Effects of adenoviral vector-mediated transduction of human p53,B7-1 and GM-CSF genes on liver cancer cells

The potential efficacy and clinical feasibility of gene therapy for liver cancer were tested through therecombinant adenovirus-mediated (Ad-multigenes ) co-transfer of human wild-type p53, B7-l co-stimulation(CD8o) and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) genes into human hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines. The treated cells underwent apoptosis with specific DNA fragmentation and became more sensitiveto cisplatin, a chemotherapeutic drug. Their growth was partly inhibited. Efficient proliferation and generation ofCTLs and cytokine production were induced in mixed lymphocytes through tumor cell reaction (MLTR) using peripheral blood T lymphocytes from donors as effector cells and Ad-multigenes or Ad-p53-transfected human hepatocellular carcinoma cells (HepG2 or BEL7402) as stimulator cells. Ad-multigenes-transfected rat carcinosarcomaWalker 256 cells were inoculated subcutaneously into normal rats. Fourteen days later, the activity of spleen cellsin rats inoculated with Ad-multigenes-transduced Walker 256 cells was higher than that in Ad-p53-transducedones. These findings suggest that adenovirus-mediated multigenes p53, B7-1 and GM-CSF can induce apoptosis ofliver cancer cells and initiate a potent antitumor immune response against them.

Enhanced anti-tumor immunity ex vivo induced by GM-CSF gene transducted dendritic cell vaccine

Objective： The aim of the study was to investigate whether dendritic cell （DC） precursors, recruited by injection of chemokine ligand 3 （CCL3）, induce enhanced anti-tumor immunity after granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor （GM-CSF） transfection in mice ex vivo. Methods： The 615 mice were injected with CCL3 via the tail vein. Freshly isolated B220–CD11c＋ cells were cultured with cytokines. For adenoviral （Ad）-mediated gene transduction, DCs were transferred AdGM-CSF gene at different ratios of multiplicity of infection （MOI） to determine the optimal gene transfection conditions, and detecting the expression of GM-CSF after transfection. The variation of GM-CSF gene-modified DCs were analyzed by morphological observation, phenotype analysis, and mixed lymphocyte reaction （MLR）. DCs were loaded with gastric cancer antigen obtained by frozen and thawed method. The stimulated DCs vaccination induced T lymphocytes, and the killing effect of T cells to gastric cancer cells was assayed by MTT. INF-γ production was determined with the INF-γ ELISA kit. Results： B220–CD11c＋ cells numbers increased after CCL3 injection. ELISA results showed that after GM-CSF gene modification, DC could produce high level of GM-CSF. When DCs were transferred AdGM-CSF gene at MOI equal to 1：100, GM-CSF level in culture supernatants reached saturation [（130.00 ± 12.61） pg/mL]. After GM-CSF gene-modification, DCs tended to more maturated through morphological observation and were phenotypically identical to typical DC and gained the capacity to stimulate allogeneic T cells. T lymphocytes stimulated with DC transduced with GM-CSF gene showed the specific killing effect on gastric carcinoma cells and produced high level of INF-γ [（1245.00 ± 13.75） pg/mL]. Conclusion： CCL3-recruited DCs modified by adenovirus-transducted GM-CSF could produce high level of GM-CSF, which tended to more maturated, and the capacity of activating allogeneic T lymphocytes proliferation was enhanced greatly. Moreover, they could stimulate specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte （CTL） to gastric cancer ex vivo.

GM-CSF GENE OR B7-1 GENE MODIFIED MURINE EL-4 CELLS VACCINE

Objective: To study the vaccine potency of gene-modified tumor cells. Methods: The EL-4 lymphoma was transduced with recombinant retrovirus containing the murine GM-CSF gene or B7-1 gene. The effect of gene transduction on antitumor immunity was investigated. Results: Flow cytometry analysis showed that expression of their surface marker between wild-type EL-4 cells and gene transduced tumor cells was the same except for CD80 positive in B7-1 gene transduced cells. GM-CSF gene or B7-1 gene transduced EL-4 cells resulted in remarkable loss of tumorigenicity in syngenetic mice. The systemic protective immunity was induced against the challenge with EL-4/wt cells. Therapeutic vaccine with EL-4/GM-CSF or EL/7-1 cells could retard the growth of established early-stage EL-4/wt tumor significantly, but not retard the growth of late-stage EL-4/wt tumor. Irradiated GM-CSF gene transduced EL-4 cells showed strong vaccine effect against EL-4 cell challenge, but irradiated B7-1 gene transduced EL-4 cells showed weak vaccine effect. Remarkable cooperative antitumor effect against EL-4 cell challenge was observed when both irradiated EL-4/GM-CSF and EL-4/B7-1 were inoculated together. Conclusion: GM-CSF gene or B7-1 gene transduced BL-4 cells can be used as a good tumor vaccine. The combination of the two kinds of vaccine may have potential application value in human cancer treatment.

Peripheral blood RNA biomarkers can predict lesion severity in degenerative cervical myelopathy

Degenerative cervical myelopathy is a common cause of spinal cord injury,with longer symptom duration and higher myelopathy severity indicating a worse prognosis.While numerous studies have investigated serological biomarkers for acute spinal cord injury,few studies have explored such biomarkers for diagnosing degenerative cervical myelopathy.This study involved 30 patients with degenerative cervical myelopathy(51.3±7.3 years old,12 women and 18 men),seven healthy controls(25.7±1.7 years old,one woman and six men),and nine patients with cervical spondylotic radiculopathy(51.9±8.6 years old,three women and six men).Analysis of blood samples from the three groups showed clear differences in transcriptomic characteristics.Enrichment analysis identified 128 differentially expressed genes that were enriched in patients with neurological disabilities.Using least absolute shrinkage and selection operator analysis,we constructed a five-gene model(TBCD,TPM2,PNKD,EIF4G2,and AP5Z1)to diagnose degenerative cervical myelopathy with an accuracy of 93.5%.One-gene models(TCAP and SDHA)identified mild and severe degenerative cervical myelopathy with accuracies of 83.3%and 76.7%,respectively.Signatures of two immune cell types(memory B cells and memory-activated CD4^(+)T cells)predicted levels of lesions in degenerative cervical myelopathy with 80%accuracy.Our results suggest that peripheral blood RNA biomarkers could be used to predict lesion severity in degenerative cervical myelopathy.

The autophagy-lysosome pathway:a potential target in the chemical and gene therapeutic strategies for Parkinson’s disease

Parkinson’s disease is a common neurodegenerative disease with movement disorders associated with the intracytoplasmic deposition of aggregate proteins such asα-synuclein in neurons.As one of the major intracellular degradation pathways,the autophagy-lysosome pathway plays an important role in eliminating these proteins.Accumulating evidence has shown that upregulation of the autophagy-lysosome pathway may contribute to the clearance ofα-synuclein aggregates and protect against degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in Parkinson’s disease.Moreover,multiple genes associated with the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease are intimately linked to alterations in the autophagy-lysosome pathway.Thus,this pathway appears to be a promising therapeutic target for treatment of Parkinson’s disease.In this review,we briefly introduce the machinery of autophagy.Then,we provide a description of the effects of Parkinson’s disease–related genes on the autophagy-lysosome pathway.Finally,we highlight the potential chemical and genetic therapeutic strategies targeting the autophagy–lysosome pathway and their applications in Parkinson’s disease.

Recovery of the injured neural system through gene delivery to surviving neurons in Parkinson’s disease

A critical unaddressed problem in Parkinson’s disease is the lack of therapy that slows or hampers neurodegeneration.While medications effectively manage symptoms,they offer no long-term benefit because they fail to address the underlying neuronal loss.This highlights that the elusive goals of halting progression and restoring damaged neurons limit the long-term impact of current approaches.Recent clinical trials using gene therapy have demonstrated the safety of various vector delivery systems,dosages,and transgenes expressed in the central nervous system,signifying tangible and substantial progress in applying gene therapy as a promising Parkinson’s disease treatment.Intriguingly,at diagnosis,many dopamine neurons remain in the substantia nigra,offering a potential window for recovery and survival.We propose that modulating these surviving dopamine neurons and axons in the substantia nigra and striatum using gene therapy offers a potentially more impactful therapeutic approach for future research.Moreover,innovative gene therapies that focus on preserving the remaining elements may have significant potential for enhancing long-term outcomes and the quality of life for patients with Parkinson’s disease.In this review,we provide a perspective on how gene therapy can protect vulnerable elements in the substantia nigra and striatum,offering a novel approach to addressing Parkinson’s disease at its core.

AAV2-PDE6B restores retinal structure and function in the retinal degeneration 10 mouse model of retinitis pigmentosa by promoting phototransduction and inhibiting apoptosis

Retinitis pigmentosa is a group of inherited diseases that lead to retinal degeneration and photoreceptor cell death.However,there is no effective treatment for retinitis pigmentosa caused by PDE6B mutation.Adeno-associated virus(AAV)-mediated gene therapy is a promising strategy for treating retinitis pigmentosa.The aim of this study was to explore the molecular mechanisms by which AAV2-PDE6B rescues retinal function.To do this,we injected retinal degeneration 10(rd10)mice subretinally with AAV2-PDE6B and assessed the therapeutic effects on retinal function and structure using dark-and light-adapted electroretinogram,optical coherence tomography,and immunofluorescence.Data-independent acquisition-mass spectrometry-based proteomic analysis was conducted to investigate protein expression levels and pathway enrichment,and the results from this analysis were verified by real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blotting.AAV2-PDE6B injection significantly upregulated PDE6βexpression,preserved electroretinogram responses,and preserved outer nuclear layer thickness in rd10 mice.Differentially expressed proteins between wild-type and rd10 mice were closely related to visual perception,and treating rd10 mice with AAV2-PDE6B restored differentially expressed protein expression to levels similar to those seen in wild-type mice.Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genome analysis showed that the differentially expressed proteins whose expression was most significantly altered by AAV2-PDE6B injection were enriched in phototransduction pathways.Furthermore,the phototransductionrelated proteins Pde6α,Rom1,Rho,Aldh1a1,and Rbp1 exhibited opposite expression patterns in rd10 mice with or without AAV2-PDE6B treatment.Finally,Bax/Bcl-2,p-ERK/ERK,and p-c-Fos/c-Fos expression levels decreased in rd10 mice following AAV2-PDE6B treatment.Our data suggest that AAV2-PDE6B-mediated gene therapy promotes phototransduction and inhibits apoptosis by inhibiting the ERK signaling pathway and upregulating Bcl-2/Bax expression in retinitis pigmentosa.

Heterogeneity of mature oligodendrocytes in the central nervous system

Mature oligodendrocytes form myelin sheaths that are crucial for the insulation of axons and efficient signal transmission in the central nervous system.Recent evidence has challenged the classical view of the functionally static mature oligodendrocyte and revealed a gamut of dynamic functions such as the ability to modulate neuronal circuitry and provide metabolic support to axons.Despite the recognition of potential heterogeneity in mature oligodendrocyte function,a comprehensive summary of mature oligodendrocyte diversity is lacking.We delve into early 20th-century studies by Robertson and Río-Hortega that laid the foundation for the modern identification of regional and morphological heterogeneity in mature oligodendrocytes.Indeed,recent morphologic and functional studies call into question the long-assumed homogeneity of mature oligodendrocyte function through the identification of distinct subtypes with varying myelination preferences.Furthermore,modern molecular investigations,employing techniques such as single cell/nucleus RNA sequencing,consistently unveil at least six mature oligodendrocyte subpopulations in the human central nervous system that are highly transcriptomically diverse and vary with central nervous system region.Age and disease related mature oligodendrocyte variation denotes the impact of pathological conditions such as multiple sclerosis,Alzheimer's disease,and psychiatric disorders.Nevertheless,caution is warranted when subclassifying mature oligodendrocytes because of the simplification needed to make conclusions about cell identity from temporally confined investigations.Future studies leveraging advanced techniques like spatial transcriptomics and single-cell proteomics promise a more nuanced understanding of mature oligodendrocyte heterogeneity.Such research avenues that precisely evaluate mature oligodendrocyte heterogeneity with care to understand the mitigating influence of species,sex,central nervous system region,age,and disease,hold promise for the development of therapeutic interventions targeting varied central nervous system pathology.

Pan-TRK positive uterine sarcoma in immunohistochemistry without neurotrophic tyrosine receptor kinase gene fusions:A case report

BACKGROUND The classification of uterine sarcomas is based on distinctive morphological and immunophenotypic characteristics,increasingly supported by molecular genetic diagnostics.Data on neurotrophic tyrosine receptor kinase(NTRK)gene fusionpositive uterine sarcoma,potentially aggressive and morphologically similar to fibrosarcoma,are limited due to its recent recognition.Pan-TRK immunohistochemistry(IHC)analysis serves as an effective screening tool with high sensitivity and specificity for NTRK-fusion malignancies.CASE SUMMARY We report a case of a malignant mesenchymal tumor originating from the uterine cervix,which was pan-TRK IHC-positive but lacked NTRK gene fusions,accompanied by a brief literature review.A 55-year-old woman presented to the emergency department with abdominal pain and distension,exhibiting significant ascites and multiple solid pelvic masses.Pelvic examination revealed a tumor encompassing the uterine cervix,extending to the vagina and uterine corpus.A punch biopsy of the cervix indicated NTRK sarcoma with positive immunochemical pan-TRK stain.However,subsequent next generation sequencing revealed no NTRK gene fusion,leading to a diagnosis of poorly differentiated,advanced-stage sarcoma.CONCLUSION The clinical significance of NTRK gene fusion lies in potential treatment with TRK inhibitors for positive sarcomas.Identifying such rare tumors is crucial due to the potential applicability of tropomyosin receptor kinase inhibitor treatment.

Autophagy-targeting modulation to promote peripheral nerve regeneration

Nerve regeneration following traumatic peripheral nerve injuries and neuropathies is a complex process modulated by diverse factors and intricate molecular mechanisms.Past studies have focused on factors that stimulate axonal outgrowth and myelin regeneration.However,recent studies have highlighted the pivotal role of autophagy in peripheral nerve regeneration,particularly in the context of traumatic injuries.Consequently,autophagy-targeting modulation has emerged as a promising therapeutic approach to enhancing peripheral nerve regeneration.Our current understanding suggests that activating autophagy facilitates the rapid clearance of damaged axons and myelin sheaths,thereby enhancing neuronal survival and mitigating injury-induced oxidative stress and inflammation.These actions collectively contribute to creating a favorable microenvironment for structural and functional nerve regeneration.A range of autophagyinducing drugs and interventions have demonstrated beneficial effects in alleviating peripheral neuropathy and promoting nerve regeneration in preclinical models of traumatic peripheral nerve injuries.This review delves into the regulation of autophagy in cell types involved in peripheral nerve regeneration,summarizing the potential drugs and interventions that can be harnessed to promote this process.We hope that our review will offer novel insights and perspectives on the exploitation of autophagy pathways in the treatment of peripheral nerve injuries and neuropathies.

AAV-mediated expression of p65shRNA and bone morphogenetic protein 4 synergistically enhances chondrocyte regeneration

BACKGROUND:Adeno-associated virus(AAV)gene therapy has been proven to be reliable and safe for the treatment of osteoarthritis in recent years.However,given the complexity of osteoarthritis pathogenesis,single gene manipulation for the treatment of osteoarthritis may not produce satisfactory results.Previous studies have shown that nuclear factorκB could promote the inflammatory pathway in osteoarthritic chondrocytes,and bone morphogenetic protein 4(BMP4)could promote cartilage regeneration.OBJECTIVE:To test whether combined application of AAV-p65shRNA and AAV-BMP4 will yield the synergistic effect on chondrocytes regeneration and osteoarthritis treatment.METHODS:Viral particles containing AAV-p65-shRNA and AAV-BMP4 were prepared.Their efficacy in inhibiting inflammation in chondrocytes and promoting chondrogenesis was assessed in vitro and in vivo by transfecting AAV-p65-shRNA or AAV-BMP4 into cells.The experiments were divided into five groups:PBS group;osteoarthritis group;AAV-BMP4 group;AAV-p65shRNA group;and BMP4-p65shRNA 1:1 group.Samples were collected at 4,12,and 24 weeks postoperatively.Tissue staining,including safranin O and Alcian blue,was applied after collecting articular tissue.Then,the optimal ratio between the two types of transfected viral particles was further investigated to improve the chondrogenic potential of mixed cells in vivo.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The combined application of AAV-p65shRNA and AAV-BMP4 together showed a synergistic effect on cartilage regeneration and osteoarthritis treatment.Mixed cells transfected with AAV-p65shRNA and AAV-BMP4 at a 1:1 ratio produced the most extracellular matrix synthesis(P<0.05).In vivo results also revealed that the combination of the two viruses had the highest regenerative potential for osteoarthritic cartilage(P<0.05).In the present study,we also discovered that the combined therapy had the maximum effect when the two viruses were administered in equal proportions.Decreasing either p65shRNA or BMP4 transfected cells resulted in less collagen II synthesis.This implies that inhibiting inflammation by p65shRNA and promoting regeneration by BMP4 are equally important for osteoarthritis treatment.These findings provide a new strategy for the treatment of early osteoarthritis by simultaneously inhibiting cartilage inflammation and promoting cartilage repair.

IL-23/GM-CSF抑制剂缓解强直性脊柱炎小鼠脊柱纤维化的机制研究

目的探讨粒细胞巨噬细胞-集落刺激因子(GM-CSF)靶向抑制剂和白细胞介素(IL)-23靶向抑制剂联合使用缓解强直性脊柱炎(AS)小鼠脊柱纤维化的作用机制。方法招募健康受试者(HC组)和AS患者(AS组)各6例,采集其外周静脉血,检测血清肿瘤坏死因子(TNF-α)、IL-23、IL-17和GM-CSF的水平。建立AS小鼠模型。30只小鼠随机分为Control组、Model组、IL-17A Inh组(阳性对照组)、IL-23 Inh组、GM-CSF Inh+IL-23 Inh组,每组6只。ELISA法测定小鼠血清TNF-α、IL-23、IL-17和GM-CSF的水平。Western blot法测定小鼠脊柱周围肌肉/韧带组织上皮-间质转化(EMT)标志物E-cadherin、N-cadherin、snail、Vimentin的水平以及脊柱骨组织核因子-κB配体的受体激活因子(RANKL)、骨保护素(OPG)和碱性磷酸酶(ALP)的水平。micro-CT测定小鼠左后爪和脊柱(L5~6脊椎骨)新生骨和成熟骨体积。结果与HC组相比,AS组患者血清中TNF-α、IL-23、IL-17和GM-CSF水平升高(P<0.05)。与Control组相比,Model组小鼠血清中TNF-α、IL-23、IL-17和GM-CSF水平升高(P<0.05),脊柱周围肌肉/韧带组织E-cadherin的相对表达水平下调(P<0.05),N-cadherin、snail和Vimentin的相对表达水平上调(P<0.05),脊柱骨组织RANKL的相对表达水平上调(P<0.05),小鼠左后爪和L5~6脊椎新生骨体积增大(P<0.05)。与Model组相比,GM-CSF Inh+IL-23 Inh组上述指标的水平均逆转(P<0.05),IL-23 Inh组上述指标均无明显差异(P>0.05)。与Control组相比,Model组小鼠脊柱骨组织OPG和ALP的相对表达水平上调(P<0.05);与Model组相比,GM-CSF Inh+IL-23 Inh组上述指标无明显差异(P>0.05)。结论GM-CSF靶向抑制剂和IL-23靶向抑制剂联合治疗可以降低AS小鼠炎症水平,缓解脊柱周围肌肉、韧带组织纤维化,并抑制脊柱骨组织表达RANKL,减少新生骨形成和病理性骨重塑,保护脊柱的活性。

Prophylaxis of tumor through oral administration of IL-12 GM-CSF gene carried by live attenuated salmonella

A live attenuated AraA autotrophic mutant of Salmonella typhimurium (SL3261) was used as carrier for eukaryotic expression vectors EGFPN1, pCMVmIL-12, pCMVWL-12, pCMVmGM-CSF and PCMVhGM-CSF and was administered orally to BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice. After 6 weeks, these mice were challenged with 4T1 and Lewis tumor cells respectively. GFP expression and gene integration could be detected in mice’s livers, spleens, intestines, kidneys and tumors. The serum level of cytokines increasedsignificantly in treated mice, so did the ratio of CD8+/CD4+,which resulted in the tumor regression and prolongation of the survival time of those mice. These researches laid an experimental foundation for the tumor gene therapy using live attenuated salmonella.

Synergetic anticancer effect of combined quercetin and recombinant adenoviral vector expressing human wild-type p53,GM-CSF and B7-1 genes on hepatocellular carcinoma cells in vitro

AIM: This study investigated the anti-cancer effect ofcombined quercetin and a recombinant adenovirus vectorexpressing the human p53, GM-CSF and B7-1 genes(designated BB-102) on human hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) cell lines in vitro.METHODS: The sensitivity of HCC cells to anticancer agentswas evaluated by 3-(4,5- dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The viability of cells infectedwith BB-102 was determined by trypan blue exclusion. Theexpression levels of human wild-type p53, GM-CSF and B7-1genes were determined by Western blot, enzyme-linkedimmunosorbent assay (ELISA) and flow cytometric analysis,respectively. The apoptosis of BB-102-infected or quercetin-treated HCC cells was detected by terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase (TdT) assay or DNA ladder electrophoresis.RESULTS: Quercetin was found to suppress proliferation ofhuman HCC cell lines BEL-7402, HUH-7 and HLE, with peaksuppression at 50 μmol/L quercetin. BB-102 infection wasalso found to significantly suppress proliferation of HCC celllines. The apoptosis of BB-102-infected HCC cells was greaterin HLE and HUH-7 cells than in BEL-7402 cells. Quercetin didnot affect the expression of the three exogenous genes inBB-102-infected HCC cells (P＞0.05), but it was found to furtherdecrease proliferation and promote apoptosis of BB-102-infected HCC cells.CONCLUSION: BB-102 and quercetin synergeticallysuppress HCC cell proliferation and induce HCC cell apoptosis,suggesting a possible use as a combined anti-cancer agent.

Therapeutic effects on experimental metastatic tumor-bearing mice by vaccination with GM-CSF gene-modified and tumor antigen-pulsed macrophages

Macrophages, with potent cytotoxic and antigen presenting activities, can be used in cancer treatment. The biological characteristics and antitumor effect of GM CSF gene modified and tumor antigen pulsed macrophages were investigated. The high levels of GM CSF could be detected in the supernatants of macrophages after gene transfer. The cytotoxicity and the expression of MHC class II molecules of the gene modified macrophages increased significantly and the antigen presenting ability was enhanced. The gene modified macrophages were then pulsed with tumor antigen and used to treat the experimental pulmonary metastastic mice. The number of pulmonary metastases was reduced significantly and the cytotoxicity of the CTL induced from the splenocytes of the tumor bearing mice also increased. The results demonstrated that adenovirus mediated GM CSF gene transfer can activate macrophages to some extent and GM CSF gene modified, antigen pulsed macrophages may be a new type of effective effector cells in the immunogene therapy of cancer.

THE THERAPEUTIC EFFECT OF INTRATUMORAL INJECTION OF GM-CSF GENE-MODIFIED ALLOGENIC MACROPHAGES ON TUMOR-BEARING MICE

Both the antigen presenting ability and the cytotoxicity of macrophages can be enhanced by GMCSF gene transfer. In the present study, the therapeutic effect of intratumoral injection with GMCSF genemodified allogenic macrophages on tumorbearing mice observed. The peritoneal macrophages of C57BL/6 mice were transfected with GMCSF gene mediated by recombinant adenovirus and the subcutaneous CT26 colon adenocarcinomabearing BALB/c mice were treated by intratumoral injection of the above macrophages. The survival time of the tumorbearing mice were prolonged significantly and some tumor mass disappeared completely. The necroses of the tumor cells and massive infiltration of inflammatory cells were observed 6 days after treatment. 30 days after treatment, only the leftover of tumor cells and the inflammatory cells remained. The data indicated that introtumoral injection of GMCSF genemodified allogenic macrophages displayed more potent therapeutic effect on the preestablished tumorbearing mice.

RPLP0/TBP are the most stable reference genes for human dental pulp stem cells under osteogenic differentiation

BACKGROUND Validation of the reference gene(RG)stability during experimental analyses is essential for correct quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction(RT-qPCR)data normalisation.Commonly,in an unreliable way,several studies use genes involved in essential cellular functions[glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydro-genase(GAPDH),18S rRNA,andβ-actin]without paying attention to whether they are suitable for such experimental conditions or the reason for choosing such genes.Furthermore,such studies use only one gene when Minimum Information for Publication of Quantitative Real-Time PCR Experiments guidelines recom-mend two or more genes.It impacts the credibility of these studies and causes dis-tortions in the gene expression findings.For tissue engineering,the accuracy of gene expression drives the best experimental or therapeutical approaches.We cultivated DPSCs under two conditions:Undifferentiated and osteogenic dif-ferentiation,both for 35 d.We evaluated the gene expression of 10 candidates for RGs[ribosomal protein,large,P0(RPLP0),TATA-binding protein(TBP),GAPDH,actin beta(ACTB),tubulin(TUB),aminolevulinic acid synthase 1(ALAS1),tyro-sine 3-monooxygenase/tryptophan 5-monooxygenase activation protein,zeta(YWHAZ),eukaryotic translational elongation factor 1 alpha(EF1a),succinate dehydrogenase complex,subunit A,flavoprotein(SDHA),and beta-2-micro-globulin(B2M)]every 7 d(1,7,14,21,28,and 35 d)by RT-qPCR.The data were analysed by the four main algorithms,ΔCt method,geNorm,NormFinder,and BestKeeper and ranked by the RefFinder method.We subdivided the samples into eight subgroups.RESULTS All of the data sets from clonogenic and osteogenic samples were analysed using the RefFinder algorithm.The final ranking showed RPLP0/TBP as the two most stable RGs and TUB/B2M as the two least stable RGs.Either theΔCt method or NormFinder analysis showed TBP/RPLP0 as the two most stable genes.However,geNorm analysis showed RPLP0/EF1αin the first place.These algorithms’two least stable RGs were B2M/GAPDH.For BestKeeper,ALAS1 was ranked as the most stable RG,and SDHA as the least stable RG.The pair RPLP0/TBP was detected in most subgroups as the most stable RGs,following the RefFinfer ranking.CONCLUSION For the first time,we show that RPLP0/TBP are the most stable RGs,whereas TUB/B2M are unstable RGs for long-term osteogenic differentiation of human DPSCs in traditional monolayers.

Enhanced antitumor effects of tumor antigen-pulsed dendritic cells by their transfection with GM-CSF gene

To investigate the biological characterization and antitumor activitites of GM-CSF gene-transfected dendritic cells, the splenic dendritic cells were infected with GM-CSF recombinant replication-deficient adenoviruses in vitro . Their enhanced expression of B7 was demonstrated by FACS analysis, and more potent stimulatory activity was confirmed by allogeneic MLR. Immunization of dendritic cells pulsed with irradiated B16 melanoma cells induced sig-nificant CTL and enabled host to resist the challenge of wild-type B16 cells. When they were transfected with GM-CSF gene subsequently, the induced CTL activity was higher, and the produced protection against B16 cell challenge and therapeutic effect on the mice with preestablished pulmonary melastases more effective. These data suggest that the dendritic cells pulsed with tumor antigen then transfected with GM-CSF gene can be used as an effective vaccine in tumor immunotherapy.

EFFECT ON BIOLOGICAL BEHAVIOR OF CHEMOTHERAPY-RESISTANT TUMOR CELLS BY HUMAN WILD-TYPE p53,GM-CSF AND B7-1 GENES VIA RECOMBINANTADENOVIRUS

Objective: To explore the effect on biological behavior of chemotherapy-resistant tumor cells by human wild-type p53, GM-CSF and B7-1 genes mediated via recombinant adenovirus. Methods: p53-abnormal KB-v200 (VCR resistant) and KB-s (VCR sensitive) cell lines were used as model tumor cells, which are resistant and sensitive to chemotherapeutic drugs respectively. After infected with recombinant adenovirus carrying human wild-type p53, GM-CSF and B7-1 genes, changes in biological behavior (including drug sensitivity) of these two kinds of gene-transduced cancer cells were observed. Results: Both of the cell lines were susceptible to adenovirus, all of three exogenous genes (p53, GM-CSF and B7-1) could be effectively expressed in these cell lines, their growth was suppressed, and apoptosis was induced. The drug-pumping-out function of Pgp glycoprotein on the cytomembrane of drug-resistant KB-v200 cells was markedly affected 48h after transfection of the recombinant adenovirus, revealed by increase of the amount of rhodamine 123 accumulation in the cells. The MTT assay also indicated the reversal of their sensitivity to VCR drugs.In vivo experiment in nude mice it was demonstrated reduction of tumorigenicity of the KB-v200 cells or KB-s cells infected with the recombinant adenovirus, and increase of their sensitivity to VCR. Conclusion: The clinical application of this recombinant adenovirus carrying agents might be more effective in treatment of tumors with multidrug resistance(MDR).

Genetic dissection and validation of a major QTL for grain weight on chromosome 3B in bread wheat(Triticum aestivum L.)

Grain weight is one of the key components of wheat(Triticum aestivum L.)yield.Genetic manipulation of grain weight is an efficient approach for improving yield potential in breeding programs.A recombinant inbred line(RIL)population derived from a cross between W7268 and Chuanyu 12(CY12)was employed to detect quantitative trait loci(QTLs)for thousand-grain weight(TGW),grain length(GL),grain width(GW),and the ratio of grain length to width(GLW)in six environments.Seven major QTLs,QGl.cib-2D,QGw.cib-2D,QGw.cib-3B,QGw.cib-4B.1,QGlw.cib-2D.1,QTgw.cib-2D.1 and QTgw.cib-3B.1,were consistently identified in at least four environments and the best linear unbiased estimation(BLUE)datasets,and they explained 2.61 to 34.85%of the phenotypic variance.Significant interactions were detected between the two major TGW QTLs and three major GW loci.In addition,QTgw.cib-3B.1 and QGw.cib-3B were co-located,and the improved TGW at this locus was contributed by GW.Unlike other loci,QTgw.cib-3B.1/QGw.cib-3B had no effect on grain number per spike(GNS).They were further validated in advanced lines using Kompetitive Allele Specific PCR(KASP)markers,and a comparison analysis indicated that QTgw.cib-3B.1/QGw.cib-3B is likely a novel locus.Six haplotypes were identified in the region of this QTL and their distribution frequencies varied between the landraces and cultivars.According to gene annotation,spatial expression patterns,ortholog analysis and sequence variation,the candidate gene of QTgw.cib-3B.1/QGw.cib-3B was predicted.Collectively,the major QTLs and KASP markers reported here provide valuable information for elucidating the genetic architecture of grain weight and for molecular marker-assisted breeding in grain yield improvement.