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
Lipid expression is increased in the atrial myocytes of mitral regurgitation (MR) patients. This study aimed to investigate key regulatory genes and mechanisms of atrial lipotoxic myopathy in MR. The Show more
Lipid expression is increased in the atrial myocytes of mitral regurgitation (MR) patients. This study aimed to investigate key regulatory genes and mechanisms of atrial lipotoxic myopathy in MR. The HL-1 atrial myocytes were subjected to uniaxial cyclic stretching for eight hours. Fatty acid metabolism, lipoprotein signaling, and cholesterol metabolism were analyzed by PCR assay (168 genes). The stretched myocytes had significantly larger cell size and higher lipid expression than non-stretched myocytes (all The Show less
Osteoblast differentiation is a multistep process delicately regulated by many factors, including cytoskeletal dynamics and signaling pathways. Microtubule actin crosslinking factor 1 (MACF1), a key c Show more
Osteoblast differentiation is a multistep process delicately regulated by many factors, including cytoskeletal dynamics and signaling pathways. Microtubule actin crosslinking factor 1 (MACF1), a key cytoskeletal linker, has been shown to play key roles in signal transduction and in diverse cellular processes; however, its role in regulating osteoblast differentiation is still needed to be elucidated. To further uncover the functions and mechanisms of action of MACF1 in osteoblast differentiation, we examined effects of MACF1 knockdown (MACF1-KD) in MC3T3-E1 osteoblastic cells on their osteoblast differentiation and associated molecular mechanisms. The results showed that knockdown of MACF1 significantly suppressed mineralization of MC3T3-E1 cells, down-regulated the expression of key osteogenic genes alkaline phosphatase (ALP), runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) and type I collagen α1 (Col Iα1). Knockdown of MACF1 dramatically reduced the nuclear translocation of β-catenin, decreased the transcriptional activation of T cell factor 1 (TCF1), and down-regulated the expression of TCF1, lymphoid enhancer-binding factor 1 (LEF1), and Runx2, a target gene of β-catenin/TCF1. In addition, MACF1-KD increased the active level of glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β), which is a key regulator for β-catenin signal transduction. Moreover, the reduction of nuclear β-catenin amount and decreased expression of TCF1 and Runx2 were significantly reversed in MACF1-KD cells when treated with lithium chloride, an agonist for β-catenin by inhibiting GSK-3β activity. Taken together, these findings suggest that knockdown of MACF1 in osteoblastic cells inhibits osteoblast differentiation through suppressing the β-catenin/TCF1-Runx2 axis. Thus, a novel role of MACF1 in and a new mechanistic insight of osteoblast differentiation are uncovered. Show less
In the human body, 50-70 billion cells die every day, resulting in the generation of a large number of apoptotic bodies. However, the detailed biological role of apoptotic bodies in regulating tissue Show more
In the human body, 50-70 billion cells die every day, resulting in the generation of a large number of apoptotic bodies. However, the detailed biological role of apoptotic bodies in regulating tissue homeostasis remains unclear. In this study, we used Fas-deficient MRL/lpr and Caspase 3 Show less
We previously showed that complement 3 (C3) is highly expressed in mesenchymal tissues in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). We targeted C3 gene by zinc-finger nuclease (ZFN) gene-editing technolo Show more
We previously showed that complement 3 (C3) is highly expressed in mesenchymal tissues in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). We targeted C3 gene by zinc-finger nuclease (ZFN) gene-editing technology and investigated blood pressure and phenotype in SHR. Blood pressure was measured by tail-cuff and telemetry methods. Histology and expression of liver X receptor α (LXRα), renin, Krüppel-like factor 5 (KLF5), and E-cadherin were evaluated in kidneys. Mesangial cells (MCs) were removed from glomeruli from three strains, and we evaluated the phenotype in vitro. SHR showed the salt-sensitive hypertension that was abolished in C3 knockout (KO) SHR. Proliferation of MCs from SHR was higher than that from Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats and showed a synthetic phenotype. Renal injury scores were higher in SHR than in WKY rats and C3 KO SHR. Expression of E-cadherin was lower, and expression of renin was higher in the nephrotubulus from SHR than WKY rats and C3 KO SHR. Expression of C3 α-chain protein and α-smooth muscle actin protein was significantly higher in renal medulla from SHR than from WKY rats. Expression of angiotensinogen, LXRα, renin, and KLF5 mRNA was increased in kidney from SHR compared with C3 KO SHR. Intrarenal angiotensin II levels were significantly higher in kidney from SHR than WKY rats and C3 KO SHR. Urinary epinephrine and norepinephrine excretions were significantly higher in SHR than in WKY rats and C3 KO SHR. These findings showed that increased C3 induces salt-sensitive hypertension with increases in urinary catecholamine excretion and intrarenal activation of the renin-angiotensin system by the dedifferentiation of mesenchymal tissues in kidney from SHR. Show less
Chun-Han Chen, Chun A Changou, Tsung-Han Hsieh+9 more · 2018 · Clinical cancer research : an official journal of the American Association for Cancer Research · added 2026-04-24
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a major cause of adult blindness. Retinal Müller cells maintain water homeostasis and potassium concentration via inwardly rectifying Kir4.1 channels. Accumulation of adva Show more
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a major cause of adult blindness. Retinal Müller cells maintain water homeostasis and potassium concentration via inwardly rectifying Kir4.1 channels. Accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) is a major pathologic event in DR. While diabetes leads to a decrease in the Kir4.1 channels, it remains unknown whether AGEs-linked to the basement membrane (BM) affect normal Kir4.1 channels. For this study, we hypothesized that AGE-modification of laminin is detrimental to Kir4.1 channels, therefore, disrupting Müller cell function. The AGE-modified laminin-coated substrates were prepared by incubating Petri-dishes with laminin and methylglyoxal for seven days. The rat Müller cells (rMC-1) were propagated on AGE-modified laminin, and Kir4.1 expression and function were evaluated. Quantification of AGEs using ELISA revealed a dose-dependent increase in methylglyoxal-hydro-imidazolone adducts. The rMC-1 propagated on AGE-modified laminin demonstrated a decrease in Kir4.1 levels in immunofluorescence and western blot studies and a decrease in the Kir4.1 channel function. Kir4.1 decrease on AGE-modified laminin resulted in a disorganization of an actin cytoskeleton and disruption of α-dystroglycan-syntrophin-dystrophin complexes. Our studies suggest that AGE-modification of laminin is detrimental to Kir4.1 channels. By studying the role of AGEs in Kir4.1 channels we have identified a novel mechanism of Müller cell dysfunction and its subsequent involvement in DR. Show less
Hereditary multiple osteochondroma (HMO) is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder characterized by multiple outgrowing bony tumors capped by cartilage, generally affecting the metaphyses. The disease Show more
Hereditary multiple osteochondroma (HMO) is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder characterized by multiple outgrowing bony tumors capped by cartilage, generally affecting the metaphyses. The disease is known as hereditary multiple exostoses, familial exostosis, multiple cartilaginous exostoses or hereditary malformation of cartilage. The prevalence of HMO in Europe and the Unites States is ~1:100,000, although it has not been reported in China. The disease is often accompanied by pain, asymmetry and skeletal malformations, including forearm and leg bending deformities, limb length discrepancies, and knee internal and external rotation abnormalities. Mutations to exostosin-1 ( Show less
Hypothyroidism is a disease with a genetic component. The present study aimed to identify the potential causative gene mutation in a family with hypothyroidism and to investigate its potential patholo Show more
Hypothyroidism is a disease with a genetic component. The present study aimed to identify the potential causative gene mutation in a family with hypothyroidism and to investigate its potential pathology. DNA was extracted from the affected individual and his parents, maternal aunt and maternal grandmother. Whole exome sequencing was used to examine their exomes. The potential causative genes that may have an autosomal dominant mode of inheritance were selected after variant calling and filtering. Bioinformatics analysis was utilized to predict the deleteriousness of the identified variants, and multiple sequence alignment and conserved protein domain analyses were performed using online software. Finally, Sanger sequencing was used to validate the identified variants. In the present study, a total of 50 variants were screened based on the autosomal dominant mode of inheritance. Two variants, the fatty acid synthase (FASN) and apolipoprotein B receptor (APOBR) genes, were further analyzed, as they were highly associated with hypothyroidism. Genotyping results revealed that two mutations, c.G7192T (p.A2398S) in the FASN gene and c.C1883G (p.T628R) in the APOBR gene, were fully co‑segregated with established hypothyroidism phenotypes in the family. These mutations were located in the conserved α/β‑hydrolase fold and Na+/Ca2+ exchanger superfamily domain of FASN and APOBR, respectively. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that the FASN c.G7192T and APOBR c.C1883G mutations may be the potential causative variants in this Chinese hypothyroidism pedigree. Show less
Jian Shi, Xiaohua Li, Fan Zhang+9 more · 2018 · Cellular physiology and biochemistry : international journal of experimental cellular physiology, biochemistry, and pharmacology · added 2026-04-24
Current studies have indicated that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) could act as tumor biomarkers for disease diagnosis and prognosis prediction. In this study, we mainly focused on determining the exp Show more
Current studies have indicated that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) could act as tumor biomarkers for disease diagnosis and prognosis prediction. In this study, we mainly focused on determining the expression of circulating lncRNAs in patients suffering for hilar cholangiocarcinoma (HC), aiming to reveal the potential lncRNA as a fingerprint. A total 12 lncRNAs were previously proven to be aberrantly expressed in HC tumor tissues. All of the 12 lncRNAs were selected as candidate targets for subsequent circulating lncRNA assay. The candidate lncRNAs were validated by qRT-PCR arranged in training and validation sets. The risk score analysis was employed. Data was presented with receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC). Circulating PCAT1, MALAT1, and CPS1-IT1 were significantly increased in plasma samples of HC patients in both the training set and validation set. Through ROC analysis, we found that the three plasmatic lncRNAs presented the area under ROC curve value (AUC) as 0.784, 0.860, and 0.677. Further combination with the three factors indicated a higher power (AUC, 0.893; sensitivity, 85.5%; specificity, 93.2%). This was the first time to reveal the potential circulating fingerprints for predicting HC. PCAT1, MALAT1, and CPS1-IT1 may act as novel early diagnosis biomarkers for predicting HC. Show less
To characterize the association between epilepsy, use of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), and the risk of hyperlipidemia, we conducted a nationwide population-based cohort study with data obtained from the Show more
To characterize the association between epilepsy, use of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), and the risk of hyperlipidemia, we conducted a nationwide population-based cohort study with data obtained from the National Health Insurance Research Database of Taiwan. The effects of AEDs on lipogenic gene expression were also examined in vitro. We identified 3617 cases involving patients, whose epilepsy was newly diagnosed between 2000 and 2011, and selected a comparison cohort comprising 14,468 patients without epilepsy. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to evaluate the association between epilepsy, AED use, and hyperlipidemia. The incidence rate of hyperlipidemia was higher in the epilepsy cohort than in the comparison cohort, with an adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) of 1.21 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.06-1.38] after adjusting for comorbidities and medications. Epilepsy patients not taking AEDs had a higher risk of hyperlipidemia (aHR 1.65; 95% CI 1.35-2.03). Among AEDs, only valproate treatment showed a higher risk of hyperlipidemia (aHR 1.53; 95% CI 1.01-2.33), although the dose-dependent effect did not reach statistical significance. In vitro studies with two hepatic cell lines showed that valproate may exert its effects by activating the liver X receptor alpha (LXRα) signaling pathway, inducing the expression of lipogenesis-related genes and increasing cellular lipid contents. In silico calculations concluded that valproate can bind stably with the ligand-binding domain of LXRα. Thus, valproate-induced hepatic lipogenic gene expression may occur through LXRα activation. Predicting the 'off-target' effects of valproate may prove valuable in developing antiepileptic agents with fewer adverse reactions. Monitoring blood lipid levels throughout the course of treatment is recommended. Show less
The class III PI3-kinase (PIK3C3) is an enzyme responsible for the generation of phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate (PI3P), a critical component of vesicular membrane. Here, we report that PIK3C3 defici Show more
The class III PI3-kinase (PIK3C3) is an enzyme responsible for the generation of phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate (PI3P), a critical component of vesicular membrane. Here, we report that PIK3C3 deficiency in zebrafish results in intestinal injury and inflammation. In pik3c3 mutants, gut tube forms but fails to be maintained. Gene expression analysis reveals that barrier-function-related inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) susceptibility genes (e-cadherin, hnf4a, ttc7a) are suppressed, while inflammatory response genes are stimulated in the mutants. Histological analysis shows neutrophil infiltration into mutant intestinal epithelium and the clearance of gut microbiota. Yet, gut microorganisms appear dispensable as mutants cultured under germ-free condition have similar intestinal defects. Mechanistically, we show that PIK3C3 deficiency suppresses the formation of PI3P and disrupts the polarized distribution of cell-junction proteins in intestinal epithelial cells. These results not only reveal a role of PIK3C3 in gut homeostasis, but also provide a zebrafish IBD model. Show less
Epigenetic modifiers have emerged as critical factors governing the biology of different cancers. Herein we show that FBXL10 (also called KDM2B or JHDM1B), an important member of Polycomb repressive c Show more
Epigenetic modifiers have emerged as critical factors governing the biology of different cancers. Herein we show that FBXL10 (also called KDM2B or JHDM1B), an important member of Polycomb repressive complexes, is overexpressed in human diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) tissues and the derived cell lines. Knocking down FBXL10 by specific short hairpin RNAs in DLBCL cells inhibits cell proliferation and induces apoptosis in vitro. Moreover, FBXL10 depletion in DLBCL cells abrogates tumor growth in mouse xenograft models. Through the analysis of RNA sequencing, we find that one of the key derepressed genes by depletion of FBXL10 is DUSP6, encoding a phosphatase for ERK1/2. Mechanistically FBXL10 maintains the silencing of DUSP6 expression via recruitment of Polycomb group proteins and deposition of repressive histone modifications at the DUSP6 promoter. Consistently, FBXL10 is required for ERK1/2 phosphorylation in DLBCL cells. Furthermore, we show that ERK1/2 activation and the proliferation rate of FBXL10-depleted cells can be rescued by downregulation of DUSP6 expression. These findings indicate that FBXL10 may be a promising therapeutic target in DLBCL and establish a link of epigenetic regulators to kinase signaling pathways. Show less
Metabolic reprogramming is a hallmark of many cancer types, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Identifying the critical players in this process might be crucial for the generation of novel and Show more
Metabolic reprogramming is a hallmark of many cancer types, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Identifying the critical players in this process might be crucial for the generation of novel and effective anti-neoplastic therapies. In the present investigation, we determined the importance of carbohydrate responsive element binding protein (ChREBP), a central player in the regulation of lipid and glucose metabolism in the liver, on the development of HCC in in vitro and in vivo models. We found that genetic deletion of ChREBP (that will be referred to as ChREBPKO mice) strongly delays or impairs hepatocarcinogenesis driven by AKT or AKT/c-Met overexpression in mice, respectively. In contrast, HCC development was found to be completely unaffected by ChREBP depletion in mice co-expressing AKT and N-Ras protooncogenes. In mouse and human HCC cell lines, suppression of ChREBP via specific small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) resulted in decreased proliferation and induction of apoptosis. Of note, these cellular events were strongly augmented by concomitant inhibition of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. The present data indicate that ChREBP activity might be required or dispensable for HCC growth, depending on the oncogenes involved. In particular, the activation of Ras/MAPK signaling might represent a possible mechanism of resistance to ChREBP depletion in this tumor type. Additional studies are needed to unravel the molecular mechanisms rendering HCC cells insensitive to ChREBP suppression. Show less
Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified >250 loci for body mass index (BMI), implicating pathways related to neuronal biology. Most GWAS loci represent clusters of common, noncoding var Show more
Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified >250 loci for body mass index (BMI), implicating pathways related to neuronal biology. Most GWAS loci represent clusters of common, noncoding variants from which pinpointing causal genes remains challenging. Here we combined data from 718,734 individuals to discover rare and low-frequency (minor allele frequency (MAF) < 5%) coding variants associated with BMI. We identified 14 coding variants in 13 genes, of which 8 variants were in genes (ZBTB7B, ACHE, RAPGEF3, RAB21, ZFHX3, ENTPD6, ZFR2 and ZNF169) newly implicated in human obesity, 2 variants were in genes (MC4R and KSR2) previously observed to be mutated in extreme obesity and 2 variants were in GIPR. The effect sizes of rare variants are ~10 times larger than those of common variants, with the largest effect observed in carriers of an MC4R mutation introducing a stop codon (p.Tyr35Ter, MAF = 0.01%), who weighed ~7 kg more than non-carriers. Pathway analyses based on the variants associated with BMI confirm enrichment of neuronal genes and provide new evidence for adipocyte and energy expenditure biology, widening the potential of genetically supported therapeutic targets in obesity. Show less
Plant growth and development are highly coordinated by hormones, including brassinosteroid (BR) and gibberellin (GA). Although much progress has been made in understanding the fundamental signaling tr Show more
Plant growth and development are highly coordinated by hormones, including brassinosteroid (BR) and gibberellin (GA). Although much progress has been made in understanding the fundamental signaling transduction in BR and GA, their relationship remains elusive in rice. Here, we show that BR suppresses the level of OsmiR159d, which cleaves the target OsGAMYBL2 gene. The OsmiR159d-OsGAMYBL2 pair functions as an early BR-responsive module regulating the expression of BU1, a BR-regulated gene involved in BR signaling, and CPS1 and GA3ox2, two genes in GA biosynthesis, by binding to the promoters of these genes. Furthermore, OsGSK2, a key negative player in BR signaling, interacts with OsGAMYBL2 and prevents it from being degraded under 24-epibrassinolide treatment, whereas SLR1, a rice DELLA protein negatively regulating GA signaling, interacts with OsGAMYBL2 and prevents OsGAMYBL2 from binding to the target gene promoter. GA signaling induces degradation of OsGAMYBL2 and, consequently, enhances BR signaling. These results demonstrate that a BR-responsive module acts as a common component functioning in both BR and GA pathways, which connects BR signaling and GA biosynthesis, and thus coordinates the regulation of BR and GA in plant growth and development. Show less
mRNA processing, transport, translation, and ultimately degradation involve a series of dedicated protein complexes that often assemble into large membraneless structures such as stress granules (SGs) Show more
mRNA processing, transport, translation, and ultimately degradation involve a series of dedicated protein complexes that often assemble into large membraneless structures such as stress granules (SGs) and processing bodies (PBs). Here, systematic in vivo proximity-dependent biotinylation (BioID) analysis of 119 human proteins associated with different aspects of mRNA biology uncovers 7424 unique proximity interactions with 1,792 proteins. Classical bait-prey analysis reveals connections of hundreds of proteins to distinct mRNA-associated processes or complexes, including the splicing and transcriptional elongation machineries (protein phosphatase 4) and the CCR4-NOT deadenylase complex (CEP85, RNF219, and KIAA0355). Analysis of correlated patterns between endogenous preys uncovers the spatial organization of RNA regulatory structures and enables the definition of 144 core components of SGs and PBs. We report preexisting contacts between most core SG proteins under normal growth conditions and demonstrate that several core SG proteins (UBAP2L, CSDE1, and PRRC2C) are critical for the formation of microscopically visible SGs. Show less
This study aimed to assess the association between the angiopoietin-like protein 4 gene ( Genotypes of the The rs2967605 CT/TT genotypes were associated with a decreased risk of CAD (adjusted OR = 0.6 Show more
This study aimed to assess the association between the angiopoietin-like protein 4 gene ( Genotypes of the The rs2967605 CT/TT genotypes were associated with a decreased risk of CAD (adjusted OR = 0.68, 95% CI = 0.47-0.99, The observed associations suggest that the Show less
Carbamoyl Phosphate Synthetase 1 deficiency (CPS1D) is a rare autosomal recessive inborn metabolic disease characterized mainly by hyperammonemia. The fatal nature of CPS1D and its similar symptoms wi Show more
Carbamoyl Phosphate Synthetase 1 deficiency (CPS1D) is a rare autosomal recessive inborn metabolic disease characterized mainly by hyperammonemia. The fatal nature of CPS1D and its similar symptoms with other urea cycle disorders (UCDs) make its diagnosis difficult, and the molecular diagnosis is hindered due to the large size of the causative gene CPS1. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to investigate the clinical applicability of exome sequencing in molecular diagnosis of CPS1D in Chinese population. We described two Chinese neonates presented with unconsciousness and drowsiness due to deepening encephalopathy with hyperammonemia. Whole exome sequencing was performed. Candidate mutations were validated by Sanger sequencing. In-silicon analysis was processed for the pathogenicity predictions of the identified mutations. Two compound heterozygous mutations in the gene carbamoyl phosphate synthetase 1(CPS1) were identified. One is in Case 1 with two novel missense mutations (c.2537C>T, p. Pro846Leu and c.3443T>A, p.Met1148Lys), and the other one is in Case 2 with a novel missense mutation (c.1799G>A, p.Cys600Tyr) and a previously reported 12-bp deletion (c.4088₄₀₉₉del, p.Leu 1363_Ile1366del). Bioinformatics deleterious predictions indicated pathogenicity of the missense mutations. Conversation analysis and homology modeling showed that the substituted amino acids were highly evolutionary conserved and necessary for enzyme stability or function. The present study initially and successfully applied whole exome sequencing to the molecular diagnosis of CPS1D in Chinese neonates, indicating its applicability in cost-effective molecular diagnosis of CPS1D. Three novel pathogenic missense mutations were identified, expanded the mutational spectrum of the CPS1 gene. Show less
Vascular inflammation, including the expression of inflammatory cytokines in endothelial cells, plays a critical role in hyperhomocysteinaemia-associated vascular diseases. Cathepsin V, specifically e Show more
Vascular inflammation, including the expression of inflammatory cytokines in endothelial cells, plays a critical role in hyperhomocysteinaemia-associated vascular diseases. Cathepsin V, specifically expressed in humans, is involved in vascular diseases through its elastolytic and collagenolytic activities. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of cathepsin V on l-homocysteine-induced vascular inflammation. A high methionine diet-induced hyperhomocysteinaemic mouse model was used to assess cathepsin V expression and vascular inflammation. Cultures of HUVECs were challenged with l-homocysteine and the cathepsin L/V inhibitor SID to assess the pro-inflammatory effects of cathepsin V. Transfection and antisense techniques were utilized to investigate the effects of cathepsin V on the dual-specificity protein phosphatases (DUSPs) and MAPK pathways. Cathepsin L (human cathepsin V homologous) was increased in the thoracic aorta endothelial cells of hyperhomocysteinaemic mice; l-homocysteine promoted cathepsin V expression in HUVECs. SID suppressed the activity of cathepsin V and reversed the up-regulation of inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α), adhesion and chemotaxis of leukocytes and vascular inflammation induced by l-homocysteine in vivo and in vitro. Increased cathepsin V promoted the degradation of DUSP6 and DUSP7, phosphorylation and subsequent nuclear translocation of ERK1/2, phosphorylation of STAT1 and expression of IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α. This study has identified a novel mechanism, which shows that l-homocysteine-induced upregulation of cathepsin V mediates vascular endothelial inflammation under high homocysteine condition partly via ERK This article is part of a themed section on Spotlight on Small Molecules in Cardiovascular Diseases. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v175.8/issuetoc. Show less
Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) is a rare neurodegenerative disease for which the genetic contribution is incompletely understood. We conducted a joint analysis of 5,523,934 imputed SNPs in two n Show more
Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) is a rare neurodegenerative disease for which the genetic contribution is incompletely understood. We conducted a joint analysis of 5,523,934 imputed SNPs in two newly-genotyped progressive supranuclear palsy cohorts, primarily derived from two clinical trials (Allon davunetide and NNIPPS riluzole trials in PSP) and a previously published genome-wide association study (GWAS), in total comprising 1646 cases and 10,662 controls of European ancestry. We identified 5 associated loci at a genome-wide significance threshold P < 5 × 10 In total, we identified 6 additional significant or suggestive SNP associations with PSP, and discovered genetic overlap with other neurodegenerative diseases. These findings clarify the pathogenesis and genetic architecture of PSP. Show less
To assess the association of genes in the high-density lipoprotein metabolic pathway (HDLMP) with polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) and the genetic difference in the HDLMP between PCV and age-re Show more
To assess the association of genes in the high-density lipoprotein metabolic pathway (HDLMP) with polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) and the genetic difference in the HDLMP between PCV and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). We performed a literature search in EMBASE, PubMed, and Web of Science for genetic studies on 7 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from 5 genes in the HDLMP including cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP), hepatic lipase (LIPC), lipoprotein lipase (LPL), ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1), and ATP-binding cassette transporter G1 (ABCG1) in PCV. All studies were published before September 30, 2017, without language restriction. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of each polymorphism were estimated. We also compared the association profiles between PCV and AMD and performed a sensitivity analysis. Our result is based on 43 articles. After excluding duplicates and articles without complete information, 7 studies were applicable to meta-analysis. 7 polymorphisms were meta-analyzed: CETP rs2303790/rs3764261, LIPC rs10468017/rs493258, LPL rs12678919, ABCA1 rs1883025, and ABCG1 rs57137919. We found that in Asian population, CETP rs3764261 (T allele; OR = 1.46; 95% CI: 1.28-1.665, Our study revealed 7 polymorphisms in 5 genes. Among them, CETP (rs3764261/rs2303790) and ABCG1 (rs57137919) were the major susceptibility genes for PCV in Asian population and ABCG1 (rs57137919) showed allelic diversity between PCV and AMD. Since the size for PCV and AMD was small, we need to study these genes genotyping in larger samples. Show less
Recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) has been widely used in clinical treatment and technology has achieved a great development in different long-acting formulations. Genetic polymorphisms may play Show more
Recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) has been widely used in clinical treatment and technology has achieved a great development in different long-acting formulations. Genetic polymorphisms may play a role in the varies of individual responses in treatment process. This article gives an overview of the genetic polymorphisms research of growth hormone in recent years. We conducted a scoping literature search of PubMed for all English-language publications to identify studies on recombinant human growth hormone and genetic polymorphism from 2000 to 2016. Included studies were all peer-reviewed primary journal articles. Two authors independently screened titles/abstracts, downloading full-text publications meeting inclusion criteria. In all, 96 studies were included and analyzed. We found that besides some well known factors ,such as races, age, gender, weight, several kinds of gene polymorphism reported ever can also affect the growth hormone response in GHD or non-GHD patients, including GHR-Exon 3, IGF(CA)19, IGFBP-3, APOB, CETP, SOCS2, VDR, LEPR and STAT5B. Serum IGF-1 is a good parameter of GH treatment response. But it is influenced by various factors, including races, age, gender, weight, initial IGF-1 level, injection concentration and frequency. Gene polymorphism research has been a research hopspot in recent years, may helping understand the pathogeny and pharmacogenomics of these response varieties during GH treatment. Show less
Wei-Chan Hsu, Ming-Yu Chen, Shu-Ching Hsu+10 more · 2018 · Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America · National Academy of Sciences · added 2026-04-24
Activated T cells undergo metabolic reprogramming and effector-cell differentiation but the factors involved are unclear. Utilizing mice lacking DUSP6 (DUSP6
Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common cancers and is the second-leading cause of cancer-associated morbidity worldwide. Oxysterols are oxidized derivatives of cholesterol that may be important Show more
Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common cancers and is the second-leading cause of cancer-associated morbidity worldwide. Oxysterols are oxidized derivatives of cholesterol that may be important in many biological processes, but the levels and roles of oxysterols in gastric tumours remain to be elucidated. The levels of cholesterol, oxysterols and sulfated oxysterols in human gastric tumour tissues, adjacent normal mucosal tissues, cancerous gastric juice and gastric juice obtained from healthy subjects were detected by LC-MS. It was found that the levels of 24(R/S),25-EC and 27HC in human gastric tumour tissues and cancerous gastric juice were significantly increased compared with those of adjacent normal mucosal tissues and gastric juice from healthy subjects. Compared with normal gastric mucosal tissue, the levels of sulfated 25-hydroxycholesterol (25HC3S) and the ratio of 25HC3S/25HC were decreased in human gastric tumour tissues, which might be related to the dramatically decreased SULT2A1 expression in gastric tumour tissue. Both 24(R/S),25-EC and 27HC suppressed gastric cancer proliferation, which was not altered by LXRα-siRNA treatment. The suppression of cell proliferation induced by 27HC was attenuated by LXRβ-siRNA, but the suppression of cell proliferation induced by 24(R/S),25-EC was intensified by LXRβ-siRNA. Both 24(R/S),25-EC and 27HC dramatically inhibited HGC-27 cell migration, which was attenuated by the co-transfection of cells with LXRα-siRNA and LXRβ-siRNA, but not LXRα-siRNA or LXRβ-siRNA alone. In conclusion, the accumulated 24(R/S),25-EC and 27HC in human gastric tumour tissues might play important roles in gastric cancer development. Show less
Schizophrenia (SCZ) is associated with differences in subcortical brain volumes and intracranial volume (ICV). However, little is known about the underlying etiology of these brain alterations. Here, Show more
Schizophrenia (SCZ) is associated with differences in subcortical brain volumes and intracranial volume (ICV). However, little is known about the underlying etiology of these brain alterations. Here, we explored whether brain structure volumes and SCZ share genetic risk factors. Using conditional false discovery rate (FDR) analysis, we integrated genome-wide association study (GWAS) data on SCZ (n = 82315) and GWAS data on 7 subcortical brain volumes and ICV (n = 11840). By conditioning the FDR on overlapping associations, this statistical approach increases power to discover genetic loci. To assess the credibility of our approach, we studied the identified loci in larger GWAS samples on ICV (n = 26577) and hippocampal volume (n = 26814). We observed polygenic overlap between SCZ and volumes of hippocampus, putamen, and ICV. Based on conjunctional FDR < 0.05, we identified 2 loci shared between SCZ and ICV implicating genes FOXO3 (rs10457180) and ITIH4 (rs4687658), 2 loci shared between SCZ and hippocampal volume implicating SLC4A10 (rs4664442) and SPATS2L (rs1653290), and 2 loci shared between SCZ and volume of putamen implicating DCC (rs4632195) and DLG2 (rs11233632). The loci shared between SCZ and hippocampal volume or ICV had not reached significance in the primary GWAS on brain phenotypes. Proving our point of increased power, 2 loci did reach genome-wide significance with ICV (rs10457180) and hippocampal volume (rs4664442) in the larger GWAS. Three of the 6 identified loci are novel for SCZ. Altogether, the findings provide new insights into the relationship between SCZ and brain structure volumes, suggesting that their genetic architectures are not independent. Show less
Hereditary channelopathies and cardiomyopathies are potentially lethal and are clinically and genetically heterogeneous, involving at least 90 genes. Genetic testing can provide an accurate diagnosis, Show more
Hereditary channelopathies and cardiomyopathies are potentially lethal and are clinically and genetically heterogeneous, involving at least 90 genes. Genetic testing can provide an accurate diagnosis, guide treatment, and enable cascade screening. The genetic basis among the Hong Kong Chinese population is largely unknown. We aimed to report on 28 unrelated patients with positive genetic findings detected from January 2006 to December 2015. Sanger sequencing was performed for 28 unrelated patients with a clinical diagnosis of channelopathies or cardiomyopathies, testing for the following genes: There were 17 males and 11 females; their mean age at diagnosis was 39 years (range, 1-80 years). The major clinical presentations included syncope, palpitations, and abnormal electrocardiography findings. A family history was present in 13 (46%) patients. There were 26 different heterozygous mutations detected, of which six were novel-two in We have characterised the genetic heterogeneity in channelopathies and cardiomyopathies among Hong Kong Chinese patients in a 10-year case series. Correct interpretation of genetic findings is difficult and requires expertise and experience. Caution regarding issues of non-penetrance, variable expressivity, phenotype-genotype correlation, susceptibility risk, and digenic inheritance is necessary for genetic counselling and cascade screening. Show less
Human gastric cancer (GC) is the second most common cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide and is one of the most common metastatic cancers. Tumor proliferation, apoptosis, metastasis and invasion a Show more
Human gastric cancer (GC) is the second most common cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide and is one of the most common metastatic cancers. Tumor proliferation, apoptosis, metastasis and invasion are important predictors of the invasiveness of GC and are key factors in cancer-induced death. Angiopoietin-like 4 (ANGPTL4) is a secreted protein that belongs to the angiopoietin (ANGPTL) family and is involved in the regulation of cancer metastasis. However, whether ANGPTL4 plays a role in the progression of GC remain unclear. In the present study, immunoreactivity of ANGPTL4 demonstrated that ANGPTL4 expression was upregulated in GC tissues with the development of GC. The siRNA targeting ANGPTL4 effectively knocked down ANGPTL4 in the SNU‑1 and BGC823 cell lines at the mRNA and protein levels. Following ANGPTL4 downregulation, the proliferation and invasion abilities of GC cell lines were suppressed as determined by MTT and Transwell assays, and cell apoptosis level and sensitivity to cisplatin were increased as determined by flow cytometry and MTT assay. In conclusion, these findings suggest that ANGPTL4 may be a new potential therapeutic target for GC. Show less
Melanocortin 4 receptor (Mc4r) plays a crucial role in the central control of energy homeostasis, but its role in peripheral organs has not been fully explored. We have investigated the roles of hypot Show more
Melanocortin 4 receptor (Mc4r) plays a crucial role in the central control of energy homeostasis, but its role in peripheral organs has not been fully explored. We have investigated the roles of hypothalamus-mediated energy metabolism during Xenopus limb regeneration. We report that hypothalamus injury inhibits Xenopus tadpole limb regeneration. By loss-of-function and gain-of-function studies, we show that Mc4r signaling is required for limb regeneration in regeneration-competent tadpoles and stimulates limb regeneration in later-stage regeneration-defective tadpoles. It regulates limb regeneration through modulating energy homeostasis and ROS production. Even more interestingly, our results demonstrate that Mc4r signaling is regulated by innervation and α-MSH substitutes for the effect of nerves in limb regeneration. Mc4r signaling is also required for mouse digit regeneration. Thus, our findings link vertebrate limb regeneration with Mc4r-mediated energy homeostasis and provide a new avenue for understanding Mc4r signaling in the peripheral organs. Show less