AIM: To examine fibroblast activation protein (FAP) expression in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and to analyze its relationship with the clinicopathology of PDAC. METHODS: FAP expression was examined in 134 ...AIM: To examine fibroblast activation protein (FAP) expression in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and to analyze its relationship with the clinicopathology of PDAC. METHODS: FAP expression was examined in 134 PDAC specimens by immunohistochemistry, and in four pancreatic cancer cell lines (SW1990, Miapaca-2, AsPC-1 and BxPC-3) by Western blotting assay. We also analyzed the association between FAP expression in PDAC cells and the clinicopathology of PDAC patients. RESULTS: The results showed that the FAP was expressed in both stromal fibroblast cells (98/134, 73.1%) and carcinoma cells (102/134, 76.1%). All 4 pancreatic cancer cell lines expressed FAP protein at different levels. Protein bands corresponding to the proteolytically active 170-kDa seprase dimer and its88-kDa seprase subunit were identif ied. Higher FAP expression in carcinoma cells was associated with tumor size (P < 0.001), fi brotic focus (P = 0.003), perineural invasion (P = 0.009) and worse clinical outcome (P = 0.0085). CONCLUSION: FAP is highly expressed in carcinoma cells and f ibroblasts in PDAC tissues, and its expression is associated with desmoplasia and worse prognosis.展开更多
BACKGROUND: Spleen deficiency in traditional Chinese medicine refers to the functional disorder of spleen, pancreas, intestines, and nervous system in modern medicine. OBJECTIVE; To test whether electro-acupuncture c...BACKGROUND: Spleen deficiency in traditional Chinese medicine refers to the functional disorder of spleen, pancreas, intestines, and nervous system in modern medicine. OBJECTIVE; To test whether electro-acupuncture could alter basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) protein and mRNA expression in the hippocampal dentate gyrus of spleen deficiency rats. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING: The randomized, controlled, in vivo animal experiment was performed at the National LeveI-B Laboratory of Clinical Cell Molecule and Biology in Shenzhen Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, between March and November in 2008. MATERIALS: Reserpine injection was produced by Guangdong Bangmin Pharmaceutical Co. Rhubarb extract granule preparation was produced by Guangdong Yifang Pharmaceutical. Huanqiu Brand sterile acupuncture pin was provided by Suzhou Acupuncture Supplies, China. Huatuo Brand electroacupuncture instrument (type SDZ-II) was purchased from Suzhou Medical Appliance Factory, China. METHODS: A total of 96 male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly assigned to control (n = 32) and induction (n = 64) groups. Spleen deficiency was induced via intraperitoneal injection of reserpine and intragastric administration of rhubarb. The successful models were randomized into two groups: model and electro-acupuncture, with 32 rats in each group. Electro-acupuncture was administered at Zusanfi (ST 36) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6) acupoints using a condensation wave and rarefaction (condensation wave 15 Hz) at a strength of 6-15 V for 20 minutes, once per day. The appearance of a slight shiver in the corresponding locus was taken as the standard. According to electro- acupuncture time points, each group was assigned to four subgroups at 7, 14, 28, and 49 days, respectively, with eight rats in each subgroup. Immunohistochemical staining, image analysis, and reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction were performed at different time points. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: bFGF protein and mRNA expression in the hippocampal dentate gyrus of spleen deficiency rats. RESULTS: After 7 days of electro-acupuncture therapy, bFGF protein and mRNA expression significantly increased compared with the model and control groups (P 〈 0.05). After 14 days, bFGF protein and mRNA expression decreased until 28 days, where levels were then equal to the model group and greater than the control group (P 〈 0.05). After 49 days, the above indices remained increased in the electro-acupuncture group compared to the model and control groups (P 〈 0.05). CONCLUSION: Continuous electro-acupuncture maintained a high level of bFGF protein and mRNA expression in the hippocampal dentate gyrus of spleen deficiency rats.展开更多
Objective:To compare the protein profile of culture supernatants in stimulated and unstimulated human fibroblasts to find some proteins indicating the presence of fibroblasts and their activation status.Methods:Dermal...Objective:To compare the protein profile of culture supernatants in stimulated and unstimulated human fibroblasts to find some proteins indicating the presence of fibroblasts and their activation status.Methods:Dermal fibroblasts were stimulated with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate(PMA)/ionomycine for 72 h.MTT assay was done to determine cell viability and A/E fluorescent staining was used to evaluate the cell death pattern.Protein analysis was performed by gradient SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis 8%–16%.Results:The supernatant of 24 h cultured both stimulated and unstimulated fibroblasts showed two bands in SDS-PAGE analysis with relative molecular weights of 8.59 and78.8 k Da.These bands density was decreased during the next 48 h in unstimulated cells while their expression was continued in PMA or PMA/ionomycine stimulated cells and a new 85.3 k Da band was appeared in unstimulated and 72 h PMA stimulated cells.Moreover,we found another seven small size(10–19.5 k Da) proteins in supernatants of48 h and 72 h unstimulated but not in PMA or PMA/Ionomycine stimulated fibroblasts.Most of these proteins expression were down regulated following fibroblast activation.This down-regulation is consistent with our finding that PMA or PMA/ionomycine stimulated cells exhibited a significant level of apoptosis cell death.Conclusions:Human fibroblasts produce some small to intermediate sized proteins with specific SDS-PAGE profile upon cell activation.Most of these proteins can be excreted in urine and can be immunogen theoretically so this data provided a reliable clue for fibrosis biomarker screening based on designation of an appropriated immunoassay.展开更多
BACKGROUND: cAMP-response element binding protein (CREB) is a key modulator of various signaling pathways. CREB activation initiates a series of intracellular signaling pathways that promote neuronal survival. OBJE...BACKGROUND: cAMP-response element binding protein (CREB) is a key modulator of various signaling pathways. CREB activation initiates a series of intracellular signaling pathways that promote neuronal survival. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the regulatory effects of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) on cerebral neuronal CREB expression following ischemia/reperfusion injury. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING: An immunohistochemical detection experiment was performed at the Department of Anatomy, Shenyang Medical College, between October 2006 and April 2008. MATERIALS: A total of 60 healthy, adult, Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups: sham-operated (n =12), ischemia/reperfusion (n = 24), and bFGF-treated (n = 24). Rabbit anti-rat CREB (1: 100) and biotin labeled goat anti-rabbit IgG were purchased from the Wuhan Boster Company, China. MetaMorph-evolution MP5.0-BX51 microscopy imaging system was provided by China Medical University, China. METHODS: Rat models of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury were developed using the suture method for right middle cerebral artery occlusion. Two-hour ischemia was followed by reperfusion. Rats from the bFGF-treated and ischemia/reperfusion groups were intraperitoneally administered endogenous bFGF (500 IU/mL, 2 000 IU/kg) or an equal amount of physiological saline. Rats from the sham-operated group underwent a similar surgical procedure, without induction of ischemia/reperfusion injury and drug administration. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: After 48-hour reperfusion, hippocampal and parietal cortical neuronal CREB expression was detected by immunohistochemistry, and the absorbance of hippocampal CREB-positive products was determined using MetaMorph-evolutionMP5.0-BX51 microscopy imaging system. RESULTS: The sham-operated group exhibited noticeable CREB expression in hippocampal and parietal cortical neurons. In the ischemia/reperfusion group, the CREB expression was discrete and neurons were poorly arranged. The bFGF-treated group exhibited increased CREB expression and better neuronal arrangement compared with the ischemia/reperfusion group. The mean absorbance of CREB-immunoreactive products in the hippocampus and parietal cortex was significantly higher in the ischemia/reperfusion group than in the sham-operated group (P 〈 0.05), and significantly higher in the bFGF-treated group than in the ischemia/reperfusion group (P 〈 0.05). CONCLUSION: bFGF significantly upregulates CREB expression in hippocampal and parietal cortical neurons following ischemia/reperfusion injury.展开更多
Objective:To establish fibroblasts stably expressing human bone morphogenetic protein 2(hBMP2). Methods:Eukaryonic expression vector(pcDNA3.1-B2) was transduced into NIH3T3 cells using SofastTM, a new generation catio...Objective:To establish fibroblasts stably expressing human bone morphogenetic protein 2(hBMP2). Methods:Eukaryonic expression vector(pcDNA3.1-B2) was transduced into NIH3T3 cells using SofastTM, a new generation cationic polymer gene transfection reagent. The positive cell clones were selected with G418. The stable transfection and expression of BMP2 in the NIH3T3 cells were determined by RT-PCR and immunohistochemical stain. Results: BMP2 mRNA was transcripted and expressed in the transfected NIH3T3 cells. Conclusion: With positive compound transfection, outside human BMP2 gene can be successfully transducted into NIH3T3 cells, which is the key step to induce periodontal cells to osseous phenotypes.展开更多
This study examined the effects of retinoic acid (RA), PD98059, SP600125 and SB203580 on the hyperoxia-induced expression and regulation of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP-2) in ...This study examined the effects of retinoic acid (RA), PD98059, SP600125 and SB203580 on the hyperoxia-induced expression and regulation of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP-2) in premature rat lung fibroblasts (LFs). LFs were exposed to hyperoxia or room air for 12 h in the presence of RA and the kinase inhibitors PD98059 (ERK1/2), SP600125 (JNK1/2) and SB203580 (p38) respectively. The expression levels of MMP-2 and TIMP-2 mRNA were detected by semi-quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). MMP-2 activity was measured by zymography. The amount of p-ERK1/2, REK1/2, p-JNK1/2, JNK1/2, p-p38 and p38 was determined by Western blotting. The results showed that: (1) PD98059, SP600125 and SB203580 significantly inhibited p-ERK1/2, p-JNK1/2 and p-p38 respectively in LFs; (2) The expression of MMP-2 mRNA in LFs exposed to hyperoxia was decreased after treatment with RA, SP600125 and SB203580 respectively (P0.01 or 0.05), but did not change after treatment with PD98059 (P0.05). Meanwhile, RA, PD98059, SP600125 and SB203580 had no effect on the expression of TIMP-2 mRNA in LFs exposed to room air or hyperoxia (P0.05); (3) The expression of pro- and active MMP-2 experienced no change after treatment with RA or SP600125 in LFs exposed to room air (P0.05), but decreased remarkably after hyperoxia (P0.01 or 0.05). SB203580 inhibited the expression of pro- and active MMP-2 either in room air or under hyperoxia (P0.01). PD98059 exerted no effect on the expression of pro- and active MMP-2 (P0.05). It was suggested that RA had a protective effect on hyperoxia-induced lung injury by down-regulating the expression of MMP-2 through decreasing the JNK and p38 activation in hyperoxia.展开更多
Objective To evaluate the effects of transforming growth factor β(TGF-β) and recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein 2 (rhBMP2) on human periodontal ligament fibroblasts (HPDLFs). Methods HPDLFs were done prima...Objective To evaluate the effects of transforming growth factor β(TGF-β) and recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein 2 (rhBMP2) on human periodontal ligament fibroblasts (HPDLFs). Methods HPDLFs were done primary culture to detect the distinct concentrations of TGF-P and rhBMF2 on its proliferation, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, osteocalcin (OC) synthesis and formation of the minerali-zed nodules, respectively. Results TGF-β (5~100ng/ml) significantly stimulated the proliferation of HPDLFs. The ALP activity of HPDLFs was evaluated evidently by 5ng/ml TGF-β. TGF-β( 0. 5 ~ 100ng/ml) had no effects on OC synthesis and formation of the mineralized nodules of HPDLFs. rhBMP2 (0. 25~2mg/ ml) had no remarkable effect on the proliferation of HPDLFs. The ALP activity, OC synthesis and forma-tion of the mineralized nodules of HPDLFs were significantly stimulated by 0. 5~ 2mg /ml rhBMP2. Conclusion The effects of TGF-β and rhBMP2 on HPDLFs are dose-dependent. TGF-P can stimulate HPDLFs to express the early marker of osteoblastic phenotype, and it lacks the ability to promote maturation of the osteogenic phenotype. rhBMP2 can not only stimulate the expression but also promote the maturation of osteoblas-tic phenotype of HPDLFs.展开更多
基金Supported by The National Key Project of Scientific and Technical Supporting Programs of China, No. 2006BAI02A14National Natural Science Foundation of China, No. 30770996 and No. 81172310
文摘AIM: To examine fibroblast activation protein (FAP) expression in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and to analyze its relationship with the clinicopathology of PDAC. METHODS: FAP expression was examined in 134 PDAC specimens by immunohistochemistry, and in four pancreatic cancer cell lines (SW1990, Miapaca-2, AsPC-1 and BxPC-3) by Western blotting assay. We also analyzed the association between FAP expression in PDAC cells and the clinicopathology of PDAC patients. RESULTS: The results showed that the FAP was expressed in both stromal fibroblast cells (98/134, 73.1%) and carcinoma cells (102/134, 76.1%). All 4 pancreatic cancer cell lines expressed FAP protein at different levels. Protein bands corresponding to the proteolytically active 170-kDa seprase dimer and its88-kDa seprase subunit were identif ied. Higher FAP expression in carcinoma cells was associated with tumor size (P < 0.001), fi brotic focus (P = 0.003), perineural invasion (P = 0.009) and worse clinical outcome (P = 0.0085). CONCLUSION: FAP is highly expressed in carcinoma cells and f ibroblasts in PDAC tissues, and its expression is associated with desmoplasia and worse prognosis.
基金Science and Technology Plan Program of Social Development of Guangdong Science and Technology Department in 2007,No.73127
文摘BACKGROUND: Spleen deficiency in traditional Chinese medicine refers to the functional disorder of spleen, pancreas, intestines, and nervous system in modern medicine. OBJECTIVE; To test whether electro-acupuncture could alter basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) protein and mRNA expression in the hippocampal dentate gyrus of spleen deficiency rats. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING: The randomized, controlled, in vivo animal experiment was performed at the National LeveI-B Laboratory of Clinical Cell Molecule and Biology in Shenzhen Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, between March and November in 2008. MATERIALS: Reserpine injection was produced by Guangdong Bangmin Pharmaceutical Co. Rhubarb extract granule preparation was produced by Guangdong Yifang Pharmaceutical. Huanqiu Brand sterile acupuncture pin was provided by Suzhou Acupuncture Supplies, China. Huatuo Brand electroacupuncture instrument (type SDZ-II) was purchased from Suzhou Medical Appliance Factory, China. METHODS: A total of 96 male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly assigned to control (n = 32) and induction (n = 64) groups. Spleen deficiency was induced via intraperitoneal injection of reserpine and intragastric administration of rhubarb. The successful models were randomized into two groups: model and electro-acupuncture, with 32 rats in each group. Electro-acupuncture was administered at Zusanfi (ST 36) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6) acupoints using a condensation wave and rarefaction (condensation wave 15 Hz) at a strength of 6-15 V for 20 minutes, once per day. The appearance of a slight shiver in the corresponding locus was taken as the standard. According to electro- acupuncture time points, each group was assigned to four subgroups at 7, 14, 28, and 49 days, respectively, with eight rats in each subgroup. Immunohistochemical staining, image analysis, and reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction were performed at different time points. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: bFGF protein and mRNA expression in the hippocampal dentate gyrus of spleen deficiency rats. RESULTS: After 7 days of electro-acupuncture therapy, bFGF protein and mRNA expression significantly increased compared with the model and control groups (P 〈 0.05). After 14 days, bFGF protein and mRNA expression decreased until 28 days, where levels were then equal to the model group and greater than the control group (P 〈 0.05). After 49 days, the above indices remained increased in the electro-acupuncture group compared to the model and control groups (P 〈 0.05). CONCLUSION: Continuous electro-acupuncture maintained a high level of bFGF protein and mRNA expression in the hippocampal dentate gyrus of spleen deficiency rats.
基金Supported by the Research and Technology Council of Babol University of Medical Sciences with Grant No.9031029
文摘Objective:To compare the protein profile of culture supernatants in stimulated and unstimulated human fibroblasts to find some proteins indicating the presence of fibroblasts and their activation status.Methods:Dermal fibroblasts were stimulated with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate(PMA)/ionomycine for 72 h.MTT assay was done to determine cell viability and A/E fluorescent staining was used to evaluate the cell death pattern.Protein analysis was performed by gradient SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis 8%–16%.Results:The supernatant of 24 h cultured both stimulated and unstimulated fibroblasts showed two bands in SDS-PAGE analysis with relative molecular weights of 8.59 and78.8 k Da.These bands density was decreased during the next 48 h in unstimulated cells while their expression was continued in PMA or PMA/ionomycine stimulated cells and a new 85.3 k Da band was appeared in unstimulated and 72 h PMA stimulated cells.Moreover,we found another seven small size(10–19.5 k Da) proteins in supernatants of48 h and 72 h unstimulated but not in PMA or PMA/Ionomycine stimulated fibroblasts.Most of these proteins expression were down regulated following fibroblast activation.This down-regulation is consistent with our finding that PMA or PMA/ionomycine stimulated cells exhibited a significant level of apoptosis cell death.Conclusions:Human fibroblasts produce some small to intermediate sized proteins with specific SDS-PAGE profile upon cell activation.Most of these proteins can be excreted in urine and can be immunogen theoretically so this data provided a reliable clue for fibrosis biomarker screening based on designation of an appropriated immunoassay.
基金Scientific Research Foundation of Liaoning Provincial Education Department for Higher Education Institutions, No.05L442
文摘BACKGROUND: cAMP-response element binding protein (CREB) is a key modulator of various signaling pathways. CREB activation initiates a series of intracellular signaling pathways that promote neuronal survival. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the regulatory effects of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) on cerebral neuronal CREB expression following ischemia/reperfusion injury. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING: An immunohistochemical detection experiment was performed at the Department of Anatomy, Shenyang Medical College, between October 2006 and April 2008. MATERIALS: A total of 60 healthy, adult, Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups: sham-operated (n =12), ischemia/reperfusion (n = 24), and bFGF-treated (n = 24). Rabbit anti-rat CREB (1: 100) and biotin labeled goat anti-rabbit IgG were purchased from the Wuhan Boster Company, China. MetaMorph-evolution MP5.0-BX51 microscopy imaging system was provided by China Medical University, China. METHODS: Rat models of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury were developed using the suture method for right middle cerebral artery occlusion. Two-hour ischemia was followed by reperfusion. Rats from the bFGF-treated and ischemia/reperfusion groups were intraperitoneally administered endogenous bFGF (500 IU/mL, 2 000 IU/kg) or an equal amount of physiological saline. Rats from the sham-operated group underwent a similar surgical procedure, without induction of ischemia/reperfusion injury and drug administration. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: After 48-hour reperfusion, hippocampal and parietal cortical neuronal CREB expression was detected by immunohistochemistry, and the absorbance of hippocampal CREB-positive products was determined using MetaMorph-evolutionMP5.0-BX51 microscopy imaging system. RESULTS: The sham-operated group exhibited noticeable CREB expression in hippocampal and parietal cortical neurons. In the ischemia/reperfusion group, the CREB expression was discrete and neurons were poorly arranged. The bFGF-treated group exhibited increased CREB expression and better neuronal arrangement compared with the ischemia/reperfusion group. The mean absorbance of CREB-immunoreactive products in the hippocampus and parietal cortex was significantly higher in the ischemia/reperfusion group than in the sham-operated group (P 〈 0.05), and significantly higher in the bFGF-treated group than in the ischemia/reperfusion group (P 〈 0.05). CONCLUSION: bFGF significantly upregulates CREB expression in hippocampal and parietal cortical neurons following ischemia/reperfusion injury.
文摘Objective:To establish fibroblasts stably expressing human bone morphogenetic protein 2(hBMP2). Methods:Eukaryonic expression vector(pcDNA3.1-B2) was transduced into NIH3T3 cells using SofastTM, a new generation cationic polymer gene transfection reagent. The positive cell clones were selected with G418. The stable transfection and expression of BMP2 in the NIH3T3 cells were determined by RT-PCR and immunohistochemical stain. Results: BMP2 mRNA was transcripted and expressed in the transfected NIH3T3 cells. Conclusion: With positive compound transfection, outside human BMP2 gene can be successfully transducted into NIH3T3 cells, which is the key step to induce periodontal cells to osseous phenotypes.
基金supported by a grant from the Nature Sciences Foundation of China (No. 30872795)
文摘This study examined the effects of retinoic acid (RA), PD98059, SP600125 and SB203580 on the hyperoxia-induced expression and regulation of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP-2) in premature rat lung fibroblasts (LFs). LFs were exposed to hyperoxia or room air for 12 h in the presence of RA and the kinase inhibitors PD98059 (ERK1/2), SP600125 (JNK1/2) and SB203580 (p38) respectively. The expression levels of MMP-2 and TIMP-2 mRNA were detected by semi-quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). MMP-2 activity was measured by zymography. The amount of p-ERK1/2, REK1/2, p-JNK1/2, JNK1/2, p-p38 and p38 was determined by Western blotting. The results showed that: (1) PD98059, SP600125 and SB203580 significantly inhibited p-ERK1/2, p-JNK1/2 and p-p38 respectively in LFs; (2) The expression of MMP-2 mRNA in LFs exposed to hyperoxia was decreased after treatment with RA, SP600125 and SB203580 respectively (P0.01 or 0.05), but did not change after treatment with PD98059 (P0.05). Meanwhile, RA, PD98059, SP600125 and SB203580 had no effect on the expression of TIMP-2 mRNA in LFs exposed to room air or hyperoxia (P0.05); (3) The expression of pro- and active MMP-2 experienced no change after treatment with RA or SP600125 in LFs exposed to room air (P0.05), but decreased remarkably after hyperoxia (P0.01 or 0.05). SB203580 inhibited the expression of pro- and active MMP-2 either in room air or under hyperoxia (P0.01). PD98059 exerted no effect on the expression of pro- and active MMP-2 (P0.05). It was suggested that RA had a protective effect on hyperoxia-induced lung injury by down-regulating the expression of MMP-2 through decreasing the JNK and p38 activation in hyperoxia.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China (30000191), China Postdoctoral Science Foundation (1999- 17) and S
文摘Objective To evaluate the effects of transforming growth factor β(TGF-β) and recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein 2 (rhBMP2) on human periodontal ligament fibroblasts (HPDLFs). Methods HPDLFs were done primary culture to detect the distinct concentrations of TGF-P and rhBMF2 on its proliferation, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, osteocalcin (OC) synthesis and formation of the minerali-zed nodules, respectively. Results TGF-β (5~100ng/ml) significantly stimulated the proliferation of HPDLFs. The ALP activity of HPDLFs was evaluated evidently by 5ng/ml TGF-β. TGF-β( 0. 5 ~ 100ng/ml) had no effects on OC synthesis and formation of the mineralized nodules of HPDLFs. rhBMP2 (0. 25~2mg/ ml) had no remarkable effect on the proliferation of HPDLFs. The ALP activity, OC synthesis and forma-tion of the mineralized nodules of HPDLFs were significantly stimulated by 0. 5~ 2mg /ml rhBMP2. Conclusion The effects of TGF-β and rhBMP2 on HPDLFs are dose-dependent. TGF-P can stimulate HPDLFs to express the early marker of osteoblastic phenotype, and it lacks the ability to promote maturation of the osteogenic phenotype. rhBMP2 can not only stimulate the expression but also promote the maturation of osteoblas-tic phenotype of HPDLFs.