Cholecystokinin (CCK) and apolipoprotein A-IV (ApoA-IV) are gastrointestinal peptides that play an important role in controlling energy homeostasis. Lymphatic ApoA-IV and plasma CCK secretion are medi Show more
Cholecystokinin (CCK) and apolipoprotein A-IV (ApoA-IV) are gastrointestinal peptides that play an important role in controlling energy homeostasis. Lymphatic ApoA-IV and plasma CCK secretion are mediated via a chylomicron formation-dependent pathway during a dietary lipid infusion. Given their similar roles as satiating proteins, the present study examines how the two peptides interact in their function. Specifically, this study sought to understand how ApoA-IV regulates CCK secretion. For this purpose, Cck gene expression in the small intestines of ApoA-IV knockout (ApoA-IV-KO) and wild-type (WT) mice were compared under an array of feeding conditions. When fed with a chow or high-fat diet (HFD), basal levels of Cck transcripts were significantly reduced in the duodenum of ApoA-IV-KO mice compared to WT mice. Furthermore, after an oral gavage of a lipid mixture, Cck gene expression in the duodenum was significantly reduced in ApoA-IV-KO mice relative to the change seen in WT mice. To determine the mechanism by which ApoA-IV modulates Cck gene expression, STC-1 cells were transfected with predesigned mouse lysophosphatidic acid receptor 5 (LPAR5) small interfering RNA (siRNA) to knockdown Lpar5 gene expression. In this in-vitro study, mouse recombinant ApoA-IV protein increased Cck gene expression in enteroendocrine STC-1 cells and stimulated CCK release from the STC-1 cells. However, the levels of CCK protein and Cck expression were attenuated when Lpar5 was knocked down in the STC-1 cells. Together these observations suggest that dietary lipid-induced ApoA-IV is associated with Cck synthesis in the duodenum and that ApoA-IV protein directly enhances CCK release through the activation of a LPAR5-dependent pathway. Show less
Helicase DHX36 plays essential roles in cell development and differentiation at least partially by resolving G-quadruplex (G4) structures. Here we report crystal structures of the Drosophila homolog o Show more
Helicase DHX36 plays essential roles in cell development and differentiation at least partially by resolving G-quadruplex (G4) structures. Here we report crystal structures of the Drosophila homolog of DHX36 (DmDHX36) in complex with RNA and a series of DNAs. By combining structural, small-angle X-ray scattering, molecular dynamics simulation, and single-molecule fluorescence studies, we revealed that positively charged amino acids in RecA2 and OB-like domains constitute an elaborate structural pocket at the nucleic acid entrance, in which negatively charged G4 DNA is tightly bound and partially destabilized. The G4 DNA is then completely unfolded through the 3'-5' translocation activity of the helicase. Furthermore, crystal structures and DNA binding assays show that G-rich DNA is preferentially recognized and in the presence of ATP, specifically bound by DmDHX36, which may cooperatively enhance the G-rich DNA translocation and G4 unfolding. On the basis of these results, a conceptual G4 DNA-resolving mechanism is proposed. Show less
Platelet αIIbβ3 integrin and its ligands are essential for thrombosis and hemostasis, and play key roles in myocardial infarction and stroke. Here we show that apolipoprotein A-IV (apoA-IV) can be iso Show more
Platelet αIIbβ3 integrin and its ligands are essential for thrombosis and hemostasis, and play key roles in myocardial infarction and stroke. Here we show that apolipoprotein A-IV (apoA-IV) can be isolated from human blood plasma using platelet β3 integrin-coated beads. Binding of apoA-IV to platelets requires activation of αIIbβ3 integrin, and the direct apoA-IV-αIIbβ3 interaction can be detected using a single-molecule Biomembrane Force Probe. We identify that aspartic acids 5 and 13 at the N-terminus of apoA-IV are required for binding to αIIbβ3 integrin, which is additionally modulated by apoA-IV C-terminus via intra-molecular interactions. ApoA-IV inhibits platelet aggregation and postprandial platelet hyperactivity. Human apoA-IV plasma levels show a circadian rhythm that negatively correlates with platelet aggregation and cardiovascular events. Thus, we identify apoA-IV as a novel ligand of αIIbβ3 integrin and an endogenous inhibitor of thrombosis, establishing a link between lipoprotein metabolism and cardiovascular diseases. Show less
Over the past decades, the epidemic of childhood obesity has greatly increased, and it has recently become a global public health concern. Methylation, serving as a crucial regulator of the gene-envir Show more
Over the past decades, the epidemic of childhood obesity has greatly increased, and it has recently become a global public health concern. Methylation, serving as a crucial regulator of the gene-environment interaction, has exhibited a strong association with obesity. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the relationship between DNA methylation and childhood obesity, and further uncover the potential association of aberrantly methylated genes with obesity. DNA samples of peripheral blood leukocytes from three obese subjects (mean BMI: 21.67) and 4 age/sex matched controls (mean BMI: 14.92) were subjected to Infinium Human Methylation 450 Bead Array analysis. A total of more than 4 85 000 methylation sites were identified across the genome, and 226 methylated CpGs (DMCpGs) were differentially methylated between these two groups. Subsequent Gene Ontology (GO) and KEGG Pathway analyses showed that these DMCpGs were mainly engaged in immunity and lipoprotein metabolism, indicating their physiological significance. Further verification of the candidate CpG sites within the HDAC4, RAX2, APOA5, CES1, and SLC25A20 gene loci, were performed using bisulfite sequencing PCR (BSP) in a cohort of 42 controls and 39 obese cases. The results revealed that methylation levels within HDAC4 and RAX2 loci were positively associated with obesity, while the methylation levels of loci within APOA5 and CES1 loci were negatively correlated with obesity. Thus, alterations in methylation of CpG sites of specific genes may contribute to childhood obesity, which provide novel insights into the aetiology of obesity. Show less
Alzheimer disease (AD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder with distinct pathological features, with aging considered the greatest risk factor. We explored how aging contributes to increased AD ris Show more
Alzheimer disease (AD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder with distinct pathological features, with aging considered the greatest risk factor. We explored how aging contributes to increased AD risk, and determined concurrent and coordinate changes (including genetic and phenotypic modifications) commonly exhibited in both normal aging and AD. Using the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, we collected 1 healthy aging-related and 3 AD-related datasets of the hippocampal region. The normal aging dataset was divided into 3 age groups: young (20-40 years old), middle-aged (40-60 years old), and elderly (>60 years old). These datasets were used to analyze the differentially expressed genes (DEGs). The Gene Ontology (GO) terms, pathways, and function network analysis of these DEGs were analyzed. One thousand two hundred ninety-one DEGs were found to be shared in the natural aging groups and AD patients. Among the shared DEGs, ATP6V1E1, GNG3, NDUFV2, GOT1, USP14, and NAV2 have been previously found in both normal aging individuals and AD patients. Furthermore, using Java Enrichment of Pathways Extended to Topology (JEPETTO) analysis based on Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) database, we determined that changes in aging-related KEGG annotations may contribute to the aging-dependence of AD risk. Interestingly, NRXN3, the second most commonly deregulated gene identified in the present study, is known to carry a mutation in AD patients. According to functional network analysis, NRXN3 plays a critical role in synaptic functions involved in the cognitive decline associated with normal aging and AD. Our results indicate that the low expression of aging-related NRXN3 may increase AD risk, though the potential mechanism requires further clarification. Show less
The development of acquired EGFR-TKI therapeutic resistance is still a serious clinical problem in the management of lung adenocarcinoma. Peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma (PPARÎł) agoni Show more
The development of acquired EGFR-TKI therapeutic resistance is still a serious clinical problem in the management of lung adenocarcinoma. Peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) agonists may exhibit anti-tumor activity by transactivating genes which are closely associated with cell proliferation, apoptosis, and differentiation. However, it remains not clear whether efatutazone has similar roles in lung adenocarcinoma cells of gefitinib resistant such as HCC827-GR and PC9-GR. It has been demonstrated by us that efatutazone prominently increased the mRNA and protein expression of PPARγ, liver X receptor alpha (LXRα),as well as ATP binding cassette subfamily A member 1 (ABCA1). In the presence of GW9662 (a specific antagonist of PPARγ) or GGPP (a specific antagonist of LXRα), efatutazone (40 μmol/L) restored the proliferation of both HCC827-GR and PC9-GR cells and obviously inhibited the increased protein and mRNA expression of PPAR-gamma, LXR-alpha, and ABCA1 induced by efatutazone. LXRα knockdown by siRNA (si-LXRα) significantly promoted the HCC827-GR and PC9-GR cells proliferation, whereas incubation efatutazone with si-LXRα restored the proliferation ability compared with the control group. In addition, combination of efatutazone and LXRα agonist T0901317 showed a synergistic therapeutic effect on lung adenocarcinoma cell proliferation and PPAR gamma, LXR A and ABCA1 protein expression. These results indicate that efatutazone could inhibit the cells proliferation of HCC827-GR and PC9-GR through PPARγ/LXRα/ABCA1 pathway, and synergistic therapeutic effect is achieved when combined with T0901317. Show less
Our previous study showed that catechin controlled rats' body weights and changed gut microbiota composition when supplemented into a high-fructo-oligosaccharide (FOS) diet. This experiment is devised Show more
Our previous study showed that catechin controlled rats' body weights and changed gut microbiota composition when supplemented into a high-fructo-oligosaccharide (FOS) diet. This experiment is devised to further confirm the relationship between specific bacteria in the colon and body weight gain, and to investigate how specific bacteria impact body weight by changing the expression of colonic epithelial cells. Forty obese rats were divided into four groups: three catechin-supplemented groups with a high-FOS diet (100, 400, and 700 mg kg-1 d-1 catechin, orally administered) and one group with a high-FOS diet only. Food consumption and body weights were recorded each week. After one month of treatment, rats' cecal content and colonic epithelial cells were individually collected and analyzed with MiSeq and gene expression profiling techniques, respectively. Results identified some specific bacteria at the genus level-including the increased Parabacteroides sp., Prevotella sp., Robinsoniella sp., [Ruminococcus], Phascolarctobacterium sp. and an unknown genus of YS2, and the decreased Lachnospira sp., Oscillospira sp., Ruminococcus sp., an unknown genus of Peptococcaceae and an unknown genus of Clostridiales in rats' cecum-and eight genes-including one downregulated Pla2g2a and seven upregulated genes: Apoa1, Apoa4, Aabr07073400.1, Fabp4, Pik3r5, Dgat2 and Ptgs2 of colonic epithelial cells-that were due to the consumption of catechin. Consequently, various biological functions in connection with energy metabolism in colonic epithelial cells were altered, including fat digestion and absorption and the regulation of lipolysis in adipocytes. In conclusion, catechin induces host weight loss by altering gut microbiota and gene expression and function in colonic epithelial cells. Show less
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a highly prevalent mental disorder affecting millions of people worldwide. However, a clear causative etiology of MDD remains unknown. In this study, we aimed to ide Show more
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a highly prevalent mental disorder affecting millions of people worldwide. However, a clear causative etiology of MDD remains unknown. In this study, we aimed to identify critical protein alterations in plasma from patients with MDD and integrate our proteomics and previous metabolomics data to reveal significantly perturbed pathways in MDD. An isobaric tag for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ)-based quantitative proteomics approach was conducted to compare plasma protein expression between patients with depression and healthy controls (CON). For integrative analysis, Ingenuity Pathway Analysis software was used to analyze proteomics and metabolomics data and identify potential relationships among the differential proteins and metabolites. A total of 74 proteins were significantly changed in patients with depression compared with those in healthy CON. Bioinformatics analysis of differential proteins revealed significant alterations in lipid transport and metabolic function, including apolipoproteins (APOE, APOC4 and APOA5), and the serine protease inhibitor. According to canonical pathway analysis, the top five statistically significant pathways were related to lipid transport, inflammation and immunity. Causal network analysis by integrating differential proteins and metabolites suggested that the disturbance of phospholipid metabolism might promote the inflammation in the central nervous system. Show less
Fatty liver is a widespread disease in chickens that causes a decrease in egg production and even death. The characteristics of the inherited phenotype of acquired fatty liver and the molecular mechan Show more
Fatty liver is a widespread disease in chickens that causes a decrease in egg production and even death. The characteristics of the inherited phenotype of acquired fatty liver and the molecular mechanisms underlying it, however, are largely unknown. In the current study, fatty liver was induced in 3 breeds by a high-fat (HF) diet and a methionine choline-deficient (MCD) diet. The results showed that the dwarf Jingxing-Huang (JXH) chicken was more susceptible to fatty liver compared with the layer White Leghorns (WL) and local Beijing-You (BJY) breeds. In addition, it was found that the paternal fatty livers induced by HF diet in JXH chickens were inherited. Compared to birds without fatty liver in the control group, both offsprings and their sires with fatty livers in the paternal group exhibited altered hepatic gene expression profiles, including upregulation of several key genes involved in fatty acid metabolism, lipid metabolism and glucose metabolism ( Show less
Human amniotic epithelial stem cells (HuAECs) exhibit pluripotent characteristics, which are similar to those of embryonic stem cells, and can differentiate into various adult tissues and cells throug Show more
Human amniotic epithelial stem cells (HuAECs) exhibit pluripotent characteristics, which are similar to those of embryonic stem cells, and can differentiate into various adult tissues and cells through directed induction. However, in culture, HuAECs tend to lose their pluripotency, and their directed differentiation capability declines with increasing passage number. The stem cell pluripotency factor octamer‑binding protein 4 (Oct4) is an important transcription factor that promotes stem cell self‑proliferation and maintains their pluripotency. Previous studies have demonstrated that WW domain containing E3 ubiquitin protein ligase 2 (WWP2) negatively regulates Oct4 expression and stem cell pluripotency. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the regulation of WWP2 by microRNAs (miRs), and to evaluate the expression of the downstream factor Oct4 and the maintenance of HuAEC pluripotency. Bioinformatics analysis identified a complementary binding site for miR‑32 in the 3'untranslated region of the WWP2 gene, thus suggesting that it may be a target gene of miR‑32. Post‑infection of HuAECs with a vector overexpressing miR‑32, the endogenous expression of WWP2 was significantly decreased, whereas Oct4 expression was significantly increased. Furthermore, miR‑32‑infected cells differentiated into β islet‑like cells by directed induction. The results indicated that after induction, HuAECs overexpressing miR‑32 also overexpressed the biomarkers of β islet‑like cells. In addition, the ability to secrete insulin was markedly enhanced in response to glucose stimulation, in cells overexpressing miR‑32. In conclusion, the present study suggested that miR‑32 may effectively inhibit WWP2 expression in HuAECs and promote Oct4 overexpression to maintain their pluripotency. Show less
Lecithin cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) plays a pivotal role in HDL metabolism but its influence on atherosclerosis remains controversial for decades both in animal and clinical studies. Because l Show more
Lecithin cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) plays a pivotal role in HDL metabolism but its influence on atherosclerosis remains controversial for decades both in animal and clinical studies. Because lack of cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) is a major difference between murine and humans in lipoprotein metabolism, we aimed to create a novel Syrian Golden hamster model deficient in LCAT activity, which expresses endogenous CETP, to explore its metabolic features and particularly the influence of LCAT on the development of atherosclerosis. CRISPR/CAS9 gene editing system was employed to generate mutant LCAT hamsters. The characteristics of lipid metabolism and the development of atherosclerosis in the mutant hamsters were investigated using various conventional methods in comparison with wild type control animals. Hamsters lacking LCAT activity exhibited pro-atherogenic dyslipidemia as diminished high density lipoprotein (HDL) and ApoAI, hypertriglyceridemia, Chylomicron/VLDL accumulation and significantly increased ApoB100/48. Mechanistic study for hypertriglyceridemia revealed impaired LPL-mediated lipolysis and increased very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) secretion, with upregulation of hepatic genes involved in lipid synthesis and transport. The pro-atherogenic dyslipidemia in mutant hamsters was exacerbated after high fat diet feeding, ultimately leading to near a 3- and 5-fold increase in atherosclerotic lesions by aortic en face and sinus lesion quantitation, respectively. Our findings demonstrate that LCAT deficiency in hamsters develops pro-atherogenic dyslipidemia and promotes atherosclerotic lesion formation. Show less
The postsynaptic density proteins 95 (PSD95) and 93 (PSD93) belong to a family of scaffolding proteins, the membrane-associated guanylate kinases (MAGUKs), which are highly enriched in synapses and re Show more
The postsynaptic density proteins 95 (PSD95) and 93 (PSD93) belong to a family of scaffolding proteins, the membrane-associated guanylate kinases (MAGUKs), which are highly enriched in synapses and responsible for organizing the numerous protein complexes required for synaptic development and plasticity. Genetic studies have associated MAGUKs with diseases like autism and schizophrenia, but knockout mice show severe, complex defects with difficult-to-interpret behavioral abnormalities due to major motor dysfunction which is atypical for psychiatric phenotypes. Therefore, rather than studying loss-of-function mutants, we comprehensively investigated the behavioral consequences of reduced PSD95 expression, using heterozygous PSD95 knockout mice (PSD95 Show less
During peripartum period, dairy cows are highly susceptible to energy metabolism disorders such as fatty liver and ketosis. Angiopoietin-like protein 4 (ANGPTL4) and fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21 Show more
During peripartum period, dairy cows are highly susceptible to energy metabolism disorders such as fatty liver and ketosis. Angiopoietin-like protein 4 (ANGPTL4) and fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), known as hepatokines, play important roles in lipid metabolism. The purposes of our study were to evaluate variations of serum ANGPTL4 and FGF21 concentrations in periparturient dairy cows and changes in these serum analyte concentrations of energy-related metabolic disorders in early lactation dairy cows. This study was divided into two experiments. Experiment I: Blood parameters were measured in healthy periparturient Holstein cows from 4 wk antepartum to 4 wk postpartum (n = 219). In this experiment, weekly blood samples were obtained from 4 wk before the expected calving date through 4 wk after calving. Experiment II: Blood parameters were measured in healthy cows (n = 30) and cows with clinical ketosis (n = 29) and fatty liver (n = 25) within the first 4 wk of lactation. In the present study, all blood samples were collected from the coccygeal vein in the early morning before feeding. Serum ANGPTL4 and FGF21 concentrations peaked at parturition, and declined rapidly over the following 2 wk Serum ANGPTL4 and FGF21 concentrations were positively correlated with serum non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) concentration (r = 0.856, P = 003; r = 0.848, P = 0.004, respectively). Cows with clinical ketosis and fatty liver had significantly higher serum ANGPTL4 and FGF21 concentrations than healthy cows (P < 0.01). Serum ANGPTL4 and FGF21 concentrations were elevated during peripartum period, suggesting that energy balance changes that were associated with parturition contributed significantly to these effects. Although FGF21 and ANGPTL4 could play important roles in the adaptation of energy metabolism, they may be involved in the pathological processes of energy metabolism disorders of dairy cows in the peripartum period. Show less
Single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) and RNA regions that include at least four closely spaced runs of three or more consecutive guanosines strongly tend to fold into stable G-quadruplexes (G4s). G4s play key Show more
Single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) and RNA regions that include at least four closely spaced runs of three or more consecutive guanosines strongly tend to fold into stable G-quadruplexes (G4s). G4s play key roles as DNA regulatory sites and as kinetic traps that can inhibit biological processes, but how G4s are regulated in cells remains largely unknown. Here, we developed a kinetic framework for G4 disruption by DEAH-box helicase 36 (DHX36), the dominant G4 resolvase in human cells. Using tetramolecular DNA and RNA G4s with four to six G-quartets, we found that DHX36-mediated disruption is highly efficient, with rates that depend on G4 length under saturating conditions ( Show less
Severe hypertriglyceridemia (SHTG, TG ≥5·65 mmol/L), a disease, usually resulting from a combination of genetic and environmental factors, may increase the risk of acute pancreatitis (AP). However, pr Show more
Severe hypertriglyceridemia (SHTG, TG ≥5·65 mmol/L), a disease, usually resulting from a combination of genetic and environmental factors, may increase the risk of acute pancreatitis (AP). However, previous genetic analysis has been limited by lacking of related observation of gene to AP. The expanding genetic sequencing including 15 TG-related genes (LPL, LMF1, APOC2, GPIHBP1, GCKR, ANGPTL3, APOB, APOA1-A4-C3-A5, TRIB1, CETP, APOE, and LIPI) was performed within 103 patients who were diagnosed with primary SHTG and 46 age- and sex-matched normal controls. Rare variants were found in 46 patients and 12 controls. The detection rate of rare variants in SHTG group increased by 19·5% via intensive genetic analysis. Presence of rare variants in LPL, APOA5, five LPL molecular regulating genes and all the sequenced genes were found to be associated with SHTG (p < 0·05). Of noted, patients with history of AP presented higher frequency of rare variants in LPL gene and all the LPL molecular regulating genes (27·8% vs.4·7% and 50·0% vs. 20·0%). The risk scores for SHTG determined by common TG-associated variants were increased in subgroups according to the extent of SHTG when they were compared with that of controls. Finally, patients without rare variants within SHTG group also presented higher risk scores than control group (p < 0·05). Expanding genetic analysis had a higher detection rate of rare variants in patients with SHTG. Rare variants in LPL and its molecular regulating genes could increase the risk of AP among Chinese patients with SHTG. FUND: This work was partially supported by the Capital Health Development Fund (201614035) and CAMS. Major Collaborative Innovation Project (2016-I2M-1-011) awarded to Dr. Jian-Jun Li, MD, PhD. Show less
This study was design to investigate preventive function of Tongxinluo (TXL) capsule on micro vascular function and endothelial survival in rats model of intestine ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. W Show more
This study was design to investigate preventive function of Tongxinluo (TXL) capsule on micro vascular function and endothelial survival in rats model of intestine ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. We randomly divided fifty male Sprague-Dawley rats into Sham group, I/R group, TXL0.4+I/R group, TXL0.8+I/R group, TXL1.6+I/R group (10 rats each). Rat intestine I/R injury was carried out using a model of acute superior mesenteric artery occlusion with 30 min ischemia followed by 60 min reperfusion. The distribution of endothelial apoptosis in intestine was determined by CD31+TUNEL immunofluorescent double staining analysis. VE-Cadherin, ANGPTL4, HMGB1 and NF-ÎşB were determined by immunohistochemical analysis. I/R induced massively endothelial cell apoptosis, accompanied with reduced expression of adherens junction protein VE-Cadherin and up regulation of inflammatory mediator HMGB1 and NF-ÎşB. TXL pretreatment groups (TXL0.4+I/R, TXL0.8+I/R and TXL1.6+I/R group) significantly attenuated endothelial cell apoptosis with a dose-dependent effect. TXL pretreatment could maintain the expression of VE-Cadherin and promote the expression of ANGPTL4 which help to maintain endothelial integrity. TXL pretreatment also exert great influence in inhibiting HMGB1 expression and NF-ÎşB expression induced by I/R. It could be concluded from this study that micro vascular dysfunction and endothelial damage play a causal role in rat intestine I/R injury. TXL pretreatment could significantly prevent the I/R induced pathology of endothelial apoptosis, micro vascular integrity disruption and inflammatory reaction. Show less
Recent GWAS-associated studies reported that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in ABCB1, TGFβ1, XRCC1 genes were associated with hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection, and variants of APOA4 and APOE Show more
Recent GWAS-associated studies reported that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in ABCB1, TGFβ1, XRCC1 genes were associated with hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection, and variants of APOA4 and APOE genes were associated with and hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection in US population. However, the associations of these loci with HAV or HEV infection in Chinese Han population remain unclear. A total of 3082 Chinese Han persons were included in this study. Anti-HAV IgG and anti-HEV IgG were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Genotypes in ABCB1, TGFβ1, XRCC1, APOA4 and APOE SNPs were determined by TaqMan MGB technology. In Chinese Han population, rs1045642 C to T variation in ABCB1 was significantly associated with the decreased risk of HAV infection (P < 0.05). However, the effect direction was different with the previous US study. Rs1001581 A to G variation in XRCC1, which was not identified in US population, was significantly associated with the protection against HAV infection in our samples (P < 0.05). In addition, our results suggested that rs7412 C to T variation in APOE was significantly associated with lower risk of HEV infection in males (adjusted OR < 1.0, P < 0.05) but not in females. ABCB1 and XRCC1 genes variants are significantly associated with the protection against HAV infection. Additionally, Chinese Han males with rs7412 C to T variation in APOE gene are less prone to be infected by HEV. Show less
Epilepsy is one of the most common complex neurological diseases. It is frequently associated with intellectual and developmental disabilities (ID/DD). In recent years, copy number variation (CNV), es Show more
Epilepsy is one of the most common complex neurological diseases. It is frequently associated with intellectual and developmental disabilities (ID/DD). In recent years, copy number variation (CNV), especially microdeletion, was proven to be a potential key factor of genetic epilepsy. In this paper, the authors tested the hypothesis that the large de novo rare CNV is an important cause of epilepsy with ID/DD. We performed a custom array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) to detect the CNVs of 96 Chinese epileptic patients with ID/DD. The aCGH was designed with a higher density probe coverage of 320 genes known to be involved in epilepsy and ID/DD with lower density whole-genome backbone coverage. We detected 9 large de novo rare microdeletions from 8 patients. These CNVs are located on 2q24.1, 2q33.1-q34, 5q13.2 (2 similar CNVs), 5q33.1-q34, 17p13.2, 22q11.21-q11.22 (2 identical CNVs) and Xp22.31. We also found that only a few genes in the CNVs are known epilepsy related genes. By analysis with systems biology, we found most of the genes are interacting genes known to be epilepsy related genes. We also found a gene motif "BGNADP", constructed by BTD, GALNT10, NMUR2, AUTS2, DLG2 and PTPRD, would be a key motif in epilepsy and ID/DD. These findings strongly indicate that some large de novo rare microdeletion is an important pathological cause of epilepsy with ID/DD. Our study also found a gene motif "BGNADP" should be a key small network in epilepsy with ID/DD. Show less
Gastric cancer has become a serious disease in the past decade. It has the second highest mortality rate among the four most common cancer types, leading to ~700,000 mortalities annually. Previous stu Show more
Gastric cancer has become a serious disease in the past decade. It has the second highest mortality rate among the four most common cancer types, leading to ~700,000 mortalities annually. Previous studies have attempted to elucidate the underlying biological mechanisms of gastric cancer. The present study aimed to obtain useful biomarkers and to improve the understanding of gastric cancer mechanisms at the genetic level. The present study used bioinformatics analysis to identify 1,829 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) which were obtained from the GSE54129 dataset. Using protein‑protein interaction information from the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes database, disease modules were constructed for gastric cancer using Cytoscape software. In the Gene Ontology analysis of biology processes, upregulated genes were significantly enriched in 'extracellular matrix organization', 'cell adhesion' and 'inflammatory response', whereas downregulated DEGs were significantly enriched in 'xenobiotic metabolic process', 'oxidation‑reduction process' and 'steroid metabolic process'. During Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis, upregulated DEGs were significantly enriched in 'extracellular matrix‑receptor interaction', 'focal adhesion' and 'PI3K‑Akt signaling pathway', whereas the downregulated DEGs were significantly enriched in 'chemical carcinogenesis', 'metabolism of xenobiotics by cytochrome P450' and 'peroxisome'. The present study additionally identified 10 hub genes from the DEGs: Tumor protein p53 (TP53), C‑X‑C motif chemokine ligand 8 (CXCL8), tetraspanin 4 (TSPAN4), lysophosphatidic acid receptor 2 (LPAR2), adenylate cyclase 3 (ADCY3), phosphoinositide‑3‑kinase regulatory subunit 1 (PIK3R1), neuromedin U (NMU), C‑X‑C motif chemokine ligand (CXCL12), fos proto‑oncogene, AP‑1 transcription factor subunit (FOS) and sphingosine‑1‑phosphate receptor 1 (S1PR1), which have high degrees with other DEGs. The survival analysis revealed that the high expression of ADCY3, LPAR2, S1PR1, TP53 and TSPAN4 was associated with a lower survival rate, whereas high expression of CXCL8, FOS, NMU and PIK3R1 was associated with a higher survival rate. No significant association was identified between CXCL12 and survival rate. Additionally, TSPAN1 and TSPAN8 appeared in the top 100 DEGs. Finally, it was observed that 4 hub genes were highly expressed in gastric cancer tissue compared with para‑carcinoma tissue in the 12 patients; the increased TSPAN4 was significant (>5‑fold). Tetraspanin family genes may be novel biomarkers of gastric cancer. The findings of the present study may improve the understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the development of gastric cancer. Show less
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common primary tumor of the liver, has a poor prognosis and shows rapid progression. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play important roles in carcinogenesis and tumor progre Show more
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common primary tumor of the liver, has a poor prognosis and shows rapid progression. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play important roles in carcinogenesis and tumor progression. Regulators of G-protein signaling (RGS) are critical for defining G-protein-dependent signal fidelity. RGS17 plays an important role in the regulation of cancer cell proliferation, migration and invasion. Here, we showed that miR-199 was downregulated in a hepatocarcinoma cell line. Overexpression of miR-199 significantly suppressed HCC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in vitro. RGS17 overexpression promoted HCC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, and reversed the miR-199 mediated inhibition of proliferation, migration, and invasion. Dual-fluorescence reporter experiments confirmed that miR-199 downregulated RGS17 by direct interaction with the 3'-UTR of RGS17 mRNA. In vivo studies showed that miR-199 overexpression significantly inhibited the growth of tumors. Taken together, the results suggested that miR-199 inhibited tumor growth and metastasis by targeting RGS17. Show less
Haiyan Zhang, Yujie Lang, Kaihui Zhang+3 more · 2018 · Zhonghua yi xue yi chuan xue za zhi = Zhonghua yixue yichuanxue zazhi = Chinese journal of medical genetics · added 2026-04-24
To explore the genetic basis for a neonate featuring hyperammonemia. The patient was examined and tested by tandem mass spectrometry and next generation sequencing (NGS). Suspected mutations were conf Show more
To explore the genetic basis for a neonate featuring hyperammonemia. The patient was examined and tested by tandem mass spectrometry and next generation sequencing (NGS). Suspected mutations were confirmed by Sanger sequencing of the proband and her parents. Potential impact of the mutation was predicted with SIFT, PolyPhen-2 and MutationTaste software. Plasma ammonia and alanine were significantly increased in the proband, while serum citrulline was decreased. The neonate was found to harbor compound heterozygous mutations of the CPS1 gene [c.1631C>T(p.T544M) and c.1981G>T(p.G661C)], which were respectively inherited from her father and mother. The carbamoyl phosphate synthetase I deficiency of the proband can probably be attributed to the mutations of the CPS1 gene. Above finding has expanded the spectrum of CPS1 mutations in association with carbamoyl phosphate synthetase I deficiency. Show less
no PDFDOI: 10.3760/cma.j.issn.1003-9406.2018.06.017
Effects of shear stress on endotheliaxl differentiation of stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHEDs) were investigated. SHEDs were treated with shear stress, then reverse transcription- Show more
Effects of shear stress on endotheliaxl differentiation of stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHEDs) were investigated. SHEDs were treated with shear stress, then reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was performed to analyse the mRNA expression of arterial markers and western blot analysis was performed to analyse protein expression of angiogenic markers. Additionally, in vitro matrigel angiogenesis assay was performed to evaluate vascular-like structure formation. The secreted protein expression levels of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) of SHEDs after shear stress was also quantified using corresponding ELISA kits. Untreated SHEDs seeded on Matrigel cannot form vessel-like structures at any time points, whereas groups treated with shear stress formed a few vessel-like structures at 4, 8 and 12 h. When SHEDs were treated with EphrinB2-siRNA for 24, the capability of vessel-like structure formation was suppressed. After being treated with shear stress, the expression of VEGF, VEGFR2, DLL4, Notch1, EphrinB2, Hey1 and Hey2 (arterial markers) gene expression was significantly upregulated, moreover, the protein levels of VEGFR2, EphrinB2, CD31, Notch1, DLL4, Hey1, and Hey2 were also significantly up-regulated. Both the mRNA and protein expression levels of EphB4 (venous marker) were downregulated. The average VEGF protein concentration in supernatants secreted by shear stress treated SHEDs groups increased significantly. In conclusion, shear stress was able to induce arterial endothelial differentiation of stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth, and VEGF-DLL4/Notch‑EphrinB2 signaling was involved in this process. Show less
Craniofacial defects can cause morbidness. Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) have shown great promise for osteogeneration and vascularization; therefore cocultures of differentiated ADSCs are explore Show more
Craniofacial defects can cause morbidness. Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) have shown great promise for osteogeneration and vascularization; therefore cocultures of differentiated ADSCs are explored to increase bone and vessel formation. In this study, ADSCs were induced into osteogenic ADSCs (os-ADSCs) and endothelial ADSCs (endo-ADSCs) cells, which were then cocultured in variable proportions (os-ADSCs/endo-ADSCs = 2:1, 1:1, 1:2). The os-ADSCs in a ratio of 1:1 expressed more ALP, RUNX2 and COL-I, whereas VEGF, vWF and CD31 were upregulated in the endo-ADSCs of this group. Next generation RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) was performed to evaluate the molecular mechanisms of cocultured ADSCs. The os-ADSCs and endo-ADSCs interacted with each other during osteogenic and angiogenic differentiation, especially at the ratio of 1:1, and were regulated by vascular-related genes, cell-mediated genes, bone-related genes and the transforming growth factor β signaling pathway (TGF-β), mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway (MAPK) and wnt signaling pathway (Wnt). Angptl4, apoe, mmp3, bmp6, mmp13 and fgf18 were detected to be up-regulated, and cxcl12 and wnt5a were down-regulated. The results showed that the gene expression levels were consistent with that in RNA-seq. The cells were then seeded into self-assembling peptide RADA16-I scaffolds as cocultures (1:1) and monocultures (ADSCs, os-ADSCs, endo-ADSCs). The results showed that the cells of all groups grew and proliferated well on the scaffolds, and the cocultured group exhibited better osteogeneration and vascularization. In conclusion, cocultured os-ADSCs and endo-ADSCs at the ratio of 1:1 showed strong osteogenic and angiogenic differentiation. There is a great potential for osteogenesis and vascularization by 3D culturing cells in a 1:1 ratio in self-assembling peptide RADA16-I scaffolds, which requires evaluation for bone regeneration in vivo. Show less
FADS1 gene encodes delta 5 desaturase, a rate-limiting enzyme in the metabolism of n-3 and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). Minor alleles of FADS1 locus polymorphisms are associated with reduc Show more
FADS1 gene encodes delta 5 desaturase, a rate-limiting enzyme in the metabolism of n-3 and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). Minor alleles of FADS1 locus polymorphisms are associated with reduced FADS1 expression and intra-hepatic fat accumulation. However, the relationship between FADS1 expression and pediatric nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) risk remains to be explored. We analyzed FADS1 transcription levels and their association with intra-hepatic fat and histology in children, and we performed pathway enrichment analysis on transcriptomic profiles associated with FADS1 polymorphisms. We also evaluated the weight of FADS1 alleles on the response to combined docosahexaenoic acid, choline, and vitamin E (DHA-CHO-VE) treatment. FADS1 mRNA level was significantly and inversely associated with intra-hepatic fat (p = 0.004), degree of steatosis (p = 0.03), fibrosis (p = 0.05), and NASH (p = 0.008) among pediatric livers. Transcriptomics demonstrated a significant enrichment of a number of pathways strongly related to NAFLD (e.g., liver damage, fibrosis, and hepatic stellate cell activation). Compared to children who are common allele homozygotes, children with FADS1 minor alleles had a greater reduction in steatosis, fibrosis, and NAFLD activity score after DHA-CHO-VE. This study suggests that decreased FADS1 expression may be associated with NAFLD in children but an increased response to DHA-CHO-VE. Show less
CAD (Coronary Artery Disease) is a complex disease that influenced by various environmental and genetic factors. Previous studies have found many single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with Show more
CAD (Coronary Artery Disease) is a complex disease that influenced by various environmental and genetic factors. Previous studies have found many single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with the risk of CAD occurrence. However, the results are inconsistent. In this study, we aim to investigate genetic etiology in Chinese Han population by analysis of 7 SNPs in lipid metabolism pathway that previously has been reported to be associated with CAD. A total of 631 samples were used in this study, including 435 CAD cases and 196 normal healthy controls. SNP genotyping were conducted via multiplex PCR amplifying followed by NGS (next-generation sequencing). Rs662799 in APOA5 (Apolipoprotein A5) gene was associated with CAD in Chinese Han population (Odds-ratio = 1.374, P-value = 0.03). No significant association was observed between the rest of SNPs and CAD. Stratified association analysis revealed rs5882 was associated with CAD in non-hypertension group (Odds-ratio = 1.593, P-value = 0.023). Rs1800588 was associated with CAD in smoking group (Odds-ratio = 1.603, P-value = 0.035). The minor allele of rs662799 was the risk factor of CAD occurrences in Chinese Han population. Show less
Zinc finger protein 259 (ZNF259), also known as ZPR1, is a zinc finger-containing protein that can bind the intracellular tyrosine kinase domain of EGFR. At present, our knowledge on ZNF259 in cancers Show more
Zinc finger protein 259 (ZNF259), also known as ZPR1, is a zinc finger-containing protein that can bind the intracellular tyrosine kinase domain of EGFR. At present, our knowledge on ZNF259 in cancers is limited. Here, we aimed to explore the biological functions of ZNF259 in breast cancer and reveal their mechanisms. The expression of ZNF259 was measured in 133 cases of breast cancer by immunohistochemistry. The online database Kaplan-Meier (KM) Plotter Online Tool was used to analyze the relationship between ZNF259 expression and breast cancer patient survival prognosis. Plasmid transfection and small interfering RNA and inhibitor treatments were carried out to explore the functions of ZNF259 in breast cancer cell lines and its potential mechanism. Matrigel invasion and wound healing assays were performed to detect the invasion and migration ability of cancer cells. In addition, protein expressions in tissues and cells were determined by Western blotting. ZNF259 expression was much higher in breast cancer cells than in the adjacent normal breast duct glandular epithelial cells (75.94% vs 7.52%, ZNF259 could promote breast cancer cell invasion and migration by activating the ERK/GSK3β/Snail signaling pathway. Show less
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) act as transmembrane molecular sensors of neurotransmitters, hormones, nutrients, and metabolites. Because unmyelinated vagal afferents richly innervate the gastroi Show more
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) act as transmembrane molecular sensors of neurotransmitters, hormones, nutrients, and metabolites. Because unmyelinated vagal afferents richly innervate the gastrointestinal mucosa, gut-derived molecules may directly modulate the activity of vagal afferents through GPCRs. However, the types of GPCRs expressed in vagal afferents are largely unknown. Here, we determined the expression profile of all GPCRs expressed in vagal afferents of the mouse, with a special emphasis on those innervating the gastrointestinal tract. Using a combination of high-throughput quantitative PCR, RNA sequencing, and in situ hybridization, we systematically quantified GPCRs expressed in vagal unmyelinated Na GPCRs for gut hormones that were the most enriched in Na Overall, this study provides a comprehensive description of GPCR-dependent sensing mechanisms in vagal afferents, including novel coexpression patterns, and conceivably coaction of key receptors for gut-derived molecules involved in gut-brain communication. Show less