Astrocytic endothelin-1 overexpression impairs learning and memory ability in ischemic stroke via altered hippocampal neurogenesis and lipid metabolism

Vascular etiology is the second most prevalent cause of cognitive impairment globally.Endothelin-1,which is produced and secreted by endothelial cells and astrocytes,is implicated in the pathogenesis of stroke.However,the way in which changes in astrocytic endothelin-1 lead to poststroke cognitive deficits following transient middle cerebral artery occlusion is not well understood.Here,using mice in which astrocytic endothelin-1 was overexpressed,we found that the selective overexpression of endothelin-1 by astrocytic cells led to ischemic stroke-related dementia(1 hour of ischemia;7 days,28 days,or 3 months of reperfusion).We also revealed that astrocytic endothelin-1 overexpression contributed to the role of neural stem cell proliferation but impaired neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus after middle cerebral artery occlusion.Comprehensive proteome profiles and western blot analysis confirmed that levels of glial fibrillary acidic protein and peroxiredoxin 6,which were differentially expressed in the brain,were significantly increased in mice with astrocytic endothelin-1 overexpression in comparison with wild-type mice 28 days after ischemic stroke.Moreover,the levels of the enriched differentially expressed proteins were closely related to lipid metabolism,as indicated by Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis.Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry nontargeted metabolite profiling of brain tissues showed that astrocytic endothelin-1 overexpression altered lipid metabolism products such as glycerol phosphatidylcholine,sphingomyelin,and phosphatidic acid.Overall,this study demonstrates that astrocytic endothelin-1 overexpression can impair hippocampal neurogenesis and that it is correlated with lipid metabolism in poststroke cognitive dysfunction.

Identification,evolution,expression and protein interaction analysis of genes encoding B-box zinc-finger proteins in maize

The B-box(BBX)family of proteins consists of zinc-finger transcription factors with one or two highly conserved B-box motifs at their N-termini.BBX proteins play crucial roles in various aspects of plant growth and development,including seedling photomorphogenesis,shade avoidance,flowering time,and biotic and abiotic stress responses.Previous studies have identified many different BBXs from several plant species,although the BBX family members in maize are largely unknown.Genome-wide identification and comprehensive analysis of maize BBX(ZmBBX)expression and interaction networks would therefore provide valuable information for understanding their functions.In this study,36 maize BBXs in three major clades were identified.The ZmBBXs within a given clade were found to share similar domains,motifs,and genomic structures.Gene duplication analyses revealed that the expansion of BBX proteins in maize has mainly occurred by segmental duplication.The expression levels of ZmBBXs were analyzed in various organs and tissues,and under different abiotic stress conditions.Protein–protein interaction networks of ZmBBXs were established using bioinformatic tools and verified by bimolecular fluorescence complementation(BiFC)assays.Our findings can facilitate a greater understanding of the complexity of the ZmBBX family and provide novel clues for unravelling ZmBBX protein functions.

Eukaryotic expression, purification and activity characterization of human soluble DSG2 extracellular domain protein

Objective:To construct a secretory eukaryotic expression vector of DSG2 fused with the Fc region of the human IgG,to validate its expression in 293T cells,and to purify the secretory protein with biological activity.Methods:The DSG2 extracellular domain fragment gene(DSG2ex),was amplified by PCR,and was inserted into the eukaryotic expression plasmid pCMV3-IgG1 to construct the recombinant eukaryotic expression plasmid-pCMV3-DSG2ex-IgG1.The successfully constructed eukaryotic expression plasmid was transfected into 293T cells to express and secrete DSG2 extracellular domain protein.The targeted protein was purified from the cell culture supernatant by Protein A affinity chromatography and confirmed by Western Blotting and ELISA.Results:The pCMV3-DSG2ex-IgG1 eukaryotic expression plasmid was successfully constructed.The highest protein expression level was obtained with 293T cells after 96 h of transfection.The relative molecular mass of the purified product was between 100 and 130 kDa was estimated by SDS-PAGE,which was consistent with the expectation.The yield of the purified protein reached 0.8 mg/ml with a purity over 90%.The purified DSG2 extracellular domain protein with IgG1 tag was recognized by IgG monoclonal antibodies by Western blotting.Moreover,the ELISA results showed that the prepared DSG2 extracellular domain protein had significant binding activity to human type 55 adenovirus Fiber Knob protein(HAdV-55).Conclusion:A simple and efficient method for eukaryotic expression and purification of human soluble DSG2 extracellular domain protein was successfully established,and biologically active DSG2 extracellular domain protein was purified,which laid the foundation for the later study of its protein function and anti-adenovirus drugs.

Effects of Astragalus membranaceus on Energy Metabolism and Expression of CNTF Protein in Skeletal Muscle of Exercise-induced Fatigue Rats

[Objectives]This study was conducted to investigate the effects of Astragalus membranaceus in different groups on energy metabolism and CNTF protein expression in skeletal muscle of exercise-induced fatigue rats.[Methods]Thirty-five clean male SD rats were randomly divided into a normal group,and low-,meddle-and high-dose groups of A.membranaceus aqueous solution,with 7 rats in each group.The low-dose,medium-dose and high-dose groups were given by gavage at 0.65,1.3 and 2.6 g/kg,respectively,while the normal group and the model group were given normal food and water.The weight of rats was observed.The contents of serum urea,lactate,muscle glycogen,liver glycogen and CNTF expression were detected.[Results]After modeling,compared with the normal group,the serum lactate and urea contents of rats in the model group significantly increased(P<0.01),while the muscle glycogen content(P<0.01)and liver glycogen content(P<0.05)of the skeletal muscle significantly decreased.Compared with the model group,the low-,meddle-and high-dose groups of A.membranaceus significantly reduced the levels of lactate and urea in serum(P<0.01),while the levels of muscle glycogen and liver glycogen in the skeletal muscle significantly increased(P<0.01,P<0.05).[Conclusions]This study provides a good research foundation for the treatment of exercise-induced fatigue using traditional Chinese herb A.membranaceus in modern clinical practice.

Expression analysis of ThGLP, a new germin-like protein gene, in Tamarix hispida

Germin and Germin-like protein （GLP） have various proposed roles in plant developmental stages and stress- related processes. A novel GLP cDNA clone was isolated from a cDNA library of Tamarix hispida. ThGLP, coded 225aa, possesses conserved motif of plant germin and Germin-like protein. ThGLP belongs to true germin subfamily through phylogenetic analyses. Gene expression profiles in roots and leaves were evaluated using real-time quantitative RT-PCR. The results show that the gene was highly induced by drought, salt, low temperature, CdCl2 and abscisic acid treatments. Our results demonstrate that the ThGLP gene is expressed in leaves and roots, is involved in different abiotic stress re-sponses and controlled by an ABA-dependent signaling pathway.

Cloning and expression analysis of a long type peptidoglycan recognition protein(PGRP-L) from Xenopus tropicalis

Peptidoglycan recognition proteins（PGRPs） are a family of pattern recognition receptors（PRRs） of the immune system,which bind and hydrolyze bacterial peptidoglycan.Here,a long type PGRP（PGRP-L） was first cloned in the lower vertebrate species Xenopus tropicalis（Xt）.The XtPGRP-L possessed a conserved genomic structure with five exons and four introns.The alignment and phylogenetic analysis indicated that XtPGRP-L might be a type of amidase-like PGRP.The 3-D model showed that XtPGRP-L possessed a conserved structure compared with the Drosophila PGRP-Lb.During embryonic development,XtPGRP-L was not expressed until the 72 h tadpole stage.In adult tissues,it was strongly expressed in the liver,lung,intestine,and stomach.Furthermore,after LPS stimulation,the expression of XtPGRP-L was up-regulated significantly in the liver,intestine and spleen,indicating that XtPGRP-L may play an important role in the innate immunity of Xenopus tropicalis.

Characterization of ST13 Protein Expression in Human Colorectal Cancer Tissues

Objective: To characterize the expression of ST13 protein in human tissuesfor investigation of the function of colorectal cancer related gene ST13. Methods: ST13 ORF wascloned and over-expressed in E.coli. The recombinant ST13 protein was purified by affinitychromatography. ST13 monoclonal antibodies were generated and affinity purified with the recombinantprotein. Immunoblot and immunohistochemical staining were employed to analyze ST13 proteinexpression in human tissues. Results: The expression and purification of the recombinant ST13protein were confirmed by SDS-PAGE. The protein yield reached about 2.5 mg/L of induced bacterialculture with a purity of 91.3%. Three strains of hybridoma were obtained with antibody titers from10~4 to 10~5 in ascites fluids and with high specificity for ST13 protein. Immunoblot showed thatthe apparent Mr of ST13 protein in SW480 cells and human tissues estimated by SDS-PAGE mobility wasapproximately 50 000, which was about 10 000 larger than the 41 324 calculated, but theglycosylation of the protein was excluded. Computer modeling revealed the protein to be ahydrophilic molecule. Immunohistochemical staining showed that ST13 protein was evenly distributedin cytoplasm and expressed in colon, stomach, liver, and other epithelial cells. Differences in thestaining intensity of the protein were observed between normal and cancer tissues as well as amongdifferent normal or carcinoma tissues. Conclusion: ST13 protein is a cytoplasmic molecule with anapparent Mr of 50 000. The protein is expressed in colorectal and other epithelial tissues. Theexpression level of the protein is down-regulated in colorectal cancer and varies among differentnormal and/or carcinoma tissues. Comparison of cDNA sequences and protein characteristics indicatesthat ST13 protein and hsp70-interacting protein (Hip) are same proteins, raising the possibilitythat ST13 protein is involved in the development of colorectal cancer through Hsp70 molecularchaperone machinery.

Construction and Identification of siRNA Expression Vector Targeting Nucleocapsid Protein N gene of PRRSV

[ Objective] The aim of this study was to investigate the construction and identification of siRNA expression vector targeting nucleocapsid protein N gone of PRRSV. [Method] Three siRNA oligonucleotides targeting nucleocapsid protein N gone sequence of PRRSV were designed or synthesized, and then inserted into CMV promoter downstream to clone into pSilencer 4,1 -CMV eukaryotic expression vector. The recombinant expression vector was identified by enzyme digestion and DNA sequencing. [ Result] The results showed that the siRNA interference recombinant plasmid vector pSilencer-N targeting nucleocapsid protein gone expression had been successfully constructed. [ Conclusion] This study lays a foundation for studies on the controlling PRRSV by RNA interference technique .

Cloning and Expression Analysis of PtFATB Gene Encoding the Acyl-acyl Carrier Protein Thioesterase in Populus tomentosa Carr

Acyl-ACP thioesterases （FATs） terminates the fatty acid synthesis and allow the transport of fatty acids out of the plastids, which are the important determinants of cellular metabolism. FATB is a member of FAT enzymes that has been described previously in most of the plants. In silico cloning is a new method that utilizes the bioinformatics on the complete genome and available EST database. In this study, a full-length cDNA clone of PtFATB gene was isolated from Populus tomentosa using this approach. It is 1,450 bp in length and the open reading frame encodes a peptide of 421 amino acids. The predicted amino acid sequence shows significant homology with those from other plant species, which contain typical domains owned by FATB proteins. The transcripts of PtFATB were abundant in leaves, and less in roots detected by using semiquantitative RT-PCR. When the shoots were subjected to the stress treatments （cold, dry, NaC1） and ABA （Abscisic acid）, the expression of PtFATB was only slightly reduced under the treatment of low temperature. This suggests that the expression of PtFATB is in a constitutive fashion. This study provides the basis not only for the identification and characterization of this gene but also for the improvement of cold tolerance by controlling the expression of the PtFATB gene in trees in near future.

Cloning and Prokaryotic Expression of P23 Major Surface Protein Gene from Theileria sergenti

[Objective] The aim was to study cloning and prokaryotic expression of P23 major surface protein gene of Theileria sergenti. [Method] A pair of specific primers was designed according to the sequence of P23 major surface protein of T. sergenti (D84447).The P23 gene was amplified by PCR from genomic DNA of T. sergenti and cloned into pMD18-T vector to construct recombinant clonal vector pMD18-P23. Positive clones were identified by PCR screening and restriction digestion. A recombinant expression plasmid pGEX-4T-P23 was constructed by subcloning the cloned P23 gene into the linearized pGEX-4T-1 vector and transformed into E. coli BL21. After introduction by IPTG,the expressed fusion protein was identified by SDS-PAGE and Western-blotting. [Result] The cloned gene has a total length of 507 bp. Sequencing result showed that the nucleotide sequence of the cloned P23 gene shared 99.4% identity with that of P23 published in GenBank (D84447). The expressed fusion protein was 46 ku in molecular mass. Induction opportunity of zhours after culture inoculation was the best,the induction time of 6 h was the best,and induction temperature of 34 ℃ was the best as well,IPTG of 1 mmol/L had little effect on the expression. Western-blotting indicated that recombinant protein was recognized by specific antibody. [Conclusion] This study would lay a foundation for further research on the prevention and diagnose of T. sergenti.

Elementary study of differential expression of total soluble proteins in different life phases of Porphyra yezoensis

Total soluble proteins of different life stages, filamentous sporophytes cultivated in high temperatures, and blade gametophytes harvested in different seasons, were identified by SDS-PAGE. The types and amounts of expressed proteins also varied amongst the samples. The fewest soluble proteins were present in filamentous sporophytes. There were more types and amounts of soluble protein in conchospores than in filamentous sporophytes, but fewer than in bulgy sporophytes. More types of protein were detected in filamentous sporophytes cultivated in high temperatures than in those growing in normal situations. The most types and amounts of protein were found in blade gametophytes in all samples. Blade gametophytes harvested last year and stored at -20 ℃ showed only minor differences in expression of proteins when compared with those harvested in different seasons.

Induced Expression and Optimal Expression Conditions of Recombinant Alpha-bungarotoxin Gene Fusion Protein

[Objective] This study aimed to obtain recombinant alpha-bungarotoxin （a-BG-0 gene fusion protein with biological activity and investiagte its fusion expression. [Method] The plasmid pGEX-a-BGT was transformed into E coil BL21 （DE3） and BL21 （DE3） plysS host bacteria to identify the optimal engineering strain. Fusion expression of the optimal engineering strain was induced, in order to optimize the induced expression conditions of the soluble fusion protein. [Result] JP-a-BGT was identified as the optimal engineering strain, which could express fusion protein after induced by IPTG. The optimal induced expression conditions of the soluble fusion protein were investigatect JP-a-BGT was incubated at 37 ℃ for 2.5 h and induced with 0.50 mmol4. IPTG for 4 h at 22 ℃, and the expression level of the soluble fusion protein reached 18.42%. [Conclusion] This study laid a solid foundation for the subsequent purification of fusion proteins and the separation and purification of a-BGT.

Oncoprotein expression and inhibition of apoptosis during colorectal tumorigenesis

AIMS To study bcl-2 and P53 protein expression and inhibition of apoptosis during colorectal tumorigenesis. METHODS Expression of bcl -2 and p53 in 45 colorectal ade- nomas and 61 colorectal carcinomas was detected by immunohis- tochemical staining. RESULTS The bcl-2 and P53 protein expression was uniformly negative in normal mucosa,whereas bcl-2 and p53 positive rates were significantly higher in adenoma and carcinoma than in nor- reals(P<0.01 ).The area with strong bcl-2 expression was of- ten the area with severely dysplasia.In colorectal adenoma,ex- pression of p53 increased with the increasing size and dysplasia, in adenomas≥20 mm being higher than adenomas<10 mm(77, 8% vs 35.0%,P<0.05).p53 was relevant to differentiation and Duke's staging.A significant inverse correlation was found between bcl-2 and p53 in immunostaining in the adenomas,but not in the carcinomas.Furthermore,carcinomas with a high per- centage of bcl-2 positive cells were significantly more likely to have low rates of apoptosis. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that bcl-2 gene appears to be an early event in colorectal tumorigenesis that can inhibit apoptosis,p53 expression plays an important role in the develop- ment and malignant change of colorectal adenoma,bcl-2 and p53 may be used as a good marker relating to cell apoptosis.

Expression and Purification of Arabidopsis High Mobility Group B Protein Gene At2G34450 in Pichia pastoris

[Objective] The aim was to study the expression of Arabidopsis gene A/2G34450 in Pichia pastoris and to obtain recombinant Arabidopsis HMGB protein. [Method] The At2G34450 gene was cloned into yeast expression vector pPIC9K containing AOXl promoter and the sequences of secreting α-signal peptides. Recombinant plasmid was linearized by Sal l and transformed into P. pastoris GSl15 competent cells by electroporation. Positive integrated clones were screened out, and the At2G34450 protein was expressed under the induction of methanol. [Result] The At2G34450 protein was expressed in yeast medium through methanol induction. SDS-PAGE results showed that recombination product was At2G34450 protein. [Conclusion] At2G34450 protein was successfully expressed in the P. pastoris system for the first time, which paves a direct path to further research on the functions of HMGB family members.

Prokaryotic Expression and Identification of Outer Membrane Protein 2 of Chlamydia trachomatis

Objective: To construct a recombinant plasmid containing the outer membrane protein 2 (Omp2) gene of Chlamydia trachomatis and express Omp2 in E.coli. Methods: The omp2 gene of C. trachomatis serovar D was cloned into pQE30 vector following PCR amplification from genomic DNA. E. coli M15 transformants were induced to express the fusion protein by IPTG and the product was identified by SDS-PAGE and Western blot. Results: Confirmed by enzyme cleavage analysis and DNA sequencing, a correct recombinant plasmid pQE30/omp2 was constructed. The fusion protein from the transformants was approximately 60 kDa in size in SDS-PAGE analysis, which could specially react with anti-6 X His mouse monoclonal IgG antibodies. Conclusion: We successfully expressed Omp2 in E. coli M15, providing an efficient and simple system for assaying the immunological properties of Omp2.

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.

Genome-wide characterization of mapk gene family in black rockfish Sebastes schlegelii and their expression patterns against Edwardsiella piscicida infection

Mitogen-activated protein kinases(MAPKs)play pivotal roles in response to environmental stresses and bacterial infections.Compared with those in the higher vertebrates,studies of mapk gene family are still limited in teleost.Identification,characterization,classification,and expression profiling of totally 15 mapk genes in black rockfish(Sebastes schlegelii)were conducted.Phylogenetic relationships show that these mapk genes could be divided into extracellular signal-regulated kinase(ERK),c-Jun N-terminal kinase(JNK),and p38 sub-families.In addition,gene structures,syntenic analysis,and selective pressure analysis are performed to confirm their annotations.Results of selective pressure analysis indicate that mapk1,mapk3,mapk7,mapk10,mapk11,and mapk12 underwent significantly-positive selections,while the others genes such as mapk4,mapk6,mapk15,mapk8a,mapk8b,mapk9,mapk13,mapk14a,and mapk14b were under purifying selections.Moreover,results of qRT-PCR indicate that mapk genes in 8 healthy tissues displayed different expression patterns.The expression patterns of several mapk genes including mapk12,mapk13,mapk14a,mapk14b,and mapk15 were significantly changed in mucosal tissues after Edwardsiella piscicida infection.This study demonstrates that mapk genes in black rockfish play vital prevention roles against bacterial infection,which not only helps us understand the structure and function of mapk genes in black rockfish,but also provides a reference to understand the role of mapk genes in teleost immune responses.

A preliminary study on ras protein expression in human esophageal cancer and precancerous lesions

INTRODUCTIONThe esophageal carcinoma is a common malignanttumor in Linzhou City (Linxian) of Henan Provincein northern China.Although the etiology andnatural history of csophageal carcinoma are notclear,a substantial amount of evidence has beenprovided to suggest that the development of humanesophageal squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) is amultistage progressive process.An

Expression of bcl-2 protein in gastric carcinoma and its significance

AIM To further study the role of bcl 2 protein expression in gastric carcinogenesis and tumor progression. METHODS Using immunohistochemical staining, the bcl 2 protein expression in 50 cases of gastric carcinoma and its relation to clinical status and pathomorphological parameters were observed. RESULTS Forty one (82%) cases were positive for bcl 2 protein staining which was located in the cytoplasm and nuclear membrane of tumor cells. The rate of bcl 2 protein expression was not correlated with the patient, sex, tumor size, lymph node status or clinical stages ( P >0 05). It was strongly associated with intestinal type tumors and poorly differentiated tumors ( P <0 05 and P <0 01). CONCLUSION Aberrant bcl 2 protein expression appears to be specifically associated with development of intestinal type gastric carcinoma, bcl 2 protein expression might play an important role in the early development/promotion and phenotypic differentiation of gastric carcinomas, but not in tumor progression.

Expression of lung resistance protein in patients with gastric carcinoma and its clinical significance

INTRODUCTION The efficacy of chemotherapy in the treatment of cance patients is often hampered by the presence or appearance of multidrug resistance(MDR) of tumor cells.