Comprehensive Analysis of Estrogen Receptor 1 Dysregulation in Liver Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Implications for Prognosis and Therapeutic Targeting - A Secondary Publication

The study investigates the expression pattern and regulatory mechanisms of estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1) in liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC) through comprehensive bioinformatics analysis. Utilizing UALCAN and GEPIA2 databases, significant down-regulation of ESR1 expression is observed in LIHC samples compared to normal controls, indicating its potential role in tumor progression. Further analysis reveals consistent down-regulation across different clinical variables including patient age, gender, race, and various stages of LIHC, affirming the regulatory role of ESR1 in tumor development and progression. Additionally, promoter methylation analysis demonstrates hypermethylation of ESR1 in LIHC samples, negatively correlating with its expression. This association persists across different clinical parameters, emphasizing the inverse relationship between ESR1 methylation and expression levels. Survival analysis indicates that up- regulation of ESR1 is associated with better overall survival, suggesting its potential as a prognostic biomarker in LIHC. Furthermore, genetic mutation analysis using cBioPortal reveals a spectrum of alterations in ESR1, including amplification, missense mutation, deep deletion, splice mutation, and truncating mutation, highlighting the genetic complexity of ESR1 in LIHC. These findings collectively contribute to a deeper understanding of ESR1 dysregulation in LIHC and its clinical implications as a potential therapeutic target and prognostic marker.

白藜芦醇通过ESR1-PI3K信号通路抑制3T3-L1细胞脂滴形成

【目的】探究白藜芦醇(RES)与雌激素受体1(ESR1)对3T3-L1细胞脂滴形成的影响及调控机制,为RES抑制脂肪沉积潜在机制的研究提供理论依据。【方法】以3T3-L1细胞为试验材料,设计并合成针对ESR1基因的小干扰RNA(siRNA),在3T3-L1细胞培养基中添加RES,以添加等量二甲基亚砜(DMSO)为对照,利用油红O染色、实时荧光定量PCR检测、Western blotting检测等分析RES与ESR1对3T3-L1细胞分化的影响。【结果】与对照组相比,RES能显著(P<0.05)减少3T3-L1细胞脂滴的生成,极显著(P<0.001)上调脂肪分解关键基因ATGL相对表达量,极显著下调(P<0.001)脂肪合成关键基因CEBPα、PPARγ及FAS相对表达量。RES能极显著(P<0.001)增加ESR1基因相对表达量,极显著(P<0.01)增加ESR1蛋白相对表达水平;同时,RES能极显著(P<0.001)下调PI3K信号通路中PI3K和AKT基因相对表达量,极显著(P<0.001)上调FOXO1基因相对表达量。干扰ESR1基因可极显著(P<0.01)增加3T3-L1细胞脂滴的生成,极显著(P<0.001)下调ATGL基因相对表达量,极显著(P<0.001)上调CEBPα、PPARγ及FAS基因相对表达量;加入RES后,干扰ESR1基因的3T3-L1细胞脂滴与未加入RES相比无显著差异(P>0.05,下同),ATGL、CEBPα、PPARγ及FAS基因相对表达量也均无显著差异。干扰ESR1基因能极显著(P<0.001)上调PI3K信号通路中PI3K和AKT基因相对表达量,极显著(P<0.001)下调FOXO1基因相对表达量;加入RES后,PI3K、AKT及FOXO1基因相对表达量与未加入RES相比均无显著差异。【结论】RES能通过ESR1-PI3K信号通路,上调脂肪分解关键基因ATGL相对表达量,下调脂肪合成关键基因CEBPα、PPARγ及FAS相对表达量,从而抑制3T3-L1细胞脂滴形成。

Inhibitory effect of saffron on head and neck squamous cell carcinoma via targeting of ESR1 and CCND1 by its active compound crocetin

Background:Traditional Chinese medicine is promising for managing challenging and complex disorders,including cancer,and in particular,saffron is applied in treating various cancer types.However,its potential therapeutic efficacy and active components in managing squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck(HNSCC)remain unclear yet.Methods:Using network pharmacology approaches,active ingredients of saffron,their target genes,and HNSCC-related genes were identified.Enrichment analyses were conducted for determining molecular functions and pathways enriched by genes that overlapped between the saffron target gene set and the HNSCC gene set.Among the four known active ingredients of saffron,crocetin was found to have the strongest inhibitory impact on HNSCC,based on the findings of cell viability and migration assays.Therefore,the potential target genes of crocetin in HNSCC cells were examined using molecular docking experiments and were confirmed by qPCR.Result s:Four active ingredients of saffron and 184 of their target genes were identified.Further,a total of 34 overlapping saffron-/HNSCC-associated targets related to the four active ingredients were screened,and crocetin was chosen for further investigation because it had the strongest inhibitory effect on HNSCC cells.Molecular docking experiments indicated that ESR1 and CCND1 were the target genes of crocetin.These results were confirmed through qPCR analysis,in which crocetin was found to lower the expression of the ESR1 and CCND1 genes in AMC-HN-8 and FaDu cells.Conclusion:According to our results,crocetin is a primary active anti-cancer component of saffron that may have potential in the development of novel HNSCC-treating medications.However,more thorough molecular research is necessary for confirming these results and elucidating the anti-cancer mechanism underlying saffron.

New perspectives in prognostication of hepatocellular carcinoma:The role and clinical implications of transient receptor potential family genes

The study titled“Transient receptor potential-related risk model predicts prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma patients”is a significant contribution to hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)research,highlighting the role of transient receptor potential(TRP)family genes in the disease’s progression and prognosis.Utilizing data from The Cancer Genome Atlas database,it establishes a new risk assessment model,emphasizing the interaction of TRP genes with tumor proliferation pathways,key metabolic reactions like retinol metabolism,and the tumor immune microenvironment.Notably,the overexpression of the TRPC1 gene in HCC correlates with poorer patient survival outcomes,suggesting its potential as a prognostic biomarker and a target for personalized therapy,particularly in strategies combining immunotherapy and anti-TRP agents.

Prognostic implications of estrogen receptor 1 and vascular endothelial growth factor A expression in primary gallbladder carcinoma

AIM: To investigate the prognostic significance of estrogen receptor 1(ER1) and vascular endothelial growth factor A(VEGF-A) expression in primary gallbladder carcinoma(GBC) to identify new prognostic markers for this malignancy.METHODS: Using immunohistochemistry, we investigated ER1 and VEGF-A expression in 78 GBC and 78 cholelithiasis(CS) tissues. The results were correlated with clinicopathological features. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to evaluate the relationship between ER1 and VEGF-A expression and patients' prognosis. Further Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was also performed. RESULTS: ER1 and VEGF-A expression was significantly higher in GBC compared with CS(47/78 vs 28/78, P < 0.05; 51/78 vs 33/78, P < 0.05). ER1 expression was correlated with gender(P < 0.05) and VEGF-A expression was correlated with tumor differentiation in GBC patients(P < 0.05). In univariate analysis, age and tumor node metastasis(TNM) stage were factors associated with GBC prognosis(P < 0.05). Although there was no statistical difference between the expression of ER1 or VEGF-A and overall survival, the high expression of ER1 combined with VEGF-A predicted a poor prognosis for GBC patients(16.30 ± 1.87 vs 24.97 ± 2.09, log-rank P < 0.05). In multivariate analysis, combined expression of ER1 and VEGF-A and TNM stage were independent prognostic factors for GBC patients(P < 0.05).CONCLUSION: Combined expression of ER1 and VEGF-A is a potential prognostic marker for GBC patients. Clinical detection of ER1 and VEGF-A in surgically resected GBC tissues would provide animportant reference for decision-making of postoperative treatment programs.

The Relationship of CyclinD1 and Estrogen Receptor Expression in the Process of Proliferation and Metastasis in Breast Neoplasm

The role of CyclinD1 and estrogen receptor (ER) in the process of proliferation and metastasis of breast neoplasm and their relationship were studied. The expression levels of CyclinD1 and ER in the tissue samples were detected by using flow cytometry and L SAB immunohistochemistry staining, respectively. The results showed that CyclinD1 and ER expression levels in breast cancer were significantly higher than in benign breast neoplasm (P<0.05). The CyclinD1 expression levels in stage I was much lower than in stages Ⅱ, Ⅲ, Ⅳ (P<0.05). The positive rate of ER was not related with tumor size, lymph node metastasis and TNM stage (P>0.05), but the CyclinD1 expression level in ER (+) group was significantly higher than in ER (-) group (P<0.05). It was concluded that CyclinD1 expression level might be obviously related with the proliferation and metastasis of breast neoplasm and ER.

17β-Estradiol Regulates Cultured Immature Boar Sertoli Cell Proliferation via the cAMP-ERK1/2 Pathway and the Estrogen Receptor β

Estrogen plays an important role in regulating Sertoli cell number in the testis. The objective of the study was to identify whether 17β-estradiol affected the proliferation of cultured, immature boar Sertoli cells via the estrogen receptor β （ERβ） and the cAMP-extracellular signal-regulated kinase （ERK1/2） pathway. Low levels （10-10-10-8 mol L-1） of 17β-estradiol increased cell number, but high levels （10-7-10-6 mol L-1） decreased it （P〈0.05）. Sertoli cell number began to recover for an additional 24 h in the medium without 17β-estradiol （10-6 mol L-l） （P〉0.05）. The effects of 17β-estradiol （10-9 mol L-1） peaked at the first 24 h （P〈0.05）. 17β-estradiol activated ERK1/2 from 5 min to 24 h, but the activiy of ERK1/2 began to decrease after 4 h. Both PD98059 and U0126, two ERK inhibitors, blocked cell division （P〈0.05）. 17β-estradiol （10-10-10-6 mol L-1） dose-dependently increased cAMP production （P 〈 0.05）, and both 17β-estradiol （10-9 mol L-1） and forskolin, which increases cAMP levels, induced cell proliferation and activated ERK1/2 （P〈 0.05）. Rp-cAMP, an antagonist of cAMP, blocked this 17β-estradiol activity （P〈 0.05）. Two estrogen receptor antagonists, ICI 182780 and ERβ antagonist （ERβAnt）, reduced Sertoli cell number, cAMP production and ERK1/2 activation （P〈 0.05）, but ERaAnt did not （P〉 0.05）. Therefore, 17β- estradiol mainly promotes pig Sertoli cell proliferation via ERβ to induce cAMP production and ERK activation to promote cell proliferation.

Estrogen affects neuropathic pain through upregulating N-methyl-D-aspartate acid receptor 1 expression in the dorsal root ganglion of rats

Estrogen affects the generation and transmission of neuropathic pain,but the specific regulatory mechanism is still unclear.Activation of the N-methyl-D-aspartate acid receptor 1（NMDAR1） plays an important role in the production and maintenance of hyperalgesia and allodynia.The present study was conducted to determine whether a relationship exists between estrogen and NMDAR1 in peripheral nerve pain.A chronic sciatic nerve constriction injury model of chronic neuropathic pain was established in rats.These rats were then subcutaneously injected with 17β-estradiol,the NMDAR1 antagonist D（-）-2-amino-5-phosphonopentanoic acid（AP-5）,or both once daily for 15 days.Compared with injured drug na？ve rats,rats with chronic sciatic nerve injury that were administered estradiol showed a lower paw withdrawal mechanical threshold and a shorter paw withdrawal thermal latency,indicating increased sensitivity to mechanical and thermal pain.Estrogen administration was also associated with increased expression of NMDAR1 immunoreactivity（as assessed by immunohistochemistry） and protein（as determined by western blot assay） in spinal dorsal root ganglia.This 17β-estradiol-induced increase in NMDAR1 expression was blocked by co-administration with AP-5,whereas AP-5 alone did not affect NMDAR1 expression.These results suggest that 17β-estradiol administration significantly reduced mechanical and thermal pain thresholds in rats with chronic constriction of the sciatic nerve,and that the mechanism for this increased sensitivity may be related to the upregulation of NMDAR1 expression in dorsal root ganglia.

G-protein-coupled estrogen receptor as a new therapeutic target for treating coronary artery disease

Coronary heart disease(CHD) continues to be the greatest mortality risk factor in the developed world. Estrogens are recognized to have great therapeutic potential to treat CHD and other cardiovascular diseases; however,a significant array of potentially debilitating side effects continues to limit their use. Moreover,recent clinical trials have indicated that long-term postmenopausal estrogen therapy may actually be detrimental to cardiovascular health. An exciting new development is the finding that the more recently discovered G-protein-coupled estrogen receptor(GPER) is expressed in coronary arteries-both in coronary endothelium and in smooth muscle within the vascular wall. Accumulating evidence indicates that GPER activation dilates coronary arteries and can also inhibit the prolif-eration and migration of coronary smooth muscle cells. Thus,selective GPER activation has the potential to increase coronary blood flow and possibly limit the debilitating consequences of coronary atherosclerotic disease. This review will highlight what is currently known regarding the impact of GPER activation on coronary arteries and the potential signaling mechanisms stimulated by GPER agonists in these vessels. A thorough understanding of GPER function in coronary arteries may promote the development of new therapies that would help alleviate CHD,while limiting the potentially dangerous side effects of estrogen therapy.

Quantified gene expression levels for phase Ⅰ/Ⅱ metabolizing enzyme and estrogen receptor levels in benign prostate from cohorts designated as high-risk （UK） versus low-risk （India）for adenocarcinoma at this organ site：a preliminary study

Risk of clinically significant prostate adenocarcinoma （CAP） varies worldwide,although there is a uniform prevalence of latent disease. A hormone-responsive tissue,the prostate possesses the metabolizing capacity to biotransform a variety of environmental procarcinogens or endogenous hormones. Whether such metabolizing capacity or estrogen receptor （ER） status underlies these demographic differences in susceptibility to CaP remains unclear. With appropriate ethical permission,verified-benign tissues were obtained following transurethral resection of the prostate from a high-risk region （n = 12 UK-resident Caucasians） and a typically low-risk region （n = 14 India-resident Asians）. Quantitative gene expression analysis was employed for cytochrome P450 （CYP）1B1,N-acetyltransferase （NAT）1,NAT2,catechol-O-methyl transferase （ COMT）,sulfotransferase （ SULT） 1A1,ERα,ERβ and aromatase （CYP To quantify the presence or absence of CYP1B1,ERα or ERβ,and to identify ther in situ localization,immunohistochemistry was carried out. The two cohorts had reasonably well-matched serum levels of prostate-specific antigen or hormones. Expression levels for the candidate genes investigated were similar.However,clear differences in protein levels for CYP1B1 and ERβ were noted. Staining for CYP1B1 tended to be nuclear-associated in the basal glandular epithelial cells,and in UK-resident Caucasian tissues was present at a higher （P = 0.006） level compared with that from India-resident Asians. In contrast,a higher level of positive ERβ staining was noted in prostates from India-resident Asians. These study findings point to differences in metabolizing capacity and ER status in benign prostate tissues that might modulate susceptibility to the emergence of clinically significant CaP in demographically distinct populations.

17β-Estradiol Regulates SKP2 Expression in Cultured Immature Boar Sertoli Cells Mainly via Estrogen Receptor β,cAMP-PKA and ERK1/2

Estrogen plays an important role in regulating testicular Sertoli cell number. Furthermore, S-phase kinase-associated protein 2 （SKP2） plays a central role in mammalian cell cycle progression. The objective of this study was to determine whether 17β-estradiol can regulate the expression of SKP2, and the Sertoli cell cycle, via estrogen receptor β （ERβ）, the cyclic adenosine monophosphate （cAMP）-protein kinase A （PKA） and extracellular signal-regulated kinase （ERK1/2） pathway. When cultured immature boar Sertoli cells were treated with 17β-estradiol, a time-dependent increase in SKP2 mRNA and protein level was observed by real-time PCR and Western blot, and 17β-estradiol activity peaked at 30 min. Treatment with ICI182780 and ERβ antagonist reduced 17β-estradiol-induced expression of SKP2 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen （PCNA）, while increasing the protein concentration of p27kip1. However, the effect of ERa antagonist on these parameters was lower than that of ICI 182780 and ERβ. Forskolin had a similar effect as 17β-estradiol on the expression of SKP2, PCNA and p27kip1, Rp-cAMP, H-89 and U0126 treatment reduced 17β-estradiol-induced changes, while H-89 also inhibited ERK1/2 activation. Therefore, 17β-estradiol mainly regulates SKP2 mRNA and protein expression via ERβ-cAMP-PKA and ERK1/2 activation. SKP2 and PCNA expression were positively correlated, while increased SKP2 expression likely resulted in p27kip1 degradation.

Anticancer efficacy of 3-(4-isopropyl)benzylidene-8-ethoxy,6-methyl,chroman-4-one(SBL-060),a novel,dual,estrogen receptor-Akt kinase inhibitor in acute myeloid leukemia cells

Estrogen receptor(ER)αis expressed in a subset of patient-derived acute myeloid leukemia(AML)cells,whereas Akt is predominantly expressed in most types of AML.Targeting AML with dual inhibitors is a novel approach to combat the disease.Herein,we examined a novel small molecule,3-(4-isopropyl)benzylidene-8-ethoxy,6-methyl,chroman-4-one(SBL-060),capable of targeting AML cells by inhibiting ERαand Akt kinase.The chemical properties of SBL-060 were identified by proton nuclear magnetic resonance(^(1)H-NMR),^(13)C-NMR,and mass spectroscopy.In silico docking was performed using an automated protocol with AutoDock-VINA.THP-1 and HL-60 cell lines were differentiated using phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate.ERαinhibition was assessed using ELISA.The MTT assay assessed cell viability.Flow cytometry was performed for cell cycle,apoptosis,and p-Akt analyses.Chemical analysis identified the compound as 3-(4-isopropyl)benzylidene-8-ethoxy,6-methyl,chroman-4-one,which showed high binding efficacy toward ER,with aΔG_(binding) score of−7.4 kcal/mol.SBL-060 inhibited ERα,exhibiting IC50 values of 448 and 374.3 nM in THP-1 and HL-60 cells,respectively.Regarding inhibited cell proliferation,GI50 values of SBL-060 were 244.1 and 189.9 nM for THP-1 and HL-60 cells,respectively.In addition,a dose-dependent increase in sub G_(0)/G_(1) phase cell cycle arrest and total apoptosis was observed after treatment with SBL-060 in both cell types.SBL-060 also dose-dependently increased the p-Akt-positive populations in both THP-1 and HL-60 cells.Our results indicate that SBL-060 has excellent efficacy against differentiated AML cell types by inhibiting ER and Akt kinase,warranting further preclinical evaluations.

Transient receptor potential-related risk model predicts prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma patients

BACKGROUND Members of the transient receptor potential(TRP)protein family shape oncogenic development,but the specific relevance of TRP-related genes in hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)has yet to be defined.AIM To investigate the role of TRP genes in HCC,their association with HCC development and treatment was examined.METHODS HCC patient gene expression and clinical data were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas database,and univariate and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator Cox regression models were employed to explore the TRP-related risk spectrum.Based on these analyses,clinically relevant TRP family genes were selected,and the association between the key TRP canonical type 1(TRPC1)gene and HCC patient prognosis was evaluated.RESULTS In total,28 TRP family genes were screened for clinical relevance,with multivariate analyses ultimately revealing three of these genes(TRPC1,TRP cation channel subfamily M member 2,and TRP cation channel subfamily M member 6)to be significantly associated with HCC patient prognosis(P<0.05).These genes were utilized to establish a TRP-related risk model.Patients were separated into low-and high-risk groups based on the expression of these genes,and high-risk patients exhibited a significantly poorer prognosis(P=0.001).Functional analyses highlighted pronounced differences in the immune status of patients in these two groups and associated enriched immune pathways.TRPC1 was identified as a candidate gene in this family worthy of further study,with HCC patients expressing higher TRPC1 levels exhibiting poorer survival outcomes.Consistently,quantitative,immunohistochemistry,and western blot analyses revealed increased TRPC1 expression in HCC.CONCLUSION These three TRP genes help determine HCC patient prognosis,providing insight into tumor immune status and immunological composition.These findings will help design combination therapies including immunotherapeutic and anti-TRP agents.

Transcriptome sequencing and experiments reveal the effect of formyl peptide receptor 2 on liver homeostasis

BACKGROUND Formyl peptide receptor 2(Fpr2)is an important receptor in host resistance to bacterial infections.In previous studies,we found that the liver of Fpr2-/-mice is the most severely damaged target organ in bloodstream infections,although the reason for this is unclear.AIM To investigate the role of Fpr2 in liver homeostasis and host resistance to bacterial infections.METHODS Transcriptome sequencing was performed on the livers of Fpr2-/-and wild-type(WT)mice.Differentially expressed genes(DEGs)were identified in the Fpr2-/-and WT mice,and the biological functions of DEGs were analyzed by Gene Ontology(GO)and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)enrichment analysis.Quantitative real time-polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR)and western blot(WB)analyses were used to further validate the expression levels of differential genes.Cell counting kit-8 assay was employed to investigate cell survival.The cell cycle detection kit was used to measure the distribution of cell cycles.The Luminex assay was used to analyze cytokine levels in the liver.The serum biochemical indices and the number of neutrophils in the liver were measured,and hepatic histopathological analysis was performed.RESULTS Compared with the WT group,445 DEGs,including 325 upregulated genes and 120 downregulated genes,were identified in the liver of Fpr2-/-mice.The enrichment analysis using GO and KEGG showed that these DEGs were mainly related to cell cycle.The qRT-PCR analysis confirmed that several key genes(CycA,CycB1,Cdc20,Cdc25c,and Cdk1)involved in the cell cycle had significant changes.The WB analysis confirmed a decrease in the expression of CDK1 protein.WRW4(an antagonist of Fpr2)could inhibit the proliferation of HepG2 cells in a concentration dependent manner,with an increase in the number of cells in the G0/G1 phase,and a decrease in the number of cells in the S phase.Serum alanine aminotransferase levels increased in Fpr2-/-mice.The Luminex assay measurements showed that interleukin(IL)-10 and chemokine(C-X-C motif)ligand(CXCL)-1 levels were significantly reduced in the liver of Fpr2-/-mice.There was no difference in the number of neutrophils,serum C-reactive protein levels,and liver pathology between WT and Fpr2-/-mice.CONCLUSION Fpr2 participates in the regulation of cell cycle and cell proliferation,and affects the expression of IL-10 and CXCL-1,thus playing an important protective role in maintaining liver homeostasis.

抑制lncRNA TUG1下调核苷酸结合寡聚结构域样受体蛋白1炎症小体在延缓阿尔茨海默病进展的作用

目的探讨敲低长链非编码RNA(lncRNA)牛磺酸上调基因1(TUG1)抑制核苷酸结合寡聚结构域样受体蛋白1(NLRP1)炎症小体在缓解阿尔茨海默病进展中的作用。方法选取9~10周龄遗传背景为C57/BL6的野生型小鼠(WT组,10只)或淀粉样前体蛋白(APP)/早老素1(PS1)转基因小鼠(30只)。APP/PS1转基因小鼠随机分为模型(model)组,模型+敲低lncRNA TUG1组[model+lncRNA TUG1短发夹RNA(shRNA)组]和model+shRNA非靶标(NT)组,每组10只。分别采集12周龄第1天(3月龄)和32周龄第1天(8月龄)小鼠外周血和脑皮质组织,并分离皮质中的原代小胶质细胞和原代星形胶质细胞,每个时间点每组5只小鼠。Real-time PCR分别测定3月龄和8月龄上述4个分组小鼠脑皮质组织和原代小胶质细胞中lncRNA TUG1和巨噬细胞移动抑制因子(MIF)mRNA的水平,以及原代星形胶质细胞中补体蛋白C1r和C1s mRNA的水平。ELISA法测定其外周血浆中MIF含量。对3月龄和8月龄小鼠脑皮质原代小胶质细胞和原代星形胶质细胞共培养。CCK-8法测定上述2种细胞的增殖能力。Western blotting分别测定3月龄和8月龄上述4个分组小鼠脑皮质组织中MIF、白细胞介素1β前体(pro-IL-1β)、凋亡相关斑点样蛋白(ASC)、Caspase-1(p20)、Caspase-1(full)、NLRP1及NLRP3蛋白的表达水平。采用免疫荧光染色法测定8月龄各分组小鼠脑皮质组织中β淀粉样蛋白(Aβ)表达。结果3月龄和8月龄时,与WT组小鼠相比,model组小鼠脑皮质组织和原代小胶质细胞中lncRNA TUG1和MIF相对表达水平显著上调,原代小胶质细胞和原代星形胶质细胞增殖能力增强(P<0.05)。与model组相比,model+lncRNA TUG1 shRNA组小鼠脑皮质组织和原代小胶质细胞中lncRNA TUG1和MIF的相对表达水平显著降低,原代小胶质细胞和原代星形胶质细胞增殖能力降低(P<0.05)。与WT组相比,model组小鼠外周血浆中MIF含量显著升高;小鼠脑皮质组织中pro-IL-1β、ASC、Caspase-1(p20)、Caspase-1(full)、NLRP1以及NLRP3的蛋白表达水平显著升高;Aβ免疫荧光强度明显增强(P<0.05)。与model组相比,model+lncRNA TUG1 shRNA组小鼠外周血浆中MIF含量显著降低;小鼠脑皮质组织中pro-IL-1β、ASC、Caspase-1(p20)、Caspase-1(full)和NLRP1的蛋白表达水平显著降低,Aβ免疫荧光强度明显降低(P<0.05),而NLRP3蛋白质的表达水平无明显变化(P>0.05)。与model组相比,model+shRNA NT组小鼠上述所有检测指标差异均无显著性(P>0.05)。结论APP/PS1转基因小鼠脑皮质组织和原代小胶质细胞中lncRNA TUG1和MIF因子表达上调与脑皮质内NLRP1炎症小体激活成正相关,敲低lncRNA TUG1可缓解阿尔茨海默病的进展。

槲皮素通过雌激素受体下调长非编码RNA MALAT-1并发挥抗乳腺癌的作用机制

目的探索槲皮素抑制乳腺癌细胞恶性生物学行为的分子机制。方法以乳腺癌细胞系MCF-7和MB231作为研究对象,用慢病毒LV-ERα、LV-MALAT-1转染乳腺癌MB231细胞和MCF7细胞,RT-qPCR检测MALAT-1表达,Western blot检测肿瘤细胞中ERα蛋白表达,CCK-8细胞实验、平板克隆形成实验检测细胞增殖能力,PI染色法检测细胞周期,通过mRFP-GFP-LC3荧光双标腺病毒转染检测自噬水平,观察槲皮素和雌二醇对乳腺癌细胞增殖能力的影响。结果17β-雌二醇(E2)可以促进乳腺癌细胞MCF-7的增殖,而5μmol·L^(-1)槲皮素可以明显逆转E2对增殖的促进作用(P<0.05)。槲皮素对不表达雌激素受体α(estrogen receptor-α,ERα)的乳腺癌细胞MB231不表现抑制作用;而过表达ERα后,槲皮素则抑制了E2对MB231-ERα的促进作用。同时槲皮素可以抑制E2激活的MALAT-1表达;并且其抑制作用被过表达MALAT-1所逆转,包括细胞增殖,细胞周期进展以及克隆形成能力。结论槲皮素依赖于ERα的表达对乳腺癌的增殖等恶性行为起抑制作用,并且很可能是通过抑制MALAT-1的表达来发挥作用。

泛癌分析揭示SREK1在低级别胶质瘤中促进CD274表达

目的剪接调节谷氨酸和富赖氨酸的蛋白质1(SREK1)在多种肿瘤中的泛癌分析,揭示SREK1在泛癌中的作用。方法利用在线数据库GEPIA 2、TIMER 2.0、TISIDB和cBioPortal分析SREK1表达对肿瘤患者预后的影响、在低级别胶质瘤(LGG)肿瘤组织中的表达、遗传变异的特征及其表达对肿瘤组织中免疫细胞的浸润和免疫—肿瘤靶基因的相关性分析。结果LGG肿瘤组织中,SREK1表达与记忆B细胞、活化的CD4+T细胞、Th2细胞、中性粒细胞、NKT细胞以及单核细胞和CD56dimNK细胞的浸润存在相关性(P均<0.05)。SREK1与免疫—肿瘤靶基因如信号传导及转录激活蛋白3(STAT3)、Ⅰ型干扰素受体1(IFNAR1)、核受体亚家族3C组成员1(NR3C1)和表皮生长因子受体(EGFR)、表面抗原分化簇274(CD274)等表达在LGG中均呈正相关(P均<0.05)。结论SREK1是LGG患者的危险因子之一,可能通过促进CD274的表达来加剧LGG的进展。

三阴性乳腺癌组织中EGR1、AR、H3K4me3表达与其临床病理特征及预后的相关性

目的探讨三阴性乳腺癌组织中早期生长反应基因1(EGR1)、雄激素受体(AR)、组蛋白H3第4位赖氨酸三甲基化(H3K4me3)表达与其临床病理特征及预后的相关性。方法回顾性分析89例三阴性乳腺癌患者的临床资料,所有患者均行手术治疗,采用免疫组化染色法测定EGR1、AR、H3K4me3表达,比较肿瘤组织及癌旁正常组织内EGR1、AR、H3K4me3表达差异,分析EGR1、AR、H3K4me3表达与其临床病理的关系,分析EGR1、AR、H3K4me3表达与其预后的关系。结果肿瘤组织内EGR1阳性表达率、AR阳性表达率低于对照组,H3K4me3阳性表达率高于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);EGR1阳性表达、AR阳性表达患者临床分期Ⅰ~Ⅱ期、无淋巴结转移、中高分化占比高于EGR1阴性表达、AR阴性表达患者,H3K4me3阳性表达患者临床分期Ⅲ期、淋巴结转移、低分化占比高于H3K4me3阴性表达患者,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);随访1年,89例患者共36例出现复发转移,发生率为40.45%(36/89);复发转移组EGR1阳性表达、AR阳性表达率低于未复发转移组,H3K4me3阳性表达率高于未复发转移组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论EGR1、AR在三阴性乳腺癌中多呈阴性表达,H3K4me3则以阳性表达为主,三者表达均与临床分期、淋巴结转移及分化程度存在密切关系,或可作为临床治疗的新靶点。

藏红花素通过跨膜受体蛋白/发状分裂相关增强子1信号通路对缺氧诱导的视网膜神经节细胞凋亡的影响

目的探讨藏红花素对缺氧诱导的视网膜神经节细胞凋亡的作用及其可能机制。方法于2021年1月至2022年1月采用不同浓度藏红花素处理视网膜神经节细胞RGC-5,四甲基噻唑蓝(MTT)法检测细胞存活情况并筛选合适浓度。培养RGC-5细胞并用氯化钴(CoCl_(2))处理建立缺氧模型,分为缺氧组、藏红花素组、阳性对照(抗坏血酸)组和藏红花素+跨膜受体蛋白信号通路抑制剂(DAPT)组,另设对照组。Cell counting kit-8法检测细胞存活情况;采用流式细胞术检测细胞凋亡率;钙荧光探针(Flou-4)实验检测各组细胞钙离子水平;实时定量PCR法检测跨膜受体蛋白(Notch1)、发状分裂相关增强子1(Hes-1)mRNA表达情况;蛋白质印迹法检测凋亡蛋白B细胞淋巴瘤因子2(Bcl-2)、Bcl-2相关蛋白(Bax)、钙依赖性蛋白酶家族1(Cal⁃pain1)蛋白表达情况。结果藏红花素组细胞活力0.83±0.08高于缺氧组0.45±0.04,细胞凋亡率(17.92±1.21)%低于缺氧组(51.82±5.36)%,钙离子水平0.27±0.04低于缺氧组0.76±0.05,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);藏红花素+DAPT组细胞活力0.50±0.06低于藏红花素组0.83±0.08,细胞凋亡率(36.50±3.50)%高于藏红花素组(17.92±1.21)%,钙离子水平0.65±0.05高于藏红花素组0.27±0.04,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。与缺氧组比较,藏红花素组Bcl-2蛋白表达水平升高,Notch1、Hes-1mRNA表达、Bax和Calpain1蛋白表达水平降低(P<0.05)。与藏红花素组比较,藏红花素+DAPT组Bcl-2蛋白表达水平降低,Notch1、Hes-1mRNA表达、Bax和Calpain1蛋白表达水平升高(P<0.05)。结论藏红花素对体外培养的缺氧RGC-5细胞凋亡有一定的抑制作用,可能是通过抑制钙离子内流,阻滞Notch1/Hes-1通路,提高细胞内抑凋亡蛋白Bcl-2表达水平发挥作用。

MMP9、AEG-1及EphA7蛋白在中耳鳞癌组织中的表达及其临床意义

目的探讨基质金属蛋白酶-9(MMP-9)、星形细胞提升基因-1(AEG-1)、络氨酸蛋白激酶受体A7(EphA7)蛋白在中耳鳞癌组织中的表达及其意义。方法选取65例中耳鳞癌患者作为研究对象,均行手术治疗,术中采集癌组织及癌旁正常组织送检,检测MMP-9、AEG-1、EphA7蛋白表达情况,比较癌组织与癌旁正常组织内上述表达差异;并分析MMP-9、AEG-1、EphA7蛋白表达与年龄、性别、肿瘤分期、淋巴结转移、分化程度等病理特征的关系。结果癌组织内MMP-9、AEG-1、EphA7蛋白阳性表达率高于癌旁正常组织,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);MMP-9、AEG-1、EphA7蛋白阳性表达患者Ⅲ~Ⅳ期、有淋巴结转移占比高于阴性表达患者,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论MMP-9、AEG-1、EphA7蛋白在中耳鳞癌组织内呈高表达状况,且其表达与肿瘤分期、淋巴结转移关系密切,或可作为临床治疗的新靶点。