INDUCTION OF C-MYC GENE AMPLIFICATION BY HYDROXYUREA AND ITS INHIBITION BY HOMOHARRINGTONINE

Induction of c-myc gene amplification in L1210 cells by hydroxyurea and its inhibition by homohar-ringtonine were investigated using the DNA-DNA molecular hybridization technique. When the cells were treated with hydroxyurea 1.0 mM for 16 hours, and incubated a further 16 hours in a drug-free medium, the c-myc gene amplified 23.5-fold. If homohar-ringtonine 50 μM was used at the same time as hydroxyurea, gene amplification did not occur. Cycloheximide, an inhibitor of protein biosynthesis, produced a similar effect. Our results indicated that a (or some) protein factor(s) might be involved in gene amplification. Detailed analysis showed that the synthesis of this protein factor(s) started 4 hours before the initiation of the S phase but did not continue in the S phase. It was also found that this protein factor(s) was very labile and began to degrade 2 hours after its appearance.

Expression of p53 and C-myc genes and its clinical relevance in the hepatocellular carcinomatous and pericarcinomatous tissues

AIM: To investigate the possible roles of p53 and C-mycgenes in the primary hepatocellular carcinogenesis and therelationship between the liver hyperplastic nodule(LHN) andhepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).METHODS: The expression of p53 and C-myc genes wasdetected immunohist-ochemically in 73 and 60 cases of HCCand pericarcinomatous tissues, respectively .RESULTS: The positive expression of p53 in HCC wassignificantly higher than that in pericarcinomatous tissues(P＜0.05). In pericarcinomatous tissues, the p53 expressionwas observed only in LHN, but not in liver cirrhosis (LC) andnormal liver tissues. The positive expression rate of C-mycin HCC or LHN was significantly higher than that in LC ornormal liver tissues (P＜0.05 and P＜0.01), however, nosignificant difference was found between HCC and LHN(P＞0.05). The positive expression rate of p53 and C-myc inHCC was correlated with the histological differentiation, thatin the poorly differentiated was significantly higher than thatin well differentiated samples (P＜0.05).CONCLUSION: The overexpression of p53 and C-myc genesmight play a role in the carcinogenesis of HCC; And LHNseems a preneoplastic lesion related to hepatocarcinogenesis;No evidence supports that LC contribute directly to thehepatocarcinogenesis.

Proliferation and C-myc Gene Expression of Smooth Muscle Cells in Rabbit Carotid Artery after Stenting

Objectives To investigate theproliferation of smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and theexpression of c-myc gene in rabbit carotid arieries af-ter stenting. Methods Platinium-Iridium stent wereimplanted into the right carotid arteries of 16 rabbitsunder vision. 7,14,30 and 90 days after the stentingprocedure, morphological changes of VSMCs were ob-served under light and transmission electron micro-scope. The c-myc gene expression was detected by insitu hybridization (ISH) and immunohistochemicalstaining. Results 7 days afer stenting, the pheno-type of VSMCs changed from contractile to syntheticphenotype; there were a number of proliferative VSM-Cs in the neointima. At 14 and 30 days, there weresynthetic and transitive VSMCs. At 90 days, the phe-notype of VSMCs recovered to contractile phenotype.The ultrastructure of typical synthetic phenotype ofVSMCs were round, containing a large amount ofrough endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria. C-myc expression were positive both by ISH and im-munohistochemical staining. Conclusions C - mycgene expression increases and closely relates to VSM-Cs proliferation afer stenting. It may play an impor-tant role in the in-stent restenosis.

c-Myc、CDK12在胃癌组织中的表达及临床意义

目的 探讨胃癌组织中c-Myc、细胞周期蛋白依赖性激酶12(CDK12)表达及其与患者临床特征及预后的关系。方法 收集80例胃癌患者的胃癌组织和癌旁组织标本,采用免疫组化法检测标本中的c-Myc、CDK12表达水平。比较胃癌组织和癌旁组织中c-Myc、CDK12阳性表达情况;分析胃癌组织中c-Myc、CDK12阳性表达与患者临床病理特征的关系;分析c-Myc与CDK12阳性表达的相关性,胃癌组织中c-Myc、CDK12阳性表达与胃癌患者预后的关系。结果 胃癌组织中c-Myc、CDK12阳性表达率(77.5%、87.5%)均明显高于癌旁组织(13.8%、15.0%)(P<0.05)。不同年龄、性别、肿瘤最大直径患者胃癌组织中c-Myc、CDK12阳性表达率比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);中低分化、Ⅲ~Ⅳ期、侵犯浆膜、有淋巴结转移患者胃癌组织中c-Myc和CDK12阳性表达率分别为88.0%、87.0%、88.9%、90.0%和94.0%、92.6%、97.2%、100.0%,均明显高于高分化、Ⅰ~Ⅱ期、未侵犯浆膜、无淋巴结转移患者胃癌组织的60.0%、57.7%、68.2%、70.0%和76.7%、76.9%、79.5%、80.0%(P<0.05)。相关分析发现,c-Myc、CDK12在胃癌组织中的表达呈正相关性(r=0.487,P=0.016<0.05)。胃癌组织中c-Myc、CDK12阳性患者的3年生存率分别为19.4%、21.4%,均明显低于c-Myc、CDK12阴性患者的55.6%、70.0%(P<0.05)。结论 c-Myc、CDK12在胃癌组织中异常高表达,两者呈正相关性,并与肿瘤的TNM分期、分化程度、肿瘤侵袭深度及淋巴结转移有关,对患者的预后有明显影响,通过检测两者水平可能评估胃癌患者的预后。

胃癌模型大鼠胃黏膜组织Cyclin D1、c-Myc、CKIT的表达意义及其与胃癌病变程度的相关性

目的探讨胃癌模型大鼠胃黏膜组织细胞周期蛋白D1(cyclinD1)、c-Myc、CKIT的表达意义及其与胃癌病变程度的相关性。方法选择48只健康成年雌性大鼠,按照随机数字表法将其分为对照组、研究1组、研究2组、研究3组,每组各12只。研究1组、研究2组、研究3组均制备成胃癌模型。对照组给予等量0.9%氯化钠溶液,第24周处死取材;研究1组、研究2组、研究3组制备成胃癌大鼠后分别于第8、16、24周取材。分析各组大鼠一般情况及胃黏膜组织病理切片,采用蛋白质印迹法检测胃黏膜组织Cyclin D1、c-Myc、CKIT蛋白的表达,采用逆转录聚合酶链式反应(RT-PCR)法测定胃黏膜组织Cyclin D1、c-Myc、CKIT mRNA的表达,采用Spearman分析法测定胃黏膜组织Cyclin D1、c-Myc、CKIT表达与胃癌病变程度相关性。结果对照组大鼠胃黏膜完整正常,外膜层、肌层、黏膜下层、黏膜层等结构清晰,且无炎症细胞浸润;研究1组大鼠胃黏膜组织与对照组大鼠接近,不存在炎症细胞,且黏膜腺体结构基本正常;研究2组大鼠胃黏膜组织存在破损,细胞核变大,基底部部分腺体细胞形态异常,存在轻度异型性,为早期胃癌;研究3组大鼠胃黏膜组织增加破损,核质比变大,细胞形态不规则,部分腺体存在扩张,黏膜下层及肌层存在炎症细胞浸润,为胃癌进展期。研究1组、研究2组、研究3组胃黏膜组织Cyclin D1、c-Myc、CKIT蛋白均呈显著高于对照组,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05),胃黏膜组织Cyclin D1、c-Myc、CKIT蛋白在研究1组、研究2组、研究3组中逐渐升高趋势。研究1组、研究2组、研究3组胃黏膜组织Cyclin D1、c-Myc、CKIT mRNA均呈显著高于对照组,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05),胃黏膜组织Cyclin D1、c-Myc、CKIT mRNA在研究1组、研究2组、研究3组中逐渐升高趋势。采用Spearman相关性结果分析显示,胃黏膜组织Cyclin D1、c-Myc、CKIT表达与胃癌病变程度呈正相关(r=0.382、0.781、0.993,均P<0.001)。结论胃癌模型大鼠胃黏膜组织Cyclin D1、c-Myc、CKIT呈高表达,其与胃癌病变程度密切相关。

猫CDH1基因在过表达c-MYC成纤维细胞中的表达变化及生物信息学分析

[目的]试验旨在研究骨髓细胞瘤病毒癌基因同源物(myelocytomatosis viral oncogene homolog, c-MYC)对猫成纤维细胞的影响及其与E-钙黏蛋白(cadherin 1,CDH1)基因表达和分子特性的关系,为将其应用于猫肿瘤疾病防治和组织损伤修复提供依据。[方法]通过组织贴壁法对猫胎儿成纤维细胞进行分离培养,利用电转仪将PB-TRE-c-MYC质粒转染至细胞并观察细胞形态,利用实时荧光定量PCR检测CDH1基因的表达情况,并通过生物信息学软件分析CDH1蛋白的理化性质和结构特征。[结果]过表达c-MYC导致细胞形态发生变化,从间质细胞的长梭型向上皮细胞的鹅卵石状发生转变,且使上皮细胞标志基因CDH1的表达极显著上调(P<0.01)。生物信息学分析显示,猫CDH1蛋白有881个氨基酸,其中含量最多的是亮氨酸,定位于细胞膜,存在4个CA结构域,介导细胞与细胞的接触,属于亲水性的酸性蛋白,主要由无规则卷曲组成,可能存在由Sec易位子转运并被信号肽酶Ⅰ(Sec/SPⅠ)切割的信号肽位点。[结论]猫CDH1基因的表达可被外源性重编程因子c-MYC激活,其编码的钙黏蛋白可促进猫胎儿成纤维细胞的间质-上皮转化,以抑制细胞癌化。

鳜弹状病毒N蛋白与鳜c-Myc互作调控谷氨酰胺代谢机制

为了研究鳜弹状病毒(SCRV)如何调控鳜c-Myc(Sc-c-Myc)进而调控谷氨酰胺代谢的分子机制,本研究通过免疫共沉淀联合蛋白质谱寻找可能与Sc-c-Myc互作的病毒蛋白,初步分析确定为核衣壳蛋白(N蛋白);Co-IP结果显示,SCRV的N蛋白与Sc-c-Myc存在相互作用。通过PCR扩增获得了带有Flag标签序列的SCRV-N基因的ORF片段,并构建了SCRV-N蛋白过表达载体pcDNA-N-Flag;将pcDNA-N-Flag质粒转染鳜脑组织细胞系(CPB细胞系),荧光共定位结果显示,Sc-c-Myc与SCRV-N在细胞质内存在共定位现象;通过逆转录实时定量PCR(RT-qPCR)和免疫印记(Western blot)检测转染pcDNA-N-Flag的CPB细胞系中Sc-c-Myc及谷氨酰胺代谢通路关键酶(GLS1、GDH和IDH2)的表达变化,发现Sc-c-Myc、GLS1的转录水平和蛋白水平均显著上调。综上表明,SCRV的N蛋白与Sc-c-Myc互作促进Sc-c-Myc的表达,进而调控宿主细胞谷氨酰胺代谢途径,为SCRV防控提供了新的靶点。

基于ERK介导C-Myc/PD-L1协同作用探讨参芪抑瘤方联合顺铂对H22肝癌荷瘤小鼠的抑瘤机制

目的:探讨参芪抑瘤方联合顺铂经ERK介导C-Myc/PD-L1相协途径对H22肝癌荷瘤小鼠的抑瘤作用及其机制。方法:60只SPF级雄性昆明小鼠,采用随机数字表法取10只小鼠作为空白组,其余50只小鼠复制H22肝癌荷瘤小鼠模型,模型复制成功后将模型小鼠随机分为模型组、顺铂组[2.5×10^(-3) g/(kg·3 d)]、参芪抑瘤方低[13.515 g/(kg·d)]、中[27.030 g/(kg·d)]、高剂量[54.060 g/(kg·d)]联合顺铂[2.5×10^(-3) g/(kg·3 d)]组,每组10只,治疗13 d,末次给药24 h后,麻醉处死小鼠,测定小鼠肿瘤抑制率和脾指数、胸腺指数;HE染色观察小鼠肿瘤组织病理学变化;ELISA试剂盒检测肿瘤组织匀浆液中EGF、IFN-γ含量;IHC法和Western blot法检测肿瘤组织中p-ERK1/2、C-Myc、PD-L1蛋白表达;RT-PCR法检测肿瘤组织中ERK、C-Myc、PD-L1mRNA表达水平。结果:与空白组相比,模型组小鼠平均体质量和脾脏指数均降低(P<0.05);与模型组相比,各治疗组肿瘤抑制效果明显,且参芪抑瘤方联合顺铂组以剂量依赖性方式抑制肝癌小鼠肿瘤生长,提高小鼠平均体质量和脾指数、胸腺指数,促进肿瘤细胞坏死,增加坏死面积,降低肿瘤组织中EGF和IFN-γ含量以及p-ERK1/2、C-Myc、PD-L1蛋白表达和ERK、C-Myc、PD-L1 mRNA表达(P<0.05);与顺铂组相比,参芪抑瘤方中、高剂量联合顺铂组治疗效果显著,差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论:参芪抑瘤方联合顺铂能有效抑制H22肝癌荷瘤小鼠的肿瘤生长,显著下调肿瘤组织中C-Myc与PD-L1蛋白表达,该机制可能通过调控ERK信号通路相关蛋白表达发挥抑瘤作用。

A review of the literature on the use of CRISPR/Cas9 gene therapy to treat hepatocellular carcinoma

Noncoding RNAs instruct the Cas9 nuclease to site speifillyl cleave DNA in the CRISPR/Cas9 system.Despite the high incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC),the patient's outcome is poor.As a result of the emergence of therapeutic resistance in HCC patients,dlinicians have faced difficulties in treating such tumor.In addition,CRISPR/Cas9 screens were used to identify genes that improve the dlinical response of HCC patients.It is the objective of this article to summarize the current understanding of the use of the CRISPR/Cas9 system for the treatment of cancer,with a particular emphasis on HCC as part of the current state of knowledge.Thus,in order to locate recent developments in oncology research,we examined both the Scopus database and the PubMed database.The ability to selectively interfere with gene expression in combinatorial CRISPR/Cas9 screening can lead to the discovery of new effective HCC treatment regimens by combining clinically approved drugs.Drug resistance can be overcome with the help of the CRISPR/Cas9 system.HCC signature genes and resistance to treatment have been uncovered by genome-scale CRISPR activation screening although this method is not without limitations.It has been extensively examined whether CRISPR can be used as a tool for disease research and gene therapy.CRISPR and its applications to tumor research,particularly in HCC,are examined in this study through a review of the literature.

在口腔表皮样癌细胞中c-myc对GS和GLS表达的调控以及对癌瘤生长的裸鼠体内实验研究

目的:用动物实验模型探讨人口腔表皮样癌细胞中c-myc与谷氨酰胺酶(GLS)、谷氨酰胺合成酶(GS)间的相关性。方法:免疫组化检测口腔癌临床样本中c-myc、GLS、GS表达。建立c-myc稳定高表达的KB细胞模型,并移植入裸鼠体内以建立裸鼠成瘤模型,细胞和裸鼠各分为3组(n=6),分别为正常对照组、空载体转染细胞组和c-myc过表达细胞组,观察肿瘤生长;免疫组化检测肿瘤中c-myc、 GLS、 GS的表达情况。结果:c-myc、 GLS、 GS在口腔癌临床样本中高表达;在c-myc高表达细胞模型中c-myc mRNA表达水平显著高于空载体对照组;在动物实验中,随着时间的延长,各组裸鼠成瘤模型均形成肿瘤,c-myc过表达组肿瘤体积及重量增加更为显著(P<0.01);c-myc过表达组瘤组织样本中GLS及GS表达显著高于空载体组和对照组(P<0.01)。结论:在口腔表皮样癌细胞中,c-myc高表达,并使GLS、GS表达升高。

Wilm′s tumor gene1肽疫苗Galinpepimut-S在肿瘤免疫治疗中的应用

目的为Wilm′s tumor gene1(WT1)肽疫苗Galinpepimut-S(GPS)用于肿瘤免疫治疗的后续研究提供参考。方法采用计算机检索中国知网、PubMed等数据库自建库起至2022年12月的肿瘤免疫治疗相关文献,总结GPS在肿瘤免疫治疗中的应用现状。结果GPS能激发自身免疫系统,对WT1抗原产生强烈免疫反应而发挥抗肿瘤作用,在卵巢癌、恶性胸膜间皮瘤、急性髓系白血病、多发性骨髓瘤的治疗中均显示出较好的疗效。结论以GPS为代表的肿瘤疫苗是未来肿瘤治疗的重要方向,需进一步进行临床研究,以获取更多数据。

AMME chromosomal region gene 1基因变异矮小相关综合征一例及文献复习

目的探讨1例身材矮小、面中部发育不全患儿的病因,以提高临床医师对特殊矮小综合征的认识。方法收集1例身材矮小、面中部发育不全患儿的临床资料,对患儿及父母行基因检测,并给予患儿常规治疗、随访。结果结合患儿特殊面容及基因检测,诊断为AMMECR1基因变异矮小相关综合征,结合文献复习总结AMMECR1基因变异矮小相关综合征特点。结论AMMECR1基因变异矮小相关综合征是一种罕见的X连锁遗传性疾病,临床主要表现为身材矮小、运动语言落后、肌张力减低、听力损失、面中部发育不全,部分存在心脏改变、腭裂、骨骼改变及椭圆形红细胞增多症、智力落后和肾钙质沉着症。该文报道1例AMMECR1基因新变异引起身材矮小、面中部发育不全患儿的病例资料,结合特殊面容及基因检测,诊断为AMMECR1基因变异矮小相关综合征。AMMECR1基因变异矮小相关综合征是一种罕见的X连锁遗传性疾病,本文初步概括其特点,并结合文献进行分析,以提高临床医师对AMMECR1基因变异矮小相关综合征的诊治。

Genetically modified non-human primate models for research on neurodegenerative diseases

Neurodegenerative diseases(NDs)are a group of debilitating neurological disorders that primarily affect elderly populations and include Alzheimer's disease(AD),Parkinson's disease(PD),Huntington's disease(HD),and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis(ALS).Currently,there are no therapies available that can delay,stop,or reverse the pathological progression of NDs in clinical settings.As the population ages,NDs are imposing a huge burden on public health systems and affected families.Animal models are important tools for preclinical investigations to understand disease pathogenesis and test potential treatments.While numerous rodent models of NDs have been developed to enhance our understanding of disease mechanisms,the limited success of translating findings from animal models to clinical practice suggests that there is still a need to bridge this translation gap.Old World nonhuman primates(NHPs),such as rhesus,cynomolgus,and vervet monkeys,are phylogenetically,physiologically,biochemically,and behaviorally most relevant to humans.This is particularly evident in the similarity of the structure and function of their central nervous systems,rendering such species uniquely valuable for neuroscience research.Recently,the development of several genetically modified NHP models of NDs has successfully recapitulated key pathologies and revealed novel mechanisms.This review focuses on the efficacy of NHPs in modeling NDs and the novel pathological insights gained,as well as the challenges associated with the generation of such models and the complexities involved in their subsequent analysis.

Genetic and epigenetic targets of natural dietary compounds as anti-Alzheimer's agents

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder and the most common cause of dementia that principally affects older adults.Pathogenic factors,such as oxidative stress,an increase in acetylcholinesterase activity,mitochondrial dysfunction,genotoxicity,and neuroinflammation are present in this syndrome,which leads to neurodegeneration.Neurodegenerative pathologies such as Alzheimer’s disease are considered late-onset diseases caused by the complex combination of genetic,epigenetic,and environmental factors.There are two main types of Alzheimer’s disease,known as familial Alzheimer’s disease(onset<65 years)and late-onset or sporadic Alzheimer’s disease(onset≥65 years).Patients with familial Alzheimer’s disease inherit the disease due to rare mutations on the amyloid precursor protein(APP),presenilin 1 and 2(PSEN1 and PSEN2)genes in an autosomaldominantly fashion with closely 100%penetrance.In contrast,a different picture seems to emerge for sporadic Alzheimer’s disease,which exhibits numerous non-Mendelian anomalies suggesting an epigenetic component in its etiology.Importantly,the fundamental pathophysiological mechanisms driving Alzheimer’s disease are interfaced with epigenetic dysregulation.However,the dynamic nature of epigenetics seems to open up new avenues and hope in regenerative neurogenesis to improve brain repair in Alzheimer’s disease or following injury or stroke in humans.In recent years,there has been an increase in interest in using natural products for the treatment of neurodegenerative illnesses such as Alzheimer’s disease.Through epigenetic mechanisms,such as DNA methylation,non-coding RNAs,histone modification,and chromatin conformation regulation,natural compounds appear to exert neuroprotective effects.While we do not purport to cover every in this work,we do attempt to illustrate how various phytochemical compounds regulate the epigenetic effects of a few Alzheimer’s disease-related genes.

c-Myc Knockout as a Model for Gene Editing for Training Healthcare Professional Students

Correction of genetic errors, commonly known as gene editing, holds promise to treat diseases with unmet medical needs. However, gene therapy trials do encounter unwanted outcomes, because of an incomplete understanding of the disease states, and gene therapy processes, among others. This situation encourages a concept that healthcare professionals receiving laboratory research training will not only identify inadequacies in basic biomedical knowledge of gene therapies but also provide tangible refinements. To this end, we have undertaken the PharmD student training in gene editing in a basic research laboratory setting. As a model, MYC gene was chosen for knockout using CRISPR-Cas9 method in HT29 and OVCAR8 cells. Students were involved in the design of MYC-specific gRNAs, subcloning into Cas9-carrying plasmid, and selection of knockout clones from the transfected cells. Subsequently, genomic DNA isolation and sequencing, analysis of clonal DNA sequences using online bioinformatics tools, western blotting, cell proliferation and cell division cycle experiments, were performed to characterize the MYC knockout clones. Results presented in this communication suggest that healthcare professionals who received laboratory training gain a better understanding of the disease states and mechanisms, gene therapy protocols, limitations of gene therapies, ability to critically evaluate the literature and confidence in the oversight of gene therapies in the clinic.

Biotin-modified Galactosylated Chitosan-gene Carrier in Hepatoma Cells Targeting Delivery

Our previous studies have successfully grafted biotin and galactose onto chitosan(CS)and synthesized biotin modified galactosylated chitosan(Bio-GC).The optimum N/P ratio of Bio-GC and plasmid DNA was 3:1.At this N/P ratio,the transfection efficiency in the hepatoma cells was the highest with a slow release effect.Bio-GC nanomaterials exhibit the protective effect of preventing the gene from nuclease degradation,and can target the transfection into hepatoma cells by combination with galactose and biotin receptors.The transfection rate was inhibited by the competition of galactose and biotin.Bio-GC nanomaterials were imported into cells’cytoplasm by their receptors,followed by the imported exogenous gene transfected into the cells.Bio-GC nanomaterials can also cause inhibitory activity in the hepatoma cells in the model of orthotopic liver transplantation in mice,by carrying the gene through the blood to the hepatoma tissue.Taken together,bio-GC nanomaterials act as gene vectors with the activity of protecting the gene from DNase degradation,improving the rate of transfection in hepatoma cells,and transporting the gene into the cytoplasm in vitro and in vivo.Therefore,they are efficient hepatoma-targeting gene carriers.

Decoding Retinoblastoma: Differential Gene Expression

Background: Retinoblastoma, the most common intraocular pediatric cancer, presents complexities in its genetic landscape that necessitate a deeper understanding for improved therapeutic interventions. This study leverages computational tools to dissect the differential gene expression profiles in retinoblastoma. Methods: Employing an in silico approach, we analyzed gene expression data from public repositories by applying rigorous statistical models, including limma and de seq 2, for identifying differentially expressed genes DEGs. Our findings were validated through cross-referencing with independent datasets and existing literature. We further employed functional annotation and pathway analysis to elucidate the biological significance of these DEGs. Results: Our computational analysis confirmed the dysregulation of key retinoblastoma-associated genes. In comparison to normal retinal tissue, RB1 exhibited a 2.5-fold increase in expression (adjusted p Conclusions: Our analysis reinforces the critical genetic alterations known in retinoblastoma and unveils new avenues for research into the disease’s molecular basis. The discovery of chemoresistance markers and immune-related genes opens potential pathways for personalized treatment strategies. The study’s outcomes emphasize the power of in silico analyses in unraveling complex cancer genomics.

GST family genes in jujube actively respond to phytoplasma infection

Jujube witches’broom(JWB)caused by phytoplasma has a severely negative effect on multiple metabolisms in jujube.The GST gene family in plants participates in the regulation of a variety of biotic and abiotic stresses.This study aims to identify and reveal the changes in the jujube GST gene family in response to phytoplasma infection.Here,70 ZjGSTs were identified in the jujube genome and divided into 8 classes.Among them,the Tau-class,including 44 genes,was the largest.Phylogenetic analysis indicated that Tau-class genes were highly conserved among species,such as Arabidopsis,cotton,chickpea,and rice.Through chromosome location analysis,37.1%of genes were clustered,and 8 of 9 gene clusters were composed of Tau class members.Through RT-PCR,qRT-PCR and enzyme activity detection,the results showed that the expression of half(20/40)of the tested ZjGSTs was inhibited by phytoplasma infection in field and tissue culture conditions,and GST activity was also significantly reduced.In the resistant and susceptible varieties under phytoplasma infection,ZjGSTU49-ZjGSTU54 in the cluster IV showed opposite expression patterns,which may be due to functional divergence during evolution.Some upregulated genes(ZjGSTU45,ZjGSTU49,ZjGSTU59,and ZjGSTU70)might be involved in the process of jujube against JWB.The yeast two-hybrid results showed that all 6 Tauclass proteins tested could form homodimers or heterodimers.Overall,the comprehensive analysis of the jujube GST gene family revealed that ZjGSTs responded actively to phytoplasma infection.Furthermore,some screened genes(ZjGSTU24,ZjGSTU49-52,ZjGSTU70,and ZjDHAR10)will contribute to further functional studies of jujube-phytoplasma interactions.

Genetic mechanism of body size variation in groupers:Insights from phylotranscriptomics

Animal body size variation is of particular interest in evolutionary biology,but the genetic basis remains largely unknown.Previous studies have shown the presence of two parallel evolutionary genetic clusters within the fish genus Epinephelus with evident divergence in body size,providing an excellent opportunity to investigate the genetic basis of body size variation in vertebrates.Herein,we performed phylotranscriptomic analysis and reconstructed the phylogeny of 13 epinephelids originating from the South China Sea.Two genetic clades with an estimated divergence time of approximately 15.4 million years ago were correlated with large and small body size,respectively.A total of 180 rapidly evolving genes and two positively selected genes were identified between the two groups.Functional enrichment analyses of these candidate genes revealed distinct enrichment categories between the two groups.These pathways and genes may play important roles in body size variation in groupers through complex regulatory networks.Based on our results,we speculate that the ancestors of the two divergent groups of groupers may have adapted to different environments through habitat selection,leading to genetic variations in metabolic patterns,organ development,and lifespan,resulting in body size divergence between the two locally adapted populations.These findings provide important insights into the genetic mechanisms underlying body size variation in groupers and species differentiation.

Comprehensive analysis of the potential pathogenesis of COVID-19 infection and liver cancer

BACKGROUND A growing number of clinical examples suggest that coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)appears to have an impact on the treatment of patients with liver cancer compared to the normal population,and the prevalence of COVID-19 is significantly higher in patients with liver cancer.However,this mechanism of action has not been clarified.Gene sets for COVID-19(GSE180226)and liver cancer(GSE87630)were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus database.After identifying the common differentially expressed genes(DEGs)of COVID-19 and liver cancer,functional enrichment analysis,protein-protein interaction network construction and scree-ning and analysis of hub genes were performed.Subsequently,the validation of the differential expression of hub genes in the disease was performed and the regulatory network of transcription factors and hub genes was constructed.RESULTS Of 518 common DEGs were obtained by screening for functional analysis.Fifteen hub genes including aurora kinase B,cyclin B2,cell division cycle 20,cell division cycle associated 8,nucleolar and spindle associated protein 1,etc.,were further identified from DEGs using the“cytoHubba”plugin.Functional enrichment analysis of hub genes showed that these hub genes are associated with P53 signalling pathway regulation,cell cycle and other functions,and they may serve as potential molecular markers for COVID-19 and liver cancer.Finally,we selected 10 of the hub genes for in vitro expression validation in liver cancer cells.CONCLUSION Our study reveals a common pathogenesis of liver cancer and COVID-19.These common pathways and key genes may provide new ideas for further mechanistic studies.