GATA binding protein 2 mediated ankyrin repeat domain containing 26 high expression in myeloid-derived cell lines

BACKGROUND Thrombocytopenia 2,an autosomal dominant inherited disease characterized by moderate thrombocytopenia,predisposition to myeloid malignancies and normal platelet size and function,can be caused by 5’-untranslated region(UTR)point mutations in ankyrin repeat domain containing 26(ANKRD26).Runt related transcription factor 1(RUNX1)and friend leukemia integration 1(FLI1)have been identified as negative regulators of ANKRD26.However,the positive regulators of ANKRD26 are still unknown.AIM To prove the positive regulatory effect of GATA binding protein 2(GATA2)on ANKRD26 transcription.METHODS Human induced pluripotent stem cells derived from bone marrow(hiPSC-BM)INTRODUCTION Ankyrin repeat domain containing protein 26(ANKRD26)acts as a regulator of adipogenesis and is involved in the regulation of feeding behavior[1-3].The ANKRD26 gene is located on chromosome 10 and shares regions of homology with the primate-specific gene family POTE.According to the Human Protein Atlas database,the ANKRD26 protein is localized to the Golgi apparatus and vesicles,and its expression can be detected in nearly all human tissues[4].Moreover,UniProt annotation revealed that ANKRD26 is localized in the centrosome and contains coiled-coil domains formed by spectrin helices and ankyrin repeats[5,6].The most common disease related to ANKRD26 is thrombocytopenia 2(THC2),which is a rare autosomal dominant inherited disease characterized by lifelong mild-to-moderate thrombocytopenia and mild bleeding[7-9].Caused by the variants in the 5’-untranslated region(UTR)of ANKRD26,THC2 is defined by a decrease in the number of platelets in circulating blood and results in increased bleeding and decreased clotting ability[8,10].Due to the point mutations that occur in the 5’-UTR of ANKRD26,its negative transcription factors(TFs),Runt related transcription factor 1(RUNX1)and friend leukemia integration 1(FLI1),lose their repression effect[11].The persistent expression of ANKRD26 increases the activity of the mitogen activated protein kinase and extracellular signal regulated kinase 1/2 signaling pathways,which are potentially involved in the regulation of thrombopoietin-dependent signaling and further impair proplatelet formation by megakaryocytes(MKs)[11].However,the positive regulators of ANKRD26,which might be associated with THC2 pathology,are still unknown.

Effect of Methyl-CpG Binding Domain Protein 2(MBD2) on AMD-like Lesions in ApoE-Deficient Mice

Summary： The role of methyl-CpG binding domain protein 2 （MBD2） in an ApoE-deficient mouse model of age-related macular degeneration （AMD） was investigated. Eight-week-old Mbd2/ApoE double deficient （Mbd2^-/- ApoE^-/-） mice （n=12, 24 eyes, experimental group） and MBD2 （wt） ApoE^-/- mice （n=12, 24 eyes, control group） were fed on Western-type diet for 4 months. The mice were sacrificed, and total serum cholesterol levels were analyzed and Bruch＇s membrane （BM） of the eyes was removed for ultrastructural observation by transmission electron microscopy. Moreover, intercellular adhesion molecule 1 （ICAM-1） immunoreactivities were evaluated by fluorescence microscopy in sections of the eyes in both groups for further understanding the function mechanism of MBD2. There was no significant difference in the total serum cholesterol levels between control group and experimental group （P〉0.05）. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that AMD-like lesions, various vacuoles accumulated on BM, notable outer collagenous layer deposits and dilated basal infoldings of retinal pigment epithelium （RPE） were seen in both groups, and the BM in control group was significantly thickened as compared with experimental group （P〈0.05）. Fluorescence micrographs exhibited the expression of ICAM-1 in choroid was higher in control group than in experimental group. We are led to conclude that MBD2 gene knockout may lead to accumulation of more deposits on the BM and influence the pathogenesis of AMD via triggering endothelial activation and inflammatory response in choroid, improving microcirculation, and reducing lipid deposition so as to inhibit the development of AMD-like lesions. Our study helps to provide a new therapeutic approach for the clinical treatment of AMD.

Mutual regulation between microRNA-373 and methyl-CpGbinding domain protein 2 in hilar cholangiocarcinoma

AIM:To investigate the reciprocal modulation between microRNA(miRNA) and DNA methylation via exploring the correlation between miR-373 and methyl-CpGbinding domain protein(MBD)2.METHODS:MiR-373 expression was examined using the TaqMan miRNA assay.Methylation of miR-373 was investigated using methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction,and recruitment of methyl binding proteins was studied using the chromatin immunoprecipitation assay.Mutation analysis was conducted using the QuikChange Site-Directed Mutagenesis kit.The activity of miR-373 gene promoter constructs and targeting at MBD2-three prime untranslated region(3'UTR) by miR-373 were evaluated by a dual-luciferase reporter gene assay.RESULTS:In hilar cholangiocarcinoma,miR-373 decreased and was closely associated with poor cell differentiation,advanced clinical stage,and shorter survival.The promoter-associated CpG island of miR-373 gene was hypermethylated and inhibited expression of miR-373.MBD2 was up-regulated and enriched at the promoter-associated CpG island of miR-373.Methylation-mediated suppression of miR-373 required MBD2 enrichment at the promoter-associated CpG island,and miR-373 negatively regulated MBD2 expression through targeting the 3'UTR.CONCLUSION:MiR-373 behaves as a direct transcriptional target and negative regulator of MBD2 activity through a feedback loop of CpG island methylation.

Nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain 1 and Helicobacter pylori infection: A review

Nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain 1(NOD1) is an intracellular innate immune sensor for small molecules derived from bacterial cell components. NOD1 activation by its ligands leads to robust production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines by innate immune cells, thereby mediating mucosal host defense systems against microbes. Chronic gastric infection due to Helicobacter pylori(H. pylori) causes various upper gastrointestinal diseases, including atrophic gastritis, peptic ulcers, and gastric cancer. It is now generally accepted that detection of H. pylori by NOD1 expressed in gastric epithelial cells plays an indispensable role in mucosal host defense systems against this organism. Recent studies have revealed the molecular mechanism by which NOD1 activation caused by H. pylori infection is involved in the development of chronic gastritis and gastric cancer. In this review, we have discussed and summarized how sensing of H. pylori by NOD1 mediates the prevention of chronic gastritis and gastric cancer.

Chromodomain-helicase-DNA binding protein 5, 7 and pronecrotic mixed lineage kinase domain-like protein serve as potential prognostic biomarkers in patients with resected pancreatic adenocarcinomas

Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest cancers with a very poor prognosis. Recently, there has been a significant increase in research directed towards identifying potential biomarkers that can be used to diagnose and provide prognostic information for pancreatic cancer. These markers can be used clinically to optimize and personalize therapy for individual patients. In this review, we focused on 3 biomarkers involved in the DNA damage response pathway and the necroptosis pathway: Chromodomainhelicase-DNA binding protein 5, chromodomain-helicaseDNA binding protein 7, and mixed lineage kinase domain-like protein. The aim of this article is to review present literature provided for these biomarkers and current studies in which their effectiveness as prognostic biomarkers are analyzed in order to determine their future use as biomarkers in clinical medicine. Based on the data presented, these biomarkers warrant further investigation,and should be validated in future studies.

Glycosylation-independent binding to extracellular domains 11-13 of mannose-6-phosphate/insulin-like growth factor-2 receptor mediates the effects of soluble CREG on the phenotypic proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells

Background The present study aimed to investigate the detailed mode and specific sites for their binding as well as the functional relevance of this binding in the phenotypic proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells(SMCs). Methods CREG knocked-down SMCs were employed to evaluate the biological activity of wtCREG and mCREG.Expressions of SMC differentiation markers SM myosin heavy chain(SM-MHC),SM-actin,heavy caldesmon and myocardin were determined by Western blotting using specific antibodies. Cellular growth of SMCs was assessed by bromide dewuridine (BrdU) incorporation and cell cycle analysis on fluorescence-activated cell sorting(FACS).A solid-phase binding assay was used to study the binding of CREG to extracellular domains of M6P/IGF2R.The cellular co-localization of the two recombinant CREGs with M6P/IGF2R was detected on SMC surface by immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence analysis.Results The molecular weight of wtCREG was around 30 kD while that of the mCREG was～25 kD.Treatment of wtCREG with PNGase F reduced its molecular weight from～30 kD to～25 kD,whereas PNGase F treatment had no effect on the molecular weight of mCREG.Both wtCREG and mCREG proteins enhanced SMC differentiation,inhibited BrdU incorporation,and arrested cell cycle progression when added to the culture medium.In CREG knocked-down SMCs,the amount of CREG detected by immunoblotting in M6P/IGF2R immunoprecipitates was significantly reduced when compared to normal cells.Both recombinant CREGs co-immunoprecipitated with M6P/IGF2R, although slightly reduced amount of the mutant CREG was detected in M6P/IGF2R immunoprecipitates.Immunostaining revealed that His-tagged CREGs co-localized with IGF2R on the cell surface in a glycosylation-independent manner.In vitro binding assay showed that CREGs bound to M6P/ IGF2R extracellular domains 7-10 and 11-13 in a glycosylation -dependent and -independent manner,respectively.Further blocking experiments using soluble M6P/IGF2R fragments and M6P/IGF2R neutralizing antibody indicated that the biological activities of recombinant CREGs in SMC growth and the up-regulation of SMC differentiation markers were all abolished by treatment with the M6P/IGF2R neutralizing antibody. However,although the growth inhibitory effect of wtCREG was nearly abolished by D7-10 or D11-13,the effect of mCREG was only reversed by Dll-13,indicating that the binding to domains 11-13 is required for CREG to modulate the proliferation of SMCs.Conclusions These data suggest that solubleCREG proteins can exert their biological function via binding to the extracellular domains 7-10 and 11-13 of cell surface M6P/IGF2R in both a glycosylation-dependent and -independent manner.

Molecular dissection of phage lysin PlySs2: integrity of the catalytic and cell wall binding domains is essential for its broad lytic activity

The novel phage lysin PlySs2, is reported to be highly active against various bacteria, including staphylococci, streptococci and Listeria. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying its broad lytic spectrum remain to be established. In the present study, the lytic activity of the catalytic domain(CD, PlySc) and binding specificity of the cell wall binding domain(CBD, PlySb) of PlySs2 were examined. Our results showed that PlySc alone maintains very limited lytic activity. Enhanced green fluorescent protein(EGFP)-fused PlySb displayed high binding affinity to the streptococcal strains tested, including S.suis, S.dysgalactiae, and S.agalactiae, but not staphylococci, supporting its utility as a good CBD donor for streptococcal-targeted lysin engineering. EGFP-fused intact PlySs2 similarly displayed high affinity for streptococci, but not staphylococci. Notably, four truncated PlySb fragments showed no binding capacity. These findings collectively indicate that integrity of the PlySc and PlySb domains is an essential determinant of the broad lytic activity of PlySs2.

Central role of Yes-associated protein and WW-domain-containing transcriptional co-activator with PDZ-binding motif in pancreatic cancer development

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma(PDAC) remains a deadly disease with no efficacious treatment options. PDAC incidence is projected to increase, which may be caused at least partially by the obesity epidemic. Significantly enhanced efforts to prevent or intercept this cancer are clearly warranted. Oncogenic KRAS mutations are recognized initiating events in PDAC development, however, they are not entirely sufficient for the development of fully invasive PDAC.Additional genetic alterations and/or environmental, nutritional, and metabolic signals, as present in obesity, type-2 diabetes mellitus, and inflammation, are required for full PDAC formation. We hypothesize that oncogenic KRAS increases the intensity and duration of the growth-promoting signaling network.Recent exciting studies from different laboratories indicate that the activity of the transcriptional co-activators Yes-associated protein(YAP) and WW-domaincontaining transcriptional co-activator with PDZ-binding motif(TAZ) play a critical role in the promotion and maintenance of PDAC operating as key downstream target of KRAS signaling. While initially thought to be primarily an effector of the tumor-suppressive Hippo pathway, more recent studies revealed that YAP/TAZ subcellular localization and co-transcriptional activity is regulated by multiple upstream signals. Overall, YAP has emerged as a central node of transcriptional convergence in growth-promoting signaling in PDAC cells. Indeed, YAP expression is an independent unfavorable prognostic marker for overall survival of PDAC. In what follows, we will review studies implicating YAP/TAZ in pancreatic cancer development and consider different approaches to target these transcriptional regulators.

Screening the RFX6-DNA binding domain for potential genetic variants in patients with type 2 diabetes

BACKGROUND The regulatory factor X6 (RFX6), a member of regulatory factor X family, is known to play a key role in the development and differentiation of pancreatic beta cells as well as insulin production and secretion. However, the potential role of RFX6 in type 2 diabetes (T2D) is still unclear. AIM Recent studies have indicated that RFX6 binding to DNA could be disrupted in diabetes. Therefore, in this study we investigated whether genetic mutations are present in the DNA binding domain of RFX6 gene that could abrogate its function in T2D. METHODS A cohort of T2D patients was enrolled in this study, and the gene encoding the DNA binding domain of RFX6 was amplified by polymerase chain reaction and then analysed by direct DNA sequencing. RESULTS The DNA sequence analysis revealed the absence of any exonic mutation. However, we have identified a new heterozygous single nucleotide polymorphism (IVS6+31 C>T) in the intronic region of DNA binding domain gene that is present in 9.2% and 8.5% of diabetic and control people, respectively (P = 0.97).CONCLUSION We report the absence of any significant genetic variant that could affect the function of RFX6-DNA binding domain in T2D.

Modified insulin-like growth factor 1 containing collagen-binding domain for nerve regeneration

Insulin-like growth factor 1 （IGF-I） is a potential nutrient for nerve repair. However, it is impractical as a therapy because of its limited half- life, rapid clearance, and limited target specificity. To achieve targeted and long-lasting treatment, we investigated the addition of a binding structure by fusing a collagen-binding domain to IGF- 1. After confirming its affinity for collagen, the biological activity of this construct was examined by measuring cell proliferation after transfection into PC12 and Schwann cells using a 3-（4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl）-2,5-di- phenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide assay. Immunofluorescence staining was conducted to detect neurofilament and microtubule-associated protein 2 expression, while real time-polymerase chain reaction was utilized to determine IGF-1 receptor and nerve growth/actor mRNA expression. Our results demonstrate a significant increase in collagen-binding activity of the recombinant protein compared with IGF-1. Moreover, the recombinant protein promoted proliferation of PC12 and Schwann cells, and increased the expression of neurofilament and microtubule-associated protein 2. Importantly, the recombinant protein also stimulated sustained expression of IGF-1 receptor and nerve growth factor mRNA for days. These results show that the recombinant protein achieved the goal of targeting and long-lasting treatment, and thus could become a clinically used factor for promoting nerve regeneration with a prolonged therapeutic effect.

In vitro demonstration of interactions among zinc-binding domains of cellulose synthases in Arabidopsis and aspen

Plant cellulose synthases (CesAs) are the key enzymes necessary for cellulose biosynthesis. In Arabidopsis, two distinct groups of three CesAs each are necessary for cellulose synthesis during primary and secondary cell wall formation. It has also been suggested that such three CesAs interact with each other to form plasma-membrane bound rosette complexes that are functional during cellulose production. However, in vivo demonstration of such assemblies of three CesAs into rosettes has not been possible. We used yeast two-hybrid assays to demonstrate the possible interactions among several CesAs from Arabidopsis and aspen via their N-terminal zinc-binding domains (ZnBDs). While strong positive interactions were detected among ZnBDs from secondary wall associated CesAs of both Arabidopsis and aspen, the intergeneric interactions between Arabidopsis and aspen CesAs were weak. Moreover, in aspen, three primary wall associated CesA ZnBDs positively interacted with each other as well as with secondary CesAs. These results suggest that ZnBDs from either primary or secondary CesAs, and even from different plant species could interact but are perhaps insufficient for specificities of such interactions among CesAs. These observations suggest that some other more specific interacting regions might exist within CesAs. It is also possible that some hitherto unknown mechanism exists in plants for assembling the rosette complexes with different compositions of CesAs. Understanding how cellulose is synthesized will have a direct impact on utilization of lignocellulosic biomass for bioenergy production.

Presence/Absence of Two Types of Z-DNA Binding Domains in the Genomes of Organisms from Archaea, Bacteria, and Eukaryotes and Its Implications

We conducted genome sequence analysis to examine the presence/absence of two types of Z-DNA binding domains in various organisms. We examined 68 organisms from archaea, 914 organisms from bacteria, and 199 organisms from eukaryotes. RecA protein from Escherichia coli has a Z-DNA binding domain and this protein promotes homologous recombination. All the organisms examined had this domain. This result indicated that this domain is essential for all the organisms. RNA editing enzyme, adenosine deaminase from human has another type of Z-DNA binding domain. This domain was observed in some organisms of archaea, bacteria, and eukaryotes. The presence/absence of Z-DNA binding domain in adenosine deaminase indicated that gain and loss of this domain had occurred in the process of evolution. The implication of presence and absence of this domain is discussed in this study.

MD Simulations of the P53 oncoprotein structure: the effect of the Arg273→His mutation on the DNA binding domain

A comparative molecular dynamics (MD) simulation study was performed on the p53 oncoprotein to investigate the effect of the Arg273His (R273H) mutation on the p53→DNA Binding Domain (DBD). The two p53 dimer structures of the wild-type and mutant Arg273His (R273H) were simulated with the same thermodynamic and environmental parameters. The obtained results demonstrate that the induced Arg273His mutation has a considerable effect on the p53→DNA close contact interaction and changes the picture of hydrogen formation. The Arg273His mutation, in some cases, destroys the existing native hydrogen bond, but, in other cases, forms a strong p53→DNA hydrogen bond, which is not proper for the native protein. The MD simulation results illustrate some molecular mechanism of the conformational changes of the Arg273His key amino acid residue in the p53→DNA binding domain, which might be important for the understanding of the physiological functioning of the p53 protein and the origin of cancer.

STUDY ON BINDING MODE OF CISPLATIN TO F-ACTIN ON THE BASIS OF LIGAND-METAL CHARGE TRANSFER SPECTRA

The binding mode and configuration of cisplatin with F-actin were studied on the basis of charge transfer bands of cisplatin-F-actin complex The binding mode was discussed on the basis of the results of LMCT.Raman and fluorescence spectra.

Zinc finger E-box-binding homeobox 1 mediates aerobic glycolysis via suppression of sirtuin 3 in pancreatic cancer

AIM TO uncover the roles of tumor-promoting gene ZEB1 in aerobic glycolysis regulation and shed light on the underlying molecular mechanism.METHODS Endogenous zinc finger E-box binding homeobox-1 （ZEB1） was silenced using a and the impact of ZEB1 and lentivirus-mediated method, methyI-CpG binding domain protein 1 （MBD1） on aerobic glycolysis was measured using seahorse cellular flux analyzers, reactive oxygen species quantification, and mitochondrial membrane potential measurement. The interaction between ZEB1 and MBD1 was assessed by co-immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence assays. The impact of ZEB1 and MBD1 interaction on sirtuin 3 （SIRT3） expression was confirmed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction, western blotting, and dual-luciferase and chromatinimmunoprecipitation assays.RESULTS ZEB1 was a positive regulator of aerobic glycolysis in pancreatic cancer. ZEB1 transcriptionally silenced expression of SIRT3, a mitochondrial-localized tumor suppressor, through interaction with MBD1.CONCLUSION ZEB1 silenced SIRT3 expression via interaction with MBD1 to promote aerobic glycolysis in pancreatic cancer.

Alanine-substituted mutant on Gly^(373) and Asn^(375) of Cry1Ai-h-loop 2 causes reduction in both toxicity and binding against Helicoverpa armigera

Cry1Ai-h-loop 2 is a mutant of Cry1Ai constructed by exchanging loop 2 from Cry1Ah protein and shows insecticidal activity against Helicoverpa armigera. The toxicity of Cry1 Ai-h-loop 2, in contrast to the very low toxicity of Cry1Ai, is closely associated with the eleven residues in the loop 2 region. To characterize the key sites of loop 2 in Cry1Ai-h-loop 2, alaninesubstituted mutants were generated. The toxicity of these mutants against H. armigera indicated that dual-mutant on Gly373 and Asn375 caused a significant decrease in toxic activity. ELISA binding and competition binding assays demonstrated that the reduction of toxicity in the mutant of interest was correlated with decreased binding affinity.

Extracellular and cytoplasmic regions of LRIG1 play a negative role in EGFR activity: Findings of a radioligand-binding assay

Objective Leucine-rich repeats and immunoglobulin-like domains 1(LRIG1) is a newly identified human gene that inhibits the epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR), which on combining with a ligand, can drive tumor growth. This study investigated the interaction between human LRIG1 and EGFR and attempted to delineate the functions of as well as the mechanisms used by the extracellular(ECD) and cytoplasmic(CPD) domains of the human LRIG1 protein to downregulate human EGFR signaling activity.Methods Two constructed chimeric eukaryotic expression vectors, pIRES2-EGFP-3XFLAG-LRIG1-ET and p3FLAG-LRIG1-TC, encoding the extracellular and transmembrane regions(LRIG1-ET) and the transmembrane and cytoplasmic regions(LRIG1-TC), respectively, and the plasmid p3XFLAG-CMV-9-LRIG1 encoding full-length LRIG1(LRIG1-FL) were transfected into the human glioma cell line U251 or primary astrocytoma cells by using liposomes. The number and affinity of cell surface EGFR on transfected cells was determined by ^(125)I-EGF binding assay. Results The dissociation constant(KD) values for EGFR were higher, and the maximum increase was observed in the cells transfected into LRIG1-ET(1.36 folds). The number of maximal binding sites(Bmax) of the receptors was decreased in all transfected cells; the maximum decrease was noted in the cells transfected into LRIG1-FL(40.05%).Conclusion Both the ECD and CPD of LRIG1 are important to negate EGFR signaling. The ECD may interfere with the binding between EGFR and its ligand and facilitate the functions of CPD. The CPD may, when brought in proximity to EGFR, enhance receptor degradation. These two mechanisms can contribute to the downregulation of EGFR-mediated signaling by LRIG1.

褪黑素通过NF-κB/NLRP3信号抑制子宫内膜异位症的进展机制研究

目的:探讨褪黑素(MEL)对子宫内膜异位症(EMT)进展的抑制作用,以及其对核转录因子κB(NF-κB)/核苷酸结合寡聚化结构域样受体蛋白3(NLRP3)信号的调控机制。方法:通过自体子宫内膜皮下种植法构建EMT大鼠。动物实验模型分假手术组(Sham组,大鼠在造模过程中仅进行子宫片段剪取)和实验处理4组,分别为:模型组(EMT组,大鼠进行自体子宫内膜皮下种植)、褪黑素组(EMT+MEL组,以50 mg/kg的MEL灌胃处理)、EMT+NF-κB信号通路激活剂佛波酯(PMA)组(EMT+PMA组,以5 mg/kg的PMA腹腔注射)、EMT+MEL+PMA组(以50 mg/kg的MEL灌胃处理和5 mg/kg的PMA腹腔注射)。检测各组大鼠子宫内膜异位的质量、血清和腹腔液中肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)和白细胞介素-6(IL-6)的含量;免疫组化、免疫荧光检测各组样本中髓过氧化物酶(MPO)、血管内皮生长因子(VEGF)的表达;Western blot实验检测各组样本中NF-κB/NLRP3信号通路相关蛋白的表达。结果:与Sham组相比,实验处理4组大鼠中动情周期紊乱的比例、异位子宫内膜的质量、血清以及腹腔液中TNF-α和IL-6的含量、MPO和VEGF的表达及NF-κB/NLRP3信号通路相关蛋白的表达均明显升高,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。与EMT组相比,EMT+MEL组和EMT+MEL+PAM组以上各项指标明显下降,而EMT+PAM组各项指标明显升高;与EMT+MEL组相比,EMT+MEL+PAM组、EMT+PAM组以上各项指标明显升高,以上差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论:MEL能明显抑制EMT中的炎症反应,抑制EMT的进展,这可能通过抑制NF-κB/NLRP3信号的激活实现的。

草鱼MHCⅠα基因克隆及其多态性特征分析

主要组织相容性复合体(MHC)是存在于脊椎动物染色体上、呈高度多态性的基因群,与机体的抗病性密切关系。MHCⅠ类分子由α链和β_(2m)微球蛋白组成,α链呈高度多态性。为探究草鱼MHCⅠα基因的多态性特征,本研究对3个草鱼个体的MHCⅠα基因进行克隆和测序,并使用生物信息学方法分析比较草鱼与小鼠、牛和鸡的MHCⅠα基因多态性特征。结果:共获得了5条草鱼MHCⅠα基因型序列,其基因编码332个氨基酸,包括信号肽、α1、α2、α3和TM/CY区域。草鱼MHCⅠα基因的氨基酸变异位点主要分布在α1和α2区域,与小鼠、牛和鸡MHCⅠα基因肽结合区(PBR)空间结构相似,多态性位点分布在抗原递呈的关键部位α螺旋或β折叠上。草鱼MHCⅠα基因的进化受自然环境的负向选择作用,而其他3个物种的进化方式均为正向选择。此外,草鱼MHCⅠα基因与其他脊椎动物亲缘关系较远,单独构成进化树上一大分支,且个体间继续分化为不同的亚支。本研究从基因层面阐述了草鱼MHCⅠα基因多态性特征和分子进化规律,为进一步探究低等脊椎动物MHCⅠα基因的生物学特征奠定基础。

基于NOD2介导的AMPK/mTOR信号通路探讨宫颈癌细胞恶性行为的机制

目的 基于核苷酸结合寡聚化结构域受体2(NOD2)介导的AMP活化蛋白激酶(AMPK)/雷帕霉素靶蛋白(mTOR)信号通路探讨宫颈癌(CC)细胞恶性行为的机制。方法 生物信息学分析确定NOD2在CC组织中的表达。将靶向NOD2(shNOD2)、shRNAs阴性对照(shNC)以及NOD2过表达(NOD2)质粒和载体(Vec)转染CC细胞。通过CCK-8测定、集落形成和Transwell细胞侵袭测定来确定NOD2对CC细胞生长的影响。通过高通量RNA测序(RNA-Seq)进行转录组分析。Western blot试验检测细胞系中NOD2、AMPK/mTOR信号通路和自噬蛋白的表达。24只雌性BALB/c裸鼠随机分为4组,每组6只:载体组(Vec组)、NOD2过表达组(NOD2组)、shNC组和shNOD2组。构建小鼠远处转移模型,监测肺转移的荧光强度,计数肺转移结节的数量。结果 在线数据库分析显示,NOD2在CC组织中表达明显高于正常组织,并且不同分期的CC中NOD2的mRNA表达差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。此外,NOD2的高表达与较差的总生存期和无病生存期相关(P<0.05)。NOD2过表达对CC细胞增殖、集落形成、迁移和侵袭具有促进作用,而NOD2敲低则相反。与体外结果一致,在转移的小鼠尾静脉注射模型中,NOD2组CC细胞的肺定殖、肺转移灶较Vec组增加(P<0.05),而shNOD2组CC细胞的肺定殖、肺转移灶较shNC组减少(P<0.05)。RNA-Seq结果显示NOD2表达与AMPK信号激活、mTOR信号抑制、自噬调节途径激活和自噬体形成显著相关。与shNC组相比,shNOD2组磷酸化AMPK、LC3蛋白表达水平减少(P<0.05),磷酸化mTOR、p62蛋白表达水平增加(P<0.05);与Vec组相比,NOD2组LC3、AMPK蛋白表达水平增加(P<0.05),磷酸化mTOR、p62蛋白表达水平减少(P<0.05)。与shNC组相比,shNOD2组GFP-mRFP-LC3的点积累减少(P<0.05);与Vec组相比,GFP-mRFP-LC3的点积累增加(P<0.05)。结论 NOD2可能通过AMPK/mTOR信号促进CC增殖、迁移和侵袭,其作用机制部分涉及自噬激活。