G-protein beta 3 subunit polymorphisms and essential hypertension： a case-control association study in northern Han Chinese

Objective To explore the association between the three polymorphisms [ C825T, C1429T and G（-350）A] of the gene encoding the G protein beta 3 subunit （GNB3） and hypertension by performing a case-control study in the northern Han Chinese population. Methods We recnaited 731 hypertensive patients and 673 control subjects （the calculated power value was 〉 0.8）. Genotyping was performed to identify C825T, C1429T and G（-350）A polymorphisms using the TaqMan assay. Comparisons of allelic and genotypic frequencies between cases and controls were made by using the chi-square test. Logistic regression analyses were performed to investigate the relationships between the three polymorphisms of GNB3 gene under different genetic models （additive, dominant and recessive models）. Results The genotype dis- tribution and allele frequencies of C825T, C1429T and G（-350）A polymorphisms did not differ significantly between hypertensive patients and control subjects, either when the full sample was assessed, or when the sample was stratified by gender. No significant association was observed between C825T, C 1429T and G（-350）A polymorphisms and the risk of essential hypertension in any genetic model. Linkage dis- equilibrium was only detected between C825T and C 1429T polymorphisms. Haplotype analyses observed that none of the three estimated haplotypes significantly increased the risk of hypertension. Conclusions Our study suggested that the GNB3 gene polymorphisms [C825T, C 1429T and G（-350）A] were not significantly associated with essential hypertension in northern Han Chinese population.

Cardioprotective Potential of Cymbopogon citratus Essential Oil against Isoproterenol-induced Cardiomyocyte Hypertrophy:Possible Involvement of NLRP3 Inflammasome and Oxidative Phosphorylation Complex Subunits

Objective:Cymbopogon citratus(DC.)Stapf is a medicinal and edible herb that is widely used for the treatment of gastric,nervous and hypertensive disorders.In this study,we investigated the cardioprotective effects and mechanisms of the essential oil,the main active ingredient of Cymbopogon citratus,on isoproterenol(ISO)-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy.Methods:The compositions of Cymbopogon citratus essential oil(CCEO)were determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.Cardiomyocytes were pretreated with 16.9µg/L CCEO for 1 h followed by 10µmol/L ISO for 24 h.Cardiac hypertrophy-related indicators and NLRP3 inflammasome expression were evaluated.Subsequently,transcriptome sequencing(RNA-seq)and target verification were used to further explore the underlying mechanism.Results:Our results showed that the CCEO mainly included citronellal(45.66%),geraniol(23.32%),and citronellol(10.37%).CCEO inhibited ISO-induced increases in cell surface area and protein content,as well as the upregulation of fetal gene expression.Moreover,CCEO inhibited ISO-induced NLRP3 inflammasome expression,as evidenced by decreased lactate dehydrogenase content and downregulated mRNA levels of NLRP3,ASC,CASP1,GSDMD,and IL-1β,as well as reduced protein levels of NLRP3,ASC,pro-caspase-1,caspase-1(p20),GSDMD-FL,GSDMD-N,and pro-IL-1β.The RNA-seq results showed that CCEO inhibited the increase in the mRNA levels of 26 oxidative phosphorylation complex subunits in ISO-treated cardiomyocytes.Our further experiments confirmed that CCEO suppressed ISO-induced upregulation of mt-Nd1,Sdhd,mt-Cytb,Uqcrq,and mt-Atp6 but had no obvious effects on mt-Col expression.Conclusion:CCEO inhibits ISO-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy through the suppression of NLRP3 inflammasome expression and the regulation of several oxidative phosphorylation complex subunits.

Association between G-protein β3 subunit gene and isolated systolic blood pressure elevation of greater than 130 mmHg: A large-scale cross-sectional study in the Japanese population

AIM To investigate whether GNB3 C825 T single nucleotide polymorphism(SNP) contributes to systolic blood pressure(SBP) ≥ 130 mmH g in a large-scale cross-sectional study among the Japanese population with diastolic blood pressure(DBP) < 85 mmH g. METHODS We analyzed 11008 Japanese subjects, including 2797 cases(SBP ≥ 130 and DBP < 85 mmH g) who were not taking anti-hypertensive medication and 8211 controls(SBP < 130 and DBP < 85 mmH g), all of whom enrolled in the genome banking project of the 21 st Century COE(Center of Excellence) Program at Jichi Medical University. Subjects were divided into four groups according to gender(male and female) and age(≤ 49 years and ≥ 50 years). GNB3 gene polymorphism was determined using the TaqM an probe method. We compared the frequencies of alleles and genotypes between cases and controls by chi-squared test. The strength of the associations was estimated by odds ratios(ORs) and 95%CI by using logistic regression analysis. The ORs were adjusted for age and body mass index. RESULTS Allele and genotype distributions significantly differed between cases and controls only in males aged ≤ 49 years. Compared to the CC genotype, a significant OR was obtained in the TT genotype among males aged ≤ 49 years.CONCLUSION This study indicates that the TT genotype of the GNB3 C825 T SNP may contribute to SBP elevation of greater than 130 mmH g compared to the CC genotype in Japanese males aged ≤ 49 years.

磷脂酰肌醇-4,5-二磷酸肌醇-3-激酶对原发性肝癌TACE治疗反应的预测作用

目的探讨经导管动脉化疗栓塞术(TACE)治疗的原发性肝癌患者磷脂酰肌醇-4,5-二磷酸肌醇-3-激酶(PIK3CA)的表达及其与TACE治疗反应的相关性。方法从TCGA数据库下载425例肝癌患者PIK3CA的表达量。利用GSE104580数据集内TACE治疗敏感和不敏感患者癌组织PIK3CA表达量,分析两组基因表达差异,绘制ROC曲线分析TACE治疗敏感性与PIK3CA表达的相关性。从GSE14520数据集下载具有完整临床资料、接受TACE治疗的肝细胞癌27例,基于PIK3CA的表达量最佳截断值,分成PIK3CA高表达组和PIK3CA低表达组,比较两组患者的临床资料。应用“survminer”R包进行Kaplan-Meier生存分析。结果肝癌组织PIK3CA表达明显高于癌旁组织;TACE不敏感患者癌组织PIK3CA表达量高于TACE敏感患者,TACE治疗敏感性与PIK3CA表达相关性的ROC曲线下面积(AUC)为0.645;生存分析显示PIK3CA表达量越低,患者生存时间越长,且1、2、3年的AUC分别为0.765、0.713、0.633。结论PIK3CA对于肝细胞癌有一定的诊断价值,有可能作为TACE治疗敏感性的预测指标。

Gabra3通过AKT/mTOR途径促进膀胱癌T24细胞侵袭和迁移

目的:探究γ-氨基丁酸受体亚基α-3(Gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor subunit alpha-3,Gabra3)基因对膀胱癌T24细胞凋亡、迁移和侵袭的作用及其机制。方法:TCGA数据库分析Gabra3基因在膀胱癌中的表达以及转移和生存的相关性。建立Gabra3过表达和Gabra3突变的T24细胞株,根据转染质粒不同,分为空白T24细胞(Control)、空pDONR223载体转染T24细胞(NC)、野生型Gabra3过表达T24细胞株(wt-Gabra3)、突变型Gabra3 T24细胞株(mut-Gabra3)。在回补实验中,分为转染突变型Gabra3 T24组(mut-Gabra3)、转染空pDONR223载体mut-Gabra3组(mut-Gabra3-NC)、转染野生型Gabra3过表达组(mut-Gabra3+wt-Gabra3)。用TUNEL染色检测T24细胞凋亡,细胞划痕和Transwell分别检测T24细胞迁移和侵袭,Western blot检测AKT/mTOR通路相关分子生物表达水平。结果:Gabra3基因在膀胱癌中显著高表达(P<0.05),生存曲线证实远处转移存在的患者生存期明显较短(P<0.05)。成功构建Gabra3过表达和突变的T24细胞株。与Control组相比,wt-Gabra3组细胞凋亡能力显著降低,迁移、侵袭能力显著增强(P<0.05),而mut-Gabra3组细胞凋亡显著增加,侵袭能力显著减弱(P<0.05);wt-Gabra3组细胞p-AKT、p-mTOR、p-4E-BP1、p-S6K蛋白表达均显示上凋(P<0.05),而mut-Gabra3组细胞上述蛋白无差异。在回补实验中,过表达wt-Gabra3的mut-Gabra3突变T24细胞凋亡能力受到抑制(P<0.05),迁移和侵袭能力显著增强(P<0.05),并且该组细胞AKT/mTOR通路相关分子显著激活(P<0.05)。结论:外源性的未编辑的Gabra3可以促进膀胱癌T24细胞的迁移、侵袭能力,并且可能与激活AKT/mTOR途径通路密切相关。

Overexpression of chaperonin containing TCP1, subunit 3 predicts poor prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma

AIM:To investigate the value of chaperonin containing TCP1,subunit 3(CCT3) to predict the prognosis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) and determine its function in HCC progression.METHODS:CCT3 expression levels were examined in human non-cancerous liver tissues and a variety of HCC cell lines by quantitative real-time PCR and immunoblotting.CCT3 expression was suppressed by small interfering RNA.The effects of reducing CCT3 expression in HCC cells were tested.The3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide(MTT) assay,cell counting experiment,cell cycle assay,apoptosis assay and invasion assay were employed to evaluate cell functions in vitro.Immunohistochemistry was performed on HCC specimens.In addition,CCT3 expression in HCC specimens was also assessed at the protein and mRNA level.Associations between clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis were analyzed,along with the possible mechanisms involved in CCT3's function in HCC progression.RESULTS:The expression levels of CCT3 mRNA and protein were upregulated in HCC cell lines in contrast to adjacent non-cancerous tissues.Reducing CCT3 expression not only suppressed cell proliferation in cell counts,MTT assay,cell cycle assay and induced cell apoptosis(P < 0.05 vs negative control),but also inhibited the tumor cell invasion capacity in vitro {P< 0.01 vs negative control).Overexpression of CCT3 in the nuclei of cancer cells in HCC specimens(58of 104 patients,55.8%) was associated with poor prognosis in HCC patients(3-year survival rate,55.5%vs 84.2%,P = 0.020) after hepatectomy.Mechanistic analyses showed that signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3) activation was decreased even when stimulated by interleukin-6 after knocking down CCT3 in the HepG2 cell line.CONCLUSION:Overexpression of CCT3 in the nuclei of cancerous cells is associated with HCC progression.CCT3 may be a target that affects the activation of STAT3 in HCC.

Gamma-aminobutyric acid promotes human hepatocellular carcinoma growth through overexpressed gamma-aminobutyric acid A receptor α3 subunit

AIM:To investigate the expression pattern of gamma-aminobutyric acid A(GABAA) receptors in hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) and indicate the relationship among gamma-aminobutyric acid(GABA),gamma-aminobutyric acid A receptor α3 subunit(GABRA3) and HCC.METHODS:HCC cell line Chang,HepG2,normal liver cell line L-02 and 8 samples of HCC tissues and paired non-cancerous tissues were analyzed with semiquantitative polymerase chain reaction(PCR) for the expression of GABAA receptors.HepG2 cells were treated with gamma-aminobutyric acid(GABA) at serial concentrations(0,1,10,20,40 and 60 μmol/L),and their proliferating abilities were analyzed with the 3-(4,5-methylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide(MTT) assay,cell doubling time test,colon formation assay,cell cycle analysis and tumor planted in nude mice.Small interfering RNA was used for knocking down the endogenous GABRA3 in HepG2.Proliferating abilities of these cells treated with or without GABA were analyzed.RESULTS:We identified the overexpression of GABRA3 in HCC cells.Knockdown of endogenous GABRA3 expression in HepG2 attenuated HCC cell growth,suggesting its role in HCC cell viability.We determined the in vitro and in vivo effect of GABA in the proliferation of GABRA3-positive cell lines,and found that GABA increased HCC growth in a dose-dependent manner.Notably,the addition of GABA into the cell culture medium promoted the proliferation of GABRA3-expressing HepG2 cells,but not GABRA3-knockdown HepG2 cells.This means that GABA stimulates HepG2 cell growth through GABRA3.CONCLUSION:GABA and GABRA3 play important roles in HCC development and progression and can be a promising molecular target for the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for HCC.

Non-SMC condensin Ⅰ complex subunit D2 and non-SMC condensin Ⅱ complex subunit D3 induces inflammation via the IKK/NF-κB pathway in ulcerative colitis

BACKGROUND Ulcerative colitis(UC)is a chronic,nonspecific intestinal inflammatory disease with undefined pathogenesis.Non-SMC condensin I complex subunit D2(NCAPD2)and non-SMC condensin II complex subunit D3(NCAPD3)play pivotal roles in chromosome assembly and segregation during both mitosis and meiosis.To date,there has been no relevant report about the functional role of NCAPD2 and NCAPD3 in UC.AIM To determine the level of NCAPD2/3 in intestinal mucosa and explore the mechanisms of NCAPD2/3 in UC.METHODS Levels of NCAPD2/3 in intestinal tissue were detected in 30 UC patients and 30 healthy individuals with in situ hybridization(ISH).In vitro,NCM60 cells were divided into the NC group,model group,si-NCAPD2 group,si-NCAPD3 group and si-NCAPD2+si-NCAPD3 group.Inflammatory cytokines were measured by ELISA,IKK and NF-κB were evaluated by western blot,and IKK nucleation and NF-κB volume were analyzed by immunofluorescence assay.RESULTS Compared with expression in healthy individuals,NCAPD2 and NCAPD3 expression in intestinal tissue was significantly upregulated(P<0.001)in UC patients.Compared with levels in the model group,IL-1β,IL-6 and TNF-αin the si-NCAPD2,si-NCAPD3 and si-NCAPD2+si-NCAPD3 groups were significantly downregulated(P<0.01).IKK and NF-κB protein expression in the si-NCAPD2,si-NCAPD3 and si-NCAPD2+si-NCAPD3 groups was significantly decreased(P<0.01).Moreover,IKK nucleation and NF-κB volume were suppressed upon si-NCAPD2,si-NCAPD3 and si-NCAPD2+si-NCAPD3 transfection.CONCLUSION NCAPD2/3 is highly expressed in the intestinal mucosa of patients with active UC.Overexpression of NCAPD2/3 promotes the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines by modulating the IKK/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Cloning and expression analysis of GhDET3, a vacuolar H^+-ATPase subunit C gene, from cotton

Vacuolar H^+-ATPase was regarded as a key enzyme promoting the fiber cell elongation in cotton (Gossypium hirsuturm L.) through regulating turgor-driven pressure involved in polarity expansion of single cell fiber. The DET3, a V-ATPase subunit C, plays an important role in assembling subunits and regulating the enzyme activity, and is involved in Brassinosteroid-induced cell elongation. To analyze the function of GhDET3 on the elongation of cotton fibers, seven candidates of ESTs were screened and contigged for a 5'-upstream sequence, and the 3'-RACE technique was used to clone the 3'-downstream sequence for the full length of GhDET3 gene. The full length of the target clone was 1,340 bp, including a 10 bp 5'-UTR, an ORF of 1,134 bp, and a 196 bp 3'-UTR. This cDNA sequence encoded a polypepide of 377 amino acid residues with a predicted molecular mass of 43 kDa and a basic isoelectric point of 5.58. Furthermore, a length of 3,410 bp sequence from genomic DNA of GhDET3 was also cloned by PCR. The deduced amino acid sequence had a high homology with DET3 from Arabidopsis, rice, and maize. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis showed that the GhDET3 expression pattern was ubiquitous in all the tissues and organs detected. The result also revealed that the accumulation of GhDET3 mRNA reached the highest profile at the fiber elongation stage in 12 DPA (days post anthesis) fibers, compared with the lowest level at the fiber initiation stage in 0 DPA ovules (with fibers). The transcript accumulation in fibers and ovules shared the similar variation tendency. In addition, in vitro ovule culture experiment demonstrated that exogenous 24-EBL treatment to 4 DPA ovules (with fibers) was capable of increasing the expression level of GhDET3, and the mRNA accumulation of GhDET3 increased in transgenic FBP7::GhDET2 cotton fibers in vivo. These results indicate that GhDET3 gene plays a crucial role in cotton fiber elongation.

No association of G-protein beta polypeptide 3 polymorphism with irritable bowel syndrome: Evidence from a meta-analysis

AIM: To clarify the associations between G-protein beta polypeptide 3 (GNB3) C825T polymorphism and risk of the irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) by a meta-analysis.

Serotonin type 3 receptor subunit gene polymorphisms associated with psychosomatic symptoms in irritable bowel syndrome:A multicenter retrospective study

BACKGROUND Single-nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs)of the serotonin type 3 receptor subunit(HTR3)genes have been associated with psychosomatic symptoms,but it is not clear whether these associations exist in irritable bowel syndrome(IBS).AIM To assess the association of HTR3 polymorphisms with depressive,anxiety,and somatization symptoms in individuals with IBS.METHODS In this retrospective study,623 participants with IBS were recruited from five specialty centers in Germany,Sweden,the United States,the United Kingdom,and Ireland.Depressive,anxiety,and somatization symptoms and sociodemographic characteristics were collected.Four functional SNPs—HTR3A c.-42C>T,HTR3B c.386A>C,HTR3C c.489C>A,and HTR3E c.*76G>A—were genotyped and analyzed using the dominant and recessive models.We also performed separate analyses for sex and IBS subtypes.SNP scores were calculated as the number of minor alleles of the SNPs above.The impact of HTR3C c.489C>A was tested by radioligand-binding and calcium influx assays.RESULTS Depressive and anxiety symptoms significantly worsened with increasing numbers of minor HTR3C c.489C>A alleles in the dominant model(F_(depressive)=7.475,P_(depressive)=0.006;F_(anxiety)=6.535,P_(anxiety)=0.011).A higher SNP score(range 0-6)was linked to a worsened depressive symptoms score(F=7.710,P-linear trend=0.006)in IBS.The potential relevance of the HTR3C SNP was corroborated,showing changes in the expression level of 5-HT3AC variant receptors.CONCLUSION We have provided the first evidence that HTR3C c.489C>A is involved in depressive and anxiety symptoms in individuals with IBS.The SNP score indicated that an increasing number of minor alleles is linked to the worsening of depressive symptoms in IBS.

Phosphoinositide-3-kinase regulatory subunit 4 participates in the occurrence and development of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis by regulating autophagy

The development of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis(ALS)may be related to the abnormal alterations of multiple proteins.Our previous study revealed that the expression of phosphoinositide-3-kinase regulatory subunit 4(PIK3R4)was decreased in ALS.However,the role of PIK3R4 in ALS pathogenesis remains unknown.This study was the first to find that transfection of PC12 cells with small interfering RNA against the PIK3R4 gene significantly decreased the expression levels of PIK3R4 and the autophagy-related proteins p62 and LC3.Additionally,in vivo experiments revealed that the PIK3R4 protein was extensively expressed in the anterior horn,posterior horn,central canal,and areas surrounding the central canal in cervical,thoracic,and lumbar segments of the spinal cord in adult mice.PIK3R4 protein was mainly expressed in the neurons within the spinal lumbar segments.PIK3R4 and p62 expression levels were significantly decreased at both the pre-onset and onset stages of ALS disease in Tg(SOD1*G93A)1 Gur mice compared with control mice,but these proteins were markedly increased at the progression stage.LC3 protein expression did not change during progression of ALS.These findings suggest that PIK3R4 likely participates in the prevention of ALS progression.This study was approved by the Ethics Committee for Animal Care and Use of Jiangxi Provincial People’s Hospital,Affiliated People’s Hospital of Nanchang University(approval No.2020025)on March 26,2020.

G-protein β subunit AGB1 positively regulates salt stress tolerance in Arabidopsis

The heterotrimeric GTP-binding proteins（G-proteins） in eukaryotes consisted of α, β and γ subunits and are important in molecular signaling by interacting with G-protein-coupled receptors（GPCR）, on which to transduce signaling into the cytoplast through appropriate downstream effectors. However, downstream effectors regulated by the G-proteins in plants are currently not well defined. In this study, the transcripts of AGB1, a G protein β subunit gene in Arabidopsis were found to be down-regulated by cold and heat, but up-regulated by high salt stress treatment. AGB1 mutant（agb1-2） was more sensitive to high salt stress than wild-type（WT）. Compared with WT, the cotyledon greening rates, fresh weight, root length, seedling germination rates and survival rates decreased more rapidly in agb1-2 along with increasing concentrations of Na Cl in normal（MS） medium. Physiological characteristic analysis showed that compared to WT, the contents of chlorophyll, relative proline accumulation and peroxidase（POD） were reduced, whereas the malonaldehyde（MDA） content and concentration ratio of Na＋/K＋ were increased in agb1-2 under salt stress condition. Further studies on the expression of several stress inducible genes associated with above physiological processes were investigated, and the results revealed that the expressions of genes related to proline biosynthesis, oxidative stress response, Na＋ homeostasis, stress- and ABAresponses were lower in agb1-2 than in WT, suggesting that those genes are possible downstream genes of AGB1 and that their changed expression plays an important role in determining phenotypic and physiologic traits in agb1-2. Taken together, these findings indicate that AGB1 positively regulates salt tolerance in Arabidopsis through its modulation of genes transcription related to proline biosynthesis, oxidative stress, ion homeostasis, stress- and ABA-responses.

MicroRNA-502-3p regulates GABAergic synapse function in hippocampal neurons

Gamma-aminobutyric acid(GABA)ergic neurons,the most abundant inhibitory neurons in the human brain,have been found to be reduced in many neurological disorders,including Alzheimer's disease and Alzheimer's disease-related dementia.Our previous study identified the upregulation of microRNA-502-3p(miR-502-3p)and downregulation of GABA type A receptor subunitα-1 in Alzheimer's disease synapses.This study investigated a new molecular relationship between miR-502-3p and GABAergic synapse function.In vitro studies were perfo rmed using the mouse hippocampal neuronal cell line HT22 and miR-502-3p agomiRs and antagomiRs.In silico analysis identified multiple binding sites of miR-502-3p at GABA type A receptor subunitα-1 mRNA.Luciferase assay confirmed that miR-502-3p targets the GABA type A receptor subunitα-1 gene and suppresses the luciferase activity.Furthermore,quantitative reve rse transcription-polymerase chain reaction,miRNA in situ hybridization,immunoblotting,and immunostaining analysis confirmed that overexpression of miR-502-3p reduced the GABA type A receptor subunitα-1 level,while suppression of miR-502-3p increased the level of GABA type A receptor subunitα-1 protein.Notably,as a result of the overexpression of miR-502-3p,cell viability was found to be reduced,and the population of necrotic cells was found to be increased.The whole cell patch-clamp analysis of human-GABA receptor A-α1/β3/γ2L human embryonic kidney(HEK)recombinant cell line also showed that overexpression of miR-502-3p reduced the GABA current and overall GABA function,suggesting a negative correlation between miR-502-3p levels and GABAergic synapse function.Additionally,the levels of proteins associated with Alzheimer s disease were high with miR-502-3p overexpression and reduced with miR-502-3p suppression.The present study provides insight into the molecular mechanism of regulation of GABAergic synapses by miR-502-3p.We propose that micro-RNA,in particular miR-502-3p,could be a potential therapeutic to rget to modulate GABAergic synapse function in neurological disorders,including Alzheimer's disease and Alzheimer's diseaserelated dementia.

Role of α3 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subunit in the inflammatory responses of atherosclerosis

Aim The expression of α3 subunit of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor （α3-nAChR） has been demonstra- ted in aorta, adipocyte and macrophage. The objective of the present study was to verify the regulatory roles of α3- nAChR in the inflammatory responses of atherosclerosis. Methods The inflammatory indicators were detected in mouse macrophage, adipocytes and mouse aortic endothelial cells （MAECs） after the α3-nAChR was antagonized or after the α3-nAChR gene was silenced. Meanwhile, atherogenesis was induced in the apolipoprotein E knock-out （ ApoE^ -/- ） mice after fed with an atherogenic high-fat diet for 7 weeks. Results In MAECs, the lipopolysaccha- ride （LPS）-stimulated secretions of the adhesion molecules and inflammatory cytokines were significantly enhanced （30%± 80% ） after pretreatment with α-Conotoxin MII （an antagonist for α3-nAChR） or after knock-down with α3-nAChR gene. In adipocytes, the knock-down of α3 gene promoted the generations of the proin？ ammatory adi- pokines or cytokines but decreased the production of adiponectin, an anti-inflammatory adipokine, by 29.29 ± 9.43%. In macrophage silenced with α3-nAChR gene, the M1 （classical） activation was predominantly stimula- ted, whereas the M2 （alternative） activation was suppressed. In addition, the amount of the atherosclerotic lesions and the infiltration of the M1 type activated macrophages into the arterial wall were markedly elevated in the α- Conotoxin MII-treated ApoE -/- mice. Conclusion The α3-nAChR may play a pivotal role in regulating the atherogenesis through influencing the inflammatory responses of ECs, macrophages and adipocytes. The mecha- nisms involve the regulations of multiple cell signaling pathways.

PIK3CA突变与乳腺癌临床病理特征及预后的相关性

目的探讨乳腺癌标本中磷脂酰肌醇激酶-3-催化亚基α(PIK3CA)突变与侵袭性乳腺癌临床病理特征及预后的相关性。方法收集2018年1月至2020年1月确诊为乳腺癌的181例患者临床病理资料,用免疫组织化学(IHC)法检测乳腺癌雌激素受体(ER)、孕激素受体(PR)、人表皮生长因子受体2(HER2)、Ki-67等指标,RT-qPCR检测乳腺癌中PIK3CA外显子9(exon9)和外显子20(exon20)的突变。结果181例侵袭性乳腺癌中PIK3CA突变70例,其中31例(44.28%)exon9突变、39例(55.71%)exon20突变。PIK3CA突变与乳腺癌分子分型有明显差异(P<0.05)。PIK3CA突变与乳腺癌的Ki67表达有明显差异(P<0.05)。34例(48.57%)HR+/HER2-组PIK3CA突变,36例(51.43%)非HR+/HER2-组突变,二者PIK3CA突变分布有明显差异(P<0.05)。PIK3CA突变患者病死率高于PIK3CA野生型(P<0.05)。结论PIK3CA突变与乳腺癌分子分型、Ki67增值指数及预后相关,可为患者精准治疗提供参考。

益气升清方调节HIF-1α/NLRP3信号通路对缺血性脑卒中大鼠神经元焦亡的影响

目的 探究益气升清方调节缺氧诱导因子-1α(HIF-1α)/NOD样受体热蛋白结构域相关蛋白3(NLRP3)信号通路对缺血性脑卒中大鼠神经元焦亡的影响。方法 将SD大鼠随机分为假手术组(S组),模型组(M组),益气升清方低、中、高剂量组(3.465、6.930、13.860 g/kg)及益气升清方高剂量+HIF-1α激活剂DMOG组(13.860 g/kg益气升清方+40 mg/kg DMOG),每组15只。采用线栓法构建脑卒中模型。造模成功后进行神经功能缺陷评估;TTC染色评估脑梗死体积;ELISA法检测血清白细胞介素(IL)-1β、IL-18水平;HE染色检测缺血皮质区病理变化;TUNEL染色检测神经元凋亡;Western blot检测焦亡及HIF-1α/NLRP3通路相关蛋白表达。结果 与S组比较,M组神经功能缺陷评分、梗死体积、IL-1β含量、IL-18含量、神经细胞凋亡率、胞膜穿孔蛋白D-N端(GSDMD-N)、胱天蛋白酶1(Caspase-1)、HIF-1α、NLRP3蛋白水平均上升(P<0.05);与M组比较,低、中、高剂量益气升清方组神经功能缺陷评分、梗死体积、IL-1β含量、IL-18含量、神经细胞凋亡率、GSDMD-N、Caspase-1、HIF-1α、NLRP3蛋白水平均下调(P<0.05);DMOG减弱了高剂量益气升清方对缺血性脑卒中大鼠神经元焦亡的改善作用。结论 益气升清方可能通过下调HIF-1α/NLRP3信号通路减轻缺血性脑卒中大鼠神经元焦亡。

Attenuation of nicotine-evoked Ca²⁺influx by antibody to the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor <i>α</i>3 subunits in human embryonic kidney cells

Autoantibody against neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) α3 subunit is implicated in severe autonomic dysfunction in the patients with autoimmune autonomic ganglionopathy (AAG). Although this autoantibody has been revealed to impair fast excitatory synaptic transmission in autonomic ganglia, its precise mechanism remains unknown. Here, we show that antibody-induced reduction of cell-surface α3 subunits result in impairment of nicotine-evoked Ca2+ influx in stably transfected human embryonic kidney cells. These effects of the antibody were remarkably inhibited by interfering with the endocytic machinery at low-temperature. We conclude that reduction of nAChR in autonomic ganglia can be mediated by the endocytosis of α3 subunits, and resulted in autonomic failure in AAG patients.

基于生物信息学研究EIF3D在肝癌中对靶标RNA非修饰区的结合调控作用机制

目的基于生物信息学方法在公共数据库中探索真核翻译起始因子3亚基D(EIF3D)基因在肝癌中的靶标结合模式和转录水平的调控机制。方法通过肿瘤公共数据库获取EIF3D在肝癌组织中的表达情况和生存差异。利用公共数据库对EIF3D在肝癌HepG2细胞株的联合增强紫外交联免疫共沉淀(eCLIP)数据进行分析,获取靶标结合位点,HOMER注释并统计学筛选后得到靶标结合区域占比和靶基因集,对该基因集进行基因本体论/京都基因和基因组百科全书(GO/KEGG)分析和PPI分析。对EIF3D敲降后的RNA-seq数据进行差异分析获取差异基因集,对该基因集进行GO/KEGG分析和PPI分析及下游个性化数据库分析。结果公共数据库数据显示,肝癌组织中EIF3D的表达水平显著升高(P<0.001),EIF3D高表达人群的生存率显著低于低表达人群(P<0.001)。EIF3D在正常肝组织的胆管细胞中未见表达,在肝细胞中弱表达;EIF3D在肝癌细胞的细胞质和胞膜上中度表达。在肝癌HepG2细胞株中,EIF3D倾向于结合在靶标的外显子区域,通过调控RNA靶标参与细胞分化、周期进程和mRNA代谢等过程。EIF3D敲降后表达下调的靶基因集参与有丝分裂、细胞周期和DNA修复等过程,该基因集中存在一个互作网络:ATAD2-TOP2A-TPX2-KNTC1-FANCA,其在肝癌中显著上调并对预后造成不良影响。结论EIF3D可能通过结合靶标基因网络的RNA非修饰区在转录水平进行调控,从而促进肝癌进展。

食管鳞癌组织中EGFR、KRAS及PIK3CA基因突变的检测及其临床意义分析

目的分析食管鳞癌组织中表皮生长因子受体(EGFR)、Kirsten鼠类肉瘤病毒癌基因(KRAS)和磷脂酰肌醇3激酶(PIK3CA)基因的突变情况及其与患者临床特征的关系。方法选取2006年1月至2012年12月在新疆医科大学第一附属医院确诊的210例食管鳞癌患者的组织标本进行DNA提取和目标位点扩增,再利用一代测序的方法对EGFR18号和21号外显子、KRAS2号外显子、PIK3CA9号外显子进行测序,探讨各基因突变情况及其与临床病理特征的关系,并分析不同基因突变之间的相关性。结果210例食管鳞癌标本中EGFR基因突变率为27.14%,KRAS基因突变率为14.29%,PIK3CA基因突变率为18.59%,EGFR和KRAS双基因联合突变率为4.76%,EGFR和PIK3CA双基因联合突变率为5.71%,EGFR、KRAS、PIK3CA三基因联合突变率为1.43%。EGFR基因突变与性别、肿瘤直径、分化程度具有相关性(P<0.05),KRAS基因突变与肿瘤直径、分化程度、T分期、临床分期具有相关性(P<0.05),PIK3CA基因突变与性别、肿瘤直径、分化程度具有相关性(P<0.05),EGFR和PIK3CA联合突变与性别、肿瘤直径、分化程度具有相关性(P<0.05)。EGFR基因突变与KRAS基因突变具有相关性(P<0.05),而EGFR基因突变与PIK3CA基因突变之间无相关性(P>0.05)。结论食管鳞癌组织中EGFR基因突变率最高,PIK3CA基因突变率次之,KRAS基因突变率最低;EGFR与KRAS或PIK3CA基因突变联合检测具有一定的临床意义。