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.

Identification of hub genes associated with Helicobacter pylori infection and type 2 diabetes mellitus:A pilot bioinformatics study

BACKGROUND Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)infection is related to various extragastric diseases including type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM).However,the possible mechanisms connecting H.pylori infection and T2DM remain unknown.AIM To explore potential molecular connections between H.pylori infection and T2DM.METHODS We extracted gene expression arrays from three online datasets(GSE60427,GSE27411 and GSE115601).Differentially expressed genes(DEGs)commonly present in patients with H.pylori infection and T2DM were identified.Hub genes were validated using human gastric biopsy samples.Correlations between hub genes and immune cell infiltration,miRNAs,and transcription factors(TFs)were further analyzed.RESULTS A total of 67 DEGs were commonly presented in patients with H.pylori infection and T2DM.Five significantly upregulated hub genes,including TLR4,ITGAM,C5AR1,FCER1G,and FCGR2A,were finally identified,all of which are closely related to immune cell infiltration.The gene-miRNA analysis detected 13 miRNAs with at least two gene cross-links.TF-gene interaction networks showed that TLR4 was coregulated by 26 TFs,the largest number of TFs among the 5 hub genes.CONCLUSION We identified five hub genes that may have molecular connections between H.pylori infection and T2DM.This study provides new insights into the pathogenesis of H.pylori-induced onset of T2DM.

Increasingβ-hexosaminidase A activity using genetically modified mesenchymal stem cells

GM2 gangliosidoses are a group of autosomal-recessive lysosomal storage disorde rs.These diseases result from a deficiency of lysosomal enzymeβ-hexosaminidase A(HexA),which is responsible for GM2 ganglioside degradation.HexA deficiency causes the accumulation of GM2-gangliosides mainly in the nervous system cells,leading to severe progressive neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation.To date,there is no treatment for these diseases.Cell-mediated gene therapy is considered a promising treatment for GM2 gangliosidoses.This study aimed to evaluate the ability of genetically modified mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs-HEXA-HEXB)to restore HexA deficiency in Tay-Sachs disease patient cells,as well as to analyze the functionality and biodistribution of MSCs in vivo.The effectiveness of HexA deficiency cross-correction was shown in mutant MSCs upon intera ction with MSCs-HEXA-HEXB.The results also showed that the MSCs-HEXA-HEXB express the functionally active HexA enzyme,detectable in vivo,and intravenous injection of the cells does not cause an immune response in animals.These data suggest that genetically modified mesenchymal stem cells have the potentials to treat GM2 gangliosidoses.

Unilateral rNurr1-V5 transgene expression in nigral dopaminergic neurons mitigates bilateral neuropathology and behavioral deficits in parkinsonian rats withα-synucleinopathy

Parkinsonism by unilateral,intranigralβ-sitosterolβ-D-glucoside administration in rats is distinguished in that theα-synuclein insult begins unilaterally but spreads bilaterally and increases in severity over time,thus replicating several clinical features of Parkinson’s disease,a typicalα-synucleinopathy.As Nurr1 repressesα-synuclein,we evaluated whether unilateral transfected of rNurr1-V5 transgene via neurotensin-polyplex to the substantia nigra on day 30 after unilateralβ-sitosterolβ-D-glucoside lesion could affect bilateral neuropathology and sensorimotor deficits on day 30 post-transfection.This study found that rNurr1-V5 expression but not that of the green fluorescent protein(the negative control)reducedβ-sitosterolβ-D-glucoside-induced neuropathology.Accordingly,a bilateral increase in tyrosine hydroxylase-positive cells and arborization occurred in the substantia nigra and increased tyrosine hydroxylase-positive ramifications in the striatum.In addition,tyrosine hydroxylase-positive cells displayed less senescence markerβ-galactosidase and more neuron-cytoskeleton markerβIII-tubulin and brain-derived neurotrophic factor.A significant decrease in activated microglia(positive to ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1)and neurotoxic astrocytes(positive to glial fibrillary acidic protein and complement component 3)and increased neurotrophic astrocytes(positive to glial fibrillary acidic protein and S100 calcium-binding protein A10)also occurred in the substantia nigra.These effects followed the bilateral reduction inα-synuclein aggregates in the nigrostriatal system,improving sensorimotor behavior.Our results show that unilateral rNurr1-V5 transgene expression in nigral dopaminergic neurons mitigates bilateral neurodegeneration(senescence and loss of neuron-cytoskeleton and tyrosine hydroxylase-positive cells),neuroinflammation(activated microglia,neurotoxic astrocytes),α-synuclein aggregation,and sensorimotor deficits.Increased neurotrophic astrocytes and brain-derived neurotrophic factor can mediate the rNurr1-V5 effect,supporting its potential clinical use in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease.

Gene expression analysis of cytokines and MMPs in melatonin and rhBMP-2 enhanced bone remodeling

BACKGROUND In the medical and dental fields,there is a need for studies of new therapeutic approaches for the treatment of bone defects that cause extensive bone loss.Melatonin may be an important endogenous biological factor for bone remodeling,and growth factors may enhance the repair process.AIM To evaluate the gene expression of cytokines(IL-1β,IL-6,IL-10 and TNF-α),markers of osteoclastogenesis(RANK,RANKL and OPG)and MMPs(MMP-1,MMP-2,MMP-8 and MMP-13)from the treatment of melatonin associated with an osteogenic membrane and rhBMP-2 on the recovery of a bone injury.METHODS Sixty-four rats were used and divided into 9 experimental groups and were formed according to the treatment carried out in the region of the bone lesion,which varied between the combination of 1,10 and 100μmol/L of melatonin.Gene Expression analysis was performed using real time-PCR by reading the concentration of total RNA and reverse transcription.RESULTS There were differences between groups when compared with clot or scaffold control,and improvement with a higher concentration of melatonin or rhBMP-2.The combination melatonin(1μg)with 5μg of rhBMP-2,using the guided bone regeneration technique,demonstrated some effects,albeit mild,on bone repair of critical bone defects.CONCLUSION This indicates that the approach for administering these substances needs to be reassessed,with the goal of ensuring their direct application to the affected area.Therefore,future research must be carried out,seeking to produce materials with these ideal characteristics.

应用Minigene剪接变异体分析技术诊断PMM2基因非经典剪接位点新变异的致病性

目的:研究Minigene剪接变异体分析技术在诊断磷酸甘露糖变位酶2(PMM2)相关先天性糖基化障碍(PMM2-CDG)中的价值,探讨磷酸甘露糖变位酶2(PMM2)基因剪接位点新变异对其转录产物的影响。方法:通过对1例PMM2-CDG患儿进行高通量测序查找可能的遗传学病因,利用Minigene剪接变异体分析技术,研究PMM2基因新剪接位点变异的致病性。根据美国医学遗传学与基因组学学会(ACMG)指南,判断新变异的致病性。结果:遗传学分析发现患儿系PMM2基因母源性c.691G>A(p.Val231Met)变异和父源性c.447+5G>A变异复合杂合子。Minigene剪接变异体分析发现:变异c.447+5G>A导致PMM2基因转录产物形成r.348_447del转录本,为致病性PMM2基因变异。患儿的临床特征为皮肤巩膜黄染,血清总胆红素、非结合胆红素和总胆汁酸明显升高,白蛋白明显降低,甲胎蛋白、铁蛋白和促甲状腺素等升高,对症支持治疗效果欠佳。结论:Minigene剪接变异体分析可为PMM2-CDG确诊和家系遗传咨询提供新的分子标记物,扩展了PMM2基因变异谱,为该病的临床诊治提供新的参考依据。

Vanillylacetone attenuates cadmium chloride-induced hippocampal damage and memory loss through upregulation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 gene and protein expression

Memory loss and dementia are major public health concerns with a substantial economic burden.Oxidative stress has been shown to play a crucial role in the pathophysiology of hippocampal damage-induced memory impairment.To investigate whether the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound vanillyla cetone(zingerone) can protect against hippocampal damage and memory loss induced by cadmium chloride(CdCl_(2)) administration in rats,we explo red the potential involvement of the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2) signaling pathway,which is known to modulate oxidative stress and inflammation.Sixty healt hy male Wistar rats were divided into five groups:vehicle-treated(control),vanillylacetone,CdCl_(2),vanillylacetone+ CdCl_(2),vanillylacetone+ CdCl_(2)+ brusatol(a selective pharmacological N rf2inhibitor) groups.Vanillylacetone effectively attenuated CdCl_(2)-induced damage in the dental gyrus of the hippocampus and improved the memory function assessed by the Morris Water Maze test.Additionally,vanillylacetone markedly decreased the hippocampal tissue levels of inflammatory biomarkers(interleukin-6,tumor necrosis factor-α,intracellular cell adhesive molecules) and apoptosis biomarkers(Bax and cleaved caspase-3).The control and CdCl_(2)-treated groups treated with va nillylacetone showed reduced generation of reactive oxygen species,decreased malondialdehyde levels,and increased superoxide dismutase and glutathione activities,along with significant elevation of nuclear Nrf2 mRNA and protein expression in hippocampal tissue.All the protective effects of vanillylacetone we re substantially blocked by the co-administration of brusatol(a selective N rf2 inhibitor).Va nillylacetone mitigated hippocampal damage and memory loss induced by CdCl_(2),at least in part, by activating the nuclear transcription factor Nrf2.Additionally,vanillylacetone exerted its potent antioxidant and antiinflammatory actions.

To Analyze the Sensitivity of RT-PCR Assays Employing S Gene Target Failure with Whole Genome Sequencing Data during Third Wave by SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Variant

Introduction: Omicron is a highly divergent variant of concern (VOCs) of a severe acute respiratory syndrome SARS-CoV-2. It carries a high number of mutations in its spike protein hence;it is more transmissible in the community by immune evasion mechanisms. Due to mutation within S gene, most Omicron variants have reported S gene target failure (SGTF) with some commercially available PCR kits. Such diagnostic features can be used as markers to screen Omicron. However, Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) is the only gold standard approach to confirm novel microorganisms at genetically level as similar mutations can also be found in other variants that are circulating at low frequencies worldwide. This Retrospective study is aimed to assess RT-PCR sensitivity in the detection of S gene target failure in comparison with whole genome sequencing to detect variants of Omicron. Methods: We have analysed retrospective data of SARS-CoV-2 positive RT-PCR samples for S gene target failure (SGTF) with TaqPath COVID-19 RT-PCR Combo Kit (ThermoFisher) and combined with sequencing technologies to study the emerged pattern of SARS-CoV-2 variants during third wave at the tertiary care centre, Surat. Results: From the first day of December 2021 till the end of February 2022, a total of 321,803 diagnostic RT-PCR tests for SARS-CoV-2 were performed, of which 20,566 positive cases were reported at our tertiary care centre with an average cumulative positivity of 6.39% over a period of three months. In the month of December 21 samples characterized by the SGTF (70/129) were suggestive of being infected by the Omicron variant and identified as Omicron (B.1.1.529 lineage) when sequence. In the month of January, we analysed a subset of samples (n = 618) with SGTF (24%) and without SGTF (76%) with Ct values Conclusions: During the COVID-19 pandemic, it took almost more than 15 days to diagnose infection and identify pathogen by sequencing technology. In contrast to that molecular assay provided quick identification with the help of SGTF phenomenon within 5 hours of duration. This strategy helps scientists and health policymakers for the quick isolation and identification of clusters. That ultimately results in a decreased transmission of pathogen among the community.

Analysis of SMOC2 gene variants in familial and nonfamilial primary open angle glaucoma Pakistani patients

AIM:To find out the association of secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine(SPARC)-related modular calcium binding 2(SMOC2)gene variants rs2255680 and rs13208776 with genotypic and phenotypic characteristics in both familial and non-familial primary open angle glaucoma(POAG)patients.METHODS:A total of 212 POAG patients,comprising 124 familial and 88 non-familial,were enrolled.For genotyping the SMOC2 variant rs2255680,amplification refractory mutation system(ARMS)-polymerase chain reaction(PCR)method and PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism(PCR-RFLP)were utilized for analyzing rs13208776 variant.RESULTS:The mean age of familial POAG patients was 50.92±9.12y,with 78 males and 46 females.The mean age of non-familial POAG patients was 53.14±13.44y,with 52 males and 36 females.The SMOC2 gene variant rs13208776 showed the significant association with POAG between familial and non-familial groups.The homozygous G/G variant was frequent among non-familial(60.2%)whereas the heterozygous G/A variant was more frequent in familial POAG patients(46%).There were significant differences in G/A variant between familial and non-familial glaucoma patients,and the risk was decreased to 0.53-fold in non-familial glaucoma patients[odds ratio(OR):0.53;95%confidence interval(CI):0.29-0.94;P=0.033]in codominant model.The risk was further reduced to 0.49-fold(95%CI:0.28-0.86;P=0.012)in dominant model for non-familial patients.No significant association of SMOC2 gene variant rs2255680 between familial and non-familial glaucoma patients was found in our population.The haplotype analysis showed the decreased risk for TA[OR:0.48(95%CI:0.29-0.79);P=0.004]and an increased risk for TG[OR=2.28(95%CI:1.22-4.25);P=0.01]haplotypes.CONCLUSION:Current findings show significant association of SMOC2 gene variant rs13208776 with POAG between familial and non-familial Pakistani patients.

SCN2A基因突变相关癫痫患儿外周血miRNA-15a-5p表达变化及其与病情的关系

目的观察SCN2A基因突变相关癲痫患儿外周血miRNA-15a-5p水平变化,分析外周血miRNA-15a-5p相对表达量与SCN2A基因突变相关癲痫患儿病情的相关性。方法纳入同期住院癫痫患儿20例,其中SCN2A基因突变的癫痫患儿10例(突变组)、非SCN2A基因突变的癫痫患儿(非突变组)10例;突变组中,癫痫控制良好4例、难治性癫痫6例;SCN2A基因突变位点在钠离子通道的关键区6例、连接区4例。另择同期体检健康儿童10例作为对照组。采用qRT-PCR检测上述三组外周血miRNA-15a-5p。采用Spearman相关分析外周血miRNA-15a-5p水平与癫痫患儿病情的相关性。结果与非突变组和对照组相比,突变组患儿外周血miRNA-15a-5p相对表达量升高(P<0.001);在突变组中,与SCN2A基因突变位点在钠离子通道的连接区患儿相比,在关键区的患儿外周血miRNA-15a-5p表达升高,且表达量与突变位点是否在关键区相关(r=0.71,P<0.05)。与癫痫控制良好患儿相比,难治性癫痫患儿外周血miRNA-15a-5p相对表达量升高,且表达量与患儿病情相关(r=0.85,P<0.05)。结论SCN2A基因突变相关癫痫患儿外周血中miRNA-15a-5p相对表达量升高,其表达量高的癫痫患儿病情重。

Regulatory potential of soil available carbon,nitrogen,and functional genes on N_(2)O emissions in two upland plantation systems

Dynamic nitrification and denitrification processes are affected by changes in soil redox conditions,and they play a vital role in regulating soil N_(2)O emissions in rice-based cultivation.It is imperative to understand the influences of different upland crop planting systems on soil N_(2)O emissions.In this study,we focused on two representative rotation systems in Central China:rapeseed–rice(RR)and wheat–rice(WR).We examined the biotic and abiotic processes underlying the impacts of these upland plantings on soil N_(2)O emissions.The results revealed that during the rapeseed-cultivated seasons in the RR rotation system,the average N_(2)O emissions were 1.24±0.20 and 0.81±0.11 kg N ha^(–1)for the first and second seasons,respectively.These values were comparable to the N_(2)O emissions observed during the first and second wheat-cultivated seasons in the WR rotation system(0.98±0.25 and 0.70±0.04 kg N ha^(–1),respectively).This suggests that upland cultivation has minimal impacts on soil N_(2)O emissions in the two rotation systems.Strong positive correlations were found between N_(2)O fluxes and soil ammonium(NH_(4)^(+)),nitrate(NO_(3)^(–)),microbial biomass nitrogen(MBN),and the ratio of soil dissolved organic carbon(DOC)to NO_(3)^(–)in both RR and WR rotation systems.Moreover,the presence of the AOA-amoA and nirK genes were positively associated with soil N_(2)O fluxes in the RR and WR systems,respectively.This implies that these genes may have different potential roles in facilitating microbial N_(2)O production in various upland plantation models.By using a structural equation model,we found that soil moisture,mineral N,MBN,and the AOA-amoA gene accounted for over 50%of the effects on N_(2)O emissions in the RR rotation system.In the WR rotation system,soil moisture,mineral N,MBN,and the AOA-amoA and nirK genes had a combined impact of over 70%on N_(2)O emissions.These findings demonstrate the interactive effects of functional genes and soil factors,including soil physical characteristics,available carbon and nitrogen,and their ratio,on soil N_(2)O emissions during upland cultivation seasons under rice-upland rotations.

Pathogenesis of chronic enteropathy associated with the SLCO2A1 gene:Hypotheses and conundrums

Chronic enteropathy associated with the SLCO2A1 gene(CEAS)is a complex gastroenterological condition characterized by multiple ulcers in the small intestine with chronic bleeding and protein loss.This review explores the potential mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of CEAS,focusing on the role of SLCO2A1-encoded prostaglandin transporter OATP2A1 and its impact on prostaglandin E2(PGE2)levels.Studies have suggested that elevated PGE2 levels contribute to mucosal damage,inflammation,and disruption of the intestinal barrier.The effects of PGE2 on macrophage activation and Maxi-Cl channel functionality,as well as its interaction with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs play crucial roles in the progression of CEAS.Understanding the balance between its protective and pro-inflammatory effects and the complex interactions within the gastrointestinal tract can shed light on potential therapeutic targets for CEAS and guide the development of novel,targeted therapies.

Transglutaminase 2 serves as a pathogenic hub gene of KRAS mutant colon cancer based on integrated analysis

BACKGROUND Colon cancer is acknowledged as one of the most common malignancies worldwide,ranking third in United States regarding incidence and mortality.Notably,approximately 40%of colon cancer cases harbor oncogenic KRAS mutations,resulting in the continuous activation of epidermal growth factor receptor signaling.AIM To investigate the key pathogenic genes in KRAS mutant colon cancer holds considerable importance.METHODS Weighted gene co-expression network analysis,in combination with additional bioinformatics analysis,were conducted to screen the key factors driving the progression of KRAS mutant colon cancer.Meanwhile,various in vitro experiments were also conducted to explore the biological function of transglutaminase 2(TGM2).RESULTS Integrated analysis demonstrated that TGM2 acted as an independent prognostic factor for progression-free survival.Immunohistochemical analysis on tissue microarrays revealed that TGM2 was associated with an elevated probability of perineural invasion in patients with KRAS mutant colon cancer.Additionally,biological roles of the key gene TGM2 was also assessed,suggesting that the downregulation of TGM2 attenuated the proliferation,invasion,and migration of the KRAS mutant colon cancer cell line.CONCLUSION This study underscores the potential significance of TGM2 in the progression of KRAS mutant colon cancer.This insight not only offers a theoretical foundation for therapeutic approaches but also highlights the need for additional clinical trials and fundamental research to support our preliminary findings.

Identification of M2 macrophage-related genes for establishing a prognostic model in pancreatic cancer: FCGR3A as key gene

Background:Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma(PDAC)has a rich and complex tumor immune microenvironment(TIME).M2 macrophages are among the most extensively infiltrated immune cells in the TIME and are necessary for the growth and migration of cancers.However,the mechanisms and targets mediating M2 macrophage infiltration in pancreatic cancer remain elusive.Methods:The M2 macrophage infiltration score of patients was assessed using the xCell algorithm.Using weighted gene co-expression network analysis(WGCNA),module genes associated with M2 macrophages were identified,and a predictive model was designed.The variations in immunological cell patterns,cancer mutations,and enrichment pathways between the cohorts with the high-and low-risk were examined.Additionally,the expression of FCGR3A and RNASE2,as well as their association with M2 macrophages were evaluated using the HPA,TNMplot,and GEPIA2 databases and verified by tissue immunofluorescence staining.Moreover,in vitro cell experiments were conducted,where FCGR3A was knocked down in pancreatic cancer cells using siRNA to analyze its effects on M2 macrophage infiltration,tumor proliferation,and metastasis.Results:The prognosis of patients in high-risk and low-risk groups was successfully distinguished using a prognostic risk score model of M2 macrophage-related genes(p=0.024).Between the high-and low-risk cohorts,there have been notable variations in immune cell infiltration patterns,tumor mutations,and biological functions.The risk score was linked to the manifestation of prevalent immunological checkpoints,immunological scores,and stroma values(all p<0.05).In vitro experiments and tissue immunofluorescence staining revealed that FCGR3A can promote the infiltration or polarization of M2 macrophages and enhance tumor proliferation and migration.Conclusions:In this study,an M2 macrophage-related pancreatic cancer risk score model was established,and found that FCGR3A was correlated with tumor formation,metastasis,and M2 macrophage infiltration.

Main Agronomic Characters and Grain Quality of Rice Blast Resistance Gene Pi-d2 Transgenic Rice

[Objective] The aim of this study was to provide metabolic evidence for the analysis of the ecological and safety assessment of Pi-d2-transgenic rice.[Method] The main agronomic characters of Pi-d2-transgenic rice were observed in field experiment and the grain chemical characters and amino acid content were measured.[Results] Introduction of foreign gene Pi-d2 resulted in stably hereditable variation in agronomic characteristics in the descents.Most of the transgenic lines grew normally and orderly.Compared with the control（wild type plants）,about half of transgenic plants showed an increased or reduced plant height.There was no observable difference between transgenic plants and controls in tiller number,length of panicle,panicles per plant,seed-setting rate and 1 000-grain weight.Total amino acid content in transgenic rice was reduced,while the starch content,GC and GT were not altered in comparison with the control.[Conclusion] Introduction of foreign gene Pi-d2 has remarkable influence on plant height,while little on grain chemical characters.

Determination and Analysis of Mitochondrial ND2 Gene Sequence of Anas platyrhynchos

[Objective] The study was to analyze the phylogenesis of Anas platyrhynchos. [Method] Complete sequence of mitochondrial ND2 gene of 4 Anas platyrhynchos was determined by direct DNA sequencing based on PCR products. Combined with ND2 gene sequences of the Anas Linnaeus accessed in GenBank, phylogenetic tree was constructed by Neighbor-joining and maximum parsimony methods. [Result] The ND2 gene sequences of 4 Anas platyrhynchos were identical(1 041 bp in length; the nucleotide contents of A, G, T, and C were 28.91%, 13.35%, 20.75% and 36.98% respectively; A+T content approximated to that of C+G). Sequences of ND2 gene of mallard were same as spotbill duck, and had high homology with others. The phylogenetic trees indicated mallard and spotbilled duck were close in genetic relationship, both shared a haplotype; then Philippine duck, green-winged teal and northern pintail fell into branch ''A". [Conclusion] The domestic duck may be domesticated from mallard and spotbilled duck.

^(103)Pd-induced apoptosis of proliferative smooth muscle cells in bile ducts of dogs:significance and effects on related genes

BACKGROUND:With the objective of developing a locally- produced radioactive stent,the present study used in vivo animal experiments to explore apoptosis of proliferative smooth muscle cells resulting from facilitation of the expression of genes caused byγ-radiation in order to prevent bile duct restenosis.We therefore explored the effects and significance ofγ-radiation on the activity of caspase-3,Fas and Bcl-2 genes in apoptosis of proliferative smooth muscle cells in the bile duct walls of dogs. METHODS:Twelve dogs were randomly divided into 2 groups(6 in each group).A postinjury bile duct stenosis model was established and radioactive 103 Pd( 103 palladium) or ordinary bile duct stents were implanted into the bile ducts.HE staining,RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry were used to detect the proliferation and apoptosis of bile duct smooth muscle cells in proliferative endomembrane and the expression of related caspase-3,Bcl-2 and Fas genes. RESULTS:The expression of caspase-3 and Fas genes in the bile duct tissues of dogs with radioactive stents was higher than that of dogs with ordinary stents.There was significant apoptosis of proliferative smooth muscle cells in the bile ducts.The expression of the Bcl-2 gene in the bile duct tissues of dogs with radioactive stents was lower than that in those with ordinary stents.There was significant apoptosis of proliferative smooth muscle cells in the dogs with low Bcl-2 gene expression. CONCLUSIONS:Radiation increases the activity of caspase-3 and Fas genes and is associated with apoptosis. The radioactive 103 Pd stent may facilitate apoptosis of proliferative smooth muscle cells in the bile ducts of dogs by activating these genes.The Bcl-2 gene expression level is correlated with the occurrence of apoptosis and the radiosusceptibility of cells.

Expression,deleton and mnutation of ρ16 gene in human gastric cancer

AIM To investigate the relationship between the expression of p16 gene and the gastric carcinogenesis,depth of invasion and lymph node metastases, and to evaluate the deletion and mutation of exon 2 in p16 gene in gastric carcinoma.METHODS The expression of P16 protein was examined by streptavidin-peroxidase conjugated method (S-P); the deletion and mutation of p16 gene were respectively examined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and polymerase chain reaction single-strand conformation polymorphism analysis (PCR-SSCP) in gastric carcinoma.RESULTS Expression of P16 protein was detected in 96.25% (77/80) of the normal gastric mucosa, in 92.00% (45/50) of the dysplastic gastric mucosa and in 47.54% (58/122) of the gastric carcinoma. The positive rate of P16 protein expression in gastric carcinoma was significantly lower than that in normal gastric mucosa and dysplastic gastric mucosa (P＜0.05). The positive rate of P16 protein expression in mucoid carcinoma 10.00% (1/ 10) was significantly lower than that in poorly differentiated carcinoma 51.22% ( 21/ 41 ),undifferentiated carcinoma 57.69% (15/26) and signet ring cell carcinoma 62.50% (10/ 16) (P＜0.05). The positive rate of p16 protein in 30 cases paired primary and lymph node metastatic gastric carcinoma: There was 46.67% (14/30) in primary gastric carcinoma, 16.67% (5/30) in lymph node metastatic gastric carcinoma. The positive rate of lymph node metastatic carcinoma was significantly lower than that of primary carcinoma (P＜0.05). There was of p16 gene mutation in exon 2, but 5 cases displayed deletion of p16 gene in exon 2 in the 25 primary gastric carcinomas.CONCLUSIONS The expression loss of P16 protein related to the gastric carcinogenesis, gastric carcinoma histopathological subtypes and lymph metastasis. The mutation of p16 gene in exon 2 may not be involved in gastric carcinogenesis. But the deletion of p16 gene in exon 2 may be involved in gastric carcinogenesis.

Genetics of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: From susceptibility and nutrient interactions to management

Genetics plays an important role in determining the susceptibility of an individual to develop a disease. Complex, multi factorial diseases of modern day(diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension and obesity) are a result of disparity between the type of food consumed and genes, suggesting that food which does not match the host genes is probably one of the major reasons for developing life style diseases. Non-alcoholic fatty liver is becoming a global epidemic leading to substantial morbidity. While various genotyping approaches such as whole exome sequencing using next generation sequencers and genome wide association studies have identified susceptibility loci for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD) including variants in patatin-like phospholipase domain containing 3 and transmembrane 6 superfamily member 2 genes apart from others; nutrient based studies emphasized on a combination of vitamin D, E and omega-3 fatty acids to manage fatty liver disease. However majority of the studies were conducted independent of each other and very few studies explored the interactions between the genetic susceptibility and nutrient interactions. Identifying such interactions will aid in optimizing the nutrition tailor made to an individual's genetic makeup, thereby aiding in delaying the onset of the disease and its progression. The present topic focuses on studies that identified the genetic susceptibility for NAFLD, nutritional recommendations, and their interactions for better management of NAFLD.

PTEN knockdown with the Y444F mutant AAV2 vector promotes axonal regeneration in the adult optic nerve

The lack of axonal regeneration is the major cause of vision loss after optic nerve injury in adult mammals. Activating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway has been shown to enhance the intrinsic growth capacity of neurons and to facilitate axonal regeneration in the central nervous system after injury. The deletion of the mTOR negative regulator phosphatase and tensin homolog （PTEN） enhances regeneration of adult corticospinal neurons and ganglion cells. In the present study, we used a tyrosine-mutated （Y444F） AAV2 vector to efficiently express a short hairpin RNA （shRNA） for silencing PTEN expression in retinal ganglion cells. We evaluated cell survival and axonal regeneration in a rat model of optic nerve axotomy. The rats received an intravitreal injection of wildtype AAV2 or Y444F mutant AAV2 （both carrying shRNA to PTEN） 4 weeks before optic nerve axotomy. Compared with the wildtype AAV2 vector, the Y444F mutant AAV2 vector enhanced retinal ganglia cell survival and stimulated axonal regeneration to a greater extent 6 weeks after axotomy. Moreover,post-axotomy injection of the Y444F AAV2 vector expressing the shRNA to PTEN rescued ～19% of retinal ganglion cells and induced axons to regenerate near to the optic chiasm. Taken together, our results demonstrate that PTEN knockdown with the Y444F AAV2 vector promotes retinal ganglion cell survival and stimulates long-distance axonal regeneration after optic nerve axotomy. Therefore, the Y444F AAV2 vector might be a promising gene therapy tool for treating optic nerve injury.