Hydralazine represses Fpn ubiquitination to rescue injured neurons via competitive binding to UBA52

A major impedance to neuronal regeneration after peripheral nerve injury (PNI) is the activation of various programmed cell death mechanisms in the dorsal root ganglion. Ferroptosis is a form of programmed cell death distinguished by imbalance in iron and thiol metabolism, leading to lethal lipid peroxidation. However, the molecular mechanisms of ferroptosis in the context of PNI and nerve regeneration remain unclear. Ferroportin (Fpn), the only known mammalian nonheme iron export protein, plays a pivotal part in inhibiting ferroptosis by maintaining intracellular iron homeostasis. Here, we explored in vitro and in vivo the involvement of Fpn in neuronal ferroptosis. We first delineated that reactive oxygen species at the injury site induces neuronal ferroptosis by increasing intracellular iron via accelerated UBA52-driven ubiquitination and degradation of Fpn, and stimulation of lipid peroxidation. Early administration of the potent arterial vasodilator, hydralazine (HYD), decreases the ubiquitination of Fpn after PNI by binding to UBA52, leading to suppression of neuronal cell death and significant acceleration of axon regeneration and motor function recovery. HYD targeting of ferroptosis is a promising strategy for clinical management of PNI.

Small molecule deoxynyboquinone triggers alkylation and ubiquitination of Keap1 at Cys489 on Kelch domain for Nrf2 activation and inflammatory therapy

Activation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2)by Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1(Keap1)alkylation plays a central role in anti-inflammatory therapy.However,activators of Nrf2 through alkylation of Keap1-Kelch domain have not been identified.Deoxynyboquinone(DNQ)is a natural small molecule discovered from marine actinomycetes.The current study was designed to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects and molecular mechanisms of DNQ via alkylation of Keap1.DNQ exhibited significant anti-inflammatory properties both in vitro and in vivo.The pharmacophore responsible for the anti-inflammatory properties of DNQ was determined to be theα,β-unsaturated amides moieties by a chemical reaction between DNQ and N-acetylcysteine.DNQ exerted anti-inflammatory effects through activation of Nrf2/ARE pathway.Keap1 was demonstrated to be the direct target of DNQ and bound with DNQ through conjugate addition reaction involving alkylation.The specific alkylation site of DNQ on Keap1 for Nrf2 activation was elucidated with a synthesized probe in conjunction with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.DNQ triggered the ubiquitination and subsequent degradation of Keap1 by alkylation of the cysteine residue 489(Cys489)on Keap1-Kelch domain,ultimately enabling the activation of Nrf2.Our findings revealed that DNQ exhibited potent anti-inflammatory capacity throughα,β-unsaturated amides moieties active group which specifically activated Nrf2 signal pathway via alkylation/ubiquitination of Keap1-Kelch domain,suggesting the potential values of targeting Cys489 on Keap1-Kelch domain by DNQ-like small molecules in inflammatory therapies.

Role of deubiquitinase JOSD2 in the pathogenesis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma(ESCC)is a deadly malignancy with limited treatment options.Deubiquitinases(DUBs)have been confirmed to play a crucial role in the development of malignant tumors.JOSD2 is a DUB involved in con-trolling protein deubiquitination and influencing critical cellular processes in cancer.AIM To investigate the impact of JOSD2 on the progression of ESCC.METHODS Bioinformatic analyses were employed to explore the expression,prognosis,and enriched pathways associated with JOSD2 in ESCC.Lentiviral transduction was utilized to manipulate JOSD2 expression in ESCC cell lines(KYSE30 and RESULTS )Preliminary research indicated that JOSD2 was highly expressed in ESCC tissues,which was associated with poor prognosis.Further analysis demonstrated that JOSD2 was upregulated in ESCC cell lines compared to normal esophageal cells.JOSD2 knockdown inhibited ESCC cell activity,including proliferation and colony-forming ability.Moreover,JOSD2 knockdown decreased the drug resistance and migration of ESCC cells,while JOSD2 overexpression enhanced these phenotypes.In vivo xenograft assays further confirmed that JOSD2 promoted tumor proliferation and drug resistance in ESCC.Mechanistically,JOSD2 appears to activate the MAPK/ERK and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways.Mass spectrometry was used to identify crucial substrate proteins that interact with JOSD2,which identified the four primary proteins that bind to JOSD2,namely USP47,IGKV2D-29,HSP90AB1,and PRMT5.CONCLUSION JOSD2 plays a crucial role in enhancing the proliferation,migration,and drug resistance of ESCC,suggesting that JOSD2 is a potential therapeutic target in ESCC.

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.

Research Progress in Function and Regulation of E3 Ubiquitin Ligase SMURF1

Smad ubiquitylation regulatory factor 1(Smurf1)is an important homologous member of E6-AP C-terminus type E3 ubiquitin ligase.Initially,Smurf1 was reportedly involved in the negative regulation of the bone morphogenesis protein(BMP)pathway.After further research,several studies have confirmed that Smurf1 is widely involved in various biological processes,such as bone homeostasis regulation,cell migration,apoptosis,and planar cell polarity.At the same time,recent studies have provided a deeper understanding of the regulatory mechanisms of Smurf1’s expression,activity,and substrate selectivity.In our review,a brief summary of recent important biological functions and regulatory mechanisms of E3 ubiquitin ligase Smurf1 is proposed.

Calcyclin-binding protein contributes to cholangiocarcinoma progression by inhibiting ubiquitination of MCM2

Background:Cholangiocarcinoma(CCA)represents the epithelial cell cancer with high aggressiveness whose five-year survival rate is poor with standard treatment.Calcyclin-binding protein(CACYBP)shows aberrant expression within several malignant tumors,but the role of CACYBP in CCA remains unknown.Methods:Immunohistochemical(IHC)analysis was used to identify CACYBP overexpression in clinical samples of CCA patients.Moreover,its correlation with clinical outcome was revealed.Furthermore,CACYBP’s effect on CCA cell growth and invasion was investigated in vitro and in vivo using loss-of-function experiments.Results:CACYBP showed up-regulation in CCA,which predicts the dismal prognostic outcome.CACYBP had an important effect on in-vitro and in-vivo cancer cell proliferation and migration.Additionally,knockdown of CACYBP weakened protein stability by promoting ubiquitination of MCM2.Accordingly,MCM2 up-regulation partly reversed CACYBP deficiency’s inhibition against cancer cell viability and invasion.Thus,MCM2 might drive CCA development by Wnt/β-catenin pathway.Conclusions:CACYBP exerted a tumor-promoting role in CCA by suppressing ubiquitination of MCM2 and activating Wnt/β-catenin pathway,hence revealing that it may be the possible therapeutic target for CCA treatment.

High Level of Ubiquitin Conjugate Enzyme E2O Indicates Poor Prognosis of Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Objective Ubiquitin conjugate enzyme E2O(UBE2O)is a ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme that has been reported to be involved in tumorigenesis.This study investigated the role of UBE2O in hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).Methods The expression of UBE2O was detected using qRT-PCR,Western blotting,and immunohistochemical staining.Cell proliferation and Transwell assays were used to detect proliferation,migration,and invasion of HCC cells,respectively.Bioinformatic analysis was performed to analyze the relationship between UBE2O and the clinical features,prognosis,and immune cell infiltration of HCC.Results UBE2O was significantly over-expressed in HCC tissues.High expression of UBE2O was associated with poor tumor grade and poor prognosis.Functional experiments showed that down-regulation of UBE2O inhibited HCC cell proliferation,migration,and invasion.Co-expression gene analysis and gene set enrichment analysis showed that UBE2O was associated with protein hydrolysis,cell cycle,and cancer-related pathways in HCC.The results of immune analysis revealed that the expression of UBE2O was positively correlated with the immune infiltration and expression of immune-related chemokines of HCC.Conclusions UBE2O is significantly correlated with the prognosis of HCC and may be a valuable prognostic biomarker for HCC.

UCHL5 inhibits U251 glioma cell proliferation and tumor growth via stabilizing and deubiquitinating PTEN

Glioma is the most common primary brain tumor.Exploration of new tumorigenesis mechanism of glioma is critical to determine more effective treatment targets as well as to develop effective prognosis methods that can enhance the treatment efficacy.We previously demonstrated that the deubiquitinase biquitin carboxyl-terminal hydrolase L5(UCHL5)was downregulated in human glioma.However,the effect and mechanism of UCHL5 on the proliferation of glioma cells remains unknown.Methods:Transfection of siRNA was used to knockdown the expression of UCHL5 in U251 cells.The 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide(MTT)assay,Edu assay,and colony formation assay were employed to identify the effect of UCHL5 on the proliferation of U251 glioma cells.Western blotting and quantitative real-time PCR were carried out to detect the interaction of UCHL5 and PTEN.The effect of UCHL5 on the growth of glioma in vivo was evaluated in nude mice.Then Immunohistochemistry(IHC)were performed to analysis the expression of UCHL5 and PTEN in human glioma tissues.Results:Here,we have reported that silencing of UCHL5 could promote the proliferation of U251 glioma cells through MTT assay,Edu assay,and colony formation assay.Mechanically,we revealed that UCHL5 stabilizes the phosphatase and tensin homolog(PTEN)expression by deubiquitination,thereby inhibiting cell proliferation in U251 cells.Tumor xenograft experiments further demonstrated that silencing the UCHL5 expression could accelerate U251 cell growth in vivo.Finally,in human glioma tissue microarray,the positive correlation between UCHL5 and PTEN expression was confirmed through IHC assay.Conclusion:UCHL5 restrains the proliferation of U251 glioma cells by stabilizing and deubiquitinating PTEN.Our findings provide ideas for developing enhanced targeted PTEN therapy for patients with glioma.

Changes and significance of serum ubiquitin carboxyl-terminal hydrolase L1 and glial fibrillary acidic protein in patients with glioma

BACKGROUND Brain gliomas are malignant tumors with high postoperative recurrence rates.Early prediction of prognosis using specific indicators is of great significance.AIM To assess changes in ubiquitin carboxy-terminal hydrolase L1(UCH-L1)and glial fibrillary acidic protein(GFAP)levels in patients with glioma pre-and postoperatively.METHODS Between June 2018 and June 2021,91 patients with gliomas who underwent surgery at our hospital were enrolled in the glioma group.Sixty healthy volunteers were included in the control group.Serum UCH-L1 and GFAP levels were measured in peripheral blood collected from patients with glioma before and 3 d after surgery.UCH-L1 and GFAP levels in patients with glioma with different clinicopathological characteristics were compared before and after surgery.The patients were followed-up until February 2022.Postoperative glioma recurrence was recorded to determine the serum UCH-L1 and GFAP levels,which could assist in predicting postoperative glioma recurrence.RESULTS UCH-L1 and GFAP levels in patients with glioma decreased significantly 3 d after surgery compared to those before therapy(P<0.05).However,UCH-L1 and GFAP levels in the glioma group were significantly higher than those in the control group before and after surgery(P<0.05).There were no statistically significant differences in preoperative serum UCH-L1 and GFAP levels among patients with glioma according to sex,age,pathological type,tumor location,or number of lesions(P>0.05).Serum UCH-L1 and GFAP levels were significantly lower in the patients with WHO grade I-II tumors than in those with gradeⅢ-IV tumors(P<0.05).Serum UCH-L1 and GFAP levels were lower in the patients with tumor diameter≤5 cm than in those with diameter>5 cm,in which the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).Glioma recurred in 22 patients.The preoperative and 3-d postoperative serum UCH-L1 and GFAP levels were significantly higher in the recurrence group than these in the non-recurrence group(P<0.05).Receiver operating characteristic curves were plotted.The areas under the curves of preoperative serum UCH-L1 and GFAP levels for predicting postoperative glioma recurrence were 0.785 and 0.775,respectively.However,the efficacy of serum UCH-L1 and GFAP levels 3 d after surgery in predicting postoperative glioma recurrence was slightly lower compared with their preoperative levels.CONCLUSION UCH-L1 and GFAP efficiently reflected the development and recurrence of gliomas and could be used as potential indicators for the recurrence and prognosis of glioma.

The effect of estrogen-mediated ubiquitin on cardiovascular diseases:a bioinformatics analysis

Objective:Using data mining tools,study the potential pathways of estrogen’s cardiovascular effects.Methods:The GeneExpression Omnibus database was used to download the relevant high-throughput microarray dataset GSE72180,which was then analyzed for differential genes using the GEO2R online analysis tool,gene function and pathway enrichment analysis using DAVID 6.8,protein interaction network analysis using the STRING database,and core network extraction using the MCODE algorithm.Results:A total of 131 differential genes were identified and enriched for gene function and signaling pathway analysis,which indicated that these genes were related with focal adhesion and the HIF-1 signaling pathway.MCODE algorithm analysis extracted 1 core sub-network of these genes to be related to ubiquitin protein transferase activity,protein polyubiquitination,protein ubiquitination involved in ubiquitin-dependent proteolytic metabolic processes,ligase activity,and clustering on ubiquitin-mediated protein hydrolysis signaling pathway.Conclusion:By using data mining tools,it is possible to identify how estrogen may influence the cardiovascular system by controlling the ubiquitination process.This information may be used as a reference for etiology and preventive studies of cardiovascular illnesses.

脓毒症合并急性肾损伤患者外周血USF2、USP10表达水平及临床意义

目的 探讨脓毒症合并急性肾损伤(AKI)患者外周血上游转录因子2(USF2)、泛素特异性蛋白酶10(USP10)的表达水平及临床意义。方法 选择2018年1月至2022年12月该院收治的259例脓毒症患者,根据是否合并AKI将患者分为AKI组(107例)和非AKI(NAKI)组(152例)。收集临床一般资料,检测外周血中USF2、USP10的表达水平。Pearson分析USF2、USP10与肾功能的相关性。二元Logistic回归分析影响脓毒症患者合并AKI的因素。绘制受试者工作特征(ROC)曲线分析USF2、USP10诊断脓毒症患者合并AKI的价值。结果 AKI组血清USF2表达水平高于NAKI组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05),USP10表达水平低于NAKI组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。AKI组USF2表达与尿素氮(BUN)、血清肌酐(Scr)、胱抑素C(CysC)呈正相关(P<0.05),USP10表达与BUN、Scr、CysC呈负相关(P<0.05)。高序贯器官衰竭(SOFA)评分、脓毒症休克、高表达USF2是脓毒症患者发生AKI的危险因素(P<0.05),高表达USP10是保护因素(P<0.05)。USF2、USP10诊断脓毒症患者发生AKI的曲线下面积(AUC)分别为0.742(95%CI:0.676~0.808)、0.781(95%CI:0.724~0.839),联合USF2和USP10诊断脓毒症患者发生AKI的AUC为0.907(95%CI:0.865~0.948),高于单独诊断(P<0.05)。结论 脓毒症患者外周血中USF2表达增加,USP10表达下降与合并AKI风险增加以及肾功能下降有关。

UCHL1通过调控肿瘤微环境糖酵解代谢促进肺腺癌细胞增殖和转移

目的:探讨泛素羧基末端水解酶L1(ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase-L1,UCHL1)通过调控缺氧诱导因子1(hypoxia-inducible factor 1,HIF-1)介导的代谢重编程促进肺腺癌细胞的增殖和转移。方法:免疫组化和实时定量聚合酶链反应检测肺腺癌组织和细胞中UCHL1和HIF-1的表达;Kaplan-Meier Plotter和UALCAN数据库分析了UCHL1和HIF-1的表达量与患者生存期的关联,并进一步分析了二者在不同临床病理等级以及淋巴转移患者肿瘤组织中的表达;克隆形成、迁移和侵袭评估肺腺癌HCC4006细胞转染UCHL1 siRNA后恶性生物学行为变化;Western Blot检测沉默UCHL1后肿瘤细胞糖酵解信号通路IL-6/STAT3标志分子的表达。结果:免疫组化、实时定量聚合酶链反应以及相关性分析,结果显示肺腺癌组织和细胞中UCHL1和HIF-1的表达较癌旁组织和正常人支气管上皮细胞中显著增加,且二者表达水平呈正相关(P<0.01),与Oncomine数据库中UCHL1和HIF-1的表达趋势相一致。生信分析结果显示,UCHL1和HIF-1异常高表达与肺腺癌患者的生存期呈负相关、而与患者的病理等级和淋巴结转移呈正相关(P<0.01)。转染UCHL1 siRNA的肺腺癌HCC4006细胞的克隆形成、迁移和侵袭能力较对照组细胞显著降低,同时细胞的耗氧量显著增加,并抑制细胞中LDH活性和LD分泌(P<0.01)。Western Blot结果显示,沉默UCHL1可抑制HIF-1表达,并降低缺氧介导的肿瘤细胞糖酵解信号通路IL-6/STAT3标志分子的表达(P<0.01)。结论:肺腺癌细胞通过UCHL1-HIF-1轴介导的代谢重编程获得较强的增殖和转移表型,为靶向该基因网络的治疗提供了理论依据。

Lnc-PCIR通过调控PABPC4的泛素化促进喉癌细胞的增殖和迁移

目的:探究LncRNA RP11-214F16.8(Lnc-PCIR)通过调控多腺苷酸结合蛋白质4[poly(A)-binding protein cytoplasmic 4,PABPC4]的泛素化对喉癌细胞增殖、迁移的影响。方法:利用Human Protein Atlas、GEPIA数据库分析Lnc-PCIR、PABPC4在头颈鳞状细胞癌组织中的水平及患者的总体生存期。选取我院130例喉癌患者的癌及癌旁组织标本,RT-qPCR、Western blot检测组织Lnc-PCIR、PABPC4 mRNA和蛋白水平,并分析Lnc-PCIR水平与患者临床病理参数的关系。将HEP-2、TU212细胞进行不同转染,分为si-Lnc-NC组、si-Lnc-PCIR组、Lnc-NC组、Lnc-PCIR组、si-Lnc-PCIR+NC组、si-Lnc-PCIR+PABPC4组。CCK-8实验、EdU染色和Transwell实验检测细胞增殖和迁移能力;RT-qPCR检测细胞Lnc-PCIR、PABPC4 mRNA水平;HEP-2、TU212细胞分别经放线菌酮(cycloheximide,CHX)、MG132、ML364处理后,Western blot检测细胞PABPC4蛋白水平。20只裸鼠经皮下注射已转染的HEP-2细胞悬液,分为si-Lnc-NC组、si-Lnc-PCIR组;1个月后,测定移植瘤体积、质量和Lnc-PCIR、PABPC4蛋白水平。结果:数据库显示头颈鳞状细胞癌组织中Lnc-PCIR、PABPC4水平高于正常组织,且Lnc-PCIR、PABPC4水平与总体生存期呈负相关(均P<0.05)。与正常组织相比,患者喉癌组织中Lnc-PCIR、PABPC4 mRNA和蛋白水平升高,且Lnc-PCIR水平与患者性别、TNM分期、肿瘤分化程度、淋巴结转移相关(均P<0.05)。敲低Lnc-PCIR后,细胞Lnc-PCIR、PABPC4蛋白水平降低;细胞培养1 d、2 d、3 d后的OD值、EdU阳性率降低,细胞迁移数减少。而过表达PABPC4能部分逆转敲低Lnc-PCIR对细胞增殖和迁移的影响(均P<0.05);过表达Lnc-PCIR能降低细胞PABPC4泛素化水平(P<0.05)。敲低Lnc-PCIR能抑制小鼠移植瘤生长(P<0.05)。结论:Lnc-PCIR通过调控PABPC4的泛素化促进喉癌细胞的增殖和迁移。

UBR5对肝细胞癌临床病理特征和预后的影响及靶向治疗的潜在价值分析

目的:探讨肝细胞癌组织中泛素蛋白连接酶E3成分N-识别蛋白5(UBR5)的表达对患者临床病理特征和预后的影响及临床价值。方法:收集肝细胞癌患者的肿瘤组织和癌旁组织,免疫组织化学检测组织中UBR5的表达并将患者分为UBR5阴性组和阳性组。比较UBR5阳性表达对患者临床病理特征及对术后3年生存率的影响。Cox回归分析影响患者预后的危险因素。利用转染技术敲低HepG2细胞中UBR5的表达,分析敲低UBR5后对细胞周期和凋亡率的影响。结果:UBR5阴性表达组62例,阳性组105例,UBR5阳性表达对肿瘤分化程度、肿瘤长径和肿瘤分期有影响(均P<0.05)。UBR5阳性表达组术后3年存活率为70.5%,低于UBR5阴性表达组的85.5%(χ^(2)=4.441,P=0.035)。Cox多因素回归分析显示,肿瘤低分化程度、肿瘤长径>5 cm、肿瘤分期Ⅲ~Ⅳ期、UBR5阳性表达为影响患者预后的危险因素(均P<0.05)。敲低HepG2细胞中UBR5的表达后G1期细胞增加、G2期细胞减少,细胞凋亡率显著增加(均P<0.05)。结论:UBR5阳性表达影响患者的预后,敲低肝细胞癌细胞中UBR5的表达可能是有效的靶向治疗方法。

大黄鱼UBXN1基因鉴定及其过表达后的转录组分析

为探究一种包含泛素调节性X结构域的蛋白(ubiquitin regulatory X domain-containing protein,UBXN1)在大黄鱼抗盾纤毛虫感染中的作用,以及可能涉及的免疫信号通路。本实验克隆鉴定了大黄鱼UBXN1基因,并利用在线软件对其序列特征进行生物信息学分析;采用实时荧光定量PCR(qRT-PCR)检测UBXN1在健康大黄鱼各组织中的表达,及盾纤毛虫感染后的诱导表达变化;并进行了UBXN1的亚细胞定位;转录组测序分析了UBXN1过表达前后的差异表达基因。结果显示,UBXN1基因cDNA全长为915 bp,编码304个氨基酸。蛋白多重序列比对和结构预测表明UBXN1是一个进化保守的蛋白,包含UBA和UBX结构域。qRT-PCR分析表明UBXN1在所检测的11种组织中均有表达,脑中表达量最高,其次是肝脏、心脏和肾脏,在肌肉中表达量最低;盾纤毛虫感染大黄鱼后,UBXN1在脾脏、脑、肝脏和肾脏中表达量早期显著升高,后期逐步恢复至正常水平。亚细胞定位分析表明,UBXN1在大黄鱼肾脏细胞质和细胞核中均有表达。在293T细胞过表达UBXN1,转录组差异表达分析筛选到12个上调基因,4个下调基因,其中RPL41/RPL39/XIST/RNA45SN4表达量显著增加,而ATP8/ND4L表达量显著减少。研究表明UBXN1在大黄鱼抗寄生虫免疫应答中发挥重要作用。本实验为进一步研究UBXN1的免疫信号通路奠定基础。

黑色素瘤SENP1蛋白质参与达卡巴嗪耐药性的探究

目的探究与黑色素瘤耐药性相关的基因及信号通路,揭示其与黑色素瘤耐药性的相关性。方法以A375及M14黑色素瘤细胞为研究对象,通过逐渐提高达卡巴嗪(dacarbazine,DTIC)的浓度获得耐药性黑色素瘤细胞株,采用转录物组学研究耐药性黑色素瘤细胞系中显著性变化的基因及通路,利用实时荧光定量聚合酶链反应(real time quantitative polymerase chain reaction,RT-qPCR)、蛋白质杂交(Western blotting,WB)等对变化的基因进行验证。结果(1)成功构建了黑色素瘤耐药细胞株:通过DTIC小剂量逐步增加的方法成功建立了耐药型的黑色素瘤细胞系A375与M14,通过计算其对DTIC的半抑制浓度值(the half maximal inhibitory concentration,IC50),确定了细胞对DTIC的敏感性发生了显著的变化;通过流式细胞技术检测,发现耐药的黑色素瘤细胞具有显著抗DTIC引发的凋亡的能力。(2)发现了黑色素瘤耐药性相关的基因及信号通路:利用建立的耐DTIC的黑色素瘤细胞系,进行了全基因组转录测序和分析,发现了类泛素特异性蛋白酶1(SUMO-specific protease 1,SENP1)的高表达和蛋白激酶Hippo信号通路的异常活化相关。(3)SENP1异常表达可能参与DTIC耐药:WB检测野生型和耐药型黑色素瘤细胞系发现在耐药的细胞中,SENP1与YAP表达都上调。(4)通过基因敲除证实SENP1参与DTIC耐药,蛋白质相互作用实验初步证实SENP1对YAP存在去泛素化调控作用。结论SENP1与DTIC耐药性存在正相关关系,其异常上调可能导致Hippo信号通路发生变化使得黑色素瘤对DTIC耐受性的提升。

SCF^(β-TrCP)泛素化降解TFAP4抑制结直肠癌上皮间质转化的分子机制研究

目的 探究SCF^(β-TrCP)泛素化降解转录因子激活增强子结合蛋白4(transcription factor-activated enhancer-binding protein 4, TFAP4)对结直肠癌上皮间质转化的影响。方法 体外培养人结肠腺癌细胞SW480,分别用不同浓度的MLN4924处理24h,然后采用Western blot法检测内源性TFAP4蛋白水平变化。在MLN4924处理的基础上,加入CHX分别干预不同时间,检测TFAP4的蛋白半衰期和泛素化水平差异。在CHX干预的SW480细胞中过表达带FLAG标签的TrCP-1,探究β-TrCP对TFAP4表达的影响,通过免疫共沉淀(co-immunoprecipitation, Co-IP)实验检测过表达或敲低β-TrCP不是因为影响了其他信号通路而改变TFAP4的水平。将TFAP4上135位的E突变为A,139位的S突变为A,然后在CHX干预的SW480细胞中转染结构域突变的TFAP4,测定TFAP4半衰期和泛素化水平变化。CK1/CK2/GSK3磷酸化关键酶抑制剂对SW480细胞进行干预,Western blot法检测TFAP4水平,随后检测CK2抑制剂对TFAP4泛素化水平的影响,通过划痕实验分析细胞迁移能力,通过Transwell实验分析细胞侵袭能力。结果 TFAP4随着MLN4924处理浓度变化呈剂量依赖式增加,MLN4924处理能够显著延长内源TFAP4蛋白的半衰期,TFAP4和CK2存在相互作用,CK2抑制剂能降低TFAP4泛素化水平,蛋白的半衰期得到明显延长,敲低β-TrCP引起TFAP4的降解受到明显抑制,β-TrCP与TFAP4直接相互作用,并促进其被泛素化,TFAP4中E135A和S139A位点突变延长其半衰期,沉默β-TrCP能促进细胞增殖和迁移。结论 SCF^(β-TrCP)可能通过泛素化修饰降解TFAP4,从而抑制结直肠上皮间质转化的发生,进而抑制肿瘤的浸润、转移,可为结直肠癌治疗提供新的思路。

泛素-蛋白酶体系统在寄生原虫生长发育中的调控作用及潜在药物靶点分析

蛋白质降解是细胞维持正常生命活动的重要途径之一,其中泛素-蛋白酶体系统发挥关键作用。泛素-蛋白酶体系统参与调控细胞分化、细胞凋亡、DNA复制、蛋白质质量控制等生命活动。研究表明,对该系统中的功能蛋白进行干预,可直接影响寄生原虫的生长发育。本文主要探讨近年关于泛素-蛋白酶体系统在寄生原虫生长分化过程中发挥的关键作用,揭示其作用靶点,为开发新型抗原虫药物提供思路。

亚低温对新生儿缺氧缺血性脑病患儿血清泛素羧基末端水解酶-L1、低氧诱导因子-1α表达水平及神经发育结局的影响

目的探讨亚低温对新生儿缺氧缺血性脑病(hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy,HIE)患儿血清泛素羧基末端水解酶-L1(ubiquitin carboxy-terminal hydrolase-L1,UCH-L1)、低氧诱导因子-1a(hypoxiainducible factor-1α,HIF-1α)表达水平及预后的影响。方法选取2015年8月至2022年8月邯郸市妇幼保健院新生儿重症监护病房(neonatal intensive care unit,NICU)收治的110例中重度HIE患儿作为研究对象。根据家属是否同意患儿接受亚低温治疗,将患儿分为亚低温治疗组(n=70)和传统治疗组(n=40);亚低温治疗组患儿除常规治疗外,于出生后0~6 h实施选择性头部亚低温治疗。传统治疗组患儿给予常规治疗;治疗前和治疗后第3天,采用酶联免疫吸附实验双抗夹心法检测UCH-L1、HIF-1α表达水平。随访患儿出生后12~15个月神经发育结局。统计学方法采用独立样本t检验、配对t检验、χ^(2)检验或Fisher确切概率法。结果亚低温治疗组与传统治疗组治疗后血清UCH-L1[(1.9±0.4)与(3.1±0.3)μg/L,t=16.495,P<0.001]、HIF-1α表达水平[(1.40±0.22)与(2.75±0.19)μg/L,t=32.486,P<0.001]比较,亚低温治疗组明显低于传统治疗组;亚低温治疗组患儿治疗后血清UCH-L1表达水平低于治疗前[(1.9±0.4)与(3.3±0.5)μg/L,t'=18.293,P<0.01]。亚低温治疗组和传统治疗组在治疗3 d后,虽然两组血清中HIF-1α表达水平均出现高于治疗前[(1.40±0.22)与(1.23±0.29)μg/L,t'=3.907,P<0.001;(2.75±0.19)与(1.27±0.35)μg/L,t'=23.504,P<0.001],但是,亚低温抑制血清HIF-1α表达水平升高的效果明显优于传统治疗组。随访结果显示,亚低温治疗组患儿神经发育正常的比例高于传统治疗组[68.6%(48/70)与32.5%(13/40),χ^(2)=13.408,P<0.001];亚低温治疗组神经发育迟缓的比例低于传统治疗组[11.4%(8/70)与37.5%(15/40),χ^(2)=10.462,P<0.001]。结论亚低温治疗可以明显降低中重度HIE患儿血清UCHL1表达水平,抑制血清HIF-1a表达水平升高的作用明显优于传统治疗,这可能是低温治疗的神经保护机制之一。

USP7-MDM2-p53信号轴对子宫内膜癌细胞增殖、凋亡和细胞周期的影响

目的:探讨泛素特异性蛋白酶7(USP7)调节Mdm2 p53结合蛋白同源物(MDM2)-p53轴对子宫内膜癌细胞增殖、凋亡和细胞周期的影响。方法:Western blot检测人子宫内膜癌组织、癌旁组织、人子宫内膜上皮细胞hEEC及人子宫内膜癌细胞系Ishikawa、HEC-1-A、KLE中USP7蛋白表达。将Ishikawa细胞分为NC组、P22077(USP7抑制剂)组、pcDNA组、pcDNA-MDM2组、P22077+pcDNA组、P22077+pcDNA-MDM2组,CCK-8法和克隆形成实验检测Ishikawa细胞增殖;流式细胞术检测Ishikawa细胞凋亡与细胞周期变化;Western blot检测Ishikawa细胞中USP7、细胞周期蛋白D1(CyclinD1)、周期素依赖性激酶2(CDK2)、Bcl-2相关X蛋白(Bax)、MDM2、p53蛋白表达。以RG7388(MDM2抑制剂)或PFT-α(p53抑制剂)与20μmol/L P22077共处理Ishikawa细胞48 h以验证USP7-MDM2-p53信号轴上下游关系。结果:USP7蛋白在子宫内膜癌组织和细胞中高表达,且Ishikawa细胞中USP7蛋白表达量最高,因此,选择Ishikawa细胞为研究对象。与NC组比较,P22077组Ishikawa细胞OD 450值、克隆形成率、S期和G 2/M期细胞数、USP7、CyclinD1、CDK2、MDM2蛋白表达降低,细胞凋亡率、G_(0)/G_(1)期细胞数、p53、Bax蛋白表达升高(P<0.05);与NC组、pcDNA组比较,pcDNA-MDM2组Ishikawa细胞OD 450值、克隆形成率、S期和G 2/M期细胞数、USP7、CyclinD1、CDK2、MDM2蛋白表达升高,细胞凋亡率、G_(0)/G_(1)期细胞数、p53、Bax蛋白表达降低(P<0.05);与P22077组、P22077+pcDNA组比较,P22077+pcDNA-MDM2组Ishikawa细胞OD 450值、克隆形成率、S期和G 2/M期细胞数、USP7、CyclinD1、CDK2、MDM2蛋白表达升高,细胞凋亡率、G_(0)/G_(1)期细胞数、p53、Bax蛋白表达降低(P<0.05)。p53为USP7-MDM2通路下游分子。结论:抑制USP7表达可能通过下调MDM2来激活p53进而抑制Ishikawa细胞增殖、促进细胞凋亡及周期停滞。