Leveraging the conserved cancer genomes across mammals has the potential to transform driver gene discovery in orphan cancers. Here, we combine cross-species genomics with validation across human-dog- Show more
Leveraging the conserved cancer genomes across mammals has the potential to transform driver gene discovery in orphan cancers. Here, we combine cross-species genomics with validation across human-dog-mouse systems to uncover a new bone tumor suppressor gene. Comparative genomics of spontaneous human and dog osteosarcomas (OS) expose Disks Large Homolog 2 (DLG2) as a tumor suppressor candidate. DLG2 copy number loss occurs in 42% of human and 56% of canine OS. Functional validation through pertinent human and canine OS DLG2-deficient cell lines identifies a regulatory role of DLG2 in cell division, migration and tumorigenesis. Moreover, osteoblast-specific deletion of Dlg2 in a clinically relevant genetically engineered mouse model leads to acceleration of OS development, establishing DLG2 as a critical determinant of OS. This widely applicable cross-species approach serves as a platform to expedite the search of cancer drivers in rare human malignancies, offering new targets for cancer therapy. Show less
Cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) plays an important role in lipid metabolism. Low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) increase the risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D). This study Show more
Cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) plays an important role in lipid metabolism. Low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) increase the risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D). This study investigated CETP gene variants to assess the risk of T2D and specific complications of diabetic kidney disease (DKD) and diabetic retinopathy. Towards this, a total of 3023 Taiwanese individuals (1383 without T2D, 1640 with T2D) were enrolled in this study. T2D mice (+Lepr Show less
EMT allows a polarized epithelium to lose epithelial integrity and acquire mesenchymal characteristics. Previously, we found that overexpression of the intracellular domain of Notch3 (N3ICD) can inhib Show more
EMT allows a polarized epithelium to lose epithelial integrity and acquire mesenchymal characteristics. Previously, we found that overexpression of the intracellular domain of Notch3 (N3ICD) can inhibit EMT in breast cancer cells. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the influence of N3ICD or N3ICD combined with the transmembrane domain (TD+N3ICD) on the expression and distribution of TJs/AJs and polar molecules. We found that although N3ICD can upregulate the expression levels of the above-mentioned molecules, TD+N3ICD can inhibit EMT more effectively than N3ICD alone. TD+N3ICD overexpression upregulated the expression of endogenous full-length Notch3 and contributed to correcting the position of TJs/AJs molecules and better acinar structures formation. Co-immunoprecipitation results showed that the upregulated endogenous full-length Notch3 could physically interact with E-ca in MDA-MB-231/pCMV-(TD+N3ICD) cells. Collectively, our data indicate that overexpression of TD+N3ICD can effectively inhibit EMT, resulting in better positioning of TJs/AJs molecules and cell-cell adhesion in breast cancer cells. Show less
Caveolin-1 has been reported to play an important role in the pathogenesis of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). This study was designed to identify Caveolin-1-interacting proteins to reveal Show more
Caveolin-1 has been reported to play an important role in the pathogenesis of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). This study was designed to identify Caveolin-1-interacting proteins to reveal the molecular mechanisms of ARDS. Yeast two-hybrid screening was performed using Caveolin-1 as the bait, and Axin-1 was identified as a binding partner for Caveolin-1. Co-immunoprecipitation demonstrated that the binding domains were located in the N-terminal region (1-100 aa) of Caveolin-1 and the C-terminal region (710-797 aa) of Axin-1. Caveolin-1 gene knockout or Axin-1 knockdown significantly decreased the levels of TNF-α and IL-6 in the supernatants of alveolar type I (AT-I) epithelial cells treated with LPS. Disrupting the interaction between Caveolin-1 and Axin-1 using CRISPR/Cas9 technology led to a significant increase in TNF-α and IL-6 from AT-I cells, along with a significant reduction in β-catenin expression. In conclusion, Axin-1 functions as an adaptor of Caveolin-1 and affects the production of inflammatory cytokines in AT-I cells challenged with LPS via β-catenin-mediated negative regulation. 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 resting heart rate (RHR) occurs in parallel with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and metabolic disorders, implying shared etiology between them. However, it is unknown if they are causally related, and no Show more
High resting heart rate (RHR) occurs in parallel with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and metabolic disorders, implying shared etiology between them. However, it is unknown if they are causally related, and no study has been conducted to investigate the shared mechanisms underlying these associations. The objective of this study was to understand the genetic basis of the association between resting heart rate and cardiometabolic disorders/T2D. This study examined the genetic correlation, causality, and shared genetics between RHR and T2D using LD Score regression, generalized summary data-based Mendelian randomization, and transcriptome wide association scan (TWAS) in UK Biobank data (n = 428,250) and summary-level data for T2D (74,124 cases and 824,006 control subjects) and 8 cardiometabolic traits (sample size ranges from 51,750 to 236,231). Significant genetic correlation between RHR and T2D (r These findings provide evidence of significant genetic correlations and causation between RHR and T2D/cardiometabolic traits, advance our understanding of RHR, and provide insight into shared etiology for high RHR and T2D. Show less
Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are eco-friendly bio-electrochemical reactors that use exoelectrogens as biocatalyst for electricity harvest from organic biomass, which could also be used as biosensors fo Show more
Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are eco-friendly bio-electrochemical reactors that use exoelectrogens as biocatalyst for electricity harvest from organic biomass, which could also be used as biosensors for long-term environmental monitoring. Glucose and xylose, as the primary ingredients from cellulose hydrolyzates, is an appealing substrate for MFC. Nevertheless, neither xylose nor glucose can be utilized as carbon source by well-studied exoelectrogens such as Show less
The immune environment in primary tumor has a profound impact on immunotherapy. However, the clinical relevance of immune environment in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is largely unknown. Here, the im Show more
The immune environment in primary tumor has a profound impact on immunotherapy. However, the clinical relevance of immune environment in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is largely unknown. Here, the immune profile and its clinical response in HCC were investigated. The gene expression profiles of 569 HCCs from three cohorts (The Cancer Genome Atlas, TCGA, Show less
Gallbladder cancer (GBC) is the common malignancy of the bile tract system with extremely poor clinical outcomes, owing to its metastatic property and intrinsic resistance to the first-line drugs. Alt Show more
Gallbladder cancer (GBC) is the common malignancy of the bile tract system with extremely poor clinical outcomes, owing to its metastatic property and intrinsic resistance to the first-line drugs. Although it is well-established that cholesterol abnormity contributes to gallstone formation, a leading risk factor for GBC, the link of cholesterol homeostasis with GBC has not been investigated. The present study systematically examined the genes implicated in cholesterol homeostasis, and revealed altered gene expressions of 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
Increased circulating branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) have been involved in the pathogenesis of obesity and insulin resistance (IR). However, evidence relating berberine (BBR), gut microbiota, BCAA Show more
Increased circulating branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) have been involved in the pathogenesis of obesity and insulin resistance (IR). However, evidence relating berberine (BBR), gut microbiota, BCAAs, and IR is limited. Here, we showed that BBR could effectively rectify steatohepatitis and glucose intolerance in high-fat diet (HFD)-fed mice. BBR reorganized gut microbiota populations under both the normal chow diet (NCD) and HFD. Particularly, BBR noticeably decreased the relative abundance of BCAA-producing bacteria, including order Clostridiales; families Streptococcaceae, Clostridiaceae, and Prevotellaceae; and genera Streptococcus and Prevotella. Compared with the HFD group, predictive metagenomics indicated a reduction in the proportion of gut microbiota genes involved in BCAA biosynthesis but the enrichment genes for BCAA degradation and transport by BBR treatment. Accordingly, the elevated serum BCAAs of HFD group were significantly decreased by BBR. Furthermore, the Western blotting results implied that BBR could promote the BCAA catabolism in the liver and epididymal white adipose tissues of HFD-fed mice by activation of the multienzyme branched-chain α-ketoacid dehydrogenase complex (BCKDC), whereas by inhibition of the phosphorylation state of BCKDHA (E1α subunit) and branched-chain α-ketoacid dehydrogenase kinase (BCKDK). The ex vivo assay further confirmed that BBR could increase BCAA catabolism in both AML12 hepatocytes and 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Finally, data from healthy subjects and diabetics confirmed that BBR could improve glycemic control and modulate circulating BCAAs. Together, our findings clarified BBR improving IR associated not only with gut microbiota alteration in BCAA biosynthesis but also with BCAA catabolism in liver and adipose tissues. 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
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
Tissues rely on stem cells (SCs) for homeostasis and wound repair. SCs reside in specialized microenvironments (niches) whose complexities and roles in orchestrating tissue growth are still unfolding. Show more
Tissues rely on stem cells (SCs) for homeostasis and wound repair. SCs reside in specialized microenvironments (niches) whose complexities and roles in orchestrating tissue growth are still unfolding. Here, we identify lymphatic capillaries as critical SC-niche components. In skin, lymphatics form intimate networks around hair follicle (HF) SCs. When HFs regenerate, lymphatic-SC connections become dynamic. Using a mouse model, we unravel a secretome switch in SCs that controls lymphatic behavior. Resting SCs express angiopoietin-like protein 7 ( Show less
Aberrant activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling plays a key role in the onset and development of hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC), with about half of them acquiring mutations in either
Cell division cycle 20 (CDC20) is frequently overexpressed in malignant tumours and involved in the differentiation process of hematopoietic stem cells. However, the role of CDC20 in prostate cancer s Show more
Cell division cycle 20 (CDC20) is frequently overexpressed in malignant tumours and involved in the differentiation process of hematopoietic stem cells. However, the role of CDC20 in prostate cancer stem-like cells (CSCs) remains poorly understood. The expression of CDC20, CD44, β-catenin were examined in prostate cancer specimens by immunohistochemistry assay, the role of CDC20 on the stem-like properties of prostate CSCs was accessed by real-time quantitive PCR, spheroid formation, in vitro and in vivo limiting dilution assay. CDC20 was associated with malignant progression of prostate cancer, the patients with both high expression CDC20 and CD44 or β-catenin were associated with more aggressive clinicopathological features and poor prognosis. CDC20 was usually enriched in CD44 Our results indicated that CDC20 maintains the self-renewal ability of CD44 Show less
Abnormal metabolism is a fundamental hallmark of cancer and represents a therapeutic opportunity, yet its regulation by oncogenes remains poorly understood. Here, we uncover that JMJD1C, a jumonji C ( Show more
Abnormal metabolism is a fundamental hallmark of cancer and represents a therapeutic opportunity, yet its regulation by oncogenes remains poorly understood. Here, we uncover that JMJD1C, a jumonji C (JmjC)-containing H3K9 demethylase, is a critical regulator of aberrant metabolic processes in homeobox A9 (HOXA9)-dependent acute myeloid leukemia (AML). JMJD1C overexpression increases in vivo cell proliferation and tumorigenicity through demethylase-independent upregulation of a glycolytic and oxidative program, which sustains leukemic cell bioenergetics and contributes to an aggressive AML phenotype in vivo. Targeting JMJD1C-mediated metabolism via pharmacologic inhibition of glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation led to ATP depletion, induced necrosis/apoptosis and decreased tumor growth in vivo in leukemias co-expressing JMJD1C and HOXA9. The anti-metabolic therapy effectively diminished AML stem/progenitor cells and reduced tumor burden in a primary AML patient-derived xenograft. Our data establish a direct link between drug responses and endogenous expression of JMJD1C and HOXA9 in human AML cell line- and patient-derived xenografts. These findings demonstrate a previously unappreciated role for JMJD1C in counteracting adverse metabolic changes and retaining the metabolic integrity during tumorigenesis, which can be exploited therapeutically. Show less
The correlations between genotype and phenotype in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) have not been established. Mutation of α-actin gene (ACTC1) is a rare cause of HCM. This study aimed to explore nov Show more
The correlations between genotype and phenotype in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) have not been established. Mutation of α-actin gene (ACTC1) is a rare cause of HCM. This study aimed to explore novel genotype-phenotype correlations in HCM patients with the variants in ACTC1 and myosin-binding protein (MYBPC3) genes in three unrelated Chinese families. Clinical, electrocardiographic, and echocardiographic examinations were performed in three Han pedigrees. Exon and boarding intron analysis of 96 cardio-disease-related genes was performed using second-generation sequencing on three probands. The candidate variants were validated in 14 available family members and 300 unrelated healthy controls by bi-directional Sanger sequencing. The pathogenicity and conservation were calculated using MutationTaster, PolyPhen-2, SIFT, and Clustal X. Pathogenicity classification of the variants was based on American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) guidelines. Nine members fulfilled diagnostic criteria for HCM with clinical characteristics, electrocardiographic, and echocardiographic findings. Two candidate variants in ACTC1 p.Asp26Asn (ACTC1-D26N) and MYBPC3 p.Arg215Cys (MYBPC3-R215C) were identified in patients. Only ACTC1-D26N strongly co-segregated with the HCM phenotype. Seven patients who harbored variant ACTC-D26N only were diagnosed with non-obstructive HCM, and four of these patients exhibited a triphasic left ventricular (LV) filling pattern. Two patients carrying both ACTC1-D26N and MYBPC3-R215C variants showed a higher LV outflow tract pressure gradient. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that the two variants were deleterious and highly conserved across species. According to ACMG guidelines, ACTC1-D26N is classified as a likely pathogenic mutation. The second variation MYBPC3-R215C may function as a genetic modifier, which remains uncertain here. Novel p.(Asp26Asn) mutation of ACTC1 was associated with HCM phenotype, and the penetrance is extremely high (∼81.8%) in adults. The second variation, MYBPC3-R215C may function as a genetic modifier, which remains uncertain here. Show less
Atherosclerosis is characterized by the accumulation of excess cholesterol in plaques. Reverse cholesterol transport (RCT) plays a key role in the removal of cholesterol. In the present study, we exam Show more
Atherosclerosis is characterized by the accumulation of excess cholesterol in plaques. Reverse cholesterol transport (RCT) plays a key role in the removal of cholesterol. In the present study, we examined the effect of thioredoxin-1 (Trx-1) on RCT and explored the underlying mechanism. We found that Trx-1 promoted RCT in vivo, as did T0901317, a known liver X receptor (LXR) ligand. T0901317 also inhibited the development of atherosclerotic plaques but promoted liver steatosis. Furthermore, Trx-1 promoted macrophage cholesterol efflux to apoAI in vitro. Mechanistically, Trx-1 promoted nuclear translocation of LXRα and induced the expression of ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1). Apolipoprotein E knockout (apoE-/-) mice fed an atherogenic diet were daily injected intraperitoneally with saline or Trx-1 (0.33 mg/kg). Trx-1 treatment significantly inhibited the development of atherosclerosis and induced the expression of ABCA1 in macrophages retrieved from apoE-/- mice. Moreover, the liver steatosis was attenuated by Trx-1. Overall, we demonstrated that Trx-1 promotes RCT by upregulating ABCA1 expression through induction of nuclear translocation of LXRα, and protects liver from steatosis. Show less
Natural and synthetic progestins in receiving streams can disrupt the normal endocrine systems of fish. Norethindrone (NET) is a widely used synthetic progestin that often appears in wastewater efflue Show more
Natural and synthetic progestins in receiving streams can disrupt the normal endocrine systems of fish. Norethindrone (NET) is a widely used synthetic progestin that often appears in wastewater effluents. For this research, adult female western mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) were exposed to NET at three concentrations. The effects of NET on the following biological factors were evaluated: the histology of the ovaries and livers, the anal fin morphology, and transcription of genes related to steroidogenesis signaling pathways in the livers. After 42 d exposure to NET at 33.0 ng L Show less
Fusion genes are major molecular biological abnormalities in hematological malignancies. This study aimed to depict the common recurrent gene-fusion landscape in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). 3135 de Show more
Fusion genes are major molecular biological abnormalities in hematological malignancies. This study aimed to depict the common recurrent gene-fusion landscape in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). 3135 de novo AML cases were enrolled and 36 recurrent fusion genes were assessed using multiplex-nested RT-PCR. Twenty-three distinct fusion genes were detected in 1292 (41.21%) cases. The incidence of fusion genes was higher in pediatric AML than in adult cases. The pediatric patients had higher incidences of RUNX1-RUNX1T1, KMT2A-MLLT3, KMT2A-MLLT10, KMT2A-MLLT11, KMT2A-MLLT6, and FUS-ERG, whereas KMT2A-PTD was more common in adult patients. The occurrence of molecular abnormalities involving the KMT2A gene and CBFB-MYH11 was lower in Chinese pediatric AML compared to Western reports. The incidence of RUNX1-RUNX1T1 was higher in both pediatric and adult patients in our study than in Western countries. This study provides a genetic landscape of common fusion genes in Chinese AML and confirms different incidences between age groups and races. Show less
Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) derived from healthy individuals are important controls for disease-modeling studies. Here we apply precision health to create a high-quality resource of control Show more
Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) derived from healthy individuals are important controls for disease-modeling studies. Here we apply precision health to create a high-quality resource of control iPSCs. Footprint-free lines were reprogrammed from four volunteers of the Personal Genome Project Canada (PGPC). Multilineage-directed differentiation efficiently produced functional cortical neurons, cardiomyocytes and hepatocytes. Pilot users demonstrated versatility by generating kidney organoids, T lymphocytes, and sensory neurons. A frameshift knockout was introduced into MYBPC3 and these cardiomyocytes exhibited the expected hypertrophic phenotype. Whole-genome sequencing-based annotation of PGPC lines revealed on average 20 coding variants. Importantly, nearly all annotated PGPC and HipSci lines harbored at least one pre-existing or acquired variant with cardiac, neurological, or other disease associations. Overall, PGPC lines were efficiently differentiated by multiple users into cells from six tissues for disease modeling, and variant-preferred healthy control lines were identified for specific disease settings. 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
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
HECT E3 ligases control the degradation and functioning of numerous oncogenic/tumor-suppressive factors and signaling proteins, and their activities must be tightly regulated to prevent cancers and ot Show more
HECT E3 ligases control the degradation and functioning of numerous oncogenic/tumor-suppressive factors and signaling proteins, and their activities must be tightly regulated to prevent cancers and other diseases. Here we show that the Nedd4 family HECT E3 WWP1 adopts an autoinhibited state, in which its multiple WW domains sequester HECT using a multi-lock mechanism. Removing WW2 or WW34 led to a partial activation of WWP1. The structure of fully inhibited WWP1 reveals that many WWP1 mutations identified in cancer patients result in a partially active state with increased E3 ligase activity, and the WWP1 mutants likely promote cell migration by enhancement of ∆Np63α degradation. We further demonstrate that WWP2 and Itch utilize a highly similar multi-lock autoinhibition mechanism as that utilized by WWP1, whereas Nedd4/4 L and Smurf2 utilize a slightly variant version. Overall, these results reveal versatile autoinhibitory mechanisms that fine-tune the ligase activities of the HECT family enzymes. Show less
Early diagnosis is crucial to improve outcomes for pancreatic cancer patients (PC). The present study is designed to identify differently expressed peptides involved in PC as potential biomarkers. The Show more
Early diagnosis is crucial to improve outcomes for pancreatic cancer patients (PC). The present study is designed to identify differently expressed peptides involved in PC as potential biomarkers. The serum proteome of 22 PC patients, 12 pancreatitis patients (PP), and 45 healthy controls (HC) are analyzed using magnetic bead-based weak cation exchange (MB-WCX) and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). Next, a supervised neural network (SNN) algorithm model is established by ClinProTools and the candidate biomarker identified using liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS). Finally, the candidate biomarker is validated in tissue samples. The SNN algorithm model discriminates PC from HC with 92.97% sensitivity and 94.55% specificity. Seventy-six differentially expressed peptides are identified, seven of which are significantly different among PC, PP, and HC (p < 0.05). Only one peak (m/z: 1466.99) tends to be upregulated in samples from HC, PP, and PC, which is identified as region of RNA-binding motif protein 6 (RBM6). In subsequent tissue analysis, it is verified that RBM6 expression is significantly higher in PC tissues than paracancerous tissue. The results indicate that RBM6 might serve as a candidate diagnostic biomarker for PC. Methods used in this study could generate serum peptidome profiles of PC, PP, and HC, and present an approach to identify potential biomarkers for diagnosis of this malignancy. Show less
Long noncoding RNA CPS1-IT1 is recently recognized as a tumor suppressor in several cancers. Here, we investigate the role of CPS1-IT1 in human melanoma. Presently, our study reveals the low expressio Show more
Long noncoding RNA CPS1-IT1 is recently recognized as a tumor suppressor in several cancers. Here, we investigate the role of CPS1-IT1 in human melanoma. Presently, our study reveals the low expression of CPS1-IT1 in human melanoma tissues and cell lines, which is significantly associated with metastasis and tumor stage. Besides, the potential of CPS1-IT1 as a prognosis-predictor is strongly indicated. Functionally, CPS1-IT1 overexpression inhibits cell migration, invasion, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and angiogenesis in melanoma cells. CYR61, an angiogenic factor that participates in tumor metastasis as well as a recognized oncogene in melanoma, is shown to be confined under CPS1-IT1 overexpression in melanoma cells. Furthermore, enforced expression of Cyr61 in CPS1-IT1-silenced melanoma cells dramatically normalized the protein level of Cyr61 and that of its downstream targets vascular endothelial growth factor and matrix metalloproteinase-9, as well as the repressive effect of CPS1-IT1 overexpression on melanoma cell metastasis. BRG1, a core component of SWI/SNF complex, is implied to interact with both CPS1-IT1 and Cyr61 in melanoma cells. Moreover, CPS1-IT1 negatively regulates Cyr61 expression by blocking the binding of BRG1 to Cyr61 promoter. Jointly, CPS1-IT1 controls melanoma metastasis through impairing Cyr61 expression via competitively binding with BRG1, uncovering a novel potential therapeutic and prognostic biomarker for patients with melanoma. Show less