Thyroid cancer is a malignant neoplasm originated from thyroid cells. It can be classified into papillary carcinomas (PTCs) and anaplastic carcinomas (ATCs). Although ATCs are in an very aggressive st Show more
Thyroid cancer is a malignant neoplasm originated from thyroid cells. It can be classified into papillary carcinomas (PTCs) and anaplastic carcinomas (ATCs). Although ATCs are in an very aggressive status and cause more death than PTCs, their difference is poorly understood at molecular level. In this study, we focus on the transcriptome difference among PTCs, ATCs and normal tissue from a published dataset including 45 normal tissues, 49 PTCs and 11 ATCs, by applying a machine learning method, maximum relevance minimum redundancy, and identified 9 genes (BCL2, MRPS31, ID4, RASAL2, DLG2, MY01B, ZBTB5, PRKCQ and PPP6C) and 1 miscRNA (miscellaneous RNA, LOC646736) as important candidates involved in the progression of thyroid cancer. We further identified the protein-protein interaction (PPI) sub network from the shortest paths among the 9 genes in a PPI network constructed based on STRING database. Our results may provide insights to the molecular mechanism of the progression of thyroid cancer. Show less
Abnormal expression of solute carrier family 34 (sodium phosphate), member 2 (SLC34A2) in the lung may induce abnormal alveolar type II (AT II) cells to transform into lung adenocarcinoma cells, and m Show more
Abnormal expression of solute carrier family 34 (sodium phosphate), member 2 (SLC34A2) in the lung may induce abnormal alveolar type II (AT II) cells to transform into lung adenocarcinoma cells, and may also be important in biological process of lung adenocarcinoma. However, at present, the effects and molecular mechanisms of SLC34A2 in the initiation and progression of lung cancer remain to be elucidated. To the best of our knowledge, the present study revealed for the first time that the expression levels of SLC34A2 were downregulated in the A549 and H1299 lung adenocarcinoma cell lines. Further investigation demonstrated that the elevated expression of SLC34A2 in A549 cells was able to significantly inhibit cell viability and invasion in vitro. In addition, 10 upregulated genes between the A549‑P‑S cell line stably expressing SLC34A2 and the control cell line A549‑P were identified by microarray analysis and quantitative polymerase chain reaction, including seven tumor suppressor genes and three complement genes. Furthermore, the upregulation of complement gene C3 and complement 4B preproprotein (C4b) in A549‑P‑S cells was confirmed by ELISA analysis and was identified to be correlated with recovering Pi absorption in A549 cells by the phosphomolybdic acid method by enhancing the expression of SLC34A2. Therefore, it was hypothesized that the mechanisms underlying the effect of SLC34A2 on A549 cells might be associated with the activation of the complement alternative pathway (C3 and C4b) and upregulation of the expression of selenium binding protein 1, thioredoxin‑interacting protein, PDZK1‑interacting protein 1 and dual specificity protein phosphatase 6. Downregulation of SLC34A2 may primarily cause abnormal AT II cells to escape from complement‑associated immunosurveillance and abnormally express certain tumor‑suppressor genes inducing AT II cells to develop into lung adenocarcinoma. The present study further elucidated the effects and mechanisms of SLC34A2 in the generation and development of lung cancer. Show less
Vascular endothelial growth factor-C (VEGF-C), which contributes to lymphatic metastasis (LM) in malignant disease, is one of the most important factors involved in physical and pathological lymphangi Show more
Vascular endothelial growth factor-C (VEGF-C), which contributes to lymphatic metastasis (LM) in malignant disease, is one of the most important factors involved in physical and pathological lymphangiogenesis. Some VEGF-C related factors such as sine oculis homeobox homolog (SIX) 1, contactin (CNTN) 1 and dual specificity phosphatase (DUSP) 6 have been extensively studied in malignancies, but their expression levels and associations have still to be elucidated in stomach cancer. We detected their expression levels in 30 paired stomach cancer tissues using quantitative real-time reverse transcription-PCR (qRT-PCR). The expression and clinical significance of each factor was analyzed using Wilcoxon signed rank sum test. The correlation among all the factors was performed by Spearman rank correlation analysis. The results suggest that VEGF-C and CNTN1 are significantly correlated with tumor size, SIX1 with the age and CNTN1 also with the cTNM stage. There are significant correlations of expression levels among VEGF-C, SIX1, CNTN1 and DUSP6. There exists an important regulatory crosstalk involving SIX1, VEGF-C, CNTN1 and DUSP6 in stomach cancer. Show less
Lin Li, Xiao Li, Yongchao Liu+4 more · 2014 · Zhonghua yi xue yi chuan xue za zhi = Zhonghua yixue yichuanxue zazhi = Chinese journal of medical genetics · added 2026-04-24
To investigate EXT1 and EXT2 genes mutations in a family with hereditary multiple osteochondromas (HME). A four-generation family with HME from Linyi city of Shandong Province was studied. There were Show more
To investigate EXT1 and EXT2 genes mutations in a family with hereditary multiple osteochondromas (HME). A four-generation family with HME from Linyi city of Shandong Province was studied. There were 6 affected individuals among the 17 family members. Physical examination and radiographical evaluations were carried out for all family members. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral venous blood and the samples were subjected to mutation screening by PCR of the coding regions of EXT1 and EXT2 genes. The family has featured an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern. Sequencing of the EXT1 and EXT2 genes suggested the causative gene in this family was in linkage with the second exon of EXT2. A c.244delG mutation was detected, which has resulted in a frameshift mutation p.Asp81IlefsX30. The mutation was found in all of the 6 affected individuals but not in normal family members. And the mutation has co-segregated with the phenotype. The mutation c.244delG in the EXT2 gene is the probably the cause of the disease in this family. Show less
no PDFDOI: 10.3760/cma.j.issn.1003-9406.2014.06.013
Xue-Ling Guo, Yan Deng, Hui-Guo Liu · 2014 · Journal of Huazhong University of Science and Technology. Medical sciences = Hua zhong ke ji da xue xue bao. Yi xue Ying De wen ban = Huazhong keji daxue xuebao. Yixue Yingdewen ban · Springer · added 2026-04-24
Hereditary multiple exostoses (HME) are an autosomal dominant skeletal disease with wide variations in clinical manifestations among different ethnic groups. This study investigated the epidemiology, Show more
Hereditary multiple exostoses (HME) are an autosomal dominant skeletal disease with wide variations in clinical manifestations among different ethnic groups. This study investigated the epidemiology, clinical presentations, pathogenetic features and treatment strategies of HME in mainland China. We searched and reviewed the related cases published since 1990 by searching electronic databases, namely SinoMed database, Wanfang database, CNKI, Web of Science and PubMed as well as Google search engines. A total of 1051 cases of HME (male-to-female ratio 1.5:1) were investigated and the diagnosis was made in 83% before the age of 10 years. Approximately 96% patients had a family history. Long bones, ribs, scapula and pelvis were the frequently affected sites. Most patients were asymptomatic with multiple palpable masses. Common complications included angular deformities, impingement on neighbouring tissues and impaired articular function. Chondrosarcomas transformation occurred in 2% Chinese cases. Among the cases examined, about 18% had mutations in EXT1 and 28% in EXT2. Frameshift, nonsense and missense mutations represented the majority of HME-causing mutations. Diagnosis of HME was made based on the clinical presentations and radiological documentations. Most patients needed no treatment. Surgical treatment was often directed to remove symptomatic exostoses, particularly those of suspected malignancy degeneration, and correction of skeletal deformities. This study shows some variance from current literature regarding other ethnic populations and may provide valuable baseline assessment of the natural history of HME in mainland China. Show less
Hereditary multiple exostoses (HME) is an autosomal dominant bone disorder characterized by the presence of multiple benign cartilage-capped tumors. EXT1 located on chromosome 8q23-q24 and EXT2 locate Show more
Hereditary multiple exostoses (HME) is an autosomal dominant bone disorder characterized by the presence of multiple benign cartilage-capped tumors. EXT1 located on chromosome 8q23-q24 and EXT2 located on 11p11-p12 are the main disease-causing genes which are responsible for ~90% of HME cases. Mutations of EXT1 or EXT2 result in insufficient heparan sulfate biosynthesis, which facilitates chondrocyte proliferation, boosts abnormal bone growth of neighboring regions, causes multiple exostoses, and ultimately leads to possible malignant transformation. A family who displayed typical features of HME was enrolled in the present study. Mutation screening by Sanger sequencing identified a novel heterozygous nonsense mutation c.1902C>A (p.Tyr634X) in the EXT1 gene exclusively in all 3 patients, which is located in the glycosyltransferase domain and results in the truncation of 112 amino acids at the C-terminus of the EXT1 protein. Thus, the present study identified a novel disease-causing EXT1 mutation in a pedigree with HME, which provides additional evidence for developing quick and accurate genetic tools for HME diagnosis. Show less
How cells communicate during development and regeneration is a critical question. One mechanism of intercellular communication is via exosomes, extracellular vesicles that originate by the fusion of m Show more
How cells communicate during development and regeneration is a critical question. One mechanism of intercellular communication is via exosomes, extracellular vesicles that originate by the fusion of multivesicular endosomes with the plasma membrane [1-8]. To model exosome-based intercellular communication, we used Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cell cysts grown in 3D gels of extracellular matrix, which form tubules in response to hepatocyte growth factor (HGF). We report that GPRC5B, an orphan G protein coupled receptor, is in exosomes produced by HGF-treated cysts and released into the cyst lumen. Exosomal GPRC5B is taken up by nearby cells and together with HGF promotes extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) activation and tubulogenesis, even under conditions where tubulogenesis would otherwise not occur. Recovery from injury, such as acute kidney injury (AKI), often recapitulates developmental processes. Here, we show that GPRC5B is elevated in urinary exosomes from patients with AKI. Our results elucidate how GPRC5B is carried by exosomes and augments HGF-induced morphogenesis. The unexpected role of exosomes in transporting GPRC5B between cells during morphogenesis and the ability of GPRC5B to predict the disease state of AKI elucidate a novel mechanism for intercellular communication during development and repair. Show less
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common and aggressive primary brain tumor in adults with median survival time of 14.6 months. A small fraction of cancer stem cells (CSC) initiate and maintai Show more
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common and aggressive primary brain tumor in adults with median survival time of 14.6 months. A small fraction of cancer stem cells (CSC) initiate and maintain tumors thus driving glioma tumorigenesis and being responsible for resistance to classical chemo- and radio-therapies. It is desirable to identify signaling pathways related to CSC to develop novel therapies to selectively target them. Transient receptor potential cation channel, subfamily M, member 7, also known as TRPM7 is a ubiquitous, Ca(2+) and Mg(2+) permeable ion channels that are special in being both an ion channel and a serine/threonine kinase. In studies of glioma cells silenced for TRPM7, we demonstrated that Notch (Notch1, JAG1, Hey2, and Survivin) and STAT3 pathways are down regulated in glioma cells grown in monolayer. Furthermore, phospho-STAT3, Notch target genes and CSC markers (ALDH1 and CD133) were significantly higher in spheroid glioma CSCs when compared with monolayer cultures. The results further show that tyrosine-phosphorylated STAT3 binds and activates the ALDH1 promoters in glioma cells. We found that TRMP7-induced upregulation of ALDH1 expression is associated with increases in ALDH1 activity and is detectable in stem-like cells when expanded as spheroid CSCs. Finally, TRPM7 promotes proliferation, migration and invasion of glioma cells. These demonstrate that TRPM7 activates JAK2/STAT3 and/or Notch signaling pathways and leads to increased cell proliferation and migration. These findings for the first time demonstrates that TRPM7 (1) activates a previously unrecognized STAT3→ALDH1 pathway, and (2) promotes the induction of ALDH1 activity in glioma cells. Show less
Matthew E Hartman, Yonggang Liu, Wei-Zhong Zhu+5 more · 2014 · FASEB journal : official publication of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology · added 2026-04-24
CHF1/Hey2 is a Notch-responsive basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor involved in cardiac development. Common variants in Hey2 are associated with Brugada syndrome. We hypothesized that absence Show more
CHF1/Hey2 is a Notch-responsive basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor involved in cardiac development. Common variants in Hey2 are associated with Brugada syndrome. We hypothesized that absence of CHF1/Hey2 would result in abnormal cellular electrical activity, altered cardiac conduction system (CCS) development, and increased arrhythmogenesis. We isolated neonatal CHF/Hey2-knockout (KO) cardiac myocytes and measured action potentials and ion channel subunit gene expression. We also crossed myocardial-specific CHF1/Hey2-KO mice with cardiac conduction system LacZ reporter mice and stained for conduction system tissue. We also performed ambulatory ECG monitoring for arrhythmias and heart rate variability. Neonatal cardiomyocytes from CHF1/Hey2-KO mice demonstrate a 50% reduction in action potential dV/dT, a 50-75% reduction in SCN5A, KCNJ2, and CACNA1C ion channel subunit gene expression, and an increase in delayed afterdepolarizations from 0/min to 12/min. CHF1/Hey2 cKO CCS-lacZ mice have a ∼3-fold increase in amount of CCS tissue. Ambulatory ECG monitoring showed no difference in cardiac conduction, arrhythmias, or heart rate variability. Wild-type cells or animals were used in all experiments. CHF1/Hey2 may contribute to Brugada syndrome by influencing the expression of SCN5A and formation of the cardiac conduction system, but its absence does not cause baseline conduction defects or arrhythmias in the adult mouse.-Hartman, M. E., Liu, Y., Zhu, W.-Z., Chien, W.-M., Weldy, C. S., Fishman, G. I., Laflamme, M. A., Chin, M. T. Myocardial deletion of transcription factor CHF1/Hey2 results in altered myocyte action potential and mild conduction system expansion but does not alter conduction system function or promote spontaneous arrhythmias. Show less
Forced vital capacity (FVC), a spirometric measure of pulmonary function, reflects lung volume and is used to diagnose and monitor lung diseases. We performed genome-wide association study meta-analys Show more
Forced vital capacity (FVC), a spirometric measure of pulmonary function, reflects lung volume and is used to diagnose and monitor lung diseases. We performed genome-wide association study meta-analysis of FVC in 52,253 individuals from 26 studies and followed up the top associations in 32,917 additional individuals of European ancestry. We found six new regions associated at genome-wide significance (P < 5 × 10(-8)) with FVC in or near EFEMP1, BMP6, MIR129-2-HSD17B12, PRDM11, WWOX and KCNJ2. Two loci previously associated with spirometric measures (GSTCD and PTCH1) were related to FVC. Newly implicated regions were followed up in samples from African-American, Korean, Chinese and Hispanic individuals. We detected transcripts for all six newly implicated genes in human lung tissue. The new loci may inform mechanisms involved in lung development and the pathogenesis of restrictive lung disease. Show less
A better understanding of the molecular mechanisms that regulate adipose tissue-derived stromal cell (ADSC) differentiation could provide new insight into some adipose-tissue-related disease. The diff Show more
A better understanding of the molecular mechanisms that regulate adipose tissue-derived stromal cell (ADSC) differentiation could provide new insight into some adipose-tissue-related disease. The differentiation of ADSCs into adipocytes is a complex physiological process that includes clonal expansion, growth arrest, and terminal differentiation. Here the role of microRNA-143 (miR-143) during ADSC adipogenic differentiation was systematically investigated. We found that miR-143 expression was transiently decreased after adipogenic induction while increased from day 3 and peaked on day 7 after induction. We show for the first time that the role of miR-143 is not consistent in the differentiation process. The regulatory role depends on the differentiation stage that miR-143 acts on. When miR-143 is overexpressed during the clonal expansion stage, the adipogenic differentiation of ADSCs is inhibited, whereas the overexpression of miR-143 during the growth arrest stage or terminal differentiation stage promotes differentiation. Further we firstly demonstrate that miR-143 plays the modulational role by directly repressing MAP2K5, a key member of the MAPKK family in the MAPK signaling pathway. These findings suggest that miR-143 plays an important role in adipose tissue formation, with special implications for some metabolic disease in which the amount and/or function of adipose tissue is altered. Show less
A Lee, S Liu, T Wang · 2014 · Journal of viral hepatitis · Blackwell Publishing · added 2026-04-24
The human kinome includes between 500 and 600 known kinases and open reading frames (ORFs) that play key roles in regulating many cellular processes. Past studies adopting loss-of-function approaches Show more
The human kinome includes between 500 and 600 known kinases and open reading frames (ORFs) that play key roles in regulating many cellular processes. Past studies adopting loss-of-function approaches have identified some kinases whose activities are required for hepatitis C virus (HCV) life cycle. Here, by screening a retroviral cDNA library of 192 active human kinases, we found that three of them, namely cyclin-dependent kinases regulatory subunit 1 (CKS1B), mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 5 (MAP2K5) and protein kinase C and casein kinase substrate in neurons 1 (PACSIN1), potently suppressed HCV infection. The expression of these kinases did not induce the production of type I interferon (IFN) and interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs); instead, they inhibited HCV at postentry stages. Specifically, CKS1B and MAP2K5 significantly inhibited viral RNA replication. PACSIN1, by contrast, inhibited HCV infection by decreasing the level of HCV p7. Altogether, the identification of human protein kinases that exert an anti-HCV activity highlighted the potential of combating HCV infection by activating specific kinase-mediated pathways, offering an alternative strategy of treatment. Show less
To investigate whether alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) could attenuate the insulin resistance and metabolic disorders in high fat diet-fed mice. Male mice were fed a high fat diet (HFD) plus ALA (100 and 200 Show more
To investigate whether alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) could attenuate the insulin resistance and metabolic disorders in high fat diet-fed mice. Male mice were fed a high fat diet (HFD) plus ALA (100 and 200 mg·kg(-1)·d(-1)) or HFD plus a positive control drug metformin (300 mg·kg(-1)·d(-1)) for 24 weeks. During the treatments, the relevant physiological and metabolic parameters of the mice were measured. After the mice were euthanized, blood samples and livers were collected. The expression of proteins and genes related to glucose metabolism in livers were analyzed by immunoblotting and real time-PCR. HFD induced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and abnormal physiological and metabolic parameters in the mice, which were dose-dependently attenuated by ALA. ALA also significantly reduced HFD-induced hyperglycemia and insulin resistance in HFD-fed mice. Furthermore, ALA significantly upregulated the glycolytic enzymes GCK, HK-1 and PK, and the glycogen synthesis enzyme GS, and downregulated the gluconeogenic enzymes PEPCK and G6Pase, thus decreased glucose production, and promoted glycogen synthesis and glucose utilization in livers. Moreover, ALA markedly increased PKB/Akt and GSK3β phosphorylation, and nuclear carbohydrate response element binding protein (ChREBP) expression in livers. Metformin produced similar effects as ALA in HFD-fed mice. ALA is able to sustain glucose homeostasis and prevent the development of NAFLD in HFD-fed mice. Show less
Xue-Lei Wang, Xiao-Fei Wen, Rong-Bing Li+4 more · 2014 · Tumour biology : the journal of the International Society for Oncodevelopmental Biology and Medicine · Springer · added 2026-04-24
Androgen receptor (AR), a member of nuclear hormone receptor, plays an essential role in the initiation and progression of prostate cancer (PCa). In the present study, by way of immunoprecipitation fo Show more
Androgen receptor (AR), a member of nuclear hormone receptor, plays an essential role in the initiation and progression of prostate cancer (PCa). In the present study, by way of immunoprecipitation followed by mass spectrometry (IP/MS) system, we found that carbohydrate-responsive element-binding protein (Chrebp), a glucose sensor in normal and cancer cells, interacted with AR in LNCaP cells. The interaction was further confirmed by coimmunoprecipitation analysis. Besides, Chrebp is required for the optimal transcriptional activity of AR in promoting the transcription of the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) promoter and messenger RNA (mRNA) expression. Consistently, knockdown of Chrebp using small interfering RNA (siRNA) in LNCaP cells reduced endogenous PSA levels. Together, our study demonstrates that Chrebp interacts with AR and regulates its transcriptional activity. Show less
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a primary disorder characterised by asymmetric thickening of septum and left ventricular wall, with a prevalence of 0.2% in the general population. To describe a n Show more
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a primary disorder characterised by asymmetric thickening of septum and left ventricular wall, with a prevalence of 0.2% in the general population. To describe a novel mitochondrial DNA mutation and its association with the pathogenesis of HCM. All maternal members of a Chinese family with maternally transmitted HCM exhibited variable severity and age at onset, and were implanted permanent pacemakers due to complete atrioventricular block (AVB). Nuclear gene screening (MYH7, MYBPC3, TNNT2 and TNNI3) was performed, and no potential pathogenic mutation was identified. Mitochondrial DNA sequencing analysis identified a novel homoplasmic 16S rRNA 2336T>C mutation. This mutation was exclusively present in maternal members and absent in non-maternal members. Conservation index by comparison to 16 other vertebrates was 94.1%. This mutation disturbs the 2336U-A2438 base pair in the stem-loop structure of 16S rRNA domain III, which is involved in the assembly of mitochondrial ribosome. Oxygen consumption rate of the lymphoblastoid cells carrying 2336T>C mutation had decreased by 37% compared with controls. A reduction in mitochondrial ATP synthesis and an increase in reactive oxidative species production were also observed. Electron microscopic analysis indicated elongated mitochondria and abnormal mitochondrial cristae shape in mutant cells. It is suggested that the 2336T>C mutation is one of pathogenic mutations of HCM. This is the first report of mitochondrial 16S rRNA 2336T>C mutation and an association with maternally inherited HCM combined with AVB. Our findings provide a new insight into the pathogenesis of HCM. Show less
Liver X receptor α (LXRα) plays an important role in the cholesterol metabolism process, and LXRα activation can reduce atherosclerosis. In the present study, using an LXRα-GAL4 luciferase reporter sc Show more
Liver X receptor α (LXRα) plays an important role in the cholesterol metabolism process, and LXRα activation can reduce atherosclerosis. In the present study, using an LXRα-GAL4 luciferase reporter screening, we discovered IMB-170, a structural analog of quinazolinone, which showed potent LXRα agonistic activity. IMB-170 significantly activated LXRα, with an EC50 value of 0.27μM. Interestingly, IMB-170 not only increased the expression of ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) and G1 (ABCG1), which are related to the reverse cholesterol transport (RCT) process, but also influenced the expression levels of other genes involved in the cholesterol metabolism pathway in many cell lines. Moreover, IMB-170 significantly reduced cellular lipid accumulation and increased cholesterol efflux from RAW264.7 and THP-1 macrophages. Interestingly, compared with TO901317, IMB-170 only slightly increased protein expression levels of lipogenesis-related genes in HepG2 cells, indicating that IMB-170 may have a lower lipogenesis side effect in vivo. These results suggest that IMB-170 showed the selective agonistic activity for LXRα. Moreover, compared with full LXR-agonists, IMB-170 possesses a differential ability to recruit coregulators. This suggests that IMB-170 has distinct interactions with the active sites in the LXRα ligand-binding domain. In summary, IMB-170 is a novel partial LXRα agonist without the classical lipogenesis side effects, which could be used as a potential anti-atherosclerotic leading compound in the future. Show less
Lipid deposition in artery walls is implied in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and imbalance between uptake and efflux of cholesterol favors the deposition. We investigated the effect of vitamin E Show more
Lipid deposition in artery walls is implied in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and imbalance between uptake and efflux of cholesterol favors the deposition. We investigated the effect of vitamin E with the same dose and duration on the different stages of atherosclerosis in Apolipoprotein E knockout (ApoE KO) mice and explored the potential mechanisms. The results showed that the ApoE KO mouse spontaneously develops atherosclerosis in an age-dependent manner from 14 to 46 weeks on the regular chow. Vitamin E (100 mg/kg) supplementation to ApoE KO mice at 6, 14, and 22 weeks for 8 weeks significantly reduced the atherosclerotic lesion area by 41, 29 and 19% respectively compared to the age-matched control mice; however had no significant effect on the lesion when given at 30 and 38 weeks. In addition, vitamin E supplemented at the ages from 6 to 30 weeks decreased the contents of serum oxLDL and TBARS without affecting the TC and TAG contents in serum and liver. Furthermore, vitamin E supplemented at 6, 14 and 22 weeks down-regulated vasculature mRNA expressions of scavenger receptor CD36 and up-regulated mRNA expressions of PPARγ, LXRα and ABCA1 which are involved in reverse cholesterol transportation; however had no significant effects on these genes when given at 30 and 38 weeks. In conclusion, vitamin E with same dose and duration inhibits the early but not advanced atherosclerotic lesion in ApoE KO mice by anti-oxidation and regulation of mRNA expression of genes involved in cholesterol uptake and efflux, which favors the improvement of atherosclerosis. Show less
Adenosine triphosphate-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) and ABCG1 play crucial roles in reverse cholesterol transport, and have anti-atherosclerosis effects, and liver X receptor alpha (LXRα) c Show more
Adenosine triphosphate-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) and ABCG1 play crucial roles in reverse cholesterol transport, and have anti-atherosclerosis effects, and liver X receptor alpha (LXRα) can stimulate cholesterol efflux through these transporters. Angiotensin (Ang)-(1-7) can protect endothelial cells, inhibit smooth muscle cell growth, ameliorate inflammation and exert anti-atherosclerotic effects. In the present study, we attempted to clarify the effect of Ang-(1-7) on expression of ABCA1 and ABCG1, and explored the role of LXRα in the regulation of ABCA1 and ABCG1 in THP-1 macrophages that had been incubated with angiotensin-II (AngII). Ang-(1-7) increased ABCA1 and ABCG1 expression in a concentration-dependent manner at both the mRNA and protein levels, promoted cholesterol efflux, and decreased cholesterol content in THP-1 macrophages treated with AngII. Furthermore, Ang-(1-7) upregulated the expression of LXRα in a concentration-dependent manner in these cells. LXRα small interfering RNA, as well as the Mas receptor antagonist A-779, completely abolished these effects of Ang-(1-7). In summary, Ang-(1-7) upregulates ABCA1 and ABCG1 expression in THP-1 macrophages treated with AngII through the Mas receptor, via the LXRα pathway. This novel insight into the molecular mechanism underlying Ang-(1-7) and AngII interaction could prove useful for developing new strategies for treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Show less
Liver X receptor-α (LXR-α) which belongs to the nuclear receptor superfamily, is a ligand-activated transcription factor. Best known for its ability to regulate lipid metabolism and transport, LXRs ha Show more
Liver X receptor-α (LXR-α) which belongs to the nuclear receptor superfamily, is a ligand-activated transcription factor. Best known for its ability to regulate lipid metabolism and transport, LXRs have recently also been implicated in regulation of inflammatory response. The aim of this study was to investigate the preventive effects of synthetic LXR-α agonist T0901317 on LPS-induced mastitis in mice. The mouse model of mastitis was induced by injection of LPS through the duct of mammary gland. T0901317 was injected 1h before and 12h after induction of LPS intraperitoneally. The results showed that T0901317 significantly attenuated the infiltration of neutrophilic granulocytes, and the activation of myeloperoxidase (MPO); down-regulated the level of pro-inflammatory mediators including TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, COX-2 and PEG2; inhibited the phosphorylation of IκB-α and NF-κB p65, caused by LPS. Moreover, we report for the first time that LXR-α activation impaired LPS-induced mastitis. Taken together, these data indicated that T0901317 had protective effect on mastitis and the anti-inflammatory mechanism of T0901317 on LPS induced mastitis in mice may be due to its ability to inhibit NF-κB signaling pathway. LXR-α activation can be used as a therapeutic approach to treat mastitis. Show less
The nuclear receptor liver X receptor (LXR) plays an important role in the metabolism and homeostasis of cholesterol, lipids, bile acids, and steroid hormones. In this study, we uncovered a function o Show more
The nuclear receptor liver X receptor (LXR) plays an important role in the metabolism and homeostasis of cholesterol, lipids, bile acids, and steroid hormones. In this study, we uncovered a function of LXRα (NR1H3) in regulating the human hydroxysteroid sulfotransferase SULT2A1, a phase II conjugating enzyme known to sulfonate bile acids, hydroxysteroid dehydroepiandrosterone, and related androgens. We showed that activation of LXR induced the expression of SULT2A1 at mRNA, protein, and enzymatic levels. A combination of promoter reporter gene and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays showed that LXRα transactivated the SULT2A1 gene promoter through its specific binding to the -500- to -258-base pair region of the SULT2A1 gene promoter. LXR small interfering RNA knockdown experiments suggested that LXRα, but not LXRβ, played a dominant role in regulating SULT2A1. In primary human hepatocytes, we found a positive correlation between the expression of SULT2A1 and LXRα, which further supported the regulation of SULT2A1 by LXRα. In summary, our results established human SULT2A1 as a novel LXRα target gene. The expression of LXRα is a potential predictor for the expression of SULT2A1 in human liver. Show less
To investigate associations of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) rs2228314 of sterol regulatory element-binding protein-2 (SREBP-2) or rs11039155 of liver X receptor α (LXRα) with susceptibility Show more
To investigate associations of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) rs2228314 of sterol regulatory element-binding protein-2 (SREBP-2) or rs11039155 of liver X receptor α (LXRα) with susceptibility to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in a Chinese Han population. SREBP-2 rs2228314 and LXRα rs11039155 polymorphisms were genotyped in patients with PCOS and age- and sex-matched PCOS-free controls from a Chinese Han population. A total of 605 patients with PCOS and 615 controls were recruited in this study. We found that GC and CC genotypes of rs2228314, and variant C, were associated with a significantly increased risk of PCOS. In addition, GA and AA genotypes of rs11039155, as well as variant A, were also associated with a significantly increased risk of PCOS. Our results showed that SREBP-2 rs2228314 G to C change and variant C genotype as well as LXRα rs11039155 G to A change and variant A may contribute to PCOS in Chinese Han population. Show less
Dietary phytosterols have been successfully used for lowering cholesterol levels, which correlates with the fact that some phytosterols are able to act as liver X receptor (LXR) agonists. Sargassum fu Show more
Dietary phytosterols have been successfully used for lowering cholesterol levels, which correlates with the fact that some phytosterols are able to act as liver X receptor (LXR) agonists. Sargassum fusiforme is an edible marine seaweed well-known for its antiatherosclerotic function in traditional Chinese medicine. In this study, seven phytosterols including fucosterol (1), saringosterol (2), 24-hydroperoxy-24-vinyl-cholesterol (3), 29-hydroperoxy-stigmasta-5,24(28)-dien-3β-ol (4), 24-methylene-cholesterol (5), 24-keto-cholesterol (6), and 5α,8α-epidioxyergosta-6,22-dien-3β-ol (7) were purified and evaluated for their actions on LXR-mediated transcription using a reporter assay. Among these phytosterols, 2 was the most potent compound in stimulating the transcriptional activities of LXRα by (3.81±0.15)-fold and LXRβ by (14.40±1.10)-fold, respectively. Two epimers of 2, 24(S)-saringosterol (2a) and 24(R)-saringosterol (2b), were subsequently separated by semipreparative high-performance liquid chromatography. Interestingly, 2a was more potent than 2b in LXRβ-mediated transactivation ((3.50±0.17)-fold vs (1.63±0.12)-fold) compared with control. Consistently, 2a induced higher expression levels of LXR target genes including key players in reverse cholesterol transport in six cell lines. These data along with molecular modeling suggested that 2a acts as a selective LXRβ agonist and is a potent natural cholesterol-lowering agent. This study also demonstrated that phytosterols in S. fusiforme contributed to the well-known antiatherosclerotic function. Show less
ATP binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) is a member of the ATP-binding cassette transporter family. It plays an essential role in mediating the efflux of excess cholesterol. It is known that perox Show more
ATP binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) is a member of the ATP-binding cassette transporter family. It plays an essential role in mediating the efflux of excess cholesterol. It is known that peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) promoted ABCA1 expression. We previously found 7-ketocholesteryl-9-carboxynonanoate (oxLig-1) upregulated ABCA1 partially through CD36 mediated signals. In the present study, we intended to test if PPARγ signally is involved in the upregulation mediated by oxLig-1. First, we docked oxLig-1 and the ligand-binding domain (LBD) of PPARγ by using AutoDock 3.05 and subsequently confirmed the binding by ELISA assay. Western blotting analyses showed that oxLig-1 induces liver X receptor alpha (LXRα), PPARγ and consequently ABCA1 expression. Furthermore, oxLig-1 significantly enhanced ApoA-I-mediated cholesterol efflux. Pretreatment with an inhibitor for PPARγ (GW9662) or/and LXRα (GGPP) attenuated oxLig-1-induced ABCA1 expression. Under PPARγ knockdown by using PPARγ-shRNA, oxLig-1-induced ABCA1 expression and cholesterol efflux in THP-1 macrophages was blocked by 62% and 25% respectively. These observations suggest that oxLig-1 is a novel PPARγ agonist, promoting ApoA-I-mediated cholesterol efflux from THP-1 macrophages by increasing ABCA1 expression via induction of PPARγ. Show less
The Liver X receptors (LXRs), Liver X receptor A (LXRA) and Liver X receptor B (LXRB), regulate lipid metabolism and antimicrobial response. LXRs have a crucial role in the control of Mycobacterium tu Show more
The Liver X receptors (LXRs), Liver X receptor A (LXRA) and Liver X receptor B (LXRB), regulate lipid metabolism and antimicrobial response. LXRs have a crucial role in the control of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb). Lacking LXRs mice is more susceptibility to infection M.tb, developing higher bacterial burdens and an increase in the size and number of granulomatous lesions. We aimed to assess the associations between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in LXRs and risk of tuberculosis. We sequenced the LXRs genes to detect SNPs and to examine genotypic frequencies in 600 patients and 620 healthy controls to investigate for associations with tuberculosis (TB) in the Chinese Han population. DNA re-sequencing revealed eight common variants in the LXRs genes. The G allele of rs1449627 and the T allele of rs1405655 demonstrated an increased risk of developing TB (p<0.001, p = 0.002), and the T allele of rs3758673, the T allele of rs2279238, and the C allele of rs1449626 in LXRA and the C allele of rs17373080, the G allele of rs2248949, and the C allele of rs1052677 in LXRB were protective against TB patients compared to healthy controls (p = 0.0002, p = 0.006, p<0.001, p = 0.004, p = 0.008, p = 0.003, respectively). All SNP genotypes were significantly associated with TB. An estimation of the frequencies of haplotypes revealed two potential risk haplotypes,GGCG in LXRB (p = 0.004,) and TTCG in LXRA (p<0.001, p = 0.004). Moreover, three protective haplotypes, TTAT and CCAT in LXRA and CATC in LXRB, were significantly "protective" (p = 0.008, p<0.001, p = 0.031) for TB. Furthermore, we determined that the LXRs SNPs were nominally associated with the clinical pattern of disease. Our study data supported that LXRs play a fundamental role in the genetic susceptibility to TB and to different clinical patterns of disease. Thus, further investigation is required in larger populations and in additional areas. Show less
The objective of this study was to determine the effects of pentraxin3 (PTX3) on human oxidized low density lipoprotein (oxLDL) uptake and cholesterol efflux from human macrophage foam cells, which ma Show more
The objective of this study was to determine the effects of pentraxin3 (PTX3) on human oxidized low density lipoprotein (oxLDL) uptake and cholesterol efflux from human macrophage foam cells, which may play a critical role in atherogenesis. The effects of PTX3 on oxLDL uptake and cholesterol efflux were determined after transfection of human THP-1 macrophages with pSG5hPTX3 or PTX3siRNA plasmids. To evaluate the role of specific signaling pathways, human THP-1 cells were pre-treated with inhibitors of the extracellular signal-regulated protein kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2), phosphatidylinositide 3-kinases (PI3-K), and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways (PD98059, LY294002, and SB203580, respectively), and then exposed to oxLDL for the uptake assay or oxLDL and [(3)H]-cholesterol and apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I) for the cholesterol efflux assay. PTX3 overexpression not only promoted oxLDL uptake but also significantly reduced cholesterol efflux to apoA-I; it also significantly decreased the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ), liver X receptor alpha (LXRα) and ATP-binding membrane cassette transporter A-1 (ABCA1), which was increased with PTX3 silencing. Furthermore, PTX3 significantly increased p-ERK1/2 levels in THP-1-derived foam cells, and inhibition of ERK1/2 by PD98059 significantly reduced the oxLDL uptake and promoted the cholesterol efflux induced by PTX3 overexpression. Here, we demonstrate that PTX3 affects lipid accumulation in human macrophages, increasing oxLDL uptake and inhibiting cholesterol efflux. That is the underlying possible mechanisms of PTX3 contribution to the progression of atherosclerosis. Show less
Estrogen has pleiotropic effects on the cardiovascular diseases, yet the underlying mechanisms remain incompletely understood. Cholesterol efflux is a key mechanism through which to prevent foam cell Show more
Estrogen has pleiotropic effects on the cardiovascular diseases, yet the underlying mechanisms remain incompletely understood. Cholesterol efflux is a key mechanism through which to prevent foam cell formation and the development of atherosclerosis. Recent studies highlight the role of vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC)-derived foam cells in atherogenesis. However, it remains unclear whether estrogen promotes cholesterol efflux from VSMCs and inhibits VSMC-derived foam cell formation. In the present study, we demonstrated that 17β-estradiol (E2) markedly enhanced cholesterol efflux to apolipoprotein (apo)A-1 and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and attenuated oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) induced cholesteryl ester accumulation in VSMCs, which was associated with an increase in the expression of ATP-binding cassette transporters ABCA1 and ABCG1. The upregulation of ABCA1 and ABCG1 expression by E2 resulted from liver X receptor (LXR)α activation, which was confirmed by the prevention of the expression of ABCA1 and ABCG1 after inhibition of LXRα with a pharmacological inhibitor or small interfering RNA (siRNA). Furthermore, E2 increased LXRα, ABCA1 and ABCG1 expression in VSMCs via the estrogen receptor (ER), and the involvement of ERβ was confirmed by the use of selective ERα or ERβ antagonists (MPP and PHTPP) and agonists (PPT and DPN). These findings suggest that E2 promotes cholesterol efflux from VSMCs and reduces VSMC-derived foam cell formation via ERβ- and LXRα-dependent upregulation of ABCA1 and ABCG1 and provide novel insights into the anti-atherogenic properties of estrogen. Show less
Liver X receptor α (LXRα) plays an important role in reverse cholesterol transport (RCT), and activation of LXRα could reduce atherosclerosis. In the present study, we developed a screening method to Show more
Liver X receptor α (LXRα) plays an important role in reverse cholesterol transport (RCT), and activation of LXRα could reduce atherosclerosis. In the present study, we developed a screening method to identify new potential LXRα agonists using an LXRα-GAL4 chimera reporter assay. A novel analogue of N,N-disubstituted 2,8-diazaspiro[4.5]decane, IMB-151, was identified as an LXRα agonist by using this method. IMB-151 showed a significant activation effect on LXRα, with an EC50 value of 1.47 µM. IMB-151 also increased the expression of ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) and G1 (ABCG1) in RAW264.7 macrophages. The upregulating effects of IMB-151 on ABCA1 and ABCG1 markedly decreased when coincubated with geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate (GGPP) ammonium salt or LXRα small interfering RNA (siRNA). Our data indicated that the upregulation of ABCA1 and ABCG1 by IMB-151 depended on activation of LXRα. Moreover, IMB-151 significantly reduced cellular lipid accumulation and increased cholesterol efflux in RAW264.7 macrophages. Interestingly, IMB-151 slightly increased sterol response element binding protein 1c (SREBP-1c) protein expression levels in HepG2 cells compared with TO901317, and this indicated that IMB-151 might have less lipogenesis side effect in vivo. These results suggested that IMB-151 was identified as a selective agonist for LXRα by using a screening method and could be used as a potential antiatherosclerotic lead compound in the future. Show less
Liver X receptors (LXRs) including LXRα and LXRβ are members of the nuclear hormone receptor superfamily of ligand activated transcription factors, which serve as lipid sensors to regulate expression Show more
Liver X receptors (LXRs) including LXRα and LXRβ are members of the nuclear hormone receptor superfamily of ligand activated transcription factors, which serve as lipid sensors to regulate expression of genes controlling many aspects of cholesterol and fatty acid metabolism. The liver is the central organ in controlling lipid metabolism. In the present study, we aimed at elucidating the role of LXR activation in hepatic fatty acid homeostasis. We treated C57BL/6 mice with a synthetic non-selective LXR agonist TO901317. Fatty acid profile of lipid esters in the livers was analyzed by gas-liquid chromatography. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and western blot were used to determine the expression of SREBP1c and SCD1 in TO901317-treated livers and HepG2 cells. Oral administration of TO901317 resulted in increased fatty acid desaturation in the liver, with concomitant increase in hepatic stearoyl CoA desaturase-1 (SCD1) expression. TO901317-induced SCD1 expression was observed in LXRβ-/- mice, but not in LXRα-/- mice. Furthermore, TO901317 significantly increased expression of sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1c (SREBP1c), the deficiency of which almost completely abolished the induction of SCD1 by TO901317. This drug induced both SREBP1c and SCD1 expression in HepG2 cells. Overexpression of SREBP1c resulted in a significant increase in SCD1 promoter activity and expression. Taken together, the present studies demonstrate that pan-LXR activation increases hepatic fatty acid desaturation via the induction of SCD1 expression in an LXRα-dependent and SREBP1c-mediated manner. Show less
Liver X receptors (LXRs), including LXRα and LXRβ isoforms, have important roles in the metabolic regulation of glucose, cholesterol and lipid. Moreover, activation of LXRs also represses the expressi Show more
Liver X receptors (LXRs), including LXRα and LXRβ isoforms, have important roles in the metabolic regulation of glucose, cholesterol and lipid. Moreover, activation of LXRs also represses the expression of cyclin D1 and cyclin B1, and thus suppresses the proliferation of multiple cancer cells, but the relevant mechanism is not well known. Forkhead box M1 (FOXM1) is a proliferation-specific member of forkhead box family, which is highly expressed in proliferating normal cells and numerous cancer cells. FOXM1 directly activates transcription of cyclin D1 and cyclin B1, resulting in the enhancement of cell cycle progression and cell proliferation. However, it is unclear whether LXRs are involved in the regulation of FOXM1. In this study, we demonstrated that specific LXRs agonists downregulated expression of FOXM1, cyclin D1 and cyclin B1 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells, which led to cell cycle and cell proliferation arrest. Knockdown of FOXM1 significantly alleviated LXRs activation-mediated cell cycle arrest and cell growth suppression. Reporter assays showed that the activation of LXRs significantly reduced the transcriptional activity of FOXM1 promoter. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays demonstrated that LXRα but not LXRβ could bind to an inverted repeat IR2 (-52CCGTCAcgTGACCT-39) in the promoter region of FOXM1 gene. Moreover, the xenograft tumor growth and the corresponding FOXM1 expression in nude mice were dramatically repressed by LXRs agonists. Taken together, we conclude that LXRα but not LXRβ functions as a transcriptional repressor for FOXM1 expression. The pathway 'LXRα-FOXM1-cyclin D1/cyclin B1' is a novel mechanism by which LXRs suppress the proliferation of HCC cells, suggesting that the pathway may be a novel target for HCC treatment. Show less
Identification of genetic variants that influence bipolar I disorder (BPD-I) through genome-wide association (GWA) studies is limited in Asian populations. The current study aimed to identify novel co Show more
Identification of genetic variants that influence bipolar I disorder (BPD-I) through genome-wide association (GWA) studies is limited in Asian populations. The current study aimed to identify novel common variants for BPD-I in an ethnically homogeneous Taiwanese sample using a multi-stage GWA study design. At the discovery stage, 200 BPD-I patients and 200 controls that combined to form 16 pools were genotyped with 1 million markers. Utilizing a newly developed rank-based method, top-ranked markers were selected. After validation with individual genotyping, a fine-mapping association study was conducted to identify associated loci using 240 patients and 240 controls. At the last stage, independent samples were collected (351 cases and 341 controls) for replication. Among the top-ranked markers from the discovery stage, eight genes and 15 individual SNPs were evaluated in the fine-mapping stage. At this stage, rs7619173, which is not in a gene coding region, showed the most significant association (P = 2 ∗ 10(-5)) with BPD-I. Four genes had empirical P-values<0.05, including KCNH7 (P = 0.0047), MYST4 (P = 0.0047), NRXN3 (P = 0.0095), and SEMA3D (P = 0.037). For markers genotyped in replication samples, rs7619173 exhibited a significant association (P(combined) = 2 ∗ 10(-4)) after multiple testing correction, while markers rs11001178 (MYST4) and rs2217887 (NRXN3) showed weak associations (P(combined) = 0.02) with BPD-I. A multi-stage GWA design has the potential to uncover the underlying pathogenesis of a complex trait. Findings in the present study highlight three loci that warrant further investigation for bipolar. Show less