Increasing Accumulation Level of Foreign Protein in Transgenic Plants Through Protein Targeting

Targeting of the synthesized polypeptide in the cells is an important research field in modern cell biology. Cowpea trypsin inhibitor (cpti) gene has been modified and a fusion protein gene (sck) was produced by fusing a signal peptide sequence at cpti 5' end and an endoplasm reticulum (ER) retention signal peptide at cpti3' end respectively. The signal peptide can direct the newly synthesized polypeptide into ER, while ER retention signal can make the protein retained in the ER and its derivative protein body. ELISA test indicated that the accumulation level of foreign CpTI protein in sck transgenic tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) was two times higher than cpti transgenic tobaccos and some individuals were four times higher. At the same time, sck transgenic tobacco has a high resistance to Lepidoptera pest due to the increased accumulation level of foreign CpTI protein. The strategy of foreign protein targeting can be used to increase the accumulation level of foreign protein in transgenic plants and can be widely applied to other related research field in plant genetic engineering.

Gene transfer of somatostatin receptor type 2 by intratumoral injection inhibits established pancreatic carcinoma xenografts

AIM: To investigate the therapeutic effect of somatostatin receptor type 2 (SSTR2) gene transfection on pancreatic carcinoma xenografts in vivo in experimental cancers. METHODS: Human pancreatic cancer cell line Panc-1 was inoculated subcutaneously into the back of nude mice. When tumor nodules were grown as large as about 5 mmx5 mm days after inoculation, the mice were randomly divided into 3 groups (6 mice in each group). Group Ⅰ served as untreated control group. Group Ⅱ received an intratumoral injection of a combination of human cytomegalovirus promoter-6C (pCMV-6C) and lipofectamine 2000. Group Ⅲ received an intratumoral injection of a combination of pCMV-6C-SSTR2 and lipofectamine 2000. The rate of tumor growth was compared among these three groups. The expression of SSTR2 in these tumors was detected by immunohistochemistry and Western-blot. Apoptosis index (AI) in these tumors was examined by using TUNEL in situ. RESULTS: Intratumoral injection of a combination of pCMV-6C-SSTR2 and lipofectamine 2000 resulted in the expression of SSTR2 protein. The tumor size and weight in group Ⅲ (0.318±0.098 cm3, and 0.523±0.090 g, respectively) were significantly lower than those in group I (2.058±0.176 cms, and 1.412±0.146 g, respectively) and group Ⅱ (2.025±0.163 cm3, and 1.365±0.116 g, respectively) (P<0.05) The AI in group Ⅲ (1.47±0.13%) was significantly higher than that in groupⅠ(0.56±0.09%) and group Ⅱ (0.57±0.11%) (P<0.05). But there were no significant differences between groups Ⅰ and Ⅱ. CONCLUSION: Our data demonstrate that re-expression of SSTR2 gene has antitumor effects on experimental pancreatic cancer. Restoration of SSTR2 gene expression through gene transfer in vivo might be a potential gene therapy strategy for human pancreatic cancer.

Differential effects of p63 mutants on transactivation of p53 and/or p63 responsive genes

p63, known to play a role in development, has more recently also been implicated in cancer progression. Mutations in p63 have been shown to be responsible for several human developmental diseases. Differential splicing of the p63 gene gives rise to p63 isoforms, which can act either as tumor suppressors or as oncogene. In this report, we studied the effects of naturally occurring TAp637 mutants on the regulation of p53/p63 and p63 specific target genes. We observed significant differences among p63 mutants to regulate the p53/p63 and p63 specific target genes. Additionally, we observed a differential effect of p63 mutants on wildtype-p63-mediated induction ofp53/p63 and p63 specific target genes. We also demonstrated that these mutants differentially regulate the binding of wildtype p63 to the promoter of target genes. Furthermore, the effects of these mutants on cell death and survival were consistent with their ability to regulate the downstream targets when compared to wildtype TAp63T. In summary, our data demonstrate that p63 mutants exhibit differential effects on p63 and p53/p63 specific target genes and on the induction of apoptosis, and provide further insight into the function of p63.

Transcription of the putative tumor suppressor gene HCCS1 requires binding of ETS-2 to its consensus near the transcription start site

The hepatocellular carcinoma suppressor 1 （HCCS1） gene was identified by both positional cloning from a predominant region of loss of heterozygosity （17p 13.3） in liver cancer and by functional screening for genes affecting cell proliferation in large-scale transfection assays. Its overexpression results in inhibition of cell proliferation in cell culture and tumor growth in nude mice. To understand its transcription regulation, the promoter architecture has been dissected in detail. The major start of transcription was mapped by primer extension to a C residue, 177 nucleotides upstream of the ATG codon. By assessing the promoter activity of a set of linker-scanning mutants of the minimal promoter （-60 to ＋148 region） in a transient transfection assay, we found that the ＋1 to ＋ 40 region is critical to HCCS1 gene transcription, containing binding sites for transcription factors NF-kB （-21 to ＋7 and ＋40 to ＋26）, p53 （＋29 to ＋9） and ETS （＋4 to ＋20 and ＋23 to ＋39）. Biochemical and molecular analyses revealed that the ETS transcription factors ETS-2 and Elf-1 bind to the two ETS sites in situ and contribute significantly to the transcriptionally active state of the HCCS1 gene, while NF-kB, p53 and two other members of the ETS family （ETS-1 and NERF2） appear to play little role. Our observations provide insight into the mechanistic aspects of HCCS1 transcription regulation.

Gene silencing in Xenopus laevis by DNA vector-based RNA interference and transgenesis

A vector-based RNAi expression system was developed using the Xenopus tropicalis U6 promoter, which transcribes small RNA genes by RNA polymerase Ⅲ. The system was first validated in a Xenopus laevis cell line, designing a short hairpin DNA specific for the GFP gene. Co-transfection of the vector-based RNAi and the GFP gene into Xenopus XR1 cells significantly decreased the number of GFP-expressing cells and overall GFP fluorescence. Vector-based RNAi was subsequently validated in GFP transgenic Xenopus embryos. Sperm nuclei from GFP transgenic males and RNAi construct-incubated-sperm nuclei were used for fertilization, respectively. GFP mRNA and protein were reduced by -60% by RNAi in these transgenic embryos compared with the control. This transgene-driven RNAi is specific and stable in inhibiting GFP expression in the Xenopus laevis transgenic line. Gene silencing by vector-based RNAi and Xenopus transgenesis may provide an alternative for ＇repression of gene function＇ studies in vertebrate model systems.

Establishment of an orthotopic transplantation tumor model of hepatocellular carcinoma in mice

AIM:To improve the outcome of orthotopic transplantation in a mouse model,we used an absorbable gelatin sponge(AGS) in nude mice to establish an orthotopic implantation tumor model.METHODS:MHCC-97L hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)cells stably expressing the luciferase gene were injected into the subcutaneous region of nude mice.One week later,the ectopic tumors were harvested and transplanted into the left liver lobe of nude mice.The AGS was used to establish the nude mouse orthotopic implantation tumor model.The tumor suppressor gene,paired box gene 5(PAX5),which is a tumor suppressor in HCC,was transfected into HCC cells to validate the model.Tumor growth was measured by bioluminescence imaging technology.Semi-quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR) and histopathology were used to confirm the tumorigenicity of the implanted tumor from the MHCC-97L cell line.RESULTS:We successfully developed an orthotopic transplantation tumor model in nude mice with the use of an AGS.The success rate of tumor transplantation was improved from 60% in the control group to 100% in the experimental group using AGS.The detection of fluorescent signals showed that tumors grew in all live nude mice.The mice were divided into 3 groups:AGS-,AGS+/PAX5-and AGS+/PAX5 +.Tumor size was significantly smaller in PAX5 transfected nude mice compared to control mice(P < 0.0001).These fluorescent signal results were consistent with observations made during surgery.Pathologic examination further confirmed that the tissues from the ectopic tumor were HCC.Results from RT-PCR proved that the HCC originated from MHCC-97L cells.CONCLUSION:Using an AGS is a convenient and efficient way of establishing an indirect orthotopic liver transplantation tumor model with a high success rate.

Effect of breast-cancer metastasis suppressor 1 (BRMS1) on growth and metastasis of human gastric cancer cells in vivo

Objective： The aim of the study was to investigate inhibitory effects of breast-cancer metastasis suppressor 1 protein （BRMS1） on primary tumor growth and metastasis of human gastric cancer （GC） cells in nude mice. Methods： We compared the expression of BRMS1 in the primary gastric tumor and metastatic gastric tumor by immunohistochemistry. Expression of BRMS1 also was detected in the GC cells by RT-PCR and Western blot. Three groups of cultured human GC cell line SGC-7901, were maintained： transfected cells with pcDNA3.1（-）B/myc-BRMS1; negative control cells with pcD- NA3.1/myc-his（-）B; and blank control ceils without any transfection. Histologically intact samples of the cells, maintained by passage in the subcutis of nude mice, were transplanted orthotopically into stomach walls of nude mice to establish a nude mouse model of human gastric carcinoma. Their primary tumor growth and metastasis were then observed. Results： The expression of BRMS1 was markedly stronger in the primary gastric tumor compared with metastatic gastric tumor. We also detected BRMS1 gene and protein in the gastric cancer cell tines. Numbers of metastasis tumors significantly differed among mice infected with transfected cells, with negative controls and with blank controls （4.38 ± 0.60, 7.75 ± 0.59, and 7.63± 0.65, respectively; P 〈 0.05）. However, there were no significant differences in the size of orthotopic tumors among mice infected with transfected, negative control and blank control cells [（12.02 ± 0.70）, （12.71 ± 0.63） and （12.89 ± 0.71） mm, respectively; P 〉 0.05]. Conclusion： BRMS1 suppresses metastasis of GC cells, but does not inhibit growth of gastric tumors.

Synergy of DNA methylation and histone deacetylase inhibitors in the re-expression of RASSF1A and P16 genes silenced in QBC cells

Objective: To investigate the effects of DNA methylation and histone deacetylase inhibitors in the re-expression of P16 and RASSIF1A of QBC939. Methods: The QBC939 cells were treated with hydralazine and valproate either alone or combined, and the control group was added with RPIM-1640 culture medium. After 48 h, the expression of P16 and RASSF1A genes were evaluated by reverse transcription-PCR, Western blot, and the methylation status of the two genes were detected with MSP (methylation specific PCR). Results: Hydralazine and valproate could induce demethylation of the promoter region of the two genes, and could make them re-active. The expressions of P16 and RASSF1A of cells treated with both drugs were higher than that of the cells treated with either hydralazine or valproate (P < 0.01). There was no RASSF1A gene, and few P16 gene expressing in the control group. The demethylation effect could be found in the groups treated with hydralazine or both drugs, whereas no demethylation effect happened in the valproate group. Conclusion: The two drugs could synergistically re-express P16 and RASSF1A genes silenced in QBC939, and they exerted a great anti-tumour effect on QBC cells.

Inhibitory effect of adenoviral vector-mediated AT2R gene transfection on neointimal hyperplasia

Objective: To investigate the effect of adenoviral vector-mediated AT2R gene transfection on neointimal hyperplasia after rat carotid artery balloon injury. Methods :AT2R gene was transferred into rat carotid arteries by recombinant adenovirus pAd-AT2R after the establishment of rat carotid balloon injury restenosis model. The arteries were harvested on the 14th day after gene transfer. The efficiency of trans-gene delivery was measured by the expression of adenovirus-encoding green fluorescent protein (GFP) under fluorescent microscope. The expression of AT2R and PCNA (proliferating cell nuclear antigen) was e-valuated by RT-PCR, immunocytochemistry, immunofluorescence staining, confocal microscopy, respectively. The ratio of intimal to medial area (I/M) was quantified with images and determined by an image analysis system. Results: GFP-positive area in adventitia, media and the forming neointima was about 40%. Adenoviral delivery of rat AT2R gene up-regulated AT2R expression in balloon-injured rat carotid and reduced PCNA expression and I/M significantly in neointima(P<0. 01). Double immunofluorescence labeling of AT2R and PCNA also showed that AT2R gene transfer inhibited VSMCs proliferation in neointima. Conclusion: AT2R gene transfer may be a novel promising therapy to limit neointimal hyperplasia.

Adenovirus-mediated PTEN gene transfection suppresses growth and promotes chemosensitivity of endometrial carcinoma

Objective： To determine the potential of sustained transgene expression by intratumoral injection of Ad-PTEN in the nude mouse model of endometrial carcinoma. Methods and Results： We constructed recombinant adenovirus carrying the wild-type PTEN gene （Ad-PTEN）. RL95-2 cells, an endometrial carcinoma cell line lacking PTEN function, was infected with Ad-PTEN and showed increased expression of PTEN and chemosensitivity to doxorubicin, decreased proliferation rate, and elevated apoptosis and Go/G1 arrest. Furthermore, the tumorigenicity of these cells was also completely suppressed. These results indicated that gene therapy with Ad-PTEN could significantly inhibit the endometrial carcinoma xenografts growth in nude mice by intratumoral injection, induce apoptosis of tumor cells, and reduce expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen （PCNA）. Immunohistochemistry analysis also showed that the expression of progesterone receptors （PR） in Ad-PTEN treated tumor cells were induced, while P-glycoproteins （P-gp） and estrogen receptors （ER） decreased significantly. Conclusion： PTEN may play an important role in the development of endometrial carcinoma. Our findings cast new lights for treatment ofendometrial carcinoma.

A microRNA encoded by HSV-1 inhibits a cellular transcriptional repressor of viral immediate early and early genes

Viral microRNAs are one component of the RNA interference phenomenon generated during viral infection. They were first identified in the Herpesviridae family, where they were found to regulate viral mRNA translation. In addition, prior work has suggested that Kaposi＇s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus （KSHV） is capable of regulating cellular gene transcription by miRNA. We demonstrate that a miRNA, hsvl-mir-H27, encoded within the genome of herpes simplex virus 1 （HSV-1）, targets the mRNA of the cellular transcriptional repressor Kelch-like 24 （KLHL24） that inhibits transcriptional efficiency of viral imme- diate-early and early genes. The viral miRNA is able to block the expression of KLHL24 in cells infected by HSV-1. Our dis- covery reveals an effective viral strategy for evading host cell defenses and supporting the efficient replication and prolifera- tion of HSV- 1.

Enhanced hyperplasia in muscles of transgenic zebrafish expressing Follistatin1

Myostatin is a member of the transforming growth factor-β(TGF-β) super-family and functions as a negative regulator of muscle growth.Binding of the specific receptor,Activin receptor IIB(Act RIIB),with myostatin or other related TGF-β members,could be inhibited by the activin-binding protein follistatin(Fst) in mammals.Overexpressing Fst in mouse skeletal muscle leads to muscle hypertrophy and hyperplasia.To determine if Fst has similar roles in fish,we generated transgenic zebrafish expressing high levels of zebrafish Fst1 using the promoter of the zebrafish skeletal muscle-specific gene,myosin,light polypeptide 2,skeletal muscle(Mylz2).Independent transgenic zebrafish lines exhibited elevated expression levels of myogenic regulatory genes MyoD and Pax7 in muscle cells.Adult Fst1 overexpressing transgenic zebrafish exhibited a slight body weight increase.The high level of Fst1 expression dramatically increased myofiber numbers in skeletal muscle,without significantly changing the fiber size.Our findings suggest that Fst1 overexpression can promote zebrafish muscle growth by enhancing myofiber hyperplasia.