G0S2--a new player in leukemia

Biophysical characterization and a roadmap towards the NMR solution structure of G0S2, a key enzyme in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

In the United States non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common form of chronic liver disease, affecting an estimated 80 to 100 million people. It occurs in every age group, but predominantly in people with risk factors such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. NAFLD is marked by fat accumulation in the liver leading to liver inflammation, which may lead to scarring and irreversible damage progressing to cirrhosis and liver failure. In animal models, genetic ablation of the protein G0S2 leads to alleviation of liver damage and insulin resistance in high fat diets. The research presented in this paper aims to aid in rational based drug design for the treatment of NAFLD by providing a pathway for a solution state NMR structure of G0S2. Here we describe the expression of G0S2 in an E. coli system from two different constructs, both of which are confirmed to be functionally active based on the ability to inhibit the activity of Adipose Triglyceride Lipase. In one of the constructs, preliminary NMR spectroscopy measurements show dominant alpha-helical characteristics as well as resonance assignments on the N-terminus of G0S2, allowing for further NMR work with this protein. Additionally, the characterization of G0S2 oligomers are outlined for both constructs, suggesting that G0S2 may defensively exist in a multimeric state to protect and potentially stabilize the small 104 amino acid protein within the cell. This information presented on the structure of G0S2 will further guide future development in the therapy for NAFLD.

The implication of lncRNA expression pattern and potential function of lncRNA RP4-576H24.2 in acute myeloid leukemia

BACKGROUND

Recent studies have revealed that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) may hold crucial triggers of the pathogenesis of hematological malignancies, while the studies evaluating the expression pattern of lncRNA in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) are few. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the implication of lncRNA expression pattern in AML development and progression.

METHODS

Bone marrow samples from four AML patients and four controls were subjected to lncRNA sequencing. Then, bone marrow samples from 110 AML patients and 40 controls were proposed to real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) validation for 10 candidate lncRNAs. Clinical data and survival profiles were recorded in AML patients. Furthermore, lncRNA RP4-576H24.2 expression in AML cell lines and its effect on AML cell proliferation and apoptosis were detected.

RESULTS

LncRNA expression pattern by sequencing clearly distinguished AML patients from controls, and 630 upregulated and 621 downregulated lncRNAs were identified in AML patients compared to controls, which were mainly enriched in AML oncogene-related biological process and pathways (such as neutrophil degranulation, leukocyte transendothelial migration, and hematopoietic cell lineage). RT-qPCR validation observed that six lncRNAs correlated with AML risk, one lncRNA associated with risk stratification, and three lncRNAs correlated with survivals, among which lncRNA RP4-576H24.2 was the only one correlated with AML susceptibility, risk stratification, and survivals. Further in vitro experiments showed that lncRNA RP4-576H24.2 was upregulated in AML cell lines compared to normal bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMMCs), and promoted proliferation while inhibited apoptosis in HL-60 and KG-1 cells.

CONCLUSIONS

LncRNA expression pattern is closely involved in the development and progression of AML, and several specific lncRNAs exhibit potential to be biomarkers for AML risk and prognosis. Besides, lncRNA RP4-576H24.2 might be a potential oncogene in AML pathogenesis.

The role of Sprouty1 in the proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis of epidermal keratinocytes

OBJECTIVES

Sprouty (SPRY) 1 is one of the SPRY proteins that inhibits signalling from various growth factors pathways and has also been known as a tumour suppressor in various malignancies. However, no study elucidates the role of SPRY1 in the skin. Our study was conducted to determine the function of SPRY1 in human keratinocytes and the epidermis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In vitro primary cultured epidermal keratinocytes were used to investigate the proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis of these cells. We also established overexpression of SPRY1 in vitro and K14-SPRY1 transgenic mice.

RESULTS

SPRY1 was mainly located in the cytoplasm of the epidermal keratinocytes from the granular epidermal layer of the skin and cultured cells. Overexpressed SPRY1 in keratinocytes resulted in up-regulation of P21, P27 and down-regulation of cyclin B1; decrease in MMP3 and integrin α6. SPRY1-overexpressed primary keratinocytes exhibited a lower proliferation and migration capability and higher rates of apoptosis. Epidermis of SPRY1-TG mice represented delayed wound healing. Proteomics analysis and GO enrichment showed DEPs of SPRY1 TG mice epidermis is significantly enriched in immune- and inflammatory-associated biological process.

CONCLUSIONS

In summary, SPRY1 expression was inversely correlated with cell proliferation, migration and promote cell apoptosis of keratinocytes. SPRY1 maybe a negative feedback regulator in normal human epidermal keratinocytes and cutaneous inflammatory responses. Our study raised the possibility that enhancing expression of SPRY1 may have the potential to promote anti-inflammatory effects.