Growth inhibition induced by short hairpin RNA to silence survivin gene in human pancreatic cancer cells

BACKGROUND:Survivin is known to be overexpressed in various human malignancies,including pancreatic cancer,and mediates cancer cell proliferation and tumor growth,so the regulation of this molecule could be a new strategy for treating pancreatic cancer.In this study,short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) specific to survivin were introduced into human pancreatic cancer Patu8988 cells to investigate the inhibitory effects on survivin expression and cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo.METHODS:Three kinds of shRNA specific to the survivin gene were designed and cloned into eukaryotic expression plasmid pGenesil-1 vector.Subsequently the recombinant plasmids were transfected into human pancreatic cancer Patu8988 cells with lipfectamine TM 2000 reagent.The mRNA and protein expressions of survivin in the transiently transfected Patu8988 cells were determined by RT-PCR,flow cytometry,and Western blotting analysis.The proliferation inhibition rates of stably transfected Patu8988 cells were determined by MTT assay.The antitumor activities of the three kinds of survivin-shRNA plasmids were evaluated in BALB/c nude mice inoculated with Patu8988 cells and bearing human pancreatic cancer.RESULTS:The three survivin-shRNA plasmids named pGenesil1-survivin-1,pGenesil-1-survivin-2 and pGenesil-1-survivin-1+2 (with double interfering RNA sites) were successfully constructed,and were confirmed by restriction enzyme cutting and sequencing.At 48 hours after transfection,the expression of survivin mRNA and protein was inhibited in Patu8988 cells transfected with pGenesil-1-survivin-1,pGenesil-1-survivin-2,and pGenesil-1-survivin-1+2 when compared with that of either pGenesil-1-NC (with scrambled small interfering RNA) transfected cells or control cells (P<0.05).The MTT results showed that the proliferation rates of Patu8988 cells stably transfected with survivin-shRNA plasmids were reduced when compared with that of either pGenesil-1-NC transfected cells or control cells (P<0.01).Furthermore,when Patu8988 cells stably transfected with survivin-shRNA were injected into BALB/c nude mice,tumor growth was dramatically lower and the tumor was smaller than that of either pGenesil-1-NC transfected cells or control cells (P<0.01).The inhibitory effect of pGenesil1-survivin-1 was the best among the three kinds of survivinshRNA plasmids,but no combination of inhibitory effects was found in pGenesil-1-survivin-1+2.CONCLUSIONS:shRNAs specific to survivin have gene silencing effects and inhibit pancreatic cancer cell proliferation.shRNA activity against survivin could be of potential value in gene therapy for pancreatic cancer.However,shRNAs with double combining sites did not significantly enhance the interference compared with single site shRNAs,therefore further studies on this are needed.

Influence of Ginkgo biloba extract on the proliferation,apoptosis of ACC-2 cell and Survivin gene expression in adenoid cystic carcinoma of lacrimal gland

Objective:To explore the influence of extract of Ginkgo biloba（EGB） on the proliferation, apoptosis of ACC-2 cell and Survivin gene expression in adenoid cystic carcinoma（ACC） of lacrimal gland.Methods:ACC-2 cell in human with ACC of lacrimal gland was in vitro cultured. MTT method was used for cell proliferation detection.Annexin V/PI double-staining flow cytometer was used to detect cell apoptosis and cell cycle.Survivin gene expression was analyzed by RT-PCR and Western blotting.Results:EGB had inhibitory effect on the proliferation of ACC-2 cell with significant dose-effect relationship,and there was statistical difference when compared with the control group（P【0.01）.The inhibitory concentration 50%(IC50) is 88 mg/L. The flow cytometer test indicated that CGB can gradually increase ACC-2 cell in G0-G1 stage and decrease it in G2-M and S stage.With the increase of dose,the apoptosis rate of ACC-2 cell was obviously increased（P【0.05 or P【0.01）.EGB had certain inhibitor)’ effect on Survivin gene expression of ACC-2 cell,and Survivin gene expression was decreased with the increasing of the EGB concentration（P【0.01）.Conclusions:EGB can effectively inhibit Survivin gene expression of ACC-2 cell in human with ACC of lacrimal gland,induce the apoptosis of ACC-2 cell and inhibit tumor cell proliferation.

Down Regulation of Survivin Gene and Up Regulation of p53 Gene expression by siRNA Induces Apoptosis in human Hepatocellular Carcinoma cell Line HepG2

Survivin gene may be a good target for cancer gene therapy because it is over expressed in a variety of human tumors including human hepatocellular carcinoma but not in differen- tiated adult tissues. To explore the effects of the siRNA of survivin gene inducing apoptosis in human hepatocellular cancer cells, three siRNAs cpusiRNA1, cpusiRNA2 and cpusiRNA3 were designed and transferred into human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line HepG2 (HepG2) by lipofection. MTT test showed that the growth of HepG2 decreased when it was transfected with 25nM, 50nM, 100nM, 150nM, 200nM, 400nM siRNA respectively after 48 hours. And the change of mRNA and protein of survivin gene and p53 gene had been detected by RT-PCR and Western blot. Cells presented an increase in apoptosis index was assayed by flow cytometry. Small interfering RNA can exert a knockdown of survivin gene expression and up regulation of p53 gene to induce apoptosis and to inhibit the growth of HepG2.

Comprehensive analysis of the potential pathogenesis of COVID-19 infection and liver cancer

BACKGROUND A growing number of clinical examples suggest that coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)appears to have an impact on the treatment of patients with liver cancer compared to the normal population,and the prevalence of COVID-19 is significantly higher in patients with liver cancer.However,this mechanism of action has not been clarified.Gene sets for COVID-19(GSE180226)and liver cancer(GSE87630)were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus database.After identifying the common differentially expressed genes(DEGs)of COVID-19 and liver cancer,functional enrichment analysis,protein-protein interaction network construction and scree-ning and analysis of hub genes were performed.Subsequently,the validation of the differential expression of hub genes in the disease was performed and the regulatory network of transcription factors and hub genes was constructed.RESULTS Of 518 common DEGs were obtained by screening for functional analysis.Fifteen hub genes including aurora kinase B,cyclin B2,cell division cycle 20,cell division cycle associated 8,nucleolar and spindle associated protein 1,etc.,were further identified from DEGs using the“cytoHubba”plugin.Functional enrichment analysis of hub genes showed that these hub genes are associated with P53 signalling pathway regulation,cell cycle and other functions,and they may serve as potential molecular markers for COVID-19 and liver cancer.Finally,we selected 10 of the hub genes for in vitro expression validation in liver cancer cells.CONCLUSION Our study reveals a common pathogenesis of liver cancer and COVID-19.These common pathways and key genes may provide new ideas for further mechanistic studies.

A Theory of Bio-Quantum Genetics

The physical mechanism of heredity or inheritance of genes is a quantum mechanical and/or quantum computational process. A theory of bio-quantum genetics is established in this paper. Principle of Bio-quantum Genetics is suggested. I propose and define the soft-genes of genetics controlling the processes of heredity or inheritance of genes. This research deals with the quantum mechanisms of Mendel plant heredity and family inheritance as examples of bio-quantum genetics, deepening our understanding of heredity or inheritance. I believe that more contributions will be made to promote researches of bio-quantum genetics or quantum biology at large.

Epidemiological Surveillance: Genetic Diversity of Rotavirus Group A in the Pearl River Delta, Guangdong, China in 2019

Objective This study aimed to understand the epidemic status and phylogenetic relationships of rotavirus group A(RVA)in the Pearl River Delta region of Guangdong Province,China.Methods This study included individuals aged 28 days–85 years.A total of 706 stool samples from patients with acute gastroenteritis collected between January 2019 and January 2020 were analyzed for 17 causative pathogens,including RVA,using a Gastrointestinal Pathogen Panel,followed by genotyping,virus isolation,and complete sequencing to assess the genetic diversity of RVA.Results The overall RVA infection rate was 14.59%(103/706),with an irregular epidemiological pattern.The proportion of co-infection with RVA and other pathogens was 39.81%(41/103).Acute gastroenteritis is highly prevalent in young children aged 0–1 year,and RVA is the key pathogen circulating in patients 6–10 months of age with diarrhea.G9P[8](58.25%,60/103)was found to be the predominant genotype in the RVA strains,and the 41 RVA-positive strains that were successfully sequenced belonged to three different RVA genotypes in the phylogenetic analysis.Recombination analysis showed that gene reassortment events,selection pressure,codon usage bias,gene polymorphism,and post-translational modifications(PTMs)occurred in the G9P[8]and G3P[8]strains.Conclusion This study provides molecular evidence of RVA prevalence in the Pearl River Delta region of China,further enriching the existing information on its genetics and evolutionary characteristics and suggesting the emergence of genetic diversity.Strengthening the surveillance of genotypic changes and gene reassortment in RVA strains is essential for further research and a better understanding of strain variations for further vaccine development.

Knockdown of survivin gene expression by RNAi induces apoptosis in human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line SMMC-7721

AIM: To investigate the survivin gene expression in human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line SMMC-7721 and the effects of survivin gene RNA interference (RNAi) on cell apoptosis and biological behaviors of SMMC-7721 cells.METHODS: Eukaryotic expression vector of survivin gene RNAi and recombinant plasmid pSuppressorNeo-survivin (pSuNeo-SW), were constructed by ligating into the vector,pSupperssorNeo (pSuNeo) digested with restriction enzymes Xba I and Sa/I and the designed double-chain RNAi primers. A cell model of SMMC-7721 after treatment with RNAi was prepared by transfecting SMMC-7721 cells with the lipofectin transfection method. Strept-avidinbiotin-complex (SABC) immunohistochemical staining and RT-PCR were used to detect survivin gene expressions in SMMC-7721 cells. Flow cytometry was used for the cell cycle analysis. Transmission electron microscopy was performed to determine whether RNAi induced cell apoptosis, and the method of measuring the cell growth curve was utilized to study the growth of SMMC-7721 cells before and after treatment with RNAi.RESULTS: The eukaryotic expression vector of survivin gene RNAi and pSuNeo-SW, were constructed successfully. The expression level of survivin gene in SMMC-7721 cells was observed. After the treatment of RNAi, the expression of survivin gene in SMMC-7721 cells was almost absent,apoptosis index was increased by 15.6%, and the number of cells was decreased in G2/M phase and the cell growth was inhibited.CONCLUSION: RNAi can exert a knockdown of survivin gene expression in SMMC-7721 cells, and induce apoptosis and inhibit the growth of carcinoma cells.

Enhanced Chemotherapy Sensitivity of Human Colon Cancer Cells to 5-Fluorouracil by siRNA Recombinant Expression Vector Targeting Survivin Gene

Objective To investigate the effects of small interfering RNA(siRNA) recombinant expression vector targeting survivin gene on chemotherapy sensitivity of human colon cancer cells to 5-fluorouracil.Methods siRNA recombinant expression vector targeting survivin gene was constructed and transfected into human colon cancer cell lines LOVO.After 48 hours of transfection,cells were harvested for analysis of survivin mRNA and protein expressions using RT-PCR and Western blot.In addition,after human colon cancer cell lines were treated with Survivin siRNA and/or 5-fluorouracil,MTT assay and flow cytometry were used to analyze cell proliferation and apoptosis.Results Restriction endonuclease analysis confirmed that siRNA recombinant expression vector targeting survivin gene was successfully constructed.Inhibitory ratios of survivin mRNA and protein expressions by Survivin siRNA were 36.33% and 44.65%,respectively.Survivin siRNA combined with 5-fluorouracil significantly increased the cell proliferation inhibitory ratio and apoptosis ratio compared with 5-fluorouracil treating alone(P<0.05).Conclusion The siRNA recombinant expression vector targeting survivin gene can inhibit the expression of survivin gene,and enhance chemotherapy sensitivity of human colon cancer cells to 5-fluorouracil.

Induction of Apoptosis of Human Colon Cancer Cells by siRNA Recombinant Expression Vector Targeting Survivin Gene

This study constructed siRNA recombinant expression vector targeting survivin gene and observe the apoptosis induction effect of it in human colon cancer cells. siRNA recombinant expres-sion vector targeting survivin gene was constructed and transfected into human colon cancer cells. The effect of siRNA recombinant expression vector was detected by RT-PCR, Western blot, MTT re-duction assay and flow cytometry. It was confirmed by restriction endonuclease and sequence analy-sis that siRNA recombinant expression vector targeting survivin gene was constructed successfully. Inhibition rate of survivin siRNA at mRNA and protein levels was 36.33% and 44.65% respectively. Growth of cancer cells was inhibited and the apoptosis rate was (17.24±2.13)%. The siRNA recom-binant expression vector targeting survivin gene has been constructed successfully. It not only can in-hibit the expression of survivin gene, but also can induce apoptosis in human colon cancer cells re-markably.

Expression of survivin protein in human colorectal carcinogenesis

AIM: To identify the role of survivin in colorectal carcinogenesis and the relationship between Survivin and histological differentiation grade of colorectal carcinoma.METHODS: Immunohistochemical staining of survivin by using the monoclonal antibody was performed by the standard streptavidin-peroxidase (SP) technique for the 188paraffin sections which included 30 normal colorectal mucosas, 41 adenomas with low grade dysplasia, 30adenomas with high grade dysplasia, and 87 colorectal carcinomas which were classified as high, middle and low differentiated subgroups which included 33, 28, 26 cases respectively.RESULTS: Expression of survivin was observed in the cytoplasm of adenoma with dysplasia and colorectal carcinoma cells. No immunoreactivity of survivin was seen in normal mucosas. The positive rate of survivin increased in the transition from normal mucosas to adenomas with low grade dysplasia to high grade dysplasia/carcinomas (0.0 %, 31.7 %, 56.7 % and 63.2% respectively). But the difference between high grade dyspiasia and carcinomas had no statistical significance. Positive rate was not related to histological differentiation grade of colorectal carcinoma.Moreover, there was no correlation between histological differentiation grade of colorectal carcinoma and immunoreactive intensity of survivin.CONCLUSION: The expression of survivin is the essential event in the early stage of colorectal carcinogenesis and plays an important role in the transition sequence and it is not related to histological differentiation grade of colorectal carcinoma. It thus may provide a new diagnostic and therapeutic target in colorectal cancer.

Impact of resveratrol on the expression of apoptosis related gene survivin and bax in human cancer cells

客观我们由 resveratrol 在人的食道的癌症 Eca109 房间探索了 apoptosis 的机制。Eca109 房间增长上的 resveratrol 的镇压比率被 MTT 比色的试金和形态学评估的方法被传播电子显微镜观察。survivin 和 bax 的表示被 RT-PCR 和流动 Cytometry (FCM ) 分析。结果 Resveratrol 在剂量禁止了 Eca109 房间的生长 -- 并且时间依赖者举止，和镇压比率在 76.42% 点到了。在与 resveratrol 对待以后，词法 apoptosis 能被观察。一些对待药的房间的体积变得小，原子染色质变得压缩并且有边缘。RT-PCR 和 FCM 决定的结果显示出那 resveratrol 能下面调整幸存，当时起来调整 bax。结论 Resveratrol 能导致人的食道的癌症 Eca109 房间的 apoptosis，并且它的可能的分子的机制可能与调整有关是 survivin 和 bax 的表示。

Effect of siRNA Targeting Survivin Gene on the Biological Behavior of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

To study the influence of siRNA targeting survivin gene on the biological behavior of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), one pair of 21bp reverse repeated motifs of survivin target sequence with 9 spacers were synthesized and inserted into plasmid psilencer2.1 to generate siRNA eukaryotic expression vector. After stable transfection into HepG2 cells, the biological behaviors of the survivin siRNA transfected HCC cells were observed. After the recombinant plasmid Psilence(+)-survivin was successfully constructed, survivin mRNA and protein expression inhibition ratio reached 73 % and 75 % respectively compared to control groups. Transfected cells with survivin siRNA demonstrated significantly inhibited cell growth and increased apoptosis. Subsequent study in nude mouse model demonstrated lower succeeding rate in cells transfected with survivin siRNA and slow growth rate. The results elucidated the siRNA targeting survivin gene could specially suppress its expression in HepG2 cells and inhibit tumor cells growth both in vivo and in vitro. This provides a theoretical basis to turn the drug resistance in tumor cells.

Study on the apoptosis of Raji cell line induced by arsenic trioxide and its correlation with Survivin gene

Objective: To investigate the apoptosis induction by arsenic trioxide (As2O3) in Raji cells and its correlation with cell cycle arrest and expression of the Survivin gene. Methods: After Raji cells were treated with As2O3 in different concentrations (1, 2, 4 and 8 μM), for 24, 48 and 72 h, respectively, and cell proliferation was tested by MTT assay. Apoptosis was observed with electron microscope and DNA electrophoresis. The distribution of cell cycles and cell apoptosis were detected by flow cytometry. Expression of the Survivin gene was determined by real-time quantitative RT-PCR. Results: As2O3 (1–8 μM) inhibited Raji cells growth effectively in a dose- and time-dependent manner. As2O3 at 2–8 μM could induce cell apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. However, As2O3 (1 μM) inhibited Raji proliferation only by cell cycle arrest, without any symptoms of cell apoptosis. At the same time, Survivin gene expression was down-regulated after the treatment. Conclusion: As2O3 could induce substantial proliferation inhibition, cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in Raji cell. Cell cycle arrest might be a reason why apoptosis occurs. As2O3 can markedly down-regulate expression of the Survivin gene in a dose- and timedependent manner. The down-regulated Survivin gene might be leading to cell apoptosis by As2O3.

Antisense RNA of Survivin Gene Inhibits the Proliferation of Leukemia Cells and Sensitizes Leukemia Cell Line to Taxol-induced Apoptosis

The effects of survivin antisense RNA on proliferation of leukemia cell line HL-60 and taxol-induced chemotherapy was explored. A cDNA fragment of survivin obtained by RT-PCR was inserted into a plamid vector named pcDNA3 in the reverse direction. The vector encoding antisense RNA of survivin was confirmed by restriction enzyme digestion and DNA sequencing. The recombi-nant plasmid was delivered into HL-60 cells by electroporation. Growth curves were plotted based on cell counting. Trypan blue dye exclusion assay and MTT assay were carried out after the cells were incubated with taxol. DNA gel electrophoresis and nuclear staining were performed for cell apoptosis assay. The correct construction of the recombinant plasmid has been identified by restriction enzyme digestion and DNA sequencing. A stable down-regulation has been achieved in HL-60 SVVas cells after G418 selection. Compared to HL-60 cells, the proliferation of HL-60 SVVas cells was signifi-cantly inhibited (P<0.05). Cytotoxicity assays indicated that IC50 of HL-60 SVVas for taxol was rela-tively lower than controls (P<0.01). Apoptosis assays revealed that taxol-induced apoptosis was de-tected in HL-60 SVVas cells incubated with 50 ng/ml taxol for 12 h, while in HL-60 cells incubated with 100 ng/ml taxol for 72 h. It was suggested that Survivin antisense RNA could inhibit the prolif-eration of HL-60 cells and enhance taxol-induced apoptosis in HL-60 cells, which may lay an ex-perimental foundation for further research on gene therapy in leukemia.

Biotin-modified Galactosylated Chitosan-gene Carrier in Hepatoma Cells Targeting Delivery

Our previous studies have successfully grafted biotin and galactose onto chitosan(CS)and synthesized biotin modified galactosylated chitosan(Bio-GC).The optimum N/P ratio of Bio-GC and plasmid DNA was 3:1.At this N/P ratio,the transfection efficiency in the hepatoma cells was the highest with a slow release effect.Bio-GC nanomaterials exhibit the protective effect of preventing the gene from nuclease degradation,and can target the transfection into hepatoma cells by combination with galactose and biotin receptors.The transfection rate was inhibited by the competition of galactose and biotin.Bio-GC nanomaterials were imported into cells’cytoplasm by their receptors,followed by the imported exogenous gene transfected into the cells.Bio-GC nanomaterials can also cause inhibitory activity in the hepatoma cells in the model of orthotopic liver transplantation in mice,by carrying the gene through the blood to the hepatoma tissue.Taken together,bio-GC nanomaterials act as gene vectors with the activity of protecting the gene from DNase degradation,improving the rate of transfection in hepatoma cells,and transporting the gene into the cytoplasm in vitro and in vivo.Therefore,they are efficient hepatoma-targeting gene carriers.

Decoding Retinoblastoma: Differential Gene Expression

Background: Retinoblastoma, the most common intraocular pediatric cancer, presents complexities in its genetic landscape that necessitate a deeper understanding for improved therapeutic interventions. This study leverages computational tools to dissect the differential gene expression profiles in retinoblastoma. Methods: Employing an in silico approach, we analyzed gene expression data from public repositories by applying rigorous statistical models, including limma and de seq 2, for identifying differentially expressed genes DEGs. Our findings were validated through cross-referencing with independent datasets and existing literature. We further employed functional annotation and pathway analysis to elucidate the biological significance of these DEGs. Results: Our computational analysis confirmed the dysregulation of key retinoblastoma-associated genes. In comparison to normal retinal tissue, RB1 exhibited a 2.5-fold increase in expression (adjusted p Conclusions: Our analysis reinforces the critical genetic alterations known in retinoblastoma and unveils new avenues for research into the disease’s molecular basis. The discovery of chemoresistance markers and immune-related genes opens potential pathways for personalized treatment strategies. The study’s outcomes emphasize the power of in silico analyses in unraveling complex cancer genomics.

GST family genes in jujube actively respond to phytoplasma infection

Jujube witches’broom(JWB)caused by phytoplasma has a severely negative effect on multiple metabolisms in jujube.The GST gene family in plants participates in the regulation of a variety of biotic and abiotic stresses.This study aims to identify and reveal the changes in the jujube GST gene family in response to phytoplasma infection.Here,70 ZjGSTs were identified in the jujube genome and divided into 8 classes.Among them,the Tau-class,including 44 genes,was the largest.Phylogenetic analysis indicated that Tau-class genes were highly conserved among species,such as Arabidopsis,cotton,chickpea,and rice.Through chromosome location analysis,37.1%of genes were clustered,and 8 of 9 gene clusters were composed of Tau class members.Through RT-PCR,qRT-PCR and enzyme activity detection,the results showed that the expression of half(20/40)of the tested ZjGSTs was inhibited by phytoplasma infection in field and tissue culture conditions,and GST activity was also significantly reduced.In the resistant and susceptible varieties under phytoplasma infection,ZjGSTU49-ZjGSTU54 in the cluster IV showed opposite expression patterns,which may be due to functional divergence during evolution.Some upregulated genes(ZjGSTU45,ZjGSTU49,ZjGSTU59,and ZjGSTU70)might be involved in the process of jujube against JWB.The yeast two-hybrid results showed that all 6 Tauclass proteins tested could form homodimers or heterodimers.Overall,the comprehensive analysis of the jujube GST gene family revealed that ZjGSTs responded actively to phytoplasma infection.Furthermore,some screened genes(ZjGSTU24,ZjGSTU49-52,ZjGSTU70,and ZjDHAR10)will contribute to further functional studies of jujube-phytoplasma interactions.

A review of the literature on the use of CRISPR/Cas9 gene therapy to treat hepatocellular carcinoma

Noncoding RNAs instruct the Cas9 nuclease to site speifillyl cleave DNA in the CRISPR/Cas9 system.Despite the high incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC),the patient's outcome is poor.As a result of the emergence of therapeutic resistance in HCC patients,dlinicians have faced difficulties in treating such tumor.In addition,CRISPR/Cas9 screens were used to identify genes that improve the dlinical response of HCC patients.It is the objective of this article to summarize the current understanding of the use of the CRISPR/Cas9 system for the treatment of cancer,with a particular emphasis on HCC as part of the current state of knowledge.Thus,in order to locate recent developments in oncology research,we examined both the Scopus database and the PubMed database.The ability to selectively interfere with gene expression in combinatorial CRISPR/Cas9 screening can lead to the discovery of new effective HCC treatment regimens by combining clinically approved drugs.Drug resistance can be overcome with the help of the CRISPR/Cas9 system.HCC signature genes and resistance to treatment have been uncovered by genome-scale CRISPR activation screening although this method is not without limitations.It has been extensively examined whether CRISPR can be used as a tool for disease research and gene therapy.CRISPR and its applications to tumor research,particularly in HCC,are examined in this study through a review of the literature.

Genetic mechanism of body size variation in groupers:Insights from phylotranscriptomics

Animal body size variation is of particular interest in evolutionary biology,but the genetic basis remains largely unknown.Previous studies have shown the presence of two parallel evolutionary genetic clusters within the fish genus Epinephelus with evident divergence in body size,providing an excellent opportunity to investigate the genetic basis of body size variation in vertebrates.Herein,we performed phylotranscriptomic analysis and reconstructed the phylogeny of 13 epinephelids originating from the South China Sea.Two genetic clades with an estimated divergence time of approximately 15.4 million years ago were correlated with large and small body size,respectively.A total of 180 rapidly evolving genes and two positively selected genes were identified between the two groups.Functional enrichment analyses of these candidate genes revealed distinct enrichment categories between the two groups.These pathways and genes may play important roles in body size variation in groupers through complex regulatory networks.Based on our results,we speculate that the ancestors of the two divergent groups of groupers may have adapted to different environments through habitat selection,leading to genetic variations in metabolic patterns,organ development,and lifespan,resulting in body size divergence between the two locally adapted populations.These findings provide important insights into the genetic mechanisms underlying body size variation in groupers and species differentiation.

The concept of gene therapy for glaucoma:the dream that has not come true yet

Gene therapies,despite of being a relatively new therapeutic approach,have a potential to become an important alternative to current treatment strategies in glaucoma.Since glaucoma is not considered a single gene disease,the identified goals of gene therapy would be rather to provide neuroprotection of retinal ganglion cells,especially,in intraocular-pressure-independent manner.The most commonly reported type of vector for gene delivery in glaucoma studies is adeno-associated virus serotype 2 that has a high tro pism to retinal ganglion cells,res ulting in long-term expression and low immunogenic profile.The gene thera py studies recruit inducible and genetic animal models of optic neuropathy,like DBA/2J mice model of high-tension glaucoma and the optic nerve crush-model.Reported gene therapy-based neuroprotection of retinal ganglion cells is targeting specific genes translating to growth factors(i.e.,brain derived neurotrophic factor,and its receptor TrkB),regulation of apoptosis and neurodegeneration(i.e.,Bcl-xl,Xiap,FAS system,nicotinamide mononucleotide adenylyl transferase 2,Digit3 and Sarm1),immunomodulation(i.e.,Crry,C3 complement),modulation of neuroinflammation(i.e.,e rythropoietin),reduction of excitotoxicity(i.e.,Com KIlα)and transcription regulation(i.e.,Max,Nrf2).On the other hand,some of gene therapy studies focus on lowering intra ocular pressure,by impacting genes involved in both,decreasing aqueous humor production(i.e.,aquaporin 1),and increasing outflow facility(i.e.,COX2,prostaglandin F2a receptor,RhoA/RhoA kinase signaling pathway,MMP1,Myocilin).The goal of this review is to summarize the current stateof-art and the direction of development of gene therapy strategies for glaucomatous neuropathy.