Stromal cell-derived factor-1α regulates chondrogenic differentiation via activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in mesenchymal stem cells

BACKGROUND Mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs)have been applied to treat degenerative articular diseases,and stromal cell-derived factor-1α(SDF-1α)may enhance their therapeutic efficacy.However,the regulatory effects of SDF-1αon cartilage differentiation remain largely unknown.Identifying the specific regulatory effects of SDF-1αon MSCs will provide a useful target for the treatment of degenerative articular diseases.AIM To explore the role and mechanism of SDF-1αin cartilage differentiation of MSCs and primary chondrocytes.METHODS The expression level of C-X-C chemokine receptor 4(CXCR4)in MSCs was assessed by immunofluorescence.MSCs treated with SDF-1αwere stained for alkaline phosphatase(ALP)and with Alcian blue to observe differentiation.Western blot analysis was used to examine the expression of SRY-box transcription factor 9,aggrecan,collagen II,runt-related transcription factor 2,collagen X,and matrix metalloproteinase(MMP)13 in untreated MSCs,of aggrecan,collagen II,collagen X,and MMP13 in SDF-1α-treated primary chondrocytes,of glycogen synthase kinase 3β(GSK3β)p-GSK3βandβ-catenin expression in SDF-1α-treated MSCs,and of aggrecan,collagen X,and MMP13 in SDF-1α-treated MSCs in the presence or absence of ICG-001(SDF-1αinhibitor).RESULTS Immunofluorescence showed CXCR4 expression in the membranes of MSCs.ALP stain was intensified in MSCs treated with SDF-1αfor 14 d.The SDF-1αtreatment promoted expression of collagen X and MMP13 during cartilage differentiation,whereas it had no effect on the expression of collagen II or aggrecan nor on the formation of cartilage matrix in MSCs.Further,those SDF-1α-mediated effects on MSCs were validated in primary chondrocytes.SDF-1αpromoted the expression of p-GSK3βandβ-catenin in MSCs.And,finally,inhibition of this pathway by ICG-001(5μmol/L)neutralized the SDF-1α-mediated up-regulation of collagen X and MMP13 expression in MSCs.CONCLUSION SDF-1αmay promote hypertrophic cartilage differentiation in MSCs by activating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway.These findings provide further evidence for the use of MSCs and SDF-1αin the treatment of cartilage degeneration and osteoarthritis.

Stromal cell-derived factor-1α promotes recruitment and differentiation of nucleus pulposus-derived stem cells

BACKGROUND Intervertebral disc(IVD) degeneration is a condition characterized by a reduction in the water and extracellular matrix content of the nucleus pulposus(NP) and is considered as one of the dominating contributing factors to low back pain. Recent evidence suggests that stromal cell-derived factor 1α(SDF-1α) and its receptor CX-C chemokine receptor type 4(CXCR4) direct the migration of stem cells associated with injury repair in different musculoskeletal tissues.AIM To investigate the effects of SDF-1α on recruitment and chondrogenic differentiation of nucleus pulposus-derived stem cells(NPSCs).METHODS We performed real-time RT-PCR and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to examine the expression of SDF-1α in nucleus pulposus cells after treatment with pro-inflammatory cytokines in vitro. An animal model of IVD degeneration was established using annular fibrosus puncture in rat coccygeal discs. Tissue samples were collected from normal control and degeneration groups.Differences in the expression of SDF-1α between the normal and degenerative IVDs were analyzed by immunohistochemistry. The migration capacity of NPSCs induced by SDF-1α was evaluated using wound healing and transwell migration assays. To determine the effect of SDF-1α on chondrogenic differentiation of NPSCs, we conducted cell micromass culture and examined the expression levels of Sox-9, aggrecan, and collagen II. Moreover, the roles of SDF-1/CXCR4 axis in the migration and chondrogenesis differentiation of NPSCs were analyzed by immunofluorescence, immunoblotting, and real-time RT-PCR.RESULTS SDF-1α was significantly upregulated in the native IVD cells cultured in vitro with pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α, mimicking the degenerative settings. Immunohistochemical staining showed that the level of SDF-1α was also significantly higher in the degenerative group than in the normal group. SDF-1α enhanced the migration capacity of NPSCs in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, SDF-1α induced chondrogenic differentiation of NPSCs, as evidenced by the increased expression of chondrogenic markers using histological and immunoblotting analyses. Realtime RT-PCR, immunoblotting, and immunofluorescence showed that SDF-1αnot only increased CXCR4 expression but also stimulated translocation of CXCR4 from the cytoplasm to membrane, accompanied by cytoskeletal rearrangement.Furthermore, blocking CXCR4 with AMD3100 effectively suppressed the SDF-1α-induced migration and differentiation capacities of NPSCs.CONCLUSION These findings demonstrate that SDF-1α has the potential to enhance recruitment and chondrogenic differentiation of NPSCs via SDF-1/CXCR4 chemotaxis signals that contribute to IVD regeneration.

Prognostic role of the stromal cell derived factor-1 in patients with hepatitis B virus-related acute-on-chronic liver failure

BACKGROUND Stromal cell derived factor-1(SDF-1)plays a pivotal role in the recruitment of stem cells to injured livers.However,the changes of SDF-l in patients with hepatitis B virus(HBV)-related acute-on-chronic liver failure(ACLF)have yet to be elucidated.AIM To study the SDF-1 changes in patients with HBV-related ACLF.METHODS 30 patients with HBV-related ACLF,27 patients with chronic hepatitis B and 20 healthy individuals are involved in our study.The SDF-l mRNA expression in liver tissue was detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction.Immunohistochemical staining was performed to illustrate the expression of SDFl,CXC receptor 4(CXCR4)and Ki67.The serum SDF-l concentrations were also detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays.RESULTS The expression of SDF-1 mRNA from ACLF patients was remarkably higher than that from other patients(both P<0.05).The expression of SDF-l,CXCR4 and Ki67 from ACLF were the highest among the three groups(all P<0.01).The serum SDF-l levels in ACLF patients were significantly lower than that in other patients(both P<0.01).Moreover,in ACLF patients,the serum SDF-1 Levels were positively correlated with serum total bilirubin and international normalized ratio.In addition,the serum SDF-l levels in survival were significantly lower compared with the non-survivals(P<0.05).The area under the curve for the serum SDF-1 level in predicting 28-d mortality was 0.722(P<0.05).CONCLUSION This study provides the SDF-1 changes in patients with HBV-related ACLF.The SDF-1 Level at admission may serve as a promising prognostic marker for predicting short-term prognosis.

Effect of stromal cell-derived factor-1/CXCR4 axis in neural stem cell transplantation for Parkinson’s disease

Previous studies have shown that neural stem cell transplantation has the potential to treat Parkinson’s disease,but its specific mechanism of action is still unclear.Stromal cell-derived factor-1 and its receptor,chemokine receptor 4(CXCR4),are important regulators of cell migration.We speculated that the CXCR4/stromal cell-derived factor 1 axis may be involved in the therapeutic effect of neural stem cell transplantation in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease.A Parkinson’s disease rat model was injected with 6-hydroxydopamine via the right ascending nigrostriatal dopaminergic pathway,and then treated with 5μL of neural stem cell suspension(1.5×104/L)in the right substantia nigra.Rats were intraperitoneally injected once daily for 3 days with 1.25 mL/kg of the CXCR4 antagonist AMD3100 to observe changes after neural stem cell transplantation.Parkinson-like behavior in rats was detected using apomorphine-induced rotation.Immunofluorescence staining was used to determine the immunoreactivity of tyrosine hydroxylase,CXCR4,and stromal cell-derived factor-1 in the brain.Using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction,the mRNA expression of stromal cell-derived factor-1 and CXCR4 in the right substantia nigra were measured.In addition,western blot assays were performed to analyze the protein expression of stromal cell-derived factor-1 and CXCR4.Our results demonstrated that neural stem cell transplantation noticeably reduced apomorphine-induced rotation,increased the mRNA and protein expression of stromal cell-derived factor-1 and CXCR4 in the right substantia nigra,and enhanced the immunoreactivity of tyrosine hydroxylase,CXCR4,and stromal cell-derived factor-1 in the brain.Injection of AMD3100 inhibited the aforementioned effects.These findings suggest that the stromal cell-derived factor-1/CXCR4 axis may play a significant role in the therapeutic effect of neural stem cell transplantation in a rat model of Parkinson’s disease.This study was approved by the Animal Care and Use Committee of Kunming Medical University,China(approval No.SYXKK2015-0002)on April 1,2014.

Upregulation of stromal cell-derived factor-1 alpha/CXCR4 axis-induced migration of human neural progenitors by tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-8

BACKGROUND： Studies of several animal models of central nervous system diseases have shown that neural progenitor cells （NPCs） can migrate to injured tissues. Stromal cell-derived factor 1 alpha （SDF-la）, and its primary physiological receptor CXCR4, have been shown to contribute to this process. OBJECTIVE： To investigate migration efficacy of human NPCs toward a SDF-1α gradient, and the regulatory roles of tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α） and interleukin-8 （IL-8） in SDF-1α/CXCR4 axis-induced migration of NPCs. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： An in vitro, randomized, controlled, cellular and molecular biology study was performed at the Laboratory of Department of Cell Biology, Medical College of Soochow University between October 2005 and November 2007. MATERIALS： SDF-1α and mouse anti-human CXCR4 fusion antibody were purchased from R＆D Systems, USA. TNF-αwas purchased from Biomyx Technology, USA and IL-8 was kindly provided by the Biotechnology Research Institute of Soochow University. METHODS： NPCs isolated from forebrain tissue of 9 to 10-week-old human fetuses were cultured in vitro. The cells were incubated with 0, 20, and 40 ng/mL TNF-α, or 0, 20, and 40 ng/mL IL-8, for 48 hours prior to migration assay. For antibody-blocking experiments, cells were further pretreated with 0, 20, and 40 μg/mL mouse anti-human CXCR4 fusion antibody for 2 hours. Subsequently, the transwell assay and CXCR4 blockade experiments were performed to evaluate migration of human NPCs toward a SDF-1α gradient. Serum-free culture medium without SDF-1α served as the negative control. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： The transwell assay was performed to evaluate migration of human NPCs toward a SDF-1α gradient, which was blocked by fusion antibody against CXCR4. In addition, CXCR4 expression in human NPCs stimulated by TNF-α and IL-8 was measured by flow cytometry. RESULTS： Results from the transwell assay demonstrated that SDF-1α was a strong chemoattractant for human NPCs （P 〈 0.01）, and 20 ng/mL produced the highest levels of migration. Anti-human CXCR4 fusion antibody significantly blocked the chemotactic effect （P 〈 0.05）. Flow cytometry results showed that treatment with TNF-α and IL-8 resulted in increased CXCR4 expression and greater chemotaxis efficiency of NPCs towards SDF-1α（P 〈 0.01）. CONCLUSION： These results demonstrated that SDF-la significantly attracted NPCs in vitro, and neutralizing anti-CXCR4 antibody could block part of this chemotactic function. TNF-α and IL-8 increased chemotaxis efficiency of NPCs towards the SDF-1αgradient by upregulating CXCR4 expression in NPCs.

Emodin and baicalein inhibit pancreatic stromal derived factor-1 expression in rats with acute pancreatitis

BACKGROUND: Stromal derived factor-1 (SDF-1) is an efficacious leukocyte chemoattractant, which can attract lymphocytes and mononuclear cells from bloodstream into the site of inflammation. Emodin., an anthraquinone derivative from Radix et Rhizoma Rhei, and baicalein, a flavone from Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, both have been reported to possess anti-inflammatory activities. The expression pattern of SDF-1 in experimental acute pancreatitis (AP) and the effect of emodin or baicalein on that are not well defined. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of emodin and baicalein on pancreatic myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity (reflecting leukocyte sequestration) and cytokine production, as well as tissue SDF-1 expression in the setting of AP. METHODS: A :rat model of AP was induced by administration (of 5% sodium taurocholate through the biliopancreatic duct. The level of tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-alpha), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and MPO in the pancreas, and serum amylase were tested by immunohistochemistry, ELISA and chromatometry. The expressions of SDF-1 alpha and SDF-1 beta were detected by real-time PCR, Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry. RESULT: Combination of emodin and baicalein significantly reduced pancreatic TNIP-alpha, IL-6 and MPO, and also inhibited pancreatic SDF-1 expression. CONCLUSIONS: The inhibition of SDF-1 expression by emodin and baicalein might contribute, in part at least, to the amelioration of pancreatic inflammation. The present study also shows benefits of simultaneous treatment of AP.

Stromal cell derived factor-1 enhances bone marrow mononuclear cell migration in mice with acute liver failure

AIM： To evaluate the number of bone marrow mononuclear cells （BMMC） that are migrated to the liver following transplantation of murine BMMC into mice with acute liver injury.METHODS： BMMC were isolated from the bone marrow of mice in a lymphocyte separation medium and then labeled with PKH26. The labeled cells were subsequently infused into the caudal veins of BALB/c mice with hepatic injury induced by carbon tetrachloride and 2-acetylaminofluorene. Mice in experimental group were treated with stromal cell-derived factor-1 （SDF-1） which was injected intraperitoneally after trans- plantation of BMMC. Mice in control group were injected intraperitoneally with 0.1 mL of saline （0.9% NaCl） after transplantation of BMMC. After 2 wk, migration of the cells in experimental group was studied by fluorescence microscopy. The expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen and albumin was quantified with manual methods in both groups. The serum transaminase levels at different time points were compared between the two groups.RESULTS： The labeled ＂cells＂ were found in the portal region and central veins of hepatic Iobules. The PKH26labeled cells appeared at an average frequency of 108 ± 8/high power field in the experiment group and 65 ± 8/high power field in the control group （P 〈 0.05）. The total number of positive cells was 29 ± 7/high power field in the experimental group and 13 ± 2/high power field in the control group. The albumin expression level was also higher in the experimental group than in the control group （29 ± 7 vs 13 ± 2, P 〈 0.05）. The total number of crossing points was 156 ± 5/high power field in the experimental group and 53 ± 5/high power field in the control group （P 〈 0.05）. The serum alanine aminotransferase levels in experimental and control groups were measured at different time points （120 ± 40 vs 118.50 ± 1.75, P 〉 0.05; 80.60 ± 6.50 vs 101.08 ± 5.67, P 〈 0.05; 50.74 ± 5.38 vs 80.47 ± 4.62, P 〈 0.05; 30.54 ± 2.70 vs 60.72 ± 4.37, P 〈 0.05; 30.77 ± 5.36 vs 40.47 ± 6.50, P 〈 0.05）. At the same time, the serum aspartate aminotransferase levels were measured in experimental and control groups at different time points （122.55 ± 1.46 vs 120.70 ± 4.22, P 〉 0.05; 54.26 ± 6.50 vs 98.70 ± 8.20, P 〈 0.05; 39.47 ± 5.39 vs 78.34 ± 4.50, P 〈 0.05; 28.94 ±2.70 vs 56.44 ± 4.28, P 〈 0.05; 30.77 ± 5.45 vs 42.50 ± 6.28, P 〈 0.05）.CONCLUSION： SDF-1 can promote the migration of BMMC to the liver of mice with acute liver failure.

Hyperbaric oxygen improves functional recovery of rats after spinal cord injury via activating stromal cell-derived factor-1/CXC chemokine receptor 4 axis and promoting brain-derived neurothrophic factor expression

Background: Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a worldwide medical concern. This study aimed to elucidate the mechanism underlying protective effect of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) against SCI-induced neurologic defects in rats via exploring the stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1)/CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) axis and expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Methods: An acute SCI rat model was established in Sprague-Dawley rats using the Allen method. Sixty rats were divided into four groups (w = 15 in each group): sham-operated, SCI, SCI treated with HBO (SCI + HBO), and SCI treated with both HBO and AMD3100 (an antagonist of CXCR4;SCI + HBO + AMD) groups. The rats were treated with HBO twice a day for 3 days and thereafter once a day after the surgery for up to 28 days. Following the surgery, neurologic assessments were performed with the Basso-Bettie-Bresnahan (BBB) scoring system on postoperative day (POD) 7, 14, 21, and 28. Spinal cord tissues were harvested to assess the expression of SDF-1, CXCR4, and BDNF at mRNA and protein levels, using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, Western blot analysis, and histopathologic analysis. Results: HBO treatment recovered SCI-induced descent of BBB scores on POD 14,(1.25±0.75 vs. 1.03 ±0.66, P< 0.05), 21 (5.27± 0.89 vs. 2.56± 1.24, P< 0.05), and 28 (11.35±0.56 vs. 4.23± 1.20, P<0.05) compared with the SCI group. Significant differences were found in the mRNA levels of SDF-1 (mRNA: day 21, SCI + HBO vs. SCI + HBO + AMD, 2.89± 1.60 vs. 1.56±0.98, P<0.05), CXCR4 (mRNA: day 7, SCI + HBO vs. SCI, 2.99± 1.60 vs. 1.31 ±0.98, P<0.05;day 14, SCI + HBO vs. SCI + HBO + AMD, 4.18± 1.60 vs. 0.80±0.34, P<0.05;day 21, SCI + HBO vs. SCI, 2.10±1.01 vs.1.15±0.03, P<0.05), and BDNF (mRNA: day 7, SCI + HBO vs. SCI, 3.04±0.41 vs. 2.75±0.31, P<0.05;day 14, SCI + HBO vs. SCI, 3.88± 1.59 vs. 1.11 ±0.40, P<0.05), indicating the involvement of SDF-1/CXCR4 axis in the protective effect of HBO. Conclusions: HBO might promote the recovery of neurologic function after SCI in rats via activating the SDF-1/CXCR4 axis and promoting BDNF expression.

基质细胞衍生因子-1α和白细胞介素-1β诱导淋巴管内皮表型的作用

目的探讨基质细胞衍生因子-1α(SDF-1α)及白细胞介素-1β(IL-1β)诱导内皮细胞表达淋巴管表型的作用。方法 SDF-1α和IL-1β分别诱导内皮细胞株CRL-1730,用Real-time PCR、Western blotting及免疫细胞化学等方法检测其内皮及淋巴管标志物,的表达情况。结果 SDF-1α诱导培养之后,CRL-1730细胞株的内皮细胞标志物血管性血友病因子(vWF)、血管内皮钙黏蛋白(VE-cadherin)、血管内皮生长因子受体(VEGFR)2随其浓度增高而表达降低,淋巴管标志物平足蛋白(podoplanin)、同源异形盒蛋白-1(Prox-1)和淋巴管内皮透明质酸受体-1(LYVE-1)随其浓度增高而表达增高。IL-1β诱导之后,CRL-1730细胞株的vWF、VEGFR2和podoplanin、prox-1、LYVE-1的变化趋势同SDF-1α,而VE-cadherin的表达量基本不变。结论 SDF-1α和IL-1β都能够诱导血管内皮细胞表达淋巴管标志物。

CXCR4/SDF-1 axis is involved in lymph node metastasis of gastric carcinoma

AIM:To investigate the role of CXC chemokine receptor-4 (CXCR4) and stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1) in lymph node metastasis of gastric carcinoma.METHODS:In 40 cases of gastric cancer,expression of CXCR4 mRNA in cancer and normal mucous membrane and SDF-1 mRNA in lymph nodes around the stomach was detected using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) (TaqMan) and immunohistochemistric assay.SGC-7901 and MGC80-3 cancer cells were used to investigate the effect of SDF-1 on cell proliferation and migration.RESULTS:Quantitative reverse transcription PCR and immunohistochemistry revealed that the expression level of CXCR4 in gastric cancer was significantly higher than that in normal mucous membrane (1.6244 ± 1.3801 vs 1.0715 ± 0.5243,P < 0.05).The expression level of CXCR4 mRNA in gastric cancer with lymph node metastasis was also significantly higher than that without lymph node metastasis (0.823 ± 0.551 vs 0.392 ± 0.338,P < 0.05).CXCR4 expression was significantly related to poorly differentiated,high tumor stage and lymph node metastasis.Significant differences in the expression level of SDF-1 mRNA were found between lymph nodes in metastatic gastric cancer and normal nodes (0.5432 ± 0.4907 vs 0.2640 ± 0.2601,P < 0.05).The positive expression of SDF-1 mRNA in lymph nodes of metastatic gastric cancer was consistent with the positive expression of CXCR4 mRNA in gastric cancer (r=0.776,P < 0.01).Additionally,human gastric cancer cell lines expressed CXCR4 and showed vigorous proliferation and migratory responses to SDF-1.AMD3100 (a specific CXCR4 antagonist) was also found to effectively reduce the migration of gastric cancer cells.CONCLUSION:The CXCR4/SDF-1 axis is involved in the lymph node metastasis of gastric cancer.CXCR4 is considered as a potential therapeutic target in the treatment of gastric cancer.

Effect of integrin α5β1 inhibition on SDF-l/CXCR4-mediated choroidal neovascularization

AIM：To investigate the roles of integrins in choroidal neovascularization（CNV） and their associations with the stromal cell-derived factor-1（SDF-1）/CXCR4 axis.METHODS：CNV lesions were induced in mice using laser photocoagulation.After CNV induction,all animals were randomly assigned to：control,SDF-1,SDF-1＋age-related macular degeneration（AMD） 3100（CXCR4 inhibitor）,and SDF-1＋ATN161（integrin α5β1 inhibitor） groups;their effects on CNV progression were observed using hematoxylin eosin（HE） staining,fundus fluorescein angiography（FFA） grading and optical coherence tomography（OCT）,and their effects on CXCR4/integrin α5 expression were evaluated using Western blot and double immunofluorescence staining.Hypoxia-exposed endothelial cells（ECs） were used to simulate CNV in vitro,they were treated with SDF-1,combined with CXCR4 siRNA/AMD3100 or ATN161,and expression of integrin α5,cell migration and tube formation were analyzed.RESULTS：Integrin subunit α5 increased at 3^ rd and 7^ th day and decreased at 14 ^th day in CNV mice,with no significant change of β1-integrin.CXCR4 expression in CNV mice had persistent increase within 14 d after induction.SDF-1 treatment significantly promoted the CNV progression during 3-14 d.The mean CNV length in AMD3100 andATN161 group at day 7 was 270.13 and 264.23 μm in HE images,significantly lower than the mean length in SDF-1（345.70 μm） group.AMD3100 and ATN161 also significantly reduced thickness and leakage of CNV induced by SDF-1.Mean integrin α5 positive area in SDF-1 group reached 2.31×104 μm^2,significantly higher than control（1.25×104 μm^2）,which decreased to 1.78×104 μm^2 after AMD3100 treatment.About 61.36% of ECs in CNV lesions expressed α5 in SDF-1 group,which significantly decreased to 43.12% after AMD3100 treatment.In vitro,integrin α5 peaked by 6 folds after 6 h of hypoxia exposure and CXCR4 gradually increased by up to 2.3 folds after 24 h of hypoxia.Approximately 25.12% of ECs expressed integrin α5 after SDF-1 stimulation,which decreased to 7.2%-9.5% after si-CXCR4 or AMD3100 treatment.ATN161 exerted an inhibitory effect comparable to that of si-CXCR4 on EC migration and tube formation in the presence of SDF-1.CONCLUSION：SDF-1/CXCR4 signaling induces integrin α5β1 expression in ECs to promote CNV.

CXCR7/CXCL12 axis is involved in lymph node and liver metastasis of gastric carcinoma

AIM To investigate the role of CXC chemokine receptor (CXCR)-7 and CXCL12 in lymph node and liver metastasis of gastric carcinoma. METHODS In 160 cases of gastric cancer, the expression of CXCR7 and CXCL12 in tumor and matched tumoradjacent non-cancer tissues, in the lymph nodes around the stomach and in the liver was detected using immunohistochemistry to analyze the relationship between CXCR7/CXCL12 expression and clinicopathological features and to determine whether CXCR7 and CXCL12 constitute a biological axis to promote lymph node and liver metastasis of gastric cancer. Furthermore, the CXCR7 gene was silenced and overexpressed in human gastric cancer SGC-7901 cells, and cell proliferation, migration and invasiveness were measured by the MTT, wound healing and Transwell assays, respectively. RESULTS CXCR7 expression was up-regulated in gastric cancer tissues (P = 0.011). CXCR7/CXCL12 expression was significantly related to high tumor stage and lymph node (r = 0.338, P = 0.000) and liver metastasis (r = 0.629, P = 0.000). The expression of CXCL12 in lymph node and liver metastasis was higher than that in primary gastric cancer tissues (chi(2) = 6.669, P = 0.010; chi(2) = 25379, P = 0.000), and the expression of CXCL12 in lymph node and liver metastasis of gastric cancer was consistent with the positive expression of CXCR7 in primary gastric cancer (r = 0.338, P = 0.000; r = 0.629, P = 0.000). Overexpression of the CXCR7 gene promoted cell proliferation, migration and invasion. Silencing of the CXCR7 gene suppressed SGC-7901 cell proliferation, migration and invasion. Human gastric cancer cell lines expressed CXCR7 and showed vigorous proliferation and migratory responses to CXCL12. CONCLUSION The CXCR7/CXCL12 axis is involved in lymph node and liver metastasis of gastric cancer. CXCR7 is considered a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of gastric cancer.

Growth and activation of PI-3K/PKB and Akt by stromal cell-derived factor 1a in endometrial carcinoma cells with expression of suppressor endoprotein PTEN

Background Mutation or deletion in the phosphatase and tensin homologue deleted on chromosome ten （PTEN） gene has been identified as an important cause of endometrial carcinoma; stromal cell derived factor-1α （SDF-1α） exerts growth-promoting effects on endometrial cancer cells through activation of the PI-3 kinase/Akt pathway and downstream effectors such as extracellular-responsive kinase （ERK）. In this study, a plasmid containing the PTEN gene was transfected into Ishikawa cells to investigate the difference in growth and signal transduction between Ishikawa-PTEN and Ishikawa cells after SDF-1α stimulation, and to study mechanisms of the involvement of PTEN protein in endometrial carcinoma development. Methods Ishikawa cells were transfected with a plasmid （pLXSN-PTEN） containing the PTEN gene and a plasmid （pLXSN-EGFP） with enhanced green fluorescent protein （EGFP）. Cells were then screened to obtain Ishikawa-PTEN cells and Ishikawa-neo cells that can both stably express PTEN protein and EGFP. Expression of PTEN protein, phosphorylation levels of AKT and ERK （pAKT and pERK） and growth differences in Ishikawa-PTEN, Ishikawa-neo and Ishikawa cells before and after SDF-1α stimulation were then determined by Western blots and MTT assays. Results Western blot analysis showed that Ishikawa cells produced PTEN after transfection with the PTEN gene. At 15 minutes after SDF-1α stimulation, the pAKT level of Ishikawa-PTEN cells was lower than that of Ishikawa-neo cells and Ishikawa cells. There was no significant difference in pERK levels among the three cell lines. The positive effect of SDF-1α on Ishikawa-PTEN cells growth was markedly less than the effect on Ishikawa-neo and Ishikawa cells. However, in the absence of SDF-1α stimulation （baseline）, the pAKT level in Ishikawa-PTEN cells was less than that in Ishikawa cells. There was a significant difference in growth between the Ishikawa-PTEN cells and the Ishikawa-neo cells. Conclusions PTEN gene transfection can regulate the level of pAKT but not pERK in Ishikawa-PTEN cells. PTEN protein may suppress the growth-promoting effect of SDF-1α on endometrial carcinoma by inhibiting the PI-3K/AKT signal transduction pathway.

CXCR4 antagonist AMD3100 attenuates colonic damage in mice with experimental colitis

AIM:To investigate the effects of the chemokine stromal cell-derived factor-1(CXCL12) receptor(CXCR4) antagonist AMD3100 on colonic inflammation and epithelial barrier in dextran sulfate sodium(DSS)-induced colitis in mice.METHODS:Experimental colitis was induced by administration of 5% DSS for 7 d,and assays performed on intestinal segments from the ileocecal valve to the anus.Colonic morphology was examined by hematoxylin and eosin staining.Colonic cytokines were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Myeloperoxidase(MPO) activity(indicator of inflammatory infiltration) was observed spectrophotometrically.Gut permeability was assessed by mucosal-to-serosal clearance of fluorescein isothiocyanate-conjugated dextran 4000(FD4) in everted gut sacs.The apoptosis of colonic epithelium was assessed by Hoechst-33342 staining.To further elucidate the role of CXCR4 in colonic inflammation,we also investigated the effect of AMD3100 on migration and cytokine production of isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells(PBMCs).RESULTS:DSS-induced colitis was characterized by morphologic changes,as well as increased colonic cytokines,inflammatory infiltration,epithelial apoptosis,and intestinal permeability in mice.In AMD3100-treated mice,epithelial destruction,inflammatory infiltration,and submucosal edema were markedly reduced;colonic tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),interleukin-6(IL-6) and interferon-γ(IFN-γ) levels,as well as MPO activity were significantly decreased.Increased intestinal permeability in DSS-treated mice was signif icantly reduced by AMD3100.The number of apoptotic cells in colitis mice was markedly increased after DSS administration,and decreased when treated with the CXCR4 antagonist AMD3100.In pre-activated PBMCs,CXCL12 stimulation signif icantly increased the migration of PBMCs,and was inhibited by AMD3100.Moderately increased TNF-α,IL-6,and IFN-γ from CXCL12-treated PBMCs were also reduced by AMD3100.CONCLUSION:The CXCR4 antagonist AMD3100 exerts therapeutic effects on experimental colitis by inhibiting colonic inflammation and enhancing epithelial barrier integrity.

Expression of CXCL12-CXCR4 in osteosarcoma and its correlation with angiogenesis

Objective The expression of CXCL12(stromal cell-derived factor-1)-CXCR4(chemokine receptors-4) in osteosarcoma and its role in angiogenesis were examined.Methods The expression of CXCR4 and CXCL12 in 40 cases of osteosarcoma was detected by immunohistochemistry and real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR.The expression of CD34 in osteosarcoma was detected by immunohistochemistry.Morphometric image analysis was performed to measure microvessel density(MVD).Additionally,the relationship between CXCL12 and CXCR4 expression and MVD of osteosarcoma and pulmonary metastasis were analyzed.Results The positive rates of CXCL12 and CXCR4 protein expression in osteosarcoma were 40.0%(16/40) and 60.0%(24/40),respectively.Fluorescence quantitative real-time PCR indicated that the expression level of CXCR4 m RNA in pulmonary metastatic osteosarcoma was higher than that in nonpulmonary metastatic osteosarcoma(P < 0.01).The level of MVD in pulmonary metastatic osteosarcoma was higher than that in non-pulmonary metastatic osteosarcoma(P < 0.01).Conclusion The expression level of CXCR4 was significantly associated with pulmonary metastasis and angiogenesis of osteosarcoma.

SDF-1/CXCR4 expression in bladder cancer tissue and the correlation with negative costimulatory molecule PD-L1, cell apoptosis and invasion

Objective:To study the SDF-1/CXCR4 expression in bladder cancer tissue and the correlation with negative costimulatory molecule PD-L1, cell apoptosis and invasion.Methods: A total of 118 cases of bladder cancer tissue and para-carcinoma tissue surgically removed in our hospital between May 2014 and May 2016 were selected as the research samples, the RNA was extracted and then reverse-transcribed into cDNA, and the expression levels of SDF-1/CXCR4, PD-L1/PD-1, cell apoptosis-related molecules and cell invasion-related molecules were detected.Results: SDF-1 and CXCR4 mRNA expression in bladder cancer tissue were significantly higher than those in para-carcinoma tissue;PD-L1, PD-1, Rec1, Survivin, MRPS5, Nanog, BCAPP2Ac, TRPM8, TRPV2, ILK,β-catenin and GUGBP1 mRNA expression in bladder cancer tissue were significantly higher than those in para-carcinoma tissue and positively correlated with SDF-1 and CXCR4 mRNA expression.Conclusion:Highly expressed SDF-1/CXCR4 in bladder cancer tissue are closely related to the high expression of negative costimulatory molecule PD-L1, pro-proliferation molecules and pro-invasion molecules, and SDF-1/CXCR4 can promote the immune escape, proliferation and invasion of bladder cancer cells.

Phenotypic Knockout of CXCR4 on Molt-4 with SDF-1α/54 Attached with KDEL

Objective ： To investigate the mechanism of phenotypic knockout of CXCR4 on T-cell leukemia cell line Molt-4 via SDF-1α/54/KDEL intrakine technology, which the mutant SDF-1α/54, human stromal cell-derived Faceor-1 （SDF-1α） was deleted its C- terminal α-helix and attached with a endoplasimc reticulum retention signal 4-peptide- KDEL encoding gene, so that retain the newly synthesized receptor CXCR4 within the Molt-4 cells endoplasmic reticulum. Methods： The recombinant vector pEGFP-C3/SDF- 1α/54/KDEL were transfected into Cos-7 cells by liposome, SDF-1α/54/KDEL fusion protein was confirmed with western blot. The recombinant plasmids were transfected transiently into Molt-4 by electroporation. Results：Western blot confirmed SDF-1α/54/KDEL expression in Cos-7. A dramatic downregulation of CXCR4 expression on Molt-4 was demonstrated by flow cytometric （FCM） analysis. Conelusion：SDF-1α/54/KDEL and SDF- 1αKDEL have no significant deviation for phenotypic knockout of CXCR4. These suggest that the phenotypic knockout effects of SDF-1α/54 against CXCR4 are not influenced by deleting of SDF-1α helix in the C-terminal.

C-X-C chemokine receptor type 7 antibody enhances neural plasticity after ischemic stroke

Stromal cell-derived factor-1 and its receptor C-X-C chemokine receptor 4(CXCR4) have been shown to regulate neural regeneration after stroke.Howeve r,whether stromal cell-derived factor-1 receptor CXCR7,which is widely distributed in the develo ping and adult central nervous system,participates in neural regeneration remains poorly unde rstood.In this study,we established rat models of focal cerebral ischemia by injecting endothelin-1 into the cerebral co rtex and striatum.Starting on day 7 after injury,CXCR7-neutralizing antibody was injected into the lateral ventricle using a micro drug delivery system for 6 consecutive days.Our results showed that CXCR7-neutralizing antibody increased the total length and number of sprouting co rticospinal tra ct fibers in rats with cerebral ischemia,increased the expression of vesicular glutamate transporter 1 and growth-related protein 43,marke rs of the denervated spinal cord synapses,and promoted the differentiation and maturation of oligodendrocyte progenitor cells in the striatum.In addition,CXCR7 antibody increased the expression of CXCR4 in the striatum,increased the protein expression of RAS and ERK1/2 associated with the RAS/ERK signaling pathway,and im proved rat motor function.These findings suggest that CXCR7 improved neural functional recovery after ischemic stroke by promoting axonal regeneration,synaptogenesis,and myelin regeneration,which may be achieved by activation of CXCR4 and the RAS/ERK1/2 signaling pathway.

Activated Platelets Induce Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-1α Expression Likely through Transforming Growth Factor-β1 in Human Endometrial Stromal Cells

Objective:Endometriosis is a common gynecological disease with an enigmatic pathogenesis.Recent studies suggest that the behavior of normal endometrial stromal cells can dramatically change under hypoxic conditions,which effectively turns them into endometriotic stromal cells.Because menstrual debris is not only hypoxic but may also contain platelet aggregates,at present,we aimed to approve that activated platelets could induce hypoxia-inducible factor-1α(HIF-1α)expression in endometrial stromal cells,signaling the presence of hypoxia.Methods:We evaluated the gene and protein expression levels of HIF-1α and its target gene erythropoietin(EPO)in both human endometriotic stromal cells(HESCs)and a human endometrial stromal cell line(ESCL)cocultured with or without activated platelets for 48 h.Results:We found that the gene and protein expression levels of HIF-1α and EPO in both HESC and ESCL were significantly increased after coculture with activated platelets.We also found that neutralization of transforming growth factor-β1 completely abolishes this induction.Conclusions:Platelets can induce a hypoxic state in endometrial and endometriotic stromal cells,resulting in increased angiogenesis,as well as enhanced survival and proliferation.In conjunction with other roles that platelets play in the development of endometriosis,our findings further highlight the important roles of platelets in the development and initiation of endometriosis,shedding new light into the etiology of endometriosis.

Apelin and vascular endothelial growth factor are associated with mobilization of endothelial progenitor cells after acute myocardial infarction

This study was designed to determine the levels of early endothelial progenitor cells （EPCs）, apelin, vascu- lar endothelial growth factor （VEGF） and stromal cell-derived growth factor-1 （SDF-1） after acute myocardial infarction （AMI）, and to investigate the relationships between these cytokines and early EPCs. Early EPCs, de- fined as CD133＋, KDR＋, and CD34~ cells, were quantified by flow cytometry. The levels of early EPCs and those cytokines in AMI patients were significantly different from those with coronary artery disease or controls （P 〈 0.05）. Plasma apelin levels were inversely correlated with Gensini score and early EPCs （both P 〈 0.01）. Early EPCs, VEGF and SDF-1 showed different patterns of changes in AMI patients during the first 24 h. The trend in the change of early EPCs was proportionally correlated with that of VEGF （P 〈 0.05）. AMI patients exhibited in- creased early EPCs with remarkably decreased apelin levels and enhanced VEGF levels.