Fatness traits are important in pigs because of their implications for fattening efficiency, meat quality, reproductive performance and immunity. Songliao black pigs and Landrace pigs show important d Show more
Fatness traits are important in pigs because of their implications for fattening efficiency, meat quality, reproductive performance and immunity. Songliao black pigs and Landrace pigs show important differences in production and meat quality traits, including fatness and muscle growth. Therefore, we used a high-throughput massively parallel RNA-seq approach to identify genes differentially expressed in backfat tissue between these two breeds (six pigs in each). An average of 37.87 million reads were obtained from the 12 samples. After statistical analysis of gene expression data by edgeR, a total of 877 differentially expressed genes were detected between the two pig breeds, 205 with higher expression and 672 with lower expression in Songliao pigs. Candidate genes (LCN2, CES3, DGKB, OLR1, LEP, PGM1, PCK1, ACACB, FADS1, FADS2, MOGAT2, SREBF1, PPARGC1B) with known effects on fatness traits were included among the DEGs. A total of 1071 lncRNAs were identified, and 85 of these lncRNAs were differentially expressed, including 53 up-regulated and 32 down-regulated lncRNAs, respectively. The differentially expressed genes and lncRNAs involved in glucagon signaling pathway, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, insulin signaling pathway, MAPK signaling pathway and so on. Integrated analysis potential trans-regulating or cis-regulating relation between DEGs and DE lncRNAs, suggested lncRNA MSTRG.2479.1 might regulate the expressed level of VLDLR affecting porcine fat metabolism. These results provide a number of candidate genes and lncRNAs potentially involved in porcine fat deposition and provide a basis for future research on the molecular mechanisms underlying in fat deposition. Show less
Nitidine chloride (NC) has been demonstrated to have an anticancer effect in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the mechanism of action of NC against HCC remains largely unclear. In this study, Show more
Nitidine chloride (NC) has been demonstrated to have an anticancer effect in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the mechanism of action of NC against HCC remains largely unclear. In this study, three pairs of NC-treated and NC-untreated HCC xenograft tumour tissues were collected for circRNA sequencing analysis. In total, 297 circRNAs were differently expressed between the two groups, with 188 upregulated and 109 downregulated, among which hsa_circ₀₀₈₈₃₆₄ and hsa_circ₀₀₉₀₀₄₉ were validated by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The in vitro experiments showed that the two circRNAs inhibited the malignant biological behaviour of HCC, suggesting that they may play important roles in the development of HCC. To elucidate whether the two circRNAs function as "miRNA sponges" in HCC, we identified circRNA-miRNA and miRNA-mRNA interactions by using the CircInteractome and miRwalk, respectively. Subsequently, 857 miRNA-associated differently expressed genes in HCC were selected for weighted gene co-expression network analysis. Module Eigengene turquoise with 423 genes was found to be significantly related to the survival time, pathology grade and TNM stage of HCC patients. Gene functional enrichment analysis showed that the 423 genes mainly functioned in DNA replication- and cell cycle-related biological processes and signalling cascades. Eighteen hubgenes (SMARCD1, CBX1, HCFC1, RBM12B, RCC2, NUP205, ECT2, PRIM2, RBM28, COPS7B, PRRC2A, GPR107, ANKRD52, TUBA1B, ATXN7L3, FUS, MCM8 and RACGAP1) associated with clinical outcomes of HCC patients were then identified. These findings showed that the crosstalk between hsa_circ₀₀₈₈₃₆₄ and hsa_circ₀₀₉₀₀₄₉ and their competing mRNAs may play important roles in HCC, providing interesting clues into the potential of circRNAs as therapeutic targets of NC in HCC. Show less
Cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) regulates intravascular lipoprotein metabolism. In vitro studies indicate that ApoF alters CETP function by inhibiting its activity with LDL. To explore in vi Show more
Cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) regulates intravascular lipoprotein metabolism. In vitro studies indicate that ApoF alters CETP function by inhibiting its activity with LDL. To explore in vivo the complexities driving ApoF's effects on CETP, we developed a siRNA-based hamster model of ApoF knockdown. In both male and female hamsters on chow- or fat-fed diets, we measured lipoprotein levels and composition, determined CETP-mediated transfer of cholesteryl esters (CEs) between lipoproteins, and quantified reverse cholesterol transport (RCT). We found that apoF knockdown in chow-fed hamsters had no effect on lipoprotein levels or composition, but these ApoF-deficient lipoproteins supported 50-100% higher LDL CETP activity in vitro. ApoF knockdown in fat-fed male hamsters created a phenotype in which endogenous CETP-mediated CE transfer from HDL to LDL increased up to 2-fold, LDL cholesterol increased 40%, HDL declined 25%, LDL and HDL lipid compositions were altered, and hepatic Show less
Since metabolic process differs between humans and mice, studies were performed in hamsters, which are generally considered to be a more appropriate animal model for studies of obesity-related metabol Show more
Since metabolic process differs between humans and mice, studies were performed in hamsters, which are generally considered to be a more appropriate animal model for studies of obesity-related metabolic disorders. The modulation of gut microbiota, bile acids and the farnesoid X receptor (FXR) axis is correlated with obesity-induced insulin resistance and hepatic steatosis in mice. However, the interactions among the gut microbiota, bile acids and FXR in metabolic disorders remained largely unexplored in hamsters. In the current study, hamsters fed a 60% high-fat diet (HFD) were administered vehicle or an antibiotic cocktail by gavage twice a week for four weeks. Antibiotic treatment alleviated HFD-induced glucose intolerance, hepatic steatosis and inflammation accompanied with decreased hepatic lipogenesis and elevated thermogenesis in subcutaneous white adipose tissue (sWAT). In the livers of antibiotic-treated hamsters, cytochrome P450 family 7 subfamily B member 1 (CYP7B1) in the alternative bile acid synthesis pathway was upregulated, contributing to a more hydrophilic bile acid profile with increased tauro- Show less
Antler growth is a unique event compared to other growth and development processes in mammals. Antlers grow extremely fast during the rapid growth stage when growth rate peaks at 2 cm per day. Antler Show more
Antler growth is a unique event compared to other growth and development processes in mammals. Antlers grow extremely fast during the rapid growth stage when growth rate peaks at 2 cm per day. Antler growth is driven by a specific endochondral ossification process in the growth center that is in the distal region of the antler tip. In this study, we used state-of-art RNA-seq technology to analyze the expression profiles of mRNAs and miRNAs during antler growth. Our results indicated that the expression levels of multiple genes involved in chondrogenesis and endochondral ossification, including Show less
High fructose feeding changes fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) regulation. Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) supplementation reduces fructose-induced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The a Show more
High fructose feeding changes fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) regulation. Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) supplementation reduces fructose-induced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The aim of this study was to determine the role of FGF21 and underlying mechanisms in the protective effects of LGG. FGF21 knockout (KO) mice and C57BL/6 wild type (WT) mice were fed 30% fructose for 12 weeks. LGG was administered to the mice in the last 4 weeks during fructose feeding. FGF21-adiponectin (ADPN)-mediated hepatic lipogenesis and inflammation were investigated. FGF21 expression was robustly increased after 5-weeks of feeding and significantly decreased after 12-weeks of feeding in fructose-induced NAFLD mice. LGG administration reversed the depressed FGF21 expression, increased adipose production of ADPN, and reduced hepatic fat accumulation and inflammation in the WT mice but not in the KO mice. Hepatic nuclear carbohydrate responsive-element binding protein (ChREBP) was increased by fructose and reduced by LGG, resulting in a reduction in the expression of lipogenic genes. The methylated form of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) C, which dephosphorylates and activates ChREBP, was upregulated by fructose and normalized by LGG. Leucine carboxyl methyltransferase-1, which methylates PP2AC, was also increased by fructose and decreased by LGG. However, those beneficial effects of LGG were blunted in the KO mice. Hepatic dihydrosphingosine-1-phosphate, which inhibits PP2A, was markedly increased by LGG in the WT mice but attenuated in the KO mice. LGG decreased adipose hypertrophy and increased serum levels of ADPN, which regulates sphingosine metabolism. This beneficial effect was decreased in the KO mice. LGG administration increases hepatic FGF21 expression and serum ADPN concentration, resulting in a reduced ChREBP activation through dihydrosphingosine-1-phosphate-mediated PP2A deactivation, and subsequently reversed fructose-induced NAFLD. Thus, our data suggest that FGF21 is required for the beneficial effects of LGG in reversal of fructose-induced NAFLD. Show less
Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD)-related disorders are the major causes of low back pain. A previous study suggested that Notch activation serves as a protective mechanism and is a part of the Show more
Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD)-related disorders are the major causes of low back pain. A previous study suggested that Notch activation serves as a protective mechanism and is a part of the compensatory response that maintains the necessary resident nucleus pulposus (NP) cell proliferation to replace lost or non-functional cells. However, the exact mechanism remains to be determined. In this study, we aimed to investigate the role of JAG2/Notch2 in NP cell proliferation and apoptosis. Recombinant JAG2 or Notch2, Hes1, and Hey2 siRNAs were used to activate or inhibit Notch signaling. Cell proliferation, apoptosis, cell cycle regulatory factors, and pathways associated with Notch-mediated proliferation were examined. In vivo experiments involving an intradiscal injection of Sprague-Dawley rats were performed. Recombinant JAG2 induced Notch2 and Hes1/Hey2 expression together with NP cell proliferation. Downregulation of Notch2/Hes1/Hey2 induced G0/G1 phase cell cycle arrest in NP cells. Moreover, Notch2 mediated NP cell proliferation by regulating cyclin D1 and by activating PI3K/Akt and Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Furthermore, Notch signaling inhibited TNF-α-promoted NP cell apoptosis by suppressing the formation of the RIP1-FADD-caspase-8 complex. Finally, we found that intradiscal injection of JAG2 alleviated IVDD and that sh-Notch2 aggravated IVDD in a rat model. These results indicated that JAG2/Notch2 inhibited IVDD by modulating cell proliferation, apoptosis, and extracellular matrix. The JAG2/Notch2 axis regulated NP cell proliferation via PI3K/Akt and Wnt/β-catenin signaling and inhibited TNF-α-induced apoptosis by suppressing the formation of the RIP1-FADD-caspase-8 complex. The current and previous results shed light on the therapeutic implications of targeting the JAG2/Notch2 axis to inhibit or reverse IVDD. Show less
Angiopoietin-like protein 4 (ANGPTL4) is a multifunctional secreted protein that can be induced by fasting, hypoxia and glucocorticoids. ANGPTL4 has been associated with a variety of diseases; however Show more
Angiopoietin-like protein 4 (ANGPTL4) is a multifunctional secreted protein that can be induced by fasting, hypoxia and glucocorticoids. ANGPTL4 has been associated with a variety of diseases; however, the role of ANGPTL4 in cardiac hypertrophy remains poorly understood. In our study, we aimed to explore the effect of ANGPTL4 on phenylephrine-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. Our results showed that knockdown of ANGPTL4 expression significantly exacerbated cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, as demonstrated by increased hypertrophic marker expression, including ANP and cell surface area. Moreover, significantly reduced fatty acid oxidation, as featured by decreased CPT-1 levels, was observed in hypertrophic cardiomyocytes following ANGPTL4 down-regulation. Furthermore, knockdown of ANGPLT4 led to down-regulated expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα), which is the key regulator of cardiac fatty acid oxidation. In addition, ANGPTL4 silencing promoted the activation of JNK1/2, and JNK1/2 signaling blockade could restore the level of PPARα and significantly ameliorate the ANGPTL4 knockdown-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. Therefore, our study demonstrated that ANGPTL4 regulates PPARα through JNK1/2 signaling and is required for the inhibition of cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. Show less
Spinal root avulsion typically leads to massive motoneuron death and severe functional deficits of the target muscles. Multiple pathological factors such as severe neuron loss, induction of inhibitory Show more
Spinal root avulsion typically leads to massive motoneuron death and severe functional deficits of the target muscles. Multiple pathological factors such as severe neuron loss, induction of inhibitory molecules, and insufficient regeneration are responsible for the poor functional recovery. Leucine-rich repeat and immunoglobulin-like domain-containing Nogo receptor-interacting protein 1 (LINGO-1), a central nervous system (CNS)-specific transmembrane protein that is selectively expressed on neurons and oligodendrocytes, serves as a potent negative mediator of axonal regeneration and myelination in CNS injuries and diseases. Although accumulating evidence has demonstrated improvement in axonal regeneration and neurological functions by LINGO-1 antagonism in CNS damage, the possible effects of LINGO-1 in spinal root avulsion remain undiscovered. In this study, a LINGO-1 knockdown strategy using lentiviral vectors encoding LINGO-1 short hairpin interfering RNA (shRNA) delivered by the Pluronic F-127 (PF-127) hydrogel was described after brachial plexus avulsion (BPA). We provide evidence that following BPA and immediate reimplantation, transplantation of LINGO-1 shRNA lentiviral vectors encapsulated by PF-127 rescued the injured motoneurons, enhanced axonal outgrowth and myelination, rebuilt motor endplates, facilitated the reinnervation of terminal muscles, improved angiogenesis, and promoted recovery of avulsed forelimbs. Altogether, these data suggest that delivery of LINGO-1 shRNA by a gel scaffold is a potential therapeutic approach for root avulsion. Impact Statement In this study, we attempted transplantation of lentivirus (LV)/leucine-rich repeat and immunoglobulin-like domain-containing Nogo receptor-interacting protein 1 (LINGO-1)-short hairpin interfering RNA (shRNA) encapsulated by the Pluronic F-127 (PF-127) hydrogel into a brachial plexus avulsion (BPA)-reimplantation model. We found that administration of LV/LINGO-1 shRNA facilitates neuron survival and axonal regeneration, attenuates muscle atrophy and motor endplate (MEP) loss, enhances neovascularization, and promotes functional recovery in BPA rats. Co-transplantation of LV/LINGO-1 shRNA and gel reinforces the survival-promoting effect, axonal outgrowth, and angiogenesis in comparison with LV/LINGO-1 shRNA application alone. Our research provides evidence that LV /LINGO-1 shRNA delivered by PF-127 represents a new treatment strategy for BPA repair. Show less
Danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza) and prednisone are extensively applied in the treatment of kidney disease. Salvianolic acid A (SAA), the major biologically active component of Danshen, which has various Show more
Danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza) and prednisone are extensively applied in the treatment of kidney disease. Salvianolic acid A (SAA), the major biologically active component of Danshen, which has various biological effects. Our previous findings have demonstrated the renoprotective effect of SAA in various kidney disease rodent models. Here, we explore the therapeutic potential and possible mechanisms of SAA in combination with low-dose prednisone in adriamycin (ADR)-induced minimal change disease (MCD) rat model and mouse podocyte injury cell model. SAA was injected via tail vein at 10 mg/kg/day and prednisone at 5 mg/kg/day via gavage. Each drug was administered daily alone or in combination for 3 weeks. Combination therapy showed significant therapeutic efficacy as manifested by relieved urinary proteins, improved blood biochemical indicators including serum total protein, albumin, triglyceride, cholesterol, the indices of renal function i.e. blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine levels, and ameliorated pathological lesions. Particularly, co-administration showed a significant anti-proteinuria effect in MCD rats. Further studies suggested that co-administration effectively ameliorated the podocyte injury as indicated by the reduction of podocyte foot processes fusion, up-regulation of synaptopodin and down-regulation of desmin. These beneficial effects are accompanied by activation of the Nrf2/HO-1 and PPARγ/Angptl4 pathways in vivo, and the effect of SAA on PPARγ/Angptl4 is also demonstrated in vitro. These findings suggested that SAA exerted podocyte-protection against MCD injury through PPARγ/Angptl4 and Nrf2/HO-1 pathways, and combined with low-dose prednisone possessed a significant anti-proteinuria and therapeutic effects in MCD rats. Show less
Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is one of the most lethal urological malignancies, yet its pathogenesis remains unclear. Here, we reported a long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), NONHSAT 113026 (NOAT113026), which Show more
Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is one of the most lethal urological malignancies, yet its pathogenesis remains unclear. Here, we reported a long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), NONHSAT 113026 (NOAT113026), which may play an important role in the pathogenesis of RCC. The expression level of NOAT113026 was estimated by qPCR from 76 pairs of RCC and non-tumor (NT) samples. The correlation between NOAT113026 and clinical data of RCC patients was analyzed. NOAT113026 was overexpressed in 786-O and ACHN cell lines by lentivirus-mediated technology and the oncological behavioral changes of RCC cells were observed along with tumorigenicity in experimental nude mice. Compared to the adjacent tissues, NOAT113026 was noticeably downregulated in RCC. Survival analysis showed that the lower the expression level of NOAT113026 was, the shorter the disease-free survival and overall survival in RCC would be. Overexpression of NOAT113026 can decrease the ability of cell migration, invasion, proliferation, and colony formation by regulating NF-κB/p50 and SLUG through a mechanism that involves lncRNA-mRNA interactions. In conclusion, our data suggest that NOAT113026 could be a carcinostatic RNA in RCC, which may serve as a potential prognostic factor and a promising therapeutic target for malignant RCC. Show less
Systematic exploration of the synthesis of mixed-metal Dy-M nitride clusterfullerenes (NCFs, M = Gd, Er, Tm, Lu) is performed, and the impact of the second metal on the relative yield is evaluated. We Show more
Systematic exploration of the synthesis of mixed-metal Dy-M nitride clusterfullerenes (NCFs, M = Gd, Er, Tm, Lu) is performed, and the impact of the second metal on the relative yield is evaluated. We demonstrate that the ionic radius of the metal appears to be the main factor allowing explanation of the relative yields in Dy-M mixed-metal systems with M = Sc, Lu, Er, and Gd. At the same time, Dy-Tm NCFs show anomalously low yields, which is not consistent with the relatively small ionic radius of Tm Show less
Neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) are sight-threatening maculopathies with both environmental and genetic risk factors. We have previously Show more
Neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) are sight-threatening maculopathies with both environmental and genetic risk factors. We have previously shown relative risks posed by genes of the complement pathways to neovascular AMD and PCV. In this study, we investigated the haplotype-tagging single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the The results revealed none of the six tagging SNPs of the This study showed no statistical significance in the genetic association of Show less
Trauma is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. It is unclear why some trauma victims follow a complicated clinical course and die, while others, with apparently similar injury characteristics, Show more
Trauma is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. It is unclear why some trauma victims follow a complicated clinical course and die, while others, with apparently similar injury characteristics, do not. Interpatient genomic differences, in the form of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), have been associated previously with adverse outcomes after trauma. Recently, we identified seven novel SNPs associated with mortality following trauma. The aim of the present study was to determine if one or more of these SNPs was also associated with worse clinical outcomes and altered inflammatory trajectories in trauma survivors. Accordingly, of 413 trauma survivors, DNA samples, full blood samples, and clinical data were collected at multiple time points in the first 24 h and then daily over 7 days following hospital admission. Subsequently, single-SNP groups were created and outcomes, such as hospital length of stay (LOS), ICU LOS, and requirement for mechanical ventilation, were compared. Across a broad range of Injury Severity Scores (ISS), patients carrying the rs2065418 TT SNP in the metallophosphoesterase domain-containing 2 ( Show less
Family with sequence similarity 83, member A (FAM83A), as a potential tumor promoter, was reported to contribute to the progression of several malignant tumors. However, the significance of FAM83A in Show more
Family with sequence similarity 83, member A (FAM83A), as a potential tumor promoter, was reported to contribute to the progression of several malignant tumors. However, the significance of FAM83A in invasion and metastasis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains largely unknown. In this study, we found that FAM83A expression was significantly increased in NSCLC tissues. High expression of FAM83A was positively associated with tumor metastasis and poor survival of NSCLC patients. Functional experiments revealed that FAM83A knockdown could suppress NSCLC cell migration and invasion both Show less
17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 3 (17βHSD3) deficiency is an autosomal recessive disorder of male sex development that results in defective testosterone biosynthesis. Although mutations in the c Show more
17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 3 (17βHSD3) deficiency is an autosomal recessive disorder of male sex development that results in defective testosterone biosynthesis. Although mutations in the cognate HSD17B3 gene cause a spectrum of phenotypic manifestations, the majority of affected patients are genetic males having female external genitalia. Many cases do not present until puberty, at which time peripheral conversion of androgen precursors causes progressive virilization. Measurement of the testosterone-to-androstenedione ratio is useful to screen for 17βHSD3 deficiency, and genetic analysis can confirm the diagnosis. As some individuals with 17βHSD3 deficiency transition from a female sex assignment to identifying as males, providers should ensure stable gender identity prior to recommending irreversible treatments. Gonadectomy is indicated to prevent further virilization if a female gender identity is established. The risk of testicular neoplasia is unknown, a point which should be discussed if patients elect to transition into a male gender role. Show less
Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) plays a key role in cholesterol homeostasis and atherogenesis. However, there are only limited rodent models, with a functional low-density lipopr Show more
Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) plays a key role in cholesterol homeostasis and atherogenesis. However, there are only limited rodent models, with a functional low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) pathway and cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) to evaluate the drug candidates targeting the PCSK9/LDLR pathway, that are translatable to humans. Here, by using our recently generated LDLR heterozygote ( Show less
Depression is the most common comorbidity among patients with epilepsy. Despite prior assumptions that antiepileptic drugs are to blame, more and more pathological studies have shown that latent neuro Show more
Depression is the most common comorbidity among patients with epilepsy. Despite prior assumptions that antiepileptic drugs are to blame, more and more pathological studies have shown that latent neurological alterations associated with white matter injury and demyelination may underlie this link. However, whether disturbances in cerebral myelination contribute to the initiation of depression in epilepsy remains unclear. In the present study, we investigated the connection between demyelination disorders and the development of depression comorbidity in epilepsy. We first induced spontaneous recurrent epilepticus seizure (SRS) in young rats with pilocarpine. We then established depressive behaviors by recurrent forced swimming test and evaluate the depression state by sucrose preference test. The ratio of depression comorbidity in SRS rats was then calculated. Next, myelination in SRS-Depressed (SRS-D) rats was explored via PCR, western blotting, and immunohistochemistry for the key myelin promotion factor, Olig2 and inhibition factor, LINGO-1. Finally, in situ RNA hybridization of NCX3, one of the dominant Ca Show less
The goal of this work was to investigate the molecular profiles and metastasis markers in Chinese patients with gastric carcinoma (GC). In total, we performed whole exome sequencing (WES) on 74 GC pat Show more
The goal of this work was to investigate the molecular profiles and metastasis markers in Chinese patients with gastric carcinoma (GC). In total, we performed whole exome sequencing (WES) on 74 GC patients with tumor and adjacent normal formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue samples. The mutation spectrum of these samples showed a high concordance with TCGA and other studies on GC. PTPRT is significantly associated with metastasis of GC, suggesting its predictive role in metastasis of GC. Patients carrying BRCA2 mutations tend not to metastasize, which may be related to their sensitivity to chemotherapy. Mutations in MACF1, CDC27, HMCN1, CDH1 and PDZD2 were moderately enriched in peritoneal metastasis (PM) samples. Furthermore, we found two genomic regions (1p36.21 and Xq26.3) were associated with PM of GC, and patients with amplification of 1p36.21 and Xq26.3 have a worse prognosis (P = 0.002, 0.01, respectively). Our analysis provides GC patients with potential markers for single and combination therapies. Show less
Hepatic fatty acid oxidation of yolk lipoproteins provides the main energy source for chick embryos. Post-hatching these yolk lipids are rapidly exhausted and metabolism switches to a carbohydrate-bas Show more
Hepatic fatty acid oxidation of yolk lipoproteins provides the main energy source for chick embryos. Post-hatching these yolk lipids are rapidly exhausted and metabolism switches to a carbohydrate-based energy source. We recently demonstrated that many microRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators of hepatic metabolic pathways during this metabolic switching. MiRNAs are small non-coding RNAs that post-transcriptionally regulate gene expression in most eukaryotes. To further elucidate the roles of miRNAs in the metabolic switch, we used delayed feeding for 48 h to impede the hepatic metabolic switch. We found that hepatic expression of several miRNAs including Show less
Although the genotype-phenotype for familial medullary thyroid carcinoma (FMTC) is well studied, only few low susceptibility risk loci were identified for familial non-medullary thyroid carcinoma (FNM Show more
Although the genotype-phenotype for familial medullary thyroid carcinoma (FMTC) is well studied, only few low susceptibility risk loci were identified for familial non-medullary thyroid carcinoma (FNMTC). The aim of this study is to screen and identify high-penetrate genes for FNMTC. A total of 34 families with more than two first-degree relatives diagnosed as papillary thyroid cancer without other familial syndrome were recruited. Whole exome and target gene sequencing were performed for candidate variants. These variants were screened and analyzed with ESP6500, ExAC, 1000 genomes project, and the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) with SIFT score and Polyphen2 prediction. Finally, we identified recurrent genetic mutation of MAP2K5 variants c.G961A and c.T1100C (p. A321T and p.M367 T) as susceptibility loci for FNMTC. The frequencies of MAP2K5 c.G961A and c.T1100C were found, 0.0385 and 0.0259 in FNMTC and 0 and 0.00022523 in healthy Chinese controls (n = 2200, P < 0.001), respectively. Both variants were located in the protein kinase domain. The functional study showed that MAP2K5 A321T or M367 T could consistently phosphorylate downstream protein ERK5 on site Ser731 + Thr733 or Ser496, promoting nuclear translocation and subsequently altering target gene expressions. Our data revealed that MAP2K5 variants A321T or M367 T can activate MAP2K5-ERK5 pathway, alter downstream gene expression, and subsequently induce thyroid epithelial cell malignant transformation. While classic MAP2K1/2(MEK1/2)-ERK1/2 signaling is well known for driving sporadic NMTC, our research indicated that MAP2K5 (MEK5) is a susceptibility gene for FNMTC. These findings highlight the potential application of MAP2K5 for molecular diagnosis as well as early prevention. Show less
Exosomes, vehicles for intercellular communication, are formed intracellularly within multivesicular bodies (MVBs) and are released upon fusion with the plasma membrane. For their biogenesis, proper c Show more
Exosomes, vehicles for intercellular communication, are formed intracellularly within multivesicular bodies (MVBs) and are released upon fusion with the plasma membrane. For their biogenesis, proper cargo loading to exosomes and vesicle traffic for extracellular release are required. Previously we showed that the L-type lectin, LMAN2, limits trans-Golgi Network (TGN)-to-endosomes traffic of GPRC5B, an exosome cargo protein, for exosome release. Here, we identified that the protein deacetylase sirtuin 2 (SIRT2) as a novel interactor of LMAN2. Loss of SIRT2 expression resulted in exosomal release of LMAN2, a Golgi resident protein, along with increased exosomal release of GPRC5B. Furthermore, knockout of SIRT2 increased total number of extracellular vesicles (EVs), indicating increased MVB-to-EV flux. While knockout of SIRT1 increased EV release with enlarged late endolysosome, knockout of SIRT2 did not exhibit endolysosome enlargement for increased EV release. Taken together, our study suggests that SIRT2 regulates cargo loading to MVBs and MVB-to-EV flux through a mechanism distinct from that of SIRT1. Show less
As a member of spectraplakin family of cytoskeletal crosslinking proteins, microtubule-actin crosslinking factor 1 (MACF1) controls cytoskeleton network dynamics. Knockout of
To investigate the role of Gremlin-1, which is an endogenous antagonist of the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling pathway, in inducing epithelium-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in fetal RPE cell Show more
To investigate the role of Gremlin-1, which is an endogenous antagonist of the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling pathway, in inducing epithelium-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in fetal RPE cells after repeated wounds. Subconfluent repetitive passages in fetal RPE cells were regarded as a model of repeated wounds. A phase contrast microscope was used to observe the morphology and pigment formation in cells. The expression of In fetal RPE cells, the expression of In fetal RPE cells, Gremlin-1 induces EMT and inhibits redifferentiation by promoting the TGF-β pathway and inhibiting the BMP pathway. Show less
Recent methylome-wide association studies (MWAS) in humans have solidified the concept that aberrant DNA methylation is associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD). We summarize these findings to improve Show more
Recent methylome-wide association studies (MWAS) in humans have solidified the concept that aberrant DNA methylation is associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD). We summarize these findings to improve the understanding of mechanisms governing DNA methylation pertinent to transcriptional regulation, with an emphasis of AD-associated promoter DNA hypermethylation, which establishes an epigenetic barrier for transcriptional activation. By considering brain cell type specific expression profiles that have been published only for non-demented individuals, we detail functional activities of selected neuron, microglia, and astrocyte-enriched genes (AGAP2, DUSP6 and GPR37L1, respectively), which are DNA hypermethylated at promoters in AD. We highlight future directions in MWAS including experimental confirmation, functional relevance to AD, cell type-specific temporal characterization, and mechanism investigation. Show less
Lung cancer is a common malignant neoplasm that is prone to distant metastasis. Gastrointestinal metastasis from lung cancer is rather rare no matter what stage. Herein, we presented a case of pulmona Show more
Lung cancer is a common malignant neoplasm that is prone to distant metastasis. Gastrointestinal metastasis from lung cancer is rather rare no matter what stage. Herein, we presented a case of pulmonary adenocarcinoma six months after thoracoscopic Lobectomy isolated metastasis to sigmoid colon. Then the patient underwent radical resection of metastatic tumors of sigmoid colon. The pathologic morphology and immunohistochemistry of lung adenocarcinoma is highly consistent with the sigmoid colon tumor and their gene profiles are likely similar expect for an AXIN1 mutation in primary tumor and not in the metastatic lesion. Show less
Via promoting synovitis, pannus growth and cartilage/bone destruction, fibroblast-like synovial cells (FLSs) play a significant role in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In our study, rat Show more
Via promoting synovitis, pannus growth and cartilage/bone destruction, fibroblast-like synovial cells (FLSs) play a significant role in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In our study, rats were induced with complete freund's adjuvant (CFA) to be animal models for studying the RA pathogenesis. Microtubule-associated Serine/Threonine-protein kinase 3 (MAST3) has been documented to play a critical role in regulating the immune response of IBD (Inflammatory bowel disease) and involved in the process of cytoskeleton organization, intracellular signal transduction and peptidyl-serine phosphorylation, but its role in the progression of RA remains unknown and is warranted for investigation. So, we tried our best to investigate the mechanism and signaling pathway of MAST3 in RA progression. In the synovial tissue and FLSs of AA rats, we have found that MAST3 was significantly up-regulated than normal. Furthermore, MAST3 overexpression could promote proliferation and inflammatory response of FLSs. In the aspect of mechanism, we discovered that the expression of MAST3 might involve in NF-κB signaling pathway in RA. On the whole, our results suggested that MAST3 might promote the proliferation and inflammation of FLSs by regulating NF-κB signaling pathway. Show less
Protein ubiquitination is an important means of post-translational modification which plays an essential role in the regulation of various aspects of leukocyte development and function. The specificit Show more
Protein ubiquitination is an important means of post-translational modification which plays an essential role in the regulation of various aspects of leukocyte development and function. The specificity of ubiquitin tagging to a protein substrate is determined by E3 ubiquitin ligases via defined E3-substrate interactions. In this review, we will focus on two E3 ligases, VHL and Itch, to discuss the latest progress in understanding their roles in the differentiation and function of CD4 Show less