稳转hTERT绵羊睾丸细胞系的建立

羊睾丸原代细胞的体外培养是探究牛羊病毒致病机理的重要材料,实际科研工作中常受困于此类细胞传代性差、性质不稳定等缺点。外源性导入人端粒酶逆转录酶基因(hTERT)可以促使端粒酶活性的表达,延长细胞体外培养寿命是一种有效建立细胞永生化的方法。本试验中,通过RT-PCR获得hTERT。利用同源重组的技术,成功的构建了hTERT的真核表达质粒和慢病毒质粒。利用慢病毒表达系统,建立了稳转hTERT绵羊的睾丸细胞系。间接免疫荧光和蛋白免疫印迹试验研究结果均显示,hTERT基因已成功整合进入绵羊睾丸基因组中并稳定表达。第30代次的羊睾丸细胞生长较快,性状较稳定,表明已成功构建了具有永生化特性的绵羊睾丸细胞系,为草食动物病毒的相关研究提供重要的细胞模型。

子痫前期孕妇血清hTERT和Sirt6水平表达与疾病严重程度及妊娠结局评估中的价值研究

目的检测子痫前期孕妇血清中人端粒酶反转录酶(human telomerase reverse transcriptase,hTERT)、沉默信息调节因子6(silent information regulator 6,Sirt6)表达,并探究hTERT,Sirt6水平表达与疾病严重程度及妊娠结局评估中的价值。方法选取2018年1月~2022年12月在陕西省人民医院进行诊治的300例子痫前期孕妇作为子痫前期组,孕妇均符合《妊娠期高血压疾病诊治指南(2015)》中子痫前期诊断标准,选取同时期孕检的300例健康孕妇为对照组,根据病情严重程度将子痫前期组分为轻症子痫前期组(n=180)和重症子痫前期组(n=120),根据是否发生不良妊娠结局将子痫前期组分为正常妊娠组(n=165)和不良妊娠组(n=135)。酶联免疫吸附实验(enzyme-linked immunosorbnent assay,ELISA)法检测血清中hTERT和Sirt6水平,Spearman相关性分析血清中hTERT和Sirt6水平与子痫前期孕妇病情严重程度的相关性,利用受试者工作特征(receiver operating characteristic,ROC)曲线评估血清hTERT和Sirt6水平在子痫前期诊断及妊娠结局预测中的价值。结果与对照组比较,子痫前期组血清hTERT(22.15±5.82 ng/ml vs 30.12±9.56 ng/ml),Sirt6(5.26±1.62 ng/ml vs 7.06±2.29 ng/ml)水平降低,差异具有统计学意义(t=12.334,11.114,均P<0.001)。与轻症子痫前期组比较,重症子痫前期组孕妇血清hTERT(18.28±4.11 ng/ml vs 24.73±6.96 ng/ml),Sirt6(4.03±1.17 ng/ml vs 6.08±1.92 ng/ml)水平降低,差异具有统计学意义(t=9.142,10.469,均P<0.001)。与正常妊娠组比较,不良妊娠组子痫前期孕妇血清中hTERT(17.75±4.61 ng/ml vs 25.75±6.81 ng/ml),Sirt6(4.06±0.96 ng/ml vs 6.24±2.16 ng/ml)水平降低,差异具有统计学意义(t=11.639,10.878,均P<0.001)。Spearman相关性分析显示,血清hTERT,Sirt6水平与子痫前期孕妇疾病严重程度均呈负相关(r=-0.562,-0.604,均P<0.001)。ROC曲线分析结果显示,血清hTERT,Sirt6诊断子痫前期的曲线下面积(95%置信区间)[AUC(95%CI)]分别为0.711(0.673~0.747),0.727(0.689~0.762),两者联合诊断子痫前期的AUC(95%CI)为0.788(0.753~0.820),高于两者单独诊断(Z=2.719,2.154,P=0.007,0.031);血清hTERT,Sirt6预测子痫前期不良妊娠结局的AUC(95%CI)分别为0.786(0.735~0.831),0.783(0.732~0.829),两者联合预测子痫前期不良妊娠结局的AUC(95%CI)为0.849(0.804~0.888),高于两者单独预测(Z=1.855,1.861,P=0.032,0.031)。结论hTERT和Sirt6在子痫前期孕妇血清中水平较低,与子痫前期孕妇疾病严重程度均呈负相关,并对妊娠结局具有一定的评估价值。

Testicular expression of survivin and human telomerase reverse transcriptase(hTERT)associated with spermatogenic function in infertile patients

Aim： To characterize the coexpression of survivin, an inhibitor of apoptosis （IAF）, and human telomerase reverse transcriptase （hTERT） in human testes with varying spermatogenic function. Methods： Transcript levels of survivin mRNA and hTERT mRNA were determined in normal testes （n = 11） and testes with defective spermatogenesis （n = 28） using real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction （RT-PCR）. The histological work-up was performed according to a modified Johnsen score. Results： Expressions of both survivin and hTERT were highest at median levels of 96.8 and 709 in normal spermatogenesis and dropped to 53.3 and 534 in testes with postmeiotic spermatogenic arrest （n = 10）. In severe spermatogenic failure （n = 18）, survivin expression was lacking in most specimens （n = 16）, whereas at least low levels of testicular hTERT expression were largely detectable with a normalized expression of 73 in premeiotic spermatogenic arrest （n = 7） and 45 in patients with Sertoli cell-only syndrome （SCOS） （n = 3）. Both survivin and hTERT expressions increased with a progressing Johnsen score （P for trend = 0.001）. Conclusion： Although both survivin and hTERT are correlated with spermatogenic function, they show different expression patterns in testes of infertile patients. These findings substantiate results from studies in the rodent testis suggesting a predominant expression of survivin in meiotically dividing germ cells. （Asian J Andro12006 Jan; 8： 95-100）

Quantification of human telomerase RNA(hTR)and human telomerase reverse transcriptase(hTERT)mRNA in testicular tissue of infertile patients

Aim:To evaluate the quantitative detection of human telomerase RNA(hTR)and human telomerase reverse tran-scriptase(hTERT)mRNA as diagnostic parameters in the workup of testicular tissue specimens from patients presentingwith non-obstructive azoospermia.Methods:hTR and hTERT mRNA expression were quantified in 38 cryopre-served testicular tissue specimens by fluorescence real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR)in a LightCycler(r).This was paralleled by conventional histological workup in all tissue specimens and additionalsemithin sectioning preparation in cases with maturation arrest(n=12)and Sertoli-cell-only syndrome(n=12).Re-sults;The average normalized hTERT expression(N_(hTERT))was 131.9±48.0 copies(mean±SD)in tissue speci-mens with full spermatogenesis,N_(hTERT)=51.2±17.2 copies in those with maturation arrest and N_(hTERT)=2.7±2.4copies in those with Sertoli-cell-only syndrome(SCOS).The discriminant analysis showed that detection of N_(hTERT)(N_(hTR))had a predictive value of 86.8%(55.3%)for correct classification in one of the three histological subgroups.Conclusion;Our results demonstrate that quantitative detection of hTERT mRNA expression in testicular tissue en-ables a molecular-diagnostic classification of gametogenesis.Quantitative detection of hTERT in testicular biopsies isthus well suited for supplementing the histopathological evaluation.

Trichostatin A Induces Apoptosis by Inhibiting Telomerase Activity and Expression of Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase in HL-60 Cells

Aim To investigate the effects of trichostatin A （TSA） on telomerase activity and the expression of human telomerase reverse transcriptase （hTERT） during apoptosis in vitro and the mechanisms in HL-60 cells. Methods The proliferative activity of HL-60 cells was assessed by MTT assay. Cell apoptosis was analyzed by flow cytometry. Telomerase activity was examined by TRAP-ELISA. The expression of telomerase subunits was analyzed by RT-PCR. Results A time- and dose-dependent inhibition was detected in HL-60 cells treated with TSA. After treatment with 600 nmol· L^-1 TSA for 48 h, the apoptosis rate in HL-60 cells was 42. 6% and telomerase activity decreased 1.95 ± 0.25, 1.73 ± 0. 12, and 1.52 ± 0. 09 for 12, 24, and 48 h, respectively. The expression of hTERTmRNA decreased. No significant changes were observed in the expression of hTRmRNA and hTPI mRNA. Condusion TSA inhibits telomerase activity and induces apoptosis in HL-60 cells. The underlying mechanism may be related to the down-regulation of hTERT transcription.

hTERT基因多态性与宫颈癌发生发展的相关性研究

目的:探索已知的hTERT基因单核苷酸多态性与宫颈癌的相关性,期待发现与宫颈癌发生发展相关的基因位点。方法:选取经病理诊断为宫颈恶性肿瘤的患者100例为实验组,体检健康女性共107例归为对照组。采用TaqMan探针基因分型方法对实验组中宫颈肿瘤标本和对照组健康人群外周血标本的DNA中9个hTERT基因SNP位点[rs2853691(C>T),rs2736122(G>A),rs10069690(C>T),rs2853676(C>T),rs2853677(A>G),rs2075786(A>G),rs2736098(A>G),rs2853690(A>G),rs2736114(C>T)]进行基因分型,并分析其等位基因及基因型与宫颈癌及相关预后不良因素间的关系。结果:hTERT基因的9个SNP位点的等位基因频率、基因型频率在实验组与对照组间比较差异无统计学意义;hTERT基因rs2853677(A>G)的位点在高分化癌组中以AA(43.2%)基因型为主,在低分化癌组中以AG(66.7%)基因型为主,两组间比较差异有统计学意义(P=0.033),hTERT基因s2736098(A>G)的位点高分化癌组中以AA(47.7%)基因型为主,在低分化癌组中以AG(60.8%)基因型为主,两组间比较差异有统计学意义(P=0.042),其余SNP位点的等位基因及基因型频率在宫颈癌不同分期、病理类型及肌层浸润组间比较均无统计学差异(P>0.05)。结论:hTERT基因9个SNP位点rs2853691(C>T),rs2736122(G>A),rs10069690(C>T),rs2853676(C>T),rs2853677(A>G),rs2075786(A>G),rs2736098(A>G),rs2853690(A>G),rs2736114(C>T)与宫颈癌的发生无关,但rs2853677(A>G)、rs2736098(A>G)A/G基因型可能与宫颈癌更差的组织分化相关。

Naturally occurring hepatitis B virus reverse transcriptase mutations related to potential antiviral drug resistance and liver disease progression

The annual number of deaths caused by hepatitis B virus(HBV)-related disease, including cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC), is estimated as 887000. The reported prevalence of HBV reverse transcriptase(RT) mutation prior to treatment is varied and the impact of preexisting mutations on the treatment of na?ve patients remains controversial, and primarily depends on geographic factors, HBV genotypes, HBe Ag serostatus, HBV viral loads, disease progression, intergenotypic recombination and co-infection with HIV. Different sensitivity of detection methodology used could also affect their prevalence results. Several genotype-dependent HBV RT positions that can affect the emergence of drug resistance have also been reported. Eight mutations in RT(rtL80I, rtD134N, rtN139K/T/H, rtY141F, rtM204I/V, rtF221Y, rtI224V, and rtM309K) are significantly associated with HCC progression. HBe Ag-negative status, low viral load, and genotype C infection are significantly related to a higher frequency and prevalence of preexisting RT mutations. Preexisting mutations are most frequently found in the A-B interdomain of RT which overlaps with the HBs Ag "a" determinant region, mutations of which can lead to simultaneous viral immune escape. In conclusion, the presence of baseline RT mutations can affect drug treatment outcomes and disease progression in HBVinfected populations via modulation of viral fitness and host-immune responses.

Fiber-modified adenoviral vector expressing the tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand gene from the human telomerase reverse transcriptase promoter induces apoptosis in human hepatocellular carcinoma cells

AIM: Because of a major resistance to chemotherapy, prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is still poor. New treatments are required and gene therapy may be an option. Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) induces apoptosis in multiple malignant tumors, and using adenoviral vectors has shown a targeted tumor-specific therapy. However, repeated administration of adenoviral vectors can lead to cell resistance, which may be caused by the initial coxsackie-adenovirus receptor (CAR). One technique to overcome resistance is the use of modified adenoviral vectors containing an Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) sequence. In this study we constructed an adenoviral vector (designated Ad/TRAIL-F/RGD) with RGD-modified fibers, expressing the TRAIL gene from the human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) promoter, and evaluated its antitumor activity in HCC cell lines.METHODS: To investigate the effects of Ad/TRAIL-F/RGD in human HCC cell lines Hep G2 and Hep 3b, cells were infected with Ad/CMV-GFP (vector control), Ad/gTRAIL (positive control), and Ad/TRAIL-F/RGD. Phosphatebuffered saline (PBS) was used as control. Cell viability was determined by proliferation assay (XTT), and apoptosis induction by fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS).RESULTS: Cells treated with Ad/TRAIL-F/RGD and Ad/ gTRAIL showed a significantly reduced cell viability in comparison to PBS and Ad/CMV-GFP treatment in both cell lines. Whereas, treatment with PBS and Ad/CMVGFP had no cell-killing effect. The reduced cell viability was caused by induction of apoptosis as shown by FACS analysis. The amount of apoptotic cells was similar after incubation with Ad/gTRAIL and Ad/TRAIL-F/RGD. CONCLUSION: The new RGD modified vector Ad/TRAILF/RGD could become a potent therapeutic agent for the treatment of HCC, adenovirus resistant tumors, and CAR low or negative cancer cells.

Upreguiation of human telomerase reverse transcriptase mRNA expression by in vitro transfection of hepatitis B virus X gene into human hepatocarcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma cells

AIM： To study the changes of human telomerase reverse transcriptase （hTERT） mRNA expression in human hepatocarcinoma cell lines （HepG2） and cholangiocarcinoma cell lines （QBC939） after HBx gene transfection and to illustrate the significance of transcriptional regulation of hTERT gene by HBx gene in the carcinogenesis. METHODS： HepG2 and QBC939 cell lines were cultured and co-transfected with eukaryotic expression vector containing the HBx coding region and cloning vector containing enhanced green fluorescent protein （EGFP） coding sequence using lipid-mediated gene transduction technique. Thirty-six hours after transfection, EGFP expression in cells was used as the indicator of successful transfection. Flow cytometry was performed to determine the transfection efficiency. Cells were harvested and total RNA was extracted using TRIzol reagent. The expression of hTERT mRNA in HepG2 and QBC939 cell lines was assayed by reverse transcriptionpolymerase chain reaction. The expression of HBx protein in both cell lines was detected by immunocytochemical staining and Western blotting. RESULTS： Flow cytometry showed that the transfection efficiency was 46.4% in HepG2 cells and 29.6% in QBC939 cells for both HBx gene expression vector and blank vector. The expression of hTERT mRNA was meaningfully increased in HepG2 and QBC939 cell lines when transfected with HBx gene expression vector compared to those transfected with OPTI-MEM medium and blank vector. Immunocytochemical staining and Western blotting revealed HBx protein expression in HepG2 and QBC939 cells only when transfected with HBx gene. CONCLUSION： HBx gene transfection can upregulate the transcriptional expression of hTERT mRNA. The transactivation of hTERT gene by HBx gene is a newfound mechanism for pathogenesis of hepatocarcinomas and cholangiocarcinomas after HBV infection. 2005 The WJG Press and Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved

Unique case of oligoastrocytoma with recurrence and grade progression:Exhibiting differential expression of high mobility group-A1 and human telomerase reverse transcriptase

Mixed gliomas, primarily oligoastrocytomas, account for about 5%-10% of all gliomas. Distinguishing oligoastrocytoma based on histological features alone has limitations in predicting the exact biological behavior, necessitating ancillary markers for greater specificity. In this case report, human telomerase reverse transcriptase(hT ERT) and high mobility group-A1(HMGA1); markers of proliferation and stemness, have been quantitatively analyzed in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue samples of a 34 years old patient with oligoastrocytoma. Customized florescence-based immunohistochemistry protocol with enhanced sensitivity and specificity is used in the study. The patient presented with a history of generalized seizures and his magnetic resonance imaging scans revealed infiltrative ill-defined mass lesion with calcified foci within the left frontal white matter, suggestive of glioma. He was surgically treated at our center for four consecutive clinical events. Histopathologically, the tumor was identified as oligoastrocytoma-grade Ⅱ followed by two recurrence events and final progression to grade Ⅲ. Overall survival of the patient without adjuvant therapy was more than 9 years. Glial fibrillary acidic protein, p53, Ki-67, nuclear atypia index, pre-operative neutrophillymphocyte ratio, are the other parameters assessed. Findings suggest that hT ERT and HMGA1 are linked to tumor recurrence and progression. Established markers can assist in defining precise histopathological grade in conjuction with conventional markers in clinical setup.

Telomerase Activity and Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase Expression Induced by Selenium in Rat Hepatocytes

Objective To investigate the effects of sodium selenite on telomerase activity, apoptosis and expression of TERT, c-myc and p53 in rat hepatocytes. Methods Selenium at doses of 2.5, 5.0, and 10 μmol/kg was given to SD rats by garage. In rat hepatocytes, telomerase activity was measured by the telomeric repeat amplification protocol （TRAP）, apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry, and expressions of telomerase reverse transcriptase （TERT）, c-myc and p53 were analyzed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction （RT-PCR）. c-Myc and P53 proteins were detected by immunochemistry. Results Selenium at doses of 2.5, 5.0, and 10 μmol/kg significantly increased hepatocellular telomerase activity and induced apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. Although selenium at doses of 2.5, 5.0, and 10 μmol/kg displayed no obvious enhancing effect on the TERT mRNA expression in rat hepatocytes （P〉0.05）, it significantly increased the c-myc mRNA and p53 mRNA expression at the dose of 10 μmol/kg （P〈0.05）. Selenium at doses of 5.0 and 10 μmol/kg obviously increased the content of P53 protein in rat hepatocytes, but only at the dose of 10 μmol/kg, it significantly promoted the value of c-Myc protein in them. Conclusion Selenium can slightly increase telomerase activity and TERT expression, and significantly induce apoptosis and over-expression of c-myc and p53 at relatively high doses. The beneficial effects of selenium on senescence and aging may be mediated by telomerase activation and expression of TERT, c-myc, and p53 in rat hepatocytes.

Inhibition of telomerase with human telomerase reverse transcriptase antisense increases the sensitivity of tumor necrosis factor-α-induced apoptosis in prostate cancer cells

Aim： To investigate the effect of inhibition of telomerase with human telomerase reverse transcriptase （hTERT） antisense on tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α-induced apoptosis in prostate cancer cells （PC3）. Methods： Antisense phosphorothioate oligodeoxynucleotide （AS PS-ODN） was synthesized and purified. Telomerase activity was measured using the telomeric repeat amplification protocol （TRAP） and polymerase chain reaction enzyme-linked immunoassay （PCR-ELISA）. hTERT mRNA was measured by reverse transcription PCR （RT-PCR） assay and gel-image system, hTERT protein was detected by immunochemistry and flow cytometry. Cell viability was detected by 3-（4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl）-2,5-Diphenyltetrazolium （MTT） assay. Cell apoptosis was observed by morphological method and determined by flow cytometry. Results： The telomerase activity decreased with time after hTERT AS PS-ODN treatment. The levels of hTERT mRNA decreased with time after hTERT AS PS-ODN treatment, which appeared before the decline of the telomerase activity. The percentage of positive cells of hTERT protein declined with time after hTERT AS PS-ODN treatment, which appeared after the decline of hTERT mRNA. There was no difference in telomerase activity, hTERT mRNA and protein levels between hTERT sense phosphorothioate oligodeoxynucleotide （S PS-ODN） and the control group. The cell viability decreased with time after hTERT AS PS-ODN combined with TNF-α treatment. The percentage of apoptosis increased with time after hTERT AS PS-ODN combined with TNF-α treatment. There was no difference in cell viability and the percentage of apoptosis between hTERT S PS-ODN and the control group. Conclusion： hTERT AS PS-ODN can significantly inhibit telomerase activity by downregulating the hTERT mRNA and protein expression, and inhibition of telomerase with hTERT antisense can enhance TNF-α- induced apoptosis of PC3 cells.

Telomerase activity and human telomerase reverse transcriptase expression in colorectal carcinoma

AIM： To study the activity of telomerase and the expression of human telomerase reverse transcriptase （hTERT） in colorectal carcinoma and its adjacent tissues, normal mucosa and adenomatoid polyp, and to evaluate their relation with carcinogenesis and progression of colorectal carcinoma. METHODS： Telomerase activity and hTERT expression were determined in 30 samples of colorectal carcinoma and its adjacent tissues, normal mucosa and 20 samples of adenomatoid polyp by modified telomeric repeat amplification protocol （TRAP）, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） and immunohistochemical method. RESULTS： Telomerase activity and hTERT expression were 83.33% （25/30） and 76.67% （23/30） respectively in colorectal carcinoma, which were obviously higher than those in paracancerous tissues （13.33%, 16.67%）, normal mucosa （3.33%, 3.33%） and adenomatoid polyp （10%, 10%）. There was a significant difference between colorectal carcinoma and other tissues （P=0.027）. The telomerase activity and hTERT expression were higher in colorectal carcinoma with lymphatic metastasis than in that without lymphatic metastasis （P=0.034）. When the histological classification and clinical stage were greater, the telomerase activity and hTERT expression increased, but there was no significant difference between them. In colorectal carcinoma, the telomerase activity was correlated with hTERT expression （positive vs negative expression of telomerase activity and hTERT, P=0.021）. CONCLUSION： Telomerase activity is closely correlated with the occurrence, development and metastasis of colorectal carcinoma. Overexpression of hTERT may play a critical role in the regulation of telomerase activity.

Transplantation of human telomerase reverse transcriptase gene-transfected Schwann cells for repairing spinal cord injury

Transfection of the human telomerase reverse transcriptase（h TERT）gene has been shown to increase cell proliferation and enhance tissue repair.In the present study,h TERT was transfected into rat Schwann cells.A rat model of acute spinal cord injury was established by the modified free-falling method.Retrovirus PLXSN was injected at the site of spinal cord injury as a vector to mediate h TERT gene-transfected Schwann cells（1×10^（10）/L;10μL）or Schwann cells（1×10^（10）/L;10μL）without h TERT gene transfection.Between 1 and 4 weeks after model establishment,motor function of the lower limb improved in the h TERT-transfected group compared with the group with non-transfected Schwann cells.Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated d UTP nick-end labeling and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction results revealed that the number of apoptotic cells,and gene expression of aquaporin 4/9 and matrix metalloproteinase 9/2decreased at the site of injury in both groups;however,the effect improved in the h TERT-transfected group compared with the Schwann cells without h TERT transfection group.Hematoxylin and eosin staining,PKH26 fluorescent labeling,and electrophysiological testing demonstrated that compared with the non-transfected group,spinal cord cavity and motor and sensory evoked potential latencies were reduced,while the number of PKH26-positive cells and the motor and sensory evoked potential amplitude increased at the site of injury in the h TERT-transfected group.These findings suggest that transplantation of h TERT gene-transfected Schwann cells repairs the structure and function of the injured spinal cord.

Neuroprotective effects of human telomerase reverse transcriptase on beta-amyloid fragment 25-35-treated human embryonic cortical neurons

BACKGROUND： Numerous current studies have suggested that human telomerase reverse transcriptase （hTERT） gene has neuroprotective effects and can inhibit apoptosis induced by various cytotoxic stresses; however, the mechanism of action remains unknown. OBJECTIVE： To evaluate the neuroprotective effects and possible mechanism of action of hTERT gene transfection in human embryonic cortical neurons treated with beta-amyloid fragment 25-35 （AI325-35）. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： The randomized, controlled and molecular biological studies were performed at the Department of Anatomy and Brain Research, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, China, from September 2005 to June 2008. MATERIALS： AdEasy-1 Expression System was gifted by Professor Guoquan Gao from Sun Yat-Sen University, China. Human cortical neurons were derived from 12-20 week old aborted fetuses, obtained from the Guangzhou Maternal and Child Health Hospital, China. Mouse anti-Odk5 and mouse anti-p16 monoclonal antibodies （Lab Vision, USA）, and mouse anti-hTERT monoclonal antibody （Epitomics, USA）, were used in this study. METHODS： （1） Recombinant adenovirus vectors, encoding hTERT （Ad-hTERT） and green fluorescent protein （Ad-GFP）, were constructed using the AdEasy-1 Expression System. Human embryonic cortical neurons in the Ad-hTERT group were transfected with Ad-hTERT for 1-21 days. Likewise, human embryonic cortical neurons in the Ad-GFP group were transfected with Ad-GFP for 1-21 days. Human embryonic cortical neurons in the control group were cultured as normal. （2） Human embryonic cortical neurons in the Ad-hTERT group were treated with 10 pmol/L Aβ25-35 for 24 hours. Normal human embryonic cortical neurons treated with 10 pmol/Lβ25.35 for 24 hours served as a model group. Human embryonic cortical neurons in the Ad-GFP and control groups were not treated with Aβ25-35. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Expression of hTERT in human embryonic cortical neurons was evaluated by immunocytochemical staining and Western blot assay. Telomerase activity was measured using a PCR-based telomeric repeat amplification protocol （TRAP） ELISA kit. Neural activity in human embryonic cortical neurons was examined by MTT assay; apoptosis was measured using TUNEL assay; and Cdk5 and p16 protein expressions were measured by Western blot. RESULTS： Expression of hTERT protein was significantly increased and peaked at day 3 post-transfection in the Ad-hTERT group. No hTERT expression was detected in the Ad-GFP and control groups. Telomerase activity was significantly greater in the Ad-hTERT group compared with the Ad-GFP and control groups （P 〈 0.01）. Compared with the control group, cell activity was significantly decreased （P 〈 0.05）, and cell apoptotic rate, Cdk5 and p16 expression were significantly increased （P 〈 0.01） in the model group. Compared with the model group, cell activity was increased in the Ad-hTERT group, and peaked at day 3 post-transfection （P 〈 0.05）. Neuroprotective effects also peaked at day 3 post-transfection; and the apoptotic rate, Cdk5 and p16 expression significantly decreased （P 〈 0.01）. CONCLUSION： Expression of hTERT in human embryonic cortical neurons can relieve Aβ25-35-induced neuronal apoptosis. The possible mechanism by which hTERT produces these neuroprotective effects may be associated with inhibition of Cdk5 and p16 expression.

Structural Characteristics and Molecular Mechanism of Hepatitis B Virus Reverse Transcriptase

Hepatitis B virus (HBV), a typical member of the Hepadnaviridae family, is responsible for infections that cause B-type hepatitis which leads to severe public health problems around the world. The small enveloped DNA-containing virus replicates via reverse transcription, and this unique process is accomplished by the virally encoded reverse transcriptase (RT). This multi-functional protein plays a vital role in the viral life cycle. Here, we provide a summary of current knowledge regarding the structural characteristics and molecular mechanisms of HBV RT. Improved understanding of these processes is of both theoretical and practical significance for fundamental studies of HBV and drug discovery.

Naturally occurring mutations in the reverse transcriptase region of hepatitis B virus polymerase from treatment-na?ve Korean patients infected with genotype C2

AIM To report naturally occurring mutations in the reverse transcriptase region(RT) of hepatitis B virus(HBV) polymerase from treatment na?ve Korean chronic patients infected with genotype C2.METHODS Here, full-length HBV reverse transcriptase RT sequences were amplified and sequenced from 131 treatment na?ve Korean patients chronically infected with hepatitis B genotype C2. The patients had two distinct clinical statuses: 59 patients with chronic hepatitis(CH) and 72 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC). The deduced amino acids(AAs) at42 previously reported potential nucleos(t)ide analog resistance(NAr) mutation positions in the RT region were analyzed. RESULTS Potential NAr mutations involving 24 positions were found in 79 of the 131 patients(60.3%). Notably, AA substitutions at 2 positions(rt184 and rt204) involved in primary drug resistance and at 2 positions(rt80 and rt180) that functioned as secondary/compensatory mutations were detected in 10 patients(1 CH patient and 9 HCC patients) and 7 patients(1 CH and 6 HCC patients), respectively. The overall mutation frequencies in the HCC patients(3.17%, 96/3024 mutations) were significantly higher than the frequencies in the CH patients(2.09%, 52/2478 mutations)(P = 0.003). In addition, a total of 3 NAr positions, rt80, rt139 and rt204 were found to be significantly related to HCC from treatment na?ve Korean patients. CONCLUSION Our data showed that naturally occurring NAr mutations in South Korea might contribute to liver disease progression(particularly HCC generation) in chronic patients with genotype C2 infections.

Effective siRNA targets screening for human telomerase reverse transcriptase

AIM: To study the inhibitory effects of siRNAs targeting different hTERT sequences and to screen the effective siRNA sequence.METHODS: Five double-stranded siRNAs targeting coding and non-coding regions of hTERT gene were designed and synthesized by T7 transcription system in vitro. siRNA4sequence was screened by full length gene targeting technique and the rest of the siRNA sequences were selected randomly. After being purified by ethanol precipitation, the siRNAs were transfected to the human hepatocellular carcinoma cell (HepG2) by Lipofectamine 2000TM. At 48-72 h after siRNAs transfection, MTT assay,RT-PCR and Western-blot were applied to evaluate the effects of siRNAs on cell growth, mRNA and protein expression level of hTERT gene, respectively.RESULTS: Compared to the control cells, the cells treated with the five double-stranded siRNAs exhibited different degrees of inhibition of cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. siRNA2 and siRNA4, exhibited obvious effects of inhibiting hTERT mRNA and protein expression in HepG2cells.CONCLUSION: siRNAs targeting different hTERT sequences have significantly various inhibitory effects on hTERT gene expression. The siRNA sequence screened by full length gene targeting technique has comparable inhibitory effect with the rest siRNA sequences screened by random selection, suggesting that siRNAs and antisense oligonucleic acids may have the same effective target sites. Compared with chemical synthesis method,synthesizing double-stranded siRNA by T7 transcription system in vitro is a rapid, simple, and inexpensive method suitable for screening high-effect siRNA targeting site for specific gene.

Nuclear Matrix Protein-22 and Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase Are Diagnostic Markers for Bladder Carcinoma in Egypt

Bladder carcinoma is the foremost oncologic problem among males in Egypt. Here, we evaluated the possible diagnostic value of the urinary Nuclear Matrix Protein-22 “NMP-22” and Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase “hTERT” among histological subtypes of bladder cancer. 120 males with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer, 21 non malignant bladder conditions and 21 healthy volunteers were included in this study. Estimation of hTERT and NMP-22 was done by PCR-ELISA and ELISA, respectively, from voided urine and results were compared to those of urine cytology. Results showed that urinary hTERT and NMP-22 were significantly higher in all cancer patients compared to control group. NMP-22 was able to discriminate between transitional cell bladder carcinoma “TCC” patients and squamous cell bladder carcinoma “SqCC” ones. Both markers succeded to discriminate between some transitional cell bladder carcinoma grades. Additionally, hTERT discriminated between some Tumor stages in both TCC and SqCC. Our results demonstrated that urinary hTERT and NMP-22 could be efficient urinary markers for the differential diagnosis of bladder cancer.

基于外周血hTERT、UCA1表达的列线图模型对老年膀胱尿路上皮癌术后无病生存的预测价值

目的:探讨基于围术期数据及外周血人端粒酶反转录酶(hTERT)、尿路上皮癌抗原1(UCA1)表达的列线图模型对老年膀胱尿路上皮癌术后无病生存的预测价值。方法:选取2017年4月至2019年4月首都医科大学附属北京友谊医院收治的268例老年膀胱尿路上皮癌患者,均行根治性膀胱切除术,随机分为建模人群和验证人群,根据术后3年无病生存率分为死亡组和存活组,比较两组一般资料和围术期数据。采用实时荧光定量PCR(RT-qPCR)法检测外周血hTERT、UCA1基因表达。采用Lasso、Cox回归方程分析老年膀胱尿路上皮癌术后无病生存的影响因素,构建列线图模型,绘制受试者工作特征曲线(ROC)、校准曲线及决策曲线分析预测性能。结果:患者术后3年无病生存率为55.77%。外周血hTERT、UCA1表达,输尿管切缘、年龄、肿瘤分期和淋巴结转移均为老年膀胱尿路上皮癌术后无病生存的影响因素(均P<0.05),基于上述因素构建的列线图模型在建模人群和验证人群中C-index分别为0.857、0.949,经校准曲线分析,0.2~1.0、0.1~1.0范围内该模型在建模人群和验证人群中预测净获益值较高。结论:外周血hTERT、UCA1高表达为老年膀胱尿路上皮癌患者术后无病生存的危险因素,所构建模型对患者术后无病生存状况有一定的预测价值。