Leveraging the conserved cancer genomes across mammals has the potential to transform driver gene discovery in orphan cancers. Here, we combine cross-species genomics with validation across human-dog- Show more
Leveraging the conserved cancer genomes across mammals has the potential to transform driver gene discovery in orphan cancers. Here, we combine cross-species genomics with validation across human-dog-mouse systems to uncover a new bone tumor suppressor gene. Comparative genomics of spontaneous human and dog osteosarcomas (OS) expose Disks Large Homolog 2 (DLG2) as a tumor suppressor candidate. DLG2 copy number loss occurs in 42% of human and 56% of canine OS. Functional validation through pertinent human and canine OS DLG2-deficient cell lines identifies a regulatory role of DLG2 in cell division, migration and tumorigenesis. Moreover, osteoblast-specific deletion of Dlg2 in a clinically relevant genetically engineered mouse model leads to acceleration of OS development, establishing DLG2 as a critical determinant of OS. This widely applicable cross-species approach serves as a platform to expedite the search of cancer drivers in rare human malignancies, offering new targets for cancer therapy. Show less
We sought to identify susceptibility genes for high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) by performing a transcriptome-wide association study of gene expression and splice junction usage in HGSOC-relev Show more
We sought to identify susceptibility genes for high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) by performing a transcriptome-wide association study of gene expression and splice junction usage in HGSOC-relevant tissue types (N = 2,169) and the largest genome-wide association study available for HGSOC (N = 13,037 cases and 40,941 controls). We identified 25 transcriptome-wide association study significant genes, 7 at the junction level only, including LRRC46 at 19q21.32, (P = 1 × 10 Show less
Caveolin-1 has been reported to play an important role in the pathogenesis of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). This study was designed to identify Caveolin-1-interacting proteins to reveal Show more
Caveolin-1 has been reported to play an important role in the pathogenesis of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). This study was designed to identify Caveolin-1-interacting proteins to reveal the molecular mechanisms of ARDS. Yeast two-hybrid screening was performed using Caveolin-1 as the bait, and Axin-1 was identified as a binding partner for Caveolin-1. Co-immunoprecipitation demonstrated that the binding domains were located in the N-terminal region (1-100 aa) of Caveolin-1 and the C-terminal region (710-797 aa) of Axin-1. Caveolin-1 gene knockout or Axin-1 knockdown significantly decreased the levels of TNF-α and IL-6 in the supernatants of alveolar type I (AT-I) epithelial cells treated with LPS. Disrupting the interaction between Caveolin-1 and Axin-1 using CRISPR/Cas9 technology led to a significant increase in TNF-α and IL-6 from AT-I cells, along with a significant reduction in β-catenin expression. In conclusion, Axin-1 functions as an adaptor of Caveolin-1 and affects the production of inflammatory cytokines in AT-I cells challenged with LPS via β-catenin-mediated negative regulation. Show less
Increasing evidence indicates that paternal diet can result in metabolic changes in offspring, but the definite mechanism remains unclear in birds. Here, we fed breeder cocks five different diets cont Show more
Increasing evidence indicates that paternal diet can result in metabolic changes in offspring, but the definite mechanism remains unclear in birds. Here, we fed breeder cocks five different diets containing 0, 0.25, 1.25, 2.50 and 5.00 mg kg Show less
EMT allows a polarized epithelium to lose epithelial integrity and acquire mesenchymal characteristics. Previously, we found that overexpression of the intracellular domain of Notch3 (N3ICD) can inhib Show more
EMT allows a polarized epithelium to lose epithelial integrity and acquire mesenchymal characteristics. Previously, we found that overexpression of the intracellular domain of Notch3 (N3ICD) can inhibit EMT in breast cancer cells. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the influence of N3ICD or N3ICD combined with the transmembrane domain (TD+N3ICD) on the expression and distribution of TJs/AJs and polar molecules. We found that although N3ICD can upregulate the expression levels of the above-mentioned molecules, TD+N3ICD can inhibit EMT more effectively than N3ICD alone. TD+N3ICD overexpression upregulated the expression of endogenous full-length Notch3 and contributed to correcting the position of TJs/AJs molecules and better acinar structures formation. Co-immunoprecipitation results showed that the upregulated endogenous full-length Notch3 could physically interact with E-ca in MDA-MB-231/pCMV-(TD+N3ICD) cells. Collectively, our data indicate that overexpression of TD+N3ICD can effectively inhibit EMT, resulting in better positioning of TJs/AJs molecules and cell-cell adhesion in breast cancer cells. Show less
Aberrant activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling plays a key role in the onset and development of hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC), with about half of them acquiring mutations in either
This study aimed to investigate the value of PTEN, NF-κB, WWP2, p53 and c-Myc expressions in distinguishing B cell lymphomas from reactive follicular hyperplasia (RFH), and their abilities to discrimi Show more
This study aimed to investigate the value of PTEN, NF-κB, WWP2, p53 and c-Myc expressions in distinguishing B cell lymphomas from reactive follicular hyperplasia (RFH), and their abilities to discriminate different B cell lymphoma subtypes. Lymphoma tissue samples were obtained from 30 follicular lymphoma (FL) patients, 30 germinal center B-cell like (GCB) diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) patients, 30 non-GCB DLBCL patients and 30 Burkitt's lymphoma (BL) patients. And hyperplasia tissue samples were obtained from and 30 RFH patients. Immunohistochemistry was used to quantify the expressions of PTEN, NF-κB, WWP2, P53 and c-Myc. PTEN expression was elevated in GCB DLBCL and BL compared with RFH, and in GCB DLBCL, non-GCB DLBCL and BL than that in FL; WWP2 expression was higher in FL, GCB DLBCL, non-GCB DLBCL and BL compared with RFH; p53 expression increased in non-GCB DLBCL compared with RFH, and in BL compared with RFH, FL or GCB DLBCL; c-Myc expression was higher in GCB DLBCL, non-GCB DLBCL and BL compared with RFH; c-Myc expression was elevated in GCB DLBCL, non-GCB DLBCL and BL compared with FL. Additionally, PTEN negatively correlated with p53 expression in FL and CGB DLBCL, whereas NF-κB negatively correlated with WWP2 in GCB DLBCL, but positively associated with PTEN in RFH and c-Myc in BL. PTEN, WWP2, p53 and c-Myc expressions might be served as biomarkers for identification of B cell lymphomas from RFH as well as distinguishing different B cell lymphoma subtypes. Show less
Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD)-related disorders are the major causes of low back pain. A previous study suggested that Notch activation serves as a protective mechanism and is a part of the Show more
Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD)-related disorders are the major causes of low back pain. A previous study suggested that Notch activation serves as a protective mechanism and is a part of the compensatory response that maintains the necessary resident nucleus pulposus (NP) cell proliferation to replace lost or non-functional cells. However, the exact mechanism remains to be determined. In this study, we aimed to investigate the role of JAG2/Notch2 in NP cell proliferation and apoptosis. Recombinant JAG2 or Notch2, Hes1, and Hey2 siRNAs were used to activate or inhibit Notch signaling. Cell proliferation, apoptosis, cell cycle regulatory factors, and pathways associated with Notch-mediated proliferation were examined. In vivo experiments involving an intradiscal injection of Sprague-Dawley rats were performed. Recombinant JAG2 induced Notch2 and Hes1/Hey2 expression together with NP cell proliferation. Downregulation of Notch2/Hes1/Hey2 induced G0/G1 phase cell cycle arrest in NP cells. Moreover, Notch2 mediated NP cell proliferation by regulating cyclin D1 and by activating PI3K/Akt and Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Furthermore, Notch signaling inhibited TNF-α-promoted NP cell apoptosis by suppressing the formation of the RIP1-FADD-caspase-8 complex. Finally, we found that intradiscal injection of JAG2 alleviated IVDD and that sh-Notch2 aggravated IVDD in a rat model. These results indicated that JAG2/Notch2 inhibited IVDD by modulating cell proliferation, apoptosis, and extracellular matrix. The JAG2/Notch2 axis regulated NP cell proliferation via PI3K/Akt and Wnt/β-catenin signaling and inhibited TNF-α-induced apoptosis by suppressing the formation of the RIP1-FADD-caspase-8 complex. The current and previous results shed light on the therapeutic implications of targeting the JAG2/Notch2 axis to inhibit or reverse IVDD. Show less
Ovariectomy results in improved meat quality (growth rate, tenderness, and flavor) of broilers. However, some negative effects increased (abdominal fat (AF) deposition, low feed conversion, etc.) have Show more
Ovariectomy results in improved meat quality (growth rate, tenderness, and flavor) of broilers. However, some negative effects increased (abdominal fat (AF) deposition, low feed conversion, etc.) have also been reported. In this study, the gene expression profiles of AF tissue in ovariectomized and sham-operated chickens were determined to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and pathways to explore the molecular mechanisms underlying AF accumulation. Comparing the ovariectomized group and the sham-operated group, the abdominal fat weight (AFW) and abdominal fat percentage (AFP) were increased significantly ( Show less
To unravel the genetic mechanisms of disease and physiological traits, it requires comprehensive sequencing analysis of large sample size in Chinese populations. Here, we report the primary results of Show more
To unravel the genetic mechanisms of disease and physiological traits, it requires comprehensive sequencing analysis of large sample size in Chinese populations. Here, we report the primary results of the Chinese Academy of Sciences Precision Medicine Initiative (CASPMI) project launched by the Chinese Academy of Sciences, including the de novo assembly of a northern Han reference genome (NH1.0) and whole genome analyses of 597 healthy people coming from most areas in China. Given the two existing reference genomes for Han Chinese (YH and HX1) were both from the south, we constructed NH1.0, a new reference genome from a northern individual, by combining the sequencing strategies of PacBio, 10× Genomics, and Bionano mapping. Using this integrated approach, we obtained an N50 scaffold size of 46.63 Mb for the NH1.0 genome and performed a comparative genome analysis of NH1.0 with YH and HX1. In order to generate a genomic variation map of Chinese populations, we performed the whole-genome sequencing of 597 participants and identified 24.85 million (M) single nucleotide variants (SNVs), 3.85 M small indels, and 106,382 structural variations. In the association analysis with collected phenotypes, we found that the T allele of rs1549293 in KAT8 significantly correlated with the waist circumference in northern Han males. Moreover, significant genetic diversity in MTHFR, TCN2, FADS1, and FADS2, which associate with circulating folate, vitamin B12, or lipid metabolism, was observed between northerners and southerners. Especially, for the homocysteine-increasing allele of rs1801133 (MTHFR 677T), we hypothesize that there exists a "comfort" zone for a high frequency of 677T between latitudes of 35-45 degree North. Taken together, our results provide a high-quality northern Han reference genome and novel population-specific data sets of genetic variants for use in the personalized and precision medicine. Show less
Lung cancer is a common malignant neoplasm that is prone to distant metastasis. Gastrointestinal metastasis from lung cancer is rather rare no matter what stage. Herein, we presented a case of pulmona Show more
Lung cancer is a common malignant neoplasm that is prone to distant metastasis. Gastrointestinal metastasis from lung cancer is rather rare no matter what stage. Herein, we presented a case of pulmonary adenocarcinoma six months after thoracoscopic Lobectomy isolated metastasis to sigmoid colon. Then the patient underwent radical resection of metastatic tumors of sigmoid colon. The pathologic morphology and immunohistochemistry of lung adenocarcinoma is highly consistent with the sigmoid colon tumor and their gene profiles are likely similar expect for an AXIN1 mutation in primary tumor and not in the metastatic lesion. Show less
Angiopoietin-like protein 4 (ANGPTL4) is a multifunctional secreted protein that can be induced by fasting, hypoxia and glucocorticoids. ANGPTL4 has been associated with a variety of diseases; however Show more
Angiopoietin-like protein 4 (ANGPTL4) is a multifunctional secreted protein that can be induced by fasting, hypoxia and glucocorticoids. ANGPTL4 has been associated with a variety of diseases; however, the role of ANGPTL4 in cardiac hypertrophy remains poorly understood. In our study, we aimed to explore the effect of ANGPTL4 on phenylephrine-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. Our results showed that knockdown of ANGPTL4 expression significantly exacerbated cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, as demonstrated by increased hypertrophic marker expression, including ANP and cell surface area. Moreover, significantly reduced fatty acid oxidation, as featured by decreased CPT-1 levels, was observed in hypertrophic cardiomyocytes following ANGPTL4 down-regulation. Furthermore, knockdown of ANGPLT4 led to down-regulated expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα), which is the key regulator of cardiac fatty acid oxidation. In addition, ANGPTL4 silencing promoted the activation of JNK1/2, and JNK1/2 signaling blockade could restore the level of PPARα and significantly ameliorate the ANGPTL4 knockdown-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. Therefore, our study demonstrated that ANGPTL4 regulates PPARα through JNK1/2 signaling and is required for the inhibition of cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. Show less
Spinal root avulsion typically leads to massive motoneuron death and severe functional deficits of the target muscles. Multiple pathological factors such as severe neuron loss, induction of inhibitory Show more
Spinal root avulsion typically leads to massive motoneuron death and severe functional deficits of the target muscles. Multiple pathological factors such as severe neuron loss, induction of inhibitory molecules, and insufficient regeneration are responsible for the poor functional recovery. Leucine-rich repeat and immunoglobulin-like domain-containing Nogo receptor-interacting protein 1 (LINGO-1), a central nervous system (CNS)-specific transmembrane protein that is selectively expressed on neurons and oligodendrocytes, serves as a potent negative mediator of axonal regeneration and myelination in CNS injuries and diseases. Although accumulating evidence has demonstrated improvement in axonal regeneration and neurological functions by LINGO-1 antagonism in CNS damage, the possible effects of LINGO-1 in spinal root avulsion remain undiscovered. In this study, a LINGO-1 knockdown strategy using lentiviral vectors encoding LINGO-1 short hairpin interfering RNA (shRNA) delivered by the Pluronic F-127 (PF-127) hydrogel was described after brachial plexus avulsion (BPA). We provide evidence that following BPA and immediate reimplantation, transplantation of LINGO-1 shRNA lentiviral vectors encapsulated by PF-127 rescued the injured motoneurons, enhanced axonal outgrowth and myelination, rebuilt motor endplates, facilitated the reinnervation of terminal muscles, improved angiogenesis, and promoted recovery of avulsed forelimbs. Altogether, these data suggest that delivery of LINGO-1 shRNA by a gel scaffold is a potential therapeutic approach for root avulsion. Impact Statement In this study, we attempted transplantation of lentivirus (LV)/leucine-rich repeat and immunoglobulin-like domain-containing Nogo receptor-interacting protein 1 (LINGO-1)-short hairpin interfering RNA (shRNA) encapsulated by the Pluronic F-127 (PF-127) hydrogel into a brachial plexus avulsion (BPA)-reimplantation model. We found that administration of LV/LINGO-1 shRNA facilitates neuron survival and axonal regeneration, attenuates muscle atrophy and motor endplate (MEP) loss, enhances neovascularization, and promotes functional recovery in BPA rats. Co-transplantation of LV/LINGO-1 shRNA and gel reinforces the survival-promoting effect, axonal outgrowth, and angiogenesis in comparison with LV/LINGO-1 shRNA application alone. Our research provides evidence that LV /LINGO-1 shRNA delivered by PF-127 represents a new treatment strategy for BPA repair. Show less
High fructose feeding changes fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) regulation. Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) supplementation reduces fructose-induced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The a Show more
High fructose feeding changes fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) regulation. Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) supplementation reduces fructose-induced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The aim of this study was to determine the role of FGF21 and underlying mechanisms in the protective effects of LGG. FGF21 knockout (KO) mice and C57BL/6 wild type (WT) mice were fed 30% fructose for 12 weeks. LGG was administered to the mice in the last 4 weeks during fructose feeding. FGF21-adiponectin (ADPN)-mediated hepatic lipogenesis and inflammation were investigated. FGF21 expression was robustly increased after 5-weeks of feeding and significantly decreased after 12-weeks of feeding in fructose-induced NAFLD mice. LGG administration reversed the depressed FGF21 expression, increased adipose production of ADPN, and reduced hepatic fat accumulation and inflammation in the WT mice but not in the KO mice. Hepatic nuclear carbohydrate responsive-element binding protein (ChREBP) was increased by fructose and reduced by LGG, resulting in a reduction in the expression of lipogenic genes. The methylated form of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) C, which dephosphorylates and activates ChREBP, was upregulated by fructose and normalized by LGG. Leucine carboxyl methyltransferase-1, which methylates PP2AC, was also increased by fructose and decreased by LGG. However, those beneficial effects of LGG were blunted in the KO mice. Hepatic dihydrosphingosine-1-phosphate, which inhibits PP2A, was markedly increased by LGG in the WT mice but attenuated in the KO mice. LGG decreased adipose hypertrophy and increased serum levels of ADPN, which regulates sphingosine metabolism. This beneficial effect was decreased in the KO mice. LGG administration increases hepatic FGF21 expression and serum ADPN concentration, resulting in a reduced ChREBP activation through dihydrosphingosine-1-phosphate-mediated PP2A deactivation, and subsequently reversed fructose-induced NAFLD. Thus, our data suggest that FGF21 is required for the beneficial effects of LGG in reversal of fructose-induced NAFLD. Show less
Complex mechanisms are required to form neuromuscular synapses, direct their subsequent maturation, and maintain the synapse throughout life. Transcriptional and post-translational pathways play impor Show more
Complex mechanisms are required to form neuromuscular synapses, direct their subsequent maturation, and maintain the synapse throughout life. Transcriptional and post-translational pathways play important roles in synaptic differentiation and direct the accumulation of the neurotransmitter receptors, acetylcholine receptors (AChRs), to the postsynaptic membrane, ensuring for reliable synaptic transmission. Rapsyn, an intracellular peripheral membrane protein that binds AChRs, is essential for synaptic differentiation, but how Rapsyn acts is poorly understood. We screened for proteins that coisolate with AChRs in a Rapsyn-dependent manner and show that microtubule actin cross linking factor 1 (MACF1), a scaffolding protein with binding sites for microtubules (MT) and actin, is concentrated at neuromuscular synapses, where it binds Rapsyn and serves as a synaptic organizer for MT-associated proteins, EB1 and MAP1b, and the actin-associated protein, Vinculin. MACF1 plays an important role in maintaining synaptic differentiation and efficient synaptic transmission in mice, and variants in Show less
Genotype-by-environment (G × E) interactions could play an important role in cattle populations, and it should be considered in breeding programmes to select the best sires for different environments. Show more
Genotype-by-environment (G × E) interactions could play an important role in cattle populations, and it should be considered in breeding programmes to select the best sires for different environments. The objectives of this study were to study G × E interactions for female fertility traits in the Danish Holstein dairy cattle population using a reaction norm model (RNM), and to detect the particular genomic regions contributing to the performance of these traits and the G × E interactions. In total 4534 bulls were genotyped by an Illumina BovineSNP50 BeadChip. An RNM with a pedigree-based relationship matrix and a pedigree-genomic combined relationship matrix was used to explore the existence of G × E interactions. In the RNM, the environmental gradient (EG) was defined as herd effect. Further, the genomic regions affecting interval from calving to first insemination (ICF) and interval from first to last insemination (IFL) were detected using single-step genome-wide association study (ssGWAS). The genetic correlations between extreme EGs indicated that G × E interactions were sizable for ICF and IFL. The genomic RNM (pedigree-genomic combined relationship matrix) had higher prediction accuracy than the conventional RNM (pedigree-based relationship matrix). The top genomic regions affecting the slope of the reaction norm included immunity-related genes (IL17, IL17F and LIF), and growth-related genes (MC4R and LEP), while the top regions influencing the intercept of the reaction norm included fertility-related genes such as EREG, AREG and SMAD4. In conclusion, our findings validated the G × E interactions for fertility traits across different herds and were helpful in understanding the genetic background of G × E interactions for these traits. Show less
Cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) plays an important role in lipid metabolism. Low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) increase the risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D). This study Show more
Cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) plays an important role in lipid metabolism. Low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) increase the risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D). This study investigated CETP gene variants to assess the risk of T2D and specific complications of diabetic kidney disease (DKD) and diabetic retinopathy. Towards this, a total of 3023 Taiwanese individuals (1383 without T2D, 1640 with T2D) were enrolled in this study. T2D mice (+Lepr Show less
Focal and segmental glomerular sclerosis (FSGS) is a common cause of nephrotic syndrome and end-stage renal disease. It has been reported that overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and cell Show more
Focal and segmental glomerular sclerosis (FSGS) is a common cause of nephrotic syndrome and end-stage renal disease. It has been reported that overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and cell apoptosis are associated with the development of FSGS. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is a bioactive constituent accounting for more than 50% of the total catechins in green tea, which have anti-oxidative and anti-apoptotic effects. Based on this, this study was designed to evaluate the renoprotective effect of EGCG treatment on Adriamycin-induced FSGS. -Methods: In C57BL/6 mice, Adriamycin nephropathy (AN) was induced by Adriamycin (10 mg/kg body weight, diluted in normal saline) via a tail vein on day 0. Then the mice were given with EGCG (20 mg/kg body weight) or YC-1 (Lificiguat, a specific inhibitor of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α [HIF-1α], 50 mg/kg body weight) or both intraperitoneally. Both the EGCG and YC-1 were given on the day of Adriamycin injection and continued for 6 weeks. The animals were organized into the following 5 groups for the animal experiments: the control group, the AN group, the AN + EGCG group, the AN + YC-1 group and the AN + EGCG + YC-1 group. At 6 weeks, the mice were sacrificed; kidneys and blood samples were collected for further analysis. The HIF-1α and the angiopoietin-like 4 (ANGPTL4) expression were detected by Western blot, real-time PCR, immunohistochemistry or immunofluorescence. Dihydroethidium staining and NADPH oxidase 1 (Nox1) measurement were used to detect ROS production. Terminal deoxynucleotide transferase-mediated dUTP nick end-labeling (TUNEL) staining and caspase-3 measurement was used to detect cell apoptosis. When the animals were treated with Adriamycin, both the ROS production and TUNEL positive cells increased. Besides, the expression of HIF-1α, ANGPTL4, and caspase-3 were also up-regulated, while EGCG treatment could attenuate these changes. Interestingly, compared with treatment with YC-1 or EGCG alone, more pronounced inhibition of ANGPTL4, caspase-3 and Nox1 were obtained when YC-1 and EGCG were administered simultaneously. EGCG attenuates FSGS through the suppression of Oxidant Stress and apoptosis by targeting the HIF-1α/ANGPTL4 pathway. Show less
Jin-Juan Liu, Hong-Fa Yang, Yong-Jian Li+1 more · 2019 · Sichuan da xue xue bao. Yi xue ban = Journal of Sichuan University. Medical science edition · added 2026-04-24
To investigate the expression of β-catenin in the skin lesions of patients with systemic scleroderma (SSc) and its effect on epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of human epidermal keratinocytes. T Show more
To investigate the expression of β-catenin in the skin lesions of patients with systemic scleroderma (SSc) and its effect on epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of human epidermal keratinocytes. The expression of β-catenin, Snail1 and E-cadherin in the skin lesions sample of 45 SSc patients and normal skin sample from 20 healthy adults was detected with SP immunohistochemistry. HaCaT, the human epidermal keratinocytes, were treated with different concentrations of Wnt10b (0 ng/mL (control), 2 ng/mL and 4 ng/mL) for 48 h. then detected the localization of β-catenin in HaCaT cells by immunofluorescence assay, determined the mRNA levels of Snail1 and Snail2 in HaCaT cells by real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR, detected the proteins expression of β-catenin, Vimentin, N-cadherin and E-cadherin in HaCaT cells by Western blot. The positive rates of β-catenin, Snail1 and E-cadherin in skin lesions of SSc patients were 100%, 88.89% and 2.22% respectively, while in healthy adult skin, the corresponding positive rates were 0%, 10.00%, and 95.00%. The difference between the two groups was significant. Compared with control group, treatment with different concentrations of Wnt10b (2 ng/mL and 4 ng/mL) induced up-regulation of β-catenin expression and promoted translocation of β-catenin from cytoplasm to nucleus, increased the mRNA levels of Snail1 and Snail2 ( Abnormally activated Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and abnormally expressed EMT-related proteins are observed in SSc lesions. Activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway may promote EMT in HaCaT cells. Show less
Hepatic fatty acid oxidation of yolk lipoproteins provides the main energy source for chick embryos. Post-hatching these yolk lipids are rapidly exhausted and metabolism switches to a carbohydrate-bas Show more
Hepatic fatty acid oxidation of yolk lipoproteins provides the main energy source for chick embryos. Post-hatching these yolk lipids are rapidly exhausted and metabolism switches to a carbohydrate-based energy source. We recently demonstrated that many microRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators of hepatic metabolic pathways during this metabolic switching. MiRNAs are small non-coding RNAs that post-transcriptionally regulate gene expression in most eukaryotes. To further elucidate the roles of miRNAs in the metabolic switch, we used delayed feeding for 48 h to impede the hepatic metabolic switch. We found that hepatic expression of several miRNAs including Show less
17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 3 (17βHSD3) deficiency is an autosomal recessive disorder of male sex development that results in defective testosterone biosynthesis. Although mutations in the c Show more
17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 3 (17βHSD3) deficiency is an autosomal recessive disorder of male sex development that results in defective testosterone biosynthesis. Although mutations in the cognate HSD17B3 gene cause a spectrum of phenotypic manifestations, the majority of affected patients are genetic males having female external genitalia. Many cases do not present until puberty, at which time peripheral conversion of androgen precursors causes progressive virilization. Measurement of the testosterone-to-androstenedione ratio is useful to screen for 17βHSD3 deficiency, and genetic analysis can confirm the diagnosis. As some individuals with 17βHSD3 deficiency transition from a female sex assignment to identifying as males, providers should ensure stable gender identity prior to recommending irreversible treatments. Gonadectomy is indicated to prevent further virilization if a female gender identity is established. The risk of testicular neoplasia is unknown, a point which should be discussed if patients elect to transition into a male gender role. Show less
Exosomes, vehicles for intercellular communication, are formed intracellularly within multivesicular bodies (MVBs) and are released upon fusion with the plasma membrane. For their biogenesis, proper c Show more
Exosomes, vehicles for intercellular communication, are formed intracellularly within multivesicular bodies (MVBs) and are released upon fusion with the plasma membrane. For their biogenesis, proper cargo loading to exosomes and vesicle traffic for extracellular release are required. Previously we showed that the L-type lectin, LMAN2, limits trans-Golgi Network (TGN)-to-endosomes traffic of GPRC5B, an exosome cargo protein, for exosome release. Here, we identified that the protein deacetylase sirtuin 2 (SIRT2) as a novel interactor of LMAN2. Loss of SIRT2 expression resulted in exosomal release of LMAN2, a Golgi resident protein, along with increased exosomal release of GPRC5B. Furthermore, knockout of SIRT2 increased total number of extracellular vesicles (EVs), indicating increased MVB-to-EV flux. While knockout of SIRT1 increased EV release with enlarged late endolysosome, knockout of SIRT2 did not exhibit endolysosome enlargement for increased EV release. Taken together, our study suggests that SIRT2 regulates cargo loading to MVBs and MVB-to-EV flux through a mechanism distinct from that of SIRT1. Show less
The three nicotinamide mononucleotide adenylyltransferase (NMNAT) family members synthesize the electron carrier nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD
Many achievements have been made to develop quantitative trait loci (QTLs) and gene-associated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) to facilitate practical marker-assisted selection (MAS) in aquatic Show more
Many achievements have been made to develop quantitative trait loci (QTLs) and gene-associated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) to facilitate practical marker-assisted selection (MAS) in aquatic animals. However, the systematic studies of SNPs associated with extreme threshold traits were poor in populations lacking of parental genomic information. Coupling next generation sequencing with bulked segregant analysis (BSA) should allow identification of numerous associated SNPs with extreme phenotypes. In the present study, using combination of SNP frequency difference and Euclidean distance, we conducted linkage analysis of SNPs located in genes involved in immune responses, and identified markers associated with Vibrio anguillarum resistance in turbot (Scophthalmus maximus). A total of 221 SNPs was found as candidate SNPs between resistant and susceptible individuals. Among these SNPs, 35 loci located in immune related genes were genotyped in verification population and 7 of them showed significant association with V. anguillarum resistance in both alleles and genotypes (P < 0.05). Among these 7 genes, PIK3CA-like, CYLD, VCAM1, RhoB and RhoGEF are involved in PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway and NF-κB pathway, which influence the efficiency of bacteria entering the host and inflammation. SNP-SNP interaction analysis was performed by generalized multifactor dimensionality reduction (GMDR). The combination of SNP loci in RhoB, PIK3CA-like and ADCY3 showed a significant effect on V. anguillarum resistance with the verification rate in the sequencing population up to 70.8%. Taken all, our findings demonstrated the feasibility of BSA-seq approach in identifying genes responsible for the extreme phenotypes and will aid in performing MAS in turbot. Show less
Cell division cycle 20 (CDC20) is frequently overexpressed in malignant tumours and involved in the differentiation process of hematopoietic stem cells. However, the role of CDC20 in prostate cancer s Show more
Cell division cycle 20 (CDC20) is frequently overexpressed in malignant tumours and involved in the differentiation process of hematopoietic stem cells. However, the role of CDC20 in prostate cancer stem-like cells (CSCs) remains poorly understood. The expression of CDC20, CD44, β-catenin were examined in prostate cancer specimens by immunohistochemistry assay, the role of CDC20 on the stem-like properties of prostate CSCs was accessed by real-time quantitive PCR, spheroid formation, in vitro and in vivo limiting dilution assay. CDC20 was associated with malignant progression of prostate cancer, the patients with both high expression CDC20 and CD44 or β-catenin were associated with more aggressive clinicopathological features and poor prognosis. CDC20 was usually enriched in CD44 Our results indicated that CDC20 maintains the self-renewal ability of CD44 Show less
The goal of this work was to investigate the molecular profiles and metastasis markers in Chinese patients with gastric carcinoma (GC). In total, we performed whole exome sequencing (WES) on 74 GC pat Show more
The goal of this work was to investigate the molecular profiles and metastasis markers in Chinese patients with gastric carcinoma (GC). In total, we performed whole exome sequencing (WES) on 74 GC patients with tumor and adjacent normal formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue samples. The mutation spectrum of these samples showed a high concordance with TCGA and other studies on GC. PTPRT is significantly associated with metastasis of GC, suggesting its predictive role in metastasis of GC. Patients carrying BRCA2 mutations tend not to metastasize, which may be related to their sensitivity to chemotherapy. Mutations in MACF1, CDC27, HMCN1, CDH1 and PDZD2 were moderately enriched in peritoneal metastasis (PM) samples. Furthermore, we found two genomic regions (1p36.21 and Xq26.3) were associated with PM of GC, and patients with amplification of 1p36.21 and Xq26.3 have a worse prognosis (P = 0.002, 0.01, respectively). Our analysis provides GC patients with potential markers for single and combination therapies. Show less
Sarah A King, Han Liu, Xiaoyang Wu · 2019 · Experimental biology and medicine (Maywood, N.J.) · SAGE Publications · added 2026-04-24
The cytoskeleton is an essential element of a eukaryotic cell which informs both form and function and ultimately has physiological consequences for the organism. Equally as important as the major cyt Show more
The cytoskeleton is an essential element of a eukaryotic cell which informs both form and function and ultimately has physiological consequences for the organism. Equally as important as the major cytoskeletal networks are crosslinkers which coordinate and regulate their activities. One such category of crosslinker is the spectraplakins, a family of giant, evolutionarily conserved crosslinking proteins with the rare ability to interact with each of the three major cytoskeletal networks. In particular, a mammalian spectraplakin isotype called MACF1 (microtubule actin crosslinking factor 1), also known as ACF7 (actin crosslinking factor 7), has been of particular interest in the years since its discovery; MACF1 has come under such scrutiny due to the mounting list of biological phenomena in which it has been implicated. This review is an overview of the current knowledge on the structure and function of the known spectraplakin isotypes with an emphasis on MACF1, recent studies on MACF1, and finally, an analysis of the potential of MACF1 to advance medicine. Spectraplakins are a highly conserved group of proteins which have the rare ability to bind to each of the three major cytoskeletal networks. The mammalian spectraplakin MACF1/ACF7 has proven to be instrumental in many cellular processes (e.g. signaling and cell migration) since its identification and, as such, has been the focus of various research studies. This review is a synthesis of scientific reports on the structure, confirmed functions, and implicated roles of MACF1/ACF7 as of 2019. Based on what has been revealed thus far in terms of MACF1/ACF7’s role in complex pathologies such as metastatic cancers and inflammatory bowel disease, it appears that MACF1/ACF7 and the continued study thereof hold great potential to both enhance the design of future therapies for various diseases and vastly expand scientific understanding of organismal physiology as a whole. Show less
Depression is the most common comorbidity among patients with epilepsy. Despite prior assumptions that antiepileptic drugs are to blame, more and more pathological studies have shown that latent neuro Show more
Depression is the most common comorbidity among patients with epilepsy. Despite prior assumptions that antiepileptic drugs are to blame, more and more pathological studies have shown that latent neurological alterations associated with white matter injury and demyelination may underlie this link. However, whether disturbances in cerebral myelination contribute to the initiation of depression in epilepsy remains unclear. In the present study, we investigated the connection between demyelination disorders and the development of depression comorbidity in epilepsy. We first induced spontaneous recurrent epilepticus seizure (SRS) in young rats with pilocarpine. We then established depressive behaviors by recurrent forced swimming test and evaluate the depression state by sucrose preference test. The ratio of depression comorbidity in SRS rats was then calculated. Next, myelination in SRS-Depressed (SRS-D) rats was explored via PCR, western blotting, and immunohistochemistry for the key myelin promotion factor, Olig2 and inhibition factor, LINGO-1. Finally, in situ RNA hybridization of NCX3, one of the dominant Ca Show less