Disruption of murine Tcte3-3 induces tissue specific apoptosis via co-expression of Anxa5 and Pebp1

Comparative Analysis of Testicular Histology and lncRNA-mRNA Expression Patterns Between Landes Geese (Anser anser) and Sichuan White Geese (Anser cygnoides)

Landes geese and Sichuan White geese are two important genetic materials for commercial goose breeding. However, the differences in the male reproductive capacity between these two breeds and the potential molecular mechanisms and associated key genes have not been reported to date. The present study compared the testicular histology and mRNA-long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) expression patterns to reveal the differences in male reproductive performance between Sichuan White geese and Landes geese, as well as to explore the underlying molecular mechanisms. Histological results showed that the testicular organ index, semen volume, and long diameter of seminiferous tubules of Landes geese were significantly larger than those of Sichuan White geese. Analyses of mRNA-lncRNA expression profile showed that compared with Sichuan White geese, a total of 462 differentially expressed mRNAs (DEGs) (173 up-regulated and 289 down-regulated) and 329 differentially expressed lncRNAs (DE lncRNAs) (280 up-regulated, 49 down-regulated) were identified in Landes geese. Among these DEGs, there were 10 spermatogenesis-related and highly expressed (FPKM > 10) DEGs. Except for SEPP1, all of these DEGs were significantly up-regulated in the testes of Landes geese. Functional enrichment analysis indicated that the pathway related to metabolism progress and phosphoinositol signal is vitally responsible for differences in male reproductive performance between Landes geese and Sichuan White geese. These results show that compared with Sichuan White geese, the spermatogenesis in the testis of Landes geese was more active, which may be mainly related to the inositol phosphate signal. These data contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying different male reproductive performances between Landes geese and Sichuan White geese. This knowledge might eventually provide a theoretical basis for improving male reproductive performance in geese.

Study of Linc00574 Regulatory Effect on the TCTE3 Expression in Sperm Motility

We investigated the relationship of t-complex-associated-testis-expressed 3 (TCTE3) and linc00574 expression levels with sperm motility and morphology in patients with asthenozoospermia (AZ) and terato-asthenozoospermia (TAZ). The study population consisted of 31 AZ patients, 31 TAZ patients, and 32 normozoospermia (NZ) as controls. Quantitative real-time PCR was conducted to evaluate the expression levels of TCTE3 and linc00574. Bioinformatics investigations were performed using databases to find molecular pathway. TCTE3 expression was reduced significantly in AZ and TAZ patients (P < 0.05). Linc00574 expression level increased only in the AZ patients (P < 0.05). The subsequent analyses showed a significantly positive correlation between TCTE3 and linc00574 expression levels (P < 0.05). In addition, a significantly positive relationship was observed between TCTE3 expression level and sperm motility and morphology (P < 0.05). The present study suggests that TCTE3 expression is regulated by linc00574 through a negative self-regulating mechanism and therefore may affect the flagella structure and function.

Screening of cardioprotective diseases bioactive components from Danshen extracts and LC-MS analysis

A rapid and efficient analysis and screening method is adopted for cell affinity capture coupled with HPLC-MS (CAC-HPLC-MS) analysis of bioactive components that have possible efficiency against cardiovascular diseases. This method involves affinity capture, concentration, and separation of bioactive components from Danshen library using oxidatively damaged endothelial cells induced by H₂ O₂ , as well as analysis and identification of targeted compounds with HPLC and MS. It combines the specific interaction between cell membrane receptors and bioactive components with the powerful analysis and identification function of HPLC-MS. The CAC-HPLC-MS method was also used for analysis and screening of bioactive components from crude extracts of Danshen. A total of 19 components were found to be bound to oxidatively damaged endothelial cells with seven of these identified. Existing literature confirms that these seven components have many activities related to cardioprotective diseases. Therefore, the combination of biological affinity capture with HPLC-MS should be regarded as an attractive method with great potential for rapid and efficient screening of bioactive components related to anti-cardiovascular diseases from natural product libraries.

PEBP4 promoted the growth and migration of cancer cells in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most common malignancies in the world. Numerous studies have linked the activation of AKT to the progression of PDAC. Phosphatidylethanolamine-binding protein 4 (PEBP4) has been reported to be upregulated in various cancer types. However, its expression pattern and biological functions in PDAC are unknown. In this study, it was found that the messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein level of PEBP4 was elevated in PDAC samples. Forced expression of PEBP4 in PDAC cell lines promoted cell growth and migration, while downregulation of PEBP4 in PDAC cells by RNA interference (RNAi) inhibited the growth, migration, and metastasis of the cancer cells. PEBP4 interacted with AKT and promoted the phosphorylation of serine 473 in AKT. Collectively, this study suggested that PEBP4 might promote the progression of PDAC through activating AKT signaling and PEBP4 might be a promising therapeutic target for PDAC treatment.