Micro-RNAs regulate multiple biological behaviors of cancers, making them potential targets of new cancer therapies. MiR-1181 has been demonstrated to perform oncogenic or tumor-suppressing function i Show more
Micro-RNAs regulate multiple biological behaviors of cancers, making them potential targets of new cancer therapies. MiR-1181 has been demonstrated to perform oncogenic or tumor-suppressing function in a tissue-dependent way, but its role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was unclear. Here, we showed that miR-1181 was significantly overexpressed in HCC tissues when compared with tumor-adjacent normal ones or normal liver tissues from donated organ, and that inhibition of miR-1181 could repress the growth of HCC cells. Through bioinformatics analysis and luciferase reporter assays, we found that axis inhibition protein 1 (AXIN1) was a direct target of miR-1181, and the expression of AXIN1 showed a negative correlation with that of miR-1181 in HCC. Therefore, these data indicated an oncogenic function of miRNA-1181 in the development of HCC and a potential target for the clinical treatment of HCC. Show less
Severe hypertriglyceridemia (SHTG, TG ≥5·65 mmol/L), a disease, usually resulting from a combination of genetic and environmental factors, may increase the risk of acute pancreatitis (AP). However, pr Show more
Severe hypertriglyceridemia (SHTG, TG ≥5·65 mmol/L), a disease, usually resulting from a combination of genetic and environmental factors, may increase the risk of acute pancreatitis (AP). However, previous genetic analysis has been limited by lacking of related observation of gene to AP. The expanding genetic sequencing including 15 TG-related genes (LPL, LMF1, APOC2, GPIHBP1, GCKR, ANGPTL3, APOB, APOA1-A4-C3-A5, TRIB1, CETP, APOE, and LIPI) was performed within 103 patients who were diagnosed with primary SHTG and 46 age- and sex-matched normal controls. Rare variants were found in 46 patients and 12 controls. The detection rate of rare variants in SHTG group increased by 19·5% via intensive genetic analysis. Presence of rare variants in LPL, APOA5, five LPL molecular regulating genes and all the sequenced genes were found to be associated with SHTG (p < 0·05). Of noted, patients with history of AP presented higher frequency of rare variants in LPL gene and all the LPL molecular regulating genes (27·8% vs.4·7% and 50·0% vs. 20·0%). The risk scores for SHTG determined by common TG-associated variants were increased in subgroups according to the extent of SHTG when they were compared with that of controls. Finally, patients without rare variants within SHTG group also presented higher risk scores than control group (p < 0·05). Expanding genetic analysis had a higher detection rate of rare variants in patients with SHTG. Rare variants in LPL and its molecular regulating genes could increase the risk of AP among Chinese patients with SHTG. FUND: This work was partially supported by the Capital Health Development Fund (201614035) and CAMS. Major Collaborative Innovation Project (2016-I2M-1-011) awarded to Dr. Jian-Jun Li, MD, PhD. 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
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a highly prevalent mental disorder affecting millions of people worldwide. However, a clear causative etiology of MDD remains unknown. In this study, we aimed to ide Show more
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a highly prevalent mental disorder affecting millions of people worldwide. However, a clear causative etiology of MDD remains unknown. In this study, we aimed to identify critical protein alterations in plasma from patients with MDD and integrate our proteomics and previous metabolomics data to reveal significantly perturbed pathways in MDD. An isobaric tag for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ)-based quantitative proteomics approach was conducted to compare plasma protein expression between patients with depression and healthy controls (CON). For integrative analysis, Ingenuity Pathway Analysis software was used to analyze proteomics and metabolomics data and identify potential relationships among the differential proteins and metabolites. A total of 74 proteins were significantly changed in patients with depression compared with those in healthy CON. Bioinformatics analysis of differential proteins revealed significant alterations in lipid transport and metabolic function, including apolipoproteins (APOE, APOC4 and APOA5), and the serine protease inhibitor. According to canonical pathway analysis, the top five statistically significant pathways were related to lipid transport, inflammation and immunity. Causal network analysis by integrating differential proteins and metabolites suggested that the disturbance of phospholipid metabolism might promote the inflammation in the central nervous system. 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
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
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a devastating neurodegenerative disease with limited treatment options and no cure. Beta-amyloid (Aβ) is a hallmark of AD that has potent neurotoxicity in neural stem cells Show more
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a devastating neurodegenerative disease with limited treatment options and no cure. Beta-amyloid (Aβ) is a hallmark of AD that has potent neurotoxicity in neural stem cells (NSCs). Dual specificity phosphatase 6 (DUSP6) is a member of the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), which is involved in regulating various physiological and pathological processes. Whether DUSP6 has a protective effect on Aβ-induced NSC injury remains to be explored. C17.2 neural stem cells were transfected with DUSP6-overexpressed plasmid. NSCs with or without DUSP6 overexpression were administrated with Aβ25⁻35 at various concentrations (i.e., 0, 2.5, 5 μM). DUSP6 expression after Aβ treatment was detected by Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot and cell vitality was examined by the CCK8 assay. The oxidative stress (intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA)), endoplasmic reticulum stress (ER calcium level) and mitochondrial dysfunction (cytochrome c homeostasis) were tested. The expression of Show less
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
Effects of shear stress on endotheliaxl differentiation of stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHEDs) were investigated. SHEDs were treated with shear stress, then reverse transcription- Show more
Effects of shear stress on endotheliaxl differentiation of stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHEDs) were investigated. SHEDs were treated with shear stress, then reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was performed to analyse the mRNA expression of arterial markers and western blot analysis was performed to analyse protein expression of angiogenic markers. Additionally, in vitro matrigel angiogenesis assay was performed to evaluate vascular-like structure formation. The secreted protein expression levels of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) of SHEDs after shear stress was also quantified using corresponding ELISA kits. Untreated SHEDs seeded on Matrigel cannot form vessel-like structures at any time points, whereas groups treated with shear stress formed a few vessel-like structures at 4, 8 and 12 h. When SHEDs were treated with EphrinB2-siRNA for 24, the capability of vessel-like structure formation was suppressed. After being treated with shear stress, the expression of VEGF, VEGFR2, DLL4, Notch1, EphrinB2, Hey1 and Hey2 (arterial markers) gene expression was significantly upregulated, moreover, the protein levels of VEGFR2, EphrinB2, CD31, Notch1, DLL4, Hey1, and Hey2 were also significantly up-regulated. Both the mRNA and protein expression levels of EphB4 (venous marker) were downregulated. The average VEGF protein concentration in supernatants secreted by shear stress treated SHEDs groups increased significantly. In conclusion, shear stress was able to induce arterial endothelial differentiation of stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth, and VEGF-DLL4/Notch‑EphrinB2 signaling was involved in this process. Show less
Single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) and RNA regions that include at least four closely spaced runs of three or more consecutive guanosines strongly tend to fold into stable G-quadruplexes (G4s). G4s play key Show more
Single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) and RNA regions that include at least four closely spaced runs of three or more consecutive guanosines strongly tend to fold into stable G-quadruplexes (G4s). G4s play key roles as DNA regulatory sites and as kinetic traps that can inhibit biological processes, but how G4s are regulated in cells remains largely unknown. Here, we developed a kinetic framework for G4 disruption by DEAH-box helicase 36 (DHX36), the dominant G4 resolvase in human cells. Using tetramolecular DNA and RNA G4s with four to six G-quartets, we found that DHX36-mediated disruption is highly efficient, with rates that depend on G4 length under saturating conditions ( Show less
The phytohormone gibberellin (GA) plays essential roles in plant growth and development. Here, we report that OsINO80, a conserved ATP-dependent chromatin-remodeling factor in rice (Oryza sativa), fun Show more
The phytohormone gibberellin (GA) plays essential roles in plant growth and development. Here, we report that OsINO80, a conserved ATP-dependent chromatin-remodeling factor in rice (Oryza sativa), functions in both GA biosynthesis and diverse biological processes. OsINO80-knockdown mutants, derived from either T-DNA insertion or RNA interference, display typical GA-deficient phenotypes, including dwarfism, reduced cell length, late flowering, retarded seed germination and impaired reproductive development. Consistently, transcriptome analyses reveal that OsINO80 knockdown results in downregulation by more than two-fold of over 1,000 genes, including the GA biosynthesis genes CPS1 and GA3ox2, and the dwarf phenotype of OsINO80-knockdown mutants can be rescued by the application of exogenous GA3. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) experiments show that OsINO80 directly binds to the chromatin of CPS1 and GA3ox2 loci. Biochemical assays establish that OsINO80 specially interacts with histone variant H2A.Z and the H2A.Z enrichments at CPS1 and GA3ox2 are decreased in OsINO80-knockdown mutants. Thus, our study identified a rice chromatin-remodeling factor, OsINO80, and demonstrated that OsINO80 is involved in regulation of the GA biosynthesis pathway and plays critical functions for many aspects of rice plant growth and development. 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
This study was design to investigate preventive function of Tongxinluo (TXL) capsule on micro vascular function and endothelial survival in rats model of intestine ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. W Show more
This study was design to investigate preventive function of Tongxinluo (TXL) capsule on micro vascular function and endothelial survival in rats model of intestine ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. We randomly divided fifty male Sprague-Dawley rats into Sham group, I/R group, TXL0.4+I/R group, TXL0.8+I/R group, TXL1.6+I/R group (10 rats each). Rat intestine I/R injury was carried out using a model of acute superior mesenteric artery occlusion with 30 min ischemia followed by 60 min reperfusion. The distribution of endothelial apoptosis in intestine was determined by CD31+TUNEL immunofluorescent double staining analysis. VE-Cadherin, ANGPTL4, HMGB1 and NF-κB were determined by immunohistochemical analysis. I/R induced massively endothelial cell apoptosis, accompanied with reduced expression of adherens junction protein VE-Cadherin and up regulation of inflammatory mediator HMGB1 and NF-κB. TXL pretreatment groups (TXL0.4+I/R, TXL0.8+I/R and TXL1.6+I/R group) significantly attenuated endothelial cell apoptosis with a dose-dependent effect. TXL pretreatment could maintain the expression of VE-Cadherin and promote the expression of ANGPTL4 which help to maintain endothelial integrity. TXL pretreatment also exert great influence in inhibiting HMGB1 expression and NF-κB expression induced by I/R. It could be concluded from this study that micro vascular dysfunction and endothelial damage play a causal role in rat intestine I/R injury. TXL pretreatment could significantly prevent the I/R induced pathology of endothelial apoptosis, micro vascular integrity disruption and inflammatory reaction. Show less
Alzheimer disease (AD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder with distinct pathological features, with aging considered the greatest risk factor. We explored how aging contributes to increased AD ris Show more
Alzheimer disease (AD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder with distinct pathological features, with aging considered the greatest risk factor. We explored how aging contributes to increased AD risk, and determined concurrent and coordinate changes (including genetic and phenotypic modifications) commonly exhibited in both normal aging and AD. Using the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, we collected 1 healthy aging-related and 3 AD-related datasets of the hippocampal region. The normal aging dataset was divided into 3 age groups: young (20-40 years old), middle-aged (40-60 years old), and elderly (>60 years old). These datasets were used to analyze the differentially expressed genes (DEGs). The Gene Ontology (GO) terms, pathways, and function network analysis of these DEGs were analyzed. One thousand two hundred ninety-one DEGs were found to be shared in the natural aging groups and AD patients. Among the shared DEGs, ATP6V1E1, GNG3, NDUFV2, GOT1, USP14, and NAV2 have been previously found in both normal aging individuals and AD patients. Furthermore, using Java Enrichment of Pathways Extended to Topology (JEPETTO) analysis based on Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) database, we determined that changes in aging-related KEGG annotations may contribute to the aging-dependence of AD risk. Interestingly, NRXN3, the second most commonly deregulated gene identified in the present study, is known to carry a mutation in AD patients. According to functional network analysis, NRXN3 plays a critical role in synaptic functions involved in the cognitive decline associated with normal aging and AD. Our results indicate that the low expression of aging-related NRXN3 may increase AD risk, though the potential mechanism requires further clarification. Show less
Hey2 gene mutations in both humans and mice have been associated with multiple cardiac defects. However, the currently reported localization of Hey2 in the ventricular compact zone cannot explain the Show more
Hey2 gene mutations in both humans and mice have been associated with multiple cardiac defects. However, the currently reported localization of Hey2 in the ventricular compact zone cannot explain the wide variety of cardiac defects. Furthermore, it was reported that, in contrast to other organs, Notch doesn't regulate Hey2 in the heart. To determine the expression pattern and the regulation of Hey2, we used novel methods including RNAscope and a Hey2 Show less
Cholecystokinin (CCK) and apolipoprotein A-IV (ApoA-IV) are gastrointestinal peptides that play an important role in controlling energy homeostasis. Lymphatic ApoA-IV and plasma CCK secretion are medi Show more
Cholecystokinin (CCK) and apolipoprotein A-IV (ApoA-IV) are gastrointestinal peptides that play an important role in controlling energy homeostasis. Lymphatic ApoA-IV and plasma CCK secretion are mediated via a chylomicron formation-dependent pathway during a dietary lipid infusion. Given their similar roles as satiating proteins, the present study examines how the two peptides interact in their function. Specifically, this study sought to understand how ApoA-IV regulates CCK secretion. For this purpose, Cck gene expression in the small intestines of ApoA-IV knockout (ApoA-IV-KO) and wild-type (WT) mice were compared under an array of feeding conditions. When fed with a chow or high-fat diet (HFD), basal levels of Cck transcripts were significantly reduced in the duodenum of ApoA-IV-KO mice compared to WT mice. Furthermore, after an oral gavage of a lipid mixture, Cck gene expression in the duodenum was significantly reduced in ApoA-IV-KO mice relative to the change seen in WT mice. To determine the mechanism by which ApoA-IV modulates Cck gene expression, STC-1 cells were transfected with predesigned mouse lysophosphatidic acid receptor 5 (LPAR5) small interfering RNA (siRNA) to knockdown Lpar5 gene expression. In this in-vitro study, mouse recombinant ApoA-IV protein increased Cck gene expression in enteroendocrine STC-1 cells and stimulated CCK release from the STC-1 cells. However, the levels of CCK protein and Cck expression were attenuated when Lpar5 was knocked down in the STC-1 cells. Together these observations suggest that dietary lipid-induced ApoA-IV is associated with Cck synthesis in the duodenum and that ApoA-IV protein directly enhances CCK release through the activation of a LPAR5-dependent pathway. 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
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
Fatty liver is a widespread disease in chickens that causes a decrease in egg production and even death. The characteristics of the inherited phenotype of acquired fatty liver and the molecular mechan Show more
Fatty liver is a widespread disease in chickens that causes a decrease in egg production and even death. The characteristics of the inherited phenotype of acquired fatty liver and the molecular mechanisms underlying it, however, are largely unknown. In the current study, fatty liver was induced in 3 breeds by a high-fat (HF) diet and a methionine choline-deficient (MCD) diet. The results showed that the dwarf Jingxing-Huang (JXH) chicken was more susceptible to fatty liver compared with the layer White Leghorns (WL) and local Beijing-You (BJY) breeds. In addition, it was found that the paternal fatty livers induced by HF diet in JXH chickens were inherited. Compared to birds without fatty liver in the control group, both offsprings and their sires with fatty livers in the paternal group exhibited altered hepatic gene expression profiles, including upregulation of several key genes involved in fatty acid metabolism, lipid metabolism and glucose metabolism ( 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
Our previous study showed that catechin controlled rats' body weights and changed gut microbiota composition when supplemented into a high-fructo-oligosaccharide (FOS) diet. This experiment is devised Show more
Our previous study showed that catechin controlled rats' body weights and changed gut microbiota composition when supplemented into a high-fructo-oligosaccharide (FOS) diet. This experiment is devised to further confirm the relationship between specific bacteria in the colon and body weight gain, and to investigate how specific bacteria impact body weight by changing the expression of colonic epithelial cells. Forty obese rats were divided into four groups: three catechin-supplemented groups with a high-FOS diet (100, 400, and 700 mg kg-1 d-1 catechin, orally administered) and one group with a high-FOS diet only. Food consumption and body weights were recorded each week. After one month of treatment, rats' cecal content and colonic epithelial cells were individually collected and analyzed with MiSeq and gene expression profiling techniques, respectively. Results identified some specific bacteria at the genus level-including the increased Parabacteroides sp., Prevotella sp., Robinsoniella sp., [Ruminococcus], Phascolarctobacterium sp. and an unknown genus of YS2, and the decreased Lachnospira sp., Oscillospira sp., Ruminococcus sp., an unknown genus of Peptococcaceae and an unknown genus of Clostridiales in rats' cecum-and eight genes-including one downregulated Pla2g2a and seven upregulated genes: Apoa1, Apoa4, Aabr07073400.1, Fabp4, Pik3r5, Dgat2 and Ptgs2 of colonic epithelial cells-that were due to the consumption of catechin. Consequently, various biological functions in connection with energy metabolism in colonic epithelial cells were altered, including fat digestion and absorption and the regulation of lipolysis in adipocytes. In conclusion, catechin induces host weight loss by altering gut microbiota and gene expression and function in colonic epithelial cells. 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
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) act as transmembrane molecular sensors of neurotransmitters, hormones, nutrients, and metabolites. Because unmyelinated vagal afferents richly innervate the gastroi Show more
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) act as transmembrane molecular sensors of neurotransmitters, hormones, nutrients, and metabolites. Because unmyelinated vagal afferents richly innervate the gastrointestinal mucosa, gut-derived molecules may directly modulate the activity of vagal afferents through GPCRs. However, the types of GPCRs expressed in vagal afferents are largely unknown. Here, we determined the expression profile of all GPCRs expressed in vagal afferents of the mouse, with a special emphasis on those innervating the gastrointestinal tract. Using a combination of high-throughput quantitative PCR, RNA sequencing, and in situ hybridization, we systematically quantified GPCRs expressed in vagal unmyelinated Na GPCRs for gut hormones that were the most enriched in Na Overall, this study provides a comprehensive description of GPCR-dependent sensing mechanisms in vagal afferents, including novel coexpression patterns, and conceivably coaction of key receptors for gut-derived molecules involved in gut-brain communication. 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
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 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) 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
Human amniotic epithelial stem cells (HuAECs) exhibit pluripotent characteristics, which are similar to those of embryonic stem cells, and can differentiate into various adult tissues and cells throug Show more
Human amniotic epithelial stem cells (HuAECs) exhibit pluripotent characteristics, which are similar to those of embryonic stem cells, and can differentiate into various adult tissues and cells through directed induction. However, in culture, HuAECs tend to lose their pluripotency, and their directed differentiation capability declines with increasing passage number. The stem cell pluripotency factor octamer‑binding protein 4 (Oct4) is an important transcription factor that promotes stem cell self‑proliferation and maintains their pluripotency. Previous studies have demonstrated that WW domain containing E3 ubiquitin protein ligase 2 (WWP2) negatively regulates Oct4 expression and stem cell pluripotency. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the regulation of WWP2 by microRNAs (miRs), and to evaluate the expression of the downstream factor Oct4 and the maintenance of HuAEC pluripotency. Bioinformatics analysis identified a complementary binding site for miR‑32 in the 3'untranslated region of the WWP2 gene, thus suggesting that it may be a target gene of miR‑32. Post‑infection of HuAECs with a vector overexpressing miR‑32, the endogenous expression of WWP2 was significantly decreased, whereas Oct4 expression was significantly increased. Furthermore, miR‑32‑infected cells differentiated into β islet‑like cells by directed induction. The results indicated that after induction, HuAECs overexpressing miR‑32 also overexpressed the biomarkers of β islet‑like cells. In addition, the ability to secrete insulin was markedly enhanced in response to glucose stimulation, in cells overexpressing miR‑32. In conclusion, the present study suggested that miR‑32 may effectively inhibit WWP2 expression in HuAECs and promote Oct4 overexpression to maintain their pluripotency. Show less