👤 Xiao-Wen Jiang

Phytochrome-interacting factor 3 (PIF3) activates light-responsive transcriptional network genes in coordination with the circadian clock and plant hormones to modulate plant growth and development. However, little is known of the roles PIF3 plays in the responses to abiotic stresses. In this study, the cloning and functional characterization of the ZmPIF3 gene encoding a maize PIF3 protein is reported. Subcellular localization revealed the presence of ZmPIF3 in the cell nucleus. Expression patterns revealed that ZmPIF3 is expressed strongly in leaves. This expression responds to polyethylene glycol, NaCl stress, and abscisic acid application, but not to cold stress. ZmPIF3 under the control of the ubiquitin promoter was introduced into rice. No difference in growth and development between ZmPIF3 transgenic and wild-type plants was observed under normal growth conditions. However, ZmPIF3 transgenic plants were more tolerant to dehydration and salt stresses. ZmPIF3 transgenic plants had increased relative water content, chlorophyll content, and chlorophyll fluorescence, as well as significantly enhanced cell membrane stability under stress conditions. The over-expression of ZmPIF3 increased the expression of stress-responsive genes, such as Rab16D, DREB2A, OSE2, PP2C, Rab21, BZ8 and P5CS, as detected by real-time PCR analysis. Taken together, these results improve our understanding of the role ZmPIF3 plays in abiotic stresses signaling pathways; our findings also indicate that ZmPIF3 regulates the plant response to drought and salt stresses. Show less

A high level of RGS17 expression is observed in diverse human cancers and correlates with tumor progression. Herein, we aim to investigate its expression and function in breast cancer. The expression of RGS17 was detected by immunohistochemical analysis and western blot analysis. The level of miR-32 expression was investigated by qRT-PCR. Western blot analysis was used to determine the relationship between RGS17 and miR-32. A series of loss or gain of function assays was performed to measure the effects of RGS17 or miR-32 on tumor migration, invasion, and proliferation. Compared to that in normal breast specimen, the expression of RGS17 had a significantly higher expression level in breast cancer tissues and cell lines. Although the potential relationship of RGS17 expression with clinicopathological features was not observed, there was a significant correlation of RGS17 expression with p63 expression. In cells, inhibition of RGS17 expression impaired cell migration, invasion, and proliferation. Further, RGS17 was identified as a direct and functional target of miR-32. Overexpression of miR-32 in cells could decrease the expression of RGS17 and inhibit cell migration, invasion, and proliferation. In contrast, ectopic expression of RGS17 could attenuate phenotypes caused by miR-32 overexpression. The expression of RGS17 was upregulated in breast cancer, which could enhance cell migration, invasion, and proliferation. Moreover, the RGS17 was identified as a target of miR-32. Our results suggest that RGS17 might play an important role in breast cancer progression and could be a potential target for human breast cancer treatment. Show less

WW domains harbor substrates containing proline-rich motifs, but the substrate specificity and binding mechanism remain elusive for those WW domains less amenable for structural studies, such as human WWP2 (hWWP2). Herein we have employed multiple techniques to investigate the second WW domain (WW2) in hWWP2. Our results show that hWWP2 is a specialized E3 for PPxY motif-containing substrates only and does not recognize other amino acids and phospho-residues. The strongest binding affinity of WW2, and the incompatibility between each WW domain, imply a novel relationship, and our SPR experiment reveals a dynamic binding mode in Class-I WW domains for the first time. The results from alanine-scanning mutagenesis and modeling further point to functionally conserved residues in WW2. Show less

WWP2 (WW domain-containing protein 2) is an E3 ubiquitin ligase belonging to the NEDD4-like protein family involved in various cell regulations, such as carcinogenesis, transcription control and cellular transport. Compared with homologues, WWP2 is difficult to express and no practical protocols have been developed for WWP2 preparation in large scale. Recently, domain structures of homologues of WWP2 have been determined by crystallography and NMR, but none for WWP2 has been attained. In this work, through a combination of extensive screening of ∼100 constructs, expression strategies and host systems, we have found a soluble HECT domain truncation (WHP2) of WWP2 which is amendable for preparation scale expression in Escherichia coli. We have also established a relatively simple purification process to achieve highly pure WHP2 protein by employing immobilized metal-affinity chromatography followed by salting out, ion exchange chromatography and finally, size exclusion chromatography. We are able to obtain about 60mg/L of the soluble WHP2. The identity and structure of the expressed WHP2 have been analyzed by mass spectrometry and circular dichroism. The native ability of WHP2 to bind different partners has been revealed by pull-down assay. Show less

To investigate the association between two polymorphisms of the APOC3 gene (T-455C and C-482T) and hereditary risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). A total of 287 patients with NAFLD and 310 control subjects were genotyped by PCR and direct sequencing. Serum lipid profiles were also detected by standard biochemical One-hundred-and-eighty of the study participants were used to measure the APOC3 content by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Inter-group differences and associations were assessed statistically using Chi square and t tests and logistic and linear regression analyses. The frequencies of neither the genotypes or alleles were significantly different between the NAFLD cases and the controls. Compared with the most common genotypes-455TT or-482CC, none of the variants showed a significant increase in risk of NAFLD or for the clinical and biochemical parameters. The adjusted odds ratios (with 95% confidence intervals) of NAFLD were 1.25 (0.79-1.96) and 1.20 (0.76-1.89) for carriers of the APOC3-455C and-482 T variants respectively (P more than 0.05). The T-455C and C-482T polymorphisms of the APOC3 gene are not associated with risk of NAFLD, pathogenic changes in lipid profiles, or insulin resistance in Han Chinese. Show less

To investigate the association between two polymorphisms of apolipoprotein C3 (APOC3) and risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in a Chinese Han population. Genotypes for rs2854116 and rs2854117 in APOC3 and the known rs738409 in patatin-like phospholipase domain-containing protein 3 (PNPLA3) in 390 patients with NAFLD and 409 control subjects were determined by sequencing and polymerase chain reaction analysis. Serum lipid profiles were determined using biochemical methods, and an index of insulin resistance (IR, HOMA-IR), serum APOC3 concentrations and total antioxidant status (TAS) were also assessed. No significant differences in genotype and allele frequencies of rs2854116 and rs2854117 were found between the NAFLD population and the controls (P > 0.05). The OR for the association between -455C and -482T allele carriers and the risk of NAFLD were 1.06 (95%CI: 0.72-1.57, P > 0.05) and 1.00 (95%CI: 0.68-1.48, P > 0.05), respectively. The variant carriers did not have a significantly increased risk of NAFLD or elevated clinical and biochemical parameters such as APOC3 concentrations, IR (1.42 ± 0.43 vs 1.48 ± 0.52, P > 0.05), liver enzymes and TAS (13.94 ± 2.01 vs 14.38 ± 1.92, P > 0.05) compared with the controls. Moreover, the results were similar when testing was carried out independent of the genetic variation in PNPLA3. The two polymorphisms of the APOC3 gene are not associated with a risk of NAFLD, or with lipid profiles, IR and oxidative stress in the Chinese Han population. Show less

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a heterogeneous disease with high mortality rate. Recent genomic studies have identified TP53, AXIN1, and CTNNB1 as the most frequently mutated genes. Lower frequency mutations have been reported in ARID1A, ARID2 and JAK1. In addition, hepatitis B virus (HBV) integrations into the human genome have been associated with HCC. Here, we deep-sequence 42 HCC patients with a combination of whole genome, exome and transcriptome sequencing to identify the mutational landscape of HCC using a reasonably large discovery cohort. We find frequent mutations in TP53, CTNNB1 and AXIN1, and rare but likely functional mutations in BAP1 and IDH1. Besides frequent hepatitis B virus integrations at TERT, we identify translocations at the boundaries of TERT. A novel deletion is identified in CTNNB1 in a region that is heavily mutated in multiple cancers. We also find multiple high-allelic frequency mutations in the extracellular matrix protein LAMA2. Lower expression levels of LAMA2 correlate with a proliferative signature, and predict poor survival and higher chance of cancer recurrence in HCC patients, suggesting an important role of the extracellular matrix and cell adhesion in tumor progression of a subgroup of HCC patients. The heterogeneous disease of HCC features diverse modes of genomic alteration. In addition to common point mutations, structural variations and methylation changes, there are several virus-associated changes, including gene disruption or activation, formation of chimeric viral-human transcripts, and DNA copy number changes. Such a multitude of genomic events likely contributes to the heterogeneous nature of HCC. Show less

Cysteine proteases play important roles in pathobiology. Here we reveal that cathepsin K (CatK) has a role in ischaemia-induced neovascularization. Femoral artery ligation-induced ischaemia in mice increases CatK expression and activity, and CatK-deficient mice show impaired functional recovery following hindlimb ischaemia. CatK deficiency reduces the levels of cleaved Notch1 (c-Notch1), Hes1 Hey1, Hey2, vascular endothelial growth factor, Flt-1 and phospho-Akt proteins of the ischaemic muscles. In endothelial cells, silencing of CatK mimicked, whereas CatK overexpression enhanced, the levels of c-Notch1 and the expression of Notch downstream signalling molecules, suggesting CatK contributes to Notch1 processing and activates downstream signalling. Moreover, CatK knockdown leads to defective endothelial cell invasion, proliferation and tube formation, and CatK deficiency is associated with decreased circulating endothelial progenitor cells-like CD31(+)/c-Kit(+) cells in mice following hindlimb ischaemia. Transplantation of bone marrow-derived mononuclear cells from CatK(+/+) mice restores the impairment of neovascularization in CatK(-/-) mice. We conclude that CatK may be a potential therapeutic target for ischaemic disease. Show less

Phenotypic switching of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) plays an initial role in neointimal hyperplasia, the main cause of many occlusive vascular diseases. The aim of this study was to measure the effects of resveratrol (RSV) on the phenotypic transformation of VSMCs and to investigate its mechanism of action. Cultured VSMCs isolated from rat thoracic aorta were prepared with serum starvation for 72 hours followed by RSV treatment (50-200 μmol/L) and 10% serum stimulation. Male Sprague-Dawley rats, subjected to carotid arteries injury from a balloon catheter, were exposed to intraperitoneal injection of RSV (1 mg/kg) or saline and were killed after 7 or 28 days. Compared with cells in the serum-induced group, VSMCs in the RSV or N-[N-(3, 5-Difluorophenacetyl)-L-alanyl]-S-phenylglycine t-butyl ester (DAPT) treatment group exhibited significant decreases of proliferation and migration. The total and cytoplasmic Notch-1 levels were declined by RSV, accompanied by a significant increase in smooth muscle α-actin and smooth muscle myosin heavy chain protein. The expression of Notch-1, Jagged-1, Hey-1, and Hey-2 mRNA in balloon-injured arteries at 7 days was decreased by RSV treatment. Arteries from RSV-treated rats showed less neointimal hyperplasia, lower collagen content, and a lower rate of cells positive for proliferating cell nuclear antigen 28 days after injury, compared with saline controls. The results indicate that RSV can attenuate phenotypic switching of VSMCs after arterial injury through inhibition of the Notch pathway. Show less

Neointimal formation after vessel injury is a complex process involving multiple cellular and molecular processes. Inhibition of intimal hyperplasia plays an important role in preventing proliferative vascular diseases, such as restenosis. In this study, we intended to identify whether sodium ferulate could inhibit neointimal formation and further explore potential mechanisms involved. Cultured vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) isolated from rat thoracic aorta were pre-treated with 200 µmol/L sodium ferulate for 1 hour and then stimulated with 1 µmol/L angiotensin II (Ang II) for 1 hour or 10% serum for 48 hours. Male Sprague-Dawley rats subjected to balloon catheter insertion were administrated with 200 mg/kg sodium ferulate (or saline) for 7 days before sacrificed. In presence of sodium ferulate, VSMCs exhibited decreased proliferation and migration, suppressed intracellular reactive oxidative species production and NADPH oxidase activity, increased SOD activation and down-regulated p38 phosphorylation compared to Ang II-stimulated alone. Meanwhile, VSMCs treated with sodium ferulate showed significantly increased protein expression of smooth muscle α-actin and smooth muscle myosin heavy chain protein. The components of Notch pathway, including nuclear Notch-1 protein, Jagged-1, Hey-1 and Hey-2 mRNA, as well as total β-catenin protein and Cyclin D1 mRNA of Wnt signaling, were all significantly decreased by sodium ferulate in cells under serum stimulation. The levels of serum 8-iso-PGF2α and arterial collagen formation in vessel wall were decreased, while the expression of contractile markers was increased in sodium ferulate treated rats. A decline of neointimal area, as well as lower ratio of intimal to medial area was observed in sodium ferulate group. Sodium ferulate attenuated neointimal hyperplasia through suppressing oxidative stress and phenotypic switching of VSMCs. Show less

The nuclear receptor liver X receptor (LXR) plays an important role in the metabolism and homeostasis of cholesterol, lipids, bile acids, and steroid hormones. In this study, we uncovered a function of LXRα (NR1H3) in regulating the human hydroxysteroid sulfotransferase SULT2A1, a phase II conjugating enzyme known to sulfonate bile acids, hydroxysteroid dehydroepiandrosterone, and related androgens. We showed that activation of LXR induced the expression of SULT2A1 at mRNA, protein, and enzymatic levels. A combination of promoter reporter gene and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays showed that LXRα transactivated the SULT2A1 gene promoter through its specific binding to the -500- to -258-base pair region of the SULT2A1 gene promoter. LXR small interfering RNA knockdown experiments suggested that LXRα, but not LXRβ, played a dominant role in regulating SULT2A1. In primary human hepatocytes, we found a positive correlation between the expression of SULT2A1 and LXRα, which further supported the regulation of SULT2A1 by LXRα. In summary, our results established human SULT2A1 as a novel LXRα target gene. The expression of LXRα is a potential predictor for the expression of SULT2A1 in human liver. Show less

To investigate associations of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) rs2228314 of sterol regulatory element-binding protein-2 (SREBP-2) or rs11039155 of liver X receptor α (LXRα) with susceptibility to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in a Chinese Han population. SREBP-2 rs2228314 and LXRα rs11039155 polymorphisms were genotyped in patients with PCOS and age- and sex-matched PCOS-free controls from a Chinese Han population. A total of 605 patients with PCOS and 615 controls were recruited in this study. We found that GC and CC genotypes of rs2228314, and variant C, were associated with a significantly increased risk of PCOS. In addition, GA and AA genotypes of rs11039155, as well as variant A, were also associated with a significantly increased risk of PCOS. Our results showed that SREBP-2 rs2228314 G to C change and variant C genotype as well as LXRα rs11039155 G to A change and variant A may contribute to PCOS in Chinese Han population. Show less

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of pentraxin3 (PTX3) on human oxidized low density lipoprotein (oxLDL) uptake and cholesterol efflux from human macrophage foam cells, which may play a critical role in atherogenesis. The effects of PTX3 on oxLDL uptake and cholesterol efflux were determined after transfection of human THP-1 macrophages with pSG5hPTX3 or PTX3siRNA plasmids. To evaluate the role of specific signaling pathways, human THP-1 cells were pre-treated with inhibitors of the extracellular signal-regulated protein kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2), phosphatidylinositide 3-kinases (PI3-K), and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways (PD98059, LY294002, and SB203580, respectively), and then exposed to oxLDL for the uptake assay or oxLDL and [(3)H]-cholesterol and apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I) for the cholesterol efflux assay. PTX3 overexpression not only promoted oxLDL uptake but also significantly reduced cholesterol efflux to apoA-I; it also significantly decreased the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ), liver X receptor alpha (LXRα) and ATP-binding membrane cassette transporter A-1 (ABCA1), which was increased with PTX3 silencing. Furthermore, PTX3 significantly increased p-ERK1/2 levels in THP-1-derived foam cells, and inhibition of ERK1/2 by PD98059 significantly reduced the oxLDL uptake and promoted the cholesterol efflux induced by PTX3 overexpression. Here, we demonstrate that PTX3 affects lipid accumulation in human macrophages, increasing oxLDL uptake and inhibiting cholesterol efflux. That is the underlying possible mechanisms of PTX3 contribution to the progression of atherosclerosis. Show less

LXR (liver X receptor) is a ligand-activated transcription factor and plays an important role in regulation of lipid homoeostasis and inflammation. Several studies indicate that LXR inhibits IFN-γ (interferon γ)-induced biological responses; however, the influence of LXR on IFN-γ expression has not been fully elucidated. In the present study, we investigated the effects of LXR activation on IFN-γ expression at different levels. At the molecular level, we surprisingly observed that LXR ligand (T0901317) induced macrophage and T-cell IFN-γ protein expression which was associated with increased mRNA and secreted protein levels in culture medium. In contrast, selective inhibition of LXRα and/or LXRβ expression by siRNA reduced IFN-γ expression. Promoter analysis defined the multiple LXREs (LXR-responsive elements) in the proximal region of the IFN-γ promoter. EMSAs and ChIP indicated that LXR activation enhanced the binding of LXR protein to these LXREs. In vivo, T0901317 increased wild-type mouse serum IFN-γ levels and IFN-γ expression in the lung and lymph nodes. Functionally, we observed that administration of T0901317 to wild-type mice increased rates of survival and being tumour-free, and inhibited tumour growth when the animals were inoculated with LLC1 carcinoma. In contrast, these protective effects were substantially attenuated in IFN-γ-knockout (IFN-γ-/-) mice, suggesting that the induction of IFN-γ production plays a critical role in T0901317-inhibited tumour growth. Taken together, the results of the present study show that IFN-γ is another molecular target of LXR activation, and it suggests a new mechanism by which LXR inhibits tumour growth. Show less

miR-200b is a tumor suppressor in multiple tumors including gastric cancer, breast cancer, ovarian cancer and glioma. In this study, we detected the expression of miR-200b and analyzed its correlation with clinicopathological parameters in glioma tissues. miR-200b was downregulated in glioma tissues. And its downexpression was correlated with poor prognosis in gliomas. Members of RAB family, RAB21, RAB23, RAB18 and RAB3B were predicted to be novel targets of miR-200b. The direct suppression of RAB21, RAB23, RAB18 and RAB3B expressions by miR-200b was revealed by luciferase reporter assay, quantitative RT-PCR analysis and Western blot. Furthermore, the overall survival of patients with different expression of RABs was analyzed. The expression of RAB21, RAB23, RAB18 and RAB3B was related to the prognosis and histopathology of glioma. The patients who had the upregulation of all the four RABs had the worst outcome; those who had the downregulation of all RABs had the best outcome (p<0.001). miR-200b was a potential biomarker for glioma prognosis. Show less

To establish the key insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS-1) structural elements required in this insulin regulatory pathway, we investigated the effects of substituting alanine for serine 307 in IRS-1 on the ability of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and a related mediator, suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3), to phosphorylate IRS-1 and regulate insulin signaling in the rat retinal Müller cell (rMC-1) cell line. rMC-1 cells were grown in normal (5 mM) or high (25 mM) glucose medium and transfected with either normal IRS-1(Ser307)plasmid or a mutated IRS-1(Ser307Ala) plasmid. Cells were also treated with recombinant TNF-α or SOCS3 to induce increased levels of these proteins. In cells with IRS-1(Ser307Ala), TNF-α and SOCS3 failed to phosphorylate IRS-1. Likewise, resulting downstream effects, including changes in phosphorylation of insulin receptor(Tyr960), antiapoptotic Akt phosphorylation, and proapoptotic cleavage of caspase 3 were also blocked. We also report for the first time that SOCS3 and TNF-α are reciprocally stimulatory leading to a mutual enhancement of levels of both factors, thus forming a potential positive feedback loop that contributes to insulin receptor resistance. Increases in TNF-α and SOCS3 are triggered by high glucose and through reciprocal stimulation of expression of these two factors, which in turn could be major drivers of insulin resistance and related cell death. The demonstration that a single phosphorylation site is key for these pathways suggests that drugs targeted to this site might be effective in protecting against diabetic damage to the retina. Show less

To determine whether knockdown of Müller cell-derived VEGFA-splice variant, VEGF164, which is upregulated in the rat retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) model, safely inhibits intravitreal neovascularization (IVNV). Short hairpin RNAs for VEGF164 (VEGF164.shRNAs) or luciferase.shRNA control were cloned into lentivectors with CD44 promoters that specifically target Müller cells. Knockdown efficiency, off-target effects, and specificity were tested in HEK reporter cell lines that expressed green fluorescent protein (GFP)-tagged VEGF164 or VEGF120 with flow cytometry or in rat Müller cells (rMC-1) by real-time PCR. In the rat oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) ROP model, pups received 1 μL subretinal lentivector-driven luciferase.shRNA, VEGFA.shRNA, or VEGF164.shRNA at postnatal day 8 (P8). Analyses at P18 and P25 included: IVNV and avascular retina (AVA); retinal and serum VEGF (ELISA); density of phosphorylated VEGFR2 (p-VEGFR2) in lectin-labeled retinal endothelial cells (ECs; immunohistochemistry); TUNEL staining and thickness of inner nuclear (INL) and outer nuclear layers (ONL) in retinal cryosections; and pup weight gain. In HEK reporter and in rMC-1 cells and in comparison to lucifferase.shRNA, VEGFA.shRNA reduced both VEGF120 and VEGF164, but VEGF164.shRNA only reduced VEGF164 and not VEGF120. Compared with luciferase.shRNA, VEGFA.shRNA and VEGF164.shRNA reduced retinal VEGF and IVNV without affecting AVA at P18 and P25. At P25, VEGF164.shRNA more effectively maintained IVNV inhibition than VEGFA.shRNA. VEGFA.shRNA and VEGF164.shRNA reduced pVEGFR2 in retinal ECs at P18, but VEGFA.shRNA increased it at P25. VEGFA.shRNA increased TUNEL+ cells at P18 and decreased ONL thickness at P18 and P25. VEGFA.shRNA and VEGF164.shRNA did not affect pup weight gain and serum VEGF. Short hairpin RNA to Müller cell VEGF164 maintained long-term inhibition of IVNV and limited cell death compared with shRNA to VEGFA. Show less

The ubiquitin-proteasome system plays an important role in various celluar processes. WWP2, a recently identified ubiquitin E3 ligase, has been proved a multifunctional gene by degradation a series of targets via ubiquitin-dependent proteasome system, including PETN, Smads, Oct4, EGR2, TIRF and so. Hereafter, we reviewed the recent research process about the function of WWP2. Show less

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between apolipoprotein A-IV (apoA-IV) plasma concentrations and acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Plasma apoA-IV concentrations were measured in 115 patients with different types of ACS and in 68 gender- and age-matched control subjects using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) kits. The clinical data were collected by an internist, who was blinded to plasma apoA-IV concentrations. Plasma apoA-IV levels in ACS patients were significantly decreased compared to the levels in control subjects (437.0±157.5 μg/mL vs. 590.2±183.7 μg/mL, P<0.001). An statistically significant decreasing trend of plasma apoA-IV levels from the control subjects, to patients with unstable angina pectoris (UAP) (457.3±152.9 μg/mL), to patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) (311.7±127.8 μg/mL), was observed. Moreover, plasma apoA-IV level was negatively associated with New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class. NYHA class II (467.2±142.1 μg/mL, P<0.001) and class III/IV (368.1±170.8 μg/mL, P<0.001) patients had statistically decreased levels of plasma apoA-IV when compared to the control subjects. A stepwise multivariate regression analysis identified types of ACS, NYHA classes, and plasma fibrinogen levels as the most important determinants of plasma apoA-IV levels in ACS patients. Low plasma apoA-IV levels are associated with ACS, and plasma apoA-IV levels may be a potential treatment target for ACS patients. Show less

To establish 2-dimensional gel electrophoresis images and compare the differences of serum proteins of oral lichen planus patients before and after hydroxychloroquine therapy. The serum of oral lichen planus patients before and after hydroxychloroquine therapy were collected, and total protein were extracted. Differential proteome profiles were established and analysed by means of 2-DE and MALDI-TOF-MS. The types and functions of protein were analyzed. SAS 9.12 software package was used for statistical analysis. Six proteins were well characterized including plasminogen precursor,Apo A-IV precursor, C4A/C4B complement, C2 precursor, Vitamin D binding protein and hypothetical protein. The differences were statistically significant. Plasminogen precursor, Apo A-IV precursor, C4A/C4B complement, C2 precursor, Vitamin D binding protein and hypothetical protein are differentially expressed in oral lichen planus patients before and after hydroxychloroquine therapy, but the results need to be validated by other biochemical technologies. Show less

Type 2 diabetes and its chronic complications have become a worldwide epidemic nowadays. However, its molecular mechanism is still unknown. We have previously identified a novel variant rs12742393 of NOS1AP for type 2 diabetes susceptibility in the Chinese population. In this study, we analyzed the total serum profiling among three genotypes of rs12742393 to discover potential crosstalk under the variant and the disease through proteomic analyses for the first time. We used OFFGEL peptide fractionation, LC-MS/MS analysis, and label-free quantification to profile the fasting human serum samples of the genotypes in rs12742393 (n = 4, for CC, AC, and AA, resp.). Four proteins were identified, including apoA4, alpha1-ACT, HABP2, and keratin 10, with blood levels changed significantly between CC and AA homozygotes of rs12742393. Compared with AA group, the levels of apoA4 increased (P = 0.000265), whereas the concentration of alpha1-ACT, HABP2, and keratin 10 decreased in CC group (P = 0.011116, 0.021175, and 0.015661, resp.). Then we selected additional fasting serum samples for ELISA and western blot validation. However, no significant differences were identified by neither ELISA nor western blot (P > 0.05). The protein profiling changes between the genotypes of rs12742393 indicated that this SNP might play a role in the development of type 2 diabetes. Show less

Previous studies have shown that apolipoprotein A5 (APOA5) gene variants are genetic determinants of the concentration of triglycerides, which are a known risk factor for coronary heart disease (CHD). Using the standardized coronary angiography method, 290 CHD patients and 198 non‑CHD controls were recruited from Ningbo Lihuili Hospital. In addition, 331 unrelated healthy volunteers were recruited as healthy controls from Ningbo Ximen Community residents. Three variants of the APOA5 gene, S19W, ‑1131T>C and 553G>T, were analyzed for their association with CHD. Under a dominant inheritance model, ‑1131CT>C was shown to be a CHD risk factor (P=0.030; OR, 1.422; 95% CI, 1.036‑1.952). The single nucleotide polymorphism, 553G>T, was found to correlate with the severity of CHD in males (P=0.032). Meta‑analysis showed that ‑1131T>C was significantly associated with CHD (P<0.0001). By contrast, negative correlations with CHD were observed for S19W and 553G>T. In the present case‑control study, APOA5 gene variants were not found to correlate with the risk of CHD in the populations studied; however, ‑1131CT>C was shown to be a CHD risk factor under a dominant inheritance model. Meta‑analysis showed a significant contribution of ‑1131T>C to the risk of CHD, implying an ethnic difference in APOA5 gene variants. Show less

We previously reported that Axin1 (Axin) is down-regulated in many cases of lung cancer, and X-ray irradiation increased Axin expression and inhibited lung cancer cells. The mechanisms, however, were not clear. Four lung cancer cell lines were used to detect the methylation status of Axin with or without X-ray treatment. Real-time PCR was used to quantify the expression of Axin, and western blot analysis was applied to measure protein levels of Axin, β-catenin, Cyclin D1, MMP-7, DNMTS, MeCP2 and acetylated histones. Flow cytometric analysis, colony formation assay, transwell assay and xenograft growth experiment were used to study the biological behavior of the cells with hypermethylated or unmethylated Axin gene after X-ray treatment. Hypermethylated Axin gene was detected in 2 of 4 cell lines, and it correlated inversely with Axin expression. X-ray treatment significantly up-regulated Axin expression in H446 and H157 cells, which possess intrinsic hypermethylation of the Axin gene (P<0.01), but did not show up-regulation in LTE and H460 cells, which have unmethylated Axin gene. 2Gy X-ray significantly reduced colony formation (from 71% to 10.5%) in H157 cells, while the reduction was lower in LTE cells (from 71% to 20%). After X-ray irradiation, xenograft growth was significantly decreased in H157 cells (from 1.15 g to 0.28 g) in comparison with LTE cells (from 1.06 g to 0.65 g). Significantly decreased cell invasiveness and increased apoptosis were also observed in H157 cells treated with X-ray irradiation (P<0.01). Down-regulation of DNMTs and MeCP2 and up-regulation of acetylated histones could be detected in lung cancer cells. X-ray-induced inhibition of lung cancer cells may be mediated by enhanced expression of Axin via genomic DNA demethylation and histone acetylation. Lung cancer cells with a different methylation status of the Axin gene showed different radiosensitivity, suggesting that the methylation status of the Axin gene may be one important factor to predict radiosensitivity of the tumor. Show less

Axin is an important negative regulator of Wnt pathway. We have reported that reduced expression of Axin could be detected in lung cancer tissues, but the mechanism is not clear. By analyzing the genomic sequence, we note that Axin gene promoter is rich in CpGs. Little is known about the methylation status of Axin gene in lung cancer. So, nested MSP and RT-PCR were used to study the methylation status and mRNA expression of Axin gene in lung cancer tissues and cell lines. The results showed that hypermethylated Axin gene promoter and reduced mRNA expression level of Axin could be detected in lung cancer tissues but not in their paired autologous normal lung tissues (P < 0.01). The hypermethylated Axin gene promoter significantly correlated with the degree of differentiation (P = 0.03), lymph node metastasis (P = 0.048) and TNM classifications (P = 0.032). Demethylation reagent 5-aza-2-deoxycytidine significantly up-regulate Axin expression in BE1 cells (with hypermethylated Axin gene promoter) but not in H460 cells (with unmethylated Axin gene promoter). MTT (3(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) and transwell matrigel invasion assay showed that 5-aza-2-deoxycytidine treatment inhibited cell growth and invasion more significantly in BE1 cells than that in H460 cells. Our data indicate that hypermethylated Axin gene significantly correlates with the progression of lung cancer and might serve as a new target of clinical therapy for lung cancer patients in future. Show less

Studies on spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are of unusual significance because they are the unique stem cells that transmit genetic information to subsequent generations and they can acquire pluripotency to become embryonic stem-like cells that have therapeutic applications in human diseases. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have recently emerged as critical endogenous regulators in mammalian cells. However, the function and mechanisms of individual miRNAs in regulating SSC fate remain unknown. Here, we report for the first time that miRNA-20 and miRNA-106a are preferentially expressed in mouse SSCs. Functional assays in vitro and in vivo using miRNA mimics and inhibitors reveal that miRNA-20 and miRNA-106a are essential for renewal of SSCs. We further demonstrate that these two miRNAs promote renewal at the post-transcriptional level via targeting STAT3 and Ccnd1 and that knockdown of STAT3, Fos, and Ccnd1 results in renewal of SSCs. This study thus provides novel insights into molecular mechanisms regulating renewal and differentiation of SSCs and may have important implications for regulating male reproduction. Show less

To identify the genetic cause for a Chinese Han family affected with hereditary multiple osteochondromas. Two patients, five unaffected relatives of the family and 100 unrelated healthy controls were collected. The coding sequences and intron/exon boundaries of EXT1 gene were amplified with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequenced. A heterozygous c.600G>A (p.Trp200X) mutation in exon 1 of the EXT1 gene was detected in the patients. The same mutation was not found in unaffected family members and 100 healthy controls. The hereditary multiple osteochondromas in the family is caused by a nonsense mutation (p.Trp200X) in the EXT1 gene. Show less

The purpose of this study is to analyze the relationship between the polymorphisms of fatty acid desaturase 1 (FADS1), fatty acid desaturase 2 (FADS2), and elongation of very long-chain fatty acids-like 2 (ELOVL2) and acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in Chinese Han population. Therefore, we selected three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from these candidate genes and genotyped them using PCR-based restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis in 249 ACS patients and 240 non-ACS subjects, as were Han Chinese ancestry. The results showed that rs174556 in the FADS1 gene is found to be in allelic association (P = 0.003 ) and genotypic association (P = 0.036) with ACS. The frequencies of rs174556 minor allele (T) in case group were obviously higher than in control group. The trans-phase gene-gene interaction analysis showed that the combined genotype of rs174556 (T/T) and rs3756963 (T/T) was associated with ACS (P = 0.031). And the results suggest that, for rs174556 C>T, the CT/TT genotypes were more likely to lead in ACS in subjects with hypertension after correction of all risk factors (OR = 4.236, 95% CI, 2.216-7.126). These findings suggest that the polymorphisms of rs174556 in the FADS1 gene are very likely to be associated with ACS in Chinese Han population, especially in subjects with hypertension. Show less

Microvascular rarefaction increases vascular resistance and pressure in systemic arteries and is a hallmark of fixed essential hypertension. Preventing rarefaction by activation of angiogenic processes could lower blood pressure. Endothelial tip cells in angiogenic sprouts direct branching of microvascular networks; the process is regulated by microRNAs, particularly the miR-30 family. We investigated the contribution of miR-30 family members in arteriolar branching morphogenesis via delta-like 4 (Dll4)-Notch signaling in a zebrafish model. The miR-30 family consists of 5 members (miR-30a-e). Loss-of-function experiments showed that only miR-30a reduced growth of intersegmental arterioles involving impaired tip cell function. Overexpression of miR-30a stimulated tip cell behavior resulting in augmented branching of intersegmental arterioles. In vitro and in vivo reporter assays showed that miR-30a directly targets the Notch ligand Dll4, a key inhibitor of tip cell formation. Coadministration of a Dll4 targeting morpholino in miR-30a morphants rescued the branching defects. Conversely, conditional overexpression of Notch intracellular domain restored arteriolar branching in miR-30a gain-of-function embryos. In human endothelial cells, loss of miR-30a increased DLL4 protein levels, activated Notch signaling as indicated in Notch reporter assays, and augmented Notch downstream effector, HEY2 and EFNB2 (ephrin-B2), expression. In spheroid assays, miR-30a loss- and gain-of-function affected tip cell behavior, consistent with miR-30a targeting Dll4. Our data suggest that miR-30a stimulates arteriolar branching by downregulating endothelial Dll4 expression, thereby controlling endothelial tip cell behavior. These findings could have relevance to the rarefaction process and, therefore, to hypertension. Show less

Human complex metabolic traits are in part regulated by genetic determinants. Here we applied exome sequencing to identify novel associations of coding polymorphisms at minor allele frequencies (MAFs) >1% with common metabolic phenotypes. The study comprised three stages. We performed medium-depth (8×) whole exome sequencing in 1,000 cases with type 2 diabetes, BMI >27.5 kg/m(2) and hypertension and in 1,000 controls (stage 1). We selected 16,192 polymorphisms nominally associated (p < 0.05) with case-control status, from four selected annotation categories or from loci reported to associate with metabolic traits. These variants were genotyped in 15,989 Danes to search for association with 12 metabolic phenotypes (stage 2). In stage 3, polymorphisms showing potential associations were genotyped in a further 63,896 Europeans. Exome sequencing identified 70,182 polymorphisms with MAF >1%. In stage 2 we identified 51 potential associations with one or more of eight metabolic phenotypes covered by 45 unique polymorphisms. In meta-analyses of stage 2 and stage 3 results, we demonstrated robust associations for coding polymorphisms in CD300LG (fasting HDL-cholesterol: MAF 3.5%, p = 8.5 × 10(-14)), COBLL1 (type 2 diabetes: MAF 12.5%, OR 0.88, p = 1.2 × 10(-11)) and MACF1 (type 2 diabetes: MAF 23.4%, OR 1.10, p = 8.2 × 10(-10)). We applied exome sequencing as a basis for finding genetic determinants of metabolic traits and show the existence of low-frequency and common coding polymorphisms with impact on common metabolic traits. Based on our study, coding polymorphisms with MAF above 1% do not seem to have particularly high effect sizes on the measured metabolic traits. Show less

We aimed to investigate the effects of LXRα, ChREBP and Elovl6 in the development of insulin resistance-induced by medium- and long-chain fatty acids. Sprague Dawley rats were fed a standard chow diet (Control group) or a high-fat, high sucrose diet with different fat sources (coconut oil, lard, sunflower and fish oil) for 8 weeks. These oils were rich in medium-chain saturated fatty acids (MCFA group), long-chain saturated fatty acids (LCFA group), n-6 and n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-6 PUFA and n-3 PUFA groups), respectively, which had different chain lengths and degrees of unsaturation. Hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp with [6-(3)H] glucose infusion was performed in conscious rats to assess hepatic insulin sensitivity. LCFA and n-6 PUFA groups induced hepatic insulin resistance and increased liver X receptor α (LXRα), carbohydrate response element binding protein (ChREBP) and long-chain fatty acid elongase 6 (Elovl6) expression in liver and white adipose tissue (WAT). Furthermore, LCFA and n-6 PUFA groups suppressed Akt serine 473 phosphorylation in liver and WAT. By contrast, in liver and WAT, MCFA and n-3 PUFA groups decreased LXRα, ChREBP and Elovl6 expression and improved insulin signaling and insulin resistance, but Akt serine 473 phosphorylation was not restored by MCFA group in WAT. This study demonstrated that the mechanism of the different effects of medium- and long-chain fatty acids on hepatic insulin resistance involves LXRα, ChREBP and Elovl6 alternations in liver and WAT. It points to a new strategy for ameliorating insulin resistance and diabetes through intervention on Elovl6 or its control genes. Show less