DI-3-n-butylphthalide exerts neuroprotective effects by modulating hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha ubiquitination to attenuate oxidative stress-induced apoptosis

DI-3-n-butylphthalide is used to treat mild and moderate acute ischemic stroke.However,the precise underlying mechanism requires further investigation.In this study,we investigated the molecular mechanism of DI-3-n-butylphthalide action by various means.We used hydrogen peroxide to induce injury to PC12cells and RAW264.7 cells to mimic neuronal oxidative stress injury in stroke in vitro and examined the effects of DI-3-n-butylphthalide.We found that DI-3-nbutylphthalide pretreatment markedly inhibited the reduction in viability and reactive oxygen species production in PC12 cells caused by hydrogen peroxide and inhibited cell apoptosis.Furthermore,DI-3-n-butylphthalide pretreatment inhibited the expression of the pro-apoptotic genes Bax and Bnip3.DI-3-nbutylphthalide also promoted ubiquitination and degradation of hypoxia inducible factor 1α,the key transcription factor that regulates Bax and Bnip3 genes.These findings suggest that DI-3-n-butylphthalide exhibits a neuroprotective effect on stroke by promoting hypoxia inducible factor-1α ubiquitination and degradation and inhibiting cell apoptosis.

Early expressions of hypoxia-inducible factor 1alpha and vascular endothelial growth factor increase the neuronal plasticity of activated endogenous neural stem cells after focal cerebral ischemia

Endogenous neural stem cells become ＂activated＂ after neuronal injury, but the activation sequence and fate of endogenous neural stem cells in focal cerebral ischemia model are little known. We evaluated the relationships between neural stem cells and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α and vascular endothelial growth factor expression in a photothromobotic rat stroke model using immunohistochemistry and western blot analysis. We also evaluated the chronological changes of neural stem cells by 5-bromo-2′-deoxyuridine（BrdU） incorporation. Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α expression was initially increased from 1 hour after ischemic injury, followed by vascular endothelial growth factor expression. Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α immunoreactivity was detected in the ipsilateral cortical neurons of the infarct core and peri-infarct area. Vascular endothelial growth factor immunoreactivity was detected in bilateral cortex, but ipsilateral cortex staining intensity and numbers were greater than the contralateral cortex. Vascular endothelial growth factor immunoreactive cells were easily found along the peri-infarct area 12 hours after focal cerebral ischemia. The expression of nestin increased throughout the microvasculature in the ischemic core and the peri-infarct area in all experimental rats after 24 hours of ischemic injury. Nestin immunoreactivity increased in the subventricular zone during 12 hours to 3 days, and prominently increased in the ipsilateral cortex between 3–7 days. Nestin-labeled cells showed dual differentiation with microvessels near the infarct core and reactive astrocytes in the peri-infarct area. BrdU-labeled cells were increased gradually from day 1 in the ipsilateral subventricular zone and cortex, and numerous BrdU-labeled cells were observed in the peri-infarct area and non-lesioned cortex at 3 days. BrdU-labeled cells rather than neurons, were mainly co-labeled with nestin and GFAP. Early expressions of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α and vascular endothelial growth factor after ischemia made up the microenvironment to increase the neuronal plasticity of activated endogenous neural stem cells. Moreover, neural precursor cells after large-scale cortical injury could be recruited from the cortex nearby infarct core and subventricular zone.

Increased hypoxia-inducible factor 1alpha expression in rat brain tissues in response to aging

The present study observed changes in rat neural cells at various ages （3, 18, 24, and 30 months）. With age, neural cells became large and were sparsely arranged, and the number of Nissl bodies decreased. In addition, hypoxia-inducible factor 1α expression increased with increasing age in hippocampal CA1 and CA3 regions, motor cortex, and the first subfolium, especially from 3 to 18 months. In the open-field test, grid crossing decreased with increasing age, especially from 18 months. The number of rearings reached a peak in the 18 months group, and then subsequently decreased. The results suggested that hypoxia-inducible factor 1α played an important role in the nervous system aging process.

Effects of hypoxia-inducible factor 1 on ischemic cerebrovascular disease

Hypoxia-inducible factor 1, a nuclear transcription factor, is induced by hypoxia. Hypoxia-inducible factor 1, a heterodimeric DNA-binding protein, is composed of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α and hypoxia-inducible factor 1βsubunits, which are family members of the basic helix-loop-helix-PER, ARNT, SIM （PAS） protein. O2 concentration regulates hypoxia-inducible factor 1 activity via this subunit. Hypoxia-inducible factor 1α plays a major role in response to hypoxia and transcriptional activation, as well as in the target gene specificity of the DNA enhancer. Hypoxia-inducible factor 1β cannot be induced by hypoxia. This effect may be due to hypoxia-inducible factor 1 stability and activated conformation due to dimerization. Previous studies have shown that hypoxia-inducible factor 1 mRNA expression increases in the penumbra following ischemia/hypoxia. Hypoxia-inducible factor 1 plays an important role in brain tissue injury after ischemia by affecting a series of target genes, elevating tolerance to hypoxia, and ensuring survival of neural cells. This article summarizes the structure, function, expression, regulatory mechanisms, biological effects, and significance of hypoxia-inducible factor 1 in patients with ischemic cerebrovascular disease. As a transcriptional activator, hypoxia- inducible factor 1 plays a key role in hypoxic responses by stabilizing the internal environment. It also has been shown to regulate the expression of several genes. The regulatory effects of hypoxia-inducible factor 1 in patients with ischemic cerebrovascular disease have been described. The present review re-examined the concept of brain protection at the level of gene regulation.

Correlation between the Expression of Aquaporin 1 and Hypoxia-inducible Factor 1 in Breast Cancer Tissues

The correlation between aquaporin 1 （AQP1） and hypoxia-inducible factor 1 （HIF 1） in breast cancer tissues was preliminarily studied. In 155 cases of breast cancer, the expression levels of AQP1 were detected by immunohistochemisty in HIFl-positive group or HIFl-negative group, and the correlation between AQP1 and HIF1 was analyzed. The overexpression of AQP1 and HIF1 were observed in 155 cases of breast cancer tissues. The expression level of AQP1 in HIFl-positive group was significantly higher than that in HIFl-negative group. The positive expression rate of AQP1 was 296.55±24.67 and 168.37±37.53 in HIFl-positive group and HIFl-negative group respectively with the difference being very significant between them （P〈0.001）. It was concluded that AQP1 was overexpressed in the HIFl-positive group and there were some correlations between AQP1 and HIF1, suggesting they interact each other and regulate the oncogenesis of breast cancer.

Activation of hypoxia-inducible factor 1 attenuates periapical inflammation and bone loss

Hypoxia（low oxygen level） is an important feature during infections and affects the host defence mechanisms. The host has evolved specific responses to address hypoxia, which are strongly dependent on the activation of hypoxia-inducible factor 1（HIF-1）.Hypoxia interferes degradation of HIF-1 alpha subunit（HIF-1α）, leading to stabilisation of HIF-1α, heterodimerization with HIF-1 beta subunit（HIF-1β） and subsequent activation of HIF-1 pathway. Apical periodontitis（periapical lesion） is a consequence of endodontic infection and ultimately results in destruction of tooth-supporting tissue, including alveolar bone. Thus far, the role of HIF-1 in periapical lesions has not been systematically examined. In the present study, we determined the role of HIF-1 in a wellcharacterised mouse periapical lesion model using two HIF-1α-activating strategies, dimethyloxalylglycine（DMOG） and adenovirusinduced constitutively active HIF-1α（CA-HIF1 A）. Both DMOG and CA-HIF1 A attenuated periapical inflammation and tissue destruction. The attenuation in vivo was associated with downregulation of nuclear factor-κappa B（NF-κB） and osteoclastic gene expressions. These two agents also suppressed NF-κB activation and subsequent production of proinflammatory cytokines by macrophages. Furthermore, activation of HIF-1α by DMOG specifically suppressed lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophage differentiation into M1 cells, increasing the ratio of M2 macrophages against M1 cells. Taken together, our data indicated that activation of HIF-1 plays a protective role in the development of apical periodontitis via downregulation of NF-κB, proinflammatory cytokines, M1 macrophages and osteoclastogenesis.

Lysyl oxidase and hypoxia-inducible factor 1α: biomarkers of gastric cancer

BACKGROUND Gastric cancer(GC) is one of the main causes of cancer mortality worldwide.Recent studies on tumor microenvironments have shown that tumor metabolism exerts a vital role in cancer progression.AIM To investigate whether lysyl oxidase(LOX) and hypoxia-inducible factor 1α(HIF1α) are prognostic and predictive biomarkers in GC.METHODS A total of 80 tissue and blood samples were collected from 140 patients admitted to our hospital between August 2008 and March 2012. Immunohistochemical staining was performed to measure the expression of LOX and HIF1α in tumor and adjacent tissues collected from patients with GC. Real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR) analysis was used to detect the mRNA expression levels of LOX and HIF1α in patients with GC. In addition, single-factor analysis was applied to analyze the relationship between LOX, HIF1α and prognosis of GC.RESULTS Immunohistochemical staining suggested that the expression levels of LOX and HIF1α increased in tumor tissues from patients with GC. QRT-PCR analysis indicated that mRNA expression of LOX and HIF1α was also upregulated in tumor tissues, which was in accordance with the above results. We also detected expression of these two genes in blood samples. The expression level of LOX and HIF1α was higher in patients with GC than in healthy controls. Additional analysis showed that the expression level of LOX and HIF1α was related to the clinicopathological characteristics of GC. Expression of LOX and HIF1α increased with the number of lymph node metastases, deeper infiltration depth and later tumor–node–metastasis stages. Single-factor analysis showed that high expression of LOX and HIF1α led to poor prognosis of patients with GC.CONCLUSION LOX and HIF1α can be used as prognostic and predictive biomarkers for GC.

Effect of lentiviral vector-mediated overexpression of hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha delivered by pluronic F-127 hydrogel on brachial plexus avulsion in rats

Brachial plexus avulsion often results in massive motor neuron death and severe functional deficits of target muscles. However, no satisfactory treatment is currently available. Hypoxia-inducible factor 1α is a critical molecule targeting several genes associated with ischemia-hypoxia damage and angiogenesis. In this study, a rat model of brachial plexus avulsion-reimplantation was established, in which C5–7 ventral nerve roots were avulsed and only the C6 root reimplanted. Different implants were immediately injected using a microsyringe into the avulsion-reimplantation site of the C6 root post-brachial plexus avulsion. Rats were randomly divided into five groups: phosphate-buffered saline, negative control of lentivirus, hypoxia-inducible factor 1α(hypoxia-inducible factor 1α overexpression lentivirus), gel(pluronic F-127 hydrogel), and gel + hypoxia-inducible factor 1α(pluronic F-127 hydrogel + hypoxia-inducible factor 1α overexpression lentivirus). The Terzis grooming test was performed to assess recovery of motor function. Scores were higher in the hypoxia-inducible factor 1α and gel +hypoxia-inducible factor 1α groups(in particular the gel + hypoxia-inducible factor 1α group) compared with the phosphate-buffered saline group. Electrophysiology, fluorogold retrograde tracing, and immunofluorescent staining were further performed to investigate neural pathway reconstruction and changes of neurons, motor endplates, and angiogenesis. Compared with the phosphate-buffered saline group, action potential latency of musculocutaneous nerves was markedly shortened in the hypoxia-inducible factor 1α and gel + hypoxia-inducible factor1α groups. Meanwhile, the number of fluorogold-positive cells and ChAT-positive neurons, neovascular area(labeled by CD31 around av ulsed sites in ipsilateral spinal cord segments), and the number of motor endplates in biceps brachii(identified by α-bungarotoxin) were all visibly increased, as well as the morphology of motor endplate in biceps brachil was clear in the hypoxia-inducible factor 1α and gel + hypoxia-inducible factor 1α groups. Taken together, delivery of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α overexpression lentiviral vectors mediated by pluronic F-127 effectively promotes spinal root regeneration and functional recovery post-brachial plexus avulsion. All animal procedures were approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee of Guangdong Medical University, China.

A viral vector expressing hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha inhibits hippocampal neuronal apoptosis

Hypoxia-inducible factor 1 （HIF-1） attenuates amyloid-beta protein neurotoxicity and decreases apoptosis induced by oxidative stress or hypoxia in cortical neurons. In this study, we construct-ed a recombinant adeno-associated virus （rAAV） vector expressing the human HIF-1αgene （rAAV-HIF-1α）, and tested the assumption that rAAV-HIF-1αrepresses hippocampal neuronal apoptosis induced by amyloid-beta protein. Our results conifrmed that rAAV-HIF-1αsigniifcant-ly reduces apoptosis induced by amyloid-beta protein in primary cultured hippocampal neurons. Direct intracerebral rAAV-HIF-1αadministration also induced robust and prolonged HIF-1αproduction in rat hippocampus. Single rAAV-HIF-1αadministration resulted in decreased apoptosis of hippocampal neurons in an Alzheimer＇s disease rat model established by intrace-rebroventricular injection of aggregated amyloid-beta protein （25-35）. Our in vitro and in vivo ifndings demonstrate that HIF-1 has potential for attenuating hippocampal neuronal apoptosis induced by amyloid-beta protein, and provides experimental support for treatment of neurode-generative diseases using gene therapy.

Expression of hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha and oligodendrocyte lineage gene-1 in cultured brain slices after oxygen-glucose deprivation

Oligodendrocyte lineage gene-1 expressed in oligodendrocytes may trigger the repair of neuronal myelin impairment, and play a crucial role in myelin repair. Hypoxia-inducible factor la, a transcription factor, is of great significance in premature infants with hypoxic-ischemic brain damage There is little evidence of direct regulatory effects of hypoxia-inducible factor le on oligodendrocyte lineage gene-l. In this study, brain slices of Sprague-Dawley rats were cultured and subjected to oxygen-glucose deprivation. Then, slices were transfected with hypoxia-inducible factor la or oligodendrocyte lineage gene-1. The expression levels of hypoxia-inducible factor la and oligodendrocyte lineage gene-1 were significantly up-regulated in rat brains prior to transfection, as detected by immunohistochemical staining. Eight hours after transfection of slices with hypoxia-inducible factor la, oligodendrocyte lineage gene-1 expression was upregulated, and reached a peak 24 hours after transfection. Oligodendrocyte lineage gene-1 transfection induced no significant differences in hypoxia-inducible factor la levels in rat brain tissues with oxygen-glucose deprivation. These experimental findings indicate that hypoxia-inducible factor la can regulate oligodendrocyte lineage gene-1 expression in hypoxic brain tissue, thus repairing the neural impairment.

Hypoxia-inducible factor-1αin myocardial infarction

Hypoxia-inducible factor 1(HIF1)has a crucial function in the regulation of oxygen levels in mammalian cells,especially under hypoxic conditions.Its importance in cardiovascular diseases,particularly in cardiac ischemia,is because of its ability to alleviate cardiac dysfunction.The oxygen-responsive subunit,HIF1α,plays a crucial role in this process,as it has been shown to have cardioprotective effects in myocardial infarction through regulating the expression of genes affecting cellular survival,angiogenesis,and metabolism.Furthermore,HIF1αexpression induced reperfusion in the ischemic skeletal muscle,and hypoxic skin wounds in diabetic animal models showed reduced HIF1αexpression.Increased expression of HIF1αhas been shown to reduce apoptosis and oxidative stress in cardiomyocytes during acute myocardial infarction.Genetic variations in HIF1αhave also been found to correlate with altered responses to ischemic cardiovascular disease.In addition,a link has been established between the circadian rhythm and hypoxic molecular signaling pathways,with HIF1αfunctioning as an oxygen sensor and circadian genes such as period circadian regulator 2 responding to changes in light.This editorial analyzes the relationship between HIF1αand the circadian rhythm and highlights its significance in myocardial adaptation to hypoxia.Understanding the changes in molecular signaling pathways associated with diseases,specifically cardiovascular diseases,provides the opportunity for innovative therapeutic interventions,especially in low-oxygen environments such as myocardial infarction.

Hypoxia-inducible factor 1alpha and vascular endothelial growth factor in Glioblastoma Multiforme:a systematic review going beyond pathologic implications

Glioblastoma multiforme(GBM)is an aggressive primary brain tumor characterized by extensive heterogeneity and vascular proliferation.Hypoxic conditions in the tissue microenvironment are considered a pivotal player leading tumor progression.Specifically,hypoxia is known to activate inducible factors,such as hypoxia-inducible factor 1alpha(HIF-1α),which in turn can stimulate tumor neo-angiogenesis through activation of various downward mediators,such as the vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF).Here,we aimed to explore the role of HIF-1α/VEGF immunophenotypes alone and in combination with other prognostic markers or clinical and image analysis data,as potential biomarkers of GBM prognosis and treatment efficacy.We performed a systematic review(Medline/Embase,and Pubmed database search was completed by 16th of April 2024 by two independent teams;PRISMA 2020).We evaluated methods of immunoassays,cell viability,or animal or patient survival methods of the retrieved studies to assess unbiased data.We used inclusion criteria,such as the evaluation of GBM prognosis based on HIF-1α/VEGF expression,other biomarkers or clinical and imaging manifestations in GBM related to HIF-1α/VEGF expression,application of immunoassays for protein expression,and evaluation of the effectiveness of GBM therapeutic strategies based on HIF-1α/VEGF expression.We used exclusion criteria,such as data not reporting both HIF-1αand VEGF or prognosis.We included 50 studies investigating in total 1319 GBM human specimens,18 different cell lines or GBM-derived stem cells,and 6 different animal models,to identify the association of HIF-1α/VEGF immunophenotypes,and with other prognostic factors,clinical and macroscopic data in GBM prognosis and therapeutic approaches.We found that increased HIF-1α/VEGF expression in GBM correlates with oncogenic factors,such as miR-210-3p,Oct4,AKT,COX-2,PDGF-C,PLDO3,M2 polarization,or ALK,leading to unfavorable survival.Reduced HIF-1α/VEGF expression correlates with FIH-1,ADNP,or STAT1 upregulation,as well as with clinical manifestations,like epileptogenicity,and a favorable prognosis of GBM.Based on our data,HIF-1αor VEGF immunophenotypes may be a useful tool to clarify MRI-PET imaging data distinguishing between GBM tumor progression and pseudoprogression.Finally,HIF-1α/VEGF immunophenotypes can reflect GBM treatment efficacy,including combined first-line treatment with histone deacetylase inhibitors,thimerosal,or an active metabolite of irinotecan,as well as STAT3 inhibitors alone,and resulting in a favorable tumor prognosis and patient survival.These data were supported by a combination of variable methods used to evaluate HIF-1α/VEGF immunophenotypes.Data limitations may include the use of less sensitive detection methods in some cases.Overall,our data support HIF-1α/VEGF’s role as biomarkers of GBM prognosis and treatment efficacy.

Expression of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α in human normal, benign, and malignant prostate tissue

Objective To investigate hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) protein expression in normal prostates (NP), benign prostatic glandular hyperplasia (BPH), and prostate adenocarcinoma (Pca).Methods HIF-1α protein expression was determined by immunohistochemistry in formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded specimens obtained from 13 cases of NP, 28 cases of BPH, and 34 cases of Pca. In cases of Pca, the relationship between HIF-1α protein expression and certain clinicopathological factors, such as clinicopathologic stage and Gleason score, was evaluated. Results NP manifested no immunoreactivity, whereas Pca and BPH showed significantly increased HIF-1α protein expression. A significantly higher expression was observed in Pca specimens compared with BPH samples. In Pca, no significant relationship between HIF-1α protein expression and clinicopathological factors was found. Conclusion Our findings of increased HIF-1α protein expression in BPH and Pca specimens suggests the potential role of this protein in BPH and Pca.

Extracellular vesicles from hypoxia-preconditioned mesenchymal stem cells alleviates myocardial injury by targeting thioredoxininteracting protein-mediated hypoxia-inducible factor-1αpathway

BACKGROUND Extracellular vesicles(EVs)derived from hypoxia-preconditioned(HP)mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs)have better cardioprotective effects against myocardial infarction(MI)in the early stage than EVs isolated from normoxic(NC)-MSCs.However,the cardioprotective mechanisms of HP-EVs are not fully understood.AIM To explore the cardioprotective mechanism of EVs derived from HP MSCs.METHODS We evaluated the cardioprotective effects of HP-EVs or NC-EVs from mouse adipose-derived MSCs(ADSCs)following hypoxia in vitro or MI in vivo,in order to improve the survival of cardiomyocytes(CMs)and restore cardiac function.The degree of CM apoptosis in each group was assessed by the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end-labeling and Annexin V/PI assays.MicroRNA(miRNA)sequencing was used to investigate the functional RNA diversity between HP-EVs and NC-EVs from mouse ADSCs.The molecular mechanism of EVs in mediating thioredoxin-interacting protein(TXNIP)was verified by the dual-luciferase reporter assay.Co-immunoprecipitation,western blotting,and immunofluorescence were performed to determine if TXNIP is involved in hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha(HIF-1α)ubiquitination and degradation via the chromosomal region maintenance-1(CRM-1)-dependent nuclear transport pathway.RESULTS HP-EVs derived from MSCs reduced both infarct size(necrosis area)and apoptotic degree to a greater extent than NC-EVs from CMs subjected to hypoxia in vitro and mice with MI in vivo.Sequencing of EV-associated miRNAs showed the upregulation of 10 miRNAs predicted to bind TXNIP,an oxidative stress-associated protein.We showed miRNA224-5p,the most upregulated miRNA in HP-EVs,directly combined the 3’untranslated region of TXNIP and demonstrated its critical protective role against hypoxia-mediated CM injury.Our results demonstrated that MI triggered TXNIP-mediated HIF-1αubiquitination and degradation in the CRM-1-mediated nuclear transport pathway in CMs,which led to aggravated injury and hypoxia tolerance in CMs in the early stage of MI.CONCLUSION The anti-apoptotic effects of HP-EVs in alleviating MI and the hypoxic conditions of CMs until reperfusion therapy may partly result from EV miR-224-5p targeting TXNIP.

Sorl1 knockout inhibits expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor:involvement in the development of late-onset Alzheimer's disease

Sortilin-related receptor 1(SORL1)is a critical gene associated with late-onset Alzheimer’s disease.SORL1 contributes to the development and progression of this neurodegenerative condition by affecting the transport and metabolism of intracellularβ-amyloid precursor protein.To better understand the underlying mechanisms of SORL1 in the pathogenesis of late-onset Alzheimer s disease,in this study,we established a mouse model of SorI1 gene knockout using cluste red regularly inters paced short palindro mic repeats-associated protein 9 technology.We found that Sorl1-knocko ut mice displayed deficits in learning and memory.Furthermore,the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor was significantly downregulated in the hippocampus and co rtex,and amyloidβ-protein deposits were observed in the brains of 5orl1-knockout mice.In vitro,hippocampal neuronal cell synapses from homozygous Sorl1-knockout mice were impaired.The expression of synaptic proteins,including Drebrin and NR2B,was significantly reduced,and also their colocalization.Additionally,by knocking out the Sorl1 gene in N2a cells,we found that expression of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor,NR2B,and cyclic adenosine monophosphate-response element binding protein was also inhibited.These findings suggest that SORL1 participates in the pathogenesis of late-onset Alzheimer s disease by regulating the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor NR2B/cyclic adenosine monophosphate-response element binding protein signaling axis.

Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α–mediated upregulation of CD99 promotes the proliferation of placental mesenchymal stem cells by regulating ERK1/2

BACKGROUND As human placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cells(hP-MSCs)exist in a physiologically hypoxic microenvironment,various studies have focused on the influence of hypoxia.However,the underlying mechanisms remain to be further explored.AIM The aim was to reveal the possible mechanisms by which hypoxia enhances the proliferation of hP-MSCs.METHODS A hypoxic cell incubator(2.5%O2)was used to mimic a hypoxic microenvironment.Cell counting kit-8 and 5-ethynyl-20-deoxyuridine incorporation assays were used to assay the proliferation of hP-MSCs.The cell cycle was profiled by flow cytometry.Transcriptome profiling of hP-MSCs under hypoxia was performed by RNA sequencing.CD99 mRNA expression was assayed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction.Small interfering RNA-mediated hypoxia-inducible factor 1α(HIF-1α)or CD99 knockdown of hP-MSCs,luciferase reporter assays,and the ERK1/2 signaling inhibitor PD98059 were used in the mechanistic analysis.Protein expression was assayed by western blotting;immunofluorescence assays were conducted to evaluate changes in expression levels.RESULTS Hypoxia enhanced hP-MSC proliferation,increased the expression of cyclin E1,cyclin-dependent kinase 2,and cyclin A2,and decreased the expression of p21.Under hypoxia,CD99 expression was increased by HIF-1α.CD99-specific small interfering RNA or the ERK1/2 signaling inhibitor PD98059 abrogated the hypoxia-induced increase in cell proliferation.CONCLUSION Hypoxia promoted hP-MSCs proliferation in a manner dependent on CD99 regulation of the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway in vitro.

Ultraviolet-B induced expression of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α, transferrin receptor through EGFR/PI3K/AKT/DEC1 pathway

The aim of this research was to explore the effects and signaling pathway of ultraviolet-B(UVB)irradiation on the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor 1a(HIF-1α)and transferrin receptor(TfR).HIF-1α protein was measured by Western blot method.Expressions of epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR),phosphor-EGF-R and TfR after UVB irradiation were determined with flow cytometry.After UVB irradiation,mRNA levels of HIF-1α and TfR were detected by real time-PCR.Results showed that compared with control groups,UVB was able to induce HIF1α and TfR protein expression in a dose-and time-dependent manner in HaCat cells(P<0.05).TfR mRNA was expressed in a dose-dependent manner and reached a peak at the 8th hour in HaCat cells(P<0.05)whereas HIF-1α mRNA expression was not affected by UVB treatment(P>0.05).The EGFR/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway was required for the induction of HIF-1α and TfR expression induced by UVB.UVB induced activation of EGFR in HaCat cells and EGFR regulated expression of TfR and HIF-1α.EGFR(−/−)MEF did not increase the HIF1 expression following UVB irradiation(P>0.05).In contrast,EGFR(+/+)MEF strongly enhanced HIF1a expression after UVB irradiation(P<0.05).PD153035,a selective inhibitor of EGFR tyrosine kinase,inhibited the TfR protein expression in UVB-treated cells in a dose-dependent manner(P<0.05).PI3K inhibitors,LY294002 and wortmannin,inhibited HIF-1a and TfR expressions induced by UVB(P<0.05).The DEC1(−/−)Ha-Cat cells did not increase their TfR and HIF-1α expressions following UVB irradiation(P>0.05).In contrast,DEC1(+/+)HaCat cells strongly enhanced TfR and HIF-1α protein expression after UVB irradiation(P<0.05).We conclude that UVB induces TfR and HIF-1α expressions via EGFR/PI3K/AKT/DEC1 signaling pathway.

Chemokine-like factor 1 (CKLF1) is expressed in myocardial ischemia injury in vivo and in vitro

Introduction:Chemokine-like factor 1(CKLF1)is a chemokine that is overexpressed in several diseases.Our previousfindings revealed a significant increase in CKLF1 expression in the ischemic brain,suggesting its potential as a therapeutic target for ischemic stroke.Methods:In this study,we examined the expression dynamics of CKLF1 in both in vivo and in vitro models of ischemic cardiac injury.Myocardial infarction(MI)was induced in vivo by ligation of the left anterior descending artery(LAD)of the rat heart.The levels of CKLF1,Creatine Kinase MB Isoenzyme(CK-MB),and Lactate dehydrogenase(LDH)in the serum were detected using Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).The expression of CKLF1 in the infarcted area was detected by immunohistochemistry,immunofluorescence,quantitative PCR(qPCR),and Western blotting(WB).H9C2 and AC16 cardiomyocytes cultured in vitro were subjected to oxygen and glucose deprivation(OGD).LDH was used to detect cell damage,and CKLF1 expression was detected by qPCR and WB.Results:CKLF1 mRNA and protein expression were significantly increased in h9c2 cells at 1.5 h and in AC16 cells at 4 h after OGD.The serum CK-MB in rats increased significantly on thefirst day after infarction,while the LDH concentration increased significantly on the third day after infarction.CKLF1 blood levels significantly increased on thefirst day following MI in rats.CKLF1 expression notably increased in the infarct area on days 1,3,and 7 post-MI.In MI tissue,CKLF1 colocalizes with cardiomyocytes,macrophages,and neutrophils.Conclusion:CKLF1 was substantially expressed during myocardial ischemia injury both in vivo and in vitro and was colocalized with macrophages and neutrophils,indicating that CKLF1 is expected to be a biomarker and a drug target for the treatment of myocardial infarction.

The BEL1-like transcription factor GhBLH5-A05 participates in cotton response to drought stress

Drought stress impairs crop growth and development.BEL1-like family transcription factors may be involved in plant response to drought stress,but little is known of the molecular mechanism by which these proteins regulate plant response and defense to drought stress.Here we show that the BEL1-like transcription factor GhBLH5-A05 functions in cotton(Gossypium hirsutum)response and defense to drought stress.Expression of GhBLH5-A05 in cotton was induced by drought stress.Overexpression of GhBLH5-A05 in both Arabidopsis and cotton increased drought tolerance,whereas silencing GhBLH5-A05 in cotton resulted in elevated sensitivity to drought stress.GhBLH5-A05 binds to cis elements in the promoters of GhRD20-A09 and GhDREB2C-D05 to activate the expression of these genes.GhBLH5-A05 interacted with the KNOX transcription factor GhKNAT6-A03.Co-expression of GhBLH5-A05 and GhKNAT6-A03 increased the transcription of GhRD20-A09 and GhDREB2C-D05.We conclude that GhBLH5-A05 acts as a regulatory factor with GhKNAT6-A03 functioning in cotton response to drought stress by activating the expression of the drought-responsive genes GhRD20-A09 and GhDREB2C-D05.

Fibroblast growth factor 21 inhibits ferroptosis following spinal cord injury by regulating heme oxygenase-1

Interfering with the ferroptosis pathway is a new strategy for the treatment of spinal cord injury.Fibroblast growth factor 21 can inhibit ferro ptosis and promote neurofunctional recovery,while heme oxygenase-1 is a regulator of iron and reactive oxygen species homeostasis.The relationship between heme oxygenase-1and ferroptosis remains controve rsial.In this study,we used a spinal co rd injury rat model to show that the levels of fibroblast growth factor 21 in spinal co rd tissue decreased after spinal cord injury.In addition,there was a significant aggravation of ferroptosis and a rapid increase in heme oxygenase-1 expression after spinal cord injury.Furthe r,heme oxygenase-1 aggravated fe rroptosis after spinal cord injury,while fibroblast growth factor 21 inhibited fe rroptosis by downregulating heme oxygenase-1.Thus,the activation of fibroblast growth factor 21 may provide a potential treatment for spinal co rd injury.These findings could provide a new potential mechanistic explanation for fibroblast growth factor 21 in the treatment of spinal cord injury.