This study aimed to investigate the value of PTEN, NF-κB, WWP2, p53 and c-Myc expressions in distinguishing B cell lymphomas from reactive follicular hyperplasia (RFH), and their abilities to discrimi Show more
This study aimed to investigate the value of PTEN, NF-κB, WWP2, p53 and c-Myc expressions in distinguishing B cell lymphomas from reactive follicular hyperplasia (RFH), and their abilities to discriminate different B cell lymphoma subtypes. Lymphoma tissue samples were obtained from 30 follicular lymphoma (FL) patients, 30 germinal center B-cell like (GCB) diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) patients, 30 non-GCB DLBCL patients and 30 Burkitt's lymphoma (BL) patients. And hyperplasia tissue samples were obtained from and 30 RFH patients. Immunohistochemistry was used to quantify the expressions of PTEN, NF-κB, WWP2, P53 and c-Myc. PTEN expression was elevated in GCB DLBCL and BL compared with RFH, and in GCB DLBCL, non-GCB DLBCL and BL than that in FL; WWP2 expression was higher in FL, GCB DLBCL, non-GCB DLBCL and BL compared with RFH; p53 expression increased in non-GCB DLBCL compared with RFH, and in BL compared with RFH, FL or GCB DLBCL; c-Myc expression was higher in GCB DLBCL, non-GCB DLBCL and BL compared with RFH; c-Myc expression was elevated in GCB DLBCL, non-GCB DLBCL and BL compared with FL. Additionally, PTEN negatively correlated with p53 expression in FL and CGB DLBCL, whereas NF-κB negatively correlated with WWP2 in GCB DLBCL, but positively associated with PTEN in RFH and c-Myc in BL. PTEN, WWP2, p53 and c-Myc expressions might be served as biomarkers for identification of B cell lymphomas from RFH as well as distinguishing different B cell lymphoma subtypes. Show less
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-κB 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-κB. 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-κB 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
Notch pathways have important roles in carcinogenesis including pathways involving the Notch1 and Notch2 oncogenes. Pan-Notch inhibitors, such as gamma secretase inhibitors (GSIs), have been used in t Show more
Notch pathways have important roles in carcinogenesis including pathways involving the Notch1 and Notch2 oncogenes. Pan-Notch inhibitors, such as gamma secretase inhibitors (GSIs), have been used in the clinical trials, but the outcomes of these trials have been insufficient and have yielded unclear. In the present study, we demonstrated that GSIs, such as MK-0752 and RO4929097, inhibit breast tumor growth, but increase the breast cancer stem cell (BCSC) population in Notch3-expressing breast cancer cells, in a process that is coupled with IL6 induction and is blocked by the IL6R antagonist Tocilizumab (TCZ). IL6 induction results from inhibition of Notch3-Hey2 signaling through MK-0752. Furthermore, HIF1α upregulates Notch3 expression via direct binding to the Notch3 promoter and subsequently downregulates BCSCs by decreasing the IL6 levels in Notch3-expressing breast cancer cells. Utilizing both breast cancer cell line xenografts and patient-derived xenografts (PDX), we showed that the combination of MK-0752 and Tocilizumab significantly decreases BCSCs and inhibits tumor growth and thus might serve as a novel therapeutic strategy for treating women with Notch3-expressing breast cancers. Show less
Hey2 gene mutations in both humans and mice have been associated with multiple cardiac defects. However, the currently reported localization of Hey2 in the ventricular compact zone cannot explain the Show more
Hey2 gene mutations in both humans and mice have been associated with multiple cardiac defects. However, the currently reported localization of Hey2 in the ventricular compact zone cannot explain the wide variety of cardiac defects. Furthermore, it was reported that, in contrast to other organs, Notch doesn't regulate Hey2 in the heart. To determine the expression pattern and the regulation of Hey2, we used novel methods including RNAscope and a Hey2 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
We aimed at exploring the positive feedback loop in eutopic and ectopic endometrial glandular epithelial cells (EuECs and EECs) in endometriosis. Normal epithelial cells (NECs), EuECs and EECs were tr Show more
We aimed at exploring the positive feedback loop in eutopic and ectopic endometrial glandular epithelial cells (EuECs and EECs) in endometriosis. Normal epithelial cells (NECs), EuECs and EECs were treated with fibroblast growth factor (FGF)2, FGF2 neutralizing antibody, mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) inhibitors U0126 and PD98059. FGF2 protein level was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The expressions of FGF2, FGF receptor 1 (FGFR1), extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2/pERK1/2 and Sproutys (SPRYs) (Sprouty1, Sprouty2, Sprouty4) and dual specificity phosphatase 6 (DUSP6) were detected by Western blot. The mRNA levels of FGF2, FGFR1 (FGF receptor 1), SPRYs (Sprouty1, Sprouty2, Sprouty4) and DUSP6 mRNA were detected by RT-PCR. Among treatment groups, the content of FGF2 in EuECs and EECs was significantly higher than that in NECs (p < 0.05). The mRNA and protein levels of FGF2, FGFR1, SPRYs (Sprouty1, Sprouty2, Sprouty4) and DUSP6 in EuECs and EECs were increased after adding FGF2 (p < 0.05), but decreased after adding FGF2 neutralizing antibody, no significant change was found in NECs (p > 0.05). The inhibitory effect of PD9805 on NECs was not significantly different from that of U0126 (p > 0.05); however, the inhibitory effects of PD9805 on EuECs and EECs were significantly lower than those of U0126 (p< 0.05). The positive feedback loop existed in EuECs and EECs, but maybe not in NECs. The results may provide the guideline to treat endometriosis patients. Show less
Zijie Su, Jiaxing Song, Zhongyuan Wang+10 more · 2018 · Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America · National Academy of Sciences · added 2026-04-24
Recent genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified multiple new loci which appear to alter coronary artery disease (CAD) risk via arterial wall-specific mechanisms. One of the annotated gen Show more
Recent genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified multiple new loci which appear to alter coronary artery disease (CAD) risk via arterial wall-specific mechanisms. One of the annotated genes encodes LMOD1 (Leiomodin 1), a member of the actin filament nucleator family that is highly enriched in smooth muscle-containing tissues such as the artery wall. However, it is still unknown whether LMOD1 is the causal gene at this locus and also how the associated variants alter LMOD1 expression/function and CAD risk. Using epigenomic profiling we recently identified a non-coding regulatory variant, rs34091558, which is in tight linkage disequilibrium (LD) with the lead CAD GWAS variant, rs2820315. Herein we demonstrate through expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) and statistical fine-mapping in GTEx, STARNET, and human coronary artery smooth muscle cell (HCASMC) datasets, rs34091558 is the top regulatory variant for LMOD1 in vascular tissues. Position weight matrix (PWM) analyses identify the protective allele rs34091558-TA to form a conserved Forkhead box O3 (FOXO3) binding motif, which is disrupted by the risk allele rs34091558-A. FOXO3 chromatin immunoprecipitation and reporter assays show reduced FOXO3 binding and LMOD1 transcriptional activity by the risk allele, consistent with effects of FOXO3 downregulation on LMOD1. LMOD1 knockdown results in increased proliferation and migration and decreased cell contraction in HCASMC, and immunostaining in atherosclerotic lesions in the SMC lineage tracing reporter mouse support a key role for LMOD1 in maintaining the differentiated SMC phenotype. These results provide compelling functional evidence that genetic variation is associated with dysregulated LMOD1 expression/function in SMCs, together contributing to the heritable risk for CAD. 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
Preeclampsia is one of the three primary causes of maternal morbidity and mortality worldwide. This study evaluated ApoC3 in placenta cells of mice with preeclampsia to explore its therapeutic role in Show more
Preeclampsia is one of the three primary causes of maternal morbidity and mortality worldwide. This study evaluated ApoC3 in placenta cells of mice with preeclampsia to explore its therapeutic role in preeclampsia and assess its function on oxidative stress and inflammatory responses involving the NF-κB signaling pathway. A mouse model of preeclampsia was successfully established. APOC3-siRNA with the best silencing effect was screened out. The expression levels of ApoC3, p65, and IkBα were evaluated. The effect of ApoC3 silencing on metabolic activity and apoptosis was measured. The level of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CPR), interleukin 6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), the activity of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9, and the expression of malondialdehyde (MDA), 8-isoprostane and oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) were determined. ApoC3-siRNA-3 was the most effective siRNA. The mRNA expression of ApoC3 was scarcely observed, while the expression of p65 decreased and the expression of p-IkBα increased in the ApoC3-siRNA group. Compared with those in the model and empty vector groups, the cell apoptosis rate and the activities of invasion-related factors MMP-2 and MMP-9 increased, while the levels of hs-CPR, IL-6, TNF-α, MDA, 8-isoprostane, and ox-LDL decreased in the ApoC3-siRNA group. Silencing ApoC3 could suppress the NF-κB signaling pathway, thereby exercising a protective effect on cell injury induced by oxidative stress and reducing inflammatory responses. 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
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
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
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
Blood lipids are well-known risk factors for coronary heart disease (CHD). The aim of this study was to explore the association between 17 lipid-related gene polymorphisms and CHD. The current study e Show more
Blood lipids are well-known risk factors for coronary heart disease (CHD). The aim of this study was to explore the association between 17 lipid-related gene polymorphisms and CHD. The current study examined with 784 CHD cases and 739 non-CHD controls. Genotyping was performed on the MassARRAY iPLEX® assay platform. Our analyses revealed a significant association of APOE rs7259620 with CHD (genotype: χ2=6.353, df=2, p=0.042; allele: χ2=5.05, df=1, p=0.025; recessive model: χ2=5.57, df=1, p=0.018). A further gender-based subgroup analysis revealed significant associations of APOE rs7259620 and PPAP2B rs72664392 with CHD in males (genotype: χ2=8.379, df=2, p=0.015; allele: χ2=5.190, df=1, p=0.023; recessive model: χ2=19.3, df=1, p<0.0001) and females (genotype: χ2=9.878, df=2, p=0.007), respectively. Subsequent breakdown analysis by age showed that CETP rs4783961, MLXIPL rs35493868, and PON2 rs12704796 were significantly associated with CHD among individuals younger than 55 years of age (CETP rs4783961: χ2=8.966, df=1, p=0.011 by genotype; MLXIPL rs35493868: χ2=4.87, df=1, p=0.027 by allele; χ2=4.88, df=1, p=0.027 by dominant model; PON2 rs12704796: χ2=6.511, df=2, p=0.039 by genotype; χ2=6.210, df=1, p=0.013 by allele; χ2=5.03, df=1, p=0.025 by dominant model). Significant allelic association was observed between LEPR rs656451 and CHD among individuals older than 65 years of age (χ2=4.410, df=1, p=0.036). Our study revealed significant associations of APOE, PPAP2B, CETP, MLXIPL, PON2, and LEPR gene polymorphisms with CHD among the Han Chinese. Show less
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
Most patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy have single-gene autosomal dominant mutations in loci that encode for sarcomeric proteins. The aim of this study was to determine whether pathogenic muta Show more
Most patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy have single-gene autosomal dominant mutations in loci that encode for sarcomeric proteins. The aim of this study was to determine whether pathogenic mutations were present by whole-exome sequencing (WES) in two families with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) that presented during adolescence. Blood samples and clinical data were collected from individuals in two families with HCM. DNA was extracted. Mutations were identified using whole-exome sequencing (WES), and the genotypes of family members were identified using Sanger sequencing. Compound heterozygous mutations in the MYBPC3 gene (c.659A > G, p.Tyr220Cys; c.772G > A, p.Glu258Lys,NM₀₀₀₂₅₆, Family 1), (c.873delG, p. Ile292PhefsTer8; c.3G > A, p.Met1?, NM₀₀₀₂₅₆, Family 2) were identified by WES. Patient 1 carried the maternally inherited c.659A > G mutation and the paternally inherited c.772G > A mutation. Patient 2 carried the maternally inherited frameshift mutation c.873delG and the paternally inherited mutation c.3G > A. Two families with HCM presenting during adolescence (age of onset is about 11 years old) demonstrated compound heterozygous mutations in the MYBPC3 gene. These findings suggested an association of MYBPC3 mutations with the early onset of symptoms and worsened prognoses. Our study highlights the importance of genetic screening of all family members in cases of HCM. 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
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) 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
Dairy cows with type II ketosis display hepatic fat accumulation and hyperinsulinemia, but the underlying mechanism is not completely clear. This study aimed to clarify the regulation of lipid metabol Show more
Dairy cows with type II ketosis display hepatic fat accumulation and hyperinsulinemia, but the underlying mechanism is not completely clear. This study aimed to clarify the regulation of lipid metabolism by insulin in cow hepatocytes. In vitro, cow hepatocytes were treated with 0, 1, 10, or 100 nm insulin in the presence or absence of AICAR (an AMP-activated protein kinase alpha (AMPKα) activator). The results showed that insulin decreased AMPKα phosphorylation. This inactivation of AMPKα increased the gene and protein expression levels of carbohydrate responsive element-binding protein (ChREBP) and sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c), which downregulated the expression of lipogenic genes, thereby decreasing lipid biosynthesis. Furthermore, AMPKα inactivation decreased the gene and protein expression levels of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α (PPARα), which upregulated the expression of lipid oxidation genes, thereby increasing lipid oxidation. In addition, insulin decreased the very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) assembly. Consequently, triglyceride content was significantly increased in insulin treated hepatocytes. Activation of AMPKα induced by AICAR could reverse the effect of insulin on PPARα, SREBP-1c, and ChREBP, thereby decreasing triglyceride content. These results indicate that insulin inhibits the AMPKα signaling pathway to increase lipid synthesis and decrease lipid oxidation and VLDL assembly in cow hepatocytes, thereby inducing TG accumulation. This mechanism could partly explain the causal relationship between hepatic fat accumulation and hyperinsulinemia in dairy cows with type II ketosis. 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
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a devastating neurodegenerative disease with limited treatment options and no cure. Beta-amyloid (Aβ) is a hallmark of AD that has potent neurotoxicity in neural stem cells Show more
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a devastating neurodegenerative disease with limited treatment options and no cure. Beta-amyloid (Aβ) is a hallmark of AD that has potent neurotoxicity in neural stem cells (NSCs). Dual specificity phosphatase 6 (DUSP6) is a member of the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), which is involved in regulating various physiological and pathological processes. Whether DUSP6 has a protective effect on Aβ-induced NSC injury remains to be explored. C17.2 neural stem cells were transfected with DUSP6-overexpressed plasmid. NSCs with or without DUSP6 overexpression were administrated with Aβ25⁻35 at various concentrations (i.e., 0, 2.5, 5 μM). DUSP6 expression after Aβ treatment was detected by Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot and cell vitality was examined by the CCK8 assay. The oxidative stress (intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA)), endoplasmic reticulum stress (ER calcium level) and mitochondrial dysfunction (cytochrome c homeostasis) were tested. The expression of Show less
Obesity is causally associated with atherosclerosis, and adipose tissue (AT)-derived exosomes may be implicated in the metabolic complications of obesity. However, the precise role of AT-exosomes in a Show more
Obesity is causally associated with atherosclerosis, and adipose tissue (AT)-derived exosomes may be implicated in the metabolic complications of obesity. However, the precise role of AT-exosomes in atherogenesis remains unclear. We herein aimed to assess the effect of AT-exosomes on macrophage foam cell formation and polarization and subsequent atherosclerosis development. Four types of exosomes isolated from the supernatants of ex vivo subcutaneous AT and visceral AT (VAT) explants that were derived from wild-type mice and high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mice were effectively taken up by RAW264.7 macrophages. Both treatment with wild-type VAT exosomes and HFD-VAT exosomes, but not subcutaneous AT exosomes, markedly facilitated macrophage foam cell generation through the downregulation of ATP-binding cassette transporter (ABCA1 and ABCG1)-mediated cholesterol efflux. Decreased expression of liver X receptor-α was also observed. Among the 4 types of exosomes, only HFD-VAT exosomes significantly induced M1 phenotype transition and proinflammatory cytokine (tumor necrosis factor α and interleukin 6) secretion in RAW264.7 macrophages, which was accompanied by increased phosphorylation of NF-κB-p65 but not the cellular expression of NF-κB-p65 or IκB-α. Furthermore, systematic intravenous injection of HFD-VAT exosomes profoundly exacerbated atherosclerosis in hyperlipidemic apolipoprotein E-deficient mice, as indicated by the M1 marker (CD16/32 and inducible nitric oxide synthase)-positive areas and the Oil Red O/Sudan IV-stained area, without affecting the plasma lipid profile and body weight. This study demonstrated a proatherosclerotic role for HFD-VAT exosomes, which is exerted by regulating macrophage foam cell formation and polarization, indicating a novel link between AT and atherosclerosis in the context of obesity. 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
Anacetrapib is a cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) inhibitor being developed for the treatment of mixed dyslipidemia. The aim of the study was to evaluate the pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, Show more
Anacetrapib is a cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) inhibitor being developed for the treatment of mixed dyslipidemia. The aim of the study was to evaluate the pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, and safety characteristics of anacetrapib following single doses in healthy, young Japanese men. In a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, 3-panel, single-rising-dose study, 6 healthy young Japanese male or white male subjects (aged 19 to 44 years) received single oral doses of 5 to 500 mg anacetrapib, and 2 received placebo. Plasma and urine drug concentrations were measured 0-168 hours postdose, and plasma CETP inhibition was measured 0-24 hours postdose. Urinary anacetrapib levels were all below quantitation limits. Plasma concentrations of anacetrapib increased approximately less than dose-proportionally. Consumption of a traditional Japanese breakfast prior to dosing increased the plasma pharmacokinetics of anacetrapib in Japanese subjects compared with fasted conditions, to a similar extent as in white subjects. CETP activity measured over 0-24 hours postdose resulted in significant inhibition. Anacetrapib was generally well tolerated, and there were no serious adverse experiences. No clinically meaningful differences in PK and CETP inhibition parameters were found between Japanese and white subjects. 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
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
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
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
Cerebral ischemic stroke (CIS) is one of the common causes of death and disability worldwide. This study aims to investigate effect of miR-137 on endothelial progenitor cells and angiogenesis in CIS b Show more
Cerebral ischemic stroke (CIS) is one of the common causes of death and disability worldwide. This study aims to investigate effect of miR-137 on endothelial progenitor cells and angiogenesis in CIS by targeting NR4A2 via the Notch pathway. Brain tissues were extracted from CIS and normal mice. Immunohistochemistry was used to determine positive rate of NR4A2 expression. Serum VEGF, Ang, HGF, and IκBα levels were determined by ELISA. RT-qPCR and Western blotting were used to determine expression of related factors. Endothelial progenitor cells in CIS mice were treated and grouped into blank, NC, miR-137 mimic, miR-137 inhibitor, siRNA-NR4A2, and miR-137 inhibitor + siRNA-NR4A2 groups, and cells in normal mice into normal group. Proliferation and apoptosis were determined by MTT and flow cytometry, respectively. NR4A2 protein expression was strongly positive in CIS mice, which showed higher serum levels of VEGF, Ang, and HGF but lower IκBα than normal mice. Compared with normal group, the rest groups (endothelial progenitor cells from CIS mice) showed decreased expressions of miR-137, Hes1, Hes5, and IκBα but elevated NR4A2, Notch, Jagged1, Hey-2, VEGF, Ang, and HGF, inhibited proliferation and enhanced apoptosis. Compared with blank and NC groups, the miR-137 mimic and siRNA-NR4A2 groups exhibited increased expression of miR-137, Hes1, Hes5, and IκBα, but decreased NR4A2, Notch, Jagged1, and Hey-2, with enhanced proliferation and attenuated apoptosis. The miR-137 inhibitor group reversed the conditions. miR-137 enhances the endothelial progenitor cell proliferation and angiogenesis in CIS mice by targeting NR4A2 through the Notch signaling pathway. Show less