Ammonia is a toxic by-product of protein catabolism and is involved in changes in glutamate metabolism. Therefore, ammonia metabolism genes may link a range of diseases involving glutamate signaling s Show more
Ammonia is a toxic by-product of protein catabolism and is involved in changes in glutamate metabolism. Therefore, ammonia metabolism genes may link a range of diseases involving glutamate signaling such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), major depressive disorder (MDD), and type 2 diabetes (T2D). We analyzed data from a National Institute on Aging study with a family-based design to determine if 45 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in glutaminase (GLS), carbamoyl phosphate synthetase 1 (CPS1), or glutamate-ammonia ligase (GLUL) genes were associated with AD, MDD, or T2D using PLINK software. HAPLOVIEW software was used to calculate linkage disequilibrium measures for the SNPs. Next, we analyzed the associated variations for potential effects on transcriptional control sites to identify possible functional effects of the SNPs. Of the SNPs that passed the quality control tests, four SNPs in the GLS gene were significantly associated with AD, two SNPs in the GLS gene were associated with T2D, and one SNP in the GLUL gene and three SNPs in the CPS1 gene were associated with MDD before Bonferroni correction. The in silico bioinformatic analysis suggested probable functional roles for six associated SNPs. Glutamate signaling pathways have been implicated in all these diseases, and other studies have detected similar brain pathologies such as cortical thinning in AD, MDD, and T2D. Taken together, these data potentially link GLS with AD, GLS with T2D, and CPS1 and GLUL with MDD and stimulate the generation of testable hypotheses that may help explain the molecular basis of pathologies shared by these disorders. Show less
The aim of this work was to clarify the molecular mechanism underlying the fatty degeneration of livers infected with Muscovy duck reovirus (MDRV), which produces obvious white necrotic foci in the li Show more
The aim of this work was to clarify the molecular mechanism underlying the fatty degeneration of livers infected with Muscovy duck reovirus (MDRV), which produces obvious white necrotic foci in the liver. Transcriptome data for MDRV-infected Muscovy duck livers and control livers were sequenced, assembled, and annotated with Illumina ABC: ATP binding cassette transport; ACADVL: acyl-CoA dehydrogenase, very long chain; ACAT: mitochondrial-like acetyl-CoA acetyltransferase A; ACAT2: acetyl-CoA acyltransferase 2; ACNAT2: acyl-coenzyme A amino acid N-acyltransferase 2-like; ACOT1: acyl-CoA thioesterase 1; ACOT7: acyl-CoA thioesterase 7; ACOX1: acyl-CoA oxidase 1, palmitoyl; ACSBG2: acyl-CoA synthetase bubblegum family member 2; ACSL1: acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 1; ADH1: alcohol dehydrogenase 1; APOA4: apolipoprotein A-IV; ARV: avian reovirus; cDNA: complementary deoxyribonucleic acid; COG: Clusters of Orthologous Groups; DEG: differentially expressed gene; DGAT: diacylgycerol acyltransferase; DNA: deoxyribonucleic acid; ECI2: enoyl-CoA delta isomerase 2; EHHADH: enoyl-CoA hydratase/3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase; FDR: false discovery rate; GCDH: Pseudopodoces humilis glutaryl-CoA dehydrogenase; GO: Gene Ontology; HADHA: hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase/3-ketoacyl-CoA thiolase/enoyl-CoA hydratase (trifunctional protein), alpha subunit; I-FABP: intestinal fatty acid binding protein; KEGG: Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes; L-FABP: liver fatty acid binding protein; MDRV: Muscovy duck reovirus; MOI: multiplicity of infection; NPC1L1: Niemann-Pick C1-like 1; qPCR: real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction; RNA: ribonucleic acid; RNase: ribonuclease; RNA-seq: RNA sequencing technology; RPKM: reads per kilobase per million mapped reads; SR-B1: scavenger receptor class b type 1. Show less
The Million Veteran Program (MVP) was established in 2011 as a national research initiative to determine how genetic variation influences the health of US military veterans. Here we genotyped 312,571 Show more
The Million Veteran Program (MVP) was established in 2011 as a national research initiative to determine how genetic variation influences the health of US military veterans. Here we genotyped 312,571 MVP participants using a custom biobank array and linked the genetic data to laboratory and clinical phenotypes extracted from electronic health records covering a median of 10.0 years of follow-up. Among 297,626 veterans with at least one blood lipid measurement, including 57,332 black and 24,743 Hispanic participants, we tested up to around 32 million variants for association with lipid levels and identified 118 novel genome-wide significant loci after meta-analysis with data from the Global Lipids Genetics Consortium (total n > 600,000). Through a focus on mutations predicted to result in a loss of gene function and a phenome-wide association study, we propose novel indications for pharmaceutical inhibitors targeting PCSK9 (abdominal aortic aneurysm), ANGPTL4 (type 2 diabetes) and PDE3B (triglycerides and coronary disease). Show less
Haiyan Zhang, Yujie Lang, Kaihui Zhang+3 more · 2018 · Zhonghua yi xue yi chuan xue za zhi = Zhonghua yixue yichuanxue zazhi = Chinese journal of medical genetics · added 2026-04-24
To explore the genetic basis for a neonate featuring hyperammonemia. The patient was examined and tested by tandem mass spectrometry and next generation sequencing (NGS). Suspected mutations were conf Show more
To explore the genetic basis for a neonate featuring hyperammonemia. The patient was examined and tested by tandem mass spectrometry and next generation sequencing (NGS). Suspected mutations were confirmed by Sanger sequencing of the proband and her parents. Potential impact of the mutation was predicted with SIFT, PolyPhen-2 and MutationTaste software. Plasma ammonia and alanine were significantly increased in the proband, while serum citrulline was decreased. The neonate was found to harbor compound heterozygous mutations of the CPS1 gene [c.1631C>T(p.T544M) and c.1981G>T(p.G661C)], which were respectively inherited from her father and mother. The carbamoyl phosphate synthetase I deficiency of the proband can probably be attributed to the mutations of the CPS1 gene. Above finding has expanded the spectrum of CPS1 mutations in association with carbamoyl phosphate synthetase I deficiency. Show less
no PDFDOI: 10.3760/cma.j.issn.1003-9406.2018.06.017
Patricio Atanes, Inmaculada Ruz-Maldonado, Ross Hawkes+3 more · 2018 · Cellular physiology and biochemistry : international journal of experimental cellular physiology, biochemistry, and pharmacology · added 2026-04-24
CRISPR-Cas9, a RNA-guided targeted genome editing tool, has revolutionized genetic engineering by offering the ability to precisely modify DNA. GPRC5B is an orphan receptor belonging to the group C fa Show more
CRISPR-Cas9, a RNA-guided targeted genome editing tool, has revolutionized genetic engineering by offering the ability to precisely modify DNA. GPRC5B is an orphan receptor belonging to the group C family of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). In this study, we analysed the functional roles of the Gprc5b receptor in MIN6 β-cells using CRISPR-Cas9 and transient over-expression of Gprc5b. The optimal transfection reagent for use in MIN6 β-cells was determined by analysing efficiency of GFP plasmid delivery by cell sorting. A MIN6 β-cell line in which Gprc5b expression was knocked down (Gprc5b KD) was generated using CRISPR-Cas9 technology. Gprc5b receptor mRNA expression, proliferation, apoptosis, Cignal 45-Pathway Reporter Array signalling and western blot assays were carried out using Gpcr5b KD MIN6 β-cells that had been transiently transfected with different concentrations of mouse Gprc5b plasmid to over-express Gprc5b. JetPRIME® was the best candidate for MIN6 β-cell transfection, providing approximately 30% transfection efficiency. CRISPR-Cas9 technology targeting Gprc5b led to stable knock-down of this receptor in MIN6 β-cells and its re-expression induced proliferation and potentiated cytokine- and palmitate-induced apoptosis. The Cignal 45 Reporter analysis indicated Gprc5b-dependent regulation of apoptotic and proliferative pathways, and western blotting confirmed activation of signalling via TGF-β and IFNγ. This study provides evidence of CRISPR-Cas9 technology being used to down-regulate Gprc5b expression in MIN6 β-cells. This strategy allowed us to identify signalling pathways linking GPRC5B receptor expression to β-cell proliferation and apoptosis. Show less
Lecithin cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) plays a pivotal role in HDL metabolism but its influence on atherosclerosis remains controversial for decades both in animal and clinical studies. Because l Show more
Lecithin cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) plays a pivotal role in HDL metabolism but its influence on atherosclerosis remains controversial for decades both in animal and clinical studies. Because lack of cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) is a major difference between murine and humans in lipoprotein metabolism, we aimed to create a novel Syrian Golden hamster model deficient in LCAT activity, which expresses endogenous CETP, to explore its metabolic features and particularly the influence of LCAT on the development of atherosclerosis. CRISPR/CAS9 gene editing system was employed to generate mutant LCAT hamsters. The characteristics of lipid metabolism and the development of atherosclerosis in the mutant hamsters were investigated using various conventional methods in comparison with wild type control animals. Hamsters lacking LCAT activity exhibited pro-atherogenic dyslipidemia as diminished high density lipoprotein (HDL) and ApoAI, hypertriglyceridemia, Chylomicron/VLDL accumulation and significantly increased ApoB100/48. Mechanistic study for hypertriglyceridemia revealed impaired LPL-mediated lipolysis and increased very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) secretion, with upregulation of hepatic genes involved in lipid synthesis and transport. The pro-atherogenic dyslipidemia in mutant hamsters was exacerbated after high fat diet feeding, ultimately leading to near a 3- and 5-fold increase in atherosclerotic lesions by aortic en face and sinus lesion quantitation, respectively. Our findings demonstrate that LCAT deficiency in hamsters develops pro-atherogenic dyslipidemia and promotes atherosclerotic lesion formation. Show less
Recent GWAS-associated studies reported that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in ABCB1, TGFβ1, XRCC1 genes were associated with hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection, and variants of APOA4 and APOE Show more
Recent GWAS-associated studies reported that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in ABCB1, TGFβ1, XRCC1 genes were associated with hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection, and variants of APOA4 and APOE genes were associated with and hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection in US population. However, the associations of these loci with HAV or HEV infection in Chinese Han population remain unclear. A total of 3082 Chinese Han persons were included in this study. Anti-HAV IgG and anti-HEV IgG were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Genotypes in ABCB1, TGFβ1, XRCC1, APOA4 and APOE SNPs were determined by TaqMan MGB technology. In Chinese Han population, rs1045642 C to T variation in ABCB1 was significantly associated with the decreased risk of HAV infection (P < 0.05). However, the effect direction was different with the previous US study. Rs1001581 A to G variation in XRCC1, which was not identified in US population, was significantly associated with the protection against HAV infection in our samples (P < 0.05). In addition, our results suggested that rs7412 C to T variation in APOE was significantly associated with lower risk of HEV infection in males (adjusted OR < 1.0, P < 0.05) but not in females. ABCB1 and XRCC1 genes variants are significantly associated with the protection against HAV infection. Additionally, Chinese Han males with rs7412 C to T variation in APOE gene are less prone to be infected by HEV. Show less
Over the past decades, the epidemic of childhood obesity has greatly increased, and it has recently become a global public health concern. Methylation, serving as a crucial regulator of the gene-envir Show more
Over the past decades, the epidemic of childhood obesity has greatly increased, and it has recently become a global public health concern. Methylation, serving as a crucial regulator of the gene-environment interaction, has exhibited a strong association with obesity. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the relationship between DNA methylation and childhood obesity, and further uncover the potential association of aberrantly methylated genes with obesity. DNA samples of peripheral blood leukocytes from three obese subjects (mean BMI: 21.67) and 4 age/sex matched controls (mean BMI: 14.92) were subjected to Infinium Human Methylation 450 Bead Array analysis. A total of more than 4 85 000 methylation sites were identified across the genome, and 226 methylated CpGs (DMCpGs) were differentially methylated between these two groups. Subsequent Gene Ontology (GO) and KEGG Pathway analyses showed that these DMCpGs were mainly engaged in immunity and lipoprotein metabolism, indicating their physiological significance. Further verification of the candidate CpG sites within the HDAC4, RAX2, APOA5, CES1, and SLC25A20 gene loci, were performed using bisulfite sequencing PCR (BSP) in a cohort of 42 controls and 39 obese cases. The results revealed that methylation levels within HDAC4 and RAX2 loci were positively associated with obesity, while the methylation levels of loci within APOA5 and CES1 loci were negatively correlated with obesity. Thus, alterations in methylation of CpG sites of specific genes may contribute to childhood obesity, which provide novel insights into the aetiology of obesity. Show less
In the human body, 50-70 billion cells die every day, resulting in the generation of a large number of apoptotic bodies. However, the detailed biological role of apoptotic bodies in regulating tissue Show more
In the human body, 50-70 billion cells die every day, resulting in the generation of a large number of apoptotic bodies. However, the detailed biological role of apoptotic bodies in regulating tissue homeostasis remains unclear. In this study, we used Fas-deficient MRL/lpr and Caspase 3 Show less
Chun-Han Chen, Chun A Changou, Tsung-Han Hsieh+9 more · 2018 · Clinical cancer research : an official journal of the American Association for Cancer Research · added 2026-04-24
Preeclampsia is one of the three primary causes of maternal morbidity and mortality worldwide. This study evaluated ApoC3 in placenta cells of mice with preeclampsia to explore its therapeutic role in Show more
Preeclampsia is one of the three primary causes of maternal morbidity and mortality worldwide. This study evaluated ApoC3 in placenta cells of mice with preeclampsia to explore its therapeutic role in preeclampsia and assess its function on oxidative stress and inflammatory responses involving the NF-κB signaling pathway. A mouse model of preeclampsia was successfully established. APOC3-siRNA with the best silencing effect was screened out. The expression levels of ApoC3, p65, and IkBα were evaluated. The effect of ApoC3 silencing on metabolic activity and apoptosis was measured. The level of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CPR), interleukin 6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), the activity of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9, and the expression of malondialdehyde (MDA), 8-isoprostane and oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) were determined. ApoC3-siRNA-3 was the most effective siRNA. The mRNA expression of ApoC3 was scarcely observed, while the expression of p65 decreased and the expression of p-IkBα increased in the ApoC3-siRNA group. Compared with those in the model and empty vector groups, the cell apoptosis rate and the activities of invasion-related factors MMP-2 and MMP-9 increased, while the levels of hs-CPR, IL-6, TNF-α, MDA, 8-isoprostane, and ox-LDL decreased in the ApoC3-siRNA group. Silencing ApoC3 could suppress the NF-κB signaling pathway, thereby exercising a protective effect on cell injury induced by oxidative stress and reducing inflammatory responses. Show less
Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is the most common biliary tract malignancy, with a low survival rate and limited treatment options. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have recently been verified to have signifi Show more
Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is the most common biliary tract malignancy, with a low survival rate and limited treatment options. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have recently been verified to have significant regulatory functions in many kinds of human cancers. It was discovered in this study that the lncRNA PVT1, whose expression is significantly elevated in CCA, could be a molecular marker of CCA. Experiments indicated that PVT1 knockdown greatly inhibited cell migration and proliferation in vitro and in vivo. According to RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis, PVT1 knockdown dramatically influenced target genes associated with cell angiogenesis, cell proliferation, and the apoptotic process. RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) analysis demonstrated that, by binding to epigenetic modification complexes (PRC2), PVT1 could adjust the histone methylation of the promoter of ANGPTL4 (angiopoietin-like 4) and, thus, promote cell growth, migration, and apoptosis progression. The data verified the significant functions of PVT1 in CCA oncogenesis, and they suggested that PVT1 could be a target for CCA intervention. Show less
Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) have been proved to be capable of differentiating into endothelial cells (ECs), however, the differentiation efficiency is rather low. Sonic hedgehog Show more
Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) have been proved to be capable of differentiating into endothelial cells (ECs), however, the differentiation efficiency is rather low. Sonic hedgehog (Shh), an important factor in vascular development and postnatal angiogenesis, exerted promotional effect on new vessel formation in the ischemic animal models. Therefore, the current study aims to investigate whether Shh could induce the endothelial differentiation of BMSCs both The current study over-expressed Shh in BMSCs by lentivirus transduction. Reverse-transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) analysis was performed to determine the angiogenic factors in both control BMSCs and Shh over-expressed BMSCs. Immunocytochemistry was also conducted to examine the EC markers. Angiogenesis was determined by Shh expression was increased by about 3,000-fold and 5,000-fold at 3 days-transfection and 7 days-transfection, respectively. Patched 1 (Ptch1), the receptor for Shh, had a two-fold increase after transduction. The angiogenic factors such as hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), angiopoietin-1 (Ang-1), insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) had at least a 1.5-fold increase after transduction. Expression of EC-lineage markers, CD31 and VE-cadherin, on Shh-overexpressed BMSCs were increasingly detected by immunocytostaining. Angiogenesis of BMSCs could be efficiently induced by Shh overexpression in the This study demonstrated that Shh could promote endothelial differentiation of BMSCs via VEGF-D. Show less
Jia Wang, Jianhua Gong, Li Li+7 more · 2018 · Autism research : official journal of the International Society for Autism Research · Wiley · added 2026-04-24
Increasing evidence suggests that abnormal synaptic function leads to neuronal developmental disorders and is an important component of the etiology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Neurexins are pr Show more
Anacetrapib is a cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) inhibitor being developed for the treatment of mixed dyslipidemia. The aim of the study was to evaluate the pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, Show more
Anacetrapib is a cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) inhibitor being developed for the treatment of mixed dyslipidemia. The aim of the study was to evaluate the pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, and safety characteristics of anacetrapib following single doses in healthy, young Japanese men. In a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, 3-panel, single-rising-dose study, 6 healthy young Japanese male or white male subjects (aged 19 to 44 years) received single oral doses of 5 to 500 mg anacetrapib, and 2 received placebo. Plasma and urine drug concentrations were measured 0-168 hours postdose, and plasma CETP inhibition was measured 0-24 hours postdose. Urinary anacetrapib levels were all below quantitation limits. Plasma concentrations of anacetrapib increased approximately less than dose-proportionally. Consumption of a traditional Japanese breakfast prior to dosing increased the plasma pharmacokinetics of anacetrapib in Japanese subjects compared with fasted conditions, to a similar extent as in white subjects. CETP activity measured over 0-24 hours postdose resulted in significant inhibition. Anacetrapib was generally well tolerated, and there were no serious adverse experiences. No clinically meaningful differences in PK and CETP inhibition parameters were found between Japanese and white subjects. Show less
The development of acquired EGFR-TKI therapeutic resistance is still a serious clinical problem in the management of lung adenocarcinoma. Peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma (PPARÎł) agoni Show more
The development of acquired EGFR-TKI therapeutic resistance is still a serious clinical problem in the management of lung adenocarcinoma. Peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) agonists may exhibit anti-tumor activity by transactivating genes which are closely associated with cell proliferation, apoptosis, and differentiation. However, it remains not clear whether efatutazone has similar roles in lung adenocarcinoma cells of gefitinib resistant such as HCC827-GR and PC9-GR. It has been demonstrated by us that efatutazone prominently increased the mRNA and protein expression of PPARγ, liver X receptor alpha (LXRα),as well as ATP binding cassette subfamily A member 1 (ABCA1). In the presence of GW9662 (a specific antagonist of PPARγ) or GGPP (a specific antagonist of LXRα), efatutazone (40 μmol/L) restored the proliferation of both HCC827-GR and PC9-GR cells and obviously inhibited the increased protein and mRNA expression of PPAR-gamma, LXR-alpha, and ABCA1 induced by efatutazone. LXRα knockdown by siRNA (si-LXRα) significantly promoted the HCC827-GR and PC9-GR cells proliferation, whereas incubation efatutazone with si-LXRα restored the proliferation ability compared with the control group. In addition, combination of efatutazone and LXRα agonist T0901317 showed a synergistic therapeutic effect on lung adenocarcinoma cell proliferation and PPAR gamma, LXR A and ABCA1 protein expression. These results indicate that efatutazone could inhibit the cells proliferation of HCC827-GR and PC9-GR through PPARγ/LXRα/ABCA1 pathway, and synergistic therapeutic effect is achieved when combined with T0901317. Show less
During peripartum period, dairy cows are highly susceptible to energy metabolism disorders such as fatty liver and ketosis. Angiopoietin-like protein 4 (ANGPTL4) and fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21 Show more
During peripartum period, dairy cows are highly susceptible to energy metabolism disorders such as fatty liver and ketosis. Angiopoietin-like protein 4 (ANGPTL4) and fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), known as hepatokines, play important roles in lipid metabolism. The purposes of our study were to evaluate variations of serum ANGPTL4 and FGF21 concentrations in periparturient dairy cows and changes in these serum analyte concentrations of energy-related metabolic disorders in early lactation dairy cows. This study was divided into two experiments. Experiment I: Blood parameters were measured in healthy periparturient Holstein cows from 4 wk antepartum to 4 wk postpartum (n = 219). In this experiment, weekly blood samples were obtained from 4 wk before the expected calving date through 4 wk after calving. Experiment II: Blood parameters were measured in healthy cows (n = 30) and cows with clinical ketosis (n = 29) and fatty liver (n = 25) within the first 4 wk of lactation. In the present study, all blood samples were collected from the coccygeal vein in the early morning before feeding. Serum ANGPTL4 and FGF21 concentrations peaked at parturition, and declined rapidly over the following 2 wk Serum ANGPTL4 and FGF21 concentrations were positively correlated with serum non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) concentration (r = 0.856, P = 003; r = 0.848, P = 0.004, respectively). Cows with clinical ketosis and fatty liver had significantly higher serum ANGPTL4 and FGF21 concentrations than healthy cows (P < 0.01). Serum ANGPTL4 and FGF21 concentrations were elevated during peripartum period, suggesting that energy balance changes that were associated with parturition contributed significantly to these effects. Although FGF21 and ANGPTL4 could play important roles in the adaptation of energy metabolism, they may be involved in the pathological processes of energy metabolism disorders of dairy cows in the peripartum period. Show less
FADS1 gene encodes delta 5 desaturase, a rate-limiting enzyme in the metabolism of n-3 and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). Minor alleles of FADS1 locus polymorphisms are associated with reduc Show more
FADS1 gene encodes delta 5 desaturase, a rate-limiting enzyme in the metabolism of n-3 and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). Minor alleles of FADS1 locus polymorphisms are associated with reduced FADS1 expression and intra-hepatic fat accumulation. However, the relationship between FADS1 expression and pediatric nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) risk remains to be explored. We analyzed FADS1 transcription levels and their association with intra-hepatic fat and histology in children, and we performed pathway enrichment analysis on transcriptomic profiles associated with FADS1 polymorphisms. We also evaluated the weight of FADS1 alleles on the response to combined docosahexaenoic acid, choline, and vitamin E (DHA-CHO-VE) treatment. FADS1 mRNA level was significantly and inversely associated with intra-hepatic fat (p = 0.004), degree of steatosis (p = 0.03), fibrosis (p = 0.05), and NASH (p = 0.008) among pediatric livers. Transcriptomics demonstrated a significant enrichment of a number of pathways strongly related to NAFLD (e.g., liver damage, fibrosis, and hepatic stellate cell activation). Compared to children who are common allele homozygotes, children with FADS1 minor alleles had a greater reduction in steatosis, fibrosis, and NAFLD activity score after DHA-CHO-VE. This study suggests that decreased FADS1 expression may be associated with NAFLD in children but an increased response to DHA-CHO-VE. Show less
Gastric cancer has become a serious disease in the past decade. It has the second highest mortality rate among the four most common cancer types, leading to ~700,000 mortalities annually. Previous stu Show more
Gastric cancer has become a serious disease in the past decade. It has the second highest mortality rate among the four most common cancer types, leading to ~700,000 mortalities annually. Previous studies have attempted to elucidate the underlying biological mechanisms of gastric cancer. The present study aimed to obtain useful biomarkers and to improve the understanding of gastric cancer mechanisms at the genetic level. The present study used bioinformatics analysis to identify 1,829 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) which were obtained from the GSE54129 dataset. Using protein‑protein interaction information from the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes database, disease modules were constructed for gastric cancer using Cytoscape software. In the Gene Ontology analysis of biology processes, upregulated genes were significantly enriched in 'extracellular matrix organization', 'cell adhesion' and 'inflammatory response', whereas downregulated DEGs were significantly enriched in 'xenobiotic metabolic process', 'oxidation‑reduction process' and 'steroid metabolic process'. During Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis, upregulated DEGs were significantly enriched in 'extracellular matrix‑receptor interaction', 'focal adhesion' and 'PI3K‑Akt signaling pathway', whereas the downregulated DEGs were significantly enriched in 'chemical carcinogenesis', 'metabolism of xenobiotics by cytochrome P450' and 'peroxisome'. The present study additionally identified 10 hub genes from the DEGs: Tumor protein p53 (TP53), C‑X‑C motif chemokine ligand 8 (CXCL8), tetraspanin 4 (TSPAN4), lysophosphatidic acid receptor 2 (LPAR2), adenylate cyclase 3 (ADCY3), phosphoinositide‑3‑kinase regulatory subunit 1 (PIK3R1), neuromedin U (NMU), C‑X‑C motif chemokine ligand (CXCL12), fos proto‑oncogene, AP‑1 transcription factor subunit (FOS) and sphingosine‑1‑phosphate receptor 1 (S1PR1), which have high degrees with other DEGs. The survival analysis revealed that the high expression of ADCY3, LPAR2, S1PR1, TP53 and TSPAN4 was associated with a lower survival rate, whereas high expression of CXCL8, FOS, NMU and PIK3R1 was associated with a higher survival rate. No significant association was identified between CXCL12 and survival rate. Additionally, TSPAN1 and TSPAN8 appeared in the top 100 DEGs. Finally, it was observed that 4 hub genes were highly expressed in gastric cancer tissue compared with para‑carcinoma tissue in the 12 patients; the increased TSPAN4 was significant (>5‑fold). Tetraspanin family genes may be novel biomarkers of gastric cancer. The findings of the present study may improve the understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the development of gastric cancer. Show less
Cardiomyopathies are the most common clinical and genetic heterogeneity cardiac diseases, and genetic contribution in particular plays a major role in patients with primary cardiomyopathies. The aim o Show more
Cardiomyopathies are the most common clinical and genetic heterogeneity cardiac diseases, and genetic contribution in particular plays a major role in patients with primary cardiomyopathies. The aim of this study is to investigate cases of inherited cardiomyopathy (IC) for potential disease-causing mutations in 64 genes reported to be associated with IC. A total of 110 independent cases or families diagnosed with various primary cardiomyopathies, including hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, dilated cardiomyopathy, restrictive cardiomyopathy, arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy, left ventricular non-compaction, and undefined cardiomyopathy, were collected after informed consent. A custom designed panel, including 64 genes, was screened using next generation sequencing on the Ion Torrent PGM platform. The best candidate disease-causing variants were verified by Sanger sequencing. A total of 78 variants in 73 patients were identified. After excluding the variants predicted to be benign and VUS, 26 pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants were verified in 26 probands (23.6%), including a homozygous variant in the SLC25A4 gene. Of these variants, 15 have been reported in the Human Gene Mutation Database or ClinVar database, while 11 are novel. The majority of variants were observed in the MYH7 (8/26) and MYBPC3 (6/26) gene. Titin (TTN) truncating mutations account for 13% in our dilated cardiomyopathy cases (3/23). This study provides an overview of the genetic aberrations in this cohort of Chinese IC patients and demonstrates the power of next generation sequencing in IC. Genetic results can provide precise clinical diagnosis and guidance regarding medical care for some individuals. Show less
Blood lipids are well-known risk factors for coronary heart disease (CHD). The aim of this study was to explore the association between 17 lipid-related gene polymorphisms and CHD. The current study e Show more
Blood lipids are well-known risk factors for coronary heart disease (CHD). The aim of this study was to explore the association between 17 lipid-related gene polymorphisms and CHD. The current study examined with 784 CHD cases and 739 non-CHD controls. Genotyping was performed on the MassARRAY iPLEX® assay platform. Our analyses revealed a significant association of APOE rs7259620 with CHD (genotype: χ2=6.353, df=2, p=0.042; allele: χ2=5.05, df=1, p=0.025; recessive model: χ2=5.57, df=1, p=0.018). A further gender-based subgroup analysis revealed significant associations of APOE rs7259620 and PPAP2B rs72664392 with CHD in males (genotype: χ2=8.379, df=2, p=0.015; allele: χ2=5.190, df=1, p=0.023; recessive model: χ2=19.3, df=1, p<0.0001) and females (genotype: χ2=9.878, df=2, p=0.007), respectively. Subsequent breakdown analysis by age showed that CETP rs4783961, MLXIPL rs35493868, and PON2 rs12704796 were significantly associated with CHD among individuals younger than 55 years of age (CETP rs4783961: χ2=8.966, df=1, p=0.011 by genotype; MLXIPL rs35493868: χ2=4.87, df=1, p=0.027 by allele; χ2=4.88, df=1, p=0.027 by dominant model; PON2 rs12704796: χ2=6.511, df=2, p=0.039 by genotype; χ2=6.210, df=1, p=0.013 by allele; χ2=5.03, df=1, p=0.025 by dominant model). Significant allelic association was observed between LEPR rs656451 and CHD among individuals older than 65 years of age (χ2=4.410, df=1, p=0.036). Our study revealed significant associations of APOE, PPAP2B, CETP, MLXIPL, PON2, and LEPR gene polymorphisms with CHD among the Han Chinese. Show less
Most patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy have single-gene autosomal dominant mutations in loci that encode for sarcomeric proteins. The aim of this study was to determine whether pathogenic muta Show more
Most patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy have single-gene autosomal dominant mutations in loci that encode for sarcomeric proteins. The aim of this study was to determine whether pathogenic mutations were present by whole-exome sequencing (WES) in two families with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) that presented during adolescence. Blood samples and clinical data were collected from individuals in two families with HCM. DNA was extracted. Mutations were identified using whole-exome sequencing (WES), and the genotypes of family members were identified using Sanger sequencing. Compound heterozygous mutations in the MYBPC3 gene (c.659A > G, p.Tyr220Cys; c.772G > A, p.Glu258Lys,NM₀₀₀₂₅₆, Family 1), (c.873delG, p. Ile292PhefsTer8; c.3G > A, p.Met1?, NM₀₀₀₂₅₆, Family 2) were identified by WES. Patient 1 carried the maternally inherited c.659A > G mutation and the paternally inherited c.772G > A mutation. Patient 2 carried the maternally inherited frameshift mutation c.873delG and the paternally inherited mutation c.3G > A. Two families with HCM presenting during adolescence (age of onset is about 11 years old) demonstrated compound heterozygous mutations in the MYBPC3 gene. These findings suggested an association of MYBPC3 mutations with the early onset of symptoms and worsened prognoses. Our study highlights the importance of genetic screening of all family members in cases of HCM. Show less
Notch pathways have important roles in carcinogenesis including pathways involving the Notch1 and Notch2 oncogenes. Pan-Notch inhibitors, such as gamma secretase inhibitors (GSIs), have been used in t Show more
Notch pathways have important roles in carcinogenesis including pathways involving the Notch1 and Notch2 oncogenes. Pan-Notch inhibitors, such as gamma secretase inhibitors (GSIs), have been used in the clinical trials, but the outcomes of these trials have been insufficient and have yielded unclear. In the present study, we demonstrated that GSIs, such as MK-0752 and RO4929097, inhibit breast tumor growth, but increase the breast cancer stem cell (BCSC) population in Notch3-expressing breast cancer cells, in a process that is coupled with IL6 induction and is blocked by the IL6R antagonist Tocilizumab (TCZ). IL6 induction results from inhibition of Notch3-Hey2 signaling through MK-0752. Furthermore, HIF1α upregulates Notch3 expression via direct binding to the Notch3 promoter and subsequently downregulates BCSCs by decreasing the IL6 levels in Notch3-expressing breast cancer cells. Utilizing both breast cancer cell line xenografts and patient-derived xenografts (PDX), we showed that the combination of MK-0752 and Tocilizumab significantly decreases BCSCs and inhibits tumor growth and thus might serve as a novel therapeutic strategy for treating women with Notch3-expressing breast cancers. Show less
Cerebral ischemic stroke (CIS) is one of the common causes of death and disability worldwide. This study aims to investigate effect of miR-137 on endothelial progenitor cells and angiogenesis in CIS b Show more
Cerebral ischemic stroke (CIS) is one of the common causes of death and disability worldwide. This study aims to investigate effect of miR-137 on endothelial progenitor cells and angiogenesis in CIS by targeting NR4A2 via the Notch pathway. Brain tissues were extracted from CIS and normal mice. Immunohistochemistry was used to determine positive rate of NR4A2 expression. Serum VEGF, Ang, HGF, and IκBα levels were determined by ELISA. RT-qPCR and Western blotting were used to determine expression of related factors. Endothelial progenitor cells in CIS mice were treated and grouped into blank, NC, miR-137 mimic, miR-137 inhibitor, siRNA-NR4A2, and miR-137 inhibitor + siRNA-NR4A2 groups, and cells in normal mice into normal group. Proliferation and apoptosis were determined by MTT and flow cytometry, respectively. NR4A2 protein expression was strongly positive in CIS mice, which showed higher serum levels of VEGF, Ang, and HGF but lower IκBα than normal mice. Compared with normal group, the rest groups (endothelial progenitor cells from CIS mice) showed decreased expressions of miR-137, Hes1, Hes5, and IκBα but elevated NR4A2, Notch, Jagged1, Hey-2, VEGF, Ang, and HGF, inhibited proliferation and enhanced apoptosis. Compared with blank and NC groups, the miR-137 mimic and siRNA-NR4A2 groups exhibited increased expression of miR-137, Hes1, Hes5, and IκBα, but decreased NR4A2, Notch, Jagged1, and Hey-2, with enhanced proliferation and attenuated apoptosis. The miR-137 inhibitor group reversed the conditions. miR-137 enhances the endothelial progenitor cell proliferation and angiogenesis in CIS mice by targeting NR4A2 through the Notch signaling pathway. Show less
Dairy cows with type II ketosis display hepatic fat accumulation and hyperinsulinemia, but the underlying mechanism is not completely clear. This study aimed to clarify the regulation of lipid metabol Show more
Dairy cows with type II ketosis display hepatic fat accumulation and hyperinsulinemia, but the underlying mechanism is not completely clear. This study aimed to clarify the regulation of lipid metabolism by insulin in cow hepatocytes. In vitro, cow hepatocytes were treated with 0, 1, 10, or 100 nm insulin in the presence or absence of AICAR (an AMP-activated protein kinase alpha (AMPKα) activator). The results showed that insulin decreased AMPKα phosphorylation. This inactivation of AMPKα increased the gene and protein expression levels of carbohydrate responsive element-binding protein (ChREBP) and sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c), which downregulated the expression of lipogenic genes, thereby decreasing lipid biosynthesis. Furthermore, AMPKα inactivation decreased the gene and protein expression levels of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α (PPARα), which upregulated the expression of lipid oxidation genes, thereby increasing lipid oxidation. In addition, insulin decreased the very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) assembly. Consequently, triglyceride content was significantly increased in insulin treated hepatocytes. Activation of AMPKα induced by AICAR could reverse the effect of insulin on PPARα, SREBP-1c, and ChREBP, thereby decreasing triglyceride content. These results indicate that insulin inhibits the AMPKα signaling pathway to increase lipid synthesis and decrease lipid oxidation and VLDL assembly in cow hepatocytes, thereby inducing TG accumulation. This mechanism could partly explain the causal relationship between hepatic fat accumulation and hyperinsulinemia in dairy cows with type II ketosis. Show less
Obesity is causally associated with atherosclerosis, and adipose tissue (AT)-derived exosomes may be implicated in the metabolic complications of obesity. However, the precise role of AT-exosomes in a Show more
Obesity is causally associated with atherosclerosis, and adipose tissue (AT)-derived exosomes may be implicated in the metabolic complications of obesity. However, the precise role of AT-exosomes in atherogenesis remains unclear. We herein aimed to assess the effect of AT-exosomes on macrophage foam cell formation and polarization and subsequent atherosclerosis development. Four types of exosomes isolated from the supernatants of ex vivo subcutaneous AT and visceral AT (VAT) explants that were derived from wild-type mice and high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mice were effectively taken up by RAW264.7 macrophages. Both treatment with wild-type VAT exosomes and HFD-VAT exosomes, but not subcutaneous AT exosomes, markedly facilitated macrophage foam cell generation through the downregulation of ATP-binding cassette transporter (ABCA1 and ABCG1)-mediated cholesterol efflux. Decreased expression of liver X receptor-α was also observed. Among the 4 types of exosomes, only HFD-VAT exosomes significantly induced M1 phenotype transition and proinflammatory cytokine (tumor necrosis factor α and interleukin 6) secretion in RAW264.7 macrophages, which was accompanied by increased phosphorylation of NF-κB-p65 but not the cellular expression of NF-κB-p65 or IκB-α. Furthermore, systematic intravenous injection of HFD-VAT exosomes profoundly exacerbated atherosclerosis in hyperlipidemic apolipoprotein E-deficient mice, as indicated by the M1 marker (CD16/32 and inducible nitric oxide synthase)-positive areas and the Oil Red O/Sudan IV-stained area, without affecting the plasma lipid profile and body weight. This study demonstrated a proatherosclerotic role for HFD-VAT exosomes, which is exerted by regulating macrophage foam cell formation and polarization, indicating a novel link between AT and atherosclerosis in the context of obesity. Show less
CAD (Coronary Artery Disease) is a complex disease that influenced by various environmental and genetic factors. Previous studies have found many single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with Show more
CAD (Coronary Artery Disease) is a complex disease that influenced by various environmental and genetic factors. Previous studies have found many single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with the risk of CAD occurrence. However, the results are inconsistent. In this study, we aim to investigate genetic etiology in Chinese Han population by analysis of 7 SNPs in lipid metabolism pathway that previously has been reported to be associated with CAD. A total of 631 samples were used in this study, including 435 CAD cases and 196 normal healthy controls. SNP genotyping were conducted via multiplex PCR amplifying followed by NGS (next-generation sequencing). Rs662799 in APOA5 (Apolipoprotein A5) gene was associated with CAD in Chinese Han population (Odds-ratio = 1.374, P-value = 0.03). No significant association was observed between the rest of SNPs and CAD. Stratified association analysis revealed rs5882 was associated with CAD in non-hypertension group (Odds-ratio = 1.593, P-value = 0.023). Rs1800588 was associated with CAD in smoking group (Odds-ratio = 1.603, P-value = 0.035). The minor allele of rs662799 was the risk factor of CAD occurrences in Chinese Han population. Show less
Zinc finger protein 259 (ZNF259), also known as ZPR1, is a zinc finger-containing protein that can bind the intracellular tyrosine kinase domain of EGFR. At present, our knowledge on ZNF259 in cancers Show more
Zinc finger protein 259 (ZNF259), also known as ZPR1, is a zinc finger-containing protein that can bind the intracellular tyrosine kinase domain of EGFR. At present, our knowledge on ZNF259 in cancers is limited. Here, we aimed to explore the biological functions of ZNF259 in breast cancer and reveal their mechanisms. The expression of ZNF259 was measured in 133 cases of breast cancer by immunohistochemistry. The online database Kaplan-Meier (KM) Plotter Online Tool was used to analyze the relationship between ZNF259 expression and breast cancer patient survival prognosis. Plasmid transfection and small interfering RNA and inhibitor treatments were carried out to explore the functions of ZNF259 in breast cancer cell lines and its potential mechanism. Matrigel invasion and wound healing assays were performed to detect the invasion and migration ability of cancer cells. In addition, protein expressions in tissues and cells were determined by Western blotting. ZNF259 expression was much higher in breast cancer cells than in the adjacent normal breast duct glandular epithelial cells (75.94% vs 7.52%, ZNF259 could promote breast cancer cell invasion and migration by activating the ERK/GSK3β/Snail signaling pathway. Show less
The postsynaptic density proteins 95 (PSD95) and 93 (PSD93) belong to a family of scaffolding proteins, the membrane-associated guanylate kinases (MAGUKs), which are highly enriched in synapses and re Show more
The postsynaptic density proteins 95 (PSD95) and 93 (PSD93) belong to a family of scaffolding proteins, the membrane-associated guanylate kinases (MAGUKs), which are highly enriched in synapses and responsible for organizing the numerous protein complexes required for synaptic development and plasticity. Genetic studies have associated MAGUKs with diseases like autism and schizophrenia, but knockout mice show severe, complex defects with difficult-to-interpret behavioral abnormalities due to major motor dysfunction which is atypical for psychiatric phenotypes. Therefore, rather than studying loss-of-function mutants, we comprehensively investigated the behavioral consequences of reduced PSD95 expression, using heterozygous PSD95 knockout mice (PSD95 Show less