Flow cytometry enumeration of apoptotic cancer cells by apoptotic rate

NR3C2 mediates oxidised low-density lipoprotein-induced human coronary endothelial cells dysfunction via modulation of NLRP3 inflammasome activation

Nuclear receptor subfamily 3 group C member 2 (NR3C2) has been revealed to affect the progression of multiple inflammatory diseases, while NR3C2's efficacy in coronary artery disease (CAD) remains largely unsolved. The study intended to elucidate the possible mechanisms of NR3C2 in oxidised low density lipoprotein (ox-LDL)-induced inflammation in human coronary endothelial cells (HCAECs) via regulating NACHT, LRR, and PYD domains-containing protein 3 (NLRP3). Patients who underwent CT angiography or coronary angiography for suspected CAD in our hospital were collected. The patients were divided into the CAD and the non-CAD (NCAD) groups. The expression of NR3C2 and NLRP3 in the peripheral blood of patients in both groups was examined by RT-qPCR. HCAECs were treated with ox-LDL to establish the model. The expression of NR3C2 and NLRP3 in ox-LDL-induced HCAECs was tested by RT-qPCR. The proliferation of HCAECs was measured using CCK-8 assay, the apoptosis of HCAECs was assessed by flow cytometry, and the levels of inflammation-related factors IL-1β and IL-18 in the cell supernatant were evaluated by ELISA. The molecular mechanisms of these factors in the proliferation and apoptosis of HCAECs and in the inflammatory response were further determined by knockdown and overexpression systems. The relationship between NR3C2 and NLRP3 was determined by ChIP and luciferase activity assays and bioinformatics analysis. NR3C2 and NLRP3 levels were elevated in the serum of CAD patients. The ox-LDL treatment elevated NR3C2 levels, evoked apoptosis and inflammation, and impeded cell viability in HCAECs, whereas downregulation of NR3C2 increased cell viability and reduced apoptosis and inflammatory response in ox-LDL-induced inflammation in HCAECs. NR3C2 levels were positively correlated with NLRP3, and NR3C2 elevated NLRP3 expression through transcription. Overexpression of NLRP3 counteracted the impacts of silencing NR3C2 on cell viability, cell apoptosis, and inflammatory response in ox-LDL-induced HCAECs. Our research stresses that NR3C2 transcription promotes NLRP3 to induce inflammatory responses in ox-LDL-induced HCAECs.

miR-147b is an oncomiR acting synergistically with HIPK2 to promote pancreatic carcinogenesis

MicroRNAs (miRs, miRNAs) are known players in the regulatory network of pancreatic tumorigenesis, but the downstream effectors remain poorly characterized. This study addressed this issue based on in silico prediction, in vitro experiments, and in vivo validation. The differentially expressed PCa-related miRNAs and bioinformatics tools predicted downstream regulators. The expression of miR-147b was examined in PCa cell lines. Putative targets of miR-147b were predicted by a publicly available database and confirmed by luciferase activity assay. Mimic/inhibitor, siRNA/overexpression plasmid, or pifithrin-α (p53 inhibitor) were delivered into PCa cells to assess the effect of miR-147b, HIPK2, and p53 on malignant phenotypes of PCa cells. AntagomiR-147b and shRNA targeting HIPK2 were introduced to xenograft-bearing nude mice for in vivo experiments. The expression of miR-147b was significantly increased in PCa cell lines. Ectopic expression of miR-147b promoted the malignant phenotypes of PCa cells and inhibited their apoptosis. HIPK2 was confirmed as a target gene of miR-147b. Inhibiting miR-147b could promote HIPK2 expression and potentially activate the p53 pathway, inhibiting PCa cell growth. In vivo experiments suggested that miR-147b inhibition suppressed the growth of xenograft tumors in nude mice, while HIPK2 knockdown counteracted its effect. Collectively, our work reveals a novel miR-147b-mediated carcinogenic regulatory network in PCa that may be a viable target for PCa treatment.

Inhibition of MicroRNA-122-5p Relieves Myocardial Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury via SOCS1

OBJECTIVE

 Evidence has shown that microRNA (miR)-122-5p is a diagnostic biomarker of acute myocardial infarction. Here, we aimed to uncover the functions of miR-122-5p in the pathological process of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (MI/RI).

METHODS

 An MI/RI model was established by left anterior descending coronary artery ligation in mice. The levels of miR-122-5p, suppressor of cytokine signaling-1 (SOCS1), phosphorylation of Janus kinase 2 (p-JAK2), and signal transducers and activators of transcription (p-STAT3) in the myocardial tissues of mice were measured. Downregulated miR-122-5p or upregulated SOCS1 recombinant adenovirus vectors were injected into mice before MI/RI modeling. The cardiac function, inflammatory response, myocardial infarction area, pathological damage, and cardiomyocyte apoptosis in the myocardial tissues of mice were evaluated. Cardiomyocytes were subjected to hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) injury and cardiomyocyte biological function was tested upon transfection of miR-122-5p inhibitor. The target relation between miR-122-5p and SOCS1 was evaluated.

RESULTS

 miR-122-5p expression and p-JAK2 and p-STAT3 expression were high, and SOCS1 expression was low in the myocardial tissues of MI/RI mice. Decreasing miR-122-5p or increasing SOCS1 expression inactivated the JAK2/STAT3 pathway to alleviate MI/RI by improving cardiac function and reducing inflammatory reaction, myocardial infarction area, pathological damage, and cardiomyocyte apoptosis in mice. Silencing of SOCS1 reversed depleted miR-122-5p-induced cardioprotection for MI/RI mice. In vitro experiments revealed that the downregulation of miR-122-5p induced proliferative, migratory, and invasive capabilities of H/R cardiomyocytes while inhibiting apoptosis. Mechanically, SOCS1 was a target gene of miR-122-5p.

CONCLUSION

 Our study summarizes that inhibition of miR-122-5p induces SOCS1 expression, thereby relieving MI/RI in mice.

Epigenetic regulation of LINC01270 in breast cancer progression by mediating LAMA2 promoter methylation and MAPK signaling pathway

Application of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) for modulation of breast cancer (BC) has attracted much attention. Here, we probed into the role and underlying mechanism of long intergenic non-coding RNA 01270 (LINC01270) in BC. With the help of bioinformatics tools, we identified laminin subunit alpha 2 (LAMA2) as a BC-related differentially expressed gene to discern the effect of LAMA2 in BC cells. LAMA2 was initially poorly expressed while LINC01270 was highly expressed in BC. BC cells were subsequently treated with sh-LINC01270 or/and sh-LAMA2 for exploration of their regulatory mechanism in BC, which unfolded that LINC01270 inhibition up-regulated LAMA2 and inactivated the MAPK signaling pathway to suppress malignant characteristics of BC cells. Functional assays demonstrated that LINC01270 bound to DNMT1, DNMT3a, and DNMT3b promoted the methylation of CpG islands in LAMA2 promoter and inhibited the LAMA2 expression. Moreover, our data suggested that LAMA2 suppressed MAPK signaling pathway to inhibit BC cell malignant characteristics. The in vitro results were re-produced with the help of the in vivo experimentations. In conclusion, LINC01270 silencing inhibited the methylation of LAMA2 promoter to suppress the activation of MAPK signaling pathway, which subsequently restrained the BC progression. 1, Overexpression of LAMA2 inhibits malignant features of BC cells. 2, LINC01270 promotes LAMA2 promoter methylation by recruiting DNMTs to the LAMA2 promoter region. 3, 5-aza-dc reverses the promotion of LAMA2 promoter methylation by LINC01270. 4, LAMA2 inhibits malignant features of BC cells by suppressing the activation of MAPK signaling pathway.

SIRT1 enhances oxaliplatin resistance in colorectal cancer through microRNA-20b-3p/DEPDC1 axis

Oxaliplatin (L-OHP) is a standard treatment drug for colorectal cancer (CRC), but acquired drug resistance limits the outcome of patients. We investigated the involvement of sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) in L-OHP resistance in the setting of CRC via microRNA-20b-3p/DEP domain containing 1 (miR-20b-3p/DEPDC1) axis. CRC tissues that were resistant or sensitive to L-OHP were harvested, in which SIRT1, miR-20b-3p, and DEPDC1 levels were tested. L-OHP-resistant-resistant CRC cells were transfected, subsequently, cellular proliferation, invasion, migration, and apoptosis were tested, and tumor resistance to L-OHP was observed. The binding of SIRT1 to miR-20b-3p promoter and the targeting relationship between miR-20b-3p and DEPDC1 were verified. An aberrant elevation in SIRT1 expression was seen in L-OHP-resistant CRC tissues and cells. Knockdown of SIRT1 sensitized CRC cells and xenografted CRC tumors to L-OHP. SIRT1 bound with miR-20b-3p promoter to regulate DEPDC1. Reducing miR-20b-3p or raising DEPDC1 levels weakened the effect of SIRT1 knockdown on L-OHP-resistant-CRC cells. SIRT1 enhances L-OHP resistance in CRC by mediating miR-20b-3p/DEPDC1 axis.

Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 exerts functions in gastric cancer development via modulating microRNA-222-3p methylation and WEE1 expression

OBJECTIVE

Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) has been studied in gastric cancer (GC), while the role of EZH2 in GC via binding to microRNA (miR)-222-3p remains obscure. This research aims to unravel the regulatory mechanism of EZH2 in GC progression via the modulation of miR-222-3p/WEE1 axis.

METHODS

Initially, EZH2, miR-222-3p and WEE1 levels in GC cells and tissues were examined. Thereafter, vectors altering EZH2, miR-222-3p or WEE1 expression were transfected into GC cells to determine the malignant behaviors involved in tumorigenesis of GC cells. Finally, the targeting relations among EZH2, miR-222-3p and WEE1 were validated.

RESULTS

EZH2 and WEE1 were up-regulated while miR-222-3p was down-regulated in GC tissues and cells. The decreased EZH2, silenced WEE1, or restored miR-222-3p constrained the malignant behaviors involved in tumorigenesis of GC cells. Deletion of miR-222-3p could reverse the effect of silenced EZH2 on suppressing the biological functions of GC cells. EZH2 could bind to the promoter of miR-222-3p, and there was a targeting relationship between miR-222-3p and WEE1.

CONCLUSION

Our study demonstrates that EZH2 promotes GC development via the modulation of miR-222-3p/WEE1 axis, thus providing promising therapeutic targets for GC therapy.

Silencing of histone deacetylase 3 suppresses the development of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma through regulation of miR-494-mediated TGIF1

BACKGROUND

Deacetylation of histones by histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3) acts importantly in modulating apoptosis, DNA damage and cellular progression. Herein, we aimed to unravel the functional role of HDAC3 in a lethal disease, esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).

METHODS

The expression of HDAC3 in clinically collected ESCC tissues was determined by RT-qPCR and immunohistochemistry. As revealed from bioinformatics analysis, the putative relations between HDAC3 and microRNA-494 (miR-494) and between miR-494 and transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ)-inducing factor 1 (TGIF1) were further verified by chromatin immunoprecipitation and dual-luciferase reporter gene assay. Functional roles of shRNA-mediated depletion of HDAC3, miR-494 mimic and overexpressed TGIF1 were explored by gain- and loss-of-function assays with regard to ESCC cell biological behaviors. A nude mouse model of ESCC was developed for in vivo validation.

RESULTS

HDAC3 was highly expressed in ESCC tissues, suggestive of poor prognosis while TGIF1 was upregulated and miR-494 was downregulated. Mechanistic investigation revealed that HDAC3 inhibited miR-494 expression and TGIF1 was a direct target of miR-494. Furthermore, silencing HDAC3 or overexpressing miR-494 was demonstrated to suppress aggressive phenotypes of ESCC cells both in vitro through the activated TGFβ signaling pathway and in vivo, while TGIF1 overexpression induced opposite results.

CONCLUSION

Collectively, our findings provided demonstration regarding the oncogenic property of HDAC3 in ESCC via the miR-494/TGIF1/TGFβ axis.

LINC00114 stimulates growth and glycolysis of esophageal cancer cells by recruiting EZH2 to enhance H3K27me3 of DLC1

Objective

LINC00114 could promote the development of colorectal cancer, but its mechanism has been rarely discussed in esophageal cancer (EC). Herein, we explored the molecular mechanism of LINC00114 via mediating enhancer of zeste homolog 2/deleted in liver cancer 1 (EZH2/DLC1) axis in EC.

Methods

LINC00114, EZH2 and DLC1 expression in EC tissues and cells were tested. LINC00114, EZH2 and DLC1 expression were altered in EC cells through transfection with different constructs, and cell proliferation, migration, invasion, apoptosis and glycolysis were subsequently observed. The interaction between LINC00114 and EZH2 and that between EZH2 and DLC1 were explored. Tumor formation was also conducted to confirm the in vitro results.

Results

The expression levels of LINC00114 and EZH2 were elevated while those of DLC1 were reduced in EC. Inhibiting LINC00114 or reducing EZH2 blocked cell proliferation, migration, invasion and glycolysis and induce cell apoptosis in EC. LINC00114 promoted H3K27 trimethylation of DLC1 by recruiting EZH2. Knockdown of DLC1 stimulated cell growth and glycolysis in EC and even mitigated the role of LINC00114 inhibition in EC. In vivo experiment further confirmed the anti-tumor effect of LINC00114 inhibition in EC.

Conclusion

The data indicate that LINC00114 promotes the development of EC by recruiting EZH2 to enhance H3K27me3 of DLC1.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13148-022-01258-y.

LncRNA NEAT1 Inhibits Neuronal Apoptosis and Induces Neuronal Viability of Depressed Rats Via microRNA-320-3p/CRHR1 Axis

Long noncoding RNA nuclear enriched abundant transcript 1 (NEAT1) has been reported to be involved in depression. This study aims to investigate the mechanism of NEAT1/microRNA (miR)-320-3p/Corticotropin-releasing hormone receptor 1 (CRHR1) axis in depressed rats. Rats with depression-like behaviors were prepared by exposing the rats to chronic unpredictable mild stress. Behavioral functions, pathological damage, neuronal apoptosis and monoamine neurotransmitter were examined in depressed rats . Primary hippocampal neurons were injured through simulation with corticosterone(CORT). Cell viability and apoptosis were measured in CORT-Induced hippocampal neurons. The binding relationship between NEAT1 and miR-320-3p and the targeting relationship between miR-320-3p and CRHR1 were detected. Elevated NEAT1, CRHR1 and reduced miR-320-3p exhibited in depressed rats and CORT-treated hippocampal neurons, NEAT1 bound to miR-320-3p to target CRHR1. Silencing NEAT1 or elevating miR-320-3p improved behavioral functions, attenuated pathological damage and apoptosis in the hippocampus, and increased monoamine neurotransmitter in depressed rats. Repression of NEAT1 or promotion of miR-320-3p enhanced viability and suppressed apoptosis of CORT-treated hippocampal neurons. The study highlights that NEAT1 competitively binds to miR-320-3p to up-regulate CRHR1 expression, thereby promoting hippocampal damage of depressed rats.

METTL14 promotes apoptosis of spinal cord neurons by inducing EEF1A2 m6A methylation in spinal cord injury

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating traumatic condition. METTL14-mediated m6A modification is associated with SCI. This study was intended to investigate the functional mechanism of RNA methyltransferase METTL14 in spinal cord neuron apoptosis during SCI. The SCI rat model was established, followed by evaluation of pathological conditions, apoptosis, and viability of spinal cord neurons. The neuronal function of primary cultured spinal motoneurons of rats was assessed after hypoxia/reoxygenation treatment. Expressions of EEF1A2, Akt/mTOR pathway-related proteins, inflammatory cytokines, and apoptosis-related proteins were detected. EEF1A2 was weakly expressed and Akt/mTOR pathway was inhibited in SCI rat models. Hypoxia/Reoxygenation decreased the viability of spinal cord neurons, promoted LDH release and neuronal apoptosis. EEF1A2 overexpression promoted the viability of spinal cord neurons, inhibited neuronal apoptosis, and decreased inflammatory cytokine levels. Silencing METTL14 inhibited m6A modification of EEF1A2 and increased EEF1A2 expression while METTL14 overexpression showed reverse results. EEF1A2 overexpression promoted viability and inhibited apoptosis of spinal cord neurons and inflammation by activating the Akt/mTOR pathway. In conclusion, silencing METTL14 repressed apoptosis of spinal cord neurons and attenuated SCI by inhibiting m6A modification of EEF1A2 and activating the Akt/mTOR pathway.

Silencing Long Non-coding RNA Kcnq1ot1 Limits Acute Kidney Injury by Promoting miR-204-5p and Blocking the Activation of NLRP3 Inflammasome

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a critical clinical disease characterized by an acute decrease in renal function. Long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs) are important in AKI. This study aimed to explore the mechanism of lncRNA Kcnq1ot1 in AKI by sponging microRNA (miR)-204-5p as a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA). AKI mouse model and hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) model of human kidney (HK) cells were established. Kcnq1ot1 expression, cell proliferation, and apoptosis were measured. Binding relations among Kcnq1ot1, miR-204-5p, and NLRP3 were verified. Pathological changes and cell apoptosis were detected. The results showed that Kcnq1ot1 was highly expressed in the AKI model in vivo and in vitro. Kcnq1ot1 knockdown promoted cell proliferation and prevented apoptosis and inflammation. Furthermore, Kcnq1ot1 inhibited miR-204-5p expression by competitively binding to miR-204-5p in HK-2 cells. miR-204-5p targeted NLRP3 and NLRP3 overexpression averted the inhibiting effect of miR-204-5p on apoptosis and inflammation in HK-2 cells in vitro. Kcnq1ot1 knockdown in vivo promoted miR-204-5p expression, inhibited NLRP3 inflammasome activation, reduced levels of SCr, BUN, and KIM-1, and thus alleviated AKI and reduced apoptosis. In summary, silencing lncRNA Kcnq1ot1 inhibited AKI by promoting miR-204-5p and inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation.

Dexmedetomidine inhibits mitochondria damage and apoptosis of enteric glial cells in experimental intestinal ischemia/reperfusion injury via SIRT3-dependent PINK1/HDAC3/p53 pathway

BACKGROUND

Intestinal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury commonly occurs during perioperative periods, resulting in high morbidity and mortality on a global scale. Dexmedetomidine (Dex) is a selective α2-agonist that is frequently applied during perioperative periods for its analgesia effect; however, its ability to provide protection against intestinal I/R injury and underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear.

METHODS

To fill this gap, the protection of Dex against I/R injury was examined in a rat model of intestinal I/R injury and in an inflammation cell model, which was induced by tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) plus interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) stimulation.

RESULTS

Our data demonstrated that Dex had protective effects against intestinal I/R injury in rats. Dex was also found to promote mitophagy and inhibit apoptosis of enteric glial cells (EGCs) in the inflammation cell model. PINK1 downregulated p53 expression by promoting the phosphorylation of HDAC3. Further studies revealed that Dex provided protection against experimentally induced intestinal I/R injury in rats, while enhancing mitophagy, and suppressing apoptosis of EGCs through SIRT3-mediated PINK1/HDAC3/p53 pathway in the inflammation cell model.

CONCLUSION

Hence, these findings provide evidence supporting the protective effect of Dex against intestinal I/R injury and its underlying mechanism involving the SIRT3/PINK1/HDAC3/p53 axis.

Binding and antiplatelet activity of quercetin, rutin, diosmetin, and diosmin flavonoids

Platelets exert an essential role in vascular inflammation and thrombosis. Flavonoids are natural compounds employed for the clinical management of vascular disorders preventing capillary permeability, working as phlebotonics and improving the blood rheology, although their mechanism of action remains partially unknown. The effects of quercetin, rutin, diosmetin and diosmin were investigated in platelet activation utilizing blood from healthy and non-treated volunteers. The arrangement of the different activation states of platelets and GPIIb/IIIa receptor occupation was computed by flow cytometry working with calcium ionophore as pro-aggregant to provoke platelet activation and aggregation. The flavonoids studied demonstrated relevant antiplatelet activity through the blocked of GPIIb/IIIa receptors, the suppression of the platelet activation, as well as the pro-aggregate effect of calcium ionophore. Therefore, whichever of the active ingredients examined could be beneficious in the prevention of cardiovascular disease and this article also contributes to elucidate a new mechanism of action for these drugs.

Silencing of long non-coding RNA FOXD2-AS1 inhibits the progression of gallbladder cancer by mediating methylation of MLH1

Evidence has documented the tumor-promoting properties of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) FOXD2 adjacent opposite strand RNA 1 (FOXD2-AS1) in many cancers. However, little is known about its role in gallbladder cancer. Here, we aimed to characterize the functional relevance of lncRNA FOXD2-AS1 in gallbladder cancer and the possible mechanisms associated with methylation of MutL homolog-1 (MLH1). Initially, microarray-based gene expression profiling of gallbladder cancer was employed to identify differentially expressed lncRNAs. Next, the expression of lncRNA FOXD2-AS1 was examined, and the cell line presenting with the highest lncRNA FOXD2-AS1 expression was selected for subsequent experimentation. Then, the interaction between lncRNA FOXD2-AS1 and MLH1 was identified. The effect of lncRNA FOXD2-AS1 on proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis as well as tumorigenicity of transfected GBC-SD cells was examined with gain- and loss-of-function experiments. We found that lncRNA FOXD2-AS1 was highly expressed, while MLH1 was poorly expressed in gallbladder cancer cells. Besides, lncRNA FOXD2-AS1 could promote MLH1 methylation by recruiting DNMT1 to the MLH1 promoter, and consequently inhibit MLH1 transcription. Silencing of lncRNA FOXD2-AS1 or overexpression of MLH1 inhibited gallbladder cancer cell proliferation, invasion, and migration, while facilitating cell apoptosis in vitro as well as retarding tumor growth in vivo. Thus, silencing of lncRNA FOXD2-AS1 suppressed the progression of gallbladder cancer via upregulation of MLH1 by inhibiting MLH1 promoter methylation. These findings present lncRNA FOXD2-AS1 knockdown as a potential candidate for the treatment of gallbladder cancer.

microRNA-363-3p reduces endothelial cell inflammatory responses in coronary heart disease via inactivation of the NOX4-dependent p38 MAPK axis

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is one of the leading causes of heart-associated deaths worldwide. This study aimed to investigate the mechanism by which microRNA-363-3p (miR-363-3p) regulates endothelial injury induced by inflammatory responses in CHD. The expression patterns of miR-363-3p, NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4), and p38 MAPK/p-p38 MAPK were examined in an established atherosclerosis (AS) model in C57BL/6 mice and in isolated coronary arterial endothelial cells (CAECs) after gain- or loss-of-function experiments. We also measured the levels of inflammatory factors (IL-6, ICAM-1, IL-10 and IL-1β), hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), and catalase (CAT) activity, followed by detection of cell viability and apoptosis. In AS, miR-363-3p was downregulated and NOX4 was upregulated, while miR-363-3p was identified as targeting NOX4 and negatively regulating its expression. The AS progression was reduced in NOX4 knockout mice. Furthermore, miR-363-3p resulted in a decreased inflammatory response, oxidative stress, and cell apoptosis in CAECs while augmenting their viability via blockade of the p38 MAPK signaling pathway. Overall, miR-363-3p hampers the NOX4-dependent p38 MAPK axis to attenuate apoptosis, oxidative stress injury, and the inflammatory reaction in CAECs, thus protecting CAECs against CHD. This finding suggests the miR-363-3p-dependent NOX4 p38 MAPK axis as a promising therapeutic target for CHD.

Flow cytometry: principles, applications and recent advances

Flow cytometry (FCM) is a sophisticated technique that works on the principle of light scattering and fluorescence emission by the specific fluorescent probe-labeled cells as they pass through a laser beam. It offers several unique advantages as it allows fast, relatively quantitative, multiparametric analysis of cell populations at the single cell level. In addition, it also enables physical sorting of the cells to separate the subpopulations based on different parameters. In this constantly evolving field, innovative technologies such as imaging FCM, mass cytometry and Raman FCM are being developed in order to address limitations of traditional FCM. This review explains the general principles, main applications and recent advances in the field of FCM.

Histone Deacetylase Sirtuin 2 Enhances Viability of Trophoblasts Through p65-Mediated MicroRNA-146a/ACKR2 Axis

Reduced activity of trophoblast cells is well-recognized to lead to preeclampsia (PE) progression. This study aims to evaluate the roles of histone deacetylase sirtuin 2 (SIRT2) in activity of trophoblast cells and the molecules involved. Differentially expressed genes in placental tissues between PE patients and healthy individuals were screened using microarray analyses. SIRT2 and atypical chemokine receptor 2 (ACKR2) were downregulated while miR-146a was upregulated in PE patients. SIRT2 was localized in placental syncytiotrophoblasts. Upregulation of SIRT2 enhanced viability, migration and invasion, while reduced apoptosis of HTR-8/SVneo cells. SIRT2 was found to trigger p65 deacetylation level and suppress miR-146a expression according to the luciferase and ChIP assays, whereas miR-146a was found to target ACKR2. Downregulation of p65 promoted migration and invasion of cells. Overexpression of miR-146a inhibited cell viability and blocked the function of SIRT2. ACKR2 was downregulated in tissues from PE women and its upregulation blocked the role of miR-146a. To conclude, SIRT2 promotes p65 deacetylation to suppress miR-146a expression and upregulates ACKR2 expression, therefore enhancing proliferation, migration, and invasion of HTR-8/SVneo cells. This study may offer novel thoughts into the management of PE.

Silenced lncRNA H19 and up-regulated microRNA-129 accelerates viability and restrains apoptosis of PC12 cells induced by Aβ25-35 in a cellular model of Alzheimer's disease

Accumulating data manifest that long non-coding RNA (lncRNAs) are involved in all kinds of neurodegenerative disorders, consisting of the onset and progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The study was for the research of the mechanism of lncRNA H19 (H19) in viability and apoptosis of PC12 cells induced by Aβ_25-35 in a cellular model of AD with the regulation of microRNA (miR)-129 and high mobility group box-1 protein (HMGB1). An AD cellular model of PC12 cells was established using Aβ_25-35. The Aβ_25-35-induced PC12 cells were transfected with si-H19 or miR-129 mimic to figure their roles in cell viability,apoptosis, mitochondrial membrane potential dysfunction and oxidative stress in AD. Luciferase reporter assay and RNA-pull down assay were employed for verification of the binding relationship between H19 and miR-129 and the targeting relationship between miR-129 and HMGB1. An AD mouse model was induced and brain tissues were collected. H19, miR-129 and HMGB1 were detected in Aβ_25-35-treated cells and brain tissues of AD mice. Elevated H19, HMGB1 and decreased miR-129 were found in Aβ_25-35-treated PC12 cells as well as in brain tissues of AD mice. Silenced H19 or elevated miR-129 promoted viability, inhibited apoptosis, prevented mitochondrial membrane potential dysfunction and decreased oxidative stress in Aβ_25-35-treated PC12 cells. H19 could specifically bind to miR-129. MiR-129 specifically suppressed HMGB1 expression. This study suggests that silenced H19 and up-regulated miR-129 accelerates viability and represses apoptosis of PC12 cells stimulated by Aβ_25-35 in AD, which is beneficial for AD treatment.

L-Arginine protects mouse Leydig cells against T-2 toxin-induced apoptosis in vitro

To explore the protective mechanism of L-arginine against T-2 toxin-induced apoptosis in mouse Leydig cells, we investigated whether L-arginine can prevent T-2 toxin-induced apoptosis in mouse Leydig cells and explored the underlying mechanisms. Leydig cells were isolated and cultured with control, T-2 toxin (10 nM), L-arginine (0.25, 0.5, and 1.0 mM), and T-2 toxin (10 nM T-2 toxin) + L-arginine (0.25, 0.5, or 1.0 mM) for 24 h. Cells and supernatants were harvested to examine proliferation of the cells, the apoptosis rate, activity of caspase-3 and mitochondria, and the gene expression levels of Bcl-2, Bax, PARP, and caspase-3. Results showed that proliferation and mitochondrial activity of Leydig cells were inhibited by administration of T-2 toxin. Bcl-2 gene expression levels was decreased, while the gene expression levels of Bax and PARP were increased, which could trigger mitochondria-mediated apoptosis, activate downstream caspase-3, and then increased caspase-3 at both activity and gene expression levels. The expression of the Bcl-2 gene was upregulated and the expression of Bax, caspase-3, and PARP gene were downregulated when L-arginine was added to the cultured cells. The results of this study showed that L-arginine could block T-2 toxin-induced apoptosis in mouse Leydig cells by regulating specific intracellular death-related pathways.

Synthesis and characterization of a PAMAM dendrimer nanocarrier functionalized by HA for targeted gene delivery systems and evaluation in vitro

Poly(amido-amine) (PAMAM), one of the most widely studied dendrimers in the field of drug and gene delivery, can enhance the stability of DNA and deliver it to cell cytosol; hyaluronic acid (HA), a simple disaccharide unit, can polymerize and is considered a polymer of non-immunogenicity, which has an intrinsic targeting property for many cancer cells by interacting with CD 44. In this study, we had synthesized and characterized a series of PAMAM modified by HA. and PAMAM was conjugated by HA with different grafting density (5%, 15%, 25%) and molecular weight (HA3850, HA17200). We had investigated the particle size, zeta potential and Agarose gel electrophoresis assays of polyplexes. Besides, the cytotoxicity, transfection efficiency and the mechanisms of transfection of new polyplexes were assessed following in vitro transfection in Hela, Bel-7402 and HepG2 cells lines. In the results, modified by HA, the cytotoxicity of polymer had reduced and the size of some polymers also below 200 nm in appropriate weight ratio, and transfection efficiency had also close to the polyplexes G4 PAMAM/DNA were observed. Compared with the unmodified dendrimers compounds, the DNA delivering capacity of PAMAM G4-HA3850-5% and PAMAM G5-HA3850-5% had improved in cancer cells line. It is a potential candidate used for targeted gene delivery.

Delayed effects of autophagy on T-2 toxin-induced apoptosis in mouse primary Leydig cells

T-2 toxin is a type-A trichothecene produced by Fusarium found in several food commodities worldwide. T-2 toxin causes reproductive disorders, genotoxicity, and testicular toxicity in animals. Our previous research has reported that T-2 toxin can induce apoptosis via the Bax-dependent caspase-3 activation in mouse primary Leydig cells. However, little is known about the functions of autophagy and the cross talk between autophagy and apoptosis after exposure to T-2 toxin in Leydig cells. This study investigated these problems in mouse primary Leydig cells. Results showed that T-2 toxin treatment upregulated LC3-II and Beclin-1 expression, suggesting that T-2 toxin induced a high level of autophagy. Pretreatment with chloroquine (an autophagy inhibitor) and rapamycin (an autophagy inducer) increased and decreased the rate of apoptosis, respectively, in contrast to T-2 toxin-treated group. Autophagy delayed apoptosis in the T-2 toxin-treated Leydig cells. Therefore, autophagy may prevent cells from undergoing apoptosis by reducing T-2 toxin-induced cytotoxicity.

Dietary Flavonoid Hyperoside Induces Apoptosis of Activated Human LX-2 Hepatic Stellate Cell by Suppressing Canonical NF-κB Signaling

Hyperoside, an active compound found in plants of the genera Hypericum and Crataegus, is reported to exhibit antioxidant, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory activities. Induction of hepatic stellate cell (HSC) apoptosis is recognized as a promising strategy for attenuation of hepatic fibrosis. In this study, we investigated whether hyperoside treatment can exert antifibrotic effects in human LX-2 hepatic stellate cells. We found that hyperoside induced apoptosis in LX-2 cells and decreased levels of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), type I collagen, and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). Remarkably, hyperoside also inhibited the DNA-binding activity of the transcription factor NF-κB and altered expression levels of NF-κB-regulated genes related to apoptosis, including proapoptotic genes Bcl-Xs, DR4, Fas, and FasL and anti-apoptotic genes A20, c-IAP1, Bcl-X_L, and RIP1. Our results suggest that hyperoside may have potential as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of liver fibrosis.