Triglyceride (TG) is a complex phenotype influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. Recent genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified genes or loci affecting lipid levels; howev Show more
Triglyceride (TG) is a complex phenotype influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. Recent genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified genes or loci affecting lipid levels; however, such studies in Chinese populations are limited. A two-stage GWAS were conducted to identify genetic variants that were associated with TG in a Chinese population of 3495 men. Gene-environment interactions on serum TG levels were further investigated for the seven single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that were studied in both stages. Two previously reported SNPs (rs651821 in APOA5, rs328 in LPL) were replicated in the second stage, and the combined P-values were 9.19 × 10(-26) and 1.41 × 10(-9) for rs651821 and rs328, respectively. More importantly, a significant interaction between aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) rs671 and alcohol consumption on serum TG levels were observed (P = 3.34 × 10(-5)). Rs671 was significantly associated with serum TG levels in drinkers (P = 1.90 × 10(-10)), while no association was observed in non-drinkers (P > 0.05). For drinkers, men carrying the AA/AG genotype have significantly lower serum TG levels, compared with men carrying the GG genotype. For men with the GG genotype, the serum TG levels increased with the quantity of alcohol intake (P = 1.28 × 10(-8) for trend test). We identified a novel, significant interaction effect between alcohol consumption and the ALDH2 rs671 polymorphism on TG levels, which suggests that the effect of alcohol intake on TG occurs in a two-faceted manner. Just one drink can increase TG level in susceptible individuals who carry the GG genotype, while individuals carrying AA/AG genotypes may actually benefit from moderate drinking. Show less
We previously demonstrated in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice that deficiency or inhibition of aldose reductase (AR) caused significant dephosphorylation of hepatic transcriptional factor PPARα, Show more
We previously demonstrated in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice that deficiency or inhibition of aldose reductase (AR) caused significant dephosphorylation of hepatic transcriptional factor PPARα, leading to its activation and significant reductions in serum lipid levels. Herein, we report that inhibition of AR by zopolrestat or by a short-hairpin RNA (shRNA) against AR caused a significant reduction in serum and hepatic triglycerides levels in 10-week old diabetic db/db mice. Meanwhile, hyperglycemia-induced phosphorylation of hepatic ERK1/2 and PPARα was significantly attenuated in db/db mice treated with zopolrestat or AR shRNA. Further, in comparison with the untreated db/db mice, the hepatic mRNA expression of Aco and ApoA5, two target genes for PPARα, was increased by 93% (P < 0.05) and 73% (P < 0.05) in zopolrestat-treated mice, respectively. Together, these data indicate that inhibition of AR might lead to significant amelioration in hyperglycemia-induced dyslipidemia and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Show less
There is increasing evidence to show that 2-cell stage mouse blastomeres have differing developmental properties. Additionally, it has been suggested that such a difference might be due to their distr Show more
There is increasing evidence to show that 2-cell stage mouse blastomeres have differing developmental properties. Additionally, it has been suggested that such a difference might be due to their distribution of mRNA and/or protein asymmetry. However, to date, the exact genes that are involved in the orientation and order of blastomere division are not known. In this study, some differentially expressed transcripts were identified. Axin1, cell division cycle 25 homolog C (Cdc25c) and cyclin-dependent inhibitor 2D (Cdkn2d) were selected for validation by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based on published data. Our real-time PCR results demonstrated that Axin1, Cdc25c and Cdkn2d genes had different levels of expression among blastomeres of the mouse 2-cell embryo i.e. the level of Axin1 mRNA was significantly higher in one blastomere when compared with the other blastomeres of the 2-cell embryo (p < 0.05). The variation in Cdc25c (p < 0.05) and Cdkn2d (p < 0.01) mRNA expression followed a similar trend to that of Axin1. In addition, the highest levels of expression of these three genes were detected in the same blastomere in the 2-cell embryo. We confirmed that there was an asymmetrical distribution pattern for Axin1, Cdc25c and Cdkn2d transcripts in 2-cell embryos. In conclusion, this study demonstrated clearly that there is embryonic asymmetry at the 2-cell stage and that these differentially expressed genes may result in differentiation in expression in embryo development. Show less
MESP2, HES7 and DUSP6 genes have been proved to be involved in the etiopathogenesis of congenital scoliosis (CS) in animal embryo studies, however, whether this association was detected in human CS pa Show more
MESP2, HES7 and DUSP6 genes have been proved to be involved in the etiopathogenesis of congenital scoliosis (CS) in animal embryo studies, however, whether this association was detected in human CS patients also remains unknown. One hundred sporadic and non-syndromic CS patients and 100 age-matched normal controls were included in this study. Mutation screening of gene exons were performed by DNA sequencing. However, no mutation or new single nucleotide polymorphism was found in the exons of MESP2, HES7 and DUSP6 genes in CS patients and normal controls. MESP2, HES7 and DUSP6 genes may not be involved in the etiopathogenesis of sporadic and non-syndromic CS in Chinese Han population. Show less
Multiple osteochondroma (MO) is an autosomal dominant disease characterized by abnormal skeleton development: one or more exostoses localized mainly at the end of long bones. Three pathogenic gene loc Show more
Multiple osteochondroma (MO) is an autosomal dominant disease characterized by abnormal skeleton development: one or more exostoses localized mainly at the end of long bones. Three pathogenic gene loci have been identified and cloned: EXT1, 2, and 3. Only EXT1 and 2 mutations were reported to cause MO. Here, we report on a large Chinese family with MO and a disease-causing mutation in EXT. We extracted DNA from peripheral blood samples of 25 family members, 9 with MO. Polymerase chain reaction and direct DNA sequencing of the entire coding regions of EXT1 and 2 for the nine patients revealed a novel pathogenic mutation, insertion of a T in exon 2 (c.72-73 insT) of EXT2. Our results extend the mutational spectrum of MO and can help with genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis for this family. Show less
Compressive strength index (CSI) is a newly established index for predicting hip fracture, the most serious consequence of osteoporosis. Appendicular lean mass (ALM), which influences skeletal strengt Show more
Compressive strength index (CSI) is a newly established index for predicting hip fracture, the most serious consequence of osteoporosis. Appendicular lean mass (ALM), which influences skeletal strength of the lower limbs, is another trait associated with the risk of hip fracture. In this study, we performed a bivariate genome-wide association study (GWAS) to identify new candidate genes responsible for both CSI and ALM. In our discovery sample of 1627 unrelated Chinese subjects (802 males and 825 females), we scanned 909,509 SNPs using the Affymetrix Human Genome SNP 6.0 genotyping array. We successfully replicated our results in a sample of 2286 Caucasian subjects (558 males and 1728 females). The results indicated that five SNPs (rs174583, rs174577, rs174549, rs174548, rs7672337) in the FADS1, FADS2, and DCHS2 genes had significant bivariate associations with CSI and ALM in male subjects for both the GWAS discovery (with P<8.42×10(-6)) and the Caucasian sample (with P<0.07). We performed further replication analysis in a 2nd Caucasian sample with 501 Caucasian male subjects, using Affymetrix 500k arrays, and found that two of the above SNPs (rs174548 and rs174549, P=0.07) had bivariate associations with both CSI and ALM in males; the other 3 SNPs were not typed with the 500k array. The above findings suggest that the 3 genes, FADS1, FADS2, and DCHS2, containing these SNPs might play dual roles influencing both CSI and ALM in males. Our findings provide new insights into our understanding of the genetic basis of bone metabolism and the pathogenesis of osteoporosis. Show less
Hyperglycaemia disproportionately affects African-Americans (AfAs). We tested the transferability of 18 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with glycaemic traits identified in European a Show more
Hyperglycaemia disproportionately affects African-Americans (AfAs). We tested the transferability of 18 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with glycaemic traits identified in European ancestry (EuA) populations in 5,984 non-diabetic AfAs. We meta-analysed SNP associations with fasting glucose (FG) or insulin (FI) in AfAs from five cohorts in the Candidate Gene Association Resource. We: (1) calculated allele frequency differences, variations in linkage disequilibrium (LD), fixation indices (F(st)s) and integrated haplotype scores (iHSs); (2) tested EuA SNPs in AfAs; and (3) interrogated within ± 250 kb around each EuA SNP in AfAs. Allele frequency differences ranged from 0.6% to 54%. F(st) exceeded 0.15 at 6/16 loci, indicating modest population differentiation. All iHSs were <2, suggesting no recent positive selection. For 18 SNPs, all directions of effect were the same and 95% CIs of association overlapped when comparing EuA with AfA. For 17 of 18 loci, at least one SNP was nominally associated with FG in AfAs. Four loci were significantly associated with FG (GCK, p = 5.8 × 10(-8); MTNR1B, p = 8.5 × 10(-9); and FADS1, p = 2.2 × 10(-4)) or FI (GCKR, p = 5.9 × 10(-4)). At GCK and MTNR1B the EuA and AfA SNPs represented the same signal, while at FADS1, and GCKR, the EuA and best AfA SNPs were weakly correlated (r(2) <0.2), suggesting allelic heterogeneity for association with FG at these loci. Few glycaemic SNPs showed strict evidence of transferability from EuA to AfAs. Four loci were significantly associated in both AfAs and those with EuA after accounting for varying LD across ancestral groups, with new signals emerging to aid fine-mapping. Show less
Circulatory metabolites are important biomarkers for many diseases, especially metabolic disorders. The biological mechanism regulating circulatory levels of metabolites remains incompletely understoo Show more
Circulatory metabolites are important biomarkers for many diseases, especially metabolic disorders. The biological mechanism regulating circulatory levels of metabolites remains incompletely understood. Focusing on the liver as the central organ controlling metabolic homeostasis, we investigated the potential function of nine polymorphisms associated with serum metabolomic traits in a recent GWAS. The mRNA levels of the associated genes were measured by real-time PCR and correlated with genotypes in normal liver tissue (n=42). Genotype and mRNA data were also correlated with total hepatic lipid content (HLC). Our findings were also compared with the previously published gene expression quantitative traits loci (eQTL) data in the liver. We found that seven out of nine genes were highly expressed in hepatic tissue, while expression of four genes was significantly or marginally associated with genotypes (SPTLC3 vs rs168622, P=.002; ACADS vs rs2014355, P=.016; PLEKHH1 vs rs7156144, P=.076; ACADL vs rs2286963, P=.068). The SNP rs168622 at the SPTLC3 locus was also significantly correlated with HLC (P=.02). HLC was significantly correlated with FADS1 (r=-0.45; P=.003) and ETFDH (r=0.33; P=.037) expression. When compared with published eQTL data, SNPs in SPTLC3, ACADS, ELOVL2 and FADS1 were also in strong linkage disequilibrium (R(2)≥0.41, D'≥0.96) with eQTLs significantly affecting expression of these genes (P≤1.74×10(-5)). Our study suggests that genetic variants affecting serum metabolites levels may play a functional role in the liver. This may help elucidate the mechanism by which genetic variants are involved in metabolic diseases. Show less
A recent genome-wide association study in Caucasians revealed that three loci (rs174547 in fatty acid desaturase 1 (FADS1), rs2338104 near mevalonate kinase/methylmalonic aciduria, cobalamin deficienc Show more
A recent genome-wide association study in Caucasians revealed that three loci (rs174547 in fatty acid desaturase 1 (FADS1), rs2338104 near mevalonate kinase/methylmalonic aciduria, cobalamin deficiency, cblB type (MVK/MMAB) and rs10468017 near hepatic lipase (LIPC)) influence the plasma concentrations of high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) and triglycerides (TG). However, there are few reports on the associations between these polymorphisms and plasma lipid concentrations in Chinese individuals. This study aimed to evaluate the associations between these three polymorphisms with HDL-C and TG concentrations, as well as coronary heart disease (CHD) susceptibility in Chinese individuals. We conducted a population-based case-control study in Chinese individuals to evaluate the associations between these three polymorphisms and HDL-C and TG concentrations, and also evaluated their associations with susceptibility to CHD. Genotypes were determined using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism assays and TaqMan genotyping assays. We found significant differences in TG and HDL-C concentrations among the TT, TC and CC genotypes of FADS1 rs174547 (P=0.017 and 0.003, respectively, multiple linear regression). The CC variant of rs174547 was significantly associated with hyperlipidemia compared with the TT variant (adjusted odds ratio (OR)=1.71, 95% confidence intervals (CI): 1.16-2.54). The FADS1 rs174547 CC variant was also associated with significantly increased CHD risk compared with the TT and TC variant (adjusted OR=1.53, 95%CI: 1.01-2.31), and the effect was more evident among nonsmokers and females. The polymorphisms rs2338104 and rs10468017 did not significantly influence HDL-C or TG concentrations in this Chinese population. rs174547 in FADS1 may contribute to the susceptibility of CHD by altering HDL-C and TG levels in Chinese individuals. Show less
There is increasing evidence suggesting that higher intakes of fish or n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids supplements may decrease the risk of preterm delivery (PTD). We hypothesized that genetic variant Show more
There is increasing evidence suggesting that higher intakes of fish or n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids supplements may decrease the risk of preterm delivery (PTD). We hypothesized that genetic variants of the enzymes critical to fatty acids biosynthesis and metabolism may be associated with PTD. We genotyped 231 potentially functional single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and tagSNPs in 9 genes (FADS1, FADS2, PTGS1, PTGS2, ALOX5, ALOX5AP, PTGES, PTGES2, and PTGES3) among 1,110 black mothers, including 542 mothers who delivered preterm (<37 weeks gestation) and 568 mothers who delivered full-term babies (≥37 weeks gestation) at Boston Medical Center. After excluding SNPs that are in complete linkage disequilibrium or have lower minor allele frequency (<1%) or call rate (<90%), we examined the association of 206 SNPs with PTD using multiple logistic regression models. We also imputed 190 HapMap SNPs via program MACH and examined their associations with PTD. Finally, we explored gene-level and pathway-level associations with PTD using the adaptive rank truncated product (ARTP) methods. A total of 21 SNPs were associated with PTD (p value ranging from 0.003 to 0.05), including 3 imputed SNPs. Gene-level ARTP statistics indicated that the gene PTGES2 was significantly associated with PTD with a gene-based p value equal to 0.01. No pathway-based association was found. In this large and comprehensive candidate gene study, we found a modest association of genes in fatty acid metabolism pathway with PTD. Further investigation of these gene polymorphisms jointly with fatty acid measures and other genetic factors would help better understand the pathogenesis of PTD. Show less
Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) acts as a key regulator of vascular endothelial homeostasis, angiogenesis, and endothelial dysfunction. However, the underlying mechanism for SIRT1-mediated lung carcinoma angiogenes Show more
Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) acts as a key regulator of vascular endothelial homeostasis, angiogenesis, and endothelial dysfunction. However, the underlying mechanism for SIRT1-mediated lung carcinoma angiogenesis remains unknown. Herein, we report that the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide 1 (NAD1)-dependent deacetylase SIRT1 can function as an intrinsic negative modulator of Delta-like ligand 4 (DLL4)/Notch signaling in Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) xenograft-derived vascular endothelial cells (lung cancer-derived ECs). SIRT1 negatively regulates Notch1 intracellular domain (N1IC) and Notch1 target genes HEY1 and HEY2 in response to Delta-like ligand 4 (DLL4) stimulation. Furthermore, SIRT1 deacetylated and repressed N1IC expression. Quantitative chromatin immunoprecipitation (qChIP) analysis and gene reporter assay demonstrated that SIRT1 bound to one highly conserved region, which was located at approximately -500 bp upstream of the transcriptional start site of Notch1,and repressed Notch1 transcription. Inhibition of endothelial cell growth and sprouting angiogenesis by DLL4/Notch signaling was enhanced in SIRT1-silenced lung cancer-derived EC and rescued by Notch inhibitor DAPT. In vivo, an increase in proangiogenic activity was observed in Matrigel plugs from endothelial-specific SIRT1 knock-in mice. SIRT1 also enhanced tumor neovascularization and tumor growth of LLC xenografts. Our results show that SIRT1 facilitates endothelial cell branching and proliferation to increase vessel density and promote lung tumor growth through down-regulation of DLL4/Notch signaling and deacetylation of N1IC. Thus, targeting SIRT1 activity or/and gene expression may represent a novel mechanism in the treatment of lung cancer. Show less
Heart failure is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in Western society. The cardiovascular transcription factor CHF1/Hey2 has been linked to experimental heart failure in mice, but the mechani Show more
Heart failure is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in Western society. The cardiovascular transcription factor CHF1/Hey2 has been linked to experimental heart failure in mice, but the mechanisms by which it regulates myocardial function remain incompletely understood. The objective of this study was to determine how CHF1/Hey2 affects development of heart failure through examination of contractility in a myocardial knockout mouse model. We generated myocardial-specific knockout mice. At baseline, cardiac function was normal, but, after aortic banding, the conditional knockout mice demonstrated a greater increase in ventricular weight-to-body weight ratio compared with control mice (5.526 vs. 4.664 mg/g) and a significantly decreased ejection fraction (47.8 vs. 72.0% control). Isolated cardiac myocytes from these mice showed decreased calcium transients and fractional shortening after electrical stimulation. To determine the molecular basis for these alterations in excitation-contraction coupling, we first measured total sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium stores and calcium-dependent force generation in isolated muscle fibers, which were normal, suggesting a defect in calcium cycling. Analysis of gene expression demonstrated normal expression of most genes known to be involved in myocardial calcium cycling, with the exception of the ryanodine receptor binding protein FKBP12.6, which was expressed at increased levels in the conditional knockout hearts. Treatment of the isolated knockout myocytes with FK506, which inhibits the association of FKBP12.6 with the ryanodine receptor, restored contractile function. These findings demonstrate that conditional deletion of CHF1/Hey2 in the myocardium leads to abnormalities in calcium handling mediated by FKBP12.6 that predispose to pressure overload-induced heart failure. Show less
Recent findings regarding Dll4 function in physiological and pathological conditions indicate that this Notch ligand may constitute an important therapeutic target. Dll4 appears to be a major anti-ang Show more
Recent findings regarding Dll4 function in physiological and pathological conditions indicate that this Notch ligand may constitute an important therapeutic target. Dll4 appears to be a major anti-angiogenic agent, occupying a central role in various angiogenic pathways. The first trials of anti-Dll4 therapy in mice demonstrated a paradoxical effect, as it reduced tumor perfusion and growth despite leading to an increase in vascular density. This is seen as the result of insufficient maturation of the newly formed vasculature causing a circulatory defect and increased tumor hypoxia. As Dll4 function is known to be closely dependent on expression levels, we envisioned that the therapeutic anti-Dll4 dosage could be modulated to result in the increase of adequately functional blood vessels. This would be useful in conditions where vascular function is a limiting factor for recovery, like wound healing and tissue hypoxia, especially in diabetic patients. Our experimental results in mice confirmed this possibility, revealing that low dosage inhibition of Dll4/Notch signaling causes improved vascular function and accelerated wound healing. Show less
Sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) is a glycoprotein responsible for the transport and biologic availability of sex steroid hormones, primarily testosterone and estradiol. SHBG has been associated wi Show more
Sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) is a glycoprotein responsible for the transport and biologic availability of sex steroid hormones, primarily testosterone and estradiol. SHBG has been associated with chronic diseases including type 2 diabetes (T2D) and with hormone-sensitive cancers such as breast and prostate cancer. We performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) meta-analysis of 21,791 individuals from 10 epidemiologic studies and validated these findings in 7,046 individuals in an additional six studies. We identified twelve genomic regions (SNPs) associated with circulating SHBG concentrations. Loci near the identified SNPs included SHBG (rs12150660, 17p13.1, p = 1.8 × 10(-106)), PRMT6 (rs17496332, 1p13.3, p = 1.4 × 10(-11)), GCKR (rs780093, 2p23.3, p = 2.2 × 10(-16)), ZBTB10 (rs440837, 8q21.13, p = 3.4 × 10(-09)), JMJD1C (rs7910927, 10q21.3, p = 6.1 × 10(-35)), SLCO1B1 (rs4149056, 12p12.1, p = 1.9 × 10(-08)), NR2F2 (rs8023580, 15q26.2, p = 8.3 × 10(-12)), ZNF652 (rs2411984, 17q21.32, p = 3.5 × 10(-14)), TDGF3 (rs1573036, Xq22.3, p = 4.1 × 10(-14)), LHCGR (rs10454142, 2p16.3, p = 1.3 × 10(-07)), BAIAP2L1 (rs3779195, 7q21.3, p = 2.7 × 10(-08)), and UGT2B15 (rs293428, 4q13.2, p = 5.5 × 10(-06)). These genes encompass multiple biologic pathways, including hepatic function, lipid metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism and T2D, androgen and estrogen receptor function, epigenetic effects, and the biology of sex steroid hormone-responsive cancers including breast and prostate cancer. We found evidence of sex-differentiated genetic influences on SHBG. In a sex-specific GWAS, the loci 4q13.2-UGT2B15 was significant in men only (men p = 2.5 × 10(-08), women p = 0.66, heterogeneity p = 0.003). Additionally, three loci showed strong sex-differentiated effects: 17p13.1-SHBG and Xq22.3-TDGF3 were stronger in men, whereas 8q21.12-ZBTB10 was stronger in women. Conditional analyses identified additional signals at the SHBG gene that together almost double the proportion of variance explained at the locus. Using an independent study of 1,129 individuals, all SNPs identified in the overall or sex-differentiated or conditional analyses explained ~15.6% and ~8.4% of the genetic variation of SHBG concentrations in men and women, respectively. The evidence for sex-differentiated effects and allelic heterogeneity highlight the importance of considering these features when estimating complex trait variance. Show less
Several genetic variants associated with platelet count and mean platelet volume (MPV) were recently reported in people of European ancestry. In this meta-analysis of 7 genome-wide association studies Show more
Several genetic variants associated with platelet count and mean platelet volume (MPV) were recently reported in people of European ancestry. In this meta-analysis of 7 genome-wide association studies (GWAS) enrolling African Americans, our aim was to identify novel genetic variants associated with platelet count and MPV. For all cohorts, GWAS analysis was performed using additive models after adjusting for age, sex, and population stratification. For both platelet phenotypes, meta-analyses were conducted using inverse-variance weighted fixed-effect models. Platelet aggregation assays in whole blood were performed in the participants of the GeneSTAR cohort. Genetic variants in ten independent regions were associated with platelet count (N = 16,388) with p<5×10(-8) of which 5 have not been associated with platelet count in previous GWAS. The novel genetic variants associated with platelet count were in the following regions (the most significant SNP, closest gene, and p-value): 6p22 (rs12526480, LRRC16A, p = 9.1×10(-9)), 7q11 (rs13236689, CD36, p = 2.8×10(-9)), 10q21 (rs7896518, JMJD1C, p = 2.3×10(-12)), 11q13 (rs477895, BAD, p = 4.9×10(-8)), and 20q13 (rs151361, SLMO2, p = 9.4×10(-9)). Three of these loci (10q21, 11q13, and 20q13) were replicated in European Americans (N = 14,909) and one (11q13) in Hispanic Americans (N = 3,462). For MPV (N = 4,531), genetic variants in 3 regions were significant at p<5×10(-8), two of which were also associated with platelet count. Previously reported regions that were also significant in this study were 6p21, 6q23, 7q22, 12q24, and 19p13 for platelet count and 7q22, 17q11, and 19p13 for MPV. The most significant SNP in 1 region was also associated with ADP-induced maximal platelet aggregation in whole blood (12q24). Thus through a meta-analysis of GWAS enrolling African Americans, we have identified 5 novel regions associated with platelet count of which 3 were replicated in other ethnic groups. In addition, we also found one region associated with platelet aggregation that may play a potential role in atherothrombosis. Show less
The reticulon protein Nogo-A is an important regulator of neurite growth, axonal plasticity, and cell migration in the central nervous system. Previous studies have shown markedly elevated levels of N Show more
The reticulon protein Nogo-A is an important regulator of neurite growth, axonal plasticity, and cell migration in the central nervous system. Previous studies have shown markedly elevated levels of Nogo-A in human temporal lobe epilepsy. In the present study, we examined the expression pattern of the Nogo-A system in cortical lesions of pediatric patients with tuberous sclerosis complex and focal cortical dysplasia type IIb. These disorders are characterized by malformations of cortical development and are frequently associated with intractable epilepsy. We found that the messenger RNA and protein levels of the Nogo-A receptor (NgR) and the downstream targets of Nogo-A, LINGO-1, TROY, and RhoA but not P75 were upregulated in the cortices of patients compared with autopsy control samples. Immunohistochemical analyses indicated that Nogo-A and NgR were strongly expressed in misshapen cells, particularly dysmorphic neurons, balloon cells, and giant cells. TROY was diffusely expressed in the malformations of cortical development. Most of theNogo-A/NgR-positive misshapen cells were colabeled with neuronal rather than astrocytic markers. Taken together, our results suggestthat the activation of Nogo-A via the NgR/LINGO-1/TROY signal transduction pathways, but not NgR/LINGO-1/P75, may be involved in the development and/or seizure activity of cortical lesions in tuberous sclerosis complex and focal cortical dysplasia type IIb. Show less
Studies of the relationship between Parkinson's disease (PD) and rs9652490 SNP in LINGO1 gene have reported inconsistent results. To assess the association between the variant and PD risk, a meta-anal Show more
Studies of the relationship between Parkinson's disease (PD) and rs9652490 SNP in LINGO1 gene have reported inconsistent results. To assess the association between the variant and PD risk, a meta-analysis from 12 case-control studies was performed. A total of 6053 PD cases and 5997 controls in 4 studies among Asians and 8 studies among non-Asians were included. The overall and geographic subgroups analysis was conducted, and odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were calculated in the fixed-effects or random-effects model. The combined results of overall analysis showed a lack of association of rs9652490 and PD (fixed-effects model, OR 1.00, 95%CI 0.94-1.06), no matter what genetic model of rs9652490. The separate analysis in patients of Asian origin or non-Asian origin also failed to show any ethnic-dependent association. In conclusion, the present meta-analysis does not support the notion that LINGO1 rs9652490 SNP is a major genetic risk factor for PD. Show less
The present study was designed to search for potential diagnostic biomarkers in the serum of colorectal cancer (CRC). CRC is the third most common cancer worldwide, and its prognosis is poor at early Show more
The present study was designed to search for potential diagnostic biomarkers in the serum of colorectal cancer (CRC). CRC is the third most common cancer worldwide, and its prognosis is poor at early stages. A panel of novel biomarkers is urgently needed for early diagnosis of CRC. An integrated proteomics and metabolomics approach was performed to define oncofetal biomarkers in CRC by protein and metabolite profiling of serum samples from CRC patients, healthy control adults, and fetus. The differentially expressed proteins were identified by a 2-D DIGE (2-Dimensional Difference Gel Electrophoresis) coupled with a Finnigan LTQ-based proteomics approach. Meanwhile, the serum metabolome was analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry integrated with a commercial mass spectral library for peak identification. Of the 28 identified proteins and the 34 analyzed metabolites, only 5 protein spots and 6 metabolites were significantly increased or decreased in both CRC and fetal serum groups compared with the healthy adult group. Data from supervised predictive models allowed a separation of 93.5% of CRC patients from the healthy controls using the 6 metabolites. Finally, correlation analysis was applied to establish quantitative linkages between the 5 individual metabolite 3-hydroxybutyric acid, L-valine, L-threonine, 1-deoxyglucose, and glycine and the 5 individual proteins MACF1, APOH, A2M, IGL@, and VDB. Furthermore, 10 potential oncofetal biomarkers were characterized and their potential for CRC diagnosis was validated. The integrated approach we developed will promote the translation of biomarkers with clinical value into routine clinical practice. Show less
Pyruvate kinase isoform M2 (PKM2) is a glycolysis enzyme catalyzing conversion of phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP) to pyruvate by transferring a phosphate from PEP to ADP. We report here that PKM2 localizes Show more
Pyruvate kinase isoform M2 (PKM2) is a glycolysis enzyme catalyzing conversion of phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP) to pyruvate by transferring a phosphate from PEP to ADP. We report here that PKM2 localizes to the cell nucleus. The levels of nuclear PKM2 correlate with cell proliferation. PKM2 activates transcription of MEK5 by phosphorylating stat3 at Y705. In vitro phosphorylation assays show that PKM2 is a protein kinase using PEP as a phosphate donor. ADP competes with the protein substrate binding, indicating that the substrate may bind to the ADP site of PKM2. Our experiments suggest that PKM2 dimer is an active protein kinase, while the tetramer is an active pyruvate kinase. Expression of a PKM2 mutant that exists as a dimer promotes cell proliferation, indicating that protein kinase activity of PKM2 plays a role in promoting cell proliferation. Our study reveals an important link between metabolism alteration and gene expression during tumor transformation and progression. Show less
Mitogen/extracellular signal-regulated kinase kinase-5 (MEK5), which belongs to a network of mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways, play a pivotal role in carcinogenesis. The purpose of this study Show more
Mitogen/extracellular signal-regulated kinase kinase-5 (MEK5), which belongs to a network of mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways, play a pivotal role in carcinogenesis. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether variants in the MEK5 gene promoter were involved in susceptivity of individuals to sporadic colorectal cancer (CRC). In the present hospital-based case-control study of 737 patients with sporadic CRC and 703 healthy control subjects in a southern Chinese population, the two polymorphisms of MEK5 promoter (i.e., rs7172582C>T and rs3743354T>C) were genotyped by TaqMan assay. There were significant differences between cases and controls in the genotype and allele distribution of the MEK5 gene rs3743354T>C polymorphism. The rs3743354 CC genotype was associated with a significantly decreased risk of CRC when compared with the TT genotype (adjusted odds ratios [ORs]=0.43; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.24-0.77). Compared to the T allele, a significant correlation was detected between the presence of the C allele and decreased risk of CRC (adjusted OR=0.79; 95% CI, 0.61-0.94). The decreased risk of CRC associated with rs3743354 variant genotypes (i.e., CT+CC) was found in the smoker subgroup (adjusted OR=0.63; 95% CI=0.45-0.88). Further, environmental factors, including smoking and drinking, interacted with rs3743354C variant genotypes to reduce CRC risk. Western blot analysis showed that the levels of MEK5 protein in sporadic CRC neoplastic tissues and adjacent normal colorectal epithelium tissues were lower in the carriers of rs3743354 CC genotypes than that in those with rs3743354 TT genotypes or those with rs3743354 TC genotypes. However, no significant association was found between the rs7172582C>T polymorphism and risk of CRC. These data indicate that the rs3743354 polymorphism in the MEK5 promoter may affect the risk of developing CRC. Show less
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is an important public health problem with a genetic component. We performed genome-wide association studies in up to 130,600 European ancestry participants overall, and s Show more
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is an important public health problem with a genetic component. We performed genome-wide association studies in up to 130,600 European ancestry participants overall, and stratified for key CKD risk factors. We uncovered 6 new loci in association with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), the primary clinical measure of CKD, in or near MPPED2, DDX1, SLC47A1, CDK12, CASP9, and INO80. Morpholino knockdown of mpped2 and casp9 in zebrafish embryos revealed podocyte and tubular abnormalities with altered dextran clearance, suggesting a role for these genes in renal function. By providing new insights into genes that regulate renal function, these results could further our understanding of the pathogenesis of CKD. Show less
Lygodipenoids A (1) and B (2), two novel C33 tetracyclic triterpenoids with a new 9,19 : 24,32-dicyclopropane skeleton, were isolated from the whole grass of Lygodium japonicum. Their structures were Show more
Lygodipenoids A (1) and B (2), two novel C33 tetracyclic triterpenoids with a new 9,19 : 24,32-dicyclopropane skeleton, were isolated from the whole grass of Lygodium japonicum. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic and chemical means. Compounds 1 and 2 were tested in transfected cultured human embryonic kidney 293 HEK293 cells for an agonist assay, and compound 1 was identified as a partial agonist for liver X receptor α. Show less
To observe the effects of Guanxinkang (GXK) decoction, a compound traditional Chinese herbal medicine, on expressions of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ), liver X receptor α (LXRα) Show more
To observe the effects of Guanxinkang (GXK) decoction, a compound traditional Chinese herbal medicine, on expressions of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ), liver X receptor α (LXRα) and ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) in apolipoprotein E (ApoE)-knockout mice with atherosclerosis. Fourteen 6-week-old C57BL/6 J mice were used as normal control group. Seventy 6-week-old ApoE-knockout mice receiving a high-cholesterol diet to induce atherosclerosis were randomly divided into untreated group, simvastatin group and low-dose (concentration of crude drugs at 0.864 g/mL), medium-dose (crude drugs at 1.728 g/mL) and high-dose (crude drugs at 3.456 g/mL) GXK groups. After treated with the drugs for eight weeks continuously, the livers and aortas of mice were separated. The expressions of PPARγ, LXRα and ABCA1 were measured by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting respectively. Compared with the normal control group, mRNAs and proteins of PPARγ, LXRα and ABCA1 over-expressed in the untreated group (P<0.05). After the treatment, GXK decoction and simvastatin decreased the expressions of PPARγ, LXRα and ABCA1 (P<0.05). High-dose GXK decoction had more marked effects than low- and medium-dose GXK and simvastatin. The PPARγ-LXRα-ABCA1 pathway is involved in lipid regulation and inflammation activities. Over-expression of the genes has complicated effects on atherosclerosis in ApoE-knockout mice with high-cholesterol diet. GXK decoction has anti-inflammatory and anti-matrix metalloproteinase activities by regulating PPARγ, LXRα and ABCA1 interactions in the ApoE-knockout mice. Show less
Oxidized sterols are toxic to endothelial cells and play a central role in promoting atherogenesis. In this study, we evaluated the impact of anthocyanin, a class of flavonoid compounds, on oxysterol Show more
Oxidized sterols are toxic to endothelial cells and play a central role in promoting atherogenesis. In this study, we evaluated the impact of anthocyanin, a class of flavonoid compounds, on oxysterol efflux from endothelial cells and the underlying mechanism. The human aortic ECs (HAECs) were incubated with anthocyanin cyanidin-3-O-β-glucoside (C3G) for different times. C3G treatment upregulates ABCG1 and ABCA1 expression in a dose-dependent manner in HAECs. Moreover, C3G promotes the efflux of cholesterol mainly 7-ketocholesterol (7-KC) from HAECs in an ABCG1-dependent manner. As a result, C3G abrogated the 7-KC-mediated increase of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and apoptosis in HAECs. Furthermore, C3G treatment reverses the inhibition of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) activity by 7-KC, leading to the preservation of nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability. The induction of ABCG1 and its mediated 7-KC efflux from HAECs by C3G resulted from liver X receptor α (LXRα) activation, which was confirmed by its blockage of ABCG1 expression after pharmacological or small interfering RNA inhibition of LXRα. These data uncover a novel mechanism by which C3G ameliorates oxysterol-induced oxidative damage on endothelial cells. Show less
Panax notoginseng (Burk.) F.H. Chen has been used as a health product and natural remedy in traditional medicine for cardiovascular diseases for more than 1000 years in Asia, including China, Japan, a Show more
Panax notoginseng (Burk.) F.H. Chen has been used as a health product and natural remedy in traditional medicine for cardiovascular diseases for more than 1000 years in Asia, including China, Japan, and Korea. Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS) are the major effective ingredients extracted from Panax notoginseng. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS) attenuated atherosclerosis by inducing liver X receptor alpha (LXRα) expression and to elucidate the mechanisms responsible for the effects. The AS rats were treated once daily with PNS (100 mg/kg, i.p.), and pathological changes in the aorta were observed using Sudan IV staining. The expression of LXRα in the aortic wall was measured by Western blot analysis. THP-1 macrophages were cultured with PNS in the presence or absence of geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate ammonium salt (GGPP), an LXRα antagonist. The expression of LXRα and its target genes ATP-binding cassette A1 and G1 (ABCA1, ABCG1) were determined by qRT-PCR. The transcriptional activation of the LXRα gene promoter was analyzed by a reporter assay. The NF-κB DNA binding activity and the expression of interleukin (IL)-6, monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) was evaluated respectively by Trans-AM NF-κB ELISA and ELISA in THP-1 macrophages that were stimulated with LPS after treatment with PNS and GGPP. PNS treatment alleviated the typical pathological changes associated with atherosclerosis in rats. The expression of LXRα was increased in rat aortas after treatment with PNS. In vitro, PNS increased LXRα mRNA levels in THP-1 macrophages. The reporter assays showed that PNS enhanced transcriptional activation of the LXRα gene promoter and led to the upregulation of ABCA1 and ABCG1 expression. This upregulation could be reversed by treatment with GGPP. Additionally, PNS inhibited NF-κB DNA binding activity and reduced secretion of IL-6 and MCP-1 in LPS-stimulated THP-1 macrophages. These effects could be reversed by GGPP. The results indicated that the PNS-mediated attenuation of AS may, at least partly, due to LXRα uprergulation. The mechanisms of action included enhancement transcriptional activation of the LXRα gene promoter by PNS and subsequent upregulation of ABCA1 and ABCG1 and inhibition of NF-κB DNA binding activity. Show less
Cytoplasmic poly(A) binding protein 4 (PABPC4) is an RNA-processing protein that plays an important role in the regulation of gene expression. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression p Show more
Cytoplasmic poly(A) binding protein 4 (PABPC4) is an RNA-processing protein that plays an important role in the regulation of gene expression. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression pattern and identify the potential clinical significance of PABPC4 in colorectal cancer. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that 26.7% (27/101 patients) of primary colorectal tumors and 60.5% (23/38 patients) of corresponding adjacent, normal tissues showed high cytoplasmic expression of PABPC4, whereas expression was absent in 98% (43/44 patients) of distant, normal tissues. Using Kaplan-Meier analysis, we observed that the expression of PABPC4 was significantly correlated with disease-free survival and overall survival in patients with stage II and stage III colorectal cancer (P=0.022 and P=0.020, respectively). PABPC4 expression was positively associated with survival outcome, and may have predictive value in the prognosis of patients with colorectal cancer. Taken together, our findings indicate that PABPC4 may play a role in the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer. Show less
Epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor (EGFR) signal transduction is regulated by endocytosis where many Rab proteins play an important role in the determination of the receptor recycle or degradation Show more
Epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor (EGFR) signal transduction is regulated by endocytosis where many Rab proteins play an important role in the determination of the receptor recycle or degradation. In an effort to better understand how EGF signaling is regulated, we examined the role of Rab21 in regulation of the degradation and signal transduction of the EGFR. Using a transient expression protocol in HEK293T and HeLa cells, we found that Rab21 enhanced the degradation of EGFR through accelerating its internalization in both EGF-independent and EGF-dependent manners. We further demonstrated that Rab21 interacted with EGFR by immunoprecipitation experiments. Interestingly, we observed that overexpression of Rab21 attenuated EGF-mediated mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling by inducing EGFR degradation. Taken together, these data suggest that Rab21 plays a negative role in the EGF-mediated MAPK signaling pathway. Show less
Diabetic retinopathy is a leading cause of reduced visual acuity and acquired blindness. Diabetes is known to alter the amount of retinal expression of the water-selective channels aquaporin 4 (AQP4). Show more
Diabetic retinopathy is a leading cause of reduced visual acuity and acquired blindness. Diabetes is known to alter the amount of retinal expression of the water-selective channels aquaporin 4 (AQP4). However, the function and impact of AQP4 in diabetic retinopathy is not well understood. In the present work, diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin in Sprague-Dawley rats. Two weeks later, AQP4 shRNA (r) lentiviral particles or negative lentiviral particles were delivered by intravitreal injection to the eyes. Gene delivery was confirmed by quantitative reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blotting analysis. Eight weeks later, BRB breakdown was measured using Evans blue dye. Images of retinal sections were obtained and the thicknesses of the retinas were determined. Retinal leukostasis measurement was performed using acridine orange leukocyte fluorography. The mRNA levels of IL-1β, IL-6, intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were determined using qRT-PCR method. AQP4 shRNA (r) lentiviral particles or negative lentiviral particles were transfected into rMC-1 cells to investigate its effect on inflammation induced by high glucose. Incubation with IL-1β or IL-6 was performed to test their effect on AQP4 expression in rMC-1 cells. In the current work, it was found that AQP4 expression was enhanced in the retina of diabetic rats. AQP4 knockdown led to exacerbation of retinopathy including enhancing retinal vascular permeability, retinal thickness, pro-inflammatory factors expression, and VEGF and GFAP expression in retinas of diabetic rats. AQP4 knockdown enhanced the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines induced by high glucose in rMC-1 cells. In addition, AQP4 knockdown enhanced the release of IL-6 and VEGF from rMC-1 cells into the medium. Moreover, it was found that incubation with IL-1β or IL-6 suppressed AQP4 expression in rMC-1 cells. These results suggested that streptozotocin injection induced diabetes resulted in compensatory increases of AQP4 expression, and downregulation of AQP4 exacerbated diabetic retinopathy through aggravating inflammatory response, at last in part. Therefore, regulation of retinal function by AQP4 may attenuate diabetic retinopathy, offering a promising therapeutic strategy for diabetic retinopathy. Show less
Ruthenium(II) methylimidazole complexes, with the general formula [Ru(MeIm)(4)(N⌢N)](2+) (N⌢N = tip (RMC1), iip (RMC2), dppz (RMC3), dpq (RMC4); MeIm = 1-methylimidazole, tip = 2-(thiophene-2-yl)-1H-i Show more
Ruthenium(II) methylimidazole complexes, with the general formula [Ru(MeIm)(4)(N⌢N)](2+) (N⌢N = tip (RMC1), iip (RMC2), dppz (RMC3), dpq (RMC4); MeIm = 1-methylimidazole, tip = 2-(thiophene-2-yl)-1H-imidazo [4,5-f] [1,10]phenanthroline, iip = 2-(1H-imidazol-4-yl)-1H-imidazo [4,5-f] [1,10]phenanthroline, dppz = dipyrido[3,2-a:2',3'-c]phenazine, dpq = pyrazino [2,3-f] [1,10]phenanthroline), were synthesized and characterized. As determined by MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay, these complexes displayed potent anti-proliferation activity against various cancer cells. RMC1 inhibited the growth of A549 (human lung adenocarcinoma) lung cells through induction of apoptotic cell death, as evidenced by the accumulation of cell population in sub-G1 phase. RMC1 also induced the depletion of mitochondrial membrane potential in A549 cells by regulating the expression of pro-survival and pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 family members. Another experiment showed that Bid protein was also activated by RMC1, which implied that RMC1 could existed two pathways crosstalk, namely, have exogenous death receptor signaling pathway. These results demonstrated that RMC1 induced cancer cell death by acting on both mitochondrial and death receptor apoptotic pathways, suggesting that RMC1 could be a candidate for further evaluation as a chemotherapeutic agent against human cancers. Show less
miRNAs are a class of small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression and have critical functions in various biological processes. Hundreds of miRNAs have been identified in mammalian genomes but Show more
miRNAs are a class of small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression and have critical functions in various biological processes. Hundreds of miRNAs have been identified in mammalian genomes but only a small number of them have been functionally characterized. Recent studies also demonstrate that some miRNAs have important roles in reprogramming somatic cells to induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). We screened 52 miRNAs cloned in a piggybac (PB) vector for their roles in reprogramming of mouse embryonic fibroblast cells to iPSCs. To identify targets of miRNAs, we made Dgcr8-deficient embryonic stem (ES) cells and introduced miRNA mimics to these cells, which lack miRNA biogenesis. The direct target genes of miRNA were identified through global gene expression analysis and target validation. We found that over-expressing miR-25 or introducing miR-25 mimics enhanced production of iPSCs. We identified a number of miR-25 candidate gene targets. Of particular interest were two ubiquitin ligases, Wwp2 and Fbxw7, which have been proposed to regulate Oct4, c-Myc and Klf5, respectively. Our findings thus highlight the complex interplay between miRNAs and transcription factors involved in reprogramming, stem cell self-renewal and maintenance of pluripotency. Show less