Genome-wide association studies have identified hundreds of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that are associated with BMI and diabetes. However, lack of adequate data has for long time prevented Show more
Genome-wide association studies have identified hundreds of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that are associated with BMI and diabetes. However, lack of adequate data has for long time prevented investigations on the pathogenesis of diabetes where BMI was a mediator of the genetic causal effects on this disease. Of our particular interest is the underlying causal mechanisms of diabetes. We leveraged the summary statistics reported in two studies: UK Biobank (N = 336,473) and Genetic Investigation of ANthropometric Traits (GIANT, N = 339,224) to investigate BMI-mediated genetic causal pathways to diabetes. We first estimated the causal effect of BMI on diabetes by using four Mendelian randomization methods, where a total of 76 independent BMI-associated SNPs (R Show less
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) amplifies the risk of various liver diseases, ranging from simple steatosis to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, fibrosis, and cirrhosis, and ultimately hepatocell Show more
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) amplifies the risk of various liver diseases, ranging from simple steatosis to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, fibrosis, and cirrhosis, and ultimately hepatocellular carcinoma. Accumulating evidence suggests the involvement of aberrant microRNAs (miRNAs or miRs) in the activation of cellular stress, inflammation, and fibrogenesis in hepatic cells at different stages of NAFLD and liver fibrosis. Here, we explored the potential role of miR-130b-5p in the pathogenesis of NAFLD, including lipid accumulation and insulin resistance, as well as the underlying mechanism. Initially, the expression of miR-130b-5p and insulin-like growth factor binding protein 2 (IGFBP2) was examined in the established high-fat diet-induced NAFLD mouse models. Then, the interaction between miR-130b-5p and IGFBP2 was validated using dual luciferase reporter assay. The effects of miR-130b-5p and IGFBP2 on lipid accumulation and insulin resistance, as well as the AKT pathway-related proteins, were evaluated using gain or loss-of-function approaches. miR-130b-5p was upregulated, and IGFBP2 was downregulated in liver tissues of NAFLD mice. miR-130b-5p targeted IGFBP2 and downregulated its expression. MiR-130b-5p inhibition or IGFBP2 overexpression reduced the expression of SREBP-1, LXRα, ChREBP, stearoyl CoA desaturase 1, acetyl CoA carboxylase 1, and fatty acid synthase, and levels of fasting blood glucose, fasting insulin, and homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance, while increasing the ratio of p-AKT/AKT in NAFLD mice. Overall, downregulation of miR-130b-5p can prevent hepatic lipid accumulation and insulin resistance in NAFLD by activating IGFBP2-dependent AKT pathway, highlighting the potential use of anti-miR-130b-5p as therapeutic approaches for the prevention and treatment of NAFLD. Show less
Nuclear pore complexes (NPCs), which comprise multiple copies of nucleoporins (Nups), are large protein assemblies embedded in the nuclear envelope connecting the nucleus and cytoplasm. Although it ha Show more
Nuclear pore complexes (NPCs), which comprise multiple copies of nucleoporins (Nups), are large protein assemblies embedded in the nuclear envelope connecting the nucleus and cytoplasm. Although it has been known that Nups affect flowering in Show less
Cardiovascular diseases represent a complex group of clinical syndromes caused by a variety of interacting pathological factors. They include the most extensive disease population and rank first in al Show more
Cardiovascular diseases represent a complex group of clinical syndromes caused by a variety of interacting pathological factors. They include the most extensive disease population and rank first in all-cause mortality worldwide. Accumulating evidence demonstrates that cytokines play critical roles in the presence and development of cardiovascular diseases. Interleukin-12 family members, including IL-12, IL-23, IL-27 and IL-35, are a class of cytokines that regulate a variety of biological effects; they are closely related to the progression of various cardiovascular diseases, including atherosclerosis, hypertension, aortic dissection, cardiac hypertrophy, myocardial infarction, and acute cardiac injury. This paper mainly discusses the role of IL-12 family members in cardiovascular diseases, and the molecular and cellular mechanisms potentially involved in their action in order to identify possible intervention targets for the prevention and clinical treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Show less
Recent studies have demonstrated that commercially available lipid-lowering drugs cause various side effects; therefore, searching for anti-hyperlipidaemic compounds with lower toxicity is a research Show more
Recent studies have demonstrated that commercially available lipid-lowering drugs cause various side effects; therefore, searching for anti-hyperlipidaemic compounds with lower toxicity is a research hotspot. This study was designed to investigate whether the marine-derived compound, 5-hydroxy-3-methoxy-5-methyl-4-butylfuran-2(5H)-one, has an anti-hyperlipidaemic activity, and the potential underlying mechanism in vitro. Results showed that the furanone had weaker cytotoxicity compared to positive control drugs. In RAW 264.7 cells, the furanone significantly lowered ox-LDL-induced lipid accumulation (~50%), and its triglyceride (TG)-lowering effect was greater than that of liver X receptor (LXR) agonist T0901317. In addition, it significantly elevated the protein levels of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARα) and ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters, which could be partially inhibited by LXR antagonists, GSK2033 and SR9243. In HepG2 cells, it significantly decreased oleic acid-induced lipid accumulation, enhanced the protein levels of low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR), ABCG5, ABCG8 and PPARα, and reduced the expression of sterol regulatory element-binding protein 2 (~32%). PPARα antagonists, GW6471 and MK886, could significantly inhibit the furanone-induced lipid-lowering effect. Furthermore, the furanone showed a significantly lower activity on the activation of the expression of lipogenic genes compared to T0901317. Taken together, the furanone exhibited a weak cytotoxicity but had powerful TC- and TG-lowering effects most likely through targeting LXRα and PPARα, respectively. These findings indicate that the furanone has a potential application for the treatment of dyslipidaemia. Show less
The Jianchang duck is mainly distributed in Southwest China, and has the characteristics of fast growth rate and strong abilities in lipid deposition in the liver. In order to investigate the effects Show more
The Jianchang duck is mainly distributed in Southwest China, and has the characteristics of fast growth rate and strong abilities in lipid deposition in the liver. In order to investigate the effects of domestication process on formation of the unique characteristics of Jianchang duck, the whole genome of sixteen individuals and three pooling of Jianchang duck were re-sequenced, and genome data of 70 mallards and 83 domestic ducks from thirteen different places in China were obtained from NCBI. The population stratification and evolution analysis showed gene exchanges existed between the Jianchang and other domestic duck populations, as well as Jianchang ducks and mallards. Genomic comparison between mallards and Jianchang ducks showed genes, including Show less
Impaired macroautophagy/autophagy is involved in the pathogenesis of hepatic fibrosis. However, how aberrant autophagy promotes fibrosis is far from understood. Here, we aimed to define a previously u Show more
Impaired macroautophagy/autophagy is involved in the pathogenesis of hepatic fibrosis. However, how aberrant autophagy promotes fibrosis is far from understood. Here, we aimed to define a previously unrevealed pro-fibrotic mechanism for the stress protein TRIB3 (tribbles pseudokinase 3)-mediated autophagy dysfunction. Human fibrotic liver tissues were obtained from patients with cirrhosis who underwent an open surgical repair process. The functional implications of TRIB3 were evaluated in mouse models of hepatic fibrosis induced by bile duct ligation (BDL) or thioacetamide (TAA) injection. Human fibrotic liver tissues expressed higher levels of TRIB3 and selective autophagic receptor SQSTM1/p62 (sequestosome 1) than nonfibrotic tissues and the elevated expression of TRIB3 and SQSTM1 was positively correlated in the fibrotic tissues. Silencing Show less
E3 ubiquitin ligase gene, WWP2, is associated with acute kidney injury (AKI). This research was conducted to explore the role of WWP2 in AKI. AKI cell model was produced in human renal proximal tubula Show more
E3 ubiquitin ligase gene, WWP2, is associated with acute kidney injury (AKI). This research was conducted to explore the role of WWP2 in AKI. AKI cell model was produced in human renal proximal tubular epithelial cell line (HK-2) by ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury. CCK8 and flow cytometry assay were performed to explore the influence of WWP2 overexpression on cell proliferation and apoptosis of IR-induced HK-2 cells. Quantitative real-time PCR and immunoblotting (IB) were performed to assess the gene and protein expression. Then, the influence of WWP2 on p53 ubiquitylation and degradation was estimated by immunoprecipitation assay. Our data indicated that WWP2 was down-regulated and p53 was up-regulated in IR-induced HK-2 cells. WWP2 overexpression promoted proliferation and inhibited apoptosis of IR-induced HK-2 cells. And WWP2 interacted with p53 and regulated p53 ubiquitylation and degradation. Furthermore, the influence of WWP2 on cell proliferation and apoptosis was rescued by MG132 (proteasome inhibitor) treatment. In conclusion, our work described for the first time the role of WWP2 in AKI, showing that WWP2 ameliorated AKI by mediating p53 ubiquitylation and degradation. Moreover, the study offers some important insights into the occurrence of AKI and WWP2 may be a novel target of AKI treatment. SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY: Our data elaborates that WWP2 has protective effect against AKI by mediating p53 ubiquitylation and degradation. Thus, WWP2 might be a therapeutic target for AKI. Show less
Melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) was considered as an essential modifiers in feelings intake, the regulation of metabolism and body weight. This study aimed at identifying polymorphisms in MC4R gene tha Show more
Melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) was considered as an essential modifiers in feelings intake, the regulation of metabolism and body weight. This study aimed at identifying polymorphisms in MC4R gene that might associate with carcass quality traits in Chinese indigenous beef cattle breed. qPCR analysis showed that the MC4R gene was widely expressed in various tissues, with predominantly expression levels in heart. Three single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified, including a mutation (g.85A > G) in 5'untranslated regions (UTR) and two mutations (g.927C > T and g.1069C > G) in exon 1. Based on the χ Show less
Mlxipl regulates glucose metabolism, lipogenesis and tumorigenesis and has a wide-ranging impact on human health and disease. However, the role of Mlxipl in neuropathic pain remains unknown. In this s Show more
Mlxipl regulates glucose metabolism, lipogenesis and tumorigenesis and has a wide-ranging impact on human health and disease. However, the role of Mlxipl in neuropathic pain remains unknown. In this study, we found that Mlxipl was increased in the ipsilateral L4-L6 spinal dorsal horn after Spared Nerve Injury surgery. Knockdown of Mlxipl in the ipsilateral L4-L6 spinal dorsal horn by intraspinal microinjection aggravated Spared Nerve Injury-induced mechanical allodynia and inflammation in the spinal dorsal horn, on the contrary, overexpression of Mlxipl inhibited mechanical allodynia and inflammation. Subsequently, the rat Mlxipl promoter was analyzed using bioinformatics methods to predict the upstream transcription factor cJun. Luciferase assays and ChIP-qPCR confirmed that cJun bound to the promoter of Mlxipl and enhanced its expression. Finally, we demonstrated that Mlxipl inhibited the inflammatory responses of lipopolysaccharide-induced microglia and that Mlxipl was regulated by the transcription factor cJun. These findings suggested that cJun-induced Mlxipl upregulation in the spinal dorsal horn after peripheral nerve injury provided a protective mechanism for the development and progression of neuropathic pain by inhibiting microglial-derived neuroinflammation. Targeting Mlxipl in the spinal dorsal horn might represent an effective strategy for the treatment of neuropathic pain. Show less
The advent of base editors (BEs) holds great potential for correcting pathogenic-related point mutations to treat relevant diseases. However, Cas9 nickase (nCas9)-derived BEs lead to DNA double-strand Show more
The advent of base editors (BEs) holds great potential for correcting pathogenic-related point mutations to treat relevant diseases. However, Cas9 nickase (nCas9)-derived BEs lead to DNA double-strand breaks, which can trigger unwanted DNA damage response (DDR). Here, we show that the original version of catalytically dead Cas12a (dCas12a)-conjugated BEs induce a basal level of DNA breaks and minimally activate DDR proteins, including H2AX, ATM, ATR, and p53. By fusing dCas12a with engineered human apolipoprotein B mRNA editing enzyme, catalytic polypeptide-like 3A (APOBEC3A), we further develop the BEACON (base editing induced by human APOBEC3A and Cas12a without DNA break) system to achieve enhanced deamination efficiency and editing specificity. Efficient C-to-T editing is achieved by BEACON in mammalian cells at levels comparable to AncBE4max, with only low levels of DDR and minimal RNA off-target mutations. Importantly, BEACON induces in vivo base editing in mouse embryos, and targeted C-to-T conversions are detected in F0 mice. Show less
Hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) is a leading cause of acute pancreatitis. HTG can be caused by either primary (genetic) or secondary etiological factors, and there is increasing appreciation of the interpl Show more
Hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) is a leading cause of acute pancreatitis. HTG can be caused by either primary (genetic) or secondary etiological factors, and there is increasing appreciation of the interplay between the two kinds of factors in causing severe HTG. The main aim of this study was to identify the genetic basis of hypertriglyceridemia-induced acute pancreatitis (HTG-AP) in a Chinese family with three affected members (the proband, his mother and older sister). The entire coding and flanking sequences of LPL, APOC2, APOA5, GPIHBP1 and LMF1 genes were analyzed by Sanger sequencing. The newly identified LPL nonsense variant was subjected to functional analysis by means of transfection into HEK-293 T cells followed by Western blot and activity assays. Previously reported pathogenic LPL nonsense variants were collated and compared with respect to genotype and phenotype relationship. We identified a novel nonsense variant, p.Gln118* (c.351C > T), in the LPL gene, which co-segregated with HTG-AP in the Chinese family. We provided in vitro evidence that this variant resulted in a complete functional loss of the affected LPL allele. We highlighted a role of alcohol abuse in modifying the clinical expression of the disease in the proband. Additionally, our survey of 12 previously reported pathogenic LPL nonsense variants (in 20 carriers) revealed that neither serum triglyceride levels nor occurrence of HTG-AP was distinguishable among the three carrier groups, namely, simple homozygotes, compound heterozygotes and simple heterozygotes. Our findings, taken together, generated new insights into the complex etiology and expression of HTG-AP. Show less
Distinguishing between different types of thyroid cancers (TC) remains challenging in clinical laboratories. As different tumor types require different clinical interventions, it is necessary to estab Show more
Distinguishing between different types of thyroid cancers (TC) remains challenging in clinical laboratories. As different tumor types require different clinical interventions, it is necessary to establish new methods for accurate diagnosis of TC. Proteomic analysis of the human serum was performed through data-independent acquisition mass spectrometry for 29 patients with TC (stages I-IV): 13 cases of papillary TC (PTC), 10 cases of medullary TC (MTC), and six cases follicular TC (FTC). In addition, 15 patients with benign thyroid nodules (TNs) and 10 healthy controls (HCs) were included in this study. Subsequently, 17 differentially expressed proteins were identified in 291 patients with TC, including 247 with PTC, 38 with MTC, and six with FTC, and 69 patients with benign TNs and 176 with HC, using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. In total, 517 proteins were detected in the serum samples using an Orbitrap Q-Exactive-plus mass spectrometer. The amyloid beta A4 protein, apolipoprotein A-IV, gelsolin, contactin-1, gamma-glutamyl hydrolase, and complement factor H-related protein 1 (CFHR1) were selected for further analysis. The median serum CFHR1 levels were significantly higher in the MTC and FTC groups than in the PTC and control groups ( CFHR1 may serve as a novel biomarker to distinguish PTC from MTC with high sensitivity and specificity. Show less
The ATM serine/threonine kinase (ATM) pathway plays important roles in pancreatic cancer (PanC) development and progression, but the roles of genetic variants of the genes in this pathway in the etiol Show more
The ATM serine/threonine kinase (ATM) pathway plays important roles in pancreatic cancer (PanC) development and progression, but the roles of genetic variants of the genes in this pathway in the etiology of PanC are unknown. In the present study, we assessed associations between 31,499 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 198 ATM pathway-related genes and PanC risk using genotyping data from two previously published PanC genome-wide association studies (GWASs) of 15,423 subjects of European ancestry. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, we identified three novel independent SNPs to be significantly associated with PanC risk [ Show less
Proper development of taste organs including the tongue and taste papillae requires interactions with the underlying mesenchyme through multiple molecular signaling pathways. The effects of bone morph Show more
Proper development of taste organs including the tongue and taste papillae requires interactions with the underlying mesenchyme through multiple molecular signaling pathways. The effects of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) and antagonists are profound, however, the tissue-specific roles of distinct receptors are largely unknown. Here, we report that constitutive activation (ca) of ALK2-BMP signaling in the tongue mesenchyme (marked by Wnt1-Cre) caused microglossia-a dramatically smaller and misshapen tongue with a progressively severe reduction in size along the anteroposterior axis and absence of a pharyngeal region. At E10.5, the tongue primordia (branchial arches 1-4) formed in Wnt1-Cre/caAlk2 mutants while each branchial arch responded to elevated BMP signaling distinctly in gene expression of BMP targets (Id1, Snai1, Snai2, and Runx2), proliferation (Cyclin-D1) and apoptosis (p53). Moreover, elevated ALK2-BMP signaling in the mesenchyme resulted in apparent defects of lingual epithelium, muscles, and nerves. In Wnt1-Cre/caAlk2 mutants, a circumvallate papilla was missing and further development of formed fungiform papillae was arrested in late embryos. Our data collectively demonstrate that ALK2-BMP signaling in the mesenchyme plays essential roles in orchestrating various tissues for proper development of the tongue and its appendages in a region-specific manner. Show less
Ping Li, Yu Liu, Qiang He · 2020 · Drug design, development and therapy · added 2026-04-24
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a primary liver cancer with a 5-year incidence of over 70%. Anisodamine (ANI), an alkaloid extracted from HepG2 cells were subcutaneously injected into BALB/C nude mi Show more
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a primary liver cancer with a 5-year incidence of over 70%. Anisodamine (ANI), an alkaloid extracted from HepG2 cells were subcutaneously injected into BALB/C nude mice and the tumor tissue was subcutaneously inoculated to construct the transplanted tumor. Mice were randomly divided into 10 groups (n = 5): control group, ANI-10 group, ANI-50 group, ANI-200 group, ANI-200+pcDNA-NLRP3 group, ANI-200+EV group, sh-NLRP3 group, ANI-200 + sh-NLRP3 group, normal group and normal+ANI-200 group. Studies indicated that ANI inhibited the growth of HCC xenografts and reduced liver damage in a dose-dependent manner. Besides, ANI increased the survival rate of tumor-bearing mice and suppressed the expression of NLRP3 in a dose-dependent manner. It is worth noting that NLRP3 overexpression reversed the inhibitory effect of ANI on HCC xenografts. In addition, TUNEL analysis showed that ANI-induced apoptosis of tumor cells, and NLRP3 overexpression reversed the inhibitory effect of ANI on HCC. Moreover, ANI further regulated the levels of IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-4 and IL-27. Notably, low expression of NLRP3 enhanced the inhibitory effect of ANI on the development of HCC xenografts in mice. These findings indicate that ANI suppressed the growth of HCC cells, induced apoptosis and regulated the levels of inflammatory factors by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Show less
Mutations in cardiac myosin binding protein C (MyBP-C, encoded by MYBPC3) are the most common cause of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Most MYBPC3 mutations result in premature termination codons ( Show more
Mutations in cardiac myosin binding protein C (MyBP-C, encoded by MYBPC3) are the most common cause of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Most MYBPC3 mutations result in premature termination codons (PTCs) that cause RNA degradation and a reduction of MyBP-C in HCM patient hearts. However, a reduction in MyBP-C has not been consistently observed in MYBPC3-mutant induced pluripotent stem cell cardiomyocytes (iPSCMs). To determine early MYBPC3 mutation effects, we used patient and genome-engineered iPSCMs. iPSCMs with frameshift mutations were compared with iPSCMs with MYBPC3 promoter and translational start site deletions, revealing that allelic loss of function is the primary inciting consequence of mutations causing PTCs. Despite a reduction in wild-type mRNA in all heterozygous iPSCMs, no reduction in MyBP-C protein was observed, indicating protein-level compensation through what we believe is a previously uncharacterized mechanism. Although homozygous mutant iPSCMs exhibited contractile dysregulation, heterozygous mutant iPSCMs had normal contractile function in the context of compensated MyBP-C levels. Agnostic RNA-Seq analysis revealed differential expression in genes involved in protein folding as the only dysregulated gene set. To determine how MYBPC3-mutant iPSCMs achieve compensated MyBP-C levels, sarcomeric protein synthesis and degradation were measured with stable isotope labeling. Heterozygous mutant iPSCMs showed reduced MyBP-C synthesis rates but a slower rate of MyBP-C degradation. These findings indicate that cardiomyocytes have an innate capacity to attain normal MyBP-C stoichiometry despite MYBPC3 allelic loss of function due to truncating mutations. Modulating MyBP-C degradation to maintain MyBP-C protein levels may be a novel treatment approach upstream of contractile dysfunction for HCM. Show less
Overexpression of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 3H (EIF3H) predicts cancer progression and poor prognosis, but the mechanism underlying EIF3H as an oncogene remains unclear in esophageal sq Show more
Overexpression of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 3H (EIF3H) predicts cancer progression and poor prognosis, but the mechanism underlying EIF3H as an oncogene remains unclear in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). TCGA database and the immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining of ESCC samples were used and determined the upregulation of EIF3H in ESCC. CCK8 assay, colony formation assay and transwell assay were performed to examine the ability of cell proliferation and mobility in KYSE150 and KYSE510 cell lines with EIF3H overexpression or knockdown. Xenograft and tail-vein lung metastatic mouse models of KYSE150 cells with or without EIF3H knockdown were also used to confirm the function of EIF3H on tumor growth and metastasis in vivo. A potential substrate of EIF3H was screened by co-immunoprecipitation assay (co-IP) combined with mass spectrometry in HEK293T cells. Their interaction and co-localization were confirmed using reciprocal co-IP and immunofluorescence staining assay. The function of EIF3H on Snail ubiquitination and stability was demonstrated by the cycloheximide (CHX) pulse-chase assay and ubiquitination assay. The correlation of EIF3H and Snail in clinical ESCC samples was verified by IHC. We found that EIF3H is significantly upregulated in esophageal cancer and ectopic expression of EIF3H in ESCC cell lines promotes cell proliferation, colony formation, migration and invasion. Conversely, genetic inhibition of EIF3H represses ESCC tumor growth and metastasis in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, we identified EIF3H as a novel deubiquitinating enzyme of Snail. We demonstrated that EIF3H interacts with and stabilizes Snail through deubiquitination. Therefore, EIF3H could promote Snail-mediated EMT process in ESCC. In clinical ESCC samples, there is also a positive correlation between EIF3H and Snail expression. Our study reveals a critical EIF3H-Snail signaling axis in tumor aggressiveness in ESCC and provides EIF3H as a promising biomarker for ESCC treatment. Show less
Cytokines are one of the first immunotherapeutics utilized in trials of human cancers with significant success. However, due to their significant toxicity and often lack of efficacy, cytokines have gi Show more
Cytokines are one of the first immunotherapeutics utilized in trials of human cancers with significant success. However, due to their significant toxicity and often lack of efficacy, cytokines have given their spotlight to other cancer immunotherapeutics such as immune checkpoint inhibitors. Nevertheless, only a subset of cancer patients respond to checkpoint inhibitors. Therefore, developing a novel cytokine-based immunotherapy is still necessary. Among an array of cytokine candidates, IL-27 is a unique one that exhibits clear anti-tumor activity with low toxicity. Systemically delivered IL-27 by adeno-associated virus (AAV-IL-27) is very well tolerized by mice and exhibits potent anti-tumor activity in a variety of tumor models. AAV-IL-27 exerts its anti-tumor activity through directly stimulation of immune effector cells and systemic depletion of Tregs, and is particularly suitable for delivery in combination with checkpoint inhibitors or vaccines. Additionally, AAV-IL-27 can also be delivered locally to tumors to exert its unique actions. In this review, we summarize the evidence that support these points and propose AAV-delivered IL-27 as a potential immunotherapeutic for cancer. Show less
Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are considered critical regulators in cancers; however, the clinical significance and mechanisms of MAPKAPK5-AS1 (hereinafter referred to as MK5-AS1) in colorectal cancer Show more
Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are considered critical regulators in cancers; however, the clinical significance and mechanisms of MAPKAPK5-AS1 (hereinafter referred to as MK5-AS1) in colorectal cancer (CRC) remain mostly unknown. In this study, quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) and western blotting were utilized to detect the levels of MK5-AS1, let-7f-1-3p and MK5 (MAPK activated protein kinase 5) in CRC tissues and cell lines. The biological functions of MK5-AS1, let-7f-1-3p and MK5 in CRC cells were explored using Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK8), colony formation and transwell assays. The potential mechanisms of MK5-AS1 were evaluated by RNA pull-down, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP), dual luciferase reporter assay, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and bioinformatics analysis. The effects of MK5-AS1 and MK5 on CRC were investigated by a xenotransplantation model. We confirmed that MK5-AS1 was significantly increased in CRC tissues. Knockdown of MK5-AS1 suppressed cell migration and invasion in vitro and inhibited lung metastasis in mice. Mechanistically, MK5-AS1 regulated SNAI1 expression by sponging let-7f-1-3p and cis-regulated the adjacent gene MK5. Moreover, MK5-AS1 recruited RBM4 and eIF4A1 to promote the translation of MK5. Our study verified that MK5 promoted the phosphorylation of c-Jun, which activated the transcription of SNAI1 by directly binding to its promoter. MK5-AS1 cis-regulated the nearby gene MK5 and acted as a let-7f-1-3p sponge, playing a vital role in CRC tumorigenesis. This study could provide novel insights into molecular therapeutic targets of CRC. Show less
Aim of this study was to identify biomarkers between different grades of bladder cancer (BLCA) and its prognostic value. mRNA expression data from GSE32549 and GSE71576 were extracted for further anal Show more
Aim of this study was to identify biomarkers between different grades of bladder cancer (BLCA) and its prognostic value. mRNA expression data from GSE32549 and GSE71576 were extracted for further analysis. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified using GEO2R web tool. Gene ontology (GO) analysis, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network were conducted to explore the function and relationship of DEGs. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database was used for external validation and Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) analysis was used to further identify FADS1 pathways. Bladder cancer cells and patient specimens were used to further demonstrate the function of FADS1. Datasets from GEO identified a panel of DEGs. Functional enrichment analysis highlighted that DEGs were associated with nuclear division, spindle, cell cycle and p53 signaling pathway. External validation from TCGA demonstrated that FADS1 was an independent prognostic marker in BLCA patients. In cell lines and tumor specimen analysis, FADS1 was overexpressed in the tumor specimen, compared with adjacent tissues, and positively correlated with tumor grade of BLCA. Moreover, FADS1 could enhance the proliferation ability and influence cell cycle of bladder cancer cells. FADS1 was an independent prognostic biomarker for BLCA and could confer the bladder cancer cells increased proliferation ability. Show less
Epithelial homeostasis plays an essential role in maintaining endometrial function. But the epithelial role in endometrial fibrosis has been less studied. Previously, we showed that ectopic expression Show more
Epithelial homeostasis plays an essential role in maintaining endometrial function. But the epithelial role in endometrial fibrosis has been less studied. Previously, we showed that ectopic expression of ΔNp63α is associated with fibrosis process and epithelial dysfunction in endometria of patients with intrauterine adhesions (IUAs). Since ΔNp63α is profoundly involved in maintaining the epithelial homeostasis, we hereby focused on its roles in regulating the function and phenotype of endometrial epithelial cells (EECs) in context of endometrial fibrosis. We identified a typical type 2 epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in EECs from IUA patients and this process was induced by the forced expression of ΔNp63α in EECs. In transcriptomic analysis, we found that diverse signaling pathways regulated by ΔNp63α were involved in pro-EMT. We demonstrated that the DUSP4/GSK-3β/SNAI1 pathway was critical in transducing the pro-EMT signals initiated by ΔNp63α, while bFGF reversed ΔNp63α-induced EMT and endometrial fibrosis both in vitro and in vivo by blocking DUSP4/GSK3β/SNAI1 pathway. Taken together, our findings are important to understand the molecular mechanisms of endometrial fibrosis and to provide potential therapeutic targets. Show less
Interleukin-27 (IL-27) has been reported to inhibit type 2 T helper cell (Th2) response in allergic rhinitis (AR). However, its effects on group II innate lymphoid cells (ILC2) in AR are not fully und Show more
Interleukin-27 (IL-27) has been reported to inhibit type 2 T helper cell (Th2) response in allergic rhinitis (AR). However, its effects on group II innate lymphoid cells (ILC2) in AR are not fully understood. Nineteen patients with AR and nineteen controls were enrolled in this study. The effects of IL-27 on ILC2 differentiation and function as well as the regulation of the IL-27 receptor (IL-27R) were analyzed by tritiated thymidine incorporation, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), respectively. AR mice were used to confirm the role of IL-27 The serum IL-27 protein expression in AR patients was significantly lower compared with controls. IL-27 decreased the ILC2 proliferation and type II cytokine secretion through the interaction with IL-27R. IL-27 also inhibited systemic and nasal ILC2 response of AR mice. IL-27 inhibited the proliferation and function of ILC2 in AR, implying that IL-27 may be used as new treatment target in AR. Show less
RNA G-quadruplexes (RG4s) appear to be important in post-transcriptional gene regulation, but their pathophysiological functions remain unknown. MicroRNA-26a (miR-26a) is emerging as a therapeutic tar Show more
RNA G-quadruplexes (RG4s) appear to be important in post-transcriptional gene regulation, but their pathophysiological functions remain unknown. MicroRNA-26a (miR-26a) is emerging as a therapeutic target for various human diseases, however the mechanisms underlying endogenous miR-26a regulation are poorly understood. Herein, we study the role of RG4 in miR-26a expression and function in vitro and in vivo. Putative RG4s within liver-enriched miRNAs were predicted by bioinformatic analysis, and the presence of an RG4 structure in the miR-26a-1 precursor (pre-miR-26a-1) was further analyzed by biophysical and biochemical methods. RG4 stabilizers, pre-miR-26a-1 overexpression plasmids, and luciferase reporter assays were used to assess the effect of RG4 on pre-miR-26a-1 maturation. Both miR-26a knock-in and knockout mouse models were employed to investigate the influence of this RG4 on miR-26a expression and function. Moreover, the interaction between RG4 in pre-miR-26a-1 and DEAH-box helicase 36 (DHX36) was determined by biophysical and molecular methods. Finally, miR-26a processing and DHX36 expression were quantified in the livers of obese mice. We identify a guanine-rich sequence in pre-miR-26a-1 that can fold into an RG4 structure. This RG4 impairs pre-miR-26a-1 maturation, resulting in a decrease in miR-26a expression and subsequently an increase in miR-26a cognate targets. In line with known miR-26a functions, this RG4 can regulate hepatic insulin sensitivity and lipid metabolism in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, we reveal that DHX36 can bind and unwind this RG4 structure, thereby enhancing miR-26a maturation. Intriguingly, there is a concordant decrease of miR-26a maturation and DHX36 expression in obese mouse livers. Our findings define a dynamic DHX36/RG4/miR-26a regulatory axis during obesity, highlighting an important role of RG4 in physiology and pathology. Specific RNA sequences called G-quadruplexes (or RG4) appear to be important in post-transcriptional gene regulation. Obesity leads to the formation of these RG4 structures in pre-miR-26a-1 molecules, impairing the maturation and function of miR-26a, which has emerged as a therapeutic target in several diseases. This contributes to hepatic insulin resistance and the dysregulation of liver metabolism. Show less
Clinical studies have demonstrated that trimetazidine (TMZ) possesses a synergistic hypolipidemic effect together with statins, but the underlying mechanism remains to be elucidated. The present study Show more
Clinical studies have demonstrated that trimetazidine (TMZ) possesses a synergistic hypolipidemic effect together with statins, but the underlying mechanism remains to be elucidated. The present study aimed to investigate the role of TMZ in non‑alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). By investigating the TMZ treatment of NAFLD, it was identified that high‑fat diet (HFD) mice exhibit significant changes in several physiologic indices, including body weight, plasma lipids and glucose tolerance. Notably, hepatocyte bullous steatosis and fibrosis in HFD mice are greatly attenuated by 8 weeks of TMZ treatments. The results of the present study also indicated that the expression of carbohydrate‑responsive element‑binding protein (ChREBP), fatty acid synthase and acetyl‑CoA carboxylase were all significantly reduced in the HFD + TMZ group compared with the HFD group. In order to confirm the hypothesis in vitro, the palmitate‑treated liver cancer cell line (HepG2) was employed and similar results were obtained in TMZ‑treated HepG2 cells. Furthermore, TMZ markedly upregulated the AMP‑activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway and reduced the expression of forkhead box O1 (FOXO1) in the cells, while these effects controlled by TMZ were abolished by the AMPK inhibitor Compound C. The present study reported that knockdown of FOXO1 expression by FOXO1 small interfering RNA resulted in a reduction of ChREBP protein expression and post‑transcriptional activity. In summary, for the first time, to the best of the authors' knowledge, the present study revealed a novel role of TMZ in hepatic steatosis; TMZ ameliorated ChREBP‑induced de novo lipogenesis by activating the AMPK‑FOXO1 pathway. Show less
In this paper, a novel acidic polysaccharide (CPS-1) was successively prepared from Gynostemma pentaphyllum using hot water isolation method to explore its antitumor and antioxidant activities. Struct Show more
In this paper, a novel acidic polysaccharide (CPS-1) was successively prepared from Gynostemma pentaphyllum using hot water isolation method to explore its antitumor and antioxidant activities. Structural characteristics of CPS-1 were evaluated by SEM, HPGPC, HPAEC-PAD, FT-IR, and NMR. The results indicated: CPS-1 was mainly composed of Ara, Gal, Glc, Xyl, Man, GalA and GlcA in a molar ratio of 1.23:2.14:0.67:0.2:0.29:0.16:0.04 with molecular weight of 3297 kDa. Combining with the results of FT-IR and NMR, it was inferred that CPS-1 was mainly possessed the five main linkages including α-D-Ara, α-D-Gal, α-D-Man, α-D-Xyl and β-D-Glc. Furthermore, MTT results exhibited that the IC Show less
Insults to the axons in the optic nerve head are the primary cause of loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) in traumatic, ischemic nerve injury or degenerative ocular diseases. The central nervous sys Show more
Insults to the axons in the optic nerve head are the primary cause of loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) in traumatic, ischemic nerve injury or degenerative ocular diseases. The central nervous system-specific leucine-rich repeat protein, LINGO-1, negatively regulates axon regeneration and neuronal survival after injury. However, the upstream molecular mechanisms that regulate LINGO-1 signaling and contribute to LINGO-1-mediated death of RGCs are unclear. The expression of SP1 was profiled in optic nerve crush (ONC)-injured RGCs. LINGO-1 level was examined after SP1 overexpression by qRT-PCR. Luciferase assay was used to examine the binding of SP1 to the promoter regions of LINGO-1. Primary RGCs from rat retina were isolated by immunopanning and RGCs apoptosis were determined by Tunnel. SP1 and LINGO-1 expression was investigated using immunohistochemistry and Western bolting. Neuroprotection was assessed by RGC counts, RNFL thickness, and VEP tests after inhibition of SP1 shRNA. We demonstrate that SP1 was upregulated in ONC-injured RGCs. SP1 was bound to the LINGO-1 promoter, which led to increased expression of LINGO-1. Treatment with recombinant Nogo-66 or LINGO-1 promoted apoptosis of RGCs cultured under serum-deprivation conditions, while silencing of SP1 promoted the survival of RGCs. SP1 and LINGO-1 colocalized and were upregulated in ONC-injured retinas. Silencing of SP1 in vivo reduced LINGO-1 expression and protected the structure of RGCs from ONC-induced injury, but there was no sign of recovery in VEP. Our findings imply that SP1 regulates LINGO-1 expression in RGCs in the injured retina and provide insight into mechanisms underlying LINGO-1-mediated RGC death in optic nerve injury. Show less
APOA5 is a low-abundance exchangeable apolipoprotein that plays critical roles in human triglyceride (TG) metabolism. Indeed, aberrations in the plasma concentration or structure of APOA5 are linked t Show more
APOA5 is a low-abundance exchangeable apolipoprotein that plays critical roles in human triglyceride (TG) metabolism. Indeed, aberrations in the plasma concentration or structure of APOA5 are linked to hypertriglyceridemia, hyperchylomicronemia, myocardial infarction risk, obesity, and coronary artery disease. While it has been successfully produced at low yield in bacteria, the resulting protein had limitations for structure-function studies due to its low solubility under physiological buffer conditions. We hypothesized that the yield and solubility of recombinant APOA5 could be increased by: Show less