Reduced migration of Ishikawa cells associated with downregulation of aquaporin-5

Reticulated Retinoic Acid Synthesis is Implicated in the Pathogenesis of Dry Eye in Aqp5 Deficiency Mice

Purpose

Abnormalities in aquaporins are implicated in the pathological progression of dry eye syndrome. Retinoic acid (RA) regulates cellular proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis in the cornea, thereby being associated with dry eye disease (DED). The objective of this study is to explore the underlying mechanisms responsible for RA metabolic abnormalities in corneas lacking aquaporin 5 (AQP5).

Methods

Dry eye (DE) models were induced via subcutaneous scopolamine hydrobromide. Aqp5 knockout (Aqp5-/-) mice and DE mice were utilized to assess corneal epithelial alterations. Tear secretion, goblet cell counts, and corneal punctate defects were evaluated. The impact of Aqp5 on RA-related enzymes and receptors was investigated using pharmacological RA or SR (A JunB inhibitor), a transcription factor JunB inhibitor, treatment in mouse corneal epithelial cells (CECs), or human corneal epithelial cells (HCECs). The HCECs and NaCl-treated HCECs underwent quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), immunofluorescent, Western blot, and TUNEL assays. The regulation of transcription factor JunB on Aldh1a1 was explored via ChIP-PCR.

Results

Aqp5 and Aldh1a1 were reduced in both CECs of DE mice and NaCl-induced HCECs. Aqp5-/- mice exhibited DE phenotype and reduced Aldh1a1. RA treatment reduced apoptosis, promoted proliferation, and improved the DE phenotype in Aqp5-/- mice. JunB enrichment in the Aldh1a1 promoter was identified by ChIP-PCR. SR significantly increased Aldh1a1 expression, Ki67, and ΔNp63-positive cells, and decreased TUNEL-positive cells in CECs and HCECs.

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrated the downregulation of Aqp5 expression and aberrant RA metabolism in DE conditions. Knockout of Aqp5 resulted in reduced production of RA through activation of JunB, subsequently leading to the manifestation of DE symptoms.

The role of Aquaporins in tumorigenesis: implications for therapeutic development

Aquaporins (AQPs) are ubiquitous channel proteins that play a critical role in the homeostasis of the cellular environment by allowing the transit of water, chemicals, and ions. They can be found in many different types of cells and organs, including the lungs, eyes, brain, glands, and blood vessels. By controlling the osmotic water flux in processes like cell growth, energy metabolism, migration, adhesion, and proliferation, AQPs are capable of exerting their regulatory influence over a wide range of cellular processes. Tumour cells of varying sources express AQPs significantly, especially in malignant tumours with a high propensity for metastasis. New insights into the roles of AQPs in cell migration and proliferation reinforce the notion that AQPs are crucial players in tumour biology. AQPs have recently been shown to be a powerful tool in the fight against pathogenic antibodies and metastatic cell migration, despite the fact that the molecular processes of aquaporins in pathology are not entirely established. In this review, we shall discuss the several ways in which AQPs are expressed in the body, the unique roles they play in tumorigenesis, and the novel therapeutic approaches that could be adopted to treat carcinoma.

Reducing the Invasiveness of Low- and High-Grade Endometrial Cancers in Both Primary Human Cancer Biopsies and Cell Lines by the Inhibition of Aquaporin-1 Channels

Aquaporin (AQP) channels in endometrial cancer (EC) cells are of interest as pharmacological targets to reduce tumor progression. A panel of compounds, including AQP1 ion channel inhibitors (AqB011 and 5-(phenoxymethyl) furan-2-carbaldehyde, PMFC), were used to test the hypothesis that inhibition of key AQPs can limit the invasiveness of low- and high-grade EC cells. We evaluated the effects on transwell migration in EC cell lines (Ishikawa, MFE-280) and primary EC cells established from surgical tissues (n = 8). Quantitative PCR uncovered classes of AQPs not previously reported in EC that are differentially regulated by hormonal signaling. With estradiol, Ishikawa showed increased AQPs 5, 11, 12, and decreased AQPs 0 and 4; MFE-280 showed increased AQPs 0, 1, 3, 4, 8, and decreased AQP11. Protein expression was confirmed by Western blot and immunocytochemistry. AQPs 1, 4, and 11 were colocalized with plasma membrane marker; AQP8 was intracellular in Ishikawa and not detectable in MFE-280. AQP1 ion channel inhibitors (AqB011; PMFC) reduced invasiveness of EC cell lines in transwell chamber and spheroid dispersal assays. In Ishikawa cells, transwell invasiveness was reduced ~41% by 80 µM AqB011 and ~55% by 0.5 mM 5-PMFC. In MFE-280, 5-PMFC inhibited invasion by ~77%. In contrast, proposed inhibitors of AQP water pores (acetazolamide, ginsenoside, KeenMind, TGN-020, IMD-0354) were not effective. Treatments of cultured primary EC cells with AqB011 or PMFC significantly reduced the invasiveness of both low- and high-grade primary EC cells in transwell chambers. We confirmed the tumors expressed moderate to high levels of AQP1 detected by immunohistochemistry, whereas expression levels of AQP4, AQP8, and AQP11 were substantially lower. The anti-invasive potency of AqB011 treatment for EC tumor tissues showed a positive linear correlation with AQP1 expression levels. In summary, AQP1 ion channels are important for motility in both low- and high-grade EC subtypes. Inhibition of AQP1 is a promising strategy to inhibit EC invasiveness and improve patient outcomes.

Ion Channels in Endometrial Cancer

Simple Summary

Uterine or endometrial cancer is one of the most common types of cancer among the female population. Different alterations of molecules are related to many types of cancer. Some molecules called ion channels have been described as involved in the development of cancer, including endometrial cancer. We review the scientific evidence about the involvement of the ion channels in endometrial cancer and how some treatments can be developed with these molecules as a target. Even though they are involved in the progression of endometrial cancer, since they are present throughout the whole body, some possible treatments based on these could be studied.

Abstract

Uterine or endometrial cancer (EC) is the sixth most common neoplasia among women worldwide. Cancer can originate from a myriad of causes, and increasing evidence suggests that ion channels (IC) play an important role in the process of carcinogenesis, taking part in many pathways such as self-sufficiency in growth signals, proliferation, evasion of programmed cell death (apoptosis), angiogenesis, cell differentiation, migration, adhesion, and metastasis. Hormones and growth factors are well-known to be involved in the development and/or progression of many cancers and can also regulate some ion channels and pumps. Since the endometrium is responsive and regulated by these factors, the ICs could make an important contribution to the development and progression of endometrial cancer. In this review, we explore what is beyond (ion) flow regulation by investigating the role of the main families of ICs in EC, including as possible targets for EC treatment.

Deciphering the structure, function, expression and regulation of aquaporin-5 in cancer evolution

In recent years, the morbidity rate resulting from numerous types of malignant tumor has increased annually, and the treatment of tumors has been attracting an increasing amount of attention. A number of recent studies have revealed that the water channel protein aquaporin-5 (AQP5) has become a major player in multiple types of cancer. AQP5 is abnormally expressed in a variety of tumor tissues or cells and has multiple effects on certain biological functions of tumors, such as regulating the proliferation, apoptosis and migration of tumor cells. It has been suggested that AQP5 may play an important role in the process of tumor development, opening up a new field of tumor research. The present review highlighted the structure of AQP5 and its role in tumor progression. Furthermore, the expression of AQP5 in different malignant neoplasms was summarized. In addition, the influence of not only drugs, but also different compounds on AQP5 were summarized. In conclusion, according to the findings in the present review, AQP5 has potential as a novel therapeutic target in human cancer, and other AQPs should be similarly investigated.

Targeting Aquaporins in Novel Therapies for Male and Female Breast and Reproductive Cancers

Aquaporins are membrane channels in the broad family of major intrinsic proteins (MIPs), with 13 classes showing tissue-specific distributions in humans. As key physiological modulators of water and solute homeostasis, mutations, and dysfunctions involving aquaporins have been associated with pathologies in all major organs. Increases in aquaporin expression are associated with greater severity of many cancers, particularly in augmenting motility and invasiveness for example in colon cancers and glioblastoma. However, potential roles of altered aquaporin (AQP) function in reproductive cancers have been understudied to date. Published work reviewed here shows distinct classes aquaporin have differential roles in mediating cancer metastasis, angiogenesis, and resistance to apoptosis. Known mechanisms of action of AQPs in other tissues are proving relevant to understanding reproductive cancers. Emerging patterns show AQPs 1, 3, and 5 in particular are highly expressed in breast, endometrial, and ovarian cancers, consistent with their gene regulation by estrogen response elements, and AQPs 3 and 9 in particular are linked with prostate cancer. Continuing work is defining avenues for pharmacological targeting of aquaporins as potential therapies to reduce female and male reproductive cancer cell growth and invasiveness.

Brassica Bioactives Could Ameliorate the Chronic Inflammatory Condition of Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a chronic, inflammatory, hormone-dependent disease characterized by histological lesions produced by the presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterine cavity. Despite the fact that an estimated 176 million women are affected worldwide by this gynecological disorder, risk factors that cause endometriosis have not been properly defined and current treatments are not efficient. Although the interaction between diet and human health has been the focus of many studies, little information about the correlation of foods and their bioactive derivates with endometriosis is available. In this framework, Brassica crops have emerged as potential candidates for ameliorating the chronic inflammatory condition of endometriosis, due to their abundant content of health-promoting compounds such as glucosinolates and their hydrolysis products, isothiocyanates. Several inflammation-related signaling pathways have been included among the known targets of isothiocyanates, but those involving aquaporin water channels have an important role in endometriosis. Therefore, the aim of this review is to highlight the promising effects of the phytochemicals present in Brassica spp. as major candidates for inclusion in a dietary approach aiming to improve the inflammatory condition of women affected with endometriosis. This review points out the potential roles of glucosinolates and isothiocyanates from Brassicas as anti-inflammatory compounds, which might contribute to a reduction in endometriosis symptoms. In view of these promising results, further investigation of the effect of glucosinolates on chronic inflammatory diseases, either as diet coadjuvants or as therapeutic molecules, should be performed. In addition, we highlight the involvement of aquaporins in the maintenance of immune homeostasis. In brief, glucosinolates and the modulation of cellular water by aquaporins could shed light on new approaches to improve the quality of life for women with endometriosis.

The Relevance of Aquaporins for the Physiology, Pathology, and Aging of the Female Reproductive System in Mammals

Aquaporins constitute a group of water channel proteins located in numerous cell types. These are pore-forming transmembrane proteins, which mediate the specific passage of water molecules through membranes. It is well-known that water homeostasis plays a crucial role in different reproductive processes, e.g., oocyte transport, hormonal secretion, completion of successful fertilization, blastocyst formation, pregnancy, and birth. Further, aquaporins are involved in the process of spermatogenesis, and they have been reported to be involved during the storage of spermatozoa. It is noteworthy that aquaporins are relevant for the physiological function of specific parts in the female reproductive system, which will be presented in detail in the first section of this review. Moreover, they are relevant in different pathologies in the female reproductive system. The contribution of aquaporins in selected reproductive disorders and aging will be summarized in the second section of this review, followed by a section dedicated to aquaporin-related proteins. Since the relevance of aquaporins for the male reproductive system has been reviewed several times in the recent past, this review aims to provide an update on the distribution and impact of aquaporins only in the female reproductive system. Therefore, this paper seeks to determine the physiological and patho-physiological relevance of aquaporins on female reproduction, and female reproductive aging.

TRPV4 channels are essential for alveolar epithelial barrier function as protection from lung edema

Ischemia/reperfusion-induced edema (IRE), one of the most significant causes of mortality after lung transplantation, can be mimicked ex vivo in isolated perfused mouse lungs (IPL). Transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4) is a nonselective cation channel studied in endothelium; however, its role in the lung epithelium remains elusive. Here, we show enhanced IRE in TRPV4-deficient (TRPV4^–/–) IPL compared with that of WT controls, indicating a protective role of TRPV4 in maintenance of the alveolar epithelial barrier. By immunohistochemistry, mRNA profiling, and electrophysiological characterization, we detected TRPV4 in bronchial epithelium, alveolar epithelial type I (ATI), and alveolar epithelial type II (ATII) cells. Genetic ablation of TRPV4 resulted in reduced expression of the water-conducting aquaporin-5 (AQP-5) channel in ATI cells. Migration of TRPV4^–/– ATI cells was reduced, and cell barrier function was impaired. Analysis of isolated primary TRPV4^–/– ATII cells revealed a reduced expression of surfactant protein C, and the TRPV4 activator GSK1016790A induced increases in current densities only in WT ATII cells. Moreover, TRPV4^–/– lungs of adult mice developed significantly larger mean chord lengths and altered lung function compared with WT lungs. Therefore, our data illustrate essential functions of TRPV4 channels in alveolar epithelial cells and in protection from edema formation.

TRPV4, a non-selective cation channel, is essential for alveolar epithelial function and protects from ischemia-reperfusion-induced lung edema.

Differential expression and inhibitory effects of aquaporins on the development of adenomyosis

Aquaporin 2 (AQP2), AQP5 and AQP8 participate in adenomyosis (AM). Ηowever, the roles of these three molecules in AM have not been fully elucidated. In the present study, Institute of Cancer Research female mice were used to establish a model of AM. Subsequently, the endometrial tissues of the mice were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining, and AM severity, uterus diameter, uterus index, ovary index and numbers of nodules on the uterine surface were evaluated and counted. In addition, eutopic and ectopic endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) were isolated from eutopic and ectopic endometrial samples derived from patients with AM and were then identified by immunofluorescence. The viability, and migratory and invasive ability of ESCs transfected with small interfering RNA targeting AQP5 (siAQP5) were determined by Cell Counting Κit-8, scratch wound-healing and Transwell assays, respectively. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction was performed to determine the mRNA expression levels of AQP5, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related genes (E-and N-cadherin), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and −9. Protein expression levels of AQP2, AQP5, AQP8, E-, N-cadherin, MMP-2 and −9 were detected by western blotting. AM severity and uterus index were higher, and there were a greater number of nodules on the uterine surface in the AM group compared with the sham group. AQP2, AQP5 and AQP8 proteins were highly expressed in eutopic and ectopic endometrium of the AM group, and AQP5 was more highly expressed than AQP2 or AQP8. In addition, the data showed that Vimentin was positively expressed in ESCs, and that siAQP5 suppressed the mRNA expression levels of AQP5, cell viability, migration, invasion, EMT and MMP-2 and −9 expression in ESCs. In conclusion, AQP2, AQP5 and AQP8 were highly expressed in eutopic and ectopic endometrium. Notably, AQP5 silencing may suppress AM by inhibiting viability, migration, invasion, EMT, and MMP-2 and −9 expression in ESCs.

Potential roles of aquaporin 9 in the pathogenesis of endometriosis

Aquaporins (AQPs) are involved in cell migration, proliferation and carcinogenesis in tumor development and physiologic inflammatory processes, but their associations with endometriosis have not been fully evaluated. In this study, tissue samples were obtained from women undergoing laparoscopic surgery for endometriosis and other benign conditions. Analysis of expressions of AQP subtypes in eutopic and ectopic endometrium of patients with endometriosis (Eu-EMS and Ect-EMS, respectively) and eutopic endometrium of control patients without endometriosis (Eu-CTL) were performed using the NanoString nCounter System and western blotting. Human endometrial stromal cells (HESCs) were cultured and transfected with the siRNA of the AQP of interest. Among the AQP1–9 subtypes, endometrial expression of AQP2 and AQP8 was significantly increased, whereas AQP9 expression was significantly decreased in the Eu-EMS group compared to the Eu-CTL group. Comparison of expression of AQP2, AQP8 and AQP9 among Eu-EMS, Ect-EMS and Eu-CTL groups revealed significant differences for only AQP9. Expression of AQP9 in the Eu-EMS group was decreased compared with that in Eu-CTL. After transfection of AQP9 siRNA in HESCs, expressions of MMP2 and MMP9 were significantly elevated. Increased expression of phosphorylated ERK 1/2 and phosphorylated p38 MAPK proteins after transfection was also confirmed using western blot analysis. Increased migration and invasion potentials of HESCs after transfection were determined by migration and wound healing assays. These findings suggest that AQP9 may be involved in the pathogenesis of endometriosis and warrant further investigation as a potential therapeutic target for treating endometriosis.

Aquaporin 5 promotes corneal wound healing

Aquaporins (AQPs), ordinarily regarded as water channels, have recently been shown to participate in other cellular functions such as cell-to-cell adhesion, cell migration, cell proliferation etc. The current investigation was undertaken to find out whether AQP5 water channel plays a role in corneal epithelial wound healing. Expression of AQP5 in mouse cornea and transfected Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells was detected using immunofluorescence or EGFP tag. Cell migration and proliferation, the two major events in wound healing, were studied in vitro using cell culture scratch-wound healing model and cell proliferation assay, in vivo by conducting wound healing experiments on corneas of wild-type and AQP5 knockout mouse model and ex vivo on corneal epithelial cells isolated from wild type and AQP5 knockout mice. MDCK cells stably expressing AQP5 showed significantly higher levels of cell migration and proliferation compared to control cells. Likewise, corneal epithelial cells of wild type mouse with innate AQP5 exhibited faster wound healing than those of AQP5 knockout in vivo and under ex vivo culture conditions. In vitro, in vivo and ex vivo studies showed that presence of AQP5 improved cell migration, proliferation and wound healing. The data collected suggest that AQP5 plays a significant role in corneal epithelial wound healing.

Mechanistic effect of human umbilical cord blood derived mesenchymal stem cells on the submandibular salivary gland in ovariectomized rats

We performed this study to understand the effect of human umbilical cord blood derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUCB-MSCs) on the submandibular gland after bilateral ovariectomy. For this, 21 adult female rats were distributed equally among 3 groups: the sham-operated group (SHAM); the ovariectomized group (OVX); and the OVX group that received repeated intravenous injections of the hUCB-MSCs (OVX + hUCB-MSCs). We used reverse transcription – PCR to analyze for the gene expression of AQPs 3, 4, 5, and BMP-6. The cellular localization and expression of human CD105, human CD34, proliferating nuclear antigen (PCNA), single-stranded DNA (ss-DNA), caspase 3, AQP1, and α smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) were determined immunohistochemically. In the OVX group, a significant decrease in the gene expression of AQP3, AQP4, and BMP6, as well as the acinar area % was detected, while area % of granular convoluted tubules (GCTs) showed a significant increase. A significant decrease in area % staining positively for AQP1 and α-SMA was noted. An obvious improvement in the structure of the submandibular gland was demonstrated in the group injected with hUCB-MSCs, as well as a significant increase in the gene expression of AQP3, AQP4, and BMP6. The acinar and GCT area %, as well as the different measured markers, were relatively normal. This demonstrates that E2-deficiency induces structural changes to the submandibular gland. Moreover, a definite amelioration of the structure and function of the submandibular gland was detected after the administration of hUCB-MSCs.

Differential expression of aquaporin-3 and aquaporin-5 in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Aquaporin-5 (AQP5) and -3 (AQP3) are protein channels that showed to be up-regulated in a variety of tumors. Our goal was to investigate the expression pattern of AQP5 and AQP3 in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (PDA) and correlate with cell proliferation, tumor stage and progression, and clinical significance.

METHODS

35 PDA samples in different stages of differentiation and locations were analyzed by immunohistochemistry for expression of AQP5, AQP3 and several markers of cell proliferation and tumorigenesis.

RESULTS

In PDA samples AQP5 was overexpressed in the apical membrane of intercalated and intralobular ductal cells while AQP3 was expressed at the plasma membrane of ductal cells. AQP5 was also found in infiltrative cancer cells in duodenum. Simultaneous overexpression of EGFR, Ki-67, and CK7, with decreased E-cad and increased Vim that characterize epithelial mesenchymal transition, tumor formation and invasion, strongly suggest AQP3 and AQP5 involvement in cell proliferation and transformation. AQP3 overexpression is reinforced in late and more aggressive PDA stages whereas AQP5 is related with tumor differentiation, suggesting it may represent a novel marker for PDA aggressiveness and intestinal infiltration.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest AQP3 and AQP5 involvement in PDA development and the usefulness of AQP5 in early PDA diagnosis.

Aquaporin-5: from structure to function and dysfunction in cancer

Aquaporins, a highly conserved group of membrane proteins, are involved in the bidirectional transfer of water and small solutes across cell membranes taking part in many biological functions all over the human body. In view of the wide range of cancer malignancies in which aquaporin-5 (AQP5) has been detected, an increasing interest in its implication in carcinogenesis has emerged. Recent publications suggest that this isoform may enhance cancer cell proliferation, migration and survival in a variety of malignancies, with strong evidences pointing to AQP5 as a promising drug target and as a novel biomarker for cancer aggressiveness with high translational potential for therapeutics and diagnostics. This review addresses the structural and functional features of AQP5, detailing its tissue distribution and functions in human body, its expression pattern in a variety of tumors, and highlighting the underlying mechanisms involved in carcinogenesis. Finally, the actual progress of AQP5 research, implications in cancer biology and potential for cancer detection and prognosis are discussed.

Aquaporin 5 Plays a Role in Estrogen-Induced Ectopic Implantation of Endometrial Stromal Cells in Endometriosis

Aquaporin 5 (AQP5) participates in the migration of endometrial cells. Elucidation of the molecular mechanisms associated with AQP5-mediated, migration of endometrial cells may contribute to a better understanding of endometriosis. Our objectives included identifying the estrogen-response element (ERE) in the promoter region of the AQP5 gene, and, investigating the effects of AQP5 on ectopic implantation of endometrial cells. Luciferase reporter assays and electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) identified the ERE-like motif in the promoter region of the AQP5 gene. After blocking and up-regulating estradiol (E₂) levels, we analysed the expression of AQP5 in endometrial stromal (ES) cells. After blocking E₂ /or phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase(PI3K), we analysed the role of AQP5 in signaling pathways. We constructed an AQP5, shRNA, lentiviral vector to knock out the AQP5 gene in ES cells. After knock-out of the AQP5 gene, we studied the role of AQP5 in cell invasion, proliferation, and the formation of ectopic endometrial implants in female mice. We identified an estrogen-response element in the promoter region of the AQP5 gene. Estradiol (E₂) increased AQP5 expression in a dose-dependent fashion, that was blocked by ICI182,780(an estrogen receptor inhibitor). E₂ activated PI3K /protein kinase B(AKT) pathway (PI3K/AKT), that, in turn, increased AQP5 expression. LY294002(PI3K inhibitor) attenuated estrogen-enhanced, AQP5 expression. Knock-out of the AQP5 gene with AQP5 shRNA lentiviral vector significantly inhibited E₂-enhanced invasion, proliferation of ES cells and formation of ectopic implants. Estrogen induces AQP5 expression by activating ERE in the promoter region of the AQP5gene, activates the PI3K/AKT pathway, and, promotes endometrial cell invasion and proliferation. These results provide new insights into some of the mechanisms that may underpin the development of deposits of ectopic endometrium.

G protein-coupled estrogen receptor 1 (GPER 1) mediates estrogen-induced, proliferation of leiomyoma cells

G protein-coupled estrogen receptor 1 (GPER-1, formerly known as GPR30) has been proposed as the receptor for estrogen-induced, growth of leiomyomas though its precise mechanisms of action are not clear. We obtained leiomyoma cells (LC) and normal smooth muscle cells from 28 women (n = 28, median age 38 years, median parity 1.0). We incubated them with 17-β estradiol (E(2)), after blocking, or upregulating, expression of GPER-1 with ICI182,780 (a GPER-1 agonist) and siGPR30, respectively. We evaluated the role of GPER-1 in the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway using Western blot analysis. We studied cell proliferation with 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide, and, mitotic activity with phosphohistone H3 (PPH3) expression in leiomyoma, and, matched, normal, smooth muscle tissues using standard immunohistochemistry. Downregulation of GPER-1 expression with siGPR30 partially attenuated the E(2)-activated MAPK signaling pathway (p < 0.01). Upregulation of GPER-1 with ICI182,780 enhanced the E(2)-activated MAPK signaling pathway (p < 0.01). ICI182,780 enhanced E(2)-induced proliferation of LC (p < 0.01), while knock down of the GPER-1 gene with GPER-1 small interfering RNA partially inhibited E(2)-induced cell proliferation (p < 0.01). There were no significant differences in PPH3 expression between LCs and normal smooth muscle tissues (p > 0.05). Neither ICI182,780 nor siGPR30 increased mitosis in LCs (p > 0.05). Our results indicate that GPER-1 mediates proliferation of estrogen-induced, LC by activating the MAPK pathway, and, not by promoting mitosis.

Down-regulated aquaporin 5 inhibits proliferation and migration of human epithelial ovarian cancer 3AO cells

Background

Recent studies suggested that aquaporins 5 (AQP5) was associated with many kinds of cancers and regulated many processes of various kinds of cancer cells. Our previous studies also demonstrated that AQP5 was highly expressed in epithelial ovarian cancer and contributed to the progress of ovarian cancer.

Methods

Lentivirus for knocking-down the expression of AQP5 was prepared and verified by qPCR and Western blotting. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK8) assay and transwell assay were performed to investigate the role of AQP5 on proliferation and migration of 3AO cells. The effects of down-regulating AQP5 on tumorigenesis were tested by tumor xenografts experiments.

Results

An effective lentivirus silencing AQP5 expression was obtained and used in this study. Down-regulating AQP5 inhibited proliferation and migration of cultured human epithelial ovarian cancer 3AO Cell. Furthermore, interfering of AQP5 during tumorigenesis could efficiently decrease the tumor growth in athymic mice.

Conclusions

These findings altogether suggest that AQP5 regulated multi processes in ovarian carcinogenesis and may be an attractive therapeutic target.

Retrograde ductal administration of the adenovirus-mediated NDRG2 gene leads to improved sialaden hypofunction in estrogen-deficient rats

One of the most common oral manifestations of menopause is xerostomia. Oral dryness can profoundly affect quality of life and interfere with basic daily functions, such as chewing, deglutition, and speaking. Although the feeling of oral dryness can be ameliorated after estrogen supplementation, the side effects of estrogen greatly restrict its application. We previously found that N-myc downstream-regulated gene 2 (NDRG2) is involved in estrogen-mediated ion and fluid transport in a cell-based model. In the present study, we used an ovariectomized rat model to mimic xerostomia in menopausal women and constructed two adenovirus vectors bearing NDRG2 to validate their therapeutic potential. Ovariectomized rats exhibited severe sialaden hypofunction, including decreased saliva secretion and ion reabsorption as well as increased water intake. Immunohistochemistry revealed that the expression of NDRG2 and Na(+) reabsorption-related Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase and epithelial sodium channels (EnaC) decreased in ovariectomized rat salivary glands. We further showed that the localized delivery of NDRG2 improved the dysfunction of Na(+) and Cl(-) reabsorption. In addition, the saliva flow rate and water drinking recovered to normal. This study elucidates the mechanism of estrogen deficiency-mediated xerostomia or sialaden hypofunction and provides a promising strategy for therapeutic intervention.