29b-3p.STRING and Cytoscape software were used to analyze the protein-protein interaction(PPI)of target genes.the differences expression and survival prognosis in glioma were analyzed by GEPIA and CGGA.Independent prognostic factors analyzed by univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression model.Results:22 target genes of miR-29b-3p were predicted using LinkedOmics,miRDB,miRTarBase,TargetScan,and starbase databases.Through the construction of the PPI network,genes out of the network were removed,and a total of 16 genes were screened for further study of their clinical significance.Based on analysis of GEPIA and CGGA databases,COL2A1,DNMT3A,and DNMT3B were excluded.Through further analysis of the univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression model,finally identified three core target genes:SERPINH1,LOXL2,CDK6.Conclusion:Bioinformatics analysis showed that miR-29b-3p targeted three core genes such as SERPINH1,LOXL2,and CDK6 in glioma.The expression of these genes was different between brain normal tissues and gliomas,between different grades of tumor,IDH mutation status and 1p/19q codeletion status.Its high expression had adverse effects on overall survival and recurrence-free survival.These core target genes can be used as an independent prognostic factor.

Comparison of Two Construction Methods of Targeting Gene of Haemophilus parasuis

Haemophilus parasuis is one kind of constant bacteria in porcine upper respiratory tract, and it can cause multiple serositis, arthritis and other diseases under certain conditions. Due to lack of efficient genetic operating system, its pathogenic mechanism is not very clear. Ligation with DNA ligase and fusion PCR were used to construct targeting hhdA gene of Haemophilus parasuis, respectively. The fidelity, application scope, operation and conditions of the constructed fusion fragments were compared. The results showed that construction with DNA ligase was more mature technology as manifested by more stable conditions and more extensive application. The fusion PCR method had high fidelity and simple operation, and the transformation rate was 9.5 times as high as that of ligation with DNA ligase. For this reason, this method was more suitable for construction of multi-fragment targeting genes. The study lays a foundation for establishing an efficient operating system of targeting gene of Haemophilus parasuis in the future.

Microarray-based Screening of Target Genes Regulated by Heat Shock Factor AtHsfA1a in Arabidopsis thaliana

[ Objective] This study aimed to screen target genes regulated by heat shock factor AtHsfAla in Arabidopsis thaliana. [ Method] Using AtHsfAla-in- serted mutant athsfala （SALK-068042） and wild-type A. thaliana seedlings as experimental materials, target genes regulated by heat shock factor AtHsfAla were screened by microarray assay. Differentially expressed genes were screened by multiple method. Specific functions of differentially expressed genes were analyzed by gene ontology （GO） analysis. Signal transduction pathways, in which differentia｜ly expressed genes were involved, were analyzed by pathway analysis. Gene-gene interaction network was constructed by Signal-Net. [ Result] A total of 3 672 differentially expressed genes were screened out. Up-regulated differentially expressed genes were involved in 198 functions and 7 signal transduction pathways; down-regulated differentially expressed genes were involved in 94 functions and 10 signal transduction pathways. In the signal transduction network, it was found that cwlNV4 and HXK3 had relatively high ability of mediation; AT1 G14240 and cwlNV4 ex- hibited the most interactions with other genes, which were located in key positions throughout the gene-gene interaction network. [ Conclusion] Heat shock factor AtHsfAla regulates a large number of target genes in A. thaliana.

Application of Artificially Induced Double-strand Breaks (DSB) and Triplex-forming Oligonucleotides (TFO) in the Improvement of Gene Targeting Efficiency

Gene targeting technology is an important means to investigate gene functions, but its efficiency of gene targeting is very low, especially for somatic cell targeting. Artificially induced double-strand breaks （DSB） and triplex forming oligonucleotide （TFO） are currently developed methods to improve the targeting efficiency. This paper summarized the basic principles, design ideas and application in gene targeting efficiency improvement of these two methods, analyzed and com- pared their characteristics, and finally proposed prospects for their future development.

Screening key target genes for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)based on bioinformatics and gene network

Background:To provide a reference for the clinical development of drugs to suppress severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2).Methods:Retrieving genes related to SARS-CoV-2 with Genecards database and then importing the obtained gene data into the database of Database for Annotation,Visualization and Integrated Discovery(DAVID)(Version 6.8)to collect relevant information on pathways and genes.Genes enriched in the first 20 most significant pathways and genes with gene occurrence frequency≥6 were respectively imported into the STRING database to construct protein-protein interaction(PPI)network diagrams,and the two network diagrams were compared.Results:In the two network graphs,RELA,MAPK1,MAPK3,PIK3CA,PIK3R1,MAPK8,JAK1,STAT1,TNF,IL6,MAPK14,and IL1B ranked higher,and the occurrence frequency of the first 20 pathways was≥10.Conclusion:The pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 is associated with multiple pathways such as influenza A,TNF signaling pathway,chemokine signaling pathway,toll-like receptor signaling pathway,T cell receptor signaling pathway et al.RELA,MAPK1,MAPK3,PIK3CA,PIK3R1,MAPK8,JAK1,STAT1,TNF,IL6,MAPK14 and IL1B are closely related to SARS-CoV-2 and need further study.Gene interaction network and pathway analysis of diseaseassociated genes will help us to screen the key target genes of SARS-CoV-2 and provide a reference for the clinical development of effective drugs.

Research Progress of miRNA Regulating Cell Signaling Pathways Related to Hepatocarcinogenesis

Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is one of the most common malignant tumors in clinical practice.The pathogenesis of HCC is still unclear.Currently,the clinical treatment of HCC is poorly targeted and the therapeutic effect is poor.MicroRNAs(miRNAs)are closely related to the occurrence of HCC,and they are mainly involved in the occurrence and development of HCC through binding to target genes or acting on related signaling pathways.In recent years,studies have shown that miRNA can be used as a potential biomarker for diagnosis and prognosis of HCC.In addition,studies have also shown that miRNA plays a tumorsuppressing or tumor-promoting role in the process of HCC by regulating the biological processes of tumor cell proliferation,migration,invasion and metastasis.In this paper,the recent studies on miRNA signaling pathways related to the occurrence and development of HCC were reviewed,with a view to providing ideas for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of HCC.

阿帕替尼治疗腺样囊性癌肺转移1例

腺样囊性癌(adenoid cystic carcinoma,ACC)是一种较少见的来源于腺体的恶性肿瘤,约占头颈部恶性肿瘤的1%[1]。其病程进展缓慢但极易侵袭,有较高的复发率和远处转移率,最常见的转移部位是肺[2]。对于ACC肺转移患者,目前并无特效药物。MYB基因表达失调是ACC患者最常见的突变。

Characterization of blueberry exosome-like nanoparticles and miRNAs with potential cross-kingdom human gene targets

Edible plant derived exosome-like nanoparticles(ELNs)have been shown to have multiple nutraceutical functions.However,the diversity of plant materials makes the plant derived ELN study challenging.More efforts are still needed to explore the feasible isolation methods of edible plant derived ELNs and the possible roles of food-derived ELNs in improving human health.In this study,a size exclusion chromatography based method was compared with the traditional ultracentrifugation method to isolate blueberry derived ELNs(B-ELNs),and the miRNA profile of B-ELNs was analyzed by high-throughput sequencing.A total of 36 miRNAs were found to be enriched in B-ELNs compared with berry tissue,and their potential cross-kingdom human gene targets were further predicted.Results showed that size exclusion chromatography was effective for B-ELN isolation.The most abundant miRNAs in B-ELNs mainly belonged to the miR166 family and miR396 family.Target gene prediction indicated that B-ELNs could potentially regulate pathways related to the human digestive system,immune system and infectious diseases.

Gene targets with therapeutic potential in hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide.Major treatments include liver transplantation,resection,and chemotherapy,but the 5-year recurrence rate remains high.Late diagnosis often prevents surgical intervention,contributing to poor patient survival rates.Carcinogenesis in HCC involves genetic alterations that drive the transformation of normal cells into malignant ones.Enhancer of zeste homolog 2(EZH2),a key regulator of cell cycle progression,is frequently upregulated in HCC and is associated with advanced stages and poor prognosis,making it a potential biomarker.Additionally,signal transducer and activator of transcription 3,which binds to EZH2,affects disease staging and outcomes.Targeting EZH2 presents a promising therapeutic strategy.On the other hand,abnormal lipid metabolism is a hallmark of HCC and impacts prognosis.Fatty acid binding protein 5 is highly expressed in HCC tissues and correlates with key oncogenes,suggesting its potential as a biomarker.Other genes such as guanine monophosphate synthase,cell division cycle associated 5,and epidermal growth factor receptor provide insights into the molecular mechanisms of HCC,offering potential as biomarkers and therapeutic targets.

To Analyze the Sensitivity of RT-PCR Assays Employing S Gene Target Failure with Whole Genome Sequencing Data during Third Wave by SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Variant

Introduction: Omicron is a highly divergent variant of concern (VOCs) of a severe acute respiratory syndrome SARS-CoV-2. It carries a high number of mutations in its spike protein hence;it is more transmissible in the community by immune evasion mechanisms. Due to mutation within S gene, most Omicron variants have reported S gene target failure (SGTF) with some commercially available PCR kits. Such diagnostic features can be used as markers to screen Omicron. However, Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) is the only gold standard approach to confirm novel microorganisms at genetically level as similar mutations can also be found in other variants that are circulating at low frequencies worldwide. This Retrospective study is aimed to assess RT-PCR sensitivity in the detection of S gene target failure in comparison with whole genome sequencing to detect variants of Omicron. Methods: We have analysed retrospective data of SARS-CoV-2 positive RT-PCR samples for S gene target failure (SGTF) with TaqPath COVID-19 RT-PCR Combo Kit (ThermoFisher) and combined with sequencing technologies to study the emerged pattern of SARS-CoV-2 variants during third wave at the tertiary care centre, Surat. Results: From the first day of December 2021 till the end of February 2022, a total of 321,803 diagnostic RT-PCR tests for SARS-CoV-2 were performed, of which 20,566 positive cases were reported at our tertiary care centre with an average cumulative positivity of 6.39% over a period of three months. In the month of December 21 samples characterized by the SGTF (70/129) were suggestive of being infected by the Omicron variant and identified as Omicron (B.1.1.529 lineage) when sequence. In the month of January, we analysed a subset of samples (n = 618) with SGTF (24%) and without SGTF (76%) with Ct values Conclusions: During the COVID-19 pandemic, it took almost more than 15 days to diagnose infection and identify pathogen by sequencing technology. In contrast to that molecular assay provided quick identification with the help of SGTF phenomenon within 5 hours of duration. This strategy helps scientists and health policymakers for the quick isolation and identification of clusters. That ultimately results in a decreased transmission of pathogen among the community.

Bioinformatics Analysis of the Biological Properties of Ewing Sarcoma

Purpose: Bioinformatics-based approach to screen and analyze differentially expressed genes associated with the biological characteristics of Ewing sarcoma. Means: The GSE17674 dataset was selected for analysis, obtained by data retrieval based on the GEO public database. The R language limma toolkit was used to screen DEmRNAs. After the data were normalized, the Metascape online analysis software and the R language clusterProfiler package were used to analyze the GO function and KEGG pathway enrichment of DEmRNAs lines, respectively. The string database was selected for PPI analysis, and the results were imported into Cytoscape software to derive the core modules and predicted core genes. The genes selected above were analyzed for tissue localization specificity. Results: Through the analysis of GSE17674, differentially expressed genes were screened out, and GO and KEGG analyses were performed on the differentially expressed genes. The GO functional enrichment analysis was mainly enriched in the process of muscle system, muscle contraction, myocyte development, contractile fibers, myogenic fibers, myofibers, myofibrillar segments, actin binding, structural composition of muscle, and actin filament binding. KEGG pathway analysis showed that the core pathways associated with the development of ES were the core genes for myocardial contraction, congestive cardiomyopathy, and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Five Hub genes were obtained based on Cytoscape prediction. Tissue localization specificity analysis of Hub genes was performed, and a total of 2 Hub genes with tissue specificity were screened;MYH6 was specifically expressed in cardiac cells and MYL1 was specifically expressed in skeletal muscle cells. Conclusions: The differential genes screened will help to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying the highly invasive and metastasis-prone biological characteristics of ES, as well as provide new ideas for clinical drug-targeted treatment of ES.

Embryonic and genetic manipulation in fish

Fishes, the biggest and most diverse community in vertebrates are good experimental models for studies of cell and developmental biology by many favorable characteristics. Nuclear transplantation in fish has been thoroughly studied in China since 1960s. Fish nuclei of embryonic cells from different genera were transplanted into enucleated eggs generating nucleo-cytoplasmic hybrids of adults. Most importantly, nuclei of cultured goldfish kidney cells had been reprogrammed in enucleated eggs to support embryogenesis and ontogenesis of a fertile fish. This was the first case of cloned fish with somatic cells. Based on the technique of microinjection, recombinant MThGH gene has been transferred into fish eggs and the first batch of transgenic fish were Produced in 1984. The behavior of foreign gene was characterized and the onset of the foreign gene replication occurred between the blastula to gastrula stages and random integration mainly occurred at later stages of embryogenesis. This eventually led to the transgenic mosaicism. The MThGH-transferred common carp enhanced growth rate by 2-4 times in the founder juveniles and doubled the body weight in the adults. The transgenic common carp were more efficient in utilizing dietary protein than the controls. An 'all-fish' gene construct CAgcGH has been made by splicing the common carp β-actin gene (CA) promoter onto the grass carp growth hormone gene (goGH) coding sequence. The CAgcGH-transferred Yellow River Carp have also shown significantly fast-growth trait. Combination of techniques of fish cell culture, gene transformation with cultured cells and nuclear transplantation should be able to generate ho- mogeneous strain of valuable transgenic fish to fulfil human requirement in 21st century

Involvement of microRNA-181a and Bim in a rat model of retinal ischemia-reperfusion injury

AIM：To investigate the changes in the expression of micro RNA-181a（mi R-181a）and Bim in a rat model of retinal ischemia-reperfusion（RIR）,to explore their target relationship in RIR and their involvement in regulating apoptosis of retinal ganglion cells（RGCs）.·M ETHODS：Target gene prediction for mi R-181a was performed with the aid of bioinformatics and Bim was identified as a potential target gene of mi R-181a.A rat model of RIR was created by increasing the intraocular pressure.RGCs in the flatmounted retinas were labeled with Brn3,a marker for alive RGCs,by immunofluorescent staining.The changes in the number of RGCs after RIR were recorded.Quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction（q RT-PCR）was used to determine the expression level of mi R-181a in the retina.Bim/Brn3 double immunofluorescence was used to detect the localization of Bim.The expression of Bim in the retina was determined with the aids of Western blot and q RT-PCR.·R ESULTS：Compared with the negative control group,the density of RGCs was significantly lower in the ischemia/reperfusion（I/R）-24h and I/R-72h groups（〈0.001）.The expression level of mi R-181a started to decrease at 0h after RIR,and further decreased at 24h and 72h compared with the negative control group（〈0.001）.Bim was significantly upregulated at 12h after RIR（〈0.05）and reached peak at 24,72h compared with the negative control group（〈0.01）.Pearson correlation analysis showed that the expression level of Bim was negatively correlated with the expression level of mi R-181a and the density of RGCs.·CONCLUSION：Bim may be a potential target gene of mi R-181a.Both mi R-181a and Bim are involved in RGCs death in RIR.RIR may promote RGCs apoptosis in the retina downregulation of mi R-181a and its inhibition on Bim expression.