BACKGROUND Cancer stem cells(CSCs)are a subpopulation of cancer cells with the potential of self-renewal and differentiation.CSCs play critical roles in tumorigenesis,recurrence,metastasis,radiation tolerance and chem...BACKGROUND Cancer stem cells(CSCs)are a subpopulation of cancer cells with the potential of self-renewal and differentiation.CSCs play critical roles in tumorigenesis,recurrence,metastasis,radiation tolerance and chemoresistance.AIM To assess the expression patterns and clinical potential of doublecortin-like kinase 1(DCLK1)and leucine-rich repeat-containing G-protein-coupled receptor 5(Lgr5),as prognostic CSC markers of colorectal cancer(CRC).METHODS The expression of DCLK1 and Lgr5 in CRC tissue sections from 92 patients was determined by immunohistochemistry.Each case was evaluated using a combined scoring method based on signal intensity staining(scored 0-3)and the proportion of positively stained cancer cells(scored 0-3).The final staining score was calculated as the intensity score multiplied by the proportion score.Low expression of DCLK1 and Lgr5 was defined as a score of 0-3;high expression of DCLK1 and Lgr5 was defined as a score of≥4.Specimens were categorized as either high or low expression,and the correlation between the expression of DCLK1 or Lgr5 and clinicopathological factors was investigated.RESULTS DCLK1 and Lgr5 expression levels were significantly positively correlated.CRC patients with high DCLK1,Lgr5 and DCLK1/Lgr5 expressions had poorer progression-free survival and overall survival.Moreover,high expression of DCLK1 was an independent prognostic factor for recurrence and overall survival in patients with CRC by multivariate analysis(P=0.026 and P=0.049,respectively).CONCLUSION DCLK1 may be a potential CSC marker for the recurrence and survival of CRC patients.展开更多
BACKGROUND Gastric cancer(GC)has become a serious threat to people's health.Accumulative evidence reveals that dysregulation of numerous microRNAs(miRNAs)has been found during malignant formation.So far,the role o...BACKGROUND Gastric cancer(GC)has become a serious threat to people's health.Accumulative evidence reveals that dysregulation of numerous microRNAs(miRNAs)has been found during malignant formation.So far,the role of microRNA-760(miR-760)in the development of GC is largely unknown.AIM To measure the expression level of miR-760 in GC and investigate its role in gastric tumorigenesis.METHODS Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis were used to measure the expression of miR-760 and G-protein-coupled receptor kinase interacting protein-1(GIT1).Cell growth was detected by 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide(MTT)and cell colony formation assays.Apoptosis was assessed by flow cytometric analysis.The relationship between miR-760 and GIT1 was verified by luciferase reporter assay.RESULTS The results showed that the expression of miR-760 was decreased in GC and associated with poor clinical outcomes in GC patients.Furthermore,miR-760 restrained cell proliferation and cell colony formation and induced apoptosis in GC cells.In addition,miR-760 directly targeted GIT1 and negatively regulated its expression in GC.GIT1 was upregulated in GC and predicted a worse prognosis in GC patients.We also found that upregulation of GIT1 weakened the inhibitory CONCLUSION In conclusion,miR-760 targets GIT1 to inhibit cell growth and promote apoptosis in GC cells.Our data demonstrate that miR-760 may be a potential target for the treatment of GC.展开更多
G-protein-coupled receptor kinases (GRKs) interact with the agonist-activated form of G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) to affect receptor phosphorylation and to initiate profound impairment of receptor signaling, or ...G-protein-coupled receptor kinases (GRKs) interact with the agonist-activated form of G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) to affect receptor phosphorylation and to initiate profound impairment of receptor signaling, or desensitization. GPCR forms the largest family of cell surface receptors, and defects in GRK function have the potential consequence to affect GPCR-stimulated biological responses in many pathological situations.展开更多
Tyrosine kinase receptor B （TrkB） plays an important role in long-term potentiation and memory formation.The present study used all-trans retinoic acid to induce TrkB expression in SH-SY5Y cells,and observed the eff...Tyrosine kinase receptor B （TrkB） plays an important role in long-term potentiation and memory formation.The present study used all-trans retinoic acid to induce TrkB expression in SH-SY5Y cells,and observed the effects of levetiracetam （LEV） on TrkB expression.Following exposure to 10,50,and 100 μg/mL LEV,the number of TrkB-positive cells,and average absorbance value were increased.Results demonstrated that LEV can induce TrkB expression in SH-SY5Y cells.展开更多
BACKGROUND: The increased β-arrestin-2 and its combination with G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) lead to GPCRs desensitization. The latter may be responsible for decreased contractile reactivity in the mesenteric ...BACKGROUND: The increased β-arrestin-2 and its combination with G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) lead to GPCRs desensitization. The latter may be responsible for decreased contractile reactivity in the mesenteric arteries of cirrhotic patients and rats. The present study is to investigate the machinery changes of α-adrenergic receptors and G proteins and their roles in the contractility of mesenteric arteries of cirrhotic patients and animal models. METHODS: Patients with cirrhosis due to hepatitis B and cirrhotic rats induced by CCl 4 were studied. Mesenteric artery contractility in response to norepinephrine was determined by a vessel perfusion system. The contractile effect of G protein-coupled receptor kinase-2 (GRK-2) inhibitor on the mesenteric artery was evaluated. The protein expression of the α 1 adrenergic receptor, G proteins, β-arrestin-2, GRK-2 as well as the activity of Rho associated coiled-coil forming protein kinase-1 (ROCK-1) were measured by Western blot. In addition, the interaction of α 1 adrenergic receptor with β-arrestin-2 was assessed by co-immunoprecipitation. RESULTS: The portal vein pressure of cirrhotic patients and rats was significantly higher than that of controls. The doseresponse curve to norepinephrine in mesenteric arteriole was shifted to the right, and EC 50 was significantly increased in cirrhotic patients and rats. There were no significant differences in the expressions of the α 1 adrenergic receptor and G proteins in the cirrhotic group compared with the controls. However, the protein expressions of GRK-2 and β-arrestin-2 were significantly elevated in cirrhotic patients and rats compared with those of the controls. The interaction of the α 1 adrenergic receptor and β-arrestin-2 was significantly aggravated. This interaction was significantly reversed by GRK-2 inhibitor. Both the protein expression and activity of ROCK-1 were significantly decreased in the mesenteric artery in patients with cirrhosis compared with those of the controls, and this phenomenon was not shown in the cirrhotic rats. Norepinephrine significantly increased the activity of ROCK-1 in normal rats but not in cirrhotic ones. Norepinephrine significantly increased ROCK-1 activity in cirrhotic rats when GRK-2 inhibitor was used. CONCLUSIONS: β-arrestin-2 expression and its interaction with GPCRs are significantly upregulated in the mesenteric arteries in patients and rats with cirrhosis. These upregulations result in GPCR desensitization, G-protein dysfunction and ROCK inhibition. These may explain the decreased contractility of the mesenteric artery in response to vasoconstrictors.展开更多
Opioids,such as morphine,are the most potent drugs used to treat pain.Long-term use results in high tolerance to morphine.High mobility group box-1(HMGB1) has been shown to participate in neuropathic or inflammatory p...Opioids,such as morphine,are the most potent drugs used to treat pain.Long-term use results in high tolerance to morphine.High mobility group box-1(HMGB1) has been shown to participate in neuropathic or inflammatory pain,but its role in morphine tolerance is unclear.In this study,we established rat and mouse models of morphine tolerance by intrathecal injection of morphine for 7 consecutive days.We found that morphine induced rat spinal cord neurons to release a large amount of HMGB1.HMGB1 regulated nuclear factor κB p65 phosphorylation and interleukin-1β production by increasing Toll-like receptor 4receptor expression in microglia,thereby inducing morphine tolerance.Glycyrrhizin,an HMGB1 inhibito r,markedly attenuated chronic morphine tole rance in the mouse model.Finally,compound C(adenosine 5’-monophosphate-activated protein kinase inhibitor) and zinc protoporphyrin(heme oxygenase-1 inhibitor)alleviated the morphine-induced release of HMGB1 and reduced nuclear factor κB p65 phosphorylation and interleukin-1β production in a mouse model of morphine tolerance and an SH-SY5Y cell model of morphine tole rance,and alleviated morphine tolerance in the mouse model.These findings suggest that morphine induces HMGB1 release via the adenosine 5’-monophosphate-activated protein kinase/heme oxygenase-1 signaling pathway,and that inhibiting this signaling pathway can effectively reduce morphine tole rance.展开更多
OBJECTIVE Previous studies have demonstrated acetylcholine muscarinic 4(M4) receptor regulates DARPP-32 phosphorylation at Thr75 in isolated medium spiny neurons(MSNs),indicating antagonistic mechanism with D1 depende...OBJECTIVE Previous studies have demonstrated acetylcholine muscarinic 4(M4) receptor regulates DARPP-32 phosphorylation at Thr75 in isolated medium spiny neurons(MSNs),indicating antagonistic mechanism with D1 dependent signal cascade,but the exact molecular mechanisms remain unclearly.In this study,we investigated the roles of M4 receptor in modulation D1 dependent signal to integrate striatal DA inputs in isolated MSNs.METHODS(1)Lentivirus technology was employed to genetically knock down the M4 receptor of MSNs;(2) Apomorphine(APO),acts as a dopamine receptor agonist,while SCH23390,acts as a selective antagonist for D1,were used to study the pharmacologically profiles with D1 receptor stimulation or blockade,respectively.Then the no subtype-selective muscarinic agonist oxotremorine M(OX) were used to show that mAchRs activation,in order to dissect the particular function of M4,a selective M4 antagonist,MT3 was used;(3) Intracellular cAMP production of MSNs was measured by using time resolved fluorescence resonance energy transfer detection method;(4) Laser confocal was used to explore the expression of M4 and D1 in MSNs;(5) Immunofluorescence cytochemistry and Western blotting were used to confirm the alteration of signaling molecular including P-CREB,DARPP-32 P-Thr34,DARPP-32 P-Thr75,cyclin-dependent kinase 5(CDK5) as wel as p25/35,which are involved in DA-dependent signaling modulations.RESULTS Firstly,TR-FRET assay revealed APO(10-2 mol·L^(-1))significantly increased the level of intracellular cAMP(vs control,n=3,P<0.01),also Western blotting results showed that APO(10-6 mol · L^(-1))increased DARPP-32 Thr34 phosphorylation(vs control,n=3,P<0.01),and these effect were reversed by D1 receptor antagonist SCH23390(vs APO,n=3,P<0.01).Interestingly,we confirmed that OX(10-6 mol · L^(-1)) down-regulated APO-induced DARPP-32 Thr34 phosphorylation(vs APO,n=3,P<0.01),due to its effects on DARPP-32 phosphorylation at Thr75.The results presented the antagonistic mechanism of mAchRs stimulation with D1 dependent signal cascade in MSNs.Meanwhile,OX(10-7,10-6 and10^(-5) mol·L^(-1)) stimulated DARPP-32 phosphorylation at Thr75,and simultaneously up regulated P25/35 and CDK5 activity(vs control,n=3,P<0.01) by using Western blotting assay.Furthermore,roscovitine(10^(-5) mol · L^(-1)),acts as a CDK5 inhibitor,suppressed CDK5 activity(vs control,n=10,P<0.01),and fully inhibited OX-induced DARPP-32 Thr75 phosphorylation(vs OX,n=10,P<0.01).More important,pretreated with roscovitine(10^(-5) mol·L^(-1)),the effect of APO on DARPP-32 Thr34 phosphorylation was potentiated(vs APO,n=3,P<0.05).The result presented CDK5 is required in suppression of APO on DARPP-32 Thr34 phosphorylation mediated through mAchRs stimulation.In addition,laser confocal results showed that the CDK5 up-regulation was mostly confined to MSNs co-expressing M4,which means that M4 participated in CDK5-mediated phosphorylation of DARPP-32 at Thr75.Consistently,immunofluorescence and Western blotting results confirmed that both genetic knockdown and pharmacologic inhibition of M4 receptors with MT3(10-7 mol · L^(-1)) down-regulated the OX-induced the expression of CDK5(vs OX,n=3,P<0.01) and P25/35(vs OX,n=3,P<0.01)in isolated MSNs.CONCLUSION M4 receptor may play an important role in antagonistic regulation D1 dependent signaling,in which CDK5 is required for suppressing D1-DARPP-32 Thr34 phosphorylation in isolated medium spiny neurons.展开更多
基金Supported by Sanming Project of Shenzhen,No.SZSM201612041Shenzhen Science and Technology Innovation Commission Project,No.GJHZ20180420180754917 and No.ZDSYS20190902092855097Postdoctoral Science Foundation of China,No.2018M633095.
文摘BACKGROUND Cancer stem cells(CSCs)are a subpopulation of cancer cells with the potential of self-renewal and differentiation.CSCs play critical roles in tumorigenesis,recurrence,metastasis,radiation tolerance and chemoresistance.AIM To assess the expression patterns and clinical potential of doublecortin-like kinase 1(DCLK1)and leucine-rich repeat-containing G-protein-coupled receptor 5(Lgr5),as prognostic CSC markers of colorectal cancer(CRC).METHODS The expression of DCLK1 and Lgr5 in CRC tissue sections from 92 patients was determined by immunohistochemistry.Each case was evaluated using a combined scoring method based on signal intensity staining(scored 0-3)and the proportion of positively stained cancer cells(scored 0-3).The final staining score was calculated as the intensity score multiplied by the proportion score.Low expression of DCLK1 and Lgr5 was defined as a score of 0-3;high expression of DCLK1 and Lgr5 was defined as a score of≥4.Specimens were categorized as either high or low expression,and the correlation between the expression of DCLK1 or Lgr5 and clinicopathological factors was investigated.RESULTS DCLK1 and Lgr5 expression levels were significantly positively correlated.CRC patients with high DCLK1,Lgr5 and DCLK1/Lgr5 expressions had poorer progression-free survival and overall survival.Moreover,high expression of DCLK1 was an independent prognostic factor for recurrence and overall survival in patients with CRC by multivariate analysis(P=0.026 and P=0.049,respectively).CONCLUSION DCLK1 may be a potential CSC marker for the recurrence and survival of CRC patients.
文摘BACKGROUND Gastric cancer(GC)has become a serious threat to people's health.Accumulative evidence reveals that dysregulation of numerous microRNAs(miRNAs)has been found during malignant formation.So far,the role of microRNA-760(miR-760)in the development of GC is largely unknown.AIM To measure the expression level of miR-760 in GC and investigate its role in gastric tumorigenesis.METHODS Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis were used to measure the expression of miR-760 and G-protein-coupled receptor kinase interacting protein-1(GIT1).Cell growth was detected by 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide(MTT)and cell colony formation assays.Apoptosis was assessed by flow cytometric analysis.The relationship between miR-760 and GIT1 was verified by luciferase reporter assay.RESULTS The results showed that the expression of miR-760 was decreased in GC and associated with poor clinical outcomes in GC patients.Furthermore,miR-760 restrained cell proliferation and cell colony formation and induced apoptosis in GC cells.In addition,miR-760 directly targeted GIT1 and negatively regulated its expression in GC.GIT1 was upregulated in GC and predicted a worse prognosis in GC patients.We also found that upregulation of GIT1 weakened the inhibitory CONCLUSION In conclusion,miR-760 targets GIT1 to inhibit cell growth and promote apoptosis in GC cells.Our data demonstrate that miR-760 may be a potential target for the treatment of GC.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, No. 30300465 Scientific Research Fund of Medical College of Chinese People’s Armed Police Forces, No. WY2002-19
文摘G-protein-coupled receptor kinases (GRKs) interact with the agonist-activated form of G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) to affect receptor phosphorylation and to initiate profound impairment of receptor signaling, or desensitization. GPCR forms the largest family of cell surface receptors, and defects in GRK function have the potential consequence to affect GPCR-stimulated biological responses in many pathological situations.
文摘Tyrosine kinase receptor B （TrkB） plays an important role in long-term potentiation and memory formation.The present study used all-trans retinoic acid to induce TrkB expression in SH-SY5Y cells,and observed the effects of levetiracetam （LEV） on TrkB expression.Following exposure to 10,50,and 100 μg/mL LEV,the number of TrkB-positive cells,and average absorbance value were increased.Results demonstrated that LEV can induce TrkB expression in SH-SY5Y cells.
基金supported by a grant from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (30972920)
文摘BACKGROUND: The increased β-arrestin-2 and its combination with G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) lead to GPCRs desensitization. The latter may be responsible for decreased contractile reactivity in the mesenteric arteries of cirrhotic patients and rats. The present study is to investigate the machinery changes of α-adrenergic receptors and G proteins and their roles in the contractility of mesenteric arteries of cirrhotic patients and animal models. METHODS: Patients with cirrhosis due to hepatitis B and cirrhotic rats induced by CCl 4 were studied. Mesenteric artery contractility in response to norepinephrine was determined by a vessel perfusion system. The contractile effect of G protein-coupled receptor kinase-2 (GRK-2) inhibitor on the mesenteric artery was evaluated. The protein expression of the α 1 adrenergic receptor, G proteins, β-arrestin-2, GRK-2 as well as the activity of Rho associated coiled-coil forming protein kinase-1 (ROCK-1) were measured by Western blot. In addition, the interaction of α 1 adrenergic receptor with β-arrestin-2 was assessed by co-immunoprecipitation. RESULTS: The portal vein pressure of cirrhotic patients and rats was significantly higher than that of controls. The doseresponse curve to norepinephrine in mesenteric arteriole was shifted to the right, and EC 50 was significantly increased in cirrhotic patients and rats. There were no significant differences in the expressions of the α 1 adrenergic receptor and G proteins in the cirrhotic group compared with the controls. However, the protein expressions of GRK-2 and β-arrestin-2 were significantly elevated in cirrhotic patients and rats compared with those of the controls. The interaction of the α 1 adrenergic receptor and β-arrestin-2 was significantly aggravated. This interaction was significantly reversed by GRK-2 inhibitor. Both the protein expression and activity of ROCK-1 were significantly decreased in the mesenteric artery in patients with cirrhosis compared with those of the controls, and this phenomenon was not shown in the cirrhotic rats. Norepinephrine significantly increased the activity of ROCK-1 in normal rats but not in cirrhotic ones. Norepinephrine significantly increased ROCK-1 activity in cirrhotic rats when GRK-2 inhibitor was used. CONCLUSIONS: β-arrestin-2 expression and its interaction with GPCRs are significantly upregulated in the mesenteric arteries in patients and rats with cirrhosis. These upregulations result in GPCR desensitization, G-protein dysfunction and ROCK inhibition. These may explain the decreased contractility of the mesenteric artery in response to vasoconstrictors.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of ChinaNos.81971047 (to WTL) and 82073910 (to XFW)+2 种基金the Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province,No.BK20191253 (to XFW)Key R&D Program (Social Development) Project of Jiangsu Province,No.BE2019 732 (to WTL)Jiangsu Province Hospital (the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University) Clinical Capacity Enhancement Project,No.JSPH-511B2018-8 (to YBP)。
文摘Opioids,such as morphine,are the most potent drugs used to treat pain.Long-term use results in high tolerance to morphine.High mobility group box-1(HMGB1) has been shown to participate in neuropathic or inflammatory pain,but its role in morphine tolerance is unclear.In this study,we established rat and mouse models of morphine tolerance by intrathecal injection of morphine for 7 consecutive days.We found that morphine induced rat spinal cord neurons to release a large amount of HMGB1.HMGB1 regulated nuclear factor κB p65 phosphorylation and interleukin-1β production by increasing Toll-like receptor 4receptor expression in microglia,thereby inducing morphine tolerance.Glycyrrhizin,an HMGB1 inhibito r,markedly attenuated chronic morphine tole rance in the mouse model.Finally,compound C(adenosine 5’-monophosphate-activated protein kinase inhibitor) and zinc protoporphyrin(heme oxygenase-1 inhibitor)alleviated the morphine-induced release of HMGB1 and reduced nuclear factor κB p65 phosphorylation and interleukin-1β production in a mouse model of morphine tolerance and an SH-SY5Y cell model of morphine tole rance,and alleviated morphine tolerance in the mouse model.These findings suggest that morphine induces HMGB1 release via the adenosine 5’-monophosphate-activated protein kinase/heme oxygenase-1 signaling pathway,and that inhibiting this signaling pathway can effectively reduce morphine tole rance.
文摘OBJECTIVE Previous studies have demonstrated acetylcholine muscarinic 4(M4) receptor regulates DARPP-32 phosphorylation at Thr75 in isolated medium spiny neurons(MSNs),indicating antagonistic mechanism with D1 dependent signal cascade,but the exact molecular mechanisms remain unclearly.In this study,we investigated the roles of M4 receptor in modulation D1 dependent signal to integrate striatal DA inputs in isolated MSNs.METHODS(1)Lentivirus technology was employed to genetically knock down the M4 receptor of MSNs;(2) Apomorphine(APO),acts as a dopamine receptor agonist,while SCH23390,acts as a selective antagonist for D1,were used to study the pharmacologically profiles with D1 receptor stimulation or blockade,respectively.Then the no subtype-selective muscarinic agonist oxotremorine M(OX) were used to show that mAchRs activation,in order to dissect the particular function of M4,a selective M4 antagonist,MT3 was used;(3) Intracellular cAMP production of MSNs was measured by using time resolved fluorescence resonance energy transfer detection method;(4) Laser confocal was used to explore the expression of M4 and D1 in MSNs;(5) Immunofluorescence cytochemistry and Western blotting were used to confirm the alteration of signaling molecular including P-CREB,DARPP-32 P-Thr34,DARPP-32 P-Thr75,cyclin-dependent kinase 5(CDK5) as wel as p25/35,which are involved in DA-dependent signaling modulations.RESULTS Firstly,TR-FRET assay revealed APO(10-2 mol·L^(-1))significantly increased the level of intracellular cAMP(vs control,n=3,P<0.01),also Western blotting results showed that APO(10-6 mol · L^(-1))increased DARPP-32 Thr34 phosphorylation(vs control,n=3,P<0.01),and these effect were reversed by D1 receptor antagonist SCH23390(vs APO,n=3,P<0.01).Interestingly,we confirmed that OX(10-6 mol · L^(-1)) down-regulated APO-induced DARPP-32 Thr34 phosphorylation(vs APO,n=3,P<0.01),due to its effects on DARPP-32 phosphorylation at Thr75.The results presented the antagonistic mechanism of mAchRs stimulation with D1 dependent signal cascade in MSNs.Meanwhile,OX(10-7,10-6 and10^(-5) mol·L^(-1)) stimulated DARPP-32 phosphorylation at Thr75,and simultaneously up regulated P25/35 and CDK5 activity(vs control,n=3,P<0.01) by using Western blotting assay.Furthermore,roscovitine(10^(-5) mol · L^(-1)),acts as a CDK5 inhibitor,suppressed CDK5 activity(vs control,n=10,P<0.01),and fully inhibited OX-induced DARPP-32 Thr75 phosphorylation(vs OX,n=10,P<0.01).More important,pretreated with roscovitine(10^(-5) mol·L^(-1)),the effect of APO on DARPP-32 Thr34 phosphorylation was potentiated(vs APO,n=3,P<0.05).The result presented CDK5 is required in suppression of APO on DARPP-32 Thr34 phosphorylation mediated through mAchRs stimulation.In addition,laser confocal results showed that the CDK5 up-regulation was mostly confined to MSNs co-expressing M4,which means that M4 participated in CDK5-mediated phosphorylation of DARPP-32 at Thr75.Consistently,immunofluorescence and Western blotting results confirmed that both genetic knockdown and pharmacologic inhibition of M4 receptors with MT3(10-7 mol · L^(-1)) down-regulated the OX-induced the expression of CDK5(vs OX,n=3,P<0.01) and P25/35(vs OX,n=3,P<0.01)in isolated MSNs.CONCLUSION M4 receptor may play an important role in antagonistic regulation D1 dependent signaling,in which CDK5 is required for suppressing D1-DARPP-32 Thr34 phosphorylation in isolated medium spiny neurons.
