Functional analysis of flavanone 3-hydroxylase(F3H)from Dendrobium officinale,which confers abiotic stress tolerance

Flavonoids are important bioactive components in Dendrobium officinale,a medicinal orchid.They are involved in many biological activities,including protecting plants against biotic and abiotic stresses.Research on the key genes related to flavonoid biosynthesis in D.officinale is limited.In this study,one of the key flavonoid biosynthesis genes,flavanone 3-hydroxylase(F3H),was characterized from D.officinale.The open reading frame of DoF3H was 1134 bp long and it encoded a 377-amino acid protein.The DoF3H protein showed considerably high homology with F3H proteins from other plant species and shared a common evolutionary ancestor with other F3Hs.DoF3H transcripts were detected in different organs of adult plants and mainly accumulated in flowers,followed by roots,stems and leaves,a pattern that was similar to the content of flavonoids.Recombinant DoF3H protein,which was localized in the cytosol,could convert naringenin to dihydrokaempferol.The mRNA levels of DoF3H were significantly induced by salt and cold stresses.Furthermore,the heterologous expression of DoF3H in Escherichia coli conferred it higher tolerance to salt and cold stresses.These results provide insight into the molecular function of DoF3H in the biosynthesis of flavonoids,and provide a new application for improvement of abiotic tolerance in D.officinale.

Thrombin increases the expression of cholesterol 25-hydroxylase in rat astrocytes after spinal cord injury

Astrocytes are important cellular centers of cholesterol synthesis and metabolism that help maintain normal physiological function at the organism level.Spinal cord injury results in aberrant cholesterol metabolism by astrocytes and excessive production of oxysterols,which have profound effects on neuropathology.25-Hydroxycholesterol(25-HC),the main product of the membrane-associated enzyme cholesterol-25-hydroxylase(CH25H),plays important roles in mediating neuroinflammation.However,whether the abnormal astrocyte cholesterol metabolism induced by spinal cord injury contributes to the production of 25-HC,as well as the resulting pathological effects,remain unclear.In the present study,spinal cord injury-induced activation of thrombin was found to increase astrocyte CH25H expression.A protease-activated receptor 1 inhibitor was able to attenuate this effect in vitro and in vivo.In cultured primary astrocytes,thrombin interacted with protease-activated receptor 1,mainly through activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase/nuclear factor-kappa B signaling pathway.Conditioned culture medium from astrocytes in which ch25h expression had been knocked down by siRNA reduced macrophage migration.Finally,injection of the protease activated receptor 1 inhibitor SCH79797 into rat neural sheaths following spinal cord injury reduced migration of microglia/macrophages to the injured site and largely restored motor function.Our results demonstrate a novel regulatory mechanism for thrombin-regulated cholesterol metabolism in astrocytes that could be used to develop anti-inflammatory drugs to treat patients with spinal cord injury.

Engineering Terpenoid Indole Alkaloids Biosynthetic Pathway in Catharanthus roseus Hairy Root Cultures by Overexpressing the Geraniol 10-hydroxylase Gene

Catharanthus roseus contains important anti-tumor terpenoid indole alkaloids (TIAs) such as vinblastine and vincristine. Cytochrome P450 enzyme geraniol 10-hydroxylase (G10H) is a putative rate-limiting enzyme involved in the TIAs biosynthetic pathway in C. roseus. In this study the g10h gene driven by the cauliflower mosaic virus 35S (CaMV 35S) promoter was introduced into C. roseus through Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. The integration and overexpression of the target gene (g10h) in hairy root lines were confirmed by polymerase chain reaction and RT-QPCR analysis respectively. Overexpression of g10h in transgenic hairy root lines significantly enhanced the accumulations of monomeric alkaloid ajmalicine and dimeric alkaloids, vincristine and vinblastine. Total TIAs production in hairy roots reached (9.51) mg/g DW, over 3-fold higher than that in the untransformed root lines. This is the first report that engineering of g10h into TIAs-producing plant species results in significant enhancement of TIAs accumulation in cultured hairy roots. This study demonstrates that the putative rate-limiting step catalyzed by G10H is indeed the real rate-limiting step involved in the TIAs biosynthetic pathway in C. roseus, which is one of the key targets for promoting TIAs production by genetic engineering.

Prognostic value of hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha and prolyl 4-hydroxylase beta polypeptide overexpression in gastric cancer

AIM To investigate the relationship between hypoxia-inducible factor-1α(HIF-1α), prolyl 4-hydroxylase beta(P4 HB) expression, and clinicopathologic parameters, as well as the prognostic value of these genes for patients with gastric cancer(Gc).METHODS Hypoxia is a critical factor that shapes the Gc microenvironment. In previous reports, we have demonstrated that P4 HB is a potential target of HIF-1α. In the present study, gene expression profiling interactive analysis(GEPIA) was used to analyze the relationship between P4 HB and hypoxia-associated genes. To this end, 428 Gc tissue samples were used to analyze the expression of HIF-1α and P4 HB via immunohistochemical staining. Patient samples were classified as having weak-expression or over-expression both in terms of HIF-1α and P4 HB. Correlations between biomarkers and clinicopathological factors were analyzed to predict survival. RESULTS P4 HB demonstrated a positive correlation with hypoxiaassociated genes(P < 0.05). HIF-1α and P4 HB overexpression have a significant correlation with TNM staging(χ2 = 23.32, P = 0.00; χ2 = 65.64, P = 0.00) and peritoneum cavity metastasis(χ2 = 12.67, P = 0.00; χ2 = 39.29, P = 0.00). In univariate analysis, patients with a high HIF-1α expression trend had a shorter disease-free survival(DFS: 44.80 mo vs 22.06 mo) and overall survival(OS: 49.58 mo vs 39.92 mo). P4 HB overexpression reflected similar results: patients with over-expression of P4 HB had a shorter survival time than those with weak-expression(DFS: 48.03 mo vs 29.64 mo, OS: 52.48 mo vs 36.87 mo). Furthermore, HIF-1α is also a clinicopathological predictor of dismal prognosis according to multivariate analysis(DFS, 95%c I: 0.52-0.88, P < 0.00; OS, 95%c I: 0.50-0.85, P < 0.00). However, P4 HB was meaningful in DFS(95%c I: 0.58-1.00, P < 0.05) but not in OS(95%c I: 0.72-1.23, P > 0.05).CONCLUSION Overexpression of HIF-1α and P4 HB is associated with poor prognosis in patients with Gc. Thus, these genes may be potential prognostic biomarker candidates in GC.

Isolation and Expression Analysis of Two Genes Encoding Cinnamate 4-Hydroxylase from Cotton(Gossypium hirsutum)

Two genes （GhC4H1 and GhC4H2） that encode putative cotton cinnamate 4-hydroxylases that catalyze the second step in the phenylpropanoid pathway were isolated from developing cotton fibers. GhC4H1 and GhC4H2 each contain open reading frames of 1 518 base pairs （bp） in length and both encode proteins consisting of 505 amino acid residues. They are 90.89% identical to each other at the amino acid sequence level and belong to class I of plant C4Hs. GhC4H1 and GhC4H2 genomic DNA are 2 247 and 2 161 bp long, respectively, and contain two introns located at conserved positions relative to the coding sequence. GhC4HI and GhC4H2 promoters were isolated and found to contain many cis-elements （boxes P, L and AC-1 element） previously identified in the promoters of other phenylpropanoid pathway genes. Histochemical staining showed GUS expression driven by the GhC4H1 and GhC4H2 promoters in ovules and fibers tissues. GhC4H1 and GhC4H2 were also widely expressed in other cotton tissues. GhC4H2 expression reached its highest level during the elongation stage of fiber development, whereas GhC4H1 expression increased during the secondary wall development period in cotton fibers. Our results contribute to a better understanding of the biochemical role of GhC4H1 and GhC4H2 in cotton fiber development.

Cloning of TaCYP707A1 Gene that Encodes ABA 8′-Hydroxylase in Common Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

The plant hormone abscisic acid （ABA） regulates many important physiological and developmental processes in plants. The objective of this study was to clone the ABA 8′-hydroxylase gene in common wheat. In the present study, we used the eDNA sequence of barley HvCYP707A1 gene （GenBank accession no. AB239299） as a probe for BLAST search against the common wheat （Triticum aestivum L.） EST database in GenBank. All wheat ESTs sharing high similarity with the reference gene were subjected to contig assembly. Primers were designed based on the constructed contigs to clone the wheat CYP707A1 gene, designated as TaCYP707A1. The genomic DNA sequence of TaCYPTO7A1 gene comprised five exons and four introns, with a size of 2225 bp. The corresponding cDNA sequence of TaCYP707A1 was 1737 bp, containing an open reading frame （ORF） of 1431 bp, a 42-bp 5′-untranslated region （UTR） and a 264-bp 3′UTR, with 94.9% of identical sequences to HvCYP707A1 gene （AB239299）. The neighbor joining tree indicated that the deduced amino acid sequences of TaCYP707A1 gene was highly similar to those of barley and rice. The TaCYP707A1 gene was located on chromosome 6BL using a set of Chinese Spring nullisomic-tetrasomic lines and ditelosomic line 6BS. These results will be of high importance in understanding of molecular mechanism of ABA catabolism.

Correlation between expression of 1 α-hydroxylase and hypocalcaemia in rats with severe pancreatitis

Objective:To investigate the essential biochemical indices like 1-hydroxylase and hypocalcaemia in the rats with severe acute pancreatitis and explore the correlation between them.Methods:A total of 120 SPF grade Wistar male rats which were in similar physiological status were selected and randomly divided into two groups:sham group(SO group) and severe acute pancreatitis group(SAP group).Then they were divided into 1 h,3 h,6 h,and 12 h subgroups according to the killing lime.The severe acute pancreatitis model was established by retrograde injection of 5%sodium taurocholate.Serum calcium,serum creatinine,serum urea nitrogen and serum amylase were measured at different time.Serum 1,25 dihydroxy vitamin D3 level was determined by enzyme linked immunosorbentassay.The expression of 1-hydroxylase protein in the kidney tissue was determined with Western blotting and immunohistochemistry to observe its location.The pathologic features of the kidney tissue section was observed under light microscope and submicroscopic structure of the proximal convoluted tubule epithelial cell was observed under transmission electron microscope.Results:Compared with the SO group,rats in the SAP group showed continuous pathological injury as time went by.There was significant increase in serum creatinine,serum urea nitrogen and serum amylase in SAP group compared with the SO group 1,3,6,12 hours after the operation(P<0.05).There was significant decrease in serum calcium and 1,25 dihydroxy vitamin D3 3.6,12 hours after the operation(P<0.05).It also showed that the expression of the 1-hydroxylase protein in kidney tissues was upregulated at 1 h.3 h and decreased at 6h,12 h compared with the SO group.The serum calcium,1,25 dihydroxy vitamin D3 and the expression of the 1-hydroxylase protein in kidney tissues of the SAP group showed sustaining decrease.Western blotting showed positive correlation between the 1-hydroxylase expression and serum calcium at 3 h.6 h and 12 h(r=0.976,P<0.001;r=0.948.P<0.001;r=0.742,P=0.001) and also positive correlation between the 1-hydroxylase expression and serum1,25 dihydroxy vitamin D3 at 1 h,3 h,6 h and 12 h(r=0.935,P<0.001;r=0.952,P<0.001;r=0.917.P<0.001:r=0.874,P<0.001).Conclusions:At the early stage of the kidney injury,the expression of 1-hydroxylase in the kidney tissue is reduced with the progress of the disease and the decrease in its activity has a correlation with the hypocalcaemia.

Allelic variation in the coumarate 3-hydroxylase gene associated with wood properties of Catalpa fargesii Bur.

Coumarate 3-hydroxylase(C3h)genes participate in the synthesis of lignin and may affect the properties of wood that are important for its commercial value.A better understanding of the natural variation in C3h genes and their associations to wood properties is required to effectively improve wood quality.We used a candidate gene-based association mapping approach to identify CfC3h allelic variants associated with traits that affect the wood properties of Catalpa fargesii.We first isolated the full-length CfC3h cDNA(1825 bp),which was expressed at relatively high levels in xylem according to real time-polymerase chain reaction.In totally,17 common single-nucleotide polymorphisms(minor allele frequency>5%)were identified through cloning and sequencing the CfC3h locus from a mapping population(including 88 unrelated natural C.fargesii individuals collected from main distribution area).Nucleotide diversity and linkage disequilibrium(LD)in CfC3h indicate that CfC3h has low nucleotide diversity(π_(t)=0.0031 andθ_(w)=0.0103)and relatively low LD(within 1800 bp;r^(2)≥0.1).An association analysis identified eight common single-nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs)(false discovery rate,Q<0.10)and ten haplotypes(Q<0.10)associated with wood properties,explaining 4.92-12.09%of the phenotypic variance in an association population consisted of 125 unrelated natural individuals(The 88 individuals from the mapping population were comprised in the association population).Our study would provide new insight into C3h gene affecting wood quality,and the SNP markers identified would have potential applications in marker-assisted breeding in the future.

Changes of chlorogenic acid content and its synthesis-associated genes expression in Xuehua pear fruit during development

According to synthetic pathway of plant chlorogenic acid （CGA）, the expression patterns of genes encoding enzymes that are associated with CGA synthesis were studied in normally developed Xuehua pear fruit. The study demonstrated that CGA content in peel and flesh of Xuehua pear decreased as fruit development progressed, with a higher level in peel. The expression levels of PbPAL 1, PbPAL2, PbC3H, PbC4H, Pb4CL 1, Pb4CL2, Pb4CL6, PbHC T1 and PbHC T3 genes decreased in fruit, which was consistent with the pattern of variation in CGA content. That indicated that these genes might be key genes for influencing fruit CGA synthesis in Xuehua pear. However, Pb4CL7 gene expression profile is not consistent with variation of CGA content, hence, it may not be a key gene involved in CGA synthesis.

Expression of Prolyl 4-Hydroxylase Beta-Polypeptide in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Treated with Chinese Medicines

Objectives： To investigate the role of prolyl 4-hydroxylase beta polypeptide （P4HB） expressed in lung carcinoma and the intervention effect of Yiqi Chutan Formula （益气除痰方, YQCTF）. Methods： Lung carcinoma model was established by subcutaneously inoculating LEWIS lung carcinoma cells in C57BL/6J mice. The differential expression of P4HB protein between the YQCTF （3.0 g/kg, gavage, once daily, 21 days） group and the control group was acquired by a 2 fluorescence difference gel electrophoresis （2D-DIGE）, verified by Westem blotting and identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time of flight mass spectrometry （MALDI-TOF/＇IOF-MS）. The expression of P4HB and P4HB mRNA in cultured A549 cells from cisplatin （DDP） 1.5μg/mL group and 15% serum combined with DDP 1.5 μg/mL group were detected by cellular immunohistochemistry and reverse chain reaction, respectively. Results： The proteomics research discovered that one-third of differential proteins including P4HB were decreased in the YQCTF group （P〈0.01）. Clinical pathology and tissue microarray studies showed that P4HB expression in lung cancer tissue was stronger than adjacent tissues and normal lung epithelial （P〈0.01）. In the YQCTF and DDP combined groups, the expression of P4HB and P4HB mRNA in A549 cell were decreased significantly （P〈0.01）. Conclusion： YQCTF could inhibit the LEWIS lung carcinoma＇s growth, decrease the expression of P4HB in LEWIS lung carcinoma and A549 cells. YQCTF might take effect through regulating P4HB in endoplasmic reticulum to inhibit the incidence and growth process of lung cercinoma.

Mitochondrial function and regulation of macrophage sterol metabolism and inflammatory responses

The aim of this review is to explore the role of mitochondria in regulating macrophage sterol homeostasis and inflammatory responses within the aetiology of atherosclerosis.Macrophage generation of oxysterol activators of liver X receptors(LXRs),via sterol 27-hydroxylase,is regulated by the rate of flux of cholesterolto the inner mitochondrial membrane,via a complex of cholesterol trafficking proteins.Oxysterols are key signalling molecules,regulating the transcriptional activity of LXRs which coordinate macrophage sterol metabolism and cytokine production,key features influencing the impact of these cells within atherosclerotic lesions.The precise identity of the complex of proteins mediating mitochondrial cholesterol trafficking in macrophages remains a matter of debate,but may include steroidogenic acute regulatory protein and translocator protein.There is clear evidence that targeting either of these proteins enhances removal of cholesterol via LXRα-dependent induction of ATP binding cassette transporters(ABCA1,ABCG1) and limits the production of inflammatory cytokines; interventions which influence mitochondrial structure and bioenergetics also impact on removal of cholesterol from macrophages.Thus,molecules which can sustain or improve mitochondrial structure,the function of the electron transport chain,or increase the activity of components of the protein complex involved in cholesterol transfer,may therefore have utility in limiting or regressing atheroma development,reducing the incidence of coronary heart disease and myocardial infarction.

Cytochrome P450 family 17 subfamily A member 1 mutation causes severe pseudohermaphroditism: A case report

BACKGROUND 17α-Hydroxylase deficiency(17-OHD)is a rare form of congenital adrenal hyperplasia,characterized by hypertension,hypokalemia,and gonadal dysplasia.However,due to the lack of a comprehensive understanding of this disease,it is prone to misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis,and there is no complete cure.CASE SUMMARY We report a female patient with 17-OHD.The patient was admitted to the Department of Neurology of our hospital due to limb weakness.During treatment,it was found that the patient’s condition was difficult to correct except for hypokalemia,and her blood pressure was difficult to control with various antihypertensive drugs.She was then transferred to our department for further treatment.On physical examination,the patient's gonadal development was found to be abnormal,and chromosome analysis demonstrated karyotype 46,XY.Considering the possibility of 17-OHD,the cytochrome P450 family 17 subfamily A member 1(CYP17A1)test was performed to confirm the diagnosis.CONCLUSION The clinical manifestations of 17-OHD are complex.Hormone determination,imaging examination,chromosome determination and CYP17A1 gene test are helpful for early diagnosis.

The Pathogen and Wound Induces Expression of Genes Related to Proanthocyanidins (PAs) Synthesis in Cotton Leaves

Responses to biotic and abiotic stress have been extensively studied in plants. In the current proteomic study, the cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) seedlings were infected with Verticillium dahliae by root-dip inoculation using suspension of fungal conidia. The different proteins were analyzed by two-dimensional gel elactrophoresis (2-DE), and flavanone 3-hydroxylase (F3H) showed a significantly up-regulation in cotton leaf after V. dahliae infection. Further research revealed F3H and the downstream genes of F3H in proanthocyanidins (PAs) biosynthesis were also significantly induced and showed coordinate expression patterns during wounding. The results indicate that PAs in cotton act an important role in response to infection V. dahliae and wounding.

Cholesterol-25-Hydroxylase Suppresses Seneca Valley Virus Infection via Producing 25-Hydroxycholesterol to Block Adsorption Procedure

Cholesterol-25-hydroxylase(CH25 H)is a membrane protein associated with endoplasmic reticulum,and it is an interferon-stimulated factor regulated by interferon.CH25 H catalyzes cholesterol to produce 25-hydroxycholesterol(25 HC)by adding a second hydroxyl to the 25 th carbon atom of cholesterol.Recent studies have shown that both CH25 H and 25 HC could inhibit the replication of many viruses.In this study,we found that ectopic expression of CH25 H in HEK-293 T and BHK-21 cell lines could inhibit the replication of Seneca Valley virus(SVV)and that there was no species difference.On the other hand,the knockdown of CH25 H could enhance the replication of SVV in HEK-293 T and BHK-21 cells,indicating the importance of CH25 H.To some extent,the CH25 H mutant without hydroxylase activity also lost its ability to inhibit SVV amplification.Further studies demonstrated that 25 HC was involved in the entire life cycle of SVV,especially in repressing its adsorption process.This study reveals that CH25 H exerts the advantage of innate immunity mainly by producing 25 HC to block virion adsorption.

CYP27A1 mutation in a case of cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis:A case report

BACKGROUND Cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis(CTX)is a rare autosomal recessive metabolic disease caused by mutations in CYP27 A1.It has a low incidence rate,insidious onset,and diverse clinical manifestations.It can be easily misdiagnosed and can go unrecognized by clinicians,leading to delayed treatment and worsened patient outcomes.CASE SUMMARY A 38-year-old male was admitted to our hospital with a history of unabating unstable posture and difficulty in walking for more than 30 years.Subsequently based on the patient’s medical history,clinical symptoms,magnetic resonance imaging and gene sequencing results,he was finally diagnosed with CTX.Due to the low incidence rate of the disease,clinicians have insufficient knowledge of it,which makes the diagnosis process more tortuous and prolongs the diagnosis time.CONCLUSION Prompt diagnosis and treatment of CTX improve patient outcomes.

Pharmacological Prospects of Oxygenated Abietane-Type Diterpenoids from <i>Taxodium distichum</i>Cones

Eight naturally occurring diterpenoids, including 6,7-dehydroroyleanone, taxodal, taxodione, salvinolone, 14-deoxycoleon U, 5,6-dehydrosugiol, sandaracopimaric acid, and xanthoperol were isolated from Taxodium distichum cones and their biological properties evaluated in vitro against six different biological screening targets. Taxodione showed potent activity against a number of different targets, and salvinolone and 14-deoxycoleon U showed remarkable inhibitory activities against prolyl oligopeptidase (POP) and 17α-hydroxylase/C17,20-lyase (CYP17), respectively. These three compounds also showed strong cytotoxic activities against HL60 and K562 human leukemia cells. The structure-activity relationships of these compounds have also been considered. The findings in this study could lead to enhanced pharmacological prospects for the natural abietane-type diterpenoids consisting in conifer cones.

Effects of Temperature on Seed Germination and Metabolism of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi

[Objectives]To explore the effects of temperature on the primary and secondary metabolism of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi during the seed germination.[Methods]The superoxide dismutase(SOD)activity was determined using riboflavin-NBT;peroxidase(POD)activity was determined using guaiacol colorimetric method,catalase(CAT),ascorbate peroxidase(APX),phenylalanine ammonia lyase(PAL)and cinnamic acid-4-hydroxylase(C4H)activity were detected by ultraviolet spectrophotometry,and chalcone synthase(CHS)activity and the content of secondary metabolites were measured by high performance liquid chromatography(HPLC).[Results]The germination rate,germination potential and germination index of S.baicalensis seeds were significantly affected by temperature.The most suitable temperature for the germination of S.baicalensis seeds was 25℃.The activities of SOD,POD and CAT in S.baicalensis seeds treated at low and high temperature were higher than that treated at suitable temperature;the activities of PAL,C4H and CHS of S.baicalensis seeds treated at low and high temperature were lower than that treated at suitable temperature.There was a good positive correlation between flavonoids and soluble sugar,PAL activity and C4H activity,and the correlation coefficients were R=0.894*,R=0.956*and R=0.951*,respectively.[Conclusions]In adverse environment,S.baicalensis seeds have good defense capabilities.During the germination of seeds,the formation of secondary metabolites is significantly correlated to the activity of key enzymes.Therefore,high-quality medicinal materials can be obtained by taking measures to improve the activity of key enzymes.

Correlation of serum ASPH and 5'-NT contents with angiogenesis and cancer cell proliferation in patients with liver cancer

Objective:To proliferation in patients with liver cancer.Methods: Patients with primary liver cancer who underwent surgical resection in Yulin Third Hospital between December 2013 and December 2016 were selected as the liver cancer group of the research, and healthy volunteers who received physical examination in Yulin Third Hospital over the same period were selected as the control group of the research. Serum was collected from both groups to test the contents of ASPH and 5'-NT as well as liver cancer cell proliferation molecules;liver cancer lesions and para-carcinoma lesions were collected from liver cancer group to detect the contents of angiogenesis molecules and cancer cell proliferation molecules.Results: Serum ASPH and 5'-NT contents in liver cancer group were significantly higher than those in control group;VEGF, VEGFR1, VEGFR2, HGF, EGFR, Bcl-2, Bcl-x and Bcl-w contents in liver cancer lesions were significantly higher than those in para-carcinoma lesions and positively correlated with serum ASPH and 5'-NT contents in patients with liver cancer while Bax and Bak contents in liver cancer lesions were significantly lower than those in para-carcinoma lesions and negatively correlated with serum ASPH and 5'-NT contents in patients with liver cancer;serum AFP, GP73, GPC3 and DKK1 contents in liver cancer group were significantly higher than those in control group and positively correlated with serum ASPH and 5'-NT contents in patients with liver cancer.Conclusion: Serum ASPH and 5'-NT contents increase significantly in patients with liver cancer and can accurately evaluate angiogenesis and cancer cell proliferation.

Analysis of CYP21A2 gene mutation and phenotype in patients with 21-hydroxylase deficiency

Objective To investigate the spectrum of CYP21A2gene mutation and the correlation between genotype and phenotype in patients with 21-hydroxylase deficiency in Tianjin and surrounding areas. Methods Genomic DNA was extracted from the peripheral blood samples of the proband.

Clinical and molecular characterization of 10 Chinese children with congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 11beta‑hydroxylase deficiency

Background The clinical manifestations of nonclassical 11beta-hydroxylase deficiency are very similar to those of nonclassical 21-hydroxylase deficiency.For this study,we investigated the relationship between the clinical and molecular features of congenital adrenal hyperplasia caused by 11beta-hydroxylase deficiency and reviewed the related literature,which are expected to provide assistance for the clinical diagnosis and analysis of congenital adrenal hyperplasia.Methods Clinical data for 10 Chinese patients diagnosed with congenital adrenal hyperplasia in our hospital from 2018 to 2022 were retrospectively analyzed.We examined the effects of gene mutations on protease activity and constructed threedimensional structure prediction models of proteins.Results We describe 10 patients with 11beta-hydroxylase gene mutations(n=5,46,XY;n=5,46,XX),with 10 novel mutations were reported.Female patients received treatment at an early stage,with an average age of 2.08±1.66 years,whereas male patients received treatment significantly later,at an average age of 9.77±3.62 years.The most common CYP11B1 pathogenic variant in the Chinese population was found to be c.1360C>T.All mutations lead to spatial conformational changes that affect protein stability.Conclusions Our study found that there was no significant correlation between each specific mutation and the severity of clinical manifestations.Different patients with the same gene pathogenic variant may have mild or severe clinical manifestations.The correlation between genotype and phenotype needs further study.Three-dimensional protein simulations may provide additional support for the physiopathological mechanism of genetic mutations.