The safety evaluation of Shenze Shugan capsule and mechanism of apoptosis induced by five potentially nephrotoxic components

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Shenze Shugan capsule is a prescription of traditional Chinese medicine for nonalcoholic steatohepatitis treatment. It includes Rhei Radix et Rhizoma (RR), Cassiae Semen (CS) and Alismatis Rhizoma(AR), which widely contains rhein, emodin, aurantio-obtusin, alisol A and alisol B 23-monoacetate.

AIM OF THE STUDY

In this study, we aimed to explore the safety of the medicine, and further elucidate the mechanism of apoptosis induction in HK-2 cells by five components, including rhein, emodin, aurantio-obtusin, alisol A and alisol B 23-monoacetate.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We investigated the nephrotoxicity of Shenze Shugan capsule, including RR, CS, AR and mixed herbs given for two months in rats. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) in kidney tissues, urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine (CRE) in serum were detected, and renal pathology analysis was performed. In cell experiments, the apoptotic rate and cell cycle distribution of HK-2 cells were tested by flow cytometry. The levels of mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) and related protein expression in mitochondrial pathway were measured as well.

RESULTS

We confirmed that two months of administering high doses(60 times the dose for clinical use in adults) of RR, CS or mixed herbs upregulated the levels of CRE and RUN, inhibited SOD activity, and increased the degree of tubular degeneration and glomerular dilatation, but Shenze Shugan capsule has no significant differences in renal structure or renal function. In addition, we found that five components all concentration-dependently inhibited HK-2 cells proliferation and induced apoptosis, especially aurantio-obtusin as the novel nephrotoxic component. Rhein and emodin significantly induced S/M accumulation, but aurantio-obtusin, alisol A and alisol B 23-monoacetate significantly induced G1/M accumulation in HK-2 cells. Similarly, they could induce Caspase3 activation, loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), and down-regulation of Bcl-2 and up-regulation of Bax.

CONCLUSIONS

Through a two-month subchronic toxicity study in rats, our preliminary determination is that this formulation is safe and reliable for long-term use. Interestingly, the potentially toxic herbs such as RR, CS, AR can reduce toxicity by drug compatibility. When further exploring the mechanism of action of toxic herbs, we found that mitochondrial pathway is involved in the apoptosis of HK -2 cells induced by rhein, emodin, aurantio-obtusin, alisol A and alisol B 23-monoacetate. Our findings provide new ideas for safety studies of Shenze Shugan capsule.

Integrated Chemical Characterization, Network Pharmacology and Transcriptomics to Explore the Mechanism of Sesquiterpenoids Isolated from Gynura divaricata (L.) DC. against Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia

Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) is a serious threat to human health, while drugs for CML are limited. Herbal medicines with structural diversity, low toxicity and low drug resistance are always the most important source for drug discoveries. Gynura divaricata (L.) DC. is a well-known herbal medicine whose non-alkaline ingredients (GD-NAIs) were isolated. The GD-NAIs demonstrated potential anti-CML activity in our preliminary screening tests. However, the chemical components and underlying mechanism are still unknown. In this study, GD-NAIs were tentatively characterized using UHPLC-HRMS combined with molecular networking, which were composed of 75 sesquiterpenoids. Then, the anti-CML activities of GD-NAIs were evaluated and demonstrated significant suppression of proliferation and promotion of apoptosis in K562 cells. Furthermore, the mechanism of GD-NAIs against CML were elucidated using network pharmacology combined with RNA sequencing. Four sesquiterpenoids would be the main active ingredients of GD-NAIs against CML, which could regulate PD-L1 expression and the PD-1 checkpoint pathway in cancer, PI3K/AKT, JAK/STAT, TGF-β, estrogen, Notch and Wnt signaling pathways. In conclusion, our study reveals the composition of GD-NAIs, confirms its anti-CML activity and elucidates their underlying mechanism, which is a potential countermeasure for the treatment of CML.

Leucine rich alpha-2-glycoprotein 1 (Lrg1) silencing protects against sepsis-mediated brain injury by inhibiting transforming growth factor beta1 (TGFβ1)/SMAD signaling pathway

Sepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE) is key manifestation of sepsis which is responsible for increased morbidity and mortality. Leucine rich alpha-2-glycoprotein 1 (Lrg1) is a secreted protein implicated in a variety of diseases. We aimed to explore the effects and potential mechanism of Lrg1 on sepsis-mediated brain injury. A sepsis-induced brain damage mice model was established. Then, ELISA was utilized to detect the levels of inflammatory factors in brain tissues. Behavioral performance, spatial learning and memory of mice were evaluated by open field test and Morris water maze test. The number of neurons was tested by H&E staining. Lrg1 expression was evaluated by RT-qPCR and western blot. In vitro, mouse hippocampal neuronal cell line (HT22) was stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). After Lrg1 silencing, cell viability was determined using CCK-8 and cell apoptosis was assessed by TUNEL. The levels of inflammatory factors were detected by ELISA. Moreover, western blot was applied to analyze the expression of proteins in transforming growth factor beta1 (TGFβ1)/SMAD signaling. Results revealed that mice in the model group showed obvious behavioral changes. Lrg1 was highly expressed in the brain tissues of model mice. Besides, Lrg1 knockdown suppressed the inflammation and apoptosis of LPS-induced HT22 cells. Moreover, Lrg1 silencing caused the inactivation of TGFβ1/SMAD signaling. Rescue assays confirmed that TGFβ1 overexpression reversed the impacts of Lrg1 deletion on the inflammation and apoptosis in LPS-induced HT22 cells. Collectively, Lrg1 silencing alleviates brain injury in SAE via inhibiting TGFβ1/SMAD signaling, implying that Lrg1 might serve as a promising target for SAE treatment.

Chemistry and Biochemistry Aspects of the 4-Hydroxy-2,3-trans-nonenal

4-hydroxy-2,3-trans-nonenal (C₉H₁₆O₂), also known as 4-hydroxy-2E-nonenal (C₉H₁₆O₂; HNE) is an α,β-unsaturated hydroxyalkenal. HNE is a major aldehyde, formed in the peroxidation process of ω-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-6 PUFAs), such as linoleic and arachidonic acid. HNE is not only harmful but also beneficial. In the 1980s, the HNE was regarded as a “toxic product of lipid peroxidation” and the “second toxic messenger of free radicals”. However, already at the beginning of the 21st century, HNE was perceived as a reliable marker of oxidative stress, growth modulating factor and signaling molecule. Many literature data also indicate that an elevated level of HNE in blood plasma and cells of the animal and human body is observed in the course of many diseases, including cancer. On the other hand, it is currently proven that cancer cells divert to apoptosis if they are exposed to supraphysiological levels of HNE in the cancer microenvironment. In this review, we briefly summarize the current knowledge about the biological properties of HNE.

Exploring cell-specific miRNA regulation with single-cell miRNA-mRNA co-sequencing data

Background

Existing computational methods for studying miRNA regulation are mostly based on bulk miRNA and mRNA expression data. However, bulk data only allows the analysis of miRNA regulation regarding a group of cells, rather than the miRNA regulation unique to individual cells. Recent advance in single-cell miRNA-mRNA co-sequencing technology has opened a way for investigating miRNA regulation at single-cell level. However, as currently single-cell miRNA-mRNA co-sequencing data is just emerging and only available at small-scale, there is a strong need of novel methods to exploit existing single-cell data for the study of cell-specific miRNA regulation.

Results

In this work, we propose a new method, CSmiR (Cell-Specific miRNA regulation) to combine single-cell miRNA-mRNA co-sequencing data and putative miRNA-mRNA binding information to identify miRNA regulatory networks at the resolution of individual cells. We apply CSmiR to the miRNA-mRNA co-sequencing data in 19 K562 single-cells to identify cell-specific miRNA-mRNA regulatory networks for understanding miRNA regulation in each K562 single-cell. By analyzing the obtained cell-specific miRNA-mRNA regulatory networks, we observe that the miRNA regulation in each K562 single-cell is unique. Moreover, we conduct detailed analysis on the cell-specific miRNA regulation associated with the miR-17/92 family as a case study. The comparison results indicate that CSmiR is effective in predicting cell-specific miRNA targets. Finally, through exploring cell–cell similarity matrix characterized by cell-specific miRNA regulation, CSmiR provides a novel strategy for clustering single-cells and helps to understand cell–cell crosstalk.

Conclusions

To the best of our knowledge, CSmiR is the first method to explore miRNA regulation at a single-cell resolution level, and we believe that it can be a useful method to enhance the understanding of cell-specific miRNA regulation.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12859-021-04498-6.

Determining the function of LvSmad3 on Litopenaeus vannamei in response to acute low temperature stress

Smad3 is a key mediator of the canonical TGF-β signaling pathway and plays an important role in TGF-β1-mediated transcriptional regulation. However, the function of Smad3 in crustaceans such as shrimp, is still poorly understood and needs to be further explored. We characterized Litopenaeus vannamei Smad3 (LvSmad3) and its biological functions were investigated in response low temperature stress. Full-length LvSmad3 cDNA was 2341bp and contained an open reading frame (ORF) of 1326 bp that encoded a 441 amino acid long protein, with a predicted molecular mass of 48.35 kDa. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that LvSmad3 has a high degree of similarity with other known species. LvSmad3 mRNA was detected in all the tested tissues and highest transcription occurred mostly in gills. Further research showed that suppressing the expression of Smad3 could reduce ROS production, DNA damage and the apoptosis rate in shrimp hemocyte under low temperature compared with the dsGFP group. Thus, we speculated that Smad3 could promote the apoptosis of hemocytes. We confirmed that Smad3 could inhibit apoptosis in the hepatopancreas by suppressing the expression of pro-apoptotic genes. Taken together, the silencing of Smad3 can reduce ROS production induced by low temperature stress, weaken the damage to hemocytes and the hepatopancreas by inhibit the apoptosis.

Combination therapy using TGF-β1 and STI-571 can induce apoptosis in BCR-ABL oncogene-expressing cells

The BCR-ABL oncogene is a tyrosine kinase gene that is over-expressed in CML. It inhibits the TGF-β1 signaling pathway. Due to resistance of cells to the tyrosine kinase inhibitor, STI-571, the combined effect of STI-571 and TGF-β1 on K562 cells was studied in the present research. Results revealed that the TGF-β1 cell signaling pathway, which is activated in K562 cells treated with TGF-β1, activates collective cell signaling pathways involved in survival and apoptosis. It is noteworthy that treating K562 cells with STI-571 triggered apoptotic pathways, accompanied by a reduction in proteins such as Bcl-xL, Bcl-2, p-AKT, p-Stat5, p-FOXO3, and Mcl-1 and an increase in the pro-apoptotic proteins PARP cleavage, and p27, leading to an increase in sub-G1 phase-arrested and Annexin-positive cells. Interestingly, the proliferation behavior of TGF-β1-induced cells was changed with the combination therapy, and STI-571-induced apoptosis was also prompted by this combination. Thus, combination treatment appears to promote sub-G1 cell cycle arrest compared to individually treated cells. Furthermore, it strongly triggered apoptotic signaling. In conclusion, TGF-β1 did not negatively impact the effect of STI-571, based on positive annexin cells, and AKT protein phosphorylation remains effective in apoptosis.

Emerging insights into the immunological aspects of keloids

A special kind of scar, keloid, sometimes grows huge, disturbing patients in different ways. We discussed the pathogenesis of keloids and found researches about fibroblasts and collagen disorders, with little emphasis on immunity. Coupled with few effective treatments in keloid at present, we have focused on the immunological mechanisms of keloids with an aim to unravel some new therapeutic approaches in the future. In this review, the immunological processes are separately illustrated by the classification of different immune cells. In addition, we also discuss possible reasons for the repeated recurrence of keloids, the phenomenon of cell talks, and inflammation-related signal pathways involved in the pathogenesis of keloids.

Genetic Screening for Potential New Targets in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Based on Drosophila Transgenic for Human BCR-ABL1

Chronic myeloid leukemia is a myeloproliferative neoplasm characterized by the presence of the Philadelphia chromosome that originates from the reciprocal translocation t(9;22)(q34;q11.2) and encodes for the constitutively active tyrosine kinase protein BCR-ABL1 from the Breakpoint Cluster Region (BCR) sequence and the Abelson (ABL1) gene. Despite BCR-ABL1 being one of the most studied oncogenic proteins, some molecular mechanisms remain enigmatic, and several of the proteins, acting either as positive or negative BCR-ABL1 regulators, are still unknown. The Drosophila melanogaster represents a powerful tool for genetic investigations and a promising model to study the BCR-ABL1 signaling pathway. To identify new components involved in BCR-ABL1 transforming activity, we conducted an extensive genetic screening using different Drosophila mutant strains carrying specific small deletions within the chromosomes 2 and 3 and the gmrGal4,UAS-BCR-ABL1 4M/TM3 transgenic Drosophila as the background. From the screening, we identified several putative candidate genes that may be involved either in sustaining chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) or in its progression. We also identified, for the first time, a tight connection between the BCR-ABL1 protein and Rab family members, and this correlation was also validated in CML patients. In conclusion, our data identified many genes that, by interacting with BCR-ABL1, regulate several important biological pathways and could promote disease onset and progression.

CENPE, PRC1, TTK, and PLK4 May Play Crucial Roles in the Osteosarcoma Progression

Osteosarcoma (OS) is a cancerous tumor in a bone. We aimed to identify the critical genes involved in OS progression, and then try to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of this disease. The microarray data of GSE32395 was used for the present study. We analyzed differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in OS cells compared with control group by Student’s t-test. The significant enriched gene ontology (GO) and kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) pathways were analyzed for upregulated genes and downregulated genes, respectively. In addition, a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses were conducted for genes in the PPI network. In total, 183 DEGs, including 100 upregulated DEGs and 83 downregulated DEGs were screened. The upregulated DEGs were significantly enriched in 2 KEGG pathways, such as “Glycosaminoglycan biosynthesis-chondroitin sulfate” and the downregulated DEGs were significantly enriched in 12 pathways, including “cell adhesion molecules,” “pentose phosphate pathway” and “allograft rejection.” GO enrichment analysis indicated that the upregulated DEGs were significantly involved in biological process, such as “multicellular organismal metabolic process” and “limb morphogenesis,” while the downregulated DEGs were significantly enriched in biological process, such as “Positive regulation of pathway-restricted SMAD protein phosphorylation.” The PPI network included 84 interactions and 51 nodes. The “glycosaminoglycan biosynthesis-chondroitin sulfate pathway,” “microtubule motor activityfunction,” and “regulation of mitosis process” were significantly enriched by genes in PPI network. In particular, CENPE, PRC1, TTK, and PLK4 had higher degrees in the PPI network. The interactions between TTK and PLK4 as well as CENPE and PRC1 may involve in the OS development. These 4 genes might be possible biomarkers for the treatment and diagnosis of OS.

Studies of surface grafted collagen and transforming growth factor β1 combined with cyclic stretching as a dual chemical and physical stimuli approach for rat adipose-derived stem cells (rADSCs) chondrogenesis differentiation

The adipose-derived stem cell has been used in various regenerative medicine research due to its multiple differentiation capabilities. Developing a stable and quick approach for the differentiation of stem cells is a critical issue in tissue regenerative field. In this investigation, rat adipose-derived stem cells (rADSCs) were seeded onto the type I collagen/transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) immobilized polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) substrate and then combined with short term dynamic stretching stimulation (intermittent or continuous stretching for 6 h) to induce the rADSCs chondrogenesis differentiation using the induction medium without growth factors added in vitro. Via regulating the extracellular chemical- and mechano-receptors of the cultured rADSCs, the chondrogenic differentiation was examined. After 72 h of static culture, proteoglycan secretion was noted on the surfaces modified by collagen with or without TGF-β1. After different stretching stimulations, significant proteoglycan secretion was noted on the surface modified by both collagen and collagen/TGF-β1, especially after the intermittent stretching culturing. Nonetheless, genetic expression of the chondrogenic markers: SOX-9, Col2a1, and aggrecan, instead, were dependent upon the surface grafted layer and the stretching mode utilized. These findings suggested that the surface chemical characteristics and external mechanical stimulation could synergistically affect the efficacy of chondrogenic differentiation of rADSCs.

Novel tumor-suppressor FOXN3 is downregulated in adult acute myeloid leukemia

Forkhead box protein N3 (FOXN3) is a transcriptional repressor involved in cell cycle regulation and tumorigenesis. Abnormalities in gene structure and epigenetics of FOXN3 are closely associated with the occurrence of hematological malignancies; however, its involvement in the pathogenesis of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) remains unknown. The present study aimed to examine the potential significance of FOXN3 in AML. FOXN3 expression levels were examined in patients with AML and AML cell lines, and its clinical significance in AML was evaluated. FOXN3-overexpressing AML cell lines were established, and the biological function of FOXN3 was detected by flow cytometry and a Cell Counting Kit-8 assay. A significant decrease in FOXN3 expression levels was observed in patients with AML and in the AML cell lines in vitro. FOXN3 expression levels were associated with the number of leukocytes in patients. FOXN3 overexpression may inhibit cell proliferation in AML cell lines, induce cell cycle S-phase arrest and promote apoptosis in OCI-AML3 and THP-AML cells. The present study provided insight into how FOXN3 may serve as a novel tumor suppressor in AML.

Yangfei Kongliu Formula, a compound Chinese herbal medicine, combined with cisplatin, inhibits growth of lung cancer cells through transforming growth factor-β1 signaling pathway

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the tumor inhibition effect of Yangfei Kongliu Formula (YKF), a compound Chinese herbal medicine, combined with cisplatin (DDP) and its action mechanisms.

METHODS

C57BL/6 mice with Lewis lung carcinoma were divided into six groups: control group (C), DDP group (2 mg/kg, DDP), low-dose YKF group (2.43 g/kg, L), high-dose YKF group (24.3 g/kg, H), low-dose YKF combined with DDP group (L + DDP) and high-dose YKF combined with DDP group (H + DDP). Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 3 (Smad3) and Smad7 levels were measured with quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to analyze the expressions of interleukin-2 (IL-2) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α).

RESULTS

YKF combined with DDP significantly inhibited the growth and metastasis of tumors relative to the control group, and YKF groups (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference between high-dose YKF group and low-dose YKF group (P > 0.05). We also found that the expression levels of TGF-β1 and Smad3 were both significantly decreased by YKF relative to the control group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, after treatment with YKF combined with DDP, the expression levels of TGF-β1 and Smad3 were decreased but the expression level of Smad7 was increased relative to the DDP group (P < 0.05). Compared to the DDP group, the combination of YKF and DDP enhanced the effect of tumor inhibition (P < 0.05), showing obvious synergy between YKF and DDP. Treatment with DDP or YKF decreased serum levels of IL-2 and TNF-α relative to the control group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the expression levels of IL-2 and TNF-α were significantly decreased when treated with YKF in combination with DDP. Co-treatment with YKF and DDP significantly inhibited tumor growth, decreased the expressions of TGF-β1, Smad3, IL-2 and TNF-α and increased the expression of Smad7; these differences were significant relative to both YKF groups and the control group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

YKF can inhibit tumor growth synergistically with DDP, mainly through the TGF-β1 signaling pathway.

Smad2 increases the apoptosis of activated human hepatic stellate cells induced by TRAIL

The activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) plays a critical role in the development of liver fibrosis. The induction of apoptosis in activated HSCs during the recovery phase of hepatic fibrosis represents a potential anti-fibrotic therapy. We have previously shown that Smad2 protects against hepatic fibrogenesis; however, the role of Smad2 in the regulation of activated HSC apoptosis remains unknown. We hypothesized that Smad2 regulates the apoptosis of activated HSCs, leading to the resolution of liver fibrosis. To test this hypothesis, the livers of rats were harvested at 0 and 4 weeks after hepatic fibrosis was established by CCl4 injection. Furthermore, TGF-β1-activated HSCs were treated with tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) following the silencing or overexpression of Smad2. Both the phosphorylation of Smad2 and TRAIL were detected in fibrotic liver tissues. The results of TUNEL and α-SMA double-staining showed an increase in the apoptosis of activated HSCs during the spontaneous recovery phase. The knockdown of Smad2 reduced TRAIL-induced apoptosis in TGF-β1-activated human LX-2 cells and resulted in an increased expression of α-SMA and collagen I (Col. I). In contrast, the overexpression of Smad2 increased TRAIL-induced HSC apoptosis and reduced the expression of α-SMA and Col. I. The mechanisms underlying these findings were associated with the Smad2-mediated down-regulation of X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP), resulting in enhanced caspase-3 activity and apoptosis. In conclusion, Smad2 enhances TRAIL-induced apoptosis in activated HSCs, which facilitates the resolution of hepatic fibrosis.

Atlas of Cancer Signalling Network: a systems biology resource for integrative analysis of cancer data with Google Maps

Cancerogenesis is driven by mutations leading to aberrant functioning of a complex network of molecular interactions and simultaneously affecting multiple cellular functions. Therefore, the successful application of bioinformatics and systems biology methods for analysis of high-throughput data in cancer research heavily depends on availability of global and detailed reconstructions of signalling networks amenable for computational analysis. We present here the Atlas of Cancer Signalling Network (ACSN), an interactive and comprehensive map of molecular mechanisms implicated in cancer. The resource includes tools for map navigation, visualization and analysis of molecular data in the context of signalling network maps. Constructing and updating ACSN involves careful manual curation of molecular biology literature and participation of experts in the corresponding fields. The cancer-oriented content of ACSN is completely original and covers major mechanisms involved in cancer progression, including DNA repair, cell survival, apoptosis, cell cycle, EMT and cell motility. Cell signalling mechanisms are depicted in detail, together creating a seamless ‘geographic-like' map of molecular interactions frequently deregulated in cancer. The map is browsable using NaviCell web interface using the Google Maps engine and semantic zooming principle. The associated web-blog provides a forum for commenting and curating the ACSN content. ACSN allows uploading heterogeneous omics data from users on top of the maps for visualization and performing functional analyses. We suggest several scenarios for ACSN application in cancer research, particularly for visualizing high-throughput data, starting from small interfering RNA-based screening results or mutation frequencies to innovative ways of exploring transcriptomes and phosphoproteomes. Integration and analysis of these data in the context of ACSN may help interpret their biological significance and formulate mechanistic hypotheses. ACSN may also support patient stratification, prediction of treatment response and resistance to cancer drugs, as well as design of novel treatment strategies.

The global effect of heat on gene expression in cultured bovine mammary epithelial cells

Heat stress (HS) in hot climates is a major cause that strongly negatively affects milk yield in dairy cattle, leading to immeasurable economic loss. The heat stress response of bovine mammary epithelial cells (BMECs) is one component of the acute systemic response to HS. Gene networks of BMECs respond to environmental heat loads with both intra- and extracellular signals that coordinate cellular and whole-animal metabolism. Our experimental objective was to characterize the direct effects of heat stress on the cultured bovine mammary epithelial cells by microarray analyses. The data identified 2716 differentially expressed genes in 43,000 transcripts which were changed significantly between heat-stressed and normal bovine mammary epithelial cells (fold change ≥2, P ≤ 0.001). Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis showed that these differentially expressed genes are involved in different pathways that regulate cytoskeleton, cell cycle, and stress response processes. Our study provides an overview of gene expression profile and the interaction between gene expression and heat stress, which will lead to further understanding of the potential effects of heat stress on bovine mammary glands.

Smad2 protects against TGF-β1/Smad3-mediated collagen synthesis in human hepatic stellate cells during hepatic fibrosis

With structural similarity but functional diversity, Smad2 and Smad3 interact with each other to mediate transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)-triggered signaling transduction. However, in the hepatic fibrosis, the detailed roles of R-Smads, and interaction between Smad2 and Smad3 are still undefined. In this setting, we established a rat model of CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis in vivo and TGF-β1-treated hepatic stellate cell model in vitro to detect whether Smad2 and Smad3 play distinct roles in mediating liver fibrogenesis. Results indicated that both phosphorylation of Smad2 and Smad3 were detected in the hepatic stellate cells of liver fibrotic tissues and cells. Furthermore, In vitro data demonstrated that knockdown of Smad2 in human hepatic stellate cells increased expression of collagen I (Col.I), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) whereas decreasing expression of the matrix metalloproteinases-2(MMP-2) in presence of TGF-β1 compared with control group. In contrast, knockdown of Smad3 significantly reduced TGF-β1-induced Col.I production. These findings were further evident by the results that overexpression of Smad2 attenuated the expression of Col.I and TIMP-1, but enhanced MMP-2 whereas overexpression of Smad3 showed the opposite effect. Furthermore, Smad2 suppressed the phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of Smad3, which may protect against Smad3-mediated fibrotic response. Collectively, Smad2 may be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of hepatic fibrosis.

Assay of OAZ1 mRNA levels in chronic myeloid leukemia combined with application of leukemia PCR array identified relevant gene changes affected by antizyme

Ornithine decarboxylase antizyme (OAZ) has recently emerged as a potential therapeutic target in various malignant tumors because it plays vital roles in cellular functions including proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis and genomic stability. Therefore, there is a significant interest in discovering its function in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Firstly, OAZ1 mRNA was measured by qRT-PCR in 43 cases with CML and 23 controls, and we demonstrated that it is significantly down-regulated in CML patients. To further understand its functions in CML pathogenesis, OAZ1 was overexpressed, and the human leukemia PCR array analysis was used to monitor the expression of key genes commonly involved in leukemia development, classification and therapeutic response. We found several favorable up-regulation factors including CXCL10, DAPK1 and IKZF3. In conclusion, OAZ1 may be a useful therapeutic target in CML due to its potential ability to induce erythroid differentiation and cell apoptosis. These functions were proven to be associated with several gene changes that were directly or indirectly caused by OAZ1. The mechanism of how OAZ1 affects other genes remains to be elucidated.

Analysis of molecular mechanisms and anti-tumoural effects of zoledronic acid in breast cancer cells

Zoledronic acid (ZOL) is the most potent nitrogen-containing bisphosphonate (N-BPs) that strongly binds to bone mineral and acts as a powerful inhibitor of bone resorption, already clinically available for the treatment of patients with osteolytic metastases. Recent data also suggest that ZOL, used in breast cancer, may provide more than just supportive care modifying the course of the disease, though the possible molecular mechanism of action is still unclear.As breast cancer is one of the primary tumours with high propensity to metastasize to the bone, we investigated, for the first time, differential gene expression profile on Michigan Cancer Foundation-7 (MCF-7) breast cancer cells treated with low doses of ZOL (10 μM). Microarrays analysis was used to identify, describe and summarize evidence regarding the molecular basis of actions of ZOL and of their possible direct anti-tumour effects. We validated gene expression results of specific transcripts involved in major cellular process by Real Time and Western Blot analysis and we observed inhibition of proliferation and migration through 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) and Matrigel assay. We then focused on changes in the cytoskeletal components as fibronectin 1 (FN1), actin, and anti angiogenic compounds as transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and thrombospondin 1 (THBS1). The up-regulation of these products may have an important role in inhibiting proliferation, invasion and angiogenesis mediated by ZOL.

Molecular signatures of basal cell carcinoma susceptibility and pathogenesis: a genomic approach

Gene expression profiling can be useful for phenotypic classification, investigation of functional pathways, and to facilitate the search for disease risk genes through the integration of transcriptional data with available genomic information. To enhance our understanding of the genetic and molecular basis of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) we performed global gene expression analysis to generate a disease-associated transcriptional profile. A gene signature composed of 331 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) was generated from comparing 4 lesional and 4 site-matched control samples using Affymetrix Human Genome U95A microarrays. Hierarchical clustering based on the obtained gene signature separated the samples into their corresponding phenotype. Pathway analysis identified several significantly overrepresented pathways including PPAR-γ signaling, TGF-β signaling and lipid metabolism, as well as confirmed the importance of SHH and p53 in the pathogenesis of BCC. Comparison of our microarray data with previous microarray studies revealed 13 DEGs overlapping in 3 studies. Several of these overlapping genes function in lipid metabolism or are components of the extracellular matrix, suggesting the importance of these and related pathways in BCC pathogenesis. BCC-associated DEGs were mapped to previously reported BCC susceptibility loci including 1p36, 1q42, 5p13.3, 5p15 and 12q11-13. Our analysis also revealed transcriptional 'hot spots' on chromosome 5 which help to confirm (5p13 and 5p15) and suggest novel (5q11.2-14.3, 5q22.1-23.3 and 5q31-35.3) disease susceptibility loci/regions. Integrating microarray analyses with reported genetic information helps to confirm and suggest novel disease susceptibility loci/regions. Identification of these specific genomic and/or transcriptional targets may lead to novel diagnostic and therapeutic modalities.