N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors mediate diphosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases through Src family tyrosine kinases and Ca^2＋/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase Ⅱ in rat hippocampus after cerebral ischemia

Objective： Extracellular signal-regulated kinases （ERKs） can be activated by calcium signals. In this study, we investigated whether calcium-dependent kinases were involved in ERKs cascade activation after global cerebral ischemia. Methods Cerebral ischemia was induced by four-vessel occlusion, and the calcium-dependent proteins were detected by immunoblot. Results Lethal-simulated ischemia significantly resulted in ERKs activation in N-methyl-D-aspartate （NMDA） receptor-dependent manner, accompanying with differential upregulation of Src kinase and Ca^2＋/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase Ⅱ （CaMKⅡ） activities. With the inhibition of Src family tyrosine kinases or CaMKⅡ by administration of PP2 or KN62, the phosphorylation of ERKs was impaired dramatically during post-ischemia recovery. However, ischemic challenge also repressed ERKs activity when Src kinase was excessively activated. Conclusions Src family tyrosine kinases and CaMKⅡ might be involved in the activation of ERKs mediated by NMDA receptor in response to acute ischemic stimuli in vivo, but the intense activation of Src kinase resulted from ischemia may play a reverse role in the ERKs cascade.

The role of EPH receptors in cancer-related epithelial-mesenchymal transition

Erythropoietin-producing hepatoma(EPH) receptors are considered the largest family of receptor tyrosine kinases and play key roles in physiological and pathologic processes in development and disease.EPH receptors are often overexpressed in human malignancies and are associated with poor prognosis.However,the functions of EPH receptors in epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT) remain largely unknown.This review depicts the relationship between EPH receptors and the EMT marker E-cadherin as well as the crosstalk between EPH receptors and the signaling pathways involved EMT.Further discussion is focused on the clinical significance of EPH receptors as candidates for targeting in cancer therapeutics.Finally,we summarize how targeted inhibition of both EPH receptors and EMT-related signaling pathways represents a novel strategy for cancer treatment.

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.

Epithelial turnover in duodenal familial adenomatous polyposis: A possible role for estrogen receptors?

AIM: To investigate estrogen receptors expression in duodenal familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) and any relationship with epithelial proliferation/apoptosis markers.METHODS: Twenty-two patients affected by FAP undergoing duodenal resection for malignancies were recruited. Controls were 15 healthy subjects undergoing endoscopy for dyspeptic symptoms. ER-α, ER-α, Ki-67, TUNEL and caspase 3 expression (labeling index: percentage of positive cells) were evaluated by immunohistochemistry or immunofluorescence and examined by light or confocal microscopy. Samples were assigned to four groups: normal tissue, low (LGD) and high-grade dysplasia (HGD), adenocarcinoma (AC). One-way analysis of variance, corrected by Bonferroni’s test, and Pearson’s correlation test were applied for statistical analysis.RESULTS: ER-beta showed a progressive decline: normal tissue (23.5 ± 4.9), LGD (21.1 ± 4.8), HGD (9.3 ± 3.5), AC (7.1 ± 3.1). The normal tissue of FAP subjects expressed ER-beta like the controls (23.9 ± 6.2). Conversely, ER-α showed a progressive increase from normal tissue (24.8 ± 5.6) to AC (52.0 ± 8.2); the expression in normal tissue was similar to controls (22.5 ± 5.3). Ki67 demonstrated a statistically significant progressive increase at each disease stage up to AC. TUNEL did not reveal differences between controls and normal tissue of FAP subjects, but progressive decreases were observed in LGD, through HGD to AC. Pearson’s correlation test showed a direct relationship between ER-β and TUNEL LI (r = 0.8088, P < 0.0001). Conversely, ER-α was inversely correlated with TUNEL LI (r = - 0.7257, P < 0.0001). The co-expression of ER-β and caspase 3 declined progressively from normal to neoplastic tissue.CONCLUSION: This study confirmed that ER-β is strongly decreased in duodenal FAP carcinomas, declining in a multiple step fashion, thereby suggesting a putative anti-carcinogenic effect. ER-α showed the opposite trend. ER-β/caspase 3 co-expression suggests this hormone’s possible involvement in apoptosis. Hormonal influences in FAP duodenal tumorigenesis, and modulation of these as a possible chemoprevention strategy, may be a promising approach.

Aldo-keto reductase family member C3(AKR1C3)promotes hepatocellular carcinoma cell growth by producing prostaglandin F2α

Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is a leading cause of death worldwide.Current therapies are effective for HCC patients with early disease,but many patients suffer recurrence after surgery and have a poor response to chemotherapy.Therefore,new therapeutic targets are needed.We analyzed gene expression profiles between HCC tissues and normal adjacent tissues from public databases and found that the expression of genes involved in lipid metabolism was significantly different.The analysis showed that AKR1C3 was upregulated in tumors,and high AKR1C3 expression was associated with a poorer prognosis in HCC patients.In vitro,assays demonstrated that the knockdown of AKR1C3 or the addition of the AKR1C3 inhibitor indomethacin suppressed the growth and colony formation of HCC cell lines.Knockdown of AKR1C3 in Huh7 cells reduced tumor growth in vivo.To explore the mechanism,we performed pathway enrichment analysis,and the results linked the expression of AKR1C3 with prostaglandin F2 alpha(PGF2a)downstream target genes.Suppression of AKR1C3 activity reduced the production of PGF2a,and supplementation with PGF2a restored the growth of indomethacin-treated Huh7 cells.Knockdown of the PGF receptor(PTGFR)and treatment with a PTGFR inhibitor significantly reduced HCC growth.We showed that indomethacin potentiated the sensitivity of Huh7 cells to sorafenib.In summary,our results indicate that AKR1C3 upregulation may promote HCC growth by promoting the production of PGF2α,and suppression of PTGFR limited HCC growth.Therefore,targeting the AKR1C3-PGF2a-PTGFR axis may be a new strategy for the treatment of HCC.

Eph/ephrin信号通路在耳鼻咽喉头颈疾病中的研究进展

促红细胞生成素肝细胞激酶受体及其膜结合配体(Eph/ephrin)信号通路是一种受体酪氨酸激酶信号通路,参与机体炎症、癌症进展、肿瘤血管生成、肠道环境稳定、免疫应答、肿瘤免疫、神经发育、损伤后神经再生抑制等多种病理生理机制。Eph/ephrin在听觉神经发育、听觉系统回路和拓扑结构的形成,慢性鼻窦炎的发展以及头颈肿瘤的侵袭、转移、复发和治疗中发挥核心作用,有可能成为耳鼻咽喉头颈疾病的诊断、预后指标和治疗的重要靶点,本研究就Eph/ephrin信号通路在耳鼻咽喉头颈疾病中作用的研究进展进行综述。

Genome-Wide Exploration of the Grape GLR Gene Family and Differential Responses of VvGLR3.1 and VvGLR3.2 to Low Temperature and Salt Stress

Grapes,one of the oldest tree species globally,are rich in vitamins.However,environmental conditions such as low temperature and soil salinization significantly affect grape yield and quality.The glutamate receptor(GLR)family,comprising highly conserved ligand-gated ion channels,regulates plant growth and development in response to stress.In this study,11 members of the VvGLR gene family in grapes were identified using whole-genome sequence analysis.Bioinformatic methods were employed to analyze the basic physical and chemical properties,phylogenetic trees,conserved domains,motifs,expression patterns,and evolutionary relationships.Phylogenetic and collinear analyses revealed that the VvGLRs were divided into three subgroups,showing the high conservation of the grape GLR family.These members exhibited 2 glutamate receptor binding regions(GABAb and GluR)and 3-4 transmembrane regions(M1,M2,M3,and M4).Real-time quantitative PCR analysis demonstrated the sensitivity of all VvGLRs to low temperature and salt stress.Subsequent localization studies in Nicotiana tabacum verified that VvGLR3.1 and VvGLR3.2 proteins were located on the cell membrane and cell nucleus.Additionally,yeast transformation experiments confirmed the functionality of VvGLR3.1 and VvGLR3.2 in response to low temperature and salt stress.Thesefindings highlight the significant role of the GLR family,a highly conserved group of ion channels,in enhancing grape stress resistance.This study offers new insights into the grape GLR gene family,providing fundamental knowledge for further functional analysis and breeding of stress-resistant grapevines.

Jianpi Gushen Huayu decoction ameliorated diabetic nephropathy through modulating metabolites in kidney,and inhibiting TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 and JNK/P38 pathways

BACKGROUND Jianpi Gushen Huayu Decoction(JPGS)has been used to clinically treat diabetic nephropathy(DN)for many years.However,the protective mechanism of JPGS in treating DN remains unclear.AIM To evaluate the therapeutic effects and the possible mechanism of JPGS on DN.METHODS We first evaluated the therapeutic potential of JPGS on a DN mouse model.We then investigated the effect of JPGS on the renal metabolite levels of DN mice using non-targeted metabolomics.Furthermore,we examined the effects of JPGS on c-Jun N-terminal kinase(JNK)/P38-mediated apoptosis and the inflammatory responses mediated by toll-like receptor 4(TLR4)/nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-κB)/NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3(NLRP3).RESULTS The ameliorative effects of JPGS on DN mice included the alleviation of renal injury and the control of inflammation and oxidative stress.Untargeted metabolomic analysis revealed that JPGS altered the metabolites of the kidneys in DN mice.A total of 51 differential metabolites were screened.Pathway analysis results indicated that nine pathways significantly changed between the control and model groups,while six pathways significantly altered between the model and JPGS groups.Pathways related to cysteine and methionine metabolism;alanine,tryptophan metabolism;aspartate and glutamate metabolism;and riboflavin metabolism were identified as the key pathways through which JPGS affects DN.Further experimental validation showed that JPGS treatment reduced the expression of TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 pathways and JNK/P38 pathway-mediated apoptosis related factors.CONCLUSION JPGS could markedly treat mice with streptozotocin(STZ)-induced DN,which is possibly related to the regulation of several metabolic pathways found in kidneys.Furthermore,JPGS could improve kidney inflammatory responses and ameliorate kidney injuries in DN mice via the TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway and inhibit JNK/P38 pathwaymediated apoptosis in DN mice.

Transcriptome profiling and RXR gene family identification reveals the molecular mechanism of rapid aging after spawning of cuttlefish Sepiella japonica

Sepiella japonica is a worldwide marine cuttlefish species of high economic value.S.japonica routinely modifying behaviors in reproductive life,such as rapid aging until death after spawning,has been recognized in artificial breeding.However,reproductive behavior at the level of genes is rarely reported,thus,the research on the genetic basis of behavior,reproduction,and artificial breeding was limited.We applied RNA-seq in different stages of reproduction to investigate the reason of rapid aging after spawning,pre-maturity,pre-spawning after maturity,and post-spawning.The retinoid X receptor(RXR)gene family in S.japonica was identified,and 1343–1452 differentially expressed genes(DEGs)in all 3 stages of reproductive life were identified from pairwise m RNA comparisons.Furthermore,through the GO term and KEGG analysis,S.japonica could handle neuronal development and network formation before maturity and have a functional degradation of neural communication,signal transduction,vision,and gene expression after spawning.Eight Sj RXRαs have been identified and they played different roles in growth development or reproduction.Therefore,the regulation of several channels and receptors is the intrinsic molecular mechanism of rapid aging after spawning in S.japonica.This study revealed the survival strategy and provided fundamental data on the level of genes for understanding the reproductive behavior and the reproduction of S.japonica.

Long noncoding RNA X-inactive specific transcript regulates NLR family pyrin domain containing 3/caspase-1-mediated pyroptosis in diabetic nephropathy

BACKGROUND NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis is recognized as an essential modulator of renal disease pathology.Long noncoding RNAs(lncRNAs)are active participators of diabetic nephropathy(DN).X inactive specific transcript(XIST)expression has been reported to be elevated in the serum of DN patients.AIM To evaluate the mechanism of lncRNA XIST in renal tubular epithelial cell(RTEC)pyroptosis in DN.METHODS A DN rat model was established through streptozotocin injection,and XIST was knocked down by tail vein injection of the lentivirus LV sh-XIST.Renal metabolic and biochemical indices were detected,and pathological changes in the renal tissue were assessed.The expression of indicators related to inflammation and pyroptosis was also detected.High glucose(HG)was used to treat HK2 cells,and cell viability and lactate dehydrogenase(LDH)activity were detected after silencing XIST.The subcellular localization and downstream mechanism of XIST were investigated.Finally,a rescue experiment was carried out to verify that XIST regulates NLR family pyrin domain containing 3(NLRP3)/caspase-1-mediated RTEC pyroptosis through the microRNA-15-5p(miR-15b-5p)/Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4)axis.RESULTS XIST was highly expressed in the DN models.XIST silencing improved renal metabolism and biochemical indices and mitigated renal injury.The expression of inflammation and pyroptosis indicators was significantly increased in DN rats and HG-treated HK2 cells;cell viability was decreased and LDH activity was increased after HGtreatment. Silencing XIST inhibited RTEC pyroptosis by inhibiting NLRP3/caspase-1. Mechanistically,XIST sponged miR-15b-5p to regulate TLR4. Silencing XIST inhibited TLR4 by promotingmiR-15b-5p. miR-15b-5p inhibition or TLR4 overexpression averted the inhibitory effect ofsilencing XIST on HG-induced RTEC pyroptosis.CONCLUSIONSilencing XIST inhibits TLR4 by upregulating miR-15b-5p and ultimately inhibits renal injury inDN by inhibiting NLRP3/caspase-1-mediated RTEC pyroptosis.

Gene duplication plays a major role in gene co-option: Studies into the evolution of the motilin/ghrelin family and their receptors

Extant genes can be modified, or 'tinkered with', to provide new roles or new characteristics of these genes. At the genetic level, this often involves gene duplication and specialization of the resulting genes into particular functions. We investigate how ligand-receptor partnerships evolve after gene duplication. While significant work has been conducted in this area, the examination of additional models should help us better understand the proposed models and potentially reveal novel evolutionary patterns and dynamics. We use bioinformatics, comparative genomics and phylogenetic analyses to show that preproghrelin and prepromotilin descended from a common ancestor and that a gene duplication generated these two genes shortly after the divergence of amphibians and amniotes. The evolutionary history of the receptor family differs from that of their cognate ligands. GPR39 diverges first, and an ancestral receptor gives rise to receptors classified as fish-specific clade A, GHSR and MLNR by successive gene duplications occurring before the divergence of tetrapods and ray-finned fish. The ghrelin/GHSR system is maintained and functionally conserved from fish to mammals. Motilin-MLNR specificity must have arisen by ligand-receptor coevolution after the MLN hormone gene diverged from the GHRL gene in the amniote lineage. Conserved molecular machinery can give rise to new neuroendocrine response mechanisms by the co-option of duplicated genes. Gene duplication is both parsimonious and creative in producing elements for evolutionary tinkering and plays a major role in gene co-option, thus aiding the evolution of greater biological complexity.

Do tensile and shear forces exerted on cells influence mechanotransduction through stored energy considerations?

All tissues in the body are subjected externally to gravity and internally by collagenfibril and cellular retractive forces that create stress and energy equilibrium required for homeostasis.Mechanotransduction involves mechanical work(force through a distance)and energy storage as kinetic and potential energy.This leads to changes in cell mitosis or apoptosis and the synthesis or loss of tissue components.It involves the application of energy directly to cells through integrin-mediated processes,cell-cell connections,stretching of the cell cytoplasm,and activation of the cell nucleus via yes-associated protein(YAP)and transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-motif(TAZ).These processes involve numerous complexes,intermediate molecules,and multiple pathways.Several pathways have been identified from research studies on vertebrate cell culture and from studies in invertebrates.These pathways involve mechanosensors and other molecules that activate the pathways.This review discusses the mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK)family,Hippo,Hedgehog,and Wingless-related integration site(WNT)/βcatenin signaling pathways.The mediators covered includeβcatenin,ion channels,growth factors,hormone receptors,members of the Ras superfamily,and components of the linker of nucleoskeleton and cytoskeleton(LINC)complex.However,the interrelationship among the different pathways remains to be clarified.Integrin-mediated mechanotransduction involves direct tensile loading and energy applied to the cell membrane via collagenfibril stretching.This energy is transferred between cells by stretching the cell-cell connections involving cadherins and the WNT/βcatenin pathway.These alterations induce changes in intracellular events in the cytoskeleton and nuclear skeleton caused by the release of YAP and TAZ.These coactivators then penetrate through the nuclear pores and influence nuclear cell function.Alteration in the balance of forces and energy applied to cells and tissues is hypothesized to shift the cell-extracellular matrix mechanical equilibrium by modifying mechanotransduction.The shift in equilibrium can lead to either tissue synthesis,genetic modifications,or promotefibrotic diseases,including epithelial cell-derived cancers,depending on the local metabolic conditions.

Eph受体相互作用蛋白B2-肝细胞激酶B4信号通路在正畸牙移动压力侧牙周改建中的作用

目的 探讨Eph受体相互作用蛋白B2(Ephrin B2)-肝细胞激酶B4(EphB4)信号通路在正畸牙移动(OTM)压力侧牙周改建中的作用。方法 36只大鼠分为对照组、OTM组和EphB4抑制剂(NVP-BHG712)组各12只。对照组应用相同未激活的正畸矫治器,OTM组和NVP-BHG712组建立OTM模型。NVP-BHG712组从应用正畸螺旋弹簧的第1天开始在左上颌第一磨牙附近牙周组织的颊舌侧皮下注射NVP-BHG712,连续治疗14天;对照组和OTM组只接受载体(0.1%乙酸)。比较三组OTM距离和骨密度、牙周膜结构、牙周组织炎症相关基因白细胞介素(IL)-1、IL-6和肿瘤坏死因子(TNF-α)的mRNA表达。结果 与第0 d比较,OTM过程中第4、7、14 d时第一磨牙压力侧EphrinB2和EphB4蛋白表达增加,并在第7 d时达到峰值。与OTM组比较,NVP-BHG712组第一磨牙和第二磨牙的距离较低,骨体积/组织体积比值、骨密度、骨小梁数、骨小梁间隙较高,骨小梁厚度显著降低(P<0.05)。OTM组IL-1、IL-6和TNF-α的表达显著高于NVP-BHG712组及对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论 EphrinB2-EphB4信号抑制可以减少骨密度的下降,抑制炎症因子的表达,并在OTM期间排列牙周韧带,为临床正畸治疗提供了新的途径。

P2X7R过表达的巨噬细胞MSU晶体诱导痛风炎症反应过程中IL-1β、TNF-α、NLRP3表达观察

目的观察嘌呤能受体P2X配体门控离子通道7的配体(P2X7R)过表达白血病细胞诱导分化的巨噬细胞单钠尿酸盐(MSU)晶体诱导痛风炎症反应过程中NOD样受体家族3(NLRP3)蛋白、IL-1β、TNF-α表达情况。方法取人单核细胞白血病细胞系THP-1,并随机分为过表达组、空白组、模型组、对照组;过表达组和空白组分别转染P2X7R过表达质粒、空白载体质粒,转染5 d,将过表达组、空白组、模型组THP-1细胞用100 ng/mL的PMA刺激3 h后分化为巨噬细胞,另将MSU晶体用氢氧化钠溶解配制成浓度为100μg/mL的MSU乳糜状悬液加入培养液中孵育6 h;对照组正常培养。分别采用RT-PCR法和Western blot法测算巨噬细胞P2X7R mRNA、蛋白,ELISA法检测巨噬细胞上清液IL-1β、TNF-α,Western blot法测算巨噬细胞NOD样受体家族3(NLRP3)蛋白。结果与对照组比较,过表达组、空白组、模型组P2X7R mRNA和蛋白相对表达量升高,细胞上清液IL-1β、TNF-α水平升高,细胞NLRP3蛋白相对表达量升高(P均<0.05);与模型组、空白组比较,过表达组P2X7R mRNA、蛋白相对表达量升高,细胞上清液IL-1β、TNF-α水平升高,细胞NLRP3蛋白相对表达量升高(P均<0.05)。结论P2X7R过表达白血病细胞诱导分化的巨噬细胞MSU晶体诱导痛风炎症反应过程中IL-1β、TNF-α、NLRP3表达增加,IL-1β、TNF-α水平升高可能通过激活NLRP3蛋白来实现。

电针对功能性消化不良大鼠十二指肠CRHR2、NLRP6表达的影响

目的观察电针对功能性消化不良(functional dyspepsia,FD)大鼠十二指肠促肾上腺皮质激素释放激素受体2(corticotropin-releasing hormone receptor 2,CRHR2)及NOD样受体家族pyrin结构域蛋白6(NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 6,NLRP6)表达水平的影响。方法将40只雄性SD大鼠随机分为空白组、模型组和电针组,每组10只。模型组和电针组均选用多因素干预法复制FD大鼠模型,空白组进行常规饲养。模型复制结束后,电针组大鼠电针“印堂”“内关”“足三里”,每次30 min,每日1次,连续14 d。观察各组大鼠干预前后的一般状态及体质量变化;干预结束后,采用半固体糊灌胃法检测各组大鼠胃排空率及小肠推进率;苏木精—伊红染色法观察大鼠胃窦组织形态变化;蛋白免疫印迹法检测大鼠十二指肠CRHR2、NLRP6蛋白表达水平;阿利新蓝染色法观察大鼠十二指肠形态变化。结果与空白组比较,模型组大鼠精神欠佳,体质量、胃排空率及小肠推进率明显降低(P<0.05);与模型组比较,电针组大鼠活泼好动,体质量、胃排空率及小肠推进率明显增加(P<0.05)。模型组大鼠胃窦黏膜排列疏松,有轻度水肿,存在少量淋巴细胞,十二指肠绒毛上皮细胞间隙增宽,肠绒毛结构破碎,可见散在分布的上皮细胞;电针组大鼠胃窦组织结构完整,固有层排列紧密,无明显炎症反应及病理改变,十二指肠绒毛上皮细胞间隙清晰,排列紧密,组织结构完整。与空白组比较,模型组大鼠十二指肠CRHR2、NLRP6蛋白表达水平明显降低(P<0.05);与模型组比较,电针组CRHR2、NLRP6蛋白表达水平明显升高(P<0.05)。结论电针可改善FD大鼠消化不良症状,提高FD大鼠胃肠动力,降低FD大鼠十二指肠黏膜通透性,减轻大鼠胃肠炎症反应,其机制可能与提升十二指肠CRHR2、NLRP6蛋白表达水平有关。

The role of bitter and sweet taste receptors in upper airway innate immunity: Recent advances and future directions

Bitter(T2R)and sweet(T1R)taste receptors have been implicated in sinonasal innate immunity and in the pathophysiology of chronic rhinosinusitis(CRS).Taste receptors are expressed on several sinonasal cell types including ciliated epithelial cells and solitary chemosensory cells.Bitter agonists released by pathogenic microbes elicit a T2R dependent signaling cascade which induces the release of bactericidal nitric oxide,increases mucociliary clearance,and promotes secretion of antimicrobial peptides.Genetic variation conferred by polymorphisms in T2R related genes is associated with differential CRS susceptibility,symptomatology and post-treatment outcomes.More recently,based on our understanding of T1R and T2R function,investigators have discovered novel potential therapeutics in T2R agonists and T1R antagonists.This review will discuss bitter and sweet taste receptor function in sinonasal immunity,explore the emerging diagnostic and therapeutic implications stemming from the most recent findings,and suggest directions for future research.

褪黑素通过NF-κB/NLRP3信号抑制子宫内膜异位症的进展机制研究

目的:探讨褪黑素(MEL)对子宫内膜异位症(EMT)进展的抑制作用,以及其对核转录因子κB(NF-κB)/核苷酸结合寡聚化结构域样受体蛋白3(NLRP3)信号的调控机制。方法:通过自体子宫内膜皮下种植法构建EMT大鼠。动物实验模型分假手术组(Sham组,大鼠在造模过程中仅进行子宫片段剪取)和实验处理4组,分别为:模型组(EMT组,大鼠进行自体子宫内膜皮下种植)、褪黑素组(EMT+MEL组,以50 mg/kg的MEL灌胃处理)、EMT+NF-κB信号通路激活剂佛波酯(PMA)组(EMT+PMA组,以5 mg/kg的PMA腹腔注射)、EMT+MEL+PMA组(以50 mg/kg的MEL灌胃处理和5 mg/kg的PMA腹腔注射)。检测各组大鼠子宫内膜异位的质量、血清和腹腔液中肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)和白细胞介素-6(IL-6)的含量;免疫组化、免疫荧光检测各组样本中髓过氧化物酶(MPO)、血管内皮生长因子(VEGF)的表达;Western blot实验检测各组样本中NF-κB/NLRP3信号通路相关蛋白的表达。结果:与Sham组相比,实验处理4组大鼠中动情周期紊乱的比例、异位子宫内膜的质量、血清以及腹腔液中TNF-α和IL-6的含量、MPO和VEGF的表达及NF-κB/NLRP3信号通路相关蛋白的表达均明显升高,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。与EMT组相比,EMT+MEL组和EMT+MEL+PAM组以上各项指标明显下降,而EMT+PAM组各项指标明显升高;与EMT+MEL组相比,EMT+MEL+PAM组、EMT+PAM组以上各项指标明显升高,以上差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论:MEL能明显抑制EMT中的炎症反应,抑制EMT的进展,这可能通过抑制NF-κB/NLRP3信号的激活实现的。

三种稻飞虱Toll受体基因家族比较分析

【目的】Toll受体(Toll receptor)是昆虫先天免疫系统中Toll信号通路中的关键效应因子之一。本文旨在鉴定3种稻飞虱(褐飞虱Nilaparvata lugens、白背飞虱Sogatella furcifera、灰飞虱Laodelphax striatellus)的Toll受体基因,探索Toll受体在3种稻飞虱中的潜在功能及其种间差异,为稻飞虱免疫发育研究以及稻飞虱的防控提供理论依据。【方法】利用生物信息学方法从3种稻飞虱的基因组中鉴定出Toll受体基因,分析其基因结构和特征、编码蛋白的理化性质及其结构域、染色体定位及系统发育进化关系。利用人工智能软件AlphaFold 3预测Toll受体的三维结构,并与目前已知结构和功能的其他物种Toll受体进行比较,预测其潜在功能及种间功能分化。通过转录组数据定量分析Toll受体基因在不同组织和不同发育阶段的表达情况。【结果】分别在褐飞虱、白背飞虱和灰飞虱基因组中鉴定出6、7和6个Toll受体基因,均分布在1、4、7号染色体上,且分布规律明显,3种稻飞虱的Toll受体基因家族均在1号、4号染色体上分布一个基因,其余分布在7号染色体上。3种稻飞虱Toll受体基因编码序列长度为2676—4158 bp,外显子数量1—7个,编码蛋白序列长度891—1385 aa,分子量大小为103.31—158.25 kDa,理论等电点范围为5.42—6.54。系统发育分析表明,3种稻飞虱的Toll受体基因家族可以分为6个亚家族,分别与其他昆虫的Toll、Toll6、Toll7、Tollo(Toll8)以及Toll9同源。使用AlphaFold 3预测得到的胞外结构与其他物种Toll受体胞外结构比较分析结果显示,在白背飞虱的Toll受体基因家族中预测分析出2个Toll受体与病毒互作潜在相关,在灰飞虱中有1个Toll受体与病毒互作潜在相关,而在褐飞虱中没有匹配出相关的Toll受体。转录组定量结果表明,3种稻飞虱的Toll受体基因在不同组织和不同发育阶段间均有表达,推测其可能拥有不同功能,参与不同分工。【结论】在3种稻飞虱中鉴定出19个Toll受体基因,并分析预测了其相关结构和功能,发现3种稻飞虱的Toll受体在昆虫机体的发育和免疫,尤其是对病毒的免疫应答中发挥的功能可能存在差异。

基于EphrinBs/EphBs通路探讨桃红四物汤治疗带状疱疹后遗神经痛大鼠模型的作用机制

目的观察桃红四物汤对带状疱疹后遗神经痛(PHN)大鼠模型的影响,探讨EphrinBs/EphBs通路在其中的作用机制。方法60只SD大鼠采用随机数字表法分为空白组、模型组(采用水痘-带状疱疹病毒慢性感染法构建PHN模型)、阳性组[建模后以普瑞巴林27 mg/(kg·d)灌胃]、治疗组[建模后以桃红四物汤5 g/(kg·d)灌胃],治疗+EphB2-Fc组[建模第3天鞘内注射EphB2-Fc 5μg后以桃红四物汤5 g/(kg·d)灌胃]和治疗+EphrinB2-Fc组[建模第3天鞘内注射EphrinB2-Fc 5μg后以桃红四物汤5 g/(kg·d)灌胃]。采用行为学法分别在给药后1 d、7 d和14 d时检测大鼠的机械痛阈值,酶联免疫吸附测定(ELISA)法检测大鼠脊髓组织中白细胞介素(IL)-1β和肿瘤坏死因子(TNF)-α水平,原位末端转移酶标记技术(TUNEL)法检测脊髓神经细胞凋亡,荧光法检测脊髓组织的半胱氨酸天冬氨酸蛋白酶3(Caspase-3)活性,蛋白免疫印迹法(Western blot)检测EphrinBs/EphBs通路相关蛋白EphrinB2和EphB2的表达。结果与空白组比较,建模后大鼠机械痛阈值明显降低,而大鼠脊髓中IL-1β、TNF-α水平、脊髓神经细胞凋亡指数、Caspase-3活性以及EphrinB2、EphB2蛋白表达水平均明显升高(P<0.05);与模型组比较,给予桃红四物汤治疗的大鼠在给药后7 d和14 d时机械痛阈值均明显升高(P<0.05),而大鼠脊髓中IL-1β、TNF-α水平、脊髓神经细胞凋亡指数、Caspase-3活性以及EphrinB2、EphB2蛋白表达水平均明显降低(P<0.05)。给予EphBs阻滞剂EphB2-Fc后大鼠脊髓组织中EphB2蛋白表达水平明显低于治疗组(P<0.05)。以EphBs激动剂EphrinB2-Fc作用后大鼠脊髓组织中EphrinB2蛋白表达水平明显低于治疗组,而EphB2蛋白表达水平明显高于治疗组(P<0.05)。结论桃红四物汤可能通过抑制EphrinBs/EphBs通路减少炎性因子的释放和脊髓神经细胞凋亡,对PHN大鼠发挥镇痛作用。