Micro RNA-21 promotes phosphatase gene and protein kinase B/phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase expression in colorectal cancer

AIM: To explore the regulatory mechanism of the target gene of micro RNA-21(mi R-21), phosphatase gene(p TEN), and its downstream proteins, protein kinase B(AKT) and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(p I3K), in colorectal cancer(CRC) cells. METHODS: Quantitative real-time p CR(q RT-p CR) and Western blot were used to detect the expression levels of mi R-21 and p TEN in HCT116, HT29, Colo32 and SW480 CRC cell lines. Also, the expression levels of p TEN m RNA and its downstream proteins AKT and p I3 K in HCT116 cells after downregulating mi R-21 were investigated. RESULTS: Comparing the mi R-21 expression in CRC cells, the expression levels of mi R-21 were highest in HCT116 cells, and the expression levels of mi R-21 were lowest in SW480 cells. In comparing mi R-21 and p TEN expression in CRC cells, we found that the protein expression levels of mi R-21 and p TEN were inversely correlated(p < 0.05); when mi R-21 expression was reduced, m RNA expression levels of p TEN did not significantly change(p > 0.05), but the expression levels of its protein significantly increased(p < 0.05). In comparing the levels of p TEN protein and downstream AKT and p I3 K in HCT116 cells after downregulation of mi R-21 expression, the levels of AKT and p I3 K protein expression significantly decreased(p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: p TEN is one of the direct target genesof mi R-21. Thus, phosphatase gene and its downstream AKT and p I3 K expression levels can be regulated by regulating the expression levels of mi R-21, which in turn regulates the development of CRC.

Analysis of genes related to xylem cell wall development based on transcriptomics in Populus alba ‘Berolinensis’ tension wood

Populus alba‘Berolinensis’is a fast-growing,high-yielding species with strong biotic and abiotic stress resistance,and widely planted for timber,shelter belts and aesthetic purposes.In this study,molecular development is explored and the important genes regulating xylem forma-tion in P.alba‘Berolinensis’under artificial bending treat-ments was identified.Anatomical investigation indicated that tension wood(TW)was characterized by eccentric growth of xylem and was enriched in cellulose;the degree of ligni-fication was lower than for normal wood(NW)and oppo-site wood(OW).RNA-Seq-based transcriptome analysis was performed using developing xylem from three wood types(TW,OW and NW).A large number of differentially expressed genes(DEGs)were screened and 4889 counted.In GO and KEGG enrichment results,genes involved in plant hormone signal transduction,phenylpropanoid biosynthesis,and cell wall and secondary cell wall biogenesis play major roles in xylem development under artificial bending.Eight expansin(PalEXP)genes were identified from the RNA-seq data;four were differentially expressed during tension wood formation.Phylogenetic analysis indicated that PalEXLB1 belongs to the EXPB subfamily and that the other PalEXPs are members of the EXPA subfamily.A transcriptional regulatory network construction showed 10 transcription factors located in the first and second layers upstream of EXP,including WRKY,ERF and bHLH.RT‒qPCR analy-sis in leaves,stems and roots combined with transcriptome analysis suggests that PalEXPA2,PalEXPA4 and PalEXPA15 play significant regulatory roles in cell wall formation during tension wood development.The candidate genes involved in xylem cell wall development during tension wood formation marks an important step toward identifying the molecular regulatory mechanism of xylem development and wood property improvement in P.alba‘Berolinensis’.

Phosphatase and tensin homology deleted in chromosome 10,hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha gene expression in colorectal adenoma and adenocarcinoma and their relation to vascular endothelial growth factor protein expression

To examine phosphatase and tensin homology deleted in chromosome 10 (PTEN),hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1 alpha) gene expressions and their relation to vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF) protein expression in the patients with human colorectal adenomas and adenocarcinomas.Methods The expression of PTEN,HIF-1 alpha gene was detected by using in situ hybridization,and the VEGF expression levels by immunohistochemistry in colorectal adenomas and primary colorectal adenocarcinoma.Results Strong expression of HIF-1 alpha was detectable in the majority of colorectal dadenocarcinoma,particularly surrounding areas of necrosis in adenocarcinoma.PTEN,HIF-1 alpha mRNA and VEGF protein were positive in 51.6%,67.7% and 59.7% respectively in 62 cases of adenocarcinomas,and 77.8%,44.4% and 33.3% respectively in 18 cases of adenomas.The positive rate of VEGF was higher in the patients with colorectal adenocarcinomas than that in those with adenomas,whereas that of PTEN mRNA was contrary.HIF-1 mRNA expression was correlated significantly with lymph node metastasis,liver metastasis,Duke’s stage and recurrence.During colorectal tumor progression,the expression of HIF-1 alpha mRNA was positively correlated with the VEGF protein expression (χ2= 4.751 ,P<0.05),but negatively with the PTEN mRNA expression(χ2=21.84,P<0.01).Conclusion The absence or low expression of PTEN and the increased levels of HIF-1α and VEGF may paly an important role in carcinogenesis and progression of colorectal carcinoma.These results suggest that VEGF upregulated by HIF-1 alpha gene may be involved in angiogenesis of colorectal adenocarcinoma.4 refs,1 tab.

Yinchenhao decoction attenuates obstructive jaundice-induced liver injury and hepatocyte apoptosis by suppressing protein kinase RNA-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase-induced pathway

BACKGROUND Chronic biliary obstruction results in ischemia and hypoxia of hepatocytes,and leads to apoptosis.Apoptosis is very important in regulating the homeostasis of the hepatobiliary system.Endoplasmic reticulum(ER)stress is one of the signaling pathways that induce apoptosis.Moreover,the protein kinase RNA-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase(PERK)-induced apoptotic pathway is the main way;but its role in liver injury remains unclear.Yinchenhao decoction(YCHD)is a traditional Chinese medicine formula that alleviates liver injury and apoptosis,yet its mechanism is unknown.We undertook this study to investigate the effects of YCHD on the expression of ER stress proteins and hepatocyte apoptosis in rats with obstructive jaundice(OJ).AIM To investigate whether YCHD can attenuate OJ-induced liver injury and hepatocyte apoptosis by inhibiting the PERK-CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein homologous protein(CHOP)-growth arrest and DNA damage-inducible protein 34(GADD34)pathway and B cell lymphoma/leukemia-2 related X protein(Bax)/B cell lymphoma/leukemia-2(Bcl-2)ratio.METHODS For in vivo experiments,30 rats were divided into three groups:control group,OJ model group,and YCHD-treated group.Blood was collected to detect the indicators of liver function,and liver tissues were used for histological analysis.For in vitro experiments,30 rats were divided into three groups:G1,G2,and G3.The rats in group G1 had their bile duct exposed without ligation,the rats in group G2 underwent total bile duct ligation,and the rats in group G3 were given a gavage of YCHD.According to the serum pharmacology,serum was extracted and centrifuged from the rat blood to cultivate the BRL-3A cells.Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase mediated dUTP nick end-labelling(TUNEL)assay was used to detect BRL-3A hepatocyte apoptosis.Alanine aminotransferase(ALT)and aspartate transaminase(AST)levels in the medium were detected.Western blot and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR)analyses were used to detect protein and gene expression levels of PERK,CHOP,GADD34,Bax,and Bcl-2 in the liver tissues and BRL-3A cells.RESULTS Biochemical assays and haematoxylin and eosin staining suggested severe liver function injury and liver tissue structure damage in the OJ model group.The TUNEL assay showed that massive BRL-3A rat hepatocyte apoptosis was induced by OJ.Elevated ALT and AST levels in the medium also demonstrated that hepatocytes could be destroyed by OJ.Western blot or qRT-PCR analyses showed that the protein and mRNA expression levels of PERK,CHOP,and GADD34 were significantly increased both in the rat liver tissue and BRL-3A rat hepatocytes by OJ.The Bax and Bcl-2 levels were increased,and the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio was also increased.When YCHD was used,the PERK,CHOP,GADD34,and Bax levels quickly decreased,while the Bcl-2 levels increased,and the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio decreased.CONCLUSION OJ-induced liver injury and hepatocyte apoptosis are associated with the activation of the PERK-CHOP-GADD34 pathway and increased Bax/Bcl-2 ratio.YCHD can attenuate these changes.

Inhibiting SHP2 reduces glycolysis, promotes microglial M1 polarization, and alleviates secondary inflammation following spinal cord injury in a mouse model

Reducing the secondary inflammatory response, which is partly mediated by microglia, is a key focus in the treatment of spinal cord injury. Src homology 2-containing protein tyrosine phosphatase 2(SHP2), encoded by PTPN11, is widely expressed in the human body and plays a role in inflammation through various mechanisms. Therefore, SHP2 is considered a potential target for the treatment of inflammation-related diseases. However, its role in secondary inflammation after spinal cord injury remains unclear. In this study, SHP2 was found to be abundantly expressed in microglia at the site of spinal cord injury. Inhibition of SHP2 expression using siRNA and SHP2 inhibitors attenuated the microglial inflammatory response in an in vitro lipopolysaccharide-induced model of inflammation. Notably, after treatment with SHP2 inhibitors, mice with spinal cord injury exhibited significantly improved hind limb locomotor function and reduced residual urine volume in the bladder. Subsequent in vitro experiments showed that, in microglia stimulated with lipopolysaccharide, inhibiting SHP2 expression promoted M2 polarization and inhibited M1 polarization. Finally, a co-culture experiment was conducted to assess the effect of microglia treated with SHP2 inhibitors on neuronal cells. The results demonstrated that inflammatory factors produced by microglia promoted neuronal apoptosis, while inhibiting SHP2 expression mitigated these effects. Collectively, our findings suggest that SHP2 enhances secondary inflammation and neuronal damage subsequent to spinal cord injury by modulating microglial phenotype. Therefore, inhibiting SHP2 alleviates the inflammatory response in mice with spinal cord injury and promotes functional recovery postinjury.

Suppression of hepatic steatosis in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis model by modified Xiaoyao San formula:Evidence,mechanisms and perspective

In this letter,we comment on a recent publication by Mei et al,in the World Journal of Hepatology,investigating the hepatoprotective effects of the modified Xiaoyao San(MXS)formula in a male rat model of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis(NASH).The authors found that MXS treatment mitigated hepatic steatosis and inflam-mation in the NASH model,as evidenced by the reduction in lipid droplets(LDs),fibrosis markers and lipogenic factors.Interestingly,these hepatoprotective effects were associated with androgen upregulation(based on metabolomics analysis of male steroid hormone metabolites),adenosine 5’-monophosphate-activated protein kinase(AMPK)activation,and restoration of phosphatase and tensin homolog(PTEN)expression.However,the authors did not clearly discuss the relationships between MXS-induced hepatic steatosis reduction in the NASH model,and androgen upregulation,AMPK activation,and restoration of PTEN expression.This editorial emphasizes the reported mechanisms and explains how they act or interact with each other to reduce hepatic steatosis and inflammation in the NASH model.As a perspective,we propose additional mechanisms(such as autophagy/lipophagy activation in hepatocytes)for the clearance of LDs and suppression of hepatic steatosis by MXS in the NASH model.A proper understanding of the mechanisms of MXS-induced reduction of hepatic steatosis might help in the treatment of NASH and related diseases.

Rice bicoid-related cDNA sequence and its expression during early embryogenesis

Bicoid is one of the important Drosophila maternal genes involved in the control of embryo polarity and larvae segmentation. To clone and characterize the rice bicoid-related genes, one cDNA clone, Rb24 (EMBL accession number: AJ2771380), was isolated by screening of rice unmature seed cDNA library. Sequence analysis indicates that Rb24 contains a putative amino acid sequence, which is homologous to unique 8 amino acids sequence within Drosophila bicoid homeodomain (50% identity, 75% similarity) and involves a lys-9 in putative helix 3. Northern blot analysis of rice RNA has shown that this sequence is expressed in a tissue-specific manner. The transcript was detected strongly in young panicles, but less in young leaves and roots. This results are further confirmed with paraffin section in situ hybridization. The signal is intensive in rice globular embryo and located at the apical tip of the embryo, then, along with the development of embryo, the signal is getting reduced and transfers into both sides of embryo. The existence of bicoid-related sequence in rice embryo and the similarity of polar distribution of bicoid and Rb24 mRNA in early embryo development may implicates a conserved maternal regulation mechanism of body axis presents in Drosophila and in rice.

Axonal growth inhibitors and their receptors in spinal cord injury:from biology to clinical translation

Axonal growth inhibitors are released during traumatic injuries to the adult mammalian central nervous system, including after spinal cord injury. These molecules accumulate at the injury site and form a highly inhibitory environment for axonal regeneration. Among these inhibitory molecules, myelinassociated inhibitors, including neurite outgrowth inhibitor A, oligodendrocyte myelin glycoprotein, myelin-associated glycoprotein, chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans and repulsive guidance molecule A are of particular importance. Due to their inhibitory nature, they represent exciting molecular targets to study axonal inhibition and regeneration after central injuries. These molecules are mainly produced by neurons, oligodendrocytes, and astrocytes within the scar and in its immediate vicinity. They exert their effects by binding to specific receptors, localized in the membranes of neurons. Receptors for these inhibitory cues include Nogo receptor 1, leucine-rich repeat, and Ig domain containing 1 and p75 neurotrophin receptor/tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 19(that form a receptor complex that binds all myelin-associated inhibitors), and also paired immunoglobulin-like receptor B. Chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans and repulsive guidance molecule A bind to Nogo receptor 1, Nogo receptor 3, receptor protein tyrosine phosphatase σ and leucocyte common antigen related phosphatase, and neogenin, respectively. Once activated, these receptors initiate downstream signaling pathways, the most common amongst them being the Rho A/ROCK signaling pathway. These signaling cascades result in actin depolymerization, neurite outgrowth inhibition, and failure to regenerate after spinal cord injury. Currently, there are no approved pharmacological treatments to overcome spinal cord injuries other than physical rehabilitation and management of the array of symptoms brought on by spinal cord injuries. However, several novel therapies aiming to modulate these inhibitory proteins and/or their receptors are under investigation in ongoing clinical trials. Investigation has also been demonstrating that combinatorial therapies of growth inhibitors with other therapies, such as growth factors or stem-cell therapies, produce stronger results and their potential application in the clinics opens new venues in spinal cord injury treatment.

非小细胞肺癌组织EMSY、PIDD表达与同源重组修复基因的相关性及其临床意义

目的研究非小细胞肺癌(NSCLC)组织中EMSY转录抑制因子(EMSY)、p53诱导的死亡结构域蛋白1(PIDD)表达与同源重组修复基因表达的相关性及临床意义。方法选择2022年1月—2023年4月河北北方学院附属第一医院呼吸与危重症医学科诊治NSCLC患者80例。采用实时荧光定量PCR检测癌组织及癌旁组织中EMSY、PIDD表达与同源重组修复基因人乳腺癌易感基因1(BRCA1)、切除修复交叉互补基因1(ERCC1),核糖核苷酸还原酶亚单位1(RRM1)表达。Pearson相关分析EMSY、PIDD表达与同源重组修复基因表达的相关性;分析EMSY、PIDD表达与NSCLC临床病理相关参数的关系及在NSCLC诊断中的价值。结果NSCLC癌组织中EMSY、PIDD、BRCA1、ERCC1、RRM1 mRNA相对表达量均高于癌旁组织(t/P=30.176/<0.001,27.821/<0.001,25.075/<0.001,16.680/<0.001,25.610/<0.001)。NSCLC癌组织中EMSY、PIDD mRNA与BRCA1、ERCC1、RRM1 mRNA表达均呈正相关(r/P=0.654/<0.001,0.712/<0.001,0.584/<0.001;0.724/<0.001,0.661/<0.001,0.563/<0.001)。低分化程度、有淋巴结转移及TNM分期Ⅲ期NSCLC癌组织EMSY、PIDD mRNA表达分别显著高于高中分化程度、无淋巴结转移及TNM分期Ⅰ~Ⅱ期NSCLC癌组织(t/P=13.693/<0.001,13.380/<0.001,12.197/<0.001;10.289/<0.001,11.130/<0.001,9.405/<0.001)。EMSY、PIDD mRNA及两项联合诊断NSCLC的AUC分别为0.834、0.802、0.906,两项联合诊断的AUC大于单一指标(Z=4.751、5.257,P均<0.001)。结论EMSY、PIDD在NSCLC癌组织中表达升高,与同源重组修复基因表达及不良临床病理特征有关,两者联合有助于NSCLC的诊断。

β-紫罗兰酮通过NF-κB途径抑制乳腺癌细胞增殖

目的探讨β-紫罗兰酮(β-Ionone,BI)通过调节核因子-κB(Nuclear factor kappa-B,NF-κB)对乳腺癌细胞增殖过程的抑制作用及其可能的机制。方法采用亚甲基蓝(Methylene blue,MB)法和MTT法测定人乳腺癌BT549细胞和MCF-7细胞活性,孔雀石绿磷酸盐法检测蛋白磷酸酶2A(Protein phosphatase 2A,PP2A)活性、免疫印迹法检测磷酸化P65(p-P65)(s536和s311)、PP2A(A、B和C)和磷酸化共济失调毛细血管扩张突变基因(Phosphorylation-ataxia telangiectasia-mutated gene,p-ATM)(s1981)蛋白水平。结果BI可明显抑制人乳腺癌BT549细胞和MCF-7细胞的增殖,且呈时间和剂量依赖性,差异具有统计学意义(P<0.01)。MCF-7细胞经BI处理后,NF-κB活性被显著抑制,表现为磷酸化P65(s536和s311)的蛋白水平显著降低,PP2A的蛋白水平升高,差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05)。此外,BI还显著地降低PP2A抑制剂冈田酸(Okadaic acid,OA)对MCF-7细胞中P65蛋白和ATM蛋白的磷酸化作用。结论该研究表明BI通过抑制NF-κB活性来抑制乳腺癌细胞的增殖,其机制可能是BI通过增加PP2A活性调节NF-κB通路。

苦参碱调节RhoA-ROCK信号通路对冠心病模型大鼠Th17/Treg细胞平衡的影响

目的探讨苦参碱(Matrine)对冠心病(coronary heart disease,CHD)大鼠辅助T细胞17(helper T cell 17,Th17)/调节性T细胞(regulatory T cells,Treg)细胞平衡及Ras同源基因家族成员A(RhoA)-Rho相关的卷曲螺旋激酶(ROCK)信号通路的影响。方法建立冠心病模型,将实验大鼠分为对照组、模型组、苦参碱低剂量(50 mg·kg^(-1))组、苦参碱高剂量(200 mg·kg^(-1))组及苦参碱高剂量(200 mg·kg^(-1))+LPA组(10 mg·kg^(-1))。超声心动图进行大鼠心功能检测;酶联免疫吸附试验(enzyme linked immunosorbent assay,ELISA)法进行白细胞介素17(IL-17)、转化生长因子β(TGF-β)水平检测;流式细胞术检测Th17、Treg数量及Th17/Treg比值;免疫组化进行内皮型一氧化氮合酶(eNOS)、内皮素1(ET-1)蛋白表达水平检测;Masson染色进行大鼠心肌组织的病理形态变化观察;TTC染色检测各组大鼠心肌梗死情况;TUNEL染色进行心肌组织中细胞凋亡情况检测;试剂盒检测RhoA活性;Western Blot法进行半胱氨酸天冬氨酸蛋白酶3(Caspase-3)、B细胞淋巴瘤因子2(Bcl-2)、Bcl-2相关X蛋白(Bax)、RhoA、ROCK1、ROCK2蛋白表达水平检测。结果与对照组比较,模型组心肌组织有大量蓝色胶原纤维沉积,左室舒张末期容积(left ventricular end-diastolic volume,LVEDV)、左室收缩末期容积(left ventricular end-systolic volume,LVESV)、IL-17、Th17、Th17/Treg、ET-1、心肌梗死面积、细胞凋亡率、TUNEL阳性率、Bax、Caspase-3、RhoA活性、RhoA、ROCK1、ROCK2表达水平明显升高,左室射血分数(left ventricular ejection fraction,LVEF)、左室缩短分数(left ventricular shortening fraction,LVFS)、TGF-β、Treg、eNOS、Bcl-2表达水平明显降低(P<0.05)。与模型组比较,Matrine-L组、苦参碱高剂量组心肌组织蓝色胶原纤维逐渐减少,LVEDV、LVESV、IL-17、Th17、Th17/Treg、ET-1、心肌梗死面积、细胞凋亡率、TUNEL阳性率、Bax、Caspase-3、RhoA活性、RhoA、ROCK1、ROCK2表达水平依次明显降低,LVEF、LVFS、TGF-β、Treg、eNOS、Bcl-2表达水平依次明显升高(P<0.05)。与苦参碱高剂量组比较,苦参碱高剂量+LPA组心肌组织蓝色胶原纤维增多,LVEDV、LVESV、IL-17、Th17、Th17/Treg、ET-1、心肌梗死面积、细胞凋亡率、TUNEL阳性率、Bax、Caspase-3、RhoA活性、RhoA、ROCK1、ROCK2表达水平明显升高,LVEF、LVFS、TGF-β、Treg、eNOS、Bcl-2表达水平明显降低(P<0.05)。结论苦参碱通过抑制RhoAROCK信号通路调节Th17/Treg细胞平衡,改善冠心病大鼠心肌损伤。

人附睾蛋白4、磷酸酶张力蛋白同源物磷酸酶张力蛋白同源物、Ki-Ki-6767在卵巢癌中的表达及与患者临床特征和预后的关系

目的目的探讨人附睾蛋白4(HE4)、磷酸酶张力蛋白同源物(PTEN)、Ki-67在卵巢癌中的表达及与患者临床特征和预后的关系。方法方法选取83例卵巢癌患者和75例卵巢良性病变患者,分别作为卵巢癌组和卵巢良性病变组,比较两组患者及不同临床特征卵巢癌患者HE4、PTEN、Ki-67阳性表达情况。根据预后情况将卵巢癌患者分为预后良好组和预后不良组,采用Logistic回归模型分析卵巢癌患者预后的影响因素。结果结果卵巢癌组患者HE4、Ki-67阳性表达率均明显高于卵巢良性病变组,PTEN阳性表达率明显低于卵巢良性病变组,差异均有统计学意义(P﹤0.01)。不同分化程度、TNM分期、远处转移情况卵巢癌患者HE4、Ki-67、PTEN阳性表达率比较,差异均有统计学意义(P﹤0.05)。单因素分析结果显示,预后良好组(n=71)和预后不良组(n=12)患者分化程度、TNM分期、远处转移情况及HE4、PTEN、Ki-67表达情况比较,差异均有统计学意义(P﹤0.05)。多因素Logis-tic回归分析结果显示,分化程度、TNM分期、远处转移情况及HE4、PTEN、Ki-67表达情况均是卵巢癌患者预后的影响因素(P﹤0.05)。结论结论HE4、PTEN和Ki-67参与了卵巢癌的发生发展,是卵巢癌患者预后的影响因素。

miR-494在阿霉素诱导大鼠心肌细胞损伤中的作用及机制研究

目的探讨miR-494在阿霉素(DOX)诱导大鼠心肌细胞损伤中的作用及机制。方法将大鼠H9C2细胞分为4组:对照组、DOX组、DOX+阴性对照(NC)模拟物组、DOX+miR-494模拟物组;除对照组,其余3组均采用5μmol/L DOX与细胞共孵育法构建心肌细胞损伤模型;后两组分别进行NC模拟物、miR-494模拟物转染。采用细胞计数试剂盒8法检测细胞活力,实时荧光定量聚合酶链反应检测miR-494、磷酸酶和张力蛋白同系物(PTEN)m RNA表达水平,原位末端转移酶标记染色法检测细胞凋亡率,蛋白质印迹法检测B淋巴细胞瘤-2(Bcl-2)、Bcl-2关联X蛋白(Bax)、PTEN、磷酸化磷脂酰肌醇3-激酶(p-PI3K)、磷酸化蛋白激酶B(p-Akt)蛋白表达水平,酶联免疫吸附试验检测乳酸脱氢酶(LDH)、肌酸激酶同工酶(CK-MB)含量;采用双荧光素酶报告基因实验验证miR-494与PTEN的相互作用。结果与对照组比较,DOX组H9C2细胞凋亡率、Bax蛋白表达水平以及LDH、CK-MB含量均明显升高(均P<0.01),而细胞活力、Bcl-2蛋白表达水平均明显降低(均P<0.01);与DOX+NC模拟物组比较,DOX+miR-494模拟物组H9C2细胞凋亡率、Bax蛋白表达水平以及LDH、CK-MB含量均明显降低(均P<0.01),而细胞活力、Bcl-2蛋白表达水平均明显升高(均P<0.01)。PTEN与miR-494存在结合位点;PTEN-WT的荧光素酶活性被miR-494模拟物明显抑制(P=0.010),而PTEN-MUT的荧光素酶活性不受miR-494模拟物影响(P=0.707)。与对照组比较,DOX组H9C2细胞中p-PI3K、p-Akt蛋白表达水平均明显降低(均P<0.01);与DOX+NC模拟物组比较,DOX+miR-494模拟物组H9C2细胞中p-PI3K、p-Akt蛋白表达水平均明显升高(均P<0.01)。结论miR-494可能通过靶向抑制PTEN表达来调控PI3K/Akt信号通路,以改善DOX诱导的心肌细胞损伤。

基于小型化Cas蛋白的CRISPR/Gal4BD-Cas供体适配基因编辑系统研究

在哺乳动物细胞中,利用同源引导修复(homology-directed repair,HDR)机制的基因编辑策略能够实现精准的点编辑和敲入,但是HDR的低效性严重制约了该策略在精准医疗和分子设计育种中的应用。鉴于HDR机制所需的供体DNA模板不能自主募集到基因组双链断裂(double-stranded break,DSB)处,本课题组提出了供体适配系统(donor adapting system,DAS)的概念并开发出CRISPR/SpCas9-Gal4BD供体适配基因编辑系统。由于SpCas9蛋白分子较大,与Gal4BD适配器结合不利于表达、病毒载体包装及活体递送等过程,因此本研究进一步采用两种小型化Cas蛋白——路邓葡萄球菌(Staphylococcus lugdunensis)源SlugCas9变体SlugCas9-HF与氨基酸球菌(Acidaminococcus sp.)源AsCas12a,开发了新型的CRISPR/Gal4BD-SlugCas9和CRISPR/Gal4BD-AsCas12a供体适配基因编辑系统。通过SSA活性报告实验初步证明了Gal4BD与SlugCas9、AsCas12a N-端融合对其打靶活性影响较小。通过HDR效率报告实验进行功能验证并优化供体设计方案,结果表明:对于CRISPR/Gal4BD-AsCas12a DAS,适配器结合序列(binding sequence,BS)与供体5′-端融合(BS-dsDNA)效果较好;对于CRISPR/Gal4BD-SlugCas9 DAS,则BS与供体3′-端融合(dsDNA-BS)较佳。最终,利用CRISPR/Gal4BD-SlugCas9 DAS对HEK293T细胞中的EMX1、NUDT5、AAVS1三个基因位点分别实现了24%、37%、31%的精准编辑,相比对照组得到了显著提高。本研究为供体适配基因编辑系统的进一步优化提供了参考和借鉴,为后续动物分子设计育种应用研究提供了新的基因编辑工具。

抑制SHP2和FGFR2调控RAS/ERK及PI3K/AKT通路治疗FGFR2融合胃癌

目的:探究共抑制成纤维细胞生长因子受体2(fibroblast growth factor receptor 2,FGFR2)和Src同源2结构域的蛋白酪氨酸磷酸酶2(Src homology region 2-containing protein tyrosine phosphatase 2,SHP2)在FGFR2融合胃癌中的应用前景与作用机制。方法:构建过表达TACC2-FGFR2融合基因与对照慢病毒载体的人胃癌细胞系MKN45ACC2T-FGFR2、MKN45NC、NUGC4TACC2-FGFR2、NUGC4NC,分别用FGFR2抑制剂AZD4547、SHP2抑制剂SHP099或联药进行处理,通过细胞计数试剂盒(CCK-8)、划痕实验检测肿瘤细胞的增殖、迁移能力。以不同处理方式作用于MKN45TACC2-FGFR2、MKN45NC1 h或48 h后,采用Western blot法检测FGFR2、SHP2以及下游RAS/ERK、PI3K/AKT信号通路变化。结果:在MKN45TACC2-FGFR2与NUGC4TACC2-FGFR2中联用AZD4547与SHP099可以比单药更显著地抑制肿瘤细胞的增殖与迁移。药物处理1 h后,相较于AZD4547单药,联药在MKN45TACC2-FGFR2中进一步抑制了RAS/ERK、PI3K/AKT信号通路。药物处理48 h与1 h相比,AZD4547单药组中磷酸化FGFR与磷酸化SHP2出现了反馈性激活,且始终不能抑制RAS/ERK通路,但联药组可以持续地抑制上游的FGFR2、SHP2信号以及下游的RAS/ERK、PI3K/AKT通路。结论:共抑制FGFR2和SHP2可以通过下调RAS/ERK及PI3K/AKT通路有效抑制FGFR2融合胃癌,为FG-FR2融合突变胃癌患者带来新的治疗模式。

川陈皮素对食管癌KYSE150细胞存活、侵袭和凋亡的影响及机制实验研究

目的:探究川陈皮素对食管癌KYSE150细胞存活、侵袭及凋亡的影响及可能的机制。方法:将培养至对数生长期的KYSE150细胞分为对照组(常规培养)、顺铂组(0.5μg/ml顺铂)、川陈皮素低(10μg/ml)、中(20μg/ml)、高(40μg/ml)浓度组。采用MTT法检测KYSE150细胞存活率。采用Transwell实验检测KYSE150细胞侵袭能力。采用流式细胞术检测KYSE150细胞凋亡率。采用荧光定量PCR法检测KYSE150细胞Ras同源基因家族成员A(RhoA)、Rho相关卷曲螺旋蛋白激酶1(ROCK1)、ROCK2 mRNA表达。采用Western bolt法检测KYSE150细胞RhoA、ROCK1、ROCK2蛋白表达。结果:与对照组比较,顺铂组及川陈皮素低、中、高浓度组KYSE150细胞存活率、侵袭数目以及RhoA、ROCK1、ROCK2 mRNA和蛋白表达水平降低,凋亡率升高(均P<0.05)。与顺铂组比较,川陈皮素低、中浓度组KYSE150细胞存活率、侵袭数目以及RhoA、ROCK1、ROCK2 mRNA和蛋白表达水平升高,凋亡率降低(均P<0.05)。川陈皮素高浓度组和顺铂组上述指标比较差异无统计学意义(均P>0.05)。川陈皮素低、中、高浓度组KYSE150细胞存活率、侵袭数目以及RhoA、ROCK1、ROCK2 mRNA和蛋白表达水平依次降低,凋亡率依次升高(均P<0.05)。结论:川陈皮素能够抑制KYSE150细胞的存活和侵袭,促进凋亡,其机制可能与抑制RhoA/ROCK信号通路有关。

汉黄芩素干预糖尿病脑梗死模型大鼠的神经损伤

背景:汉黄芩素是黄芩根中提取的一种黄酮类化合物,既往研究表明汉黄芩素对脑缺血再灌注损伤有保护作用,还能降低糖尿病小鼠的血糖及其并发症,但其在糖尿病脑梗死中的作用及机制还不清楚。目的:探究汉黄芩素对糖尿病脑梗死大鼠神经损伤的影响,并探究其作用机制。方法:将SD大鼠随机分为6组:对照组、模型组、汉黄芩素低、中、高剂量组和汉黄芩素高剂量+RhoA激活剂组,每组10只。除对照组外,其余组通过腹腔注射链脲佐菌素和大脑中动脉闭塞法构建糖尿病脑梗死大鼠模型,汉黄芩素低、中、高剂量组分别灌胃10,20,40 mg/kg汉黄芩素,汉黄芩素高剂量+RhoA激活剂组灌胃40 mg/kg汉黄芩素并腹腔注射10 mg/kg溶血磷脂酸,对照组和模型组给予等量生理盐水,1次/d,连续7 d。末次给药结束后,各组大鼠进行神经功能缺损评分,检测血糖水平,TTC染色检测脑梗死体积,苏木精-伊红染色观察脑组织病理变化,ELISA试剂盒检测脑组织中肿瘤坏死因子α、白细胞介素6和丙二醛、超氧化物歧化酶水平,Western blot检测脑组织中RhoA、ROCK2蛋白表达。结果与结论:(1)与对照组相比,模型组大鼠神经元结构严重受损,细胞坏死、变性;神经功能缺损评分、血糖水平、脑梗死体积升高(P<0.05);脑组织中肿瘤坏死因子α、白细胞介素6、丙二醛水平升高(P<0.05),超氧化物歧化酶水平下降(P<0.05);脑组织中RhoA、ROCK2蛋白表达升高(P<0.05);(2)与模型组相比,汉黄芩素低、中、高剂量组神经元损伤改善,细胞变性和坏死减少;神经功能缺损评分、血糖水平、脑梗死体积下降(P<0.05);脑组织中肿瘤坏死因子α、白细胞介素6、丙二醛水平下降(P<0.05),超氧化物歧化酶水平升高(P<0.05);脑组织中RhoA、ROCK2蛋白表达下降(P<0.05);(3)与汉黄芩素高剂量组相比,汉黄芩素高剂量+RhoA激活剂组明显抑制糖尿病脑梗死大鼠上述指标的改善(P<0.05)。结果表明:汉黄芩素能够改善糖尿病脑梗死大鼠血糖水平,减轻脑梗死和神经损伤,其作用机制可能与抑制RhoA/ROCK信号通路有关。

含Src同源2结构域蛋白酪氨酸磷酸酶2变构抑制剂缓解放射性肺炎的作用效应与机制研究

目的探索含Src同源2结构域蛋白酪氨酸磷酸酶2(Src homology 2 domain-containing protein tyrosine phosphatase 2,SHP2)变构抑制剂对放射性肺炎的缓解作用及其可能的机制。方法以50 Gy的剂量进行双肺辐照建立辐射诱导放射性肺炎小鼠模型,分别提取SHP2变构位点抑制剂SHP099辐照组(辐照并予以SHP099灌胃)、辐照组(辐照未灌胃)、SHP099未辐照组(未辐照并予以SHP099灌胃)和对照组(未辐照且未灌胃)小鼠的肺组织制作HE切片。通过实时荧光定量聚合酶链反应(real time quantitative polymerase chain reaction,RT-qPCR)检测4组小鼠肺组织内炎性反应因子诱生型一氧化氮合酶(inducible nitric oxide synthase,iNOS)、肿瘤坏死因子-α(tumor necrosis factor-α,TNF-α)和白细胞介素-6(interleukin-6,IL-6)的mRNA水平。RT-qPCR检测小鼠单核巨噬细胞白血病细胞RAW264.7和骨髓原代巨噬细胞(bone marrow derived macrophage,BMDM)中iNOS、TNF-α和IL-6的表达情况。收集BMDM培养上清采用酶联免疫吸附分析(enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay,ELISA)检测TNF-α和IL-6的分泌情况。通过流式细胞术分析辐照后不同培养时间后RAW264.7和BMDM细胞产生活性氧(reactive oxygen species,ROS)的水平。采用RT-qPCR检测10 Gy辐照后24 h RAW264.7细胞还原型烟酰胺腺嘌呤二核苷酸磷酸(reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate,NADPH)氧化酶(NADPH oxidase,NOX)各亚基和同系物表达水平变化。采用蛋白质印迹法检测RAW264.7细胞中NOX4表达水平。结果通过SHP099灌胃辐射小鼠模型发现,SHP099预处理的辐照小鼠肺部损伤减弱,肺组织内炎性反应因子iNOS、TNF-α和IL-6的mRNA表达均下调(均P<0.05)。10 mmol/L SHP099预处理24 h后,RAW264.7和BMDM细胞因10 Gy辐照引起的上升的炎性反应因子iNOS、TNF-α和IL-6 mRNA表达均下降(均P<0.05)。收集BMDM细胞的培养上清显示,SHP099预处理也可减少辐照后TNF-α和IL-6蛋白的分泌(均P<0.05)。SHP099预处理也可降低10 Gy辐照后30 min引起的RAW264.7和BMDM细胞升高的ROS水平(均P<0.05)。采用RT-qPCR检测RAW264.7细胞10 Gy辐照后24 h NOX各个亚基和同系物的表达变化情况显示,p22^(phox)、p40^(phox)、Rac1、NOX2、NOX3、NOX4和NOX5表达均上调(均P<0.05),其中NOX4上调最多;而SHP099预处理可减少辐照后RAW264.7细胞的NOX4蛋白表达(P<0.01)。结论SHP2变构抑制剂可以缓解辐照诱导的小鼠肺部炎性反应。SHP2变构抑制剂可能是通过抑制巨噬细胞中NOX4的表达降低ROS产生,从而减少炎性反应因子分泌。

巴戟天多糖调控精索静脉曲张大鼠睾丸修复的作用机制研究

目的:探讨巴戟天多糖(MOP)对精索静脉曲张型(VC)大鼠睾丸的保护作用。方法:使用左肾静脉缩窄法制备VC模型,将60只大鼠按简单随机法分为空白对照组、模型组、VC组、VC+100 mg/kg巴戟天多糖组、VC+200 mg/kg巴戟天多糖组、VC+300 mg/kg巴戟天多糖组。通过GeneCards数据库筛选VC睾丸修复相关基因;酶联免疫吸附试验法检测促性腺激素释放激素(GnRH)、睾酮(T)、黄体生成素(LH)、卵泡刺激素(FSH)水平;检测左侧睾丸相关指标及活性氧(ROS)含量;TUNEL检测细胞凋亡;蛋白质免疫印迹检测磷酸酯酶与人第10号染色体缺失的磷酸酶及张力蛋白同源的基因蛋白(PTEN)、磷脂酰肌醇3-激酶(PI3K)、蛋白激酶B(AKT)蛋白表达。结果:相较于模型组,VC组睾丸间质面积、细胞凋亡率、ROS、GnRH、LH、FSH及PI3K、AKT、p-AKT蛋白表达显著升高,睾丸与附睾系数、曲精小管直径、附睾精子数、T及PTEN蛋白表达显著降低(P<0.05);相较于VC组,VC+100 mg/kg组睾丸间质面积、细胞凋亡率、ROS、FSH及PI3K、AKT、p-AKT蛋白表达显著降低,睾丸与附睾系数、曲精小管直径、附睾精子数、T及PTEN蛋白表达显著升高(P<0.05);相较于VC组,VC+200 mg/kg组、VC+300 mg/kg组上述指标结果均相反(P<0.05)。结论:MOP可能通过调控PTEN/PI3K/AKT通路来修复VC大鼠睾丸。

基于UBA2/PTEN/PI3K/Akt通路探讨蔓荆子黄素对结直肠癌细胞增殖、迁移和侵袭的影响

目的 基于泛素样修饰激活酶2(UBA2)/磷酸酶及张力蛋白同源物(PTEN)/磷脂酰肌醇3-激酶(PI3K)/蛋白激酶B(Akt)通路探究蔓荆子黄素对结直肠癌SW480细胞增殖、迁移和侵袭的影响。方法 取对数生长期的SW480细胞,对照组细胞常规培养,蔓荆子黄素组细胞加入10μmol/L蔓荆子黄素培养,UBA2抑制剂组细胞加入0.5μmol/L UBA2抑制剂培养,蔓荆子黄素+UBA2抑制剂组细胞加入10μmol/L蔓荆子黄素和0.5μmol/L UBA2抑制剂共培养。CCK-8实验检测细胞增殖情况,克隆形成实验观察细胞的单克隆形成能力,划痕实验观察细胞的迁移能力,Transwell实验观察细胞的侵袭能力,Western blot法检测细胞中UBA2/PTEN/PI3K/Akt通路相关蛋白表达情况。结果 CCK-8实验和克隆形成实验显示,UBA2抑制剂组和蔓荆子黄素+UBA2抑制剂组培养72 h后的细胞增殖吸光度OD值明显低于蔓荆子黄素组(P均<0.05),细胞克隆形成数量均明显少于蔓荆子黄素组(P均<0.05),UBA2抑制剂组和蔓荆子黄素+UBA2抑制剂组培养不同时间的细胞增殖吸光度OD值和细胞克隆形成数量比较差异均无统计学意义(P均>0.05)。划痕实验和Transwell实验显示,UBA2抑制剂组和蔓荆子黄素+UBA2抑制剂组划痕间距均明显宽于蔓荆子黄素组(P均<0.05),穿膜细胞数量均明显少于蔓荆子黄素组(P均<0.05),UBA2抑制剂组和蔓荆子黄素+UBA2抑制剂组比较差异均无统计学意义(P均>0.05)。蔓荆子黄素组、UBA2抑制剂组和蔓荆子黄素+UBA2抑制剂组细胞中PTEN蛋白相对表达量均明显高于对照组(P均<0.05),UBA2、p-PI3K、p-Akt蛋白相对表达量均明显低于对照组(P均<0.05);UBA2抑制剂组和蔓荆子黄素+UBA2抑制剂组细胞中PTEN蛋白相对表达量均明显高于蔓荆子黄素组(P均<0.05),UBA2、p-PI3K、p-Akt蛋白相对表达量均明显低于蔓荆子黄素组(P均<0.05),UBA2抑制剂组和蔓荆子黄素+UBA2抑制剂组UBA2、PTEN、p-PI3K、p-Akt蛋白相对表达量比较差异均无统计学意义(P均>0.05)。结论 蔓荆子黄素可能通过抑制UBA2/PTEN/PI3K/Akt信号通路发挥抗结直肠癌SW480细胞增殖、迁移和侵袭的能力。