Proteomic Analysis of the Peri-Infarct Area after Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation in Experimental Stroke

Among various therapeutic approaches for stroke, treatment with human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) has acquired some promising results. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. We analyzed the protein expression spectrum of the cortical peri-infarction region after ischemic stroke followed by treatment with hUC-MSCs, and found 16 proteins expressed differentially between groups treated with or without hUC-MSCs. These proteins were further determined by Gene Ontology term analysis and network with CD200-CD200R1, CCL21-CXCR3 and transcription factors. Three of them: Abca13, Grb2 and Ptgds were verified by qPCR and ELISA. We found the protein level of Abca13 and the mRNA level of Grb2 consistent with results from the proteomic analysis. Finally, the function of these proteins was described and the potential proteins that deserve to be further studied was also highlighted. Our data may provide possible underlying mechanisms for the treatment of stroke using hUC-MSCs.

The emerging role of Toll-like receptor 4 in myocardial inflammation

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are a family of pattern recognition receptors involved in cardiovascular diseases. Notably, numerous studies have demonstrated that TLR4 activates the expression of several of pro-inflammatory cytokine genes that play pivotal roles in myocardial inflammation, particularly myocarditis, myocardial infarction, ischemia-reperfusion injury, and heart failure. In addition, TLR4 is an emerging target for anti-inflammatory therapies. Given the significance of TLR4, it would be useful to summarize the current literature on the molecular mechanisms and roles of TLR4 in myocardial inflammation. Thus, in this review, we first introduce the basic knowledge of the TLR4 gene and describe the activation and signaling pathways of TLR4 in myocardial inflammation. Moreover, we highlight the recent progress of research on the involvement of TLR4 in myocardial inflammation. The information reviewed here may be useful to further experimental research and to increase the potential of TLR4 as a therapeutic target.

The effects of ginsenoside Rg1 on chronic stress induced depression-like behaviors, BDNF expression and the phosphorylation of PKA and CREB in rats

Depression is a common neuropsychiatric disorder which has been associated with a wide range of structural and functional changes within specific brain regions. Ginsenoside Rg1 has been shown to exert a number of neuroprotective effects as demonstrated in various in vivo and in vitro studies. However, little information is available regarding the site and mechanisms of ginsenoside Rg1 in promoting antidepressant effects. The present study aimed to investigate the neuroprotective and ameliorating effects of ginsenoside Rg1 on depression-like behavior as induced by chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS). The results showed that CUMS was effective in producing depression-like behaviors in rats as indicated by decreased responses in sucrose preference and forced swim tests which were associated with ultrastructural changes in neurons within the amygdala. Moreover, levels of PKA and CREB phosphorylation and the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) were decreased in the amygdala of CUMS rats. Remarkably, chronic ginsenoside Rg1 (40 mg/kg, i.p., 5 weeks) treatment significantly ameliorated these behavioral and biochemical alterations associated with CUMS-induced depression. Taken together, the results of the present study demonstrate that ginsenoside Rg1 exhibits antidepressant-like effects against CUMS-induced depression. This amelioration of depression-like behaviors by ginsenoside Rg1 appears to be mediated, at least in part, by a CREB-regulated increase of BDNF expression in the amygdala of rats. Therefore, these findings reveal the therapeutic potential of ginsenoside Rg1 for use in clinical trials in the treatment of depression.

Abstract P2-06-11: Wild type N-Ras, overexpressed in basal-like breast cancer, promotes tumor formation by inducing IL8 secretion via JAK2 activation

"Basal-like" breast cancer (BLBC) is a very aggressive subtype of breast cancer. BLBC has very poor prognosis — median time to distant recurrence is just 2.6 years vs. 5 years overall, and survival time from diagnosis of distant metastatic disease is 9 months vs. 22 months. BLBC tumors usually do not express ER, Her2, or progesterone receptor. As such, they cannot be treated by the current targeted therapies, which target these molecules. What drive the formation and progression of BLBCs is largely unclear.

Ras GTPases are best known for mediating growth factor signaling. Oncogenic mutations in the RAS genes, K-RAS in particular, are found in more than 30% of human tumors. Surprisingly, oncogenic RAS mutations are rare in breast cancer. However, we found that wild-type N-RAS is overexpressed in BLBCs, possibly partly via promoter demethylation, but not in other breast cancer subtypes. Repressing N-RAS inhibits transformation and tumor growth, while overexpressing it enhances these processes even in preinvasive BLBC cells. In contrast, in breast cancer cells of other subtypes, repressing N-RAS expression does not affect growth and transforming activities. We identified N-Ras-responsive genes, most of which encode chemokines and cytokines, e.g., IL8. High expression levels of these N-Ras-responsive genes as well as of N-RAS itself in tumors correlate with poor patient outcome. N-Ras, but not K-Ras, induces IL8 by binding and activating the cytoplasmic pool of JAK2; IL8 then acts on both the cancer cells and stromal fibroblasts.

In conclusion, N-Ras drives BLBC by promoting transformation in epithelial cells, which may in turn remodel the tumor microenvironment to create a proinvasive state. Although oncogenic mutations affecting RAS are common in many other human cancers, tumorigenesis in an important subset of breast cancers is driven instead by increasing activity of wild-type N-Ras. Thus, to fully assess the impact of Ras on tumorigenesis, the role of wild-type as well as mutant Ras proteins must be carefully examined.

Citation Format: Zheng Z-Y, Bu W, Tian L, Fan C, Gao X, Zhang X, Yu C, Wang H, Liao Y-H, Li Y, Lewis MT, Edwards D, Zwaka TP, Hilsenbeck SG, Medina D, Perou CM, Creighton CJ, Zhang XH, Chang EC. Wild type N-Ras, overexpressed in basal-like breast cancer, promotes tumor formation by inducing IL8 secretion via JAK2 activation. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Thirty-Eighth Annual CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium: 2015 Dec 8-12; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P2-06-11.

Targeting RING domains of Mdm2-MdmX E3 complex activates apoptotic arm of the p53 pathway in leukemia/lymphoma cells

Reactivation of tumor-suppressor p53 for targeted cancer therapy is an attractive strategy for cancers bearing wild-type (WT) p53. Targeting the Mdm2–p53 interface or MdmX ((MDM4), mouse double minute 4)–p53 interface or both has been a focus in the field. However, targeting the E3 ligase activity of Mdm2–MdmX really interesting new gene (RING)–RING interaction as a novel anticancer strategy has never been explored. In this report, we describe the identification and characterization of small molecule inhibitors targeting Mdm2–MdmX RING–RING interaction as a new class of E3 ligase inhibitors. With a fluorescence resonance energy transfer-based E3 activity assay in high-throughput screening of a chemical library, we identified inhibitors (designated as MMRis (Mdm2–MdmX RING domain inhibitors)) that specifically inhibit Mdm2–MdmX E3 ligase activity toward Mdm2 and p53 substrates. MMRi6 and its analog MMRi64 are capable of disrupting Mdm2–MdmX interactions in vitro and activating p53 in cells. In leukemia cells, MMRi64 potently induces downregulation of Mdm2 and MdmX. In contrast to Nutlin3a, MMRi64 only induces the expression of pro-apoptotic gene PUMA (p53 upregulated modulator of apoptosis) with minimal induction of growth-arresting gene p21. Consequently, MMRi64 selectively induces the apoptotic arm of the p53 pathway in leukemia/lymphoma cells. Owing to the distinct mechanisms of action of MMRi64 and Nutlin3a, their combination synergistically induces p53 and apoptosis. Taken together, this study reveals that Mdm2–MdmX has a critical role in apoptotic response of the p53 pathway and MMRi64 may serve as a new pharmacological tool for p53 studies and a platform for cancer drug development.

Design and testing of an anti-scattering grid for medium-energy X-ray flash radiography

We propose an effective design of a 2-mm-thick tungsten anti-scattering grid for medium-energy X-ray imaging. First, the Monte Carlo simulation is carried out firstly, which indicates that the ratio of direct to scattered radiation can reach as high as 1.54. The grid for the testing is produced using precision mechanical drilling technology, with the typical size of 52.1×52.1 mm(2). Clear edge of the sample can be visualized in the image when the designed grid is used and the quality of the image is substantively improved.

Investigating the potential of Shikonin as a novel hypertrophic scar treatment

Background

Hypertrophic scarring is a highly prevalent condition clinically and results from a decreased number of apoptotic fibroblasts and over-abundant production of collagen during scar formation following wound healing. Our previous studies indicated that Shikonin, an active component extracted from Radix Arnebiae, induces apoptosis and reduces collagen production in hypertrophic scar-derived fibroblasts. In the study reported here, we further evaluate the potential use of Shikonin as a novel scar remediation therapy by examining the effects of Shikonin on both keratinocytes and fibroblasts using Transwell® co-culture techniques. The underlying mechanisms were also revealed. In addition, effects of Shikonin on the expression of cytokines in Transwell co-culture “conditioned” medium were investigated.

Results

Our results indicate that Shikonin preferentially inhibits cell proliferation and induces apoptosis in fibroblasts without affecting keratinocyte function. In addition, we found that the proliferation-inhibiting and apoptosis-inducing abilities of SHI might be triggered via MAPK and Bcl-2/Caspase 3 signalling pathways. Furthermore, SHI has been found to attenuate the expression of TGF-β1 in Transwell co-cultured “conditioned” medium.

Conclusions

The data generated from this study provides further evidence that supports the potential use of Shikonin as a novel scar remediation therapy.

High yield and efficient expression and purification of the human 5-HT3A receptor

AIM

To establish a method for efficient expression and purification of the human serotonin type 3A receptor (5-HT3A) that is suitable for structural studies.

METHODS

Codon-optimized cDNA of human 5-HT3A was inserted into a modified BacMam vector, which contained an IgG leader sequence, an 8×His tag linked with two-Maltose Binding Proteins (MBP), and a TEV protease cleavage site. The BacMam construct was used to generate baculoviruses for expression of 5-HT3A in HEK293F cells. The proteins were solubilized from the membrane with the detergent C12E 9, and purified using MBP affinity chromatography. The affinity tag was removed by TEV protease treatment and immobilized metal ion affinity chromatography. The receptors were further purified by size-exclusion chromatography (SEC). Western blot and SDS-PAGE were used to detect 5-HT3A during purification. The purified receptor was used in crystallization and analyzed with negative stain electron microscopy (EM).

RESULTS

The BacMam system yielded 0.5 milligram of the human 5-HT3A receptor per liter of cells. MBP affinity purification resulted in good yields with high purity and homogeneity. SEC profiles indicated that the purified receptors were pentameric. No protein crystals were obtained; however, a reconstructed 3D density map generated from the negative stain EM data fitted well with the mouse 5-HT3A structure.

CONCLUSION

With the BacMam system, robust expression of the human 5-HT3A receptor is obtained, which is monodisperse, therefore enabling 3D reconstruction of an EM map. This method is suitable for high-throughput screening of different constructs, thus facilitating structural and biochemical studies of the 5-HT3A receptor.

Shikonin reduces TGF-β1-induced collagen production and contraction in hypertrophic scar-derived human skin fibroblasts

Hypertrophic scarring/hypertrophic scars (HS) is a highly prevalent condition following burns and trauma wounds. Numerous studies have demonstrated that transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) plays an essential role in the wound healing process by regulating cell differentiation, collagen production and extracellular matrix degradation. The increased expression of TGF-β1 is believed to result in the formation of HS. Shikonin (SHI), an active component extracted from the Chinese herb, Radix Arnebiae, has previously been found to downregulate the expression of TGF-β1 in keratinocyte/fibroblast co-culture conditioned medium. In view of this, in this study, we aimed to further investigate the effects of SHI on TGF-β1-stimulated hypertrophic scar-derived human skin fibroblasts (HSFs) and examined the underlying mechanisms. Cell viability and proliferation were measured using alamarBlue and CyQUANT assays. The total amount of collagen and cell contraction were examined using Sirius red staining and the cell contraction assay kit. Gene expression and signalling pathway activation were detected using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis. Our results revealed that SHI reduced TGF-β1-induced collagen production through the ERK/Smad signalling pathway and attenuated TGF-β1-induced cell contraction by downregulating α-smooth muscle actin (αSMA) expression in the HSFs. The data from this study provide evidence supporting the potential use of SHI as a novel treatment for HS.

Testes-specific protease 50 promotes cell invasion and metastasis by increasing NF-kappaB-dependent matrix metalloproteinase-9 expression

The high mortality in breast cancer is often associated with metastatic progression in patients. Previously we have demonstrated that testes-specific protease 50 (TSP50), an oncogene overexpressed in breast cancer samples, could promote cell proliferation and tumorigenesis. However, whether TSP50 also has a key role in cell invasion and cancer metastasis, and the mechanism underlying the process are still unclear. Here we found that TSP50 overexpression greatly promoted cell migration, invasion, adhesion and formation of the stellate structures in 3D culture system in vitro as well as lung metastasis in vivo. Conversely, TSP50 knockdown caused the opposite changes. Mechanistic studies revealed that NF-κB signaling pathway was required for TSP50-induced cell migration and metastasis, and further results indicated that TSP50 overexpression enhanced expression and secretion of MMP9, a target gene of NF-κB signaling. In addition, knockdown of MMP9 resulted in inhibition of cell migration and invasion in vitro and lung metastasis in vivo. Most importantly, immunohistochemical staining of human breast cancer samples strongly showed that the coexpression of TSP50 and p65 as well as TSP50 and MMP9 were correlated with increased metastasis and poor survival. Furthermore, we found that some breast cancer diagnosis-associated features such as tumor size, tumor grade, estrogen receptors (ER) and progesterone receptors (PR) levels, were correlated well with TSP50/p65 and TSP50/MMP9 expression status. Taken together, this work identified the TSP50 activation of MMP9 as a novel signaling mechanism underlying human breast cancer invasion and metastasis.

Design, Synthesis, and In Vitro Evaluation of Novel 3, 7-Disubstituted Coumarin Derivatives as Potent Anticancer Agents

Twenty-seven 3, 7-disubstituted coumarin derivatives were designed, synthesized, and evaluated in vitro as anticancer agents. Most of the compounds showed moderate-to-potent antiproliferative activity against K562 cells. Compounds 7b and 7d were chosen to evaluate the concentration of 50% growth inhibition (GI50 ) against SN12C, OVCAR, BxPC-3, KATO-III, T24, SNU-1, WiDr, HeLa, K562, and AGS cell lines. The most potent compound 7d was selected for further cell cycle arrest assay in the AGS cell line. The in vitro data indicated that methylation of benzimidazole moiety at the 3-position of coumarin exhibited significant enhancement of anticancer activity. This study should provide important information for further modification and optimization of coumarin derivatives as anticancer agents.

Near-infrared emission of dibenzoxanthenium and its application in the design of nitric oxide probes

The application of a diaminodibenzoxanthenium skeleton in chemosensors was reported, and it can work with near-infrared excitation and near-infrared emission.

5.2-W high-repetition-rate eye-safe laser at 1525 nm generated by Nd:YVO₄₋YVO₄stimulated Raman conversion

We report herein an efficient eye-safe Raman laser, which is based upon Nd:YVO₄₋YVO₄ and in-band pumped by a wavelength-locked laser diode array at 878.6 nm. By virtue of mitigated thermal load and improved pump absorption, a maximum average output power of 5.2 W at 1525 nm is obtained under the incident pump power of 30.6 W with the pulse repetition frequency of 140 kHz, corresponding to an optical efficiency of 17.0%.

Predicting response and survival in chemotherapy-treated triple-negative breast cancer

BACKGROUND

In this study, we evaluated the ability of gene expression profiles to predict chemotherapy response and survival in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC).

METHODS

Gene expression and clinical-pathological data were evaluated in five independent cohorts, including three randomised clinical trials for a total of 1055 patients with TNBC, basal-like disease (BLBC) or both. Previously defined intrinsic molecular subtype and a proliferation signature were determined and tested. Each signature was tested using multivariable logistic regression models (for pCR (pathological complete response)) and Cox models (for survival). Within TNBC, interactions between each signature and the basal-like subtype (vs other subtypes) for predicting either pCR or survival were investigated.

RESULTS

Within TNBC, all intrinsic subtypes were identified but BLBC predominated (55-81%). Significant associations between genomic signatures and response and survival after chemotherapy were only identified within BLBC and not within TNBC as a whole. In particular, high expression of a previously identified proliferation signature, or low expression of the luminal A signature, was found independently associated with pCR and improved survival following chemotherapy across different cohorts. Significant interaction tests were only obtained between each signature and the BLBC subtype for prediction of chemotherapy response or survival.

CONCLUSIONS

The proliferation signature predicts response and improved survival after chemotherapy, but only within BLBC. This highlights the clinical implications of TNBC heterogeneity, and suggests that future clinical trials focused on this phenotypic subtype should consider stratifying patients as having BLBC or not.

12.45 W wavelength-locked 878.6 nm laser diode in-band pumped multisegmented Nd:YVO₄ laser operating at 1342 nm

A multisegmented Nd:YVO4 laser operating at 1342 nm that is in-band pumped by a wavelength-locked 878.6 nm laser diode is reported here. We achieve an output power of 12.45 W at 1342 nm for an absorbed pump power of 35.6 W, corresponding to an optical-to-optical efficiency of 34.9% and a slope efficiency of 36.1%. To the best of our knowledge, it is the highest optical-to-optical efficiency of Nd:YVO4 lasers operating at 1342 nm with an output power more than 10 W.

Novel antibody against a glutamic acid-rich human fibrinogen-like protein 2-derived peptide near Ser91 inhibits hfgl2 prothrombinase activity

Fibrinogen-like protein 2 (fgl2) is highly expressed in microvascular endothelial cells in diseases associated with microcirculatory disturbances and plays a crucial role in microthrombosis. Previous studies have demonstrated that the Ser89 residue is a critical site for mouse fgl2 prothrombinase activity. The aim of this study was to investigate the prothrombinase inhibitory ability of antibodies against an hfgl2-derived peptide. The peptide was termed NPG-12 because it is located at the N-terminus of membrane-bound hfgl2, contains 12 amino acid residues (corresponding to residues 76 to 87), and is rich in Glu. This peptide was selected as an antigenic determinant to produce antibodies in immunized rabbits using the DNAStar and HomoloGene software program. Abundant hfgl2 expression was induced in human umbilical vein endothelial cells through treatment with TNF-α. The generated anti-NPG-12 antibodies specifically recognize fgl2, as determined by ELISA, Western Blot and immunostaining. Moreover, one-stage clotting and thrombin generation tests provide evidence that the antibodies can reduce the hfgl2 prothrombinase activity without affecting the platelet-poor plasma prothrombin time (PT) or the activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT). In addition, the antibodies exerted undetectable influence on the proliferation or activation of bulk T cell populations. In conclusion, the selected peptide sequence NPG-12 may be a critical domain for hfgl2 prothrombinase activity, and the development of inhibitors against this sequence may be promising for research or management of hfgl2-associated microcirculatory disturbances.

Modified Sauvé-Kapandji procedure for restoration of forearm rotation in devascularized hands

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the clinical outcomes in patients with forearm rotation limitation after successful wrist-level revascularization who underwent a modified Sauvé-Kapandji (S-K) procedure.

METHODS

This was a retrospective review of the clinical records of nine patients (three women, six men) after successful wrist-level revascularization who underwent late restoration of forearm rotation. All patients were evaluated using a Mayo Modified Wrist Score. The mean patient age was 35 (range 19-45) years. Mean time to reconstruction was 2.5 (range 0.5-4) years.

RESULTS

Mean postoperative pronation was 74°; mean postoperative supination was 80°. Overall results were excellent/good in seven patients, fair in one, and poor in one. No bone bridge was formed between the pseudarthrosis in any patient. Two patients had neurapraxia. Moderate pain and snapping occurred in one patient during movement at the ulnar amputation site.

CONCLUSION

This modification of the S-K procedure can restore rotation of the forearm after hand revascularization; as such, it provides an alternative salvage procedure.

Different expression patterns and clinical significance of mAxl and sAxl in systemic lupus erythematosus

Axl is one of the TAM family members that downregulates activated immune responses to maintain immune homeostasis. We analyzed the expression and clinical relevance of Axl on the surface of CD14+ monocytes/macrophages (mAxl, membrane Axl) and in the plasma (sAxl, soluble Axl) from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Compared to healthy subjects, the concentrations of sAxl were significantly elevated in plasma from SLE patients, while the mAxl expression on CD14+ monocytes/macrophages from SLE patients was significantly downregulated. A series of severe disease clinical manifestations and laboratory features such as presence of autoantibodies, 24-hour proteinuria excretion or SLEDAI ≥10 were associated with decreased mAxl expression on monocytes/macrophages but elevated sAxl levels in plasma. The plasma level of Gas6, the main ligand of Axl, was slightly decreased in SLE patients, and was negatively correlated with anti-dsDNA antibodies and C-reactive protein. SLE patients with SLEDAI ≥10 showed significantly lower Gas6 levels. Our study suggests that abnormal mAxl and sAxl expression may be involved in the imbalance of immune regulation in SLE.

S5a binds death receptor-6 to induce THP-1 monocytes differentiation via NF-κB pathway

Analyses of apoptotic cell supernatants have helped identify many signals that modulate the states of activation and differentiation in the congeneric or other cells. However, the current knowledge about these soluble factors that are released during apoptosis is rather limited. Previous studies have shown that S5a/Angiocidin induced human acute monocytic leukemia cells (THP-1 cells) to differentiation into macrophages, but the cell surface receptor of S5a has not been identified. In this study we show that apoptotic THP-1 cells released endogenous S5a, and S5a bound with death receptor-6, which was identified as an orphan receptor, to induce THP-1 cells differentiation. Furthermore, we found NF-κB pathway was activated and the transcription factor WT1 and c-myb mediated THP-1 differentiation induced by S5a. And we also show that the differentiation was blocked after anti-DR6 antibody, DR6 siRNA, DR6-Fc, NF-κB inhibitor, or WT1 siRNA treatment. Our finding indicated that the interaction between cells can determine their destination. And we provided evidence for a functional interaction between S5a and DR6, which provides a novel target that can induce the differentiation of cancer cells especially for biotherapy of leukemia.

Colorimetric and ratiometric pH responses by the protonation of phenolate within hemicyanine

The indolium–phenol based tetramethylene hemicyanine has colorimetric and ratiometric optical responses under acidic and basic conditions.

Optical properties of hemicyanines with terminal amino groups and their applications in near-infrared fluorescent imaging of nucleoli

A cellular dye with properties of long-wave emission, large Stokes shift, water solubility, low cytotoxicity, and good photostability is reported.

Defective expression of regulatory B cells in iodine-induced autoimmune thyroiditis in non-obese diabetic H-2(h4) mice

INTRODUCTION

The ability of B cells to negatively regulate cellular immune responses and inflammation has been described. The regulatory B (Breg) cells with the unique CD1d(hi)CD5(+)CD19(+) phenotype and the capacity to produce IL-10 are potent negative regulators of inflammation and autoimmunity in several in vivo mouse models of autoimmune disease.

AIM

To investigate whether Breg cell deficiency participates in autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT) in an animal model.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Non-obese diabetic (NOD).H-2(h4) mice at 4 weeks of age were randomly divided into control and iodine-treated groups; the iodine-treated group received sterile water containing 0.005 % NaI for 10 or 20 weeks. The percentage of CD1d(hi)CD5(+)CD19(+) Bregs, CD4(+)CD25(+)FoxP3(+) regulatory T cells (Treg) and CD4(+)IL17(+) T helper 17 cells (Th17) in splenic mononuclear cells was detected by multicolor flow cytometry. The expression of IL-10 mRNA and TGF-β mRNA in splenocytes was measured by real-time RT-PCR.

RESULTS

NOD.H-2(h4) mice spontaneously develop anti-thyroglobulin autoantibodies and intrathyroidal lymphocyte infiltration when supplied with iodine in drinking water. Mice with AIT had a decreased CD1d(hi)CD5(+)CD19(+) Breg subset and reduced IL-10 mRNA expression in splenocytes compared with controls (p < 0.05) and maintained relatively low levels during the development of thyroiditis. The proportion of Breg cells was negatively correlated with the proportion of Th17 cells, but positively correlated with CD4(+)CD25(+)FoxP3(+) Treg cells in splenocytes (All p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The defective expression of Breg cells combined with impaired Treg cells and enhanced Th17 cells might play an important role in the development of iodine-induced AIT in NOD.H-2(h4) mice.

MicroRNAs and cancer stem cells: the sword and the shield

Emerging chemotherapy drugs and targeted therapies have been widely applied in anticancer treatment and have given oncologists a promising future. Nevertheless, regeneration and recurrence are still huge obstacles on the way to cure cancer. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are capable of self-renewal, tumor initiation, recurrence, metastasis, therapy resistance, and reside as a subset in many, if not all, cancers. Therefore, therapeutics specifically targeting and killing CSCs are being identified, and may be promising and effective strategies to eliminate cancer. MicroRNAs (miRNAs, miRs), small noncoding RNAs regulating gene expression in a post-transcriptional manner, are dysregulated in most malignancies and are identified as important regulators of CSCs. However, limited knowledge exists for biological and molecular mechanism by which miRNAs regulate CSCs. In this article, we review CSCs, miRNAs and the interactions between miRNA regulation and CSCs, with a specific focus on the molecular mechanisms and clinical applications. This review will help us to know in detail how CSCs are regulated by miRNAs networks and also help to develop more effective and secure miRNA-based clinical therapies.

Investigation of PNPLA3 and IL28B genotypes on diabetes and obesity after liver transplantation: insight into mechanisms of disease

To identify genetic risks for obesity and diabetes postliver transplantation (LT), LT recipients underwent genotyping for IL28B rs12979860 (n = 295) and PNPLA3 rs738409 (n = 205) polymorphism in both donors and recipients. The development of obesity and diabetes/impaired fasting glucose (IFG) was determined 1-5 years post-LT. Recipient PNPLA-3 genotype was independently associated with obesity (BMI > 30) at 3 years posttransplant (genotype CC 33.7%, CG 48.3% and GG 82.4%, p = 0.002), with an odds ratio (OR 2.54, CI 1.38-4.66, p = 0.003), associated with the G allele. Diabetes/IFG diagnosed within 5 years posttransplant associated with PNPLA-3 non-CC genotype (HR 1.59, 1.12-2.26, p = 0.010), but not IL28B TT genotype (HR 1.46, 0.94-2.27, p = 0.092). No genotype variable was independently predictive of diabetes/IFG. The combination of PNPLA-3 non-CC and IL28B TT genotype was associated with increased risk of diabetes/IFG compared to PNPLA-3 CC, IL28B non-TT (HR 2.64, CI 1.30-5.39, p = 0.008). Donor genotypes were not associated with any of the outcomes analyzed. In conclusion, PNPLA-3 non-CC genotype is associated with posttransplant obesity but not independently with diabetes/IFG. The lack of donor related risk suggests a peripheral rather than central mechanism of insulin resistance in liver transplant recipients.

ER stress-mediated apoptosis induced by celastrol in cancer cells and important role of glycogen synthase kinase-3β in the signal network

HeLa cells treated with celastrol, a natural compound with inhibitive effect on proteasome, exhibited increase in apoptotic rate and characteristics of apoptosis. To clarify the signal network activated by celastrol to induce apoptosis, both the direct target proteins and undirect target proteins of celastrol were searched in the present study. Proteasome catalytic subunit β1 was predicted by computational analysis to be a possible direct target of celastrol and confirmed by checking direct effect of celastrol on the activity of recombinant human proteasome subunit β1 in vitro. Undirect target-related proteins of celastrol were searched using proteomic studies including two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE) analysis and iTRAQ-based LC-MS analysis. Possible target-related proteins of celastrol such as endoplasmic reticulum protein 29 (ERP29) and mitochondrial import receptor Tom22 (TOM22) were found by 2-DE analysis of total cellular protein expression profiles. Further study showed that celastrol induced ER stress and ER stress inhibitor could ameliorate cell death induced by celastrol. Celastrol induced translocation of Bax into the mitochondria, which might be related to the upregulation of BH-3-only proteins such as BIM and the increase in the expression level of TOM22. To further search possible target-related proteins of celastrol in ER and ER-related fractions, iTRAQ-based LC-MS method was use to analyze protein expression profiles of ER/microsomal vesicles-riched fraction of cells with or without celastrol treatment. Based on possible target-related proteins found in both 2-DE analysis and iTRAQ-based LC-MS analysis, protein–protein interaction (PPI) network was established using bioinformatic analysis. The important role of glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK3β) in the signal cascades of celastrol was suggested. Pretreatment of LiCL, an inhibitor of GSK3β, could significantly ameliorate apoptosis induced by celastrol. On the basis of the results of the present study, possible signal network of celastrol activated by celastrol leading to apoptosis was predicted.

Structure and function of allophanate hydrolase

Allophanate hydrolase converts allophanate to ammonium and carbon dioxide. It is conserved in many organisms and is essential for their utilization of urea as a nitrogen source. It also has important functions in a newly discovered eukaryotic pyrimidine nucleic acid precursor degradation pathway, the yeast-hypha transition that several pathogens utilize to escape the host defense, and an s-triazine herbicide degradation pathway recently emerged in many soil bacteria. We have determined the crystal structure of the Kluyveromyces lactis allophanate hydrolase. Together with structure-directed functional studies, we demonstrate that its N and C domains catalyze a two-step reaction and contribute to maintaining a dimeric form of the enzyme required for their optimal activities. Our studies also provide molecular insights into their catalytic mechanism. Interestingly, we found that the C domain probably catalyzes a novel form of decarboxylation reaction that might expand the knowledge of this common reaction in biological systems.