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.

Detection of short stature homeobox 2 and RAS-associated domain family 1 subtype A DNA methylation in interventional pulmonology

One of the most important aspects of interventional pulmonology is to obtain tissue or liquid samples of the chest to diagnose a respiratory disease;however,it is still possible to obtain insufficient tissue or cytologic specimens.Indeed,methylation detection is an effective method by which to establish a diagnosis.This review focuses on the clinical application of short stature homeobox 2 and RAS-associated domain family 1 subtype A DNA methylation detection in interventional pulmonology,including bronchoscopic fluid biopsy,transbronchial needle aspiration,and pleural effusion.

3'-Deoxyadenosin alleviates methamphetamine-induced aberrant synaptic plasticity and seeking behavior by inhibiting the NLRP3 inflammasome

Methamphetamine addiction is a brain disorder characterized by persistent drug-seeking behavior, which has been linked with aberrant synaptic plasticity. An increasing body of evidence suggests that aberrant synaptic plasticity is associated with the activation of the NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing-3(NLRP3) inflammasome. 3′-Deoxyadenosin, an active component of the Chinese fungus Cordyceps militaris, has strong anti-inflammatory effects. However, whether 3′-deoxyadenosin attenuates methamphetamine-induced aberrant synaptic plasticity via an NLRP3-mediated inflammatory mechanism remains unclear. We first observed that 3′-deoxyadenosin attenuated conditioned place preference scores in methamphetamine-treated mice and decreased the expression of c-fos in hippocampal neurons. Furthermore, we found that 3′-deoxyadenosin reduced the aberrant potentiation of glutamatergic transmission and restored the methamphetamine-induced impairment of synaptic plasticity. We also found that 3′-deoxyadenosin decreased the expression of NLRP3 and neuronal injury. Importantly, a direct NLRP3 deficiency reduced methamphetamine-induced seeking behavior, attenuated the impaired synaptic plasticity, and prevented neuronal damage. Finally, NLRP3 activation reversed the effect of 3′-deoxyadenosin on behavior and synaptic plasticity, suggesting that the anti-neuroinflammatory mechanism of 3′-deoxyadenosin on aberrant synaptic plasticity reduces methamphetamine-induced seeking behavior. Taken together, 3′-deoxyadenosin alleviates methamphetamine-induced aberrant synaptic plasticity and seeking behavior by inhibiting the NLRP3 inflammasome.

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.

Compatibility with Fructus Ligustri Lucidi Effectively Mitigates Idiosyncratic Liver Injury of Epimedii Folium by Modulating NOD-like Receptor Family Pyrin Domain Containing 3 Inflammasome Activation

Background: Idiosyncratic drug-induced liver injury(IDILI) is a serious side effect of drugs, Epimedii Folium(EF) is unequivocally implicated in idiosyncratic liver injury onset, potentially due to its ability to perturb the NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3(NLRP3) inflammasome. Fructus Ligustri Lucidi(FLL), a frequently used medicinal combination with EF, has not yet been investigated for its ability to ameliorate EF-associated hepatotoxicity. Aims and Objectives: Study on the mechanism of compatibility of FLL to alleviate liver injury caused by EF. Materials and Methods: Western blot was used to determine the expression of related proteins, ELISA was used to detect the secretion of related inflammatory factors IL-1β, IL-18, IL-6 and TNF-α, liver injury indexes were detected and liver pathological tissue staining was used to evaluate the liver injury. Results: Our results demonstrated that EF exerted a particular augmenting effect on the stimulation of the NLRP3 inflammasome mediated by nigericin or ATP, whereas FLL suppressed the NLRP3 inflammasome stimulation. Furthermore, an equal EF to FLL ratio significantly reduced the stimulatory effects of EF. Moreover, EF has the potential to induce hepatic injury and augment pro-inflammatory cytokine synthesis in rats subjected to LPS. However, when combined with FLL, the detrimental effects of EF were mitigated. Conclusions: FLL possesses the capacity to attenuate EF-associated hepatotoxicity by suppressing EF-triggered NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Thus, FLL holds promise for improving the clinical safety profile of EF, shedding light on the potential of compatibility and detoxification theories in traditional Chinese medicine.

Crosstalk among canonical Wnt and Hippo pathway members in skeletal muscle and at the neuromuscular junction

Skeletal muscles are essential for locomotion,posture,and metabolic regulation.To understand physiological processes,exercise adaptation,and muscle-related disorders,it is critical to understand the molecular pathways that underlie skeletal muscle function.The process of muscle contra ction,orchestrated by a complex interplay of molecular events,is at the core of skeletal muscle function.Muscle contraction is initiated by an action potential and neuromuscular transmission requiring a neuromuscular junction.Within muscle fibers,calcium ions play a critical role in mediating the interaction between actin and myosin filaments that generate force.Regulation of calcium release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum plays a key role in excitation-contraction coupling.The development and growth of skeletal muscle are regulated by a network of molecular pathways collectively known as myogenesis.Myogenic regulators coordinate the diffe rentiation of myoblasts into mature muscle fibers.Signaling pathways regulate muscle protein synthesis and hypertrophy in response to mechanical stimuli and nutrient availability.Seve ral muscle-related diseases,including congenital myasthenic disorders,sarcopenia,muscular dystrophies,and metabolic myopathies,are underpinned by dys regulated molecular pathways in skeletal muscle.Therapeutic interventions aimed at preserving muscle mass and function,enhancing regeneration,and improving metabolic health hold promise by targeting specific molecular pathways.Other molecular signaling pathways in skeletal muscle include the canonical Wnt signaling pathway,a critical regulator of myogenesis,muscle regeneration,and metabolic function,and the Hippo signaling pathway.In recent years,more details have been uncovered about the role of these two pathways during myogenesis and in developing and adult skeletal muscle fibers,and at the neuromuscular junction.In fact,research in the last few years now suggests that these two signaling pathways are interconnected and that they jointly control physiological and pathophysiological processes in muscle fibers.In this review,we will summarize and discuss the data on these two pathways,focusing on their concerted action next to their contribution to skeletal muscle biology.However,an in-depth discussion of the noncanonical Wnt pathway,the fibro/a dipogenic precursors,or the mechanosensory aspects of these pathways is not the focus of this review.

Binding of Human SWI1 ARID Domain to DNA without Sequence Specificity: A Molecular Dynamics Study

SWI 1 is a member of a new class of tumor DNA-binding proteins named as the AT-rich in- teraction domain family （ARID）, and considered to bind with AT base pairs specifically. Genomic and functional data support ARID1A as a tumor suppressor because AR1D1A/BAF250a （SWI1） subunit of the SWI/SNF chromatin-remodeling complex has emerged as recurrently mutated in a broad array of tumor types. But the crystal structure of SWI1 has not been solved as yet. Using docking and molecular dynamics, we predicted the DNA interaction pattern of human SWI1 ARID and made comparisons with the other two representative ARID family members, human Mrf-2 ARID and Drosophila Dri ARID. Dynamic results revealed that the N-terminal and loop L1 of SWI1 ARID bound with the DNA major groove, while the loop L2 and helix H6 bound with the minor groove. Moreover, it was found that SWI1 ARID bound with DNA apparently in a sequence-nonspecific manner. It was concluded that SWI1 ARID can form stable complex with sequence-nonspecific DNA segment comparing to Mrf-2 ARID/DNA and Dri ARID/DNA sequence-specific complexes.

Therapeutic interventions target the NLRP3 inflammasome in ulcerative colitis:Comprehensive study

One of the significant health issues in the world is the prevalence of ulcerative colitis(UC).UC is a chronic disorder that mainly affects the colon,beginning with the rectum,and can progress from asymptomatic mild inflammation to extensive inflammation of the entire colon.Understanding the underlying molecular mechanisms of UC pathogenesis emphasizes the need for innovative therapeutic approaches based on identifying molecular targets.Interestingly,in response to cellular injury,the NLR family pyrin domain containing 3(NLRP3)inflammasome is a crucial part of the inflammation and immunological reaction by promoting caspase-1 activation and the release of interleukin-1β.This review discusses the mechanisms of NLRP3 inflammasome activation by various signals and its regulation and impact on UC.

Immune response modulation in inflammatory bowel diseases by Helicobacter pylori infection

Many studies point to an association between Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)infection and inflammatory bowel diseases(IBD).Although controversial,this association indicates that the presence of the bacterium somehow affects the course of IBD.It appears that H.pylori infection influences IBD through changes in the diversity of the gut microbiota,and hence in local chemical characteristics,and alteration in the pattern of gut immune response.The gut immune response appears to be modulated by H.pylori infection towards a less aggressive inflammatory response and the establishment of a targeted response to tissue repair.Therefore,a T helper 2(Th2)/macrophage M2 response is stimulated,while the Th1/macrophage M1 response is suppressed.The immunomodulation appears to be associated with intrinsic factors of the bacteria,such as virulence factors-such oncogenic protein cytotoxin-associated antigen A,proteins such H.pylori neutrophil-activating protein,but also with microenvironmental changes that favor permanence of H.pylori in the stomach.These changes include the increase of gastric mucosal pH by urease activity,and suppression of the stomach immune response promoted by evasion mechanisms of the bacterium.Furthermore,there is a causal relationship between H.pylori infection and components of the innate immunity such as the NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 inflammasome that directs IBD toward a better prognosis.

The extracellular secretion of miR-1825 wrapped by exosomes increases CLEC5A expression:A potential oncogenic mechanism in ovarian cancer

Background:Ovarian cancer(OC)is a leading cause of gynecological cancer-linked deaths worldwide.Exosomal miR-1825 and its target gene C-type lectin domain family 5 member A(CLEC5A)are associated with tumorigenesis in cancers that was further probed.Methods:Exosomal miR-1825 expression in exosomes and its impact on overall survival(OS)prediction were determined using Gene Expression Omnibus(GEO)and The Cancer Genome Atlas(TCGA)data.Target genes of miR-1825 were searched in five prediction databases and prognostically significant differentially expressed genes were identified.Gene Ontology(GO)and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)enrichment analyses were carried out.The ability of CLEC5A to predict OS was evaluated using univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses and Kaplan-Meier curves.The CLEC5A expression pattern in OC was validated using immunohistochemistry.The CIBERSORT algorithm was used to compare the immune cell landscape,and the results were validated in a GEO cohort.Finally,the predicted half maximal inhibitory concentration(IC50)values for five commonly used chemotherapy agents were also compared.Results:MiR-1825 level was higher in exosomes derived from OC cells and served as a tumor suppressor.The CLEC5A gene was found to be a target of miR-1825,the upregulation of which was correlated with a poor prognosis.M2 macrophage infiltration was significantly enhanced in the CLEC5A high expression group,while T follicular helper cell infiltration was reduced in it.While the predicted IC50 for cisplatin and doxorubicin was higher in the CLEC5A high expression group,that of docetaxel,gemcitabine,and paclitaxel was lower.Conclusion:MiR-1825,a promising OC biomarker,may promote OC progression by increasing CLEC5A expression via exosome-mediated efflux from tumor cells.

5-Aza-2'-deoxycytidine inhibits retinoblastoma cell by reactivating epigenetically silenced RASSF1A gene

AIM: To investigate the effect of 5-Aza-2’-deoxycytidine(5-Aza-CdR),a DNA methyltransferase(DNMT) inhibitor,on the growth and survival of the Chinese retinoblastoma(RB) cell line HXO-RB44. ·METHODS: The DNA methylation status of the Ras association domain family(RASSF1A) promoter in the presence of 5-Aza-CdR at different concentrations was analyzed by methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction(MSP). RASSF1A mRNA and protein levels were measured by semiquantitative RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry staining,respectively,when cells were treated with 5.0μmol/L of 5-Aza-CdR. The effect of 5.0μmol/L 5-Aza-CdR on the proliferation and viability of HXO-RB44 cells was examined using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide(MTT) assay and flow cytometry. ·RESULTS: 5-Aza-CdR efficiently induced cell cycle arrest at G0 /G1 and apoptotic death in HXO-RB44 cells. MSP analysis showed that unmethylated RASSF1A DNA increased and methylated RASSF1A decreased in a dose-dependent manner in a range of 0.5-5.0μmol/L 5-Aza-CdR. Accordingly,RASSF1A expression was reactivated at both mRNA and protein levels. Incubation time of 5-Aza-CdR treatment also functioned as a factor for the demethylation status of RASSF1A promoter DNA,with a plateau on day four. 5-Aza-CdR at 5.0μmol/L completely demethylated the RASSF1A promoter in HXORB44 cells on day four,and as a result,RASSF1A expression increased significantly from day 4 to day 7.·CONCLUSION: 5-Aza-CdR inhibits the growth of the HXO-RB44 RB cell line and induces apoptosis by demethylating the RASSF1A gene.

Increased Expression of the NOD-like Receptor Family, Pyrin Domain Containing 3 Inflammasome in Dermatomyositis and Polymyositis is a Potential Contributor to Their Pathogenesis

Background： Dermatomyositis （DM） and polymyositis （PM） are common inflammatory myopathies whose immunopathogenic mechanisms remain poorly understood. The NOD-like receptor family, pyrin domain containing 3 （NLRP3） inflammasome is a type of cytoplasmic multiprotein inflammasome and is responsible for the activation of inflammatory reactivations. Responding to a wide range of exogenous and endogenous microbial or sterile stimuli, NLRP3 inflammasomes can cleave pro-caspase- 1 into active caspase- 1, which processes the pro-infammatory cytokines pro-interleukin （IL）-1 β and pro-IL-18 into active and secreted IL-1β and I L-18. The NLRP3 inflammasome is implicated in infectious and sterile inflammatory diseases. However, it remains unclear whether it is involved in the pathogenesis of DM/PM, which we aim to address in our research. Methods： In this study, 22 DM/PM patients and 24 controls were recruited. The protein and RNA expression of IL-113, IL-18, NLRP3, and caspase-1 in serum and muscle samples were tested and compared between the two groups. Results： The serum IL-1 β and IL-18 levels were significantly higher in DM/PM patients than those in the controls by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay （EL1SA, DM vs. control, 25.02 ± 8.29 ng/ml vs. 16.49 ± 3.30 ng/ml, P 〈 0.001 ; PM vs. control, 26.49±7.79 ng/ml vs. 16.49 ± 3.30 ng/ml, P 〈 0.001）. Moreover, the real-time quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction （qRT-PCR） showed that DM/PM patients exhibited higher RNA expression of IL-lβ, IL-18, and NLRP3 in the muscle （for IL-1 β, DM vs. control, P 0.0012, PM vs. control, P = 0.0021 ; for IL- 18, DM vs. control, P = 0.0045, PM vs. control, P 0.0031 ; for NLRP3, DM vs. control, P = 0.0017, PM vs. control, P 0.0006）. Moreover, the protein expression of NLRP3 and caspase- 1 in muscle samples of DM/PM patients were also significantly elevated compared to that in the muscles of the controls. Conclusions： Our findings demonstrate that the NLRP3 inflammasome is implicated in the pathogenesis of DM/PM. High NLRP3 expression led to elevated levels of IL-l13 and IL-18 and could be one of the factors promoting disease progress.

Involvement of NLRP3-inflammasome pathway in noise-induced hearing loss

The inflammasome is a multiprotein oligomer in the cell cytoplasm and is part of the innate immune system.It plays a crucial role in the pathological process of noise-induced hearing loss(NIHL).However,the mechanisms of NLR family pyrin domain containing 3(NLRP3)inflammasome activation in NIHL have not been clearly demonstrated.In this study,miniature pigs were exposed to white noise at 120 dB(A)and auditory brainstem response measurements were used to measure their hearing function.Immunofluorescence staining,confocal laser scanning microscopy,western blot assay,and quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction were used to analyze inflammasome-related protein distribution and expression.NLRP3,interleukin-1β,interleukin-18,and cleaved-caspase-1 were highly expressed in the cochlea after 120 dB(A)white noise exposure.Our findings suggest that NLRP3-inflammasomes in the cochlea may be activated after acoustic trauma,which may be an important mechanism of noise-induced hearing loss.

Expression and clinicopathologic significance of RASSF1A and WT1 in recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer

Objective To explore the expression and clinicopathological significance of RASSF1A and WT1 in recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer.Methods Sixty-three cases of patients with pathologically confirmed epithelial ovarian cancer were collected in the department of Gynaecology and Obsterics of the North China University of Technology from January 2013 to December 2018.The expression of RASSF1A and WT1 were measured by IHC staining.The relation of these proteins with ovarian cancer was also analyzed.Results Compared with non-recurrent group(46.4%),the positive expression rate of RASSF1A was 17.1%in recurrent group.The positive expression rate of WT1 was 74.3%and higher than the rate of 42.8%in non-recurrent group.The reducing expression of RASSF1A was related to clinical stage,differentiation,and with ascites(P<0.05).The increasing expression of WT1 was related to pathological type,clinical stage,histological differentiation,with ascites,and lymph node metastasis(P<0.05).Conclusion Low expression of RASSF1A and high expression of WT1 may be related to recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer.

Alleviating Skin Barrier Disruption,Skin Inflammation,and Pruritus:A Moisturizing Spray Containingβ-Glucan and Panthenol

Objective:Inflammatory skin diseases were proved to be associated with dry skin-induced pruritus.However,the relationship between skin inflammation,skin barrier function,and pruritus remains unclarified.The present study aimed to explore this relationship using an acetone-ether-water(AEW)mouse model,and to investigate the anti-itch effects of the combined application ofβ-glucan and panthenol in a moisturizing spray in this mouse model.Methods:A dry skin-induced chronic pruritus mouse model was established by repeated AEW treatment of the skin.The pruritic behavior,skin barrier function,and expression of molecules related to pruritus and inflammation in topical lesions were measured.The effects of a spray containingβ-glucan and panthenol were observed.Thet test and one-way analysis of variance were used to evaluate differences between groups.Results:AEW treatment triggered spontaneous scratching with significantly increased numbers of scratching bouts,and disrupted the skin barrier with a significant increase in transepidermal water loss values and a significant decrease in filaggrin gene(FLG)expression(allP<0.01).AEW treatment also significantly increased the expression of NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3,apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD,caspase-1,interleukin-1β,and tumor necrosis factor-α,as well as the pruritus-associated molecules nerve growth factor,cathepsin S,and thymic stromal lymphopoietin in the skin(allP<0.01).Application of the spray containingβ-glucan and panthenol significantly alleviated these responses,resulting in a reduced number of scratching bouts in 1 hour,reduced transepidermal water loss values,increased filaggrin mRNA expression,and reduced mRNA levels of NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3,apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD,caspase-1,interleukin-1β,tumor necrosis factor-α,cathepsin S,thymic stromal lymphopoietin,and nerve growth factor in skin lesions(allP<0.05).Conclusion:The present results suggest a relationship between damaged skin barrier function,pruritus,and inflammation.Addingβ-glucan and panthenol to moisturizing skincare products may alleviate pruritus induced by dry skin,improve the damaged skin barrier function,and reduce the inflammatory state in local skin areas.

FTO-mediated m6A modification alleviates autoimmune uveitis by regulating microglia phenotypes via the GPC4/TLR4/NF-κB signaling axis

Uveitis,a vision-threatening inflammatory disease worldwide,is closely related to resident microglia.Retinal microglia are the main immune effector cells with strong plasticity,but their role in uveitis remains unclear.N6-methyladenosine(m^(6)A)modification has been proven to be involved in the immune response.Therefore,we in this work aimed to identify the potentially crucial m^(6)A regulators of microglia in uveitis.Through the single-cell sequencing(scRNA-seq)analysis and experimental verification,we found a significant decrease in the expression of fat mass and obesity-associated protein(FTO)in retinal microglia of uveitis mice and human microglia clone 3(HMC3)cells with inflammation.Additionally,FTO knockdown was found to aggravate the secretion of inflammatory factors and the mobility/chemotaxis of microglia.Mechanistically,the RNA-seq data and rescue experiments showed that glypican 4(GPC4)was the target of FTO,which regulated microglial inflammation mediated by the TLR4/NF-κB pathway.Moreover,RNA stability assays indicated that GPC4 upregulation was mainly regulated by the downregulation of the m^(6)A“reader”YTH domain family protein 3(YTHDF3).Finally,the FTO inhibitor FB23-2 further exacerbated experimental autoimmune uveitis(EAU)inflammation by promoting the GPC4/TLR4/NF-κB signaling axis,and this could be attenuated by the TLR4 inhibitor TAK-242.Collectively,a decreased FTO could facilitate microglial inflammation in EAU,suggesting that the restoration or activation of FTO function may be a potential therapeutic strategy for uveitis.

The m6A reader YTHDF2 alleviates the inflammatory response by inhibiting IL-6R/JAK2/STAT1 pathway-mediated high-mobility group box-1 release

Background:Sepsis is a common severe complication in major burn victims and is characterized by a dysregulated systemic response to inflammation.YTH domain family 2(YTHDF2),a wellstudied N6-methyladenosine(m6A)reader that specifically recognizes and binds to m6A-modified transcripts to mediate their degradation,is connected to pathogenic and physiological processes in eukaryotes,but its effect on sepsis is still unknown.We aimed to discover the effects and mechanisms of YTHDF2 in sepsis.Methods:Quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR)and western blot analyses were used to measure the expression of YTHDF2,the interleukin 6 receptor(IL-6R),high-mobility group box-1(HMGB1),Janus kinase 2(JAK2)and signal transducer and activator of transcription 1(STAT1)under different in vitro conditions.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were utilized to evaluate the expression of HMGB1,IL-6,IL-1βand tumor necrosis factor-α.To confirm that YTHDF2 specifically targets IL-6R mRNA,RNA immunoprecipitation and dual-luciferase reporter assays were performed.Finally,we utilized a mouse model of lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced sepsis to verify the effects of YTHDF2 in vivo.Results:According to our findings,YTHDF2 was expressed at a low level in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from septic mice and patients as well as in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells.Overexpression of YTHDF2 alleviated the inflammatory response by inhibiting HMGB1 release and JAK2/STAT1 signalling in LPS-stimulated cells.Mechanistically,YTHDF2 suppressed JAK2/STAT1 signalling by directly recognizing the m6A-modified site in IL-6R and decreasing the stability of IL-6R mRNA,thereby inhibiting HMGB1 release.In vivo experiments showed that YTHDF2 played a protective role in septic mice by suppressing the IL-6R/JAK2/STAT1/HMGB1 axis.Conclusions:In summary,these findings demonstrate that YTHDF2 plays an essential role as an inhibitor of inflammation to reduce the release of HMGB1 by inhibiting the IL-6R/JAK2/STAT1 pathway,indicating that YTHDF2 is a novel target for therapeutic interventions in sepsis.

RASSF1A基因的甲基化检测对宫颈癌和宫颈上皮内瘤变患者的临床意义

目的探讨RASSF1A基因甲基化程度对宫颈癌和宫颈上皮内瘤变(CIN)患者的临床意义。方法选取2017年5月至2019年2月大同市第五人民医院的46例宫颈癌组织,30例CIN及10例正常宫颈组织作为对照组。采用甲基化特异PCR技术来检测RASSF1A启动子区的甲基化程度;分析RASSFIA基因启动子区甲基化程度与临床及病理特征(即肿瘤组织学分级、FIGO分期、淋巴结转移、宫颈间质的浸润深度及HPV感染)的关系。结果本研究检测了46例宫颈癌、30例CIN及10例正常宫颈中RASSF1A的甲基化程度,结果显示其在宫颈癌中的甲基化率为39.1%(18/46),未甲基化率为60.9%(28/46),CIN及正常宫颈组织未见有明显甲基化。RASSF1A基因的甲基化程度与宫颈癌的FIGO分期及肿瘤的组织学分级相关,而与宫颈间质侵犯深度、淋巴结是否转移及是否有HPV感染无关。结论RASSF1A的甲基化程度可能与宫颈癌的发生相关。RASSF1A基因启动子区在宫颈癌组织中高甲基化程度,其与宫颈癌的FIGO分期、肿瘤的组织学分级有关,使其有望成为宫颈癌检测的敏感标志物,并可用于早期宫颈癌的诊断及临床治疗的预后分析。

Comparative transcriptomic analysis of vascular endothelial cells after hypoxia/re-oxygenation induction based on microarray technology

Objective: To provide comprehensive data to understand mechanisms of vascular endothelial cell(VEC) response to hypoxia/re-oxygenation. Methods: Human umbilical vein endothelial cells(HUVECs) were employed to construct hypoxia/re-oxygenation-induced VEC transcriptome profiling. Cells incubated under 5% O2, 5% CO2, and 90% N2 for 3 h followed by 95% air and 5% CO2 for 1 h were used in the hypoxia/re-oxygenation group. Those incubated only under 95% air and 5% CO2 were used in the normoxia control group. Results: By using a well-established microarray chip consisting of 58 339 probes, the study identified 372 differentially expressed genes. While part of the genes are known to be VEC hypoxia/re-oxygenation-related, serving as a good control, a large number of genes related to VEC hypoxia/re-oxygenation were identified for the first time. Through bioinformatic analysis of these genes, we identified that multiple pathways were involved in the reaction. Subsequently, we applied real-time polymerase chain reaction(PCR) and western blot techniques to validate the microarray data. It was found that the expression of apoptosis-related proteins, like pleckstrin homology-like domain family A member 1(PHLDA1), was also consistently up-regulated in the hypoxia/re-oxygenation group. STRING analysis found that significantly differentially expressed genes SLC38A3, SLC5A5, Lnc-SLC36 A4-1, and Lnc-PLEKHJ1-1 may have physical or/and functional protein–protein interactions with PHLDA1. Conclusions: The data from this study have built a foundation to develop many hypotheses to further explore the hypoxia/re-oxygenation mechanisms, an area with great clinical significance for multiple diseases.

Frequent 3p21 Allelic Loss and Methylation-Associated RASSF1A Inactivation in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer and Its Clinical Implication

A total of 110 primary NSCLCs （non-small cell lung cancers） were recruited in this study to characterize the pattern of 3p21 LOH together with the RASSF1A methylation status and their clinical implication. 3p21 LOH by 8 microsatellite markers, RASSF1A methylation status by methylation-specific PCR （MSPCR） as well as bisulfite genomic sequencing （BGS）, and RASSF1A expression level by real-time quantitative PCR was performed. 3p21 LOH is frequent in NSCLC with a mean frequency of （41.2±3.7）%. Significant associations between 3p21 LOH and gender, smoking history, histological type, and tumor size were observed. Cases with LOH have a slightly lower RASSF1A expression than cases without LOH but not statistically significant. Comparison of RASSF1A methylation that resulted from the three analyses shows significant correlations from one another. Higher frequency of methylation was observed in larger tumors and in smokers compared with smaller tumors and non-smokers, respectively. A significant correlation was also observed in extent between methylation and RASSF1A expression, illustrating that epigenetic mechanism could affect gene expression. The significant clinicopathological relations of 3p21 LOH may be of great use for both early detection and therapeutic interventions.