cAMP-Response Element-Binding 3-Like Protein 1 (CREB3L1) is Required for Decidualization and its Expression is Decreased in Women with Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a major cause of infertility and pelvic pain, affecting more than 10% of reproductive-aged women. Progesterone resistance has been observed in the endometrium of women with this disease, as evidenced by alterations in progesterone-responsive gene and protein expression. cAMPResponse Element-Binding 3-like protein 1 (Creb3l1) has previously been identified as a progesterone receptor (PR) target gene in mouse uterus via high density DNA microarray analysis. However, CREB3L1 function has not been studied in the context of endometriosis and uterine biology. In this study, we validated progesterone (P4) regulation of Creb3l1 in the uteri of wild-type and progesterone receptor knockout (PRKO) mice. Furthermore, we observed that CREB3L1 expression was significantly higher in secretory phase human endometrium compared to proliferative phase and that CREB3L1 expression was significantly decreased in the endometrium of women with endometriosis. Lastly, by transfecting CREB3L1 siRNA into cultured human endometrial stromal cells (hESCs) prior to hormonal induction of in vitro decidualization, we showed that CREB3L1 is required for the decidualization process. Interestingly, phosphorylation of ERK1/2, critical factor for decidualization, was also significantly reduced in CREB3L1-silenced hESCs. It is known that hESCs from patients with endometriosis show impaired decidualization and that dysregulation of the P4-PR signaling axis is linked to a variety of endometrial diseases including infertility and endometriosis. Therefore, these results suggest that CREB3L1 is required for decidualization in mice and humans and may be linked to the pathogenesis of endometriosis in a P4-dependent manner.

Dependence Potential of the Synthetic Cannabinoids JWH-073, JWH-081, and JWH-210: In Vivo and In Vitro Approaches

Synthetic cannabinoids (CBs) such as the JWH series have caused social problems concerning their abuse liability. Because the JWH series produces euphoric and hallucinogenic effects, they have been distributed illegally under street names such as “Spice” and “Smoke”. Many countries including Korea have started to schedule some of the JWH series compounds as controlled substances, but there are a number of JWH series chemicals that remain uncontrolled by law. In this study, three synthetic CBs with different binding affinities to the CB₁ receptor (JWH-073, 081, and 210) and Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ⁹-THC) were evaluated for their potential for psychological dependence. The conditioned place preference test (unbiased method) and self-administration test (fixed ratio of 1) using rodents were conducted. K_i values of the three synthetic cannabinoids were calculated as supplementary data using a receptor binding assay and overexpressed CB₁ protein membranes to compare dependence potential with CB₁ receptor binding affinity. All mice administered JWH-073, 081, or 210 showed significantly increased time spent at unpreferred space in a dose-dependence manner in the conditioned place preference test. In contrast, all tested substances except Δ⁹-THC showed aversion phenomenon at high doses in the conditioned place preference test. The order of affinity to the CB₁ receptor in the receptor binding assay was JWH-210 > JWH-081 >> JWH-073, which was in agreement with the results from the conditioned place preference test. However, no change in self-administration was observed. These findings suggest the possibility to predict dependence potential of synthetic CBs through a receptor binding assay at the screening level.

In vitro-growth and Gene Expression of Porcine Preantral Follicles Retrieved by Different Protocols

This study was conducted to determine how the isolation method of the porcine preantral follicles influenced the following follicular growth in vitro. Mechanical and enzymatical isolations were used for retrieving the follicles from prepubertal porcine ovaries, and in vitro-growth of the follicles and the expression of folliculogenesis-related genes were subsequently monitored. The enzymatic retrieval with collagenase treatment returned more follicles than the mechanical retrieval, while the percentage of morphologically normal follicles was higher with mechanical retrieval than with enzymatic retrieval. After 4 days of culture, mechanically retrieved, preantral follicles yielded more follicles with normal morphology than enzymatically retrieved follicles, which resulted in improved follicular growth. The mRNA expression of FSHR, LHR Cx43, DNMT1 and FGFR2 genes was significantly higher after culture of the follicles retrieved mechanically. These results suggest that mechanical isolation is a better method of isolating porcine preantral follicles that will develop into competent oocytes in in vitro culture.

Dependence potential of quetiapine: behavioral pharmacology in rodents

Quetiapine is an atypical or second-generation antipsychotic agent and has been a subject of a series of case report and suggested to have the potential for misuse or abuse. However, it is not a controlled substance and is not generally considered addictive. In this study, we examined quetiapine’s dependence potential and abuse liability through animal behavioral tests using rodents to study the mechanism of quetiapine. Molecular biology techniques were also used to find out the action mechanisms of the drug. In the animal behavioral tests, quetiapine did not show any positive effect on the experimental animals in the climbing, jumping, and conditioned place preference tests. However, in the head twitch and self-administration tests, the experimental animals showed significant positive responses. In addition, the action mechanism of quetiapine was found being related to dopamine and serotonin release. These results demonstrate that quetiapine affects the neurological systems related to abuse liability and has the potential to lead psychological dependence, as well.

Differential gene expression profiles in the steatosis/fibrosis model of rat liver by chronic administration of carbon tetrachloride

Global gene expression profile was analyzed by microarray analysis of rat liver RNA after chronic carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4)) administration. Rats received 0.5 ml CCl(4)/kg three times a week, and the liver samples were obtained after 0, 30, 60, and 90 days of injection. Histopathologic studies of liver tissues enabled the classification of the CCl(4) effect into mild and severe fatty liver/steatosis (30 and 60 days, respectively) and fibrosis/cirrhosis (90 days) stages. The expression levels of 4,900 clones on a custom rat gene microarray were analyzed and the results were confirmed by semi-quantitative RT-PCR. Four hundred thirty-eight clones were differentially expressed with more than a 1.625-fold difference (which equals 0.7 in log2 scale) at one or more time points. Multiple genes involved in lipid metabolism and ribosome biogenesis showed differential transcript levels upon chronic CCl(4) administration, which was previously seen in acute rat model as well. In addition, a total of 149 clones were identified as fibrosis/cirrhosis-specific genes by either fold changes or Significance Analysis of Microarrays. In conclusion, we report microarray analysis results in rat liver upon chronic CCl(4) administration with a full chronological profile that not only covered fatty liver/steatosis but also later points of fibrosis/cirrhosis. These data will provide the insight of specific gene expression profiles that is implicated in the multistep process of fatty liver/steatosis and fibrosis/cirrhosis after chronic hepatotoxin exposure.

Temporal expression changes during differentiation of neural stem cells derived from mouse embryonic stem cell

Temporal analysis in gene expression during differentiation of neural stem cells (NSCs) was performed by using in-house microarrays composed of 10,368 genes. The changes in mRNA level were measured during differentiation day 1, 2, 3, 6, 12, and 15. Out of 10,368 genes analyzed, 259 genes were up-regulated or down-regulated by 2-fold or more at least at one time-point during differentiation, and were classified into six clusters based on their expression patterns by K-means clustering. Clusters characterized by gradual increase have large numbers of genes involved in transport and cell adhesion; those which showed gradual decrease have much of genes in nucleic acid metabolism, cell cycle, transcription factor, and RNA processing. In situ hybridization (ISH) validated microarray data and it also showed that Fox M1, cyclin D2, and CDK4 were highly expressed in CNS germinal zones and ectonucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase 2 (Enpp2) was highly expressed in choroid plexus where stem/progenitor cells are possibly located. Together, this clustering analysis of expression patterns of functionally classified genes may give insight into understanding of CNS development and mechanisms of NSCs proliferation and differentiation.

cDNA microarray analysis of differential gene expression in gastric cancer cells sensitive and resistant to 5-fluorouracil and cisplatin

PURPOSE

Gastric cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers worldwide. 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and cisplatin are the most commonly used drugs for the treatment of gastric cancer. However, a significant number of tumors often fail to respond to chemotherapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

To better understand the molecular mechanisms underlying drug resistance in gastric cancer the gene expression in gastric cancer cells, which were either sensitive or resistant to 5-FU and cisplatin, were examined using cDNA microarray analysis. To confirm the differential gene expression, as determined using the microarray, semiquantitative RT-PCR was performed on a subset of differentially expressed cDNAs.

RESULTS

69 and 45 genes, which were either up-regulated (9 and 22 genes) or down-regulated (60 and 25 genes), were identified in 5-FU- and cisplatin-resistant cells, respectively. Several genes, such as adaptor-related protein complex 1 and baculoviral IAP repeat-containing 3, were up-regulated in both drug-resistant cell types. Several genes, such as the ras homolog gene family, tropomyosin, tumor rejection antigen, protein disulfide isomerase-related protein, melanocortin 1 receptor, defensin, cyclophilin B, dual specificity phosphatase 8 and hepatocyte nuclear factor 3, were down-regulated in both drug-resistant cell types.

CONCLUSION

These findings show that cDNA microarray analysis can be used to obtain gene expression profiles that reflect the effect of anticancer drugs on gastric cancer cells. Such data may lead to the assigning of signature expression profiles of drug-resistant tumors, which may help predict responses to drugs and assist in the design of tailored therapeutic regimens to overcome drug resistance.

Comprehensive analysis of differential gene expression profiles on carbon tetrachloride-induced rat liver injury and regeneration

Microarray analysis of RNA from carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-administered rat livers was performed at various time points to establish a global gene expression profile during injury and regeneration stages. A single dose of 1 ml/kg of CCl4 was given by ip injection, and the liver samples were obtained after 6, 24, 48 h, and 2 weeks. Histopathologic, biochemical, and immunohistochemical studies enabled the classification of the CCl4 effect into injury (6 and 24 h) and regeneration (48 h and 2 weeks) stages. The expression levels of 5180 clones on a custom rat gene microarray were analyzed and 587 clones yielded changeable gene expression on at least single time point. One hundred seventy-nine clones were classified as injury-specific clones, while 38 clones as regeneration-specific clones. Characteristic gene expression profiles could be associated with CCl4-induced gene expression with the disruption of lipid metabolism, which is known to cause the fatty liver induced by CCl4 treatment. In addition, induction of the transcripts for many ribosomal proteins was detected during the injury stage, particularly at the 24-h time point, despite the previous report of decreased protein synthesis rate upon CCl4 treatment. Several genes with known functions were also identified as CCl4-regulated genes. In conclusion, we established a global gene expression profile utilizing microarray analysis in rat liver upon acute CCl4 administration with a full chronological profile that not only covers injury stage but also later points of regeneration stage.

Ascorbic acid responsive genes during neuronal differentiation of embryonic stem cells

Ascorbic acid has been reported to enhance differentiation of embryonic stem (ES) cells into neurons, however, the specific functions of ascorbic acid have not been defined yet. To address this issue, gene expression profiling was performed using cDNA microarray. Ascorbic acid increased the expressions of genes involved in neurogenesis, maturation, and neurotransmission. Furthermore, statistical analysis using Fisher's exact test revealed ascorbic acid significantly modulated the genes involved in cell adhesion and development category. These results provide information on the role for ascorbic acid during neuronal differentiation of ES cells and might contribute to large-scale generation of neurons for future clinical treatment.

Hepatic gene expression profiles in a long-term high-fat diet-induced obesity mouse model

To understand the molecular mechanisms underlying alterations in the pathophysiologic status of dietary obesity, we examined hepatic genes differentially expressed in a long-term high-fat intake-induced obesity mouse model. C57BL/6J male mice were fed with two kinds of diets for 12 weeks; a low-fat diet (LFD), a high-fat diet (HFD; n=8), and the expression levels of approximately 10,000 transcripts in liver tissues from the two groups were assessed using cDNA microarray analysis. Twelve-week feeding with the HFD resulted in significant increase in body weight, visceral fat accumulation and circulating cholesterol concentration, compared with the LFD group. The cDNA microarray analysis revealed marked differences in the expressions of 97 hepatic genes. These genes were categorized into seven groups:metabolism; defense, stress, and inflammation responses; signal transduction, apoptosis, and cell cycle; transcription regulation; protein synthesis and modification; transport; and cellular adhesion, cytoskeleton and trafficking. The expression of genes involved in fatty acid catabolism and ketone body synthesis, such as acyl-CoA oxidase1 (Acox1) and HMG-CoA lyase (Hmgcl), was significantly increased, and expression of genes involved in lipogenesis and cholesterol synthesis, such as acetyl-CoA synthetase2 (Acs2), fatty acid synthase (Fasn), and squalene epoxidase (Sqle), was drastically decreased in the HFD group. Interestingly, the genes implicated in defense and stress responses, such as glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) and heat shock proteins (Hsps), were also highly represented in the HFD group. Besides, a number of previously unappreciated regulatory molecules were changed by the HFD. These results revealed a transcriptional adaptation to long-term HFD and provided interesting information about the molecules involved in the development and maintenance of the obesity phenotype in vivo.

The differential gene expression profiles between sensitive and resistant breast cancer cells to adriamycin by cDNA microarray

PURPOSE

Adriamycin is one of the most commonly used drugs in the treatment of breast cancer. This study was performed to understand the molecular mechanisms of drug resistance in breast cancer cells.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We have analyzed the MCF-7 breast cell line and its adriamycin-resistant variants, MCF-7/ADR using human 10 K element cDNA microarrays.

RESULTS

We defined 68 genes that were up-regulated (14 genes) or down-regulated (54 genes) in adriamycin resistant breast cancer cells. Several genes, such as G protein-coupled receptor kinase 5, phospholipase A2, guanylate cyclase 1, vimentin, matrix metalloproteinase 1 are up-regulated in drug resistant cells. Several genes, such as interferon, alpha-inducible protein 27, forkhead box M1, mitogen-activated protein kinase 6, regulator of mitotic spindle assembly 1 and tumor necrosis factor superfamily are down-regulated in adriamycin resistant cells. The altered expression of genes observed in microarray was verified by RT-PCR.

CONCLUSION

These findings show that cDNA microarray analysis can be used to obtain gene expression profiles reflecting the effect of anticancer drugs on breast cancer cells. Such data may lead to the assigning of signature expression profiles of drug-resistant tumors which may help predict responses to drugs and assist in the design of tailored therapeutic regimens to overcome drug resistance.

Comprehensive transcriptome analysis of differentiation of embryonic stem cells into midbrain and hindbrain neurons

Neurogenesis is one of the most complex events in embryonic development. However, little information is available regarding the molecular events that occur during neurogenesis. To identify regulatory genes and underlying mechanisms involved in the differentiation of embryonic stem (ES) cells to neurons, gene expression profiling was performed using cDNA microarrays. In mouse ES cells, we compared the gene expression of each differentiated cell stage using a five-stage lineage selection method. Of 10,368 genes, 1633 (16%) known regulatory genes were differentially expressed at least 2-fold or greater at one or more stages. At stage 3, during which ES cells differentiate into neural stem cells, modulation of nearly 1000 genes was observed. Most of transcription factors (Otx2, Ebf-3, Ptx3, Sox4, 13, 18, engrailed, Irx2, Pax8, and Lim3), signaling molecules (Wnt, TGF, and Shh family members), and extracellular matrix/adhesion molecules (collagens, MAPs, and NCAM) were up-regulated. However, some genes which may play important roles in maintaining the pluripotency of ES cells (Kruppel-like factor 2, 4, 5, 9, myeloblast oncogene like2, ZFP 57, and Esg-1) were down-regulated. The many genes identified with this approach that are modulated during neurogenesis will facilitate studies of the mechanisms underlying ES cell differentiation, neural induction, and neurogenesis.

Dextromethorphan alters gene expression in rat brain hippocampus and cortex

Dextromethorphan is a widely used anti-tussive drug with non-competitive antagonistic effects on excitatory amino acid receptors of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) type. This study examined the effect of daily dextromethorphan administration on gene expression in rat brain hippocampus and cortex regions using Rat 5K cDNA microarrays. Triplicate microarray assays were performed at each time point (1, 3 and 10 days), and results were confirmed using semi-quantitative RT-PCR on a subset of differentially expressed cDNA. The microarray analysis proved able to detect changes in gene expression following dextromethorphan injection. Moreover, these changes were mostly mediated by an NMDA receptor. The hippocampus region showed more alterations in gene expression than cerebral cortex following dextromethorphan treatment. The expression of many glutamate-induced apoptosis-related genes, and NO-dependent apoptosis-associated genes, was down-regulated. Expression of anti-apoptotic genes, such as nucleophosmin/B23, Rab2, MAP kinase kinase and CREB binding protein, was up-regulated by dextromethorphan. Angiogenesis is likely to be inhibited in our system due to observed down-regulation of VEGF-associated genes. Expression of some SNARE genes was up-regulated in rat brain hippocampus and cortex regions after dextromethorphan injection.

Differential gene expression in retinoic acid-induced differentiation of acute promyelocytic leukemia cells, NB4 and HL-60 cells

Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) is characterized by a specific chromosome translocation t(15;17), which results in the fusion of the promyelocytic leukemia gene (PML) and retinoic acid receptor alpha gene (RARalpha). APL can be effectively treated with the cell differentiation inducer all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA). NB4 cells, an acute promyelocytic leukemia cell line, have the t(15;17) translocation and differentiate in response to ATRA, whereas HL-60 cells lack this chromosomal translocation, even after differentiation by ATRA. To identify changes in the gene expression patterns of promyelocytic leukemia cells during differentiation, we compared the gene expression profiles in NB4 and HL-60 cells with and without ATRA treatment using a cDNA microarray containing 10,000 human genes. NB4 and HL-60 cells were treated with ATRA (10(-6)M) and total RNA was extracted at various time points (3, 8, 12, 24, and 48h). Cell differentiation was evaluated for cell morphology changes and CD11b expression. PML/RARalpha degradation was studied by indirect immunofluoresence with polyclonal PML antibodies. Typical morphologic and immunophenotypic changes after ATRA treatment were observed both in NB4 and HL-60 cells. The cDNA microarray identified 119 genes that were up-regulated and 17 genes that were down-regulated in NB4 cells, while 35 genes were up-regulated and 36 genes were down-regulated in HL60 cells. Interestingly, we did not find any common gene expression profiles regulated by ATRA in NB4 and HL-60 cells, even though the granulocytic differentiation induced by ATRA was observed in both cell lines. These findings suggest that the molecular mechanisms and genes involved in ATRA-induced differentiation of APL cells may be different and cell type specific. Further studies will be needed to define the important molecular pathways involved in granulocytic differentiation by ATRA in APL cells.

Effect of N-glycosylation on ligand binding affinity of rat V1a vasopressin receptor

A rat Vla vasopressin (rVla) receptor has two putative N-glycosylation sites at 14th and 27th amino acid asparagine in the extracellular N-terminus. In the present study, we examined the possible roles of N-glycosylation of the N-terminus in the receptor function. Three point mutants for deglycosylated rVla receptor were generated in which the 14th and/or the 27th asparagine was replaced with glutamine, namely N14Q, N27Q, and N14:27Q, each tagged with an enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) at their C-termini, and transfected to COS-7 or HEK292 cells. The two single mutants and a double mutant have progressively smaller molecular mass compared to the wild-type receptor as determined by immunoblot analysis, indicating that the two sites are effectively glycosylated in vivo. The maximal ligand binding capacities of three mutant receptors were comparable to that of wild-type (17.02 +/- 1.32 pmol/g protein) with modest changes in ligand binding affinities: N27Q and N14:27Q had decreased binding affinities compared to N14Q and wild-type receptors. The reduced binding affinities of the deglycosylated mutants are not likely due to the impaired intracellular transport since their traffickings were indistinguishable from one another. Taken together, these results suggest that the N-glycosylation at the two sites of the N-terminus of rV1a receptor minimally affects the surface expression and trafficking of the receptor.

The effect of chondroitinase ABC on rabbit intervertebral disc. Radiological, histological and electron microscopic findings

Seventy-eight rabbit lumbar discs were evaluated by radiographs and histology after the injection of chondroitinase ABC (40 U/ml for each disc) and compared with injection with phosphate buffer, and also with a control group who were not injected. There was considerable narrowing of the disc space after chondroitinase ABC injection. Safranin-0 depletion was present in the anterior part of the annulus fibrosus near to the nucleus pulposus in all the treated discs, indicating loss of proteoglycan. Electron microscopy showed collapse of the chondrocytes and notochordal cells. These findings suggest that chondroitinase ABC may be another chemonucleolytic agent which decreases disc volume and consequently decompresses the spinal cord or nerve roots; its effects were confined to the tissues within the intervertebral disc.

Chondrocyte allograft transplantation for damaged growth plate reconstruction

The growth plate is responsible for longitudinal bone growth. The problem of repair of damaged growth plate in children has never been adequately solved. The purpose of this study is to investigate the ability of the cultured chondrocyte for the prevention of bony bridge and repairment of damaged growth plate. Chondrocytes were obtained from the new born canine epiphyseal plate and was cultured in high density. Fourteen days later they formed micromass easily removable from the culture flask. Twenty dogs were divided into two groups; in group I, the medial proximal tibial growth plate was destroyed and then cultured chondrocytes were transplanted into the defect, and in group II, the medial proximal tibial growth plate was left in destroyed state. Each left leg was remained as a control. The growth pattern was observed radiographically and histologically until 16 weeks after graft. 4 weeks after the operation, the angular deformity had been observed, and 31 degrees of angulation was noted at the 16th week in group II, while there was less than 8 degrees of angulation and nearly normal growth in most of dogs of group I (8 of 10 dogs). The other 2 dogs had shown 20 degrees angulation. In group II, there was definite bony bridge on the medical proximal growth plate. In group I, initially, the cultured chondrocyte remained as a amorphous cartilagenous mass, but as time progressed, amorphous cartilagenous mass had formed cartilagenous matrix which was proved by Safranin-O staining. Although this study showed the role of cultured chondrocyte as a method of preventation of bony bridge formation and possibility to repair of growth plate, further studies should be done to prove the reconstruction of the growth plate.

Pathological fractures secondary to unicameral bone cysts

We carried out a retrospective review of 75 children with unicameral bone cysts, who had sustained 52 pathological fractures, to determine which cysts were likely to be at risk and whether healing was accelerated after a fracture. Most lesions were in the metaphysis of a tubular bone, the commonest sites being the the upper part of the humerus and femur. The percentage of bone occupied by the cyst in the transverse plane was more than 85% in both anteroposterior and lateral radiographs in every case of pathological fracture. In most cases, the cyst recurred and sometimes became large without any acceleration of healing.

Intraosseous ganglion. Report of a case

We report a case of an intraosseous ganglion of the lateral malleolus of the ankle. The lesion was accompanied by a cystic bursa overlying the lateral malleolus. There were connections between the ankle joint, the intraosseous ganglion, and the overlying cyst. Radiographs of the lesion showed the cystic defect in the lateral malleolus surrounded by a sclerotic rim, suggesting that the lesion had progressed very slowly.

Cementless total hip arthroplasty with PCA prosthesis

Eighty-one cases of cementless porous-coated total hip arthroplasties in 74 patients were analyzed. Hip rating scores as described by Harris were used, and AP and lateral radiographs were made serially: preoperatively, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years postoperatively. The average postoperative hip rating score was 91 points (range: 76 to 100 points) at 1 year and 93 points (range: 74 to 100 points) at 2 years. The overall clinical results were satisfactory in these patients at both 2 and 4 years. However, slight to mild thigh pain was observed in 16 (19.8%) of 81 hips at 2 years, and 10 (21.3%) of 47 hips at 4 years postoperatively. Moderate to severe limp was seen in 11 (13.6%) of 81 hips at 2 years and seven (14.9%) of 47 hips at 4 years postoperatively.

Cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis

A case report on a 23-year-old female patient with cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis (CTX) is presented. From 8 years of age, the patient clinically showed multiple xanthoma masses on both knees, both heels, and the nasal bridge, juvenile cataracts, multiple abnormal neurologic dysfunctions, and dementia. The level of cholestanol in urine, serum, and xanthoma mass tissues was increased, as determined by capillary gas chromatography.

Congenital absence of the lung

Four cases of congenital absence/aplasia of the lung associated with congenital vertebral anomalies are reported. Although alteration in arterial blood gas determinations and vital capacities occurred, the patients tolerated general anesthesia well.