Kinetic analysis of RNA editing of Newcastle disease virus P gene in the early period of infection

As a paramyxovirus, Newcastle disease virus (NDV) has the ability to edit its P (phosphoprotein) gene to synthesize three kinds of viral protein (P, V and W). It is technically very difficult to differentiate P, V and W mRNAs, and little was known about NDV regulation of RNA-editing frequency. To investigate the rules of NDV RNA editing, the ratio of the P gene-derived transcripts (P, V and W) was determined by sequencing at different time points post-infection. The results showed unstable ratio of V and W mRNA at different time points, and the frequency of NDV editing was significantly increased at the early period of infection (P 

KEYWORDS

Newcastle disease virus; phosphoprotein; RNA editing; G insertion.

β-Arrestin1 inhibits chemotherapy-induced intestinal stem cell apoptosis and mucositis

The mechanism of chemotherapy-induced gastrointestinal (GI) syndrome (CIGIS) is still controversial, and it is unclear whether chemotherapy induces intestinal stem cell (ISC) apoptosis. β-Arrestins are regulators and mediators of G protein-coupled receptor signaling in cell apoptosis, division and growth. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether chemotherapy induces ISC apoptosis to contribute to mucositis in CIGIS and whether β-arrestin1 (β-arr1) is involved in this apoptosis. Different chemotherapeutic agents were used to generate a CIGIS model. Lgr5-EGFP-IRES-creERT2^+/− knock-in mice were used as a CIGIS model to investigate ISC apoptosis. β-arr1 knockout mice were used to determine whether β-arr1 is involved in the apoptosis in CIGIS. Intestinal histology was performed, the ISC apoptosis was analyzed and the mucosal barrier was examined. The effects of β-arr1 in apoptosis were investigated in the samples from humans and mice as well as in cell lines. Here, we demonstrate that chemotherapy induced intestinal mucositis by promoting crypt cell apoptosis, especially in Lgr5+ stem cells and Paneth cells but not in goblet cells, epithelial cells or vascular endothelial cells. Furthermore, β-arr1 deficiency exacerbated the Lgr5+ stem cell apoptosis, but not Paneth cell apoptosis, in CIGIS. In addition, the data showed that β-arr1 reduced the chemotherapy-induced Lgr5+ stem cell apoptosis by inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum stress-mediated mitochondrial apoptotic signaling. Our study indicates that β-arr1 inhibits chemotherapy-induced ISC apoptosis to alleviate intestinal mucositis in CIGIS.

Patterns of Growth and Decline in Lung Function in Persistent Childhood Asthma

BACKGROUND

Tracking longitudinal measurements of growth and decline in lung function in patients with persistent childhood asthma may reveal links between asthma and subsequent chronic airflow obstruction.

METHODS

We classified children with asthma according to four characteristic patterns of lung-function growth and decline on the basis of graphs showing forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), representing spirometric measurements performed from childhood into adulthood. Risk factors associated with abnormal patterns were also examined. To define normal values, we used FEV1 values from participants in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey who did not have asthma.

RESULTS

Of the 684 study participants, 170 (25%) had a normal pattern of lung-function growth without early decline, and 514 (75%) had abnormal patterns: 176 (26%) had reduced growth and an early decline, 160 (23%) had reduced growth only, and 178 (26%) had normal growth and an early decline. Lower baseline values for FEV1, smaller bronchodilator response, airway hyperresponsiveness at baseline, and male sex were associated with reduced growth (P<0.001 for all comparisons). At the last spirometric measurement (mean [±SD] age, 26.0±1.8 years), 73 participants (11%) met Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease spirometric criteria for lung-function impairment that was consistent with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD); these participants were more likely to have a reduced pattern of growth than a normal pattern (18% vs. 3%, P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Childhood impairment of lung function and male sex were the most significant predictors of abnormal longitudinal patterns of lung-function growth and decline. Children with persistent asthma and reduced growth of lung function are at increased risk for fixed airflow obstruction and possibly COPD in early adulthood. (Funded by the Parker B. Francis Foundation and others; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00000575.).

Abstract P3-05-08: High prevalence of splicing variant AR-V7 in triple negative breast carcinoma

The androgen receptor (AR) and its pathway have been implicated in tumorigenesis and progression of breast cancer. Anti-androgen therapy has shown efficacy in the metastatic breast cancer and numerous clinical trials are underway to study efficacy in various clinical settings. 15 splicing variants of AR (AR-Vs) have been described in prostate cancer. Structurally, AR-Vs have insertions of cryptic exons downstream of the exons that encode the DNA-binding domain or deletions of the exons encoding the ligand-binding domain, resulting in a disrupted AR open reading frame and expression of ligand-binding-domain-truncated AR proteins. In prostate cancer, some of the AR-Vs especially AR-V7 are associated with aggressive disease and resistance to anti-AR therapy. The AR-V prevalence in human breast cancer specimens has hitherto not been studied. We aimed at studying the expression of AR-Vs in breast cancer specimens and present the data on AR-V1, AR-V7, AR8, and ARV567, in AR-positive triple negative (TNBC) and ER+/Her2- breast cancer.

Design: 98 cases of TNBC, 40 cases of ER+/Her2 breast cancer and 17 cases with reduction mammoplasty were abstracted from NYULMC pathology database and screened for AR expression by immunohistochemistry (IHC). IHC for AR was performed using antibody clone N-20 (Santa Cruz) at 1:100 dilution. Normal breast tissue was used as internal control and 10% nuclear staining was used for categorizing a tumor as AR positive. A subset of cases which over-expressed AR were macrodissected from formalin fixed paraffin embedded sections with total RNA extracted by using the PureLink® FFPE RNA Isolation Kit (Invitrogen). Reverse-transcription was performed by using the SuperScript® III Reverse Transcriptase Kit (Invitrogen). AR-V expression was presented as cycle number difference to housekeeping gene (delta CT) for real-time PCR or as absolute copy number for digital PCR.

Results: AR+ TNBC and AR+/ER+ cases ranged from stage 1A to IIIA. IHC for AR showed &gt; 10% staining in 27 of 98 TNBC cases and in 39 of 40 ER+/Her2- cases.

AR Positive Prevalence in TNBC and ER+ Breast Carcinoma AR+AR-TNBC2771ER+/Her2-391

AR-V7 was expressed in 11 of 13 AR+/TNBC cases (p &lt; 0.05); AR-V1 and AR-V4 were expressed in 4; ARV8 and ARv567es were expressed in 3 and 2 cases respectively. In 25 AR+/ER+/Her2- cases AR-V7 was expressed in 14; AR-V4 in 9; ARV567 in 5, AR-V1 in 3 cases.

AR Spliced Variant Incidence in TNBC, ER+ and Benign breast tissue Benign (N=17)ER+/AR+ (N=25)TNBC+/AR+(N=13)P ValueAR-V113(12%)4(25%)0.145AR-V419(36%)4(25%)0.35AR-V78(47%)14(56%)11(85%)0.021AR-V801(4%)3(19%)0.474AR-V56715(20%)2(12.5%)0.092

Conclusion: We report expression of various spliced variants in TNBC, ER+/Her2- breast cancer. A statistically significant expression of AR-V7 is seen in TNBC. Since AR-V7 predicts for poor prognosis and lack of response to anti-AR therapy in prostate cancer, AR-V7 expression maybe a useful biomarker to analyze response data in on going breast cancer clinical trials.

Citation Format: Singh B, Deng F-M, Kane Y, Zhan Y, Qi Y, Liu X, Zhang H, Dong Y, Brody R, Wieczorek R, Lee P. High prevalence of splicing variant AR-V7 in triple negative breast carcinoma. [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 P3-05-08.

Monoclonal antibody against macrophage colony-stimulating factor suppresses circulating monocytes and tissue macrophage function but does not alter cell infiltration/activation in cutaneous lesions or clinical outcomes in patients with cutaneous lupus erythematosus

This study's objective was to assess the effects of PD-0360324, a fully human immunoglobulin G2 monoclonal antibody against macrophage colony-stimulating factor in cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE). Patients with active subacute CLE or discoid lupus erythematosus were randomized to receive 100 or 150 mg PD-0360324 or placebo via intravenous infusion every 2 weeks for 3 months. Blood and urine samples were obtained pre- and post-treatment to analyse pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamic changes in CD14(+) CD16(+) monocytes, urinary N-terminal telopeptide (uNTX), alanine/aspartate aminotransferases (ALT/AST) and creatine kinase (CK); tissue biopsy samples were taken to evaluate macrophage populations and T cells using immunohistochemistry. Clinical efficacy assessments included the Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus Disease Area and Severity Index (CLASI). Among 28 randomized/analysed patients, peak/trough plasma concentrations increased in a greater-than-dose-proportional manner with dose increases from 100 to 150 mg. Statistically significant differences were observed between active treatment and placebo groups in changes from baseline in CD14(+) CD16(+) cells, uNTX, ALT, AST and CK levels at most time-points. The numbers, density and activation states of tissue macrophages and T cells did not change from baseline to treatment end. No between-group differences were seen in CLASI. Patients receiving PD-0360324 reported significantly more adverse events than those receiving placebo, but no serious adverse events. In patients with CLE, 100 and 150 mg PD-0360324 every 2 weeks for 3 months suppressed a subset of circulating monocytes and altered activity of some tissue macrophages without affecting cell populations in CLE skin lesions or improving clinical end-points.

Endometrial microbiome at the time of embryo transfer: next-generation sequencing of the 16S ribosomal subunit

PURPOSE

Characterization of the human microbiome has become more precise with the application of powerful molecular tools utilizing the unique 16S ribosomal subunit's hypervariable regions to greatly increase sensitivity. The microbiome of the lower genital tract can prognosticate obstetrical outcome while the upper reproductive tract remains poorly characterized. Here, the endometrial microbiome at the time of single embryo transfer (SET) is characterized by reproductive outcome.

METHODS

Consecutive patients undergoing euploid, SET was included in the analysis. After embryo transfer, performed as per routine, the most distal 5-mm portion of the transfer catheter was sterilely placed in a DNA free PCR tube. Next-generation sequencing of the bacteria specific 16S ribosome gene was performed, allowing genus and species calls for microorganisms.

RESULTS

Taxonomy assignments were made on 35 samples from 33 patients and 2 Escherichia coli controls. Of the 33 patients, 18 had ongoing pregnancies and 15 did not. There were a total of 278 different genus calls present across patient samples. The microbiome at time of transfer for those patients with ongoing pregnancy vs. those without ongoing pregnancy was characterized by top genera by sum fraction. Lactobacillus was the top species call for both outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

The data presented here show the microbiome at the time of embryo transfer can successfully be characterized without altering standard clinical practice. This novel approach, both in specimen collection and analysis, is the first step toward the goal of determining physiologic from pathophysiologic microbiota. Further studies will help delineate if differences in the microbiome at the time of embryo transfer have a reliable impact on pregnancy outcome.

[Expression characteristics of epithelial markers in human embryonic stem cells differentiating into keratinocytes]

OBJECTIVE

To differentiate human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) into keratinocytes (K-hESCs) and analyse the expression characteristics of biomarkers of K-hESCs.

METHODS

The hESCs of line H9 were seeded on matrigel in mTeSR1 medium. The hESCs were directly differentiated into keratinocytes in epithelial differentiation medium with bone morphogenetic protein 4, retinoic acid and N2 supplement. The karyotype of K-hESCs was analyzed, comparing the gene expression differences of K-hESCs with human gingival epithelial cells (HGECs), human immortalized oral epithelial cells (HIOECs) and HaCaT by Real-time PCR. Molecular characteristics of the cell differentiation were observed throughout the process by immunocytochemical techniques.

RESULTS

H9-hESCs were successfully differentiated into the cells that exhibited characteristics of keratinocytes in epithelial differentiation medium. The karyotype of K-hESCs was 46, XX; and the keratinocyte gene p63 expression in K-hESCs was significantly lower than that in HaCaT (P < 0.05), but there was no significant difference of p63 expression in K-hESCs, comparing with that in HGECs and HIOECs (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

H9-hESCs could be directly differentiated into K-hESCs. The gene expression of K-hESCs was similar to that of epithelial cells in the early stage of monolayer cells differentiation with high proliferative activity.

Immobilization of phosphorus from water and sediment using zirconium-modified zeolites

Adding sorbents to sediments has been suggested as an effective technology for contaminated sediment remediation. In this study, a zirconium-modified zeolite (ZrMZ) was prepared, characterized, and used as a sediment amendment to control phosphorus (P) release from eutrophic lake sediments. The efficiency of ZrMZ in immobilizing P from water and sediments was investigated through a series of experiments. The phosphate adsorption capacity for ZrMZ decreased with increasing water pH. The adsorption of phosphate on ZrMZ followed a pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The equilibrium adsorption data of phosphate on ZrMZ could be well described by the Langmuir isotherm model with a maximum monolayer adsorption capacity of 10.2 mg P/g at pH 7 and 25 °C. Sequential extraction of P from the phosphate-adsorbed ZrMZ suggested that most of P bound by ZrMZ existed as the NaOH extractable P (NaOH-P) and residual P (Res-P) and was unlikely to be released under natural pH and reducing conditions. The addition of ZrMZ into sediments reduced the inorganic P activity in the sediments by transforming bicarbonate-dithionite extractable P (BD-P) to NaOH-P and Res-P. The contents of bioavailable P such as water-soluble P (WS-P), NaHCO3 extractable P (Olsen-P), and algal available P (AAP) in sediments reduced after the sediments were mixed with ZrMZ, making P in the sediments more stable. The addition of ZrMZ into sediments significantly reduced the releasing flux of P from the sediments to the water column under different conditions. Results of this study indicate that the ZrMZ is a promising sediment amendment for controlling the internal P loading of lake sediments.

Association between macrophage migration inhibitory factor rs1007888 and GDM

We investigated the association between macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) rs1007888 single-nucleotide polymorphisms and the genetic susceptibility to gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). A total of 240 GDM pregnant women (GDM group) and 330 healthy pregnant women (control group) were included in the study. Differences in the MIF rs1007888 genotype and allele frequencies and differences between fasting blood glucose, fasting insulin, homeostatic model assessment (HOMA)-insulin resistance, and HOMA-b levels of pregnant women with different genotypes were compared. MIF genotype distributions were significantly different in the GDM group compared to the control group (P < 0.05). No significant difference was observed in the allele distributions of MIF rs1007888 between the GDM group and control group (P > 0.05). GDM patients had higher fasting blood glucose, fasting insulin, and HOMA-insulin resistance levels, but lower HOMA-b levels than normal gestational women (P < 0.05). Fasting blood glucose, fasting insulin, and HOMA-insulin resistance in pregnant women with the GG genotype were significantly higher than those with GA and AA genotypes, while HOMA-b in pregnant women with the GG genotype was lower (all P < 0.05). Our findings demonstrated the associations among MIF polymorphism rs1007888, insulin resistance, and pancreatic β cell functions in GDM patients. The GG genotype of MIF rs1007888 may be a genetic susceptibility factor in the pathogenesis of GDM.

In vivo Toll-like receptor 5 (TLR5) imaging with radiolabeled anti-TLR5 monoclonal antibody in rapamycin-treated mouse allogeneic skin transplantation model

BACKGROUND

In organ transplantation, increasing evidence, both in experimental and human studies, indicates that Toll-like receptor (TLR) activation is involved in the innate immune recognition of allograft. TLR5, the only protein recognition receptor of TLRs, is indicated potentially to be the immune regulation target. This study was designed to determine whether TLR5 could be a biomarker for in vivo allograft visualization, after immunosuppressant rapamycin treatment, using radiolabeled sodium iodide ((131) I)-anti-TLR5 monoclonal antibody (mAb).

METHODS

BALB/c mice were transplanted with C57BL/6 skin, with/without rapamycin treatment (the rapamycin-treated group and the phosphate buffered saline [PBS]-rejection group, respectively). In vivo dynamic whole-body phosphor-autoradiography and ex vivo biodistribution studies were conducted after (131) I-anti-TLR5 mAb injection.

RESULTS

Dynamic phosphor-autoradiography imaging showed clear graft localization from 12 h onward. At 72 h after injection, graft uptake quantified from images was higher for the rapamycin-treated group (26,448 ± 904 digital light units [DLU]/mm(2) ), compared with the PBS-treated allo-rejection group (9176 ± 576 DLU/mm(2) ). Treatment with anti-TLR5 mAb inhibited graft uptake. Organ biodistribution study reflected the same tendency, and (131) I-anti-TLR5 mAb uptake reached a maximum of 12.05 ± 1.86 %ID/g (percent injected dose per gram) at 1 h, and graft-to-native skin ratio reached 8.10 ± 0.10 %ID/g at 72 h after injection in rapamycin-treated grafts.

CONCLUSION

Radiolabeled anti-TLR5 mAb showed higher uptake in allo-treated grafts compared with allo-rejection grafts, which was proved by non-invasive dynamic phosphor-autoradiography imaging, and invasive ex vivo biodistribution. Radiolabeled anti-TLR5 mAb is a new tracer for non-invasive in vivo imaging of TLR5 in rapamycin-treated allograft.

On-chip lithium cells for electrical and structural characterization of single nanowire electrodes

We present a transmission electron microscopy (TEM)-compatible, hybrid nanomachined, on-chip construct for probing the structural and electrical changes in individual nanowire electrodes during lithium insertion. We have assembled arrays of individual β-phase manganese dioxide (β-MnO2) nanowires (NWs), which are employed as a model material system, into functional electrochemical cells through a combination of bottom-up (dielectrophoresis) and top-down (silicon nanomachining) unit processes. The on-chip NWs are electrochemically lithiated inside a helium-filled glovebox and their electrical conductivity is studied as a function of incremental lithium loading during initial lithiation. We observe a dramatic reduction in NW conductivity (on the order of two to three orders in magnitude), which is not reversed when the lithium is extracted from the nanoelectrode. This conductivity change is attributed to an increase in lattice disorder within the material, which is observed from TEM images of the lithiated NWs. Furthermore, electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) was employed to confirm the reduction in valence state of manganese, which occurs due to the transformation of MnO2 to LixMnO2.

Plasma-based proteomics reveals lipid metabolic and immunoregulatory dysregulation in post-stroke depression

BACKGROUND

Post-stroke depression (PSD) is the most common psychiatric complication facing stroke survivors and has been associated with increased distress, physical disability, poor rehabilitation, and suicidal ideation. However, the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying PSD remain unknown, and no objective laboratory-based test is available to aid PSD diagnosis or monitor progression.

METHODS

Here, an isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ)-based quantitative proteomic approach was performed to identify differentially expressed proteins in plasma samples obtained from PSD, stroke, and healthy control subjects.

RESULTS

The significantly differentiated proteins were primarily involved in lipid metabolism and immunoregulation. Six proteins associated with these processes--apolipoprotein A-IV (ApoA-IV), apolipoprotein C-II (ApoC-II), C-reactive protein (CRP), gelsolin, haptoglobin, and leucine-rich alpha-2-glycoprotein (LRG)--were selected for Western blotting validation. ApoA-IV expression was significantly upregulated in PSD as compared to stroke subjects. ApoC-II, LRG, and CRP expression were significantly downregulated in both PSD and HC subjects relative to stroke subjects. Gelsolin and haptoglobin expression were significantly dysregulated across all three groups with the following expression profiles: gelsolin, healthy control>PSD>stroke subjects; haptoglobin, stroke>PSD>healthy control.

CONCLUSIONS

Early perturbation of lipid metabolism and immunoregulation may be involved in the pathophysiology of PSD. The combination of increased gelsolin levels accompanied by decreased haptoglobin levels shows promise as a plasma-based diagnostic biomarker panel for detecting increased PSD risk in post-stroke patients.

Prospective Study of Serum 25-hydroxy Vitamin D and Tooth Loss

Vitamin D deficiency and oral diseases (periodontitis, caries, and tooth loss) are highly prevalent in Germany. Previous studies suggested that vitamin D might be a modifiable and protective factor for periodontitis, caries, and tooth loss. However, prospective studies investigating such associations are limited. We explored the association between the concentration of serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25OHD) and incidence of tooth loss, progression of clinical attachment loss (CAL) ≥ 3 mm, and progression of restorative and caries status in a population-based longitudinal study. We analyzed data from 1,904 participants from the Study of Health in Pomerania with a five-year follow-up. Generalized estimating equation models were applied to evaluate tooth-specific associations between serum 25OHD and incidence of tooth loss, progression of CAL ≥ 3 mm, and progression of restorative and caries status. Age, sex, education, smoking status, alcohol drinking, waist circumference, dental visit frequency, reasons of dental visit, vitamin D or calcium supplements, and season of blood draw were considered as confounders. Serum 25OHD was inversely associated with incidence of tooth loss. A significant dose-response relationship (p = .0022) was observed across the quintiles of serum 25OHD. After adjusting for multiple confounders, each 10-µg/L increase of serum 25OHD was associated with a 13% decreased risk of tooth loss (risk ratio: 0.87; 95% confidence interval: 0.79, 0.96). The association was attenuated for changes of CAL ≥ 3 mm when adjusting for multiple confounders. No significant association was found between serum 25OHD and caries progression. Vitamin D might be a protective factor for tooth loss. The effect might partially be mediated by its effect on periodontitis.

PDZ and LIM domain protein 1(PDLIM1)/CLP36 promotes breast cancer cell migration, invasion and metastasis through interaction with α-actinin

Increased CLP36 expression has been found to be closely associated with breast cancer progression. However, whether and how it contributes to malignant behavior of breast cancer cells were not known. We show here that CLP36 is critical for promoting breast cancer cell migration and invasion in vitro and metastasis in vivo, whereas it is dispensable for breast cell proliferation and anchorage independent growth in vitro and tumor growth in vivo. CLP36 interacted with both α-actinin-1 and -4 in breast cancer cells. Depletion of either α-actinin-1 or -4 inhibited breast cancer cell migration. Furthermore, mutations inhibiting the α-actinin-binding activity abolished the ability of CLP36 to promote breast cancer cell migration. Finally, depletion of CLP36 or disruption of the CLP36-α-actinin complex in breast cancer cells substantially inhibited Cdc42 activation, cell polarization and migration. Our results identify CLP36 as an important regulator of breast cancer cell migration and metastasis, and shed light on how increased CLP36 expression contributes to progression of breast cancer.

Proteomics reveal energy metabolism and mitogen-activated protein kinase signal transduction perturbation in human Borna disease virus Hu-H1-infected oligodendroglial cells

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A human strain of BDV (BDV Hu-H1) was used to infect human oligodendroglial cells (OL cells).

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Energy metabolism was the most significantly altered pathway in BDV Hu-H1-infected OL cells.

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The Raf/MEK/ERK signaling cascade was significantly perturbed in BDV Hu-H1-infected OL cells.

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BDV Hu-H1caused constitutive activation of the ERK1/2 pathway, but cell proliferation was down-regulated at the same time.

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BDV Hu-H1 manages to down-regulate cell proliferation, in the presence of activated but not translocated ERK–RSK complex.

Borna disease virus (BDV) is a neurotropic, non-cytolytic RNA virus which replicates in the cell nucleus targeting mainly hippocampal neurons, but also astroglial and oligodendroglial cells in the brain. BDV is associated with a large spectrum of neuropsychiatric pathologies in animals. Its relationship to human neuropsychiatric illness still remains controversial. We could recently demonstrate that human BDV strain Hu-H1 promoted apoptosis and inhibited cell proliferation in a human oligodendroglial cell line (OL cells) whereas laboratory BDV strain V acted contrariwise. Here, differential protein expression between BDV Hu-H1-infected OL cells and non-infected OL cells was assessed through a proteomics approach, using two-dimensional electrophoresis followed by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight tandem mass spectrometry. A total of 63 differential host proteins were identified in BDV Hu-H1-infected OL cells compared to non-infected OL cells. We found that most changes referred to alterations related to the pentose phosphate pathway, glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism, the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, and glycolysis /gluconeogenesis. By manual querying, two differential proteins were found to be associated with mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signal transduction. Five key signaling proteins of this pathway (i.e., p-Raf, p-MEK, p-ERK1/2, p-RSK, and p-MSK) were selected for Western blotting validation. p-ERK1/2 and p-RSK were found to be significantly up-regulated, and p-MSK was found to be significantly down-regulated in BDV Hu-H1-infected OL cells compared to non-infected OL cell. Although BDV Hu-H1 constitutively activated the ERK–RSK pathway, host cell proliferation and nuclear translocation of activated pERK in BDV Hu-H1-infected OL cells were impaired. These findings indicate that BDV Hu-H1 infection of human oligodendroglial cells significantly perturbs host energy metabolism, activates the downstream ERK–RSK complex of the Raf/MEK/ERK signaling cascade, and disturbs host cell proliferation possibly through impaired nuclear translocation of pERK, a finding which warrants further research.

Adenosine 5'-monophosphate ameliorates D-galactosamine/lipopolysaccharide-induced liver injury through an adenosine receptor-independent mechanism in mice

D-galactosamine (GalN)/lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced lethality and acute liver failure is dependent on endogenously produced inflammatory cytokines. Adenosine has been proven to be a central role in the regulation of inflammatory response. It is not entirely clear that which adenosine action is actually crucial to limiting inflammatory tissue destruction. Here we showed that GalN/LPS challenge elevated hepatic adenosine and induced lethality in adenosine receptor-deficient mice with equal efficiency as wild-type mice. In GalN/LPS-treated mice, pretreatment with adenosine 5'-monophosphate (5'-AMP) significantly elevated hepatic adenosine level and reduced mortality through decreasing cytokine and chemokine production. In RAW264.7 cells, 5'-AMP treatment inhibited the production of inflammatory cytokines, which is not mediated through adenosine receptors. 5'-AMP failed to attenuate LPS-induced nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) p65 nuclear translocation, but reduced LPS-induced recruitment of NF-κB p65 to inflammatory gene promoters and decreased LPS-induced enrichment of H3K4 dimethylation at the tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) promoter, which was involved in 5'-AMP-induced elevation of cellular adenosine and a decline of methylation potential. In vitro biochemical analysis revealed that adenosine directly attenuated recruitment of NF-κB to the TNF-α and interleukin-6 promoters. Our findings demonstrate that 5'-AMP-inhibiting inflammatory response is not mediated by adenosine receptors and it may represent a potential protective agent for amelioration of LPS-induced liver injury.