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Wei S, Zhang TD, Zhou Y, Zhang XB, Zhu HL, Li J, Huang ZM, Deng L, Zhang XJ. Fine mapping of the disseminated superficial porokeratosis locus to a 2.7 Mb region at 18p11.3. Clin Exp Dermatol 2010; 35:664-7. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2230.2010.03844.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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152
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Wang L, Guo F, Wei S, Zhao R. Neonatal intramuscular injection of plasmid DNA encoding GLP-1 reduces serum insulin level and modifies skeletal muscle myosin heavy chain composition in adult rats. Physiol Res 2009; 59:571-579. [PMID: 19929145 DOI: 10.33549/physiolres.931815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
To test the hypothesis that neonatal GLP-1 exposure may program myosin heavy chain (MyHC) composition in adult skeletal muscle, two-day-old rats were transfected intramuscularly with vacant vector plasmid (VP), or recombinant plasmid expressing secretory GLP-1 at the doses of 60 microg (LG) and 120 microg (HG), respectively. Expression of GLP-1 mRNA was detected in muscles of both LG and HG rats 7 days after transfection, with more abundant GLP-1 transcript seen in LG rats. In accordance with the GLP-1 expression, LG rats demonstrated more significant responses to neonatal GLP-1 exposure. Small yet significant growth retardation was observed in LG rats, which is accompanied with significantly reduced serum insulin concentration at 8 weeks of age compared to VP rats. The responses of skeletal muscle were dependent on muscle type. Significant increase of PGC-1alpha and GLUT4 mRNA expression was detected in soleus of LG rats, whereas a MyHC type switch from IIB to I was seen in gastrocnemius. These results indicate that neonatal exposure of healthy pups to ectopic GLP-1 causes growth retardation with decreased serum insulin as well as muscle type-dependent modifications in MyHC type composition and metabolic gene expression in adult rats.
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153
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Wei S, Shimada Y, Sadr A, Tagami J. Effect of Double-application of Three Single-step Self-etch Adhesives on Dentin Bonding and Mechanical Properties of Resin-dentin Area. Oper Dent 2009; 34:716-724. [DOI: 10.2341/09-011-l] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/30/2023]
Abstract
Clinical Relevance
Double-application enhanced the hardness of bonding layer and resin-dentin interface for all the adhesives used; however, it only improved the bond strength to dentin for some of the single-step self-etch adhesives.
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Zou JX, Rollison DE, Boulware D, Chen DT, Sloand EM, Pfannes LV, Goronzy JJ, Bai F, Painter JS, Wei S, Cosgrove D, List AF, Epling-Burnette PK. Altered naive and memory CD4+ T-cell homeostasis and immunosenescence characterize younger patients with myelodysplastic syndrome. Leukemia 2009; 23:1288-96. [PMID: 19282834 PMCID: PMC3252820 DOI: 10.1038/leu.2009.14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2008] [Revised: 12/16/2008] [Accepted: 12/31/2008] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Response to immunosuppressive therapy (IST) in younger patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) has been linked to a T-cell-dominant autoimmune process that impairs hematopoiesis. Analysis of the age-adjusted CD4:CD8 ratio in 76 MDS patients compared with 54 healthy controls showed that inadequate CD4+, rather than expansion of CD8+ T cells, was associated with a lower ratio in a group that included both lower and higher risk MDS patients defined by the International Prognostic Scoring System. In younger MDS patients, naive and memory phenotypes defined by CD45RA and CD62L display showed depletion of naive CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, suggesting a possible relationship to IST responsiveness. To determine the correlation between T-cell subset distribution, T-cell turnover and autoimmunity, a cohort of 20 patients were studied before and after IST. The CD4:CD8 ratio correlated inversely with the proliferative T-cell index before treatment in IST-responsive patients, suggesting that proliferation may be linked to accelerated CD4+ T-cell turnover and hematopoietic failure. Our data show seminal findings that both CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell subsets are dysregulated in MDS. Association between these T-cell defects and response to IST suggests that aberrant T-cell homeostasis and chronic activation are critical determinants influencing autoimmune hematopoietic suppression in younger patients.
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List A, Epling-Burnette P, Zou J, Bai F, Painter J, Wei S, Sugimori C. 4 Controlling the “fate” of T cells in MDS. Leuk Res 2009. [DOI: 10.1016/s0145-2126(09)70004-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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156
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Xu H, Wei S, Fraser WD. Obstetric approaches to the prevention of meconium aspiration syndrome. J Perinatol 2008; 28 Suppl 3:S14-8. [PMID: 19057605 DOI: 10.1038/jp.2008.145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) is associated with increased risk for perinatal mortality and morbidities. To provide an overview of the advances in our knowledge concerning the obstetric approaches to the prevention of MAS. The evidence of the effectiveness of intrapartum surveillance, amnioinfusion, and delivery room management in the prevention of MAS are reviewed in the present paper. Meconium aspiration syndrome remains one of the most common but challenging conditions for obstetricians and pediatricians. The available evidence did not demonstrate a beneficial effect of either of obstetric strategies in the prevention of MAS.
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157
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Wei S, Wang Y, Lam JCW, Zheng GJ, So MK, Yueng LWY, Horii Y, Chen LQ, Yu H, Yamashita N, Lam PKS. Historical trends of organic pollutants in sediment cores from Hong Kong. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2008; 57:758-766. [PMID: 18433799 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2008.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2007] [Revised: 02/14/2008] [Accepted: 03/07/2008] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Recent studies have indicated the occurrence of a wide range of trace organic contaminants, including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in the Hong Kong environment. These contaminants are potentially harmful to ecological systems, particularly in coastal areas. In this study, two sediment cores (4m) were collected from southern waters of Hong Kong in 2004 to study the historical trends, distribution patterns, and potential sources of trace organic contaminants. DDTs (p,p'-DDT, o,p'-DDT, p,p'-DDD, o,p'-DDD and p,p'-DDE), hexachlorohexanes (HCHs) (alpha and gamma), hexachlorobenzene (HCB), and PCBs were detected in the samples, whereas other target compounds were all below detection limits. Many OCPs have not been produced or used for many years due to toxicological or environmental concerns and PCB use is prohibited in Hong Kong. However, some compounds were still detectable in recent years, and were found to be widely distributed in the environment, likely because of pollutant inputs from the highly industrialized Pearl River Delta region. These results provide important information on current and historical contamination in Hong Kong, and help to reconstruct the pollution history of these trace organic pollutants in Hong Kong coastal waters.
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158
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Wei S, Chen LQ, Taniyasu S, So MK, Murphy MB, Yamashita N, Yeung LWY, Lam PKS. Distribution of perfluorinated compounds in surface seawaters between Asia and Antarctica. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2007; 54:1813-8. [PMID: 17881011 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2007.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2007] [Accepted: 08/01/2007] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
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159
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Zou C, Liang X, Yang B, Liang K, Liu J, Xia Z, Zhao F, Wei S. Study on energy metabolism of dairy buffalo heifers
in Guangxi, China. JOURNAL OF ANIMAL AND FEED SCIENCES 2007. [DOI: 10.22358/jafs/74418/2007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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160
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Wei S, Gnauck A. Simulating water conflicts using game theoretical models for water resources management. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2007. [DOI: 10.2495/eco070011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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161
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Chaoyin Y, Wei S, Sun M, Lin L, Faju C, Zhengquan H, Ziniu Y. Comparative study on effect of different promoters on expression of cry1Ac in Bacillus thuringiensis chromosome. J Appl Microbiol 2007; 103:454-61. [PMID: 17650206 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2672.2006.03269.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
AIMS The aim of this work was to investigate the effect of cry3A promoter on the expression of cry1Ac in Bacillus thuringiensis chromosome and stably enhance the production of different cry genes under the control of cry3A promoter. METHODS AND RESULTS The cry1Ac gene, which is specific to Lepidopteran larvae, was integrated into the chromosome of a B. thuringiensis plasmid-free and acrystalliferous strain BMB171, under the control of cry3A promoter and cry1Ac promoter, respectively. The expression of cry1Ac genes in the chromosome of host strain was investigated. The results from sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrymide gel electrophoresis, crystal observation and bioassay showed that either integrated with cry3A promoter (cry3Apro-cry1Ac) or with its native promoter (cry1Acpro-cry1Ac), cry1Ac gene could efficiently and stably express in the chromosome. The production of cry3Apro-cry1Ac gene was higher than that of cry1Acpro-cry1Ac gene. CONCLUSIONS The cry3A promoter enhanced the expression of cry1Ac gene efficiently either on the chromosome or on the plasmid in B. thuringiensis strain. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY So far, the comparative studies on cry3A promoter and other cry promoters were carried on B. thuringiensis plasmids. This system offers an additional method for potentially improving the efficacy of B. thuringiensis insecticidal proteins efficiently, stably and safely.
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162
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Wei S, Quigg MH, Monaghan KG. Is cystic fibrosis carrier screening cost effective? Public Health Genomics 2007; 10:103-9. [PMID: 17380060 DOI: 10.1159/000099088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Between 2001 and 2005, 6,166 females underwent cystic fibrosis (CF) carrier screening at our institution. Only 36% were Caucasian. We identified 143 carrier females and subsequently tested 85 of their partners. The observed carrier frequency was not significantly different than expected for any racial or ethnic group tested. We identified 6 positive couples (5 Caucasian, 1 Arab American) and 1 affected fetus. In just under 4 years, our institution spent approximately $334,000 on CF population screening. Comparing this to the lifetime medical cost for a CF patient, CF population-based carrier screening is cost effective at our institution, despite the high number of non-Caucasians being screened.
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163
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Liang X, Zhang X, Yang B, Chen M, Huang F, Pang C, Liao C, Qin G, Wei S, Yang C. Repeated Ovum Pick-Up and In-vitro Embryo Production in Buffalo. ITALIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE 2007. [DOI: 10.4081/ijas.2007.s2.759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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164
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Wei S, Lau RKF, Fung CN, Zheng GJ, Lam JCW, Connell DW, Fang Z, Richardson BJ, Lam PKS. Trace organic contamination in biota collected from the Pearl River Estuary, China: a preliminary risk assessment. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2006; 52:1682-94. [PMID: 16908034 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2006.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2006] [Revised: 06/13/2006] [Accepted: 06/19/2006] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
The marine ecosystem of the Pearl River Delta, located on the southern coast of China, has been heavily exploited following the rapid economic growth that has occurred since the 1980s. This investigation aimed to elucidate trace organic contamination in marine biota inhabiting the Pearl River Delta area. Biota samples, including green-lipped mussels (Perna viridis), oysters (Crassostrea rivularis) and shrimp (Penaeus orientalis) were sampled from 16 stations fringing the Estuary. Elevated concentrations (on a dry weight basis) of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (27.8-1041.0 ng/g), petroleum hydrocarbons (1.7-2345.4 microg/g), polychlorinated biphenyls (2.1-108.8 ng/g), DDTs (1.9-79.0 ng/g), and hexachlorocyclohexanes (n.d.-38.4 ng/g) were recorded. A human health risk assessment was conducted to estimate the risk to local residents associated with the consumption of biota collected from the Pearl River Estuary. The results indicated that PCBs were at levels that may cause deleterious health effects in populations that consume large amounts of seafood. However, it would be instructive to establish health criteria for trace organic contaminants that are specific to the local populations, in order to derive a more accurate and relevant health risk assessment.
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165
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Guo LH, Shi JN, Zhang Y, Liu XD, Duan J, Wei S. Identification of genetic differences between two clinical isolates of Streptococcus mutans by suppression subtractive hybridization. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2006; 21:372-80. [PMID: 17064395 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399-302x.2006.00306.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Streptococcus mutans is generally considered to be the principal aetiological agent for dental caries. Phenotypic variation in strains is often associated with differences in gene content, so the isolation of DNA fragments from these genes or associated regions is illuminating. The S. mutans strains 9-1 and 9-2, which both colonized the same oral cavity, were selected after screening for the possession of suspected virulence traits. Genomic DNA of strain 9-1 was used as the tester, and that of 9-2 was used as the driver. Suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH) was applied between the tester and the driver DNAs. The subtractive products were cloned into a pCR2.1 vector. Clone libraries representing sequence differences were obtained. The subtractive fragments that were found specifically in strain 9-1 but not in strain 9-2 were identified by dot blotting and then sequenced. BLASTn and BLASTx sequence homology analyses were subsequently performed. Twenty-seven sequences were found in the genome of strain 9-1 that were not in 9-2. Among them, three revealed no homology to published nucleotide sequences while the remaining sequences showed 81-100% homology to known genes of S. mutans strain UA159. These sequences are involved in competence development, signal transduction and transcriptional regulation, repairing stress damage, transport, carbohydrate catabolism, biochemical synthesis, or unknown functions. Differences exist in the genomes of different S. mutans isolates. SSH is effective in screening for S. mutans strain specific DNA sequences.
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166
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Nakagawa K, Holla VR, Wei Y, Wang WH, Gatica A, Wei S, Mei S, Miller CM, Cha DR, Price E, Zent R, Pozzi A, Breyer MD, Guan Y, Falck JR, Waterman MR, Capdevila JH. Does Malfunction of Arachidonic Acid Epoxygenase Explain Salt-Sensitive Hypertension? J Am Soc Nephrol 2006; 17:2345-2352. [PMID: 37000980 DOI: 10.1681/01.asn.0000926848.81018.f7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/28/2023] Open
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167
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Liang XY, Nie SF, Qu KY, Peng XX, Wei S, Zhu GB, Wu LJ, Guo XH, Xiao R, Ju LR, Wang W. Evaluation of health-related quality of life among hypertensive patients in a rural area, PR China. J Hum Hypertens 2006; 20:227-9. [PMID: 16341052 DOI: 10.1038/sj.jhh.1001967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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168
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Patterson SG, Wei S, Chen X, Sallman DA, Gilvary DL, Zhong B, Pow-Sang J, Yeatman T, Djeu JY. Novel role of Stat1 in the development of docetaxel resistance in prostate tumor cells. Oncogene 2006; 25:6113-22. [PMID: 16652143 DOI: 10.1038/sj.onc.1209632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
A major obstacle for clinicians in the treatment of advanced prostate cancer is the inevitable progression to chemoresistance, especially to docetaxel. It is essential to understand the molecular events that lead to docetaxel resistance in order to identify means to prevent or interfere with chemoresistance. In initial attempts to detect these events, we analysed genomic differences between non-resistant and docetaxel-resistant prostate tumor cells and, of the genes modulated by docetaxel treatment, we observed Stat1 and clusterin gene expression heightened in the resistant phenotype. In this study, we provide biochemical and biological evidence that these two gene products are related. Stat1 and clusterin protein expression was induced upon docetaxel treatment of DU145 cells and highly overexpressed in the docetaxel-resistant DU145 cells (DU145-DR). The increase in total Stat1 corresponded to an increase in phosphorylated Stat1. Interestingly, there was no detectable difference between DU145 and DU145-DR cells expression of total Stat3 and phosphorylated Stat3. Treatment of DU145-DR cells with small interfering RNA targeted for Stat1 not only resulted in the knockdown of Stat1 expression, but it also caused the inhibition of clusterin expression. Thus, Stat1 appears to play a key role in the regulation of clusterin. Remarkably, inhibition of Stat1 or clusterin expression resulted in the re-sensitization of DU145-DR cells to docetaxel. These results offer the first evidence that Stat1, and its subsequent regulation of clusterin, are essential for docetaxel resistance in prostate cancer. Targeting this pathway could be a potential therapeutic means for intervention of docetaxel resistance.
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169
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Etsuko K, Wei S. [Inhibitory effect of human saliva on HIV-1 infectivity]. NIHON RINSHO MEN'EKI GAKKAI KAISHI = JAPANESE JOURNAL OF CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY 2006; 24:152-9. [PMID: 16578966 DOI: 10.2177/jsci.24.152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Human saliva is known to decrease human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infectivity in vitro. The purpose of this study was to confirm these findings and to explore the mechanism of action of saliva. Whole saliva from seronegative donors was incubated with HIV-1IIIB chronically infected MOLT 4 cells (MOLT 4/HIV-1IIIB cells) or cell-free HIV-1IIIB or KMT strains. We monitored viral infectivity by using MAGI/CCR5 cells. Whole saliva with Na levels less than 20 mEq/l rapidly damaged MOLT 4/HIV-1IIIB cells, thereby HIV infection to MAGI/CCR5 cells by MOLT 4/HIV-1IIIB cells was nearly abolished. On the contrary, in the cace of whole saliva with Na levels more than 23 mEq/l which damaged few cells, cell-to-cell transmission of HIV-1IIIB was prevented by more than 50%. The infectivity of cell-free HIV-1IIIB to MAGI/CCR5 cells was abolished after incubating and filtering the HIV with whole saliva. Depletion of secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI) from whole saliva resulted in a 11-28% decrease in the anti HIV-1KMT activity of saliva. Preincubation of host cells with whole saliva led to an enhancement of the HIV infection rather than inhibition. Whole saliva had no effect on the expression level of the cellular receptors (CD4, CXCR4 and CCR5). These results suggest that the inhibitory effect of whole saliva on HIV-1 infectivity is directly linked to the virus itself rather than on the host cell. Moreover, the physical entrapment of cell-free HIV-1 by whole saliva seems to have major salivaly defence mechanisms against HIV-1 infection through the oral cavity.
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170
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Wei S, Hampshire M, Devine P, Metz J. P-317 Differences between lung cancer patients using the internet andpatients in the clinic. Lung Cancer 2005. [DOI: 10.1016/s0169-5002(05)80811-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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171
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Wei S, Zhong C, Su-Yi H. Molecular dynamics simulation of liquid water under the influence of an external electric field. MOLECULAR SIMULATION 2005. [DOI: 10.1080/0892702500138483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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172
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Lu L, Ying K, Wei S, Liu Y, Lin H, Mao Y. Dermal fibroblast-associated gene induction by asiaticoside shown in vitro by DNA microarray analysis. Br J Dermatol 2004; 151:571-8. [PMID: 15377342 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2133.2004.06146.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Asiaticoside, isolated from Centella asiatica, promotes fibroblast proliferation and extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis in wound healing. The precise mechanism, however, in molecular and gene expression levels is still unclear. OBJECTIVE Using cDNA microarray technology, the alteration of gene expression profiles was determined for human dermal fibroblasts in vitro in the presence of asiaticoside (30 microg mL(-1)). Fifty-four genes, with known functions for cell proliferation, cell cycle progression and synthesis of ECM, were significantly upregulated in our 'genome-nest' expression profile at various time points. Furthermore, the mRNA levels and protein production of certain genes responsible for ECM synthesis (e.g. encoding type I and type III collagen proteins) were evaluated by Northern blot and radioimmunoassay, respectively. RESULTS We found that there is a close correlation between the gene profile, mRNA and protein production in the response of the cells to asiaticoside stimulation. CONCLUSIONS This information could be used for exploring the response of the target genes to asiaticoside in fibroblasts.
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Pontow SE, Heyden NV, Wei S, Ratner L. Actin cytoskeletal reorganizations and coreceptor-mediated activation of rac during human immunodeficiency virus-induced cell fusion. J Virol 2004; 78:7138-47. [PMID: 15194790 PMCID: PMC421652 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.78.13.7138-7147.2004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The membrane fusion events which initiate human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection and promote cytopathic syncytium formation in infected cells commence with the binding of the HIV envelope glycoprotein (Env) to CD4 and an appropriate coreceptor. Here, we show that HIV Env-coreceptor interactions activate Rac-1 GTPase and stimulate the actin filament network reorganizations that are requisite components of the cell fusion process. Disrupting actin filament dynamics with jasplakinolide or latrunculin A arrested fusion at a late step in the formation of Env-CD4-coreceptor complexes. Time-lapse confocal microscopy of living cells revealed vigorous activity of actin-based, target cell membrane extensions at the target cell-Env-expressing cell interface. The expression of dominant-negative forms of actin-regulating Rho-family GTPases established that HIV Env-mediated syncytium formation relies on Rac-1 but not on Cdc42 or Rho activation in target cells. Similar dependencies were found when cell fusion was induced by Env expressed on viral or cellular membranes. Additionally, Rac activity was specifically upregulated in a coreceptor-dependent manner in fusion reaction cell lysates. These results define a role for HIV Env-coreceptor interactions in activating the cellular factors essential for virus-cell and cell-cell fusion and provide evidence for the participation of pertussis toxin-insensitive signaling pathways in HIV-induced membrane fusion.
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174
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Dinnyes A, Wei S, Li Y, Zheng P, Ji W. 95FIRST REPORT ON CLEAVAGE DEVELOPMENT FOLLOWING CRYOPRESERVATION OF
ADULT AND PREPUBERTAL RHESUS MONKEY (MACACA MULATTA) OOCYTES. Reprod Fertil Dev 2004. [DOI: 10.1071/rdv16n1ab95] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryopreservation of non-human primate oocytes would allow a more efficient management of biological resources for medical research and endangered species preservation. Despite previous attempts, no cleavage-stage development has been reported following cryopreservation of rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta) or other non-human primate oocytes. The extreme chilling sensitivity of rhesus monkey oocytes (Songsasen N et al., 2002 Fertil. Steril. 77, 818–825) might be overcomed by vitrification methods. Our aim was to test the Solid Surface Vitrification (SSV, Dinnyes A et al., 2000 Biol. Reprod. 63, 513–518) method on metaphase II (MII)-stage rhesus monkey oocytes and to achieve successful fertilization of warmed oocytes. Oocytes were obtained from hormonally stimulated adult and unstimulated prepubertal females and matured in vitro for 36 to 48h as described by Zhang P et al. (2001 Biol. Reprod. 64, 1417–1421). The vitrification solution contained 35% ethylene glycol (EG), 5% polyvinyl pyrrolidone, and 0.4M trehalose in Tyrode-lactate (TL)-HEPES medium with 3mgmL−1 BSA added. Oocytes at MII-stage were equilibrated in 4% EG in TL-HEPES at 37°C for 10 to 12min and then exposed to the vitrification solution at 37°C for about 20s. Oocytes in 2-μL droplets of vitrification solution were dropped onto a metal surface at about −180°C where they were vitrified instantaneously. Warming was performed by moving the vitrified droplets into 0.3M trehalose at 37°C. Recovered oocytes were exposed to 0.15M and then 0.075M trehalose for 2min each and then rinsed three times in TL-HEPES. Warmed oocytes were fertilized in vitro and then cultured for 96h in 50-μL drops of mCMRL-1066 containing 20% FCS at 37°C in a humidified atmosphere of 5% CO2, 5% O2, and 90% N2, as described in details by Zhang (see above). A total of 21 MII oocytes were collected from 2 adult and 55 MII oocytes from 14 prepubertal animals. No difference has been found between the rate of adult-origin (15/19; 79%) v. prepubertal-origin (37/52; 71%) oocytes surviving the vitrification process
without lysis (P>0.05, chi-square analyses). Following subsequent IVF, 1/15 (7%) adult-origin and 4/23 (17%) prepubertal-origin oocytes cleaved further, which was lower than that of the corresponding controls (1/2 (50%) and 1/3 (33%), respectively). The furthest development observed following cryopreservation was 16-cell stage, verified by counting of stained nuclei. This is the first report on cleavage-stage development of cryopreserved rhesus monkey oocytes, demonstrating the feasibility of vitrification and the potential for gene banking of non-human primate oocytes, even from prepubertal animals. Further experiments are needed to achieve higher rates of cryosurvival and progeny development. This research was supported by a Chinese-Hungarian Bilateral Technological and Scientific Collaboration Project (No. CHN14/02).
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175
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Zhu M, Yang T, Wei S, DeWan AT, Morell RJ, Elfenbein JL, Fisher RA, Leal SM, Smith RJH, Friderici KH. Mutations in the gamma-actin gene (ACTG1) are associated with dominant progressive deafness (DFNA20/26). Am J Hum Genet 2003; 73:1082-91. [PMID: 13680526 PMCID: PMC1180488 DOI: 10.1086/379286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 145] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2003] [Accepted: 08/14/2003] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Age-related hearing loss (presbycusis) is a significant problem in the population. The genetic contribution to age-related hearing loss is estimated to be 40%-50%. Gene mutations that cause nonsyndromic progressive hearing loss with early onset may provide insight into the etiology of presbycusis. We have identified four families segregating an autosomal dominant, progressive, sensorineural hearing loss phenotype that has been linked to chromosome 17q25.3. The critical interval containing the causative gene was narrowed to approximately 2 million bp between markers D17S914 and D17S668. Cochlear-expressed genes were sequenced in affected family members. Sequence analysis of the gamma-actin gene (ACTG1) revealed missense mutations in highly conserved actin domains in all four families. These mutations change amino acids that are conserved in all actins, from protozoa to mammals, and were not found in >100 chromosomes from normal hearing individuals. Much of the specialized ultrastructural organization of the cells in the cochlea is based on the actin cytoskeleton. Many of the mutations known to cause either syndromic or nonsyndromic deafness occur in genes that interact with actin (e.g., the myosins, espin, and harmonin). The mutations we have identified are in various binding domains of actin and are predicted to mildly interfere with bundling, gelation, polymerization, or myosin movement and may cause hearing loss by hindering the repair or stability of cochlear cell structures damaged by noise or aging. This is the first description of a mutation in cytoskeletal, or nonmuscle, actin.
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