Recent genome-wide association studies have identified several loci influencing lipid levels. The present study focused on the triglycerides (TG)-associated locus, the APOA4-APOA5-ZNF259-BUD13 gene cl Show more
Recent genome-wide association studies have identified several loci influencing lipid levels. The present study focused on the triglycerides (TG)-associated locus, the APOA4-APOA5-ZNF259-BUD13 gene cluster on chromosome 11, to explore the role of genetic variants in this gene cluster in the development of increasing TG levels and coronary heart disease (CHD). Six single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), rs4417316, rs651821, rs6589566, rs7396835, rs964184 and rs17119975, in the APOA4-APOA5-ZNF259-BUD13 gene cluster were selected and genotyped in 5374 healthy Chinese subjects. There were strong significant associations between the six SNPs and TG levels (P < 1.0 × 10(-8)). Moreover, a weighted genotype score was found to be associated with TG levels (P = 3.28 × 10(-13)). The frequencies of three common haplotypes were observed to be significantly different between the high TG group and the low TG group (P < 0.05). However, no significant effects were found for the SNPs regarding susceptibility to CHD in the Chinese case-control populations. This study highlights the genotypes, genotype scores and haplotypes of the APOA4-APOA5-ZNF259-BUD13 gene cluster that were associated with TG levels in a Chinese population; however, the genetic variants in this gene cluster did not increase the risk of CHD in the Chinese population. Show less
To evaluate whether the Chinese Han population harbors genetic markers associated with risk of acute myocardial infarction (MI), which have previously been identified in other ethnic populations. Acco Show more
To evaluate whether the Chinese Han population harbors genetic markers associated with risk of acute myocardial infarction (MI), which have previously been identified in other ethnic populations. According to predefined criteria, 549 Chinese patients with acute MI and 551 Chinese subjects (controls) without a history of coronary artery disease (CAD) were selected for the study. Three prevalent single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs; rs1412444(LIPA), rs662799(APOA5) and rs964184(ZNF259)) associated with CAD and MI in other ethnic populations, were selected for sequence and association analyses within blood DNA of the Chinese Han population. Only two SNPs, rs662799 (APOA5) and rs964184 (ZNF259) found at two independent loci, were associated with risk of MI in the Chinese Han population. Using Bonferroni correction methods, significant differences in the association of these two SNPs (rs662799 (p = 0.0228) and rs964184 (p = 0.0060)) between Chinese patients with MI versus controls were revealed. We identified a significant association between two SNPs (rs964184 and rs662799) on chromosome 11q23.3 and MI risk in the Chinese Han population, which extends their clinical relevance to predicting the risk of MI in diverse ethnic populations. Show less
Overexpression of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) in human cancer contributes to tumor metastasis, but the role of 5-HT receptor family in cancer has not been thoroughly explored. Here, we report overexpre Show more
Overexpression of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) in human cancer contributes to tumor metastasis, but the role of 5-HT receptor family in cancer has not been thoroughly explored. Here, we report overexpression of 5-HT(1D) receptor (5-HT(1D)R) was associated with Wnt signaling pathway and advanced tumor stage. The underlying mechanism of 5-HT(1D)R-promoted tumor invasion was through its activation on the Axin1/β-catenin/MMP-7 pathway. In an orthotopic colorectal cancer mouse model, we demonstrated that a 5-HT(1D)R antagonist (GR127935) effectively inhibited tumor metastasis through targeting Axin1. Furthermore, in intestinal epithelium cells, we observed that 5-HT(1D)R played an important role in cell invasion via Axin1/β-catenin/MMP-7 pathway. Together, our findings reveal an essential role of the physiologic level of 5-HT(1D)R in pulmonary metastasis of colorectal cancer. Show less
MYBPC3 dysfunctions have been proven to induce dilated cardiomyopathy, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and/or left ventricular noncompaction; however, the genotype-phenotype correlation between MYBPC3 an Show more
MYBPC3 dysfunctions have been proven to induce dilated cardiomyopathy, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and/or left ventricular noncompaction; however, the genotype-phenotype correlation between MYBPC3 and restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM) has not been established. The newly developed next-generation sequencing method is capable of broad genomic DNA sequencing with high throughput and can help explore novel correlations between genetic variants and cardiomyopathies. A proband from a multigenerational family with 3 live patients and 1 unrelated patient with clinical diagnoses of RCM underwent a next-generation sequencing workflow based on a custom AmpliSeq panel, including 64 candidate pathogenic genes for cardiomyopathies, on the Ion Personal Genome Machine high-throughput sequencing benchtop instrument. The selected panel contained a total of 64 genes that were reportedly associated with inherited cardiomyopathies. All patients fulfilled strict criteria for RCM with clinical characteristics, echocardiography, and/or cardiac magnetic resonance findings. The multigenerational family with 3 adult RCM patients carried an identical nonsense MYBPC3 mutation, and the unrelated patient carried a missense mutation in the MYBPC3 gene. All of these results were confirmed by the Sanger sequencing method. This study demonstrated that MYBPC3 gene mutations, revealed by next-generation sequencing, were associated with familial and sporadic RCM patients. It is suggested that the next-generation sequencing platform with a selected panel provides a highly efficient approach for molecular diagnosis of hereditary and idiopathic RCM and helps build new genotype-phenotype correlations. 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 Show more
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
Glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) is a gut hormone secreted in response to dietary fat and glucose. The blood GIP level is elevated in obesity and diabetes. GIP stimulates proinflamma Show more
Glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) is a gut hormone secreted in response to dietary fat and glucose. The blood GIP level is elevated in obesity and diabetes. GIP stimulates proinflammatory gene expression and impairs insulin sensitivity in cultured adipocytes. In obesity, hypoxia within adipose tissue can induce inflammation. The aims of this study were 1) to examine the proinflammatory effect of increased GIP signaling in adipose tissues in vivo and 2) to clarify the association between GIP and hypoxic signaling in adipose tissue inflammation. We administered GIP intraperitoneally to misty (lean) and db/db (obese) mice and examined adipose tissue inflammation and insulin sensitivity. We also examined the effects of GIP and hypoxia on expression of the GIP receptor (GIPR) gene and proinflammatory genes in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. GIP administration increased monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) expression and macrophage infiltration into adipose tissue and increased blood glucose in db/db mice. GIPR and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) expressions were positively correlated in the adipose tissue in mice. GIPR expression increased dramatically in differentiated adipocytes. GIP treatment of adipocytes increased MCP-1 and interleukin-6 (IL-6) production. Adipocytes cultured either with RAW 264 macrophages or under hypoxia expressed more GIPR and HIF-1α, and GIP treatment increased gene expression of plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 and IL-6. HIF-1α gene silencing diminished both macrophage- and hypoxia-induced GIPR expression and GIP-induced IL-6 expression in adipocytes. Thus, increased GIP signaling plays a significant role in adipose tissue inflammation and thereby insulin resistance in obese mice, and HIF-1α may contribute to this process. Show less
Hereditary multiple osteochondromas (HMO) is an autosomal dominant bone disorder characterised by the presence of multiple benign cartilage-capped tumours. Exostosin-1 (EXT1) and EXT2 are the major mo Show more
Hereditary multiple osteochondromas (HMO) is an autosomal dominant bone disorder characterised by the presence of multiple benign cartilage-capped tumours. Exostosin-1 (EXT1) and EXT2 are the major morbigenous genes associated with HMO, mutations in which are responsible for 90% of all HMO cases. In patients with HMO, osteochondromas arise adjacent to the metaphysis and typically remain in the metaphyseal region of the long bones. Therefore, it is rare for osteochondromas to be identified intra-articularly, although they may manifest as loose bodies. The present study describes a rare case of HMO manifesting as limited flexing range in the right knee joint of a 27-year-old male patient. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed three intra-articular osteochondromas located in the intercondylar fossa of the patient's right knee. The intra-articular osteochondromas and protuberant extra-articular osteochondromas around the right knee were resected, resulting in improved right knee function and no postoperative recurrence. Pathological analysis revealed that the intra-articular osteochondromas had a thinner cartilage cap layer than the extra-articular osteochondromas. In addition, genetic analysis of the patient and the patient's mother was conducted. From this, it was determined that a nonsense mutation, c.115G>T (p.E39X) in exon 1 of the EXT1 gene, was the cause of HMO in this case. Thus, it is proposed that osteochondromas with a pedicle within the knee, may tear and become loose intra-articular bodies, resulting in limited joint function and thereby contributing to the progression of HMO. Show less
Smooth muscle 22α (SM22α) is involved in stress fiber formation and enhances contractility in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). In many cases, SM22α acts as an adapter protein to assemble signalin Show more
Smooth muscle 22α (SM22α) is involved in stress fiber formation and enhances contractility in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). In many cases, SM22α acts as an adapter protein to assemble signaling complexes and regulate signaling, but whether SM22α regulates contractile signaling induced by angiotensin II (AngII) remains unclear. To address this issue, we established a hypertension model of Sm22α(-/-) mice, and demonstrated that hypertension induced by AngII was attenuated in Sm22α(-/-) mice. A decreased vasoconstriction was observed in aortic rings from Sm22α(-/-) mice. Furthermore, loss of SM22α resulted in a reduced contractile response to AngII in VSMCs in vitro. The phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) induced by AngII was impaired following depletion of SM22α, in parallel with a reduced contractility. The decay of ERK1/2 activity was associated with increased expression of mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase 3 (MKP3). Inhibition of MKP3 activity rescued ERK1/2 activity. SM22α depletion caused an enhanced interaction of MKP3 with ERK1/2, and a reduced ubiquitination and degradation of MKP3. Knockdown of SM22α extended the half-life of MKP3. In conclusion, SM22α promotes AngII-induced contraction by maintenance of ERK1/2 signaling cascades through facilitating ubiquitination and degradation of MKP3. The vasoconstriction is attenuated in aortic rings from Sm22α(-/-) mice. MKP3 mediates dephosphorylation of ERK1/2 in AngII-induced VSMC contraction. SM22α inhibits the interaction of ERK1/2 with MKP3. SM22α promotes ubiquitination and degradation of MKP3. SM22α facilitates AngII-induced contraction by maintenance of ERK1/2 signaling. Show less
Human papillomavirus (HPV) integration is a key genetic event in cervical carcinogenesis. By conducting whole-genome sequencing and high-throughput viral integration detection, we identified 3,667 HPV Show more
Human papillomavirus (HPV) integration is a key genetic event in cervical carcinogenesis. By conducting whole-genome sequencing and high-throughput viral integration detection, we identified 3,667 HPV integration breakpoints in 26 cervical intraepithelial neoplasias, 104 cervical carcinomas and five cell lines. Beyond recalculating frequencies for the previously reported frequent integration sites POU5F1B (9.7%), FHIT (8.7%), KLF12 (7.8%), KLF5 (6.8%), LRP1B (5.8%) and LEPREL1 (4.9%), we discovered new hot spots HMGA2 (7.8%), DLG2 (4.9%) and SEMA3D (4.9%). Protein expression from FHIT and LRP1B was downregulated when HPV integrated in their introns. Protein expression from MYC and HMGA2 was elevated when HPV integrated into flanking regions. Moreover, microhomologous sequence between the human and HPV genomes was significantly enriched near integration breakpoints, indicating that fusion between viral and human DNA may have occurred by microhomology-mediated DNA repair pathways. Our data provide insights into HPV integration-driven cervical carcinogenesis. Show less
To comprehensively understand the underlying molecular events accounting for aberrant Wnt signaling activation in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study was retrospective. The HCC tissue specimens Show more
To comprehensively understand the underlying molecular events accounting for aberrant Wnt signaling activation in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study was retrospective. The HCC tissue specimens used in this research were obtained from patients who underwent liver surgery. The Catalogue of Somatic Mutations in Cancer (COSMIC) database was searched for the mutation statuses of CTNNB1, TP53, and protein degradation regulator genes of CTNNB1. Dual-luciferase reporter assay was performed with TOP/FOP reporters to detect whether TP53 gain-of-function (GOF) mutations could enhance the transcriptional activity of Wnt signaling. Methylation sensitive restriction enzyme-quantitative PCR was used to explore the methylation status of CpG islands located in the promoters of APC, SFRP1, and SFRP5 in HCCs with different risk factors. Finally, nested-reverse transcription PCR was performed to examine the integration of HBx in front of LINE1 element and the existence of HBx-LINE1 chimeric transcript in Hepatitis B virus-related HCC. All results in this article were analyzed with the software SPSS version 19.0 for Windows, and different groups were compared by χ(2) test as appropriate. Based on the data from COSMIC database, compared with other solid tumors, mutation frequency of CTNNB1 was significantly higher in HCC (P < 0.01). The rate of CTNNB1 mutation was significantly less frequent in Hepatitis B virus-related HCC than in other etiologies (P < 0.01). Dual-luciferase reporter system and TOP/FOP reporter assays confirmed that TP53 GOF mutants were able to enhance the transcriptional ability of Wnt signaling. An exclusive relationship between the status of TP53 and CTNNB1 mutations was observed. However, according to the COSMIC database, TP53 GOF mutation is rare in HCC, which indicates that TP53 GOF mutation is not a reason for the aberrant activation of Wnt signaling in HCC. APC and AXIN1 were mutated in HCC. By using methylation sensitive restriction enzyme-quantitative PCR, hypermethylation of APC was detected in HCC with different risk factors, whereas SFRP1 and SFRP5 were not hypermethylated in any of the HCC etiologies, which indicates that the mutation of APC and AXIN1, together with the methylation of APC could take part in the overactivation of Wnt signaling. Nested-reverse transcription PCR failed to detect the integration of HBx before the LINE1 element, or the existence of an HBx-LINE1 chimeric transcript, suggesting that integration could not play a role in the aberrant activation of Wnt signaling in HCC. In HCC, genetic/epigenetic aberration of CTNNB1 and its protein degradation regulators are the major cause of Wnt signaling overactivation. Show less
In the present study, we demonstrate that prolonged treatment by trastuzumab induced resistance of NCI-N87 gastric cancer cells to trastuzumab. The resistant cells possessed typical characteristics of Show more
In the present study, we demonstrate that prolonged treatment by trastuzumab induced resistance of NCI-N87 gastric cancer cells to trastuzumab. The resistant cells possessed typical characteristics of epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT)/cancer stem cells and acquired more invasive and metastatic potentials both in vitro and in vivo. Long term treatment with trastuzumab dramatically inhibited the phosphorylation of Akt, but triggered the activation of STAT3. The level of IL-6 was remarkably increased, implicating that the release of IL-6 that drives the STAT3 activation initiates the survival signaling transition. Furthermore, the Notch activities were significantly enhanced in the resistant cells, companied by upregulation of the Notch ligand Jagged-1 and the Notch responsive genes Hey1 and Hey2. Inhibiting the endogenous Notch pathway reduced the IL-6 expression and restored the sensitivities of the resistant cells to trastuzumab. Blocking of the STAT3 signaling abrogated IL-6-induced Jagged-1 expression, effectively inhibited the growth of the trastuzumab resistant cells, and enhanced the anti-tumor activities of trastuzumab in the resistant cells. These findings implicate that the IL-6/STAT3/Jagged-1/Notch axis may be a useful target and that combination of the Notch or STAT3 inhibitors with trastuzumab may prevent or delay clinical resistance and improve the efficacy of trastuzumab in gastric cancer. Show less
Understanding the consequences of tuning TCR signaling on selection, peripheral T cell function, and tolerance in the context of native TCR repertoires may provide insight into the physiological contr Show more
Understanding the consequences of tuning TCR signaling on selection, peripheral T cell function, and tolerance in the context of native TCR repertoires may provide insight into the physiological control of tolerance. In this study, we show that genetic ablation of a natural tuner of TCR signaling, mir-181a-1/b-1, in double-positive thymocytes dampened TCR and Erk signaling and increased the threshold of positive selection. Whereas mir-181a-1/b-1 deletion in mice resulted in an increase in the intrinsic reactivity of naive T cells to self-antigens, it did not cause spontaneous autoimmunity. Loss of mir-181a-1/b-1 dampened the induction of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis and reduced basal TCR signaling in peripheral T cells and their migration from lymph nodes to pathogenic sites. Taken together, these results demonstrate that tolerance can be modulated by microRNA gene products through the control of opposing activities in T cell selection and peripheral T cell function. Show less
FADS1 (fatty acid desaturase 1) plays a crucial role in fatty acid metabolism, and it was recently reported to be involved in tumorigenesis. However, the role of FADS1 expression in esophageal squamou Show more
FADS1 (fatty acid desaturase 1) plays a crucial role in fatty acid metabolism, and it was recently reported to be involved in tumorigenesis. However, the role of FADS1 expression in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remains unknown. In the current study, we investigated the expression and clinical pathologic and prognostic significance of FADS1 in ESCC. Immunohistochemical analyses revealed that 58.2% (146/251) of the ESCC tissues had low levels of FADS1 expression, whereas 41.8% (105/251) exhibited high levels of FADS1 expression. In positive cases, FADS1 expression was detected in the cytoplasm of cells. Correlation analyses demonstrated that FADS1 expression was significantly correlated with tumor location (p=0.025) but not with age, gender, histological grade, tumor status, nodal status or TNM staging. Furthermore, patients with tumors expressing high levels of FADS1had a longer disease-free survival time (p<0.001) and overall survival time (p<0.001). Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that, along with nodal status, FADS1 expression was an independent and significant predictive factor (p<0.001). In conclusion, our study suggested that FADS1 might be a valuable biomarker and potential therapeutic target for ESCC. Show less
Adjuvant chemotherapy (ACT) is used after surgery to prevent recurrence or metastases. However, ACT for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is still controversial. This study aimed to develop predictio Show more
Adjuvant chemotherapy (ACT) is used after surgery to prevent recurrence or metastases. However, ACT for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is still controversial. This study aimed to develop prediction models to distinguish who is suitable for ACT (ACT-benefit) and who should avoid ACT (ACT-futile) in NSCLC. We identified the ACT correlated gene signatures and performed several types of ANN algorithms to construct the optimal ANN architecture for ACT benefit classification. Reliability was assessed by cross-data set validation. We obtained 2 probes (2 genes) with T-stage clinical data combination can get good prediction result. These genes included 208893_s_at (DUSP6) and 204891_s_at (LCK). The 10-fold cross validation classification accuracy was 65.71%. The best result of ANN models is MLP14-8-2 with logistic activation function. Using gene signature profiles to predict ACT benefit in NSCLC is feasible. The key to this analysis was identifying the pertinent genes and classification. This study maybe helps reduce the ineffective medical practices to avoid the waste of medical resources. Show less
Ammonia detoxification is essential for physiological well-being, and the urea cycle in liver plays a predominant role in ammonia disposal. Nobiletin (NOB), a natural dietary flavonoid, is known to ex Show more
Ammonia detoxification is essential for physiological well-being, and the urea cycle in liver plays a predominant role in ammonia disposal. Nobiletin (NOB), a natural dietary flavonoid, is known to exhibit various physiological efficacies. In the current study, we investigated a potential role of NOB in ammonia control and the underlying cellular mechanism. C57BL/6 mice were fed with regular chow (RC), high-fat (HFD) or high-protein diet (HPD) and treated with either vehicle or NOB. Serum and/or urine levels of ammonia and urea were measured. Liver expression of genes encoding urea cycle enzymes and C/EBP transcription factors was determined over the circadian cycle. Luciferase reporter assays were carried out to investigate function of CCAAT consensus elements on the carbamoyl phosphate synthetase (Cps1) gene promoter. A circadian clock-deficient mouse mutant, Clock (Δ19/Δ19) , was utilized to examine a requisite role of the circadian clock in mediating NOB induction of Cps1. NOB was able to lower serum ammonia levels in mice fed with RC, HFD or HPD. Compared with RC, HFD repressed the mRNA and protein expression of Cps1, encoding the rate-limiting enzyme of the urea cycle. Interestingly, NOB rescued CPS1 protein levels under the HFD condition via induction of the transcription factors C/EBPα and C/EBPβ. Expression of other urea cycle genes was also decreased by HFD relative to RC and again restored by NOB to varying degrees, which, in conjunction with Cps1 promoter reporter analysis, suggested a C/EBP-dependent mechanism for the co-induction of urea cycle genes by NOB. In comparison, HPD markedly increased CPS1 levels relative to RC, yet NOB did not further enrich CPS1 to a significant extent. Using the circadian mouse mutant Clock (Δ19/Δ19) , we also showed that a functional circadian clock, known to modulate C/EBP and CPS1 expression, was required for NOB induction of CPS1 under the HFD condition. NOB, a dietary flavonoid, exhibits a broad activity in ammonia control across varying diets, and regulates urea cycle function via C/EBP-and clock-dependent regulatory mechanisms. Show less
Here, we investigated the role of LXRα in capsaicin mediated anti-inflammatory effects. Results revealed that capsaicin inhibits LPS-induced IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α production in a time- and dose-depend Show more
Here, we investigated the role of LXRα in capsaicin mediated anti-inflammatory effects. Results revealed that capsaicin inhibits LPS-induced IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α production in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Moreover, capsaicin increases LXRα expression through PPARγ pathway. Inhibition of LXRα activation by siRNA diminished the inhibitory action of capsaicin on LPS-induced IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α production. Additionally, LXRα siRNA abrogated the inhibitory action of capsaicin on p65 NF-κB protein expression. Thus, we propose that the anti-inflammatory effects of capsaicin are LXRα dependent, and LXRα may potentially link the capsaicin mediated PPARγ activation and NF-κB inhibition in LPS-induced inflammatory response. Show less
Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have identified disease-susceptibility loci, mostly in subjects of European descent. We hypothesized that by stud Show more
Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have identified disease-susceptibility loci, mostly in subjects of European descent. We hypothesized that by studying Hispanic populations we would be able to identify unique loci that contribute to COPD pathogenesis in Hispanics but remain undetected in GWAS of non-Hispanic populations. We conducted a metaanalysis of two GWAS of COPD in independent cohorts of Hispanics in Costa Rica and the United States (Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis [MESA]). We performed a replication study of the top single-nucleotide polymorphisms in an independent Hispanic cohort in New Mexico (the Lovelace Smokers Cohort). We also attempted to replicate prior findings from genome-wide studies in non-Hispanic populations in Hispanic cohorts. We found no genome-wide significant association with COPD in our metaanalysis of Costa Rica and MESA. After combining the top results from this metaanalysis with those from our replication study in the Lovelace Smokers Cohort, we identified two single-nucleotide polymorphisms approaching genome-wide significance for an association with COPD. The first (rs858249, combined P value = 6.1 × 10(-8)) is near the genes KLHL7 and NUPL2 on chromosome 7. The second (rs286499, combined P value = 8.4 × 10(-8)) is located in an intron of DLG2. The two most significant single-nucleotide polymorphisms in FAM13A from a previous genome-wide study in non-Hispanics were associated with COPD in Hispanics. We have identified two novel loci (in or near the genes KLHL7/NUPL2 and DLG2) that may play a role in COPD pathogenesis in Hispanic populations. Show less
Mammalian milk is a key source of lipids, providing not only important calories but also essential fatty acids. Veterinary medicine and omics systems sciences intersection, termed as "veterinomics" he Show more
Mammalian milk is a key source of lipids, providing not only important calories but also essential fatty acids. Veterinary medicine and omics systems sciences intersection, termed as "veterinomics" here, has received little attention to date but stands to offer much promise for building bridges between human and animal health. We determined the changes in porcine mammary genes and proteomics expression associated with milk triacylglycerol (TAG) synthesis and secretion from late pregnancy to lactation. TAG content and fatty acid (FA) composition were determined in porcine colostrum (the 1st day of lactation) and milk (the 17th day of lactation). The mammary transcriptome for 70 genes and 13 proteins involved in TAG synthesis and secretion from six sows, each at d -17(late pregnancy), d 1(early lactation), and d 17 (peak lactation) relative to parturition were analyzed using quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot analyses. The TAG content and the concentrations of de novo synthesized FAs, saturated FAs, and monounsaturated FAs were higher in milk than in colostrum (p<0.05). Robust upregulation with high relative mRNA abundance was evident during lactation for genes associated with FA uptake (VLDLR, LPL, CD36), FA activation (ACSS2, ACSL3), and intracellar transport (FABP3), de novo FA synthesis (ACACA, FASN), FA elongation (ELOVL1), FA desaturation (SCD, FADS1), TAG synthesis (GPAM, AGPAT1, LPIN1, DGAT1), lipid droplet formation (BTN2A1, XDH, PLIN2), and transcription factors and nuclear receptors (SREBP1, SCAP, INSIG1/2). In conclusion, a wide variety of lipogenic genes and proteins regulate the channeling of FAs towards milk TAG synthesis and secretion in porcine mammary gland tissue. These findings inform future omics strategies to increase milk fat production and lipid profile and attest to the rise of both veterinomics and lipidomics in postgenomics life sciences. Show less
Inflammation and lipids play significant roles in the progression of chronic kidney disease. This study was designed to investigate whether inflammation disrupts cellular cholesterol homeostasis and c Show more
Inflammation and lipids play significant roles in the progression of chronic kidney disease. This study was designed to investigate whether inflammation disrupts cellular cholesterol homeostasis and causes the lipid nephrotoxicity in vitro and in vivo, and explored its underlying mechanisms. Inflammatory stress was induced by cytokines (interleukin-1β (IL-1β); tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α)) to human mesangial cells (HMCs) in vitro and by subcutaneous casein injection in C57BL/6J mice in vivo. The data showed that inflammatory stress exacerbated renal cholesterol ester accumulation in vitro and in vivo. Inflammation increased cellular cholesterol uptake and synthesis via upregulating the expression of low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLr) and 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (HMGCoA-R), while it decreased cholesterol efflux via downregulating the expression of liver X receptor alpha and ATP-binding cassette transporter A1. The increased lipid accumulation by inflammatory stress induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) and increased levels of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress markers (inositol-requiring protein 1 and activating transcription factor 6) in HMCs and kidneys of C57BL/6J mice. This study implied that inflammation promoted renal lipid accumulation and foam cell formation by disrupting cellular cholesterol homeostasis. Increased intracellular lipids under inflammatory stress caused oxidative stress and ER stress in vitro and in vivo which may contribute to renal injury and progression of chronic kidney disease. Show less
Macrophage foam cell formation is the most prominent characteristic of the early stages of atherosclerosis. Ubiquitin Fold Modifier 1 (UFM1) is a new member of the ubiquitin-like protein family, and i Show more
Macrophage foam cell formation is the most prominent characteristic of the early stages of atherosclerosis. Ubiquitin Fold Modifier 1 (UFM1) is a new member of the ubiquitin-like protein family, and its underlying mechanism of action in macrophage foam cell formation is poorly understood. Our current study focuses on UFM1 and investigates its role in macrophage foam cell formation. Using real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) and western blot analysis, we first analyzed the UFM1 expression in mouse peritoneal macrophages (MPMs) from ApoE－/－ mice in vivo and in human macrophages treated with oxLDL in vitro. Subsequently, the effects of UFM1 on macrophages foam cell formation were determined by Nile Red staining and direct lipid analysis. We then examined whether UFM1 affects the process of lipid metabolism in macrophages. Lastly, with the method of small interfering RNA (siRNA), we delineated the mechanism of UFM1 to attenuate lipid accumulation in THP-1 macrophages. UFM1 is dramatically upregulated under atherosclerosis conditions both in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, UFM1 markedly decreased macrophage foam cell formation. Mechanistic studies revealed that UFM1 increased the macrophage cholesterol efflux, which was due to the increased expression of ATP-binding cassette transporters A1 (ABCA1) and G1 (ABCG1). Furthermore, the upregulation of ABCA1 and ABCG1 by UFM1 resulted from liver X receptor α (LXRα) activation, which was confirmed by the observation that LXRα siRNA prevented the expression of ABCA1 and ABCG1. Consistent with this, the UFM1-mediated attenuation of lipid accumulation was abolished by such inhibition. Taken together, our results showed that UFM1 could suppress foam cell formation via the LXRα-dependent pathway. Show less
Cyclosporine A (CsA) increases β-catenin messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein expression. The present study demonstrates that Wnt/β-catenin signaling inhibits β-catenin degradation in the gingiva. Forty 5 Show more
Cyclosporine A (CsA) increases β-catenin messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein expression. The present study demonstrates that Wnt/β-catenin signaling inhibits β-catenin degradation in the gingiva. Forty 5-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned to two study groups after healing from right maxillary molar extractions. The rats in the experimental group were fed 30 mg/kg CsA daily for 4 weeks, whereas the control rats were fed mineral oil. At the end of the study, all rats were sacrificed, and the gingivae were obtained. The gingival morphology after CsA treatment was evaluated by histology, and the genes related to Wnt/β-catenin signaling were initially screened by microarray. Polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry were used to examine the mRNA and protein expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen, cyclin D1, E-cadherin, β-catenin, Dvl-1, glycogen synthase kinase-3β, axin-1, and adenomatous polyposis coli (APC). Phosphoserine and ubiquitinylated β-catenin were detected after immunoprecipitation. In rats treated with CsA, overgrowth of gingivae was observed, and altered expression of genes related to Wnt/β-catenin signaling was detected by the microarray. The gingival mRNA and protein expression profiles for genes associated with Wnt/β-catenin signaling further confirmed the effect of CsA: β-catenin and Dvl-1 expression increased, but APC and axin-1 expression decreased. Western blotting and immunohistochemistry showed decreases in β-catenin serine phosphorylation (33/37) and ubiquitinylation in the gingivae of CsA-treated rats. CsA-enhanced gingival β-catenin stability may be involved in gene upregulation or β-catenin degradation via the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Show less
Diego Ploper, Vincent F Taelman, Lidia Robert+7 more · 2015 · Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America · National Academy of Sciences · added 2026-04-24
Canonical Wnt signaling plays an important role in development and disease, regulating transcription of target genes and stabilizing many proteins phosphorylated by glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3). Show more
Canonical Wnt signaling plays an important role in development and disease, regulating transcription of target genes and stabilizing many proteins phosphorylated by glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3). We observed that the MiT family of transcription factors, which includes the melanoma oncogene MITF (micropthalmia-associated transcription factor) and the lysosomal master regulator TFEB, had the highest phylogenetic conservation of three consecutive putative GSK3 phosphorylation sites in animal proteomes. This finding prompted us to examine the relationship between MITF, endolysosomal biogenesis, and Wnt signaling. Here we report that MITF expression levels correlated with the expression of a large subset of lysosomal genes in melanoma cell lines. MITF expression in the tetracycline-inducible C32 melanoma model caused a marked increase in vesicular structures, and increased expression of late endosomal proteins, such as Rab7, LAMP1, and CD63. These late endosomes were not functional lysosomes as they were less active in proteolysis, yet were able to concentrate Axin1, phospho-LRP6, phospho-β-catenin, and GSK3 in the presence of Wnt ligands. This relocalization significantly enhanced Wnt signaling by increasing the number of multivesicular bodies into which the Wnt signalosome/destruction complex becomes localized upon Wnt signaling. We also show that the MITF protein was stabilized by Wnt signaling, through the novel C-terminal GSK3 phosphorylations identified here. MITF stabilization caused an increase in multivesicular body biosynthesis, which in turn increased Wnt signaling, generating a positive-feedback loop that may function during the proliferative stages of melanoma. The results underscore the importance of misregulated endolysosomal biogenesis in Wnt signaling and cancer. Show less
To investigate whether activation of liver X receptors (LXRs) protects N-methyl-D-aspartic (NMDA)-induced retinal neurotoxicity in mice and to explore the underlying mechanism. Inner retinal damage wa Show more
To investigate whether activation of liver X receptors (LXRs) protects N-methyl-D-aspartic (NMDA)-induced retinal neurotoxicity in mice and to explore the underlying mechanism. Inner retinal damage was induced by intravitreal injection of NMDA. A synthetic LXR ligand TO901317 (TO90, 50 mg/kg/d) or vehicle was intragastrically administrated from 3 days before to 1 day or 7 days after NMDA injection. The severity of retinal damage was evaluated with histological analysis and TUNEL staining, and retinal functions were evaluated by ERG. The expressions of caspase-3, bax, bcl-2, TNF-α, and BACE1, the rate-limiting enzyme in the formation of amyloid β (Aβ), in the retina were examined by real-time PCR and ELISA. The levels of LXRs, NF-κB subunit p65, p-p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and an LXR target gene ABCA1 were detected with real-time PCR and Western blotting. The localization and protein expression of Aβ in the retina was assessed by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. The NMDA enhanced the expression of LXRβ but not LXRα and ABCA1 in mouse retina. Nevertheless, administration of TO90 after NMDA injection not only enhanced the expression of LXRβ but also upregulated the level of ABCA1, suggesting retinal LXRs were activated in a ligand-dependent manner. The LXRα expression was unchanged in the vehicle and the TO90-treated groups. Activation of LXRβ with TO90 inhibited cell death in the ganglion cell layer (GCL) and inner nuclear layer (INL), preserved ERG b- and a-wave amplitudes, and the b/a ratio in the NMDA-treated mice. Meanwhile, TO90 suppressed the elevation of apoptosis factors caspase-3 and bax induced by NMDA and upregulated the level of an antiapoptotic factor bcl-2. The TO90 also inhibited the increase of p-p38 MAPK and proinflammatory cytokine TNF-α after NMDA injection. Furthermore, activation of LXR attenuated the activation of NF-κB, and reduced gene expression of BACE1 and accumulation of Aβ induced by NMDA. Activation of LXRβ with a synthetic LXR ligand TO90 protects the inner retinal damage induced by NMDA in mice. We speculate the protective effect is associated with inhibition of the NF-κB signaling pathway and reduction of Aβ formation in retina. The LXR agonists may become a new class of neuroprotective agent for retinal diseases associated with glutamate-induced excitotoxicity. Show less
To investigate the transdifferentiation relationship between eight types of liver cell during rat liver regeneration (LR). 114 healthy Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were used in this experimental study. Ei Show more
To investigate the transdifferentiation relationship between eight types of liver cell during rat liver regeneration (LR). 114 healthy Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were used in this experimental study. Eight types of liver cell were isolated and purified with percoll density gradient centrifugation and immunomagentic bead methods. Marker genes for eight types of cell were obtained by retrieving the relevant references and databases. Expression changes of markers for each cell of the eight cell types were measured using microarray. The relationships between the expression profiles of marker genes and transdifferentiation among liver cells were analyzed using bioinformatics. Liver cell transdifferentiation was predicted by comparing expression profiles of marker genes in different liver cells. During LR hepatocytes (HCs) not only express hepatic oval cells (HOC) markers (including PROM1, KRT14 and LY6E), but also express biliary epithelial cell (BEC) markers (including KRT7 and KRT19); BECs express both HOC markers (including GABRP, PCNA and THY1) and HC markers such as CPS1, TAT, KRT8 and KRT18; both HC markers (KRT18, KRT8 and WT1) and BEC markers (KRT7 and KRT19) were detected in HOCs. Additionally, some HC markers were also significantly upregulated in hepatic stellate cells ( HSCs), sinusoidal endothelial cells (SECs) , Kupffer cells (KCs) and dendritic cells (DCs), mainly at 6-72 hours post partial hepatectomy (PH). Our findings indicate that there is a mutual transdifferentiation relationship between HC, BEC and HOC during LR, and a tendency for HSCs, SECs, KCs and DCs to transdifferentiate into HCs. Show less
This study is to evaluate the anti-obese effects of glucosamine (GLC) and chitosan oligosaccharide (COS) on high-fat diet-induced obese rats. The rats were randomly divided into twelve groups: a norma Show more
This study is to evaluate the anti-obese effects of glucosamine (GLC) and chitosan oligosaccharide (COS) on high-fat diet-induced obese rats. The rats were randomly divided into twelve groups: a normal diet group (NF), a high-fat diet group (HF), Orlistat group, GLC high-, middle-, and low-dose groups (GLC-H, GLC-M, GLC-L), COS1 (COS, number-average molecular weight ≤1000) high-, middle-, and low-dose groups (COS1-H, COS1-M, COS1-L), and COS2 (COS, number-average molecular weight ≤3000) high-, middle-, and low-dose groups (COS2-H, COS2-M, COS2-L). All groups received oral treatment by gavage once daily for a period of six weeks. Rats fed with COS1 gained the least weight among all the groups (P < 0.01), and these rats lost more weight than those treated with Orlistat. In addition to the COS2-H and Orlistat groups, the serum total cholesterol (CHO) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels were significantly reduced in all treatment groups compared to the HF group (P < 0.01). The various doses of GLC, COS1 and COS2 reduced the expression levels of PPARγ and LXRα mRNA in the white adipose tissue. The results above demonstrated that GLC, COS1, and COS2 improved dyslipidemia and prevented body weight gains by inhibiting the adipocyte differentiation in obese rats induced by a high-fat diet. Thus, these agents may potentially be used to treat obesity. Show less
Human mutations in PQBP1, a molecule involved in transcription and splicing, result in a reduced but architecturally normal brain. Examination of a conditional Pqbp1-knockout (cKO) mouse with microcep Show more
Human mutations in PQBP1, a molecule involved in transcription and splicing, result in a reduced but architecturally normal brain. Examination of a conditional Pqbp1-knockout (cKO) mouse with microcephaly failed to reveal either abnormal centrosomes or mitotic spindles, increased neurogenesis from the neural stem progenitor cell (NSPC) pool or increased cell death in vivo. Instead, we observed an increase in the length of the cell cycle, particularly for the M phase in NSPCs. Corresponding to the developmental expression of Pqbp1, the stem cell pool in vivo was decreased at E10 and remained at a low level during neurogenesis (E15) in Pqbp1-cKO mice. The expression profiles of NSPCs derived from the cKO mouse revealed significant changes in gene groups that control the M phase, including anaphase-promoting complex genes, via aberrant transcription and RNA splicing. Exogenous Apc4, a hub protein in the network of affected genes, recovered the cell cycle, proliferation, and cell phenotypes of NSPCs caused by Pqbp1-cKO. These data reveal a mechanism of brain size control based on the simple reduction of the NSPC pool by cell cycle time elongation. Finally, we demonstrated that in utero gene therapy for Pqbp1-cKO mice by intraperitoneal injection of the PQBP1-AAV vector at E10 successfully rescued microcephaly with preserved cortical structures and improved behavioral abnormalities in Pqbp1-cKO mice, opening a new strategy for treating this intractable developmental disorder. Show less
Glycosaminoglycans are important regulators of multiple signaling pathways. As a major constituent of the heart extracellular matrix, glycosaminoglycans are implicated in cardiac morphogenesis through Show more
Glycosaminoglycans are important regulators of multiple signaling pathways. As a major constituent of the heart extracellular matrix, glycosaminoglycans are implicated in cardiac morphogenesis through interactions with different signaling morphogens. Ext1 is a glycosyltransferase responsible for heparan sulfate synthesis. Here, we evaluate the function of Ext1 in heart development by analyzing Ext1 hypomorphic mutant and conditional knockout mice. Outflow tract alignment is sensitive to the dosage of Ext1. Deletion of Ext1 in the mesoderm induces a cardiac phenotype similar to that of a mutant with conditional deletion of UDP-glucose dehydrogenase, a key enzyme responsible for synthesis of all glycosaminoglycans. The outflow tract defect in conditional Ext1 knockout(Ext1f/f:Mesp1Cre) mice is attributable to the reduced contribution of second heart field and neural crest cells. Ext1 deletion leads to downregulation of FGF signaling in the pharyngeal mesoderm. Exogenous FGF8 ameliorates the defects in the outflow tract and pharyngeal explants. In addition, Ext1 expression in second heart field and neural crest cells is required for outflow tract remodeling. Our results collectively indicate that Ext1 is crucial for outflow tract formation in distinct progenitor cells, and heparan sulfate modulates FGF signaling during early heart development. Show less
To explore the potential molecular mechanisms involved in migratory glioma cells. The gene expression profiles of GSE28167, employing human malignant glioma U251MG cells cultured on strictly aligned v Show more
To explore the potential molecular mechanisms involved in migratory glioma cells. The gene expression profiles of GSE28167, employing human malignant glioma U251MG cells cultured on strictly aligned versus randomly oriented electrospun nanofibers of polycaprolactone, were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Gene differential expression analysis was carried out by the package of Gene Expression Omnibus query and limma in R language. The Gene Set Analysis Toolkit V2 was used for pathway analysis. Gene set enrichment analysis was used to screen for target sites of transcription factors, miRNA and small drug molecules. Totally 586 differentially expressed genes were identified and the differentially expressed genes were mainly enriched in the pathway of muscle cell TarBase, MAPK cascade, adipogenesis and epithelium TarBase. Thirty-two significant target sites of transcription factors, such as hsa_RTAAACA_V$FREAC2₀₁, were screened. The top 20 potential miRNAs including MIR-124A, MIR-34A and MIR-34C were screened for a constructing gene-miRNA interaction network. Small molecules that can inhibit the motility of glioma cells such as diclofenamide and valinomycin were mined. By integrating the regulatory relationships among transcription factors, miRNAs and differentially expressed genes, we found that 7 differentially expressed genes, including SOX4, ANKRD28 and CCND1, might play crucial roles in the migration of glioma cells. The screened migration-associated genes, significant pathways, and small molecules give us new insight for the mechanism of migratory glioma cells. Interest in such genes as potential target genes in the treatment of glioblastoma justifies functional validation studies. Show less
Sesame seed is rich in sesamin. The present study was to (i) investigate the plasma cholesterol-lowering activity of dietary sesamin and (ii) examine the interaction of dietary sesamin with the gene e Show more
Sesame seed is rich in sesamin. The present study was to (i) investigate the plasma cholesterol-lowering activity of dietary sesamin and (ii) examine the interaction of dietary sesamin with the gene expression of sterol transporters, enzymes, receptors, and proteins involved in cholesterol metabolism. Thirty hamsters were divided into three groups fed the control diet (CON) or one of two experimental diets containing 0.2% (SL) and 0.5% (SH) sesamin, respectively, for 6 weeks. Plasma total cholesterol (TC) levels in hamsters given the CON, SL, and SH diets were 6.62 ± 0.40, 5.32 ± 0.40, and 5.00 ± 0.44 mmol/L, respectively, indicating dietary sesamin could reduce plasma TC in a dose-dependent manner. Similarly, the excretion of total fecal neutral sterols was dose-dependently increased with the amounts of sesamin in diets (CON, 2.65 ± 0.57; SL, 4.30 ± 0.65; and SH, 5.84 ± 1.27 μmol/day). Addition of sesamin into diets was associated with down-regulation of mRNA of intestinal Niemann-Pick C1 like 1 protein (NPC1L1), acyl-CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase 2 (ACAT2), microsomal triacylglycerol transport protein (MTP), and ATP-binding cassette transporters subfamily G members 5 and 8 (ABCG5 and ABCG8). Results also showed that dietary sesamin could up-regulate hepatic cholesterol-7α-hydroxylase (CYP7A1), whereas it down-regulated hepatic 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-CoA (HMG-CoA) reductase and liver X receptor alpha (LXRα). It was concluded that the cholesterol-lowering activity of sesamin was mediated by promoting the fecal excretion of sterols and modulating the genes involved in cholesterol absorption and metabolism. Show less