Osteopontin promotes gastric cancer progression via phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin signaling pathway

BACKGROUND Gastric cancer(GC)is one of the most common malignant tumors.Osteopontin(OPN)is thought to be closely related to the occurrence,metastasis and prognosis of many types of tumors.AIM To investigate the effects of OPN on the proliferation,invasion and migration of GC cells and its possible mechanism.METHODS The mRNA and protein expression of OPN in the GC cells were analyzed by realtime quantitative-reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and western blotting,and observe the effect of varying degree expression OPN on the proliferation and other behaviors of GC.Next,the effects of OPN knockdown on GC cells migration and invasion were examined.The short hairpin RNA(shRNA)and negative control shRNA targeting OPN-shRNA were transfected into the cells according to the manufacturer’s instructions.Non transfected cells were classified as control in the identical transfecting process.24 h after RNA transfection cell proliferation activity was detected by 3-(4,5)-dimethylthiahiazo(-z-y1)-3,5-diphenytetrazoliumromide assay,and cell invasiveness and migration were detected by Trans well assay.Meanwhile,the expression of protein kinase B(AKT),matrix metalloproteinase 2(MMP-2)and vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)in the human GC cell lines was detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and western blotting.RESULTS The results of this study revealed that OPN mRNA and protein expression levels were highly expressed in SGC-7901 cells.OPN knockdown by specific shRNA noticeably reduced the capabilities of proliferation,invasion and migration of SGC-7901 cells.Moreover,in the experiments of investigating the underlying mechanism,results showed that OPN knockdown could down-regulated the expression of MMP-2 and VEGF,it also decreased the phosphorylation of AKT.Meanwhile,the protein expression levels of MMP-2,VEGF and phosphorylated AKT was noticeable lower than that in control group in the GC cells after they were added to phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase(PI3K)inhibitor(LY294002).CONCLUSION These results suggested that OPN though PI3K/AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin signal pathway to upregulate MMP-2 and VEGF expression,which contribute SGC-7901 cells to proliferation,invasion and migration.Thus,our results demonstrate that OPN may serve as a novel prognostic biomarkers as well as a potential therapeutic targets for GC.

Influence of electroacupuncture on mitogen-activated protein kinase signal transduction in a rat model of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion

Following electroacupuncture at Baihui （DU 20） and Dazhui （DU 14） in a rat model of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion, extracellular-signal-regulated kinase expression in cerebral cortex and corpus striatum, serum glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase activity, and serum glutathione content were elevated, and neurobehavioral scores improved. However, these effects were antagonized by mitogen-activated protein kinase inhibitor PD98059. Results indicated that electroacupuncture reversed free radical chain reactions and oxidative stress injury caused by cerebral ischemia/reperfusion, thereby providing neuroprotection. This process could correlate with the mitogen-activated protein kinase signal transduction pathway.

Protective effects of panax notoginseng saponin on dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis in rats through phosphoinositide-3-kinase protein kinase B signaling pathway inhibition

BACKGROUND Intestinal inflammation is a common digestive tract disease, which is usually treated with hormone medicines. Hormone medicines are effective to some extent, but long-term use of them may bring about many complications.AIM To explore the protective effects of panax notoginseng saponin(PNS) against dextran sulfate sodium(DSS)-induced intestinal inflammatory injury through phosphoinositide-3-kinase protein kinase B(PI3K/AKT) signaling pathway inhibition in rats.METHODS Colitis rat models were generated via DSS induction, and rats were divided into control(no modeling), DSS, DSS + PNS 50 mg/k, and DSS + PNS 100 mg/kg groups. Then, the intestinal injury, oxidative stress parameters, inflammatory indices, tight junction proteins, apoptosis, macrophage polarization, and TLR4/AKT signaling pathway in colon tissues from rats in each of the groups were detected. The PI3 K/AKT signaling pathway in the colon tissue of rats was blocked using the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway inhibitor, LY294002.RESULTS Compared with rats in the control group, rats in the DSS group showed significantly shortened colon lengths, and significantly increased disease activity indices, oxidative stress reactions and inflammatory indices, as well as significantly decreased expression of tight junction-associated proteins. In addition, the DSS group showed significantly increased apoptotic cell numbers,and showed significantly increased M1 macrophages in spleen and colon tissues.They also showed significantly decreased M2 macrophages in colon tissues, as well as activation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway(all P < 0.05). Compared with rats in the DSS group, rats in the DSS + PNS group showed significantly lengthened colon lengths, decreased disease activity indices, and significantly alleviated oxidative stress reactions and inflammatory responses. In addition, this group showed significantly increased expression of tight junction-associated proteins, significantly decreased apoptotic cell numbers, and significantly decreased M1 macrophages in spleen and colon tissues. This group further showed significantly increased M2 macrophages in colon tissues, and significantly suppressed activation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, as well as a dose dependency(all P < 0.05). When the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway was inhibited, the apoptosis rate of colon tissue cells in the DSS + LY294002 group was significantly lower than that of the DSS group(P < 0.05).CONCLUSION PNS can protect rats against DSS-induced intestinal inflammatory injury by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, and therefore may be potentially used in the future as a drug for colitis.

Mitogen activated protein kinase signaling pathways participate in the active principle region of Buyang Huanwu decoction-induced differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells

Our preliminary studies confirmed that an active principle region of Buyang Huanwu decoction, comprising alkaloid, polysaccharide, aglycon, glucoside and volatile oil, can induce bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell differentiation into neurons. Mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling was identified as one of the key pathways underlying this differentiation process. The present study shows phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase and phosphorylated p38 protein expression was increased after differentiation. Cellular signaling pathway blocking agents, PD98059 and SB203580, inhibited extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase and p38 in mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathways respectively, mRNA and protein expression of the neuronal marker, neuron specific enolase, and neural stem cell marker, nestin, were decreased in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells after treatment with the active principle region of Buyang Huanwu decoction. Experimental findings indicate that, extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase and p38 in mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathways participate in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell differentiation into neuron-like cells, induced by the active principle region of Buyang Huanwu decoction.

Telencephalin protects PAJU cells from amyloid beta protein-induced apoptosis by activating the ezrin/radixin/moesin protein family/phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B pathway

Telencephalin is a neural glycoprotein that reduces apoptosis induced by amyloid beta protein in the human neural tumor cell line PAJU. In this study, we examined the role of the ezrin/radixin/moesin protein family/phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B pathway in this process. Western blot analysis demonstrated that telencephalin, phosphorylated ezrin/radixin/moesin and phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B were not expressed in PAJU cells transfected with empty plasmid, while they were expressed in PAJU cells transfected with a telencephalin expression plasmid. After treatment with 1.0 nM amyloid beta protein 42, expression of telencephalin and phosphorylated phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B in the transfected cells gradually diminished, while levels of phosphorylated ezrin/radixin/moesin increased. In addition, the high levels of telencephalin, phosphorylated ezrin/radixin/moesin and phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B expression in PAJU cells transfected with a telencephalin expression plasmid could be suppressed by the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase inhibitor LY294002. These findings indicate that telencephalin activates the ezrin/radixin/moesin family/phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B pathway and protects PAJU cells from amyloid beta protein-induced apoptosis.

EEF1A1对急性心肌梗死模型大鼠心肌细胞凋亡及Notch/AKT转导途径的影响

目的:探讨人类真核翻译延长因子(EEF1A1)对急性心肌梗死(AMI)模型大鼠心肌细胞凋亡及Notch/蛋白激酶B(AKT)转导途径的影响。方法:将30只SD雄性大鼠随机分为假手术组、模型组、干预组,每组10只,模型组、干预组于冠状动脉左前降支结扎建立AMI大鼠模型,对照组仅手术穿线处理不结扎。建模后24 h干预组于心肌梗死区原位注射EEF1A1腺病毒,模型组、对照组注射等量生理盐水。干预72 h后,心脏彩超测定大鼠心功能,采用脱氧核糖核苷酸末端转移酶介导的缺口末端标记(TUNEL)染色法评估心肌细胞凋亡,2,3,5-氯化三苯基四氮唑(TCC)染色法评估心肌梗死面积,采用实时定量聚合酶链式反应(RT-PCR)法测定EEF1A1 mRNA表达量,蛋白免疫印迹法(Western Blot)检测心肌组织EEF1A1蛋白以及Notch/AKT信号通路相关蛋白表达情况。结果:干预前,模型组、干预组左室射血分数(LVEF)明显低于假手术组(P<0.05),而左心室收缩末期内径(LVESD)、左心室舒张末期内径(LVEDD)明显高于假手术组(P<0.05);干预后3 d后,干预组LVEDD、LVESD明显降低,而LVEF明显增加,模型组LVEDD、LVESD明显增加,而LVEF明显降低,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。干预组心肌组织EEF1A1蛋白及mRNA表达水平高于假手术组、模型组(P<0.05),而模型组心肌组织EEF1A1蛋白及mRNA表达水平高于假手术组(P<0.05)。干预组心肌梗死面积小于模型组(P<0.05)。干预组心肌细胞凋亡率明显高于假手术组(P<0.05),明显低于模型组(P<0.05)。干预组Notch1、Hes1、磷酸化AKT(p-AKT)/AKT相关蛋白表达明显高于模型组、假手术组,模型组Notch1、Hes1、p-AKT/AKT相关蛋白表达均明显高于假手术组(P<0.05)。结论:EEF1A1可抑制AMI大鼠心肌细胞损伤、凋亡,缩小心肌梗死面积,改善心脏功能,其作用机制可能与上调Notch/AKT转导途径有关。

补阳还五汤通过调控PI3K/Akt、JAK2/STAT3信号促进BMSC趋化迁移对外伤性脊髓损伤大鼠神经元活性及认知功能的影响

目的研究补阳还五汤通过调控磷脂酰肌醇-3激酶/蛋白激酶B(PI3K/Akt)、内源性酪氨酸激酶(JAK)2/信号传导和转录启动因子(STAT)3信号促进骨髓间充质干细胞(BMSCs)趋化迁移对外伤性脊髓损伤大鼠的神经元活性及认知功能的影响。方法选取健康大鼠53只,随机分为健康组(健康大鼠常规饲养)、损伤组(建立脊髓损伤模型)、干预组(补阳还五汤治疗)、对照组(甲泼尼龙治疗),每组12只,剩余5只大鼠用于补阳还五汤含药血清制备。流式细胞术鉴定BMSCs细胞。Transwell小室法测大鼠BMSCs迁移。高架十字迷宫和Morris水迷宫实验检测大鼠认知功能。苏木素-伊红(HE)染色检测脊髓组织病理形态。TUNEL测脊髓组织神经细胞凋亡。免疫组化检测p-JAK2、p-STAT3。Western印迹测PI3K、p-PI3K、Akt、p-Akt。结果传代后的培养细胞呈旋窝状或放射状贴壁生长,细胞多呈星形、梭形或三角状,培养3代后,细胞贴壁加快、形态均一,呈旋窝状或单层放射状生长。培养细胞表面抗原CD29、CD90为阳性,CD31、CD45为阴性,提示其为BMSCs细胞。与健康组相比,损伤组总路程、进入开臂次数、穿越平台次数显著降低,不同时间的潜伏期显著升高(P<0.05)。与损伤组相比,干预组与对照组总路程、进入开臂次数、穿越平台次数显著升高,不同时间的潜伏期显著降低(P<0.05)。干预组与对照组各指标对比无统计学差异(P>0.05)。健康组脊髓组织结构完整。损伤组脊髓组织疏松水肿,有细胞空泡变性产生。相较于损伤组,干预组与对照组大鼠脊髓组织病理形态有所改善。与健康组相比,损伤组BMSCs、PI3K、Akt、p-PI3K、p-Akt显著降低,神经细胞凋亡率、p-JAK2、p-STAT3显著升高(P<0.05)。与损伤组相比,干预组BMSCs、PI3K、Akt、p-PI3K、p-Akt显著升高,神经细胞凋亡率、p-JAK2、p-STAT3显著降低(P<0.05)。干预组与对照组各指标水平无统计学差异(P>0.05)。结论补阳还五汤通过激活PI3K/Akt通路抑制JAK2/STAT3信号通路的激活,促进BMSCs的迁移,减轻神经细胞的凋亡,起到神经保护的作用,从而改善脊髓损伤大鼠的认知功能。

Effect of cigarette smoke extract on lipopolysaccharide-activated mitogen-activated protein kinase signal transduction pathway in cultured cells

Background Lipopolysaccharide （LPS） forms outer membrane of the wall of Gram-negative cells. LPS can directly cause damage to epithelia of respiratory tract and is the major factor responsible for the chronic inflammation of respiratory passage. The mitogen-activated protein kinase （MAPK） signal transduction pathway of the airway epithelia is intimately associated with the action of LPS. The chronic inflammation of respiratory tract and smoking are interrelated and entwined in the development and progression of chronic lung diseases. This study was designed to examine the effects of cigarette smoke extract （CSE） and LPS on MAPK signal transduction pathway in order to further understand the roles CSE and LPS play in chronic lung inflammation. Methods Cultured primary human epithelial cells of airway were divided into four groups according to the stimulants used： blank control group, LPS-stimulation group, CSE-stimulation group and CSE plus LPS group. Western blotting was employed for the detection of phosphorylation level of extracellular-signal-regulated-kinase （ERK1/2）, p38 MAPK and c-Jun N-terminal kinase （JNK）. The expression of cytokines of MAPK transduction pathway （granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor （GM-CSF） and mRNA of IL-8） in the primary epithelial cells of respiratory tract was also determined. Results Western blotting revealed that the phosphorylation levels of ERK1/2, p38 MAPK and JNK were low and 2 hours after the LPS stimulation, the phosphorylation of ERK1/2, p38 MAPK and JNK were all increased. There was a significant difference in the phosphorylation between the LPS-stimulation group and blank control group （P〈0.05）; no significant difference was found between CSE-stimulation group and blank control group （P〉0.05）; there was a significant difference between CSE ＋ LPS group and blank control group and between CSE ＋ LPS group and LPS group （P〈0.05）. The phosphorylation of CSE-LPS group was higher than that of blank control group but lower than that of LPS group. In blank control group, the expression of IL-8 and GM-CSF mRNA was low in the epithelial cells of airway and the release of IL-8 and GM-CSF was also at a low level. One hour after LPS stimulation, the level of IL-8 mRNA increased （P〈0.05） and reached a peak after 2 hours. On the other hand, GM-CSF mRNA level increased 2 hours after the stimulation （P〈0.05） and reached the highest level 4 hours after the stimulation. Two hours after LPS stimulation, IL-8 and GM-CSF protein level began to rise （P〈0.05）, and the level was the highest 8 hours after the stimulation （P〈0.01）. Stimulation with CSE alone had no effect on the release of IL-8 and GM-CSF and expression of IL-8 mRNA （P〉0.05）, but pre-treatment with CSE could delay the LPS-induced release of IL-8 and GM-CSF and the expression of IL-8 mRNA and its peak was lower. Conclusions LPS stimulation can significantly increase the phosphorylation of ERK1/2, p38 MAPK and JNK in the epithelial cells of airway and activate the MAPK transduction pathway, thereby can activate the downstream signal transduction pathway, and can ultimately result in the release of cytokines by the epithelial cells of airway. CSE can partially abolish the LPS-induced activation of MAPK signal transduction pathway and the expression of cytokines of the pathway, which might contribute to the development and progression of the inflammatory reactions in COPD patients.

Adenosine triphosphate promotes locomotor recovery after spinal cord injury by activating mammalian target of rapamycin pathway in rats

The mammalian target of rapamycin （mTOR） pathway plays an important role in neuronal growth, proliferation and differentiation. To better understand the role of mTOR pathway involved in the induction of spinal cord injury, rat models of spinal cord injury were established by modified Allen＇s stall method and interfered for 7 days by intraperitoneal administration of mTOR activator adenosine triphosphate and mTOR kinase inhibitor rapamycin. At 1-4 weeks after spinal cord injury induction, the Basso, Beattie and Bresnahan locomotor rating scale was used to evaluate rat locomotor function, and immunohistochemical staining and western blot analysis were used to detect the expression of nestin （neural stem cell marker）, neuronal nuclei （neuronal marker）, neuron specific enolase, neurofilament protein 200 （axonal marker）, glial fibrillary acidic protein （astrocyte marker）, Akt, mTOR and signal transduction and activator of transcription 3 （STAT3）. Results showed that adenosine triphosphate-mediated Akt/mTOR/STAT3 pathway increased endogenous neural stem cells, induced neurogenesis and axonal growth, inhibited excessive astrogliosis and improved the locomotor function of rats with spinal cord injury.

Bornyl acetate extracted from Sharen(Fructus Amomi)inhibits proliferation,invasion and induces apoptosis by suppressing phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B signaling in colorectal cancer

OBJECTIVE:To investigate the antitumor effects of bornyl acetate(BA)isolated from Sharen(Fructus Amomi)in colorectal cancer(CRC)and the underlying mechanisms.METHODS:SW480 and HT29 cells were treated with increasing doses of BA in order to determine its antitumor effects in vitro.Cell viability,colony formation,cell cycle,and apoptosis as well as migration and invasion were assessed using various assays.In addition,the in vivo antitumor effects of BA were assessed using a xenograft mouse model.We then assessed the mechanism of action of BA by conducting pathway activator-mediated rescue experiments and assessed the protein levels by Western blot analysis.RESULTS:BA showed anti-CRC tumor activities in vitro by suppressing cell proliferation and colony formation,inducing apoptosis,blocking cell cycle,and inhibiting migration and invasion.These effects were mediated via suppression of the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B(PI3K/AKT)pathway.In the tumor xenograft experiment,BA was found to repress tumor growth in vivo with low toxicity.CONCLUSIONS:The results demonstrated that BA exerts antitumor effects by suppressing the PI3K/AKT pathway,with low toxicity.Thus,BA might be a potential novel therapeutic agent for CRC.

Regulatory Effects of Zuogui Pill on Apoptosis of Follicles in Rats Injured by 60Co-γRays Based on PI3K/Akt/m TOR Signaling Pathway

[Objectives]To explore the protective effects of Zuogui Pill on ^(60)Co-γ-ray-induced premature aging of rats based on phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin(PI3K/Akt/mTOR)signaling pathway.[Methods]Sixty sexually mature female SD rats were irradiated with ^(60)Co-γ-ray(6.0 Gy,LD 40)for 24 h at one time.These rats were randomly divided into model group,Progynova group[0.18(g·kg)/d],Progynova[0.09(g·kg)/d]+Zuogui Pill high dose[23.625(g·kg)/d)]group,Zuogui Pill high dose[23.625(g·kg)/d)]group,Zuogui Pill medium dose[9.45(g·kg)/d)]group and Zuogui Pill low dose[4.725(g·kg)/d]group.The administration(once a day)lasted 21 d.The rat serum[follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH),luteinizing hormone(LH)and estradiol(E_(2))]were detected by Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).The morphological changes of ovary were observed by hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining.The apoptosis rate of granulosa cells was detected by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase(TdT)-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling(TUNEL).The protein expression of phosphorylated(p)-PI3K,p-Akt,p-mTOR,B-cell lymphoma-2(Bcl-2),and Bcl-2-associated X protein(Bax)in ovarian tissues were detected by Western blot.[Results]Compared with the normal group,the model group showed significant increase in the serum FSH(P<0.01),significant decrease in serum E_(2)(P<0.05),and decrease in the number of early follicles and luteum in the ovary(P<0.01).Besides,the apoptosis rate of granulosa cells increased significantly(P<0.01);the expression of p-PI3K,p-Akt,p-mTOR and Bcl-2 in ovarian tissue decreased significantly,while the expression of Bax increased significantly(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,the number of early follicles in the ovary increased and the apoptosis rate of granulosa cells decreased after intervention in each administration group.In addition,the protein expressions of p-PI3K,p-Akt,p-mTOR and Bcl-2 increased,while the expression of Bax decreased,especially in Progynova+Zuogui Pill high dose group,the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05,P<0.01).[Conclusions]Zuogui Pill may protect the radiation-injured ovary through activating the expression of PI3K/Akt/mTOR protein in ovarian tissue,increasing the amount of Bcl-2 protein and inhibiting the expression of Bax protein.

沉默Notch3表达对前列腺癌细胞侵袭能力的影响及机制

目的探讨靶向沉默Notch3表达对前列腺癌PC-3细胞侵袭能力的影响及机制。方法体外培养前列腺癌PC-3细胞,Notch3 siRNA转染前列腺癌PC-3细胞,RT-PCR及蛋白免疫印迹试验(Western blot)验证转染效果;Transwell小室法检测转染前后细胞侵袭能力的改变;Western blot检测转染后对细胞EMT相关通路蛋白(E-cadherin、ZO-1、Vimentin)及PI3K/Akt通路相关蛋白(PI3K、p-PI3K、Akt、p-Akt)表达的影响。结果Notch3 siRNA转染后,前列腺癌PC-3细胞mRNA和Notch3蛋白表达均显著降低,同时细胞侵袭能力降低,细胞MMP-9蛋白表达下调,上皮标志物E-cadherin、ZO-1蛋白表达上调,间质标志物Vimentin蛋白表达下调;细胞总的PI3K和Akt表达水平无明显改变,而p-PI3K和p-Akt表达水平降低。结论Notch3 siRNA转染沉默前列腺癌PC-3细胞Notch3表达后可显著抑制细胞侵袭能力,其机制可能是通过阻滞前列腺癌细胞PI3K/Akt通路,继而抑制细胞EMT,提示Notch3可能成为前列腺癌治疗的潜在靶点。

Pingchuan formula(平喘方) improves allergic asthma in mice through inhibiting nuclear factor-kappa B/mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway

OBJECTIVE:To examine the role and decipher the mechanism of Pingchuan formula(平喘方,PCF)in treating allergic asthma.METHODS:The mice were treated with saline,dexamethasone(DXM)and PCF for 1 week after the asthma model was established and their respiratory function including respiratory resistance(RI),pulmonary dynamic compliance(Cdyn)and maximum voluntary ventilation(MVV)were measured.In addition,cellular changes in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF)and pathological changes in lung biopsy as well as the expression level ofα-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA),transforming growth factor-beta1(TGF-β1)in BALF and interleukin-5(IL-5),interleukin-13(IL-13),tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),interferon-γ(IFN-γ),nuclear factor-kappa B-p65(NF-κBp65),inhibitor-αof nuclear transcription factorκB(IκBα),p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase(p38 MAPK),c-jun n-terminal kinase(JNK)and its phosphorylated proteins in lung tissue were also examined and compared among different groups.RESULTS:Our data suggested that the respiratory functions were significantly improved and the pathological changes ameliorated in the DXM group and the PCF group compared to the model group.Both DXM and PCF effectively decreased the number of eosinophils,lymphocytes,and neutrophils in BAL as well as the secretion ofα-SMA and TGF-β1,IL-5,IL-13,while increased the expression of TNF-αand IFN-γ.Furthermore,our study indicated that the NF-κBp65,IκBα,p38 MAPK and JNK pathways were inhibited under the treatment of PCF.CONCLUSION:Our data indicated that PCF can attenuate the inflammatory response in asthma through inhibiting the NF-κB/MAPK signaling pathway.This study not only supported the use of PCF in allergic asthma in clinic but also shed light upon afurther understanding of the disease pathogenesis.

Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells modulate autophagy in RAW264.7 macrophages via the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B/heme oxygenase-1 signaling pathway under oxygen-glucose deprivation/restoration conditions

Background: Autophagy of alveolar macrophages is a crucial process in ischemia/reperfusion injury-induced acute lung injury (ALI). Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) are multipotent cells with the potential for repairing injured sites and regulating autophagy. This study was to investigate the influence of BM-MSCs on autophagy of macrophages in the oxygen-glucose deprivation/restoration (OGD/R) microenvironment and to explore the potential mechanism.Methods: We established a co-culture system of macrophages (RAW264.7) with BM-MSCs under OGD/R conditionsin vitro. RAW264.7 cells were transfected with recombinant adenovirus (Ad-mCherry-GFP-LC3B) and autophagic status of RAW264.7 cells was observed under a fluorescence microscope. Autophagy-related proteins light chain 3 (LC3)-I, LC3-II, and p62 in RAW264.7 cells were detected by Western blotting. We used microarray expression analysis to identify the differently expressed genes between OGD/R treated macrophages and macrophages co-culture with BM-MSCs. We investigated the gene heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), which is downstream of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) signaling pathway.Results: The ratio of LC3-II/LC3-I of OGD/R treated RAW264.7 cells was increased (1.27 ± 0.20vs. 0.44 ± 0.08,t = 6.67,P < 0.05), while the expression of p62 was decreased (0.77 ± 0.04vs. 0.95 ± 0.10,t = 2.90,P < 0.05), and PI3K (0.40 ± 0.06vs. 0.63 ± 0.10,t = 3.42,P < 0.05) and p-Akt/Akt ratio was also decreased (0.39 ± 0.02vs. 0.58 ± 0.03,t = 9.13,P < 0.05). BM-MSCs reduced the LC3-II/LC3-I ratio of OGD/R treated RAW264.7 cells (0.68 ± 0.14vs. 1.27 ± 0.20,t = 4.12,P < 0.05), up-regulated p62 expression (1.10 ± 0.20vs. 0.77 ± 0.04,t = 2.80,P < 0.05), and up-regulated PI3K (0.54 ± 0.05vs. 0.40 ± 0.06,t = 3.11,P < 0.05) and p-Akt/Akt ratios (0.52 ± 0.05vs. 0.39 ± 0.02,t = 9.13,P < 0.05). A whole-genome microarray assay screened the differentially expressed geneHO-1, which is downstream of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, and the alteration ofHO-1 mRNA and protein expression was consistent with the data on PI3K/Akt pathway.Conclusions: Our results suggest the existence of the PI3K/Akt/HO-1 signaling pathway in RAW264.7 cells under OGD/R circumstancesin vitro, revealing the mechanism underlying BM-MSC-mediated regulation of autophagy and enriching the understanding of potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of ALI.

Influence of Phosphatidylinositol-3-Kinase/Protein Kinase B-Mammalian Target of Rapamycin Signaling Pathway on the Neuropathic Pain Complicated by Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors for the Treatment of HIV Infection

Background： Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors （NRTIs） are the earliest and most commonly used anti-human immunodeficiency virus drugs and play an important role in high active antiretroviral therapy. However, NRTI drug therapy can cause peripheral neuropathic pain. In this study, we aimed to investigate the mechanisms ofrapamycin on the pain sensitization of model mice by in vivo experiments to explore the effect of mammalian target of rapamycin （mTOR） in the pathogenesis ofneuropathic pain caused by NRTIs. Methods： Male Kun Ming （KM） mice weighing 20-2 g were divided into control, 2 mg/kg rapamycin, 12 mg/kg stavudine, and CMC-Na groups. Drugs were orally administered to mice for 42 consecutive days. The von Frey filament detection and thermal pain tests were conducted on day 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, and 42 after drug administration. After the last behavioral tests, immunohistochemistry and western blotting assay were used for the measurement of mTOR and other biomarkers. Multivariate analysis of variance was used. Results： The beneficial effects ofrapamycin on neuropathic pain were attributed to a reduction in mammalian target of rapamycin sensitive complex 1 （mTORC1）-positive cells （70.80± 2.41 vs. 112.30 ± 5.66, F = 34.36, P 〈 0.01 ） and mTORC1 activity in the mouse spinal cord. Mechanistic studies revealed that Protein Kinase B （Akt）/mTOR signaling pathway blockade with rapamycin prevented the phosphorylation of mTORC1 in stavudine-intoxicated mice （0.72 ± 0.04 vs. 0.86 ± 0.03, F=4.24, P = 0.045）, as well as decreased the expression of phospho-pTOS6K （0.47 ± 0.01 vs. 0.68 ± 0.03, F=6.01, P = 0.022） and phospho-4EBP1 （0.90 ± 0.04 vs. 0.94 ± 0.06, F= 0.28, P = 0.646）. Conclusions： Taken together, these results suggest that stavudine elevates the expression and activity of mTORC1 in the spinal cord through activating the Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. The data also provide evidence that rapamycin might be useful for the treatment of peripheral neuropathic pain.

TopoisomeraseⅡalpha promotes gallbladder cancer proliferation and metastasis through activating phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin signaling pathway

Background:TopoisomeraseⅡalpha(TOP2A)has been reported to play a crucial role in the tumorigenesis of various cancer types.However,the biological role of TOP2A in gallbladder cancer(GBC)remains unknown.The current study aimed to explore the function and potential mechanism of TOP2A in GBC.Methods:Based on Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis data,we found TOP2A was significantly up-regulated in GBC tissues and resulting in shorter overall survival.Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry were conducted to detect the expression of TOP2A in 45 pairs of GBC tissues and adjacent non-tumor tissues.In vitro,cell proliferation,migration,and invasion ability were examined by cell counting kit-8 and transwell assay,respectively.Epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT)related and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin(PI3K/Akt/mTOR)pathway-related markers were measured by Western blotting.Xenograft model assay was performed to evaluate the effect of TOP2A in vivo.Results:TOP2A was found up-regulated in GBC(tumor vs.normal,12.62 vs.0.34)and correlated with the late tumor node metastasis stage(P=0.0032),present of lymph node metastasis(P=0.0273),and poor prognosis in GBC patients(log-rank P=0.028).In vitro and in vivo assays showed that knockdown of TOP2A notably inhibited cell proliferation,migration,invasion,EMT process,and tumor growth in GBC.In addition,TOP2A down-regulation significantly decreased the protein levels of phosphor(p)-PI3K,p-Akt,and p-mTOR.Conclusion:Our study demonstrates that TOP2A was overexpressed in GBC and associated with poor prognosis in GBC patients.TOP2A promotes GBC cell proliferation,migration,invasion,EMT process,and tumor growth through activating PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway,and may serve as a novel prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for GBC.

蛋白激酶B及其在磷脂酰肌醇3-激酶介导的信号转导中的作用

蛋白激酶B(PKB)是原癌基因c akt的表达产物 ,它参与由生长因子激活的经磷脂酰肌醇 3 激酶 (PI3K)介导的信号转导过程。与许多蛋白激酶相似 ,PKB分子具有一特殊的AH/PH结构域 (AH/PHdomain) ,后者能介导信号分子间的相互作用。PKB是PI3K直接的靶蛋白。PI3K产生的脂类第二信使PI 3,4, P2 和PI 3,4,5 P3等均能与PKB和磷酸肌醇依赖性蛋白激酶 (PDK)的AH/PH结构域结合 ,使二者转位于质膜上并活化。PDK也能使PKB磷酸化而激活 ,激活的PKB又进一步激活抗细胞凋亡机制、葡萄糖代谢 (糖原合成、糖酵解及葡萄糖的摄取 )及蛋白质合成等过程 。

植物CBL基因家族的研究进展

细胞中游离的Ca2+是植物细胞中普遍存在的第二信使,类钙调神经素B亚基蛋白CBL作为一种特殊的钙感受器在植物生长发育和逆境胁迫响应过程中发挥重要作用。本文主要对植物CBL家族的起源与进化、蛋白结构、亚细胞定位以及CBL的功能进行综述,并对今后钙感受器CBL家族的研究重点和发展方向进行了展望。

PI3K/PKB信号转导通路在重症急性胰腺炎胰腺损伤中的作用

目的探讨磷脂酰肌醇3激酶/蛋白激酶B(PI3K/PKB)信号转导通路对重症急性胰腺炎胰腺损伤的作用。方法健康成年雄性SD大鼠30只,随机分为对照组、SAP组(S组)和SAP+wort-mannin(S+W)组,每组10只。胆胰管内逆行注射法制作SAP模型。制模6h后取胰腺组织,检测各组含水量、MPO水平及病理改变;采用酶联免疫吸附法(ELISA)及RT-PCR技术检测胰腺组织TNF-α和IL-1β的蛋白及mRNA的变化、蛋白印迹(WesternBlot)法检测p-PKB的活性变化。结果制模6h后S组和S+W组较对照组胰腺组织含水量增加(P<0.01),MPO水平明显升高(P<0.01);病理学发现胰腺明显出血、坏死和炎性细胞浸润;胰腺组织TNF-α和IL-1β的蛋白及mRNA水平明显增加(P<0.01),p-PKB水平明显升高(P<0.01)。S+W组较S组胰腺组织水肿及病理改变减轻(P<0.01)、MPO水平降低(P<0.01),同时TNF-α和IL-1β的蛋白含量及mRNA表达减少(P<0.01),p-PKB水平降低(P<0.01)。结论PI3K/PKB信号传导通路被激活是重症急性胰腺炎胰腺损伤的重要发病机制之一。

B类1型清道夫受体表达调控与信号转导通路

B类1型清道夫受体(scavenger receptor class Btype1,SR-B1)是一种与清道夫受体CD36具有高度同源性的膜糖蛋白,其表达相对广泛且有着众多生物学作用.体内外多种因素可从转录或转录后水平对SR-B1表达进行调控:PPARα/γ激动剂、部分LXR激动剂、LH/HCG、雌激素等能上调SR-B1的表达;维生素E、INFα、脂多糖、IGF-1、胆酸、PXR激动剂及高糖水平等能下调SR-B1的表达;而血管紧张素Ⅱ则可对SR-B1的表达进行双向调节,且它们具体的调节机制复杂.SR-B1作为一种具有多配体结合特性的膜受体,不同配体与其结合后可介导细胞内不同信号事件及生物学效应,如介导HDL激活细胞内PI3K/Akt及MAPK信号途径,增加内皮型一氧化氮合酶的磷酸化、促进内皮细胞迁移与内皮重构.此外,非HDL类配体如LDL激活p38MAPK途径、凋亡细胞、血清淀粉样蛋白A等激活胞内MAPK途径均可由SR-B1介导.本文对近年来B类1型清道夫受体表达调控机制及信号转导通路的相关研究进行综述.