Objective:Ovarian cancer(OC)ranks among the leading causes of mortality among the female cancers worldwide.Numerous studies have explored the development and progression of OC at multiple genetic regulatory levels.How...Objective:Ovarian cancer(OC)ranks among the leading causes of mortality among the female cancers worldwide.Numerous studies have explored the development and progression of OC at multiple genetic regulatory levels.However,relatively few studies have explored the impact of post-translational modifications(PTM)on OC progression,which is essential for uncovering new therapeutic targets.This study aimed to systematically identify the key PTM types involved in OCprogression,and to explore and evaluate their translational potential as therapeutic targets.Methods:First,we utilized multiple general PTM antibodies to compare gross PTM levels between normal ovarian and OC tissues from clinical females.After identifying lactylation as the PTM with the most significant differences,we selected representative samples for label-free mass spectrometry to identify specific lactylation sites.Next,we transfected A2780(OC)cells with either wild-type(WT)or mutant(K192A[Q])poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase 1(PARP1)conjugated to enhanced green fluorescent protein(EGFP)with a StrepⅡpeptide tag and assessed various cellular indexes related to cell proliferation(clonogenicity assay),migration(scratch wound healing assay),and reactive oxygen species levels.Results:Pan-lactylation was significantly upregulated in clinical OC samples,with PARP1 lactylation at K192 being one of the most common modifications.The growth and migration of A2780 cells were markedly suppressed by overexpressing PARP1-WT but not mutant PARP1.Overexpressing PARP1 significantly downregulated the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2(ERK1/2).Conclusion:This study uncovered a novel PTM of PARP1 in OC,lactylation,and demonstrated that lactylation at K192 is crucial in regulating OC cell growth and migration via the ERK1/2 pathway.Further investigations are required to elucidate the broader functional implications of PARP1 lactylation and its therapeutic potential.展开更多
Objective Cerebral palsy(CP)is a prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder acquired during the perinatal period,with periventricular white matter injury(PWMI)serving as its primary pathological hallmark.PWMI is characteri...Objective Cerebral palsy(CP)is a prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder acquired during the perinatal period,with periventricular white matter injury(PWMI)serving as its primary pathological hallmark.PWMI is characterized by the loss of oligodendrocytes(OLs)and the disintegration of myelin sheaths,leading to impaired neural connectivity and motor dysfunction.Neural stem cells(NSCs)represent a promising regenerative source for replenishing lost OLs;however,conventional twodimensional(2D)in vitro culture systems lack the three-dimensional(3D)physiological microenvironment.Microfluidic chip technology has emerged as a powerful tool to overcome this limitation by enabling precise spatial and temporal control over 3D microenvironmental conditions,including the establishment of stable concentration gradients of bioactive molecules.Catalpol,an iridoid glycoside derived from traditional medicinal plants,exhibits dual antioxidant and anti-apoptotic properties.Despite its therapeutic potential,the capacity of catalpol to drive NSC differentiation toward OLs under biomimetic 3D conditions,as well as the underlying molecular mechanisms,remains poorly understood.This study aims to develop a microfluidic-based 3D biomimetic platform to systematically investigate the concentration-dependent effects of catalpol on promoting NSCs-to-OLs differentiation and to elucidate the role of the caveolin-1(Cav-1)signaling pathway in this process.Methods We developed a novel multiplexed microfluidic device featuring parallel microchannels with integrated gradient generators capable of establishing and maintaining precise linear concentration gradients(0-3 g/L catalpol)across 3D NSCs cultures.This platform facilitated the continuous perfusion culture of NSC-derived 3D spheroids,mimicking the dynamic in vivo microenvironment.Real-time cell viability was assessed using Calcein-AM/propidium iodide(PI)dual staining,with fluorescence imaging quantifying live/dead cell ratios.Oligodendrocyte differentiation was evaluated through quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR)for MBP and SOX10 gene expression,complemented by immunofluorescence staining to visualize corresponding protein changes.To dissect the molecular mechanism,the Cav-1-specific pharmacological inhibitor methyl‑β‑cyclodextrin(MCD)was employed to perturb the pathway,and its effects on differentiation markers were analyzed.Results Catalpol demonstrated excellent biocompatibility,with cell viability exceeding 96%across the entire tested concentration range(0-3 g/L),confirming its non-cytotoxic nature.At the optimal concentration of 0-3 g/L,catalpol significantly upregulated both MBP and SOX10 expression(P<0.05,P<0.01),indicating robust promotion of oligodendroglial differentiation.Intriguingly,Cav-1 mRNA expression was progressively downregulated during NSC differentiation into OLs.Further inhibition of Cav-1 with MCD further enhanced this effect,leading to a statistically significant increase in OL-specific gene expression(P<0.05,P<0.01),suggesting Cav-1 acts as a negative regulator of OLs differentiation.Conclusion This study established an integrated microfluidic gradient chip-3D NSC spheroid culture system,which combines the advantages of precise chemical gradient control with physiologically relevant 3D cell culture.The findings demonstrate that 3 g/L catalpol effectively suppresses Cav-1 signaling to drive NSC differentiation into functional OLs.This work not only provides novel insights into the Cav-1-dependent mechanisms of myelination but also delivers a scalable technological platform for future research on remyelination therapies,with potential applications in cerebral palsy and other white matter disorders.The platform’s modular design permits adaptation for screening other neurogenic compounds or investigating additional signaling pathways involved in OLs maturation.展开更多
Objective To investigate the structural changes of rat thoracic aorta and changes in expression levels of Bmal1 and cyclins in thoracic aorta endothelial cells following heat stress.Methods Twenty male SD rats were ra...Objective To investigate the structural changes of rat thoracic aorta and changes in expression levels of Bmal1 and cyclins in thoracic aorta endothelial cells following heat stress.Methods Twenty male SD rats were randomized equally into control group and heat stress group.After exposure to 32℃for 2 weeks in the latter group,the rats were examined for histopathological changes and Bmal1 expression in the thoracic aorta using HE staining and immunohistochemistry.In the cell experiments,cultured rat thoracic aortic endothelial cells(RTAECs)were incubated at 40℃for 12 h with or without prior transfection with a Bmal1-specific small interfering RNA(si-Bmal1)or a negative sequence.In both rat thoracic aorta and RTAECs,the expressions of Bmal1,the cell cycle proteins CDK1,CDK4,CDK6,and cyclin B1,and apoptosis-related proteins Bax and Bcl-2 were detected using Western blotting.TUNEL staining was used to detect cell apoptosis in rat thoracic aorta,and the changes in cell cycle distribution and apoptosis in RTAECs were analyzed with flow cytometry.Results Compared with the control rats,the rats exposed to heat stress showed significantly increased blood pressures and lowered heart rate with elastic fiber disruption and increased expressions of Bmal1,cyclin B1 and CDK1 in the thoracic aorta(P<0.05).In cultured RTAECs,heat stress caused significant increase of Bmal1,cyclin B1 and CDK1 protein expression levels,which were obviously lowered in cells with prior si-Bmal1 transfection.Bmal1 knockdown also inhibited heat stress-induced increase of apoptosis in RTAECs as evidenced by decreased expression of Bax and increased expression of Bcl-2.Conclusion Heat stress upregulates Bmal1 expression and causes alterations in expressions of cyclins to trigger apoptosis of rat thoracic aorta endothelial cells,which can be partly alleviated by suppressing Bmal1 expression.展开更多
Objective To investigate whether 2,3,5,4'-tetrahydroxystilbene-2-O-β-glucoside(TSG)ameliorated polycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS)-like characteristics by inhibiting inflammation.Methods PCOS models were established ...Objective To investigate whether 2,3,5,4'-tetrahydroxystilbene-2-O-β-glucoside(TSG)ameliorated polycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS)-like characteristics by inhibiting inflammation.Methods PCOS models were established by injecting subcutaneously with dehydroepiandrosterone into female Sprague-Dawley rats,followed by receiving intraperitoneal injection of TSG.The granular cells(GCs)KGN were transfected with small interfering RNAs(si-NC and si-CYP19A1).The cells were preincubated with lipopolysaccharide(LPS)and then treated with or without TSG.The estrous cycle was monitored using vaginal exfoliated cells.The morphology of ovarian follicles was analyzed by H&E staining.ELISA was used to analyze estradiol(E2),testosterone(T),follicle stimulating hormone(FSH),luteinizing hormone(LH),IL-6,TNF-α,AGEs,CRP and Omentin-1 levels in serum.Immunohistochemistry was performed to analyze PCNA and CYP19A1 expressions in the GCs of ovaries.Tunel staining was executed to detect the apoptosis of GCs.Quantitative polymerase chain reaction(qPCR)and Western blot were implemented to measure the expression of CYP19A1 in the ovaries and transfected cells.qPCR was used to analyze the expression of IL-6 and TNF-αin the transfected cells treated with LPS and TSG.Results The estrous cycles were restored in TSG group.Compared with model group,the sinus follicles were reduced and corpus luteums were increased in TSG group.TSG group showed increased E2,and decreased T and LH,compared with model group.Pro-inflammatory factors(IL-6,TNF-α,CRP and AGEs)were decreased,and anti-inflammatory factor(Omentin-1)was increased in TSG group compared with those in model group.TSG could partially inhibit decrease of PNCA-positive GCs and increase of Tunel-positive GCs caused by PCOS.The CYP19A1 expression of GCs in TSG group was upregulated compared with model group.The expressions of IL-6 and TNFαin si-CYP19A1 cells were increased compared with si-NC cells.Compared with cells(si-NC and si-CYP19A1)treated without LPS,the expressions of IL-6 and TNF-αcells were increased,and the expression of CYP19A1 was downregulated in LPS-preincubated cells.Compared with cells treated with LPS,the expression of IL-6 and TNF-αwere decreased,and the expression of CYP19A1 was increased in cells treated with LPS and TSG.Compared with si-NC cells treated with LPS and TSG,the expressions of IL-6 and TNF-αcells were increased in the si-CYP19A1 cells treated with LPS and TSG.Conclusion TSG could alleviate PCOS-like characteristics by increasing the expression of CYP19A1 in GCs to inhibit inflammatory response.展开更多
目的探究壳聚糖-普鲁士蓝纳米酶(chitosan-prussian blue nanozyme,CS-PB)对过氧化氢诱导的小鼠耳蜗毛细胞(house ear institute-organ of corti 1,HEI-OC1)氧化应激损伤的影响及相关分子机制.方法体外培养HEI-OC1细胞,不同浓度过氧化...目的探究壳聚糖-普鲁士蓝纳米酶(chitosan-prussian blue nanozyme,CS-PB)对过氧化氢诱导的小鼠耳蜗毛细胞(house ear institute-organ of corti 1,HEI-OC1)氧化应激损伤的影响及相关分子机制.方法体外培养HEI-OC1细胞,不同浓度过氧化氢处理细胞后通过细胞计数试剂盒-8检测细胞活性,建立过氧化氢应激损伤细胞模型,分为对照组、过氧化氢组、过氧化氢+CS-PB组、过氧化氢+N-乙酰半胱氨酸(N-Acetylcysteine,NAC)组,利用DCFH-DA荧光探针技术检测HEI-OC1细胞活性氧的含量,Western Blot检测HEI-OC1细胞肿瘤坏死因子-α(tumor necrosis factor-α,TNF-α)、白细胞介素-1β(interleukin-1β,IL-1β)、Bcl-XL、Bax蛋白表达水平;免疫荧光染色及激光共聚焦显微镜成像检测HEI-OC1细胞中4-HNE含量.结果与对照组相比,过氧化氢组细胞活力下降(P<0.0001),Bcl-XL蛋白表达下降,细胞内活性氧、4-HNE、TNF-α、IL-1β、Bax表达升高(P<0.0001);与过氧化氢组比较,过氧化氢+CS-PB组、过氧化氢+NAC组细胞活力升高(P<0.05),Bcl-XL蛋白表达升高,细胞内活性氧、4-HNE、TNF-α、IL-1β、Bax表达降低(P<0.01).结论CS-PB能够缓解过氧化氢诱导的HEI-OC1细胞氧化应激所造成的细胞损伤及凋亡.展开更多
OBJECTIVE To investigate the role and mechanism of G protein-coupled receptor kinase 2(GRK2)involving in hepatocel ular carcinoma(HCC)progression.METHODS Cel Counting Kit 8 and tumor colony formation assay were design...OBJECTIVE To investigate the role and mechanism of G protein-coupled receptor kinase 2(GRK2)involving in hepatocel ular carcinoma(HCC)progression.METHODS Cel Counting Kit 8 and tumor colony formation assay were designed to detect HCC cell proliferation,wound healing assay was to detect HCC migration.The correlation between GRK2 and early growth response-1(EGR1)were detected by RT-PCR and real-time PCR assays.Co-immunoprecipitation and Western blot assay were adopted to detect the relationship between GRK2and insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor(IGF-1R)signaling pathway.RESULTS In this study we find that GRK2plays an inhibition role in IGF1-induced HCC cell proliferation and migration.Overexpression of GRK2 causes a decrease in EGR1 expression,while knockdown of GRK2 leads to the dramatically increase in EGR1 expression in the treatment of IGF1.Through co-immunoprecipitation and Western blot assay,we confirm that GRK2can interact with IGF-1R and inhibiting IGF1-induced activation of IGF1R signaling pathway.Silencing EGR1attenuates GRK2 overexpression-caused inhibition of cell proliferation,tumor colony number and migrationactivity,while overexpressing of EGR1 restores the antiproliferative and migratory effect by GRK2 overexpression in HCCLM3 cells.CONCLUSION Taken together,these results suggest that GRK2 may inhibit IGF1-induced HCC cell growth and migration through down-regulation of EGR1 and indicate that enforced GRK2 may offer a potential therapeutic approach against HCC.展开更多
OBJECTIVE To investigate the mechanism of SIRT1/AMPK signaling pathway between hepatocytes and hepatic stellate cells(HSCs).METHODS Normal human Chang liver cells and human hepatic stellate cell line,LX-2 cells were t...OBJECTIVE To investigate the mechanism of SIRT1/AMPK signaling pathway between hepatocytes and hepatic stellate cells(HSCs).METHODS Normal human Chang liver cells and human hepatic stellate cell line,LX-2 cells were treated with SRT1720(10μmol·L^(-1))and AICAR(500μmol·L^(-1))prior to ethanol(50 mmol·L^(-1)) for 24 and 48 h.Cell viability was analyzed by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium assay.SIRT1,AMPK and p-AMPK m RNA levels for 24 h and 48 h were analyzed by RT-PCR,SIRT1,AMPK and p-AMPK protein expressions in the supernatant at 24 and 48 h was detected by Western blot.RESULTS SRT1720 and AICAR effectively decreased LX-2 cell viabilities and exhibited scarcely little toxicity in human Chang liver cells.SRT1720 and AICAR attenuated collagen-I,α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA)levels,activated liver kinase B-1(LKB1)and AMPK phosphorylation in ethanol treated LX-2 cells.Meanwhile,SRT1720 and AICAR enhanced SIRT1 expression mediated by ethanol both in Chang liver cells and LX-2 cells.Furthermore,SRT1720 and AICAR suppressed the expression of sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1(SREBP-1)to regulate fatty acid synthesis.CONCLUSION SIRT1 agonist and AMPK agonist blocked the crosstalk between hepatocytes and HSCs via SIRT1/AMPK signaling pathway to modulate hepatocytes accumulation of lipid and HSCs activation.展开更多
OBJECTIVE To explore the protective effects of total triterpenoids extracts from Cyclocarya paliurus(Batal.)Iljinskaja on STZ-stimulated INS-1 cells through regulating of autophagy and apoptosis.METHODS INS-1cells wer...OBJECTIVE To explore the protective effects of total triterpenoids extracts from Cyclocarya paliurus(Batal.)Iljinskaja on STZ-stimulated INS-1 cells through regulating of autophagy and apoptosis.METHODS INS-1cells were cultured in media containing 3n M STZ and different doses of total triterpenoids extracts from Cyclocarya paliurus(Batal.)Iljinskaja.The proliferation of cells was examined by MTT assay,ROS content were detected by fluorescence enzyme label.The levels of superoxide dismutase(SOD),glutathione peroxidase(GSH-Px),hydrogen peroxidase(CAT),malondialdehyde(MDA)were also measured by colorimetry.The activities of caspase-3,9 were also observed by Caspase colorimetric assay kit in each group.The expressions of Bcl-2 m RNA and Bax m RNA were detected by Real time PCR,protein expression of LC3-Ⅱand PARP were detected by Western blotting.RESULTS Compared with the control group,total triterpenoids extracts from Cyclocarya paliurus(Batal.)Iljinskaja could promote the proliferation of INS-1 cells no matter with STZ or not when its concentration lower than 25μg·m L^(-1);but when its concentration higher than 100μg·m L^(-1)(use individually)or 50μg·m L^(-1)(combined use),total triterpenoids extracts from Cyclocarya paliurus(Batal.)Iljinskaja might significantly inhibite the growth of the cells whether STZ existed or not.Total triterpenoids extracts from Cyclocarya paliurus(Batal.)Iljinskaja(6.25,12.5,25μg·m L^(-1))might inhibit INS-1cell apoptosis,decrease intra-cellular ROS contents,improve the s upernatant liquid SOD,GSH-PX,CAT activities,decrease MDA level,promote INS-1 cell secreting insulin,decrease the protein expressions of autophagy protein LC3Ⅱand apoptosis regulating protein cleaved PARP protein,up-regulate the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 m RNA expression,down-regulate the pro-apoptotic protein Bax m RNA expression and Bcl-2and Bax,reduce the activity of caspase-9 and caspase-3(P<0.05 or P<0.01).CONCLUSION Total triterpenoids extracts from Cyclocarya paliurus(Batal.)Iljinskaja has good protective effect on STZ-stimulated INS-1cells.It can inhibit STZ injured INS-1 cells to overproduce ROS production,enhance endogenous antioxidant enzymes(GSH-Px,SOD,CAT activities),reduce the expression of autophagy protein LC3Ⅱand apoptosisregulating protein cleaved PARP,up-reglute the antiapoptosis protein Bcl-2 expression,down-regulate the pro-apoptotic protein Bax expression,decrease the caspase-9 and caspase-3 activities,and improve the INS-1cell survival rate,and then play a protective effect on damaged INS-1 cells.展开更多
Heat shock proteins (HSPs) are reported to act as effective adjuvants to elicit anti-tumor and anti-infection immunity. Here, we report that Hsp70-like protein 1 (Hsp70L1), a novel HSP derived from human dendritic cel...Heat shock proteins (HSPs) are reported to act as effective adjuvants to elicit anti-tumor and anti-infection immunity. Here, we report that Hsp70-like protein 1 (Hsp70L1), a novel HSP derived from human dendritic cells (DCs), has potent adjuvant effects that polarize responses toward Th1. With a calculated molecular weight of 54.8 kDa, Hsp70L1 is smaller in size than Hsp70 but resembles it both structurally and functionally. Hsp70L1 shares common receptors on DCs with Hsp70 and can interact with DCs, promoting DC maturation and stimulating secretion of the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin 12p70 (IL-12p70), IL-1beta, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), and the chemokines IP-10, macrophage inflammatory protein-1alpha (MIP-1alpha), MIP-1beta, and normal T cell expressed and secreted (RANTES). The induction of interferon-gamma-inducible protein 10 (IP-10) secretion by Hsp70L1 is not shared by Hsp70, and other functional differences include more potent stimulation of DC IL-12p70, CC-chemokine, and CCR7 and CXCR4 expression by Hsp70L1. Immunization of mice with the hybrid peptide Hsp70L1-ovalbumin(OVA)(257-264) induces an OVA(257-264)-specific Th1 response and cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) that results in significant inhibition of E.G7-OVA tumor growth. The ability of Hsp70L1 to activate DCs indicates its potential as a novel adjuvant for use with peptide immunizations; the Hsp70L1 antigen peptide hybrid may serve as a more effective vaccine for the control of cancer and infectious diseases.展开更多
AIM:Regulatory T cells(Tregs)are a specialized subset of CD4^(+)T cells primarily involved in im⁃munosuppressive functions.AMP-activated protein kinase(AMPK)serves as a metabolic sensor that governs the differen⁃tiati...AIM:Regulatory T cells(Tregs)are a specialized subset of CD4^(+)T cells primarily involved in im⁃munosuppressive functions.AMP-activated protein kinase(AMPK)serves as a metabolic sensor that governs the differen⁃tiation,maturation,and immune functions of Tregs through metabolic reprogramming.However,the impact of AMPKα1(the catalytic subunit of AMPK)knockout specifically in Tregs on the host's immune microenvironment remains largely un⁃explored.METHODS:Histological changes in immune organs were assessed using HE staining.The types of immune cells and their relative population percentages in immune organs and blood were quantified through flow cytometry in both AMPKα1flox/flox(AMPKα1^(fl/fl))mice and Treg-specific AMPKα1 knockout mice(AMPKα1^(fl/fl)Foxp3^(cre)mice).RESULTS:Compared to AMPKα1^(fl/fl)mice,the percentage of eosinophils in the bone marrow of AMPKα1^(fl/fl)Foxp3^(cre)mice was significant⁃ly reduced.Additionally,while the thymus of AMPKα1^(fl/fl)Foxp3^(cre)mice exhibited normal structure,both its size and the ratio of thymus weight to body weight were significantly decreased.The knockout of AMPKα1 in Tregs led to a notable reduction in the total percentage of immature double-negative(DN)cells.Consequently,the percentage of CD4^(+)T cells derived from these DN cells also decreased,even though the percentages of DN1 and DN4 cells were higher in the thymus of AMPKα1^(fl/fl)Foxp3^(cre)mice compared to AMPKα1^(fl/fl)mice.Importantly,the proportion of Siglec-F+CD11b^(+)eosinophils in the thymus was significantly lower in AMPKα1^(fl/fl)Foxp3^(cre)mice.Knockout of AMPKα1 in Tregs resulted in a marked increase in the percentage of CD4^(+)T cells in peripheral blood,alongside a decrease in the proportion of mature CD8^(+)T cells.Similarly,the proportion of CD4^(+)T cells in the spleen of AMPKα1^(fl/fl)Foxp3^(cre)mice was elevated compared to AMPKα1^(fl/fl)mice.In contrast,the proportion of neutrophils significantly decreased,while mononuclear cell proportions increased in the spleen of AMPKα1^(fl/fl)Foxp3^(cre)mice.In lymph nodes,the medullary boundaries in AMPKα1^(fl/fl)Foxp3^(cre)mice were blurred,and the lymphoid follicles were missing,a feature not observed in AMPKα1^(fl/fl)mice.Furthermore,the knockout of AMPKα1 in Tregs reduced the CD3^(+)T cell population,particularly the CD8^(+)T cell population,in lymph nodes.Although the mature Treg cell population was significantly lower in AMPKα1^(fl/fl)Foxp3^(cre)mice,the percentage of CD4^(+)T cells was markedly in⁃creased.In contrast,there was no statistically significant difference in granulocyte populations between AMPKα1^(fl/fl)Foxp3^(cre)and AMPKα1^(fl/fl)mice.CONCLUSION:The populations of mature Tregs,CD8^(+)T cells and eosinophils in various im⁃mune organs were significantly altered in mice with Treg-specific AMPKα1 knockout,suggesting a potential remodeling of the host immune microenvironment in response to inflammatory stimuli.展开更多
Identification and enumeration of both dendritic Ia^+ epi-dermal cells (Ia^+DECs) and dendritic Thy-1^+ epidermalcells (Thy-1^+DECa) from various parts of the body wereexamined by using epidermal sheets of C3H/He inbr...Identification and enumeration of both dendritic Ia^+ epi-dermal cells (Ia^+DECs) and dendritic Thy-1^+ epidermalcells (Thy-1^+DECa) from various parts of the body wereexamined by using epidermal sheets of C3H/He inbred miceof different age groups and indirect immunofluorescent tech-nique. A significant decline of both Ia^+DECs and Thy-1^+DECs in the mice of the aged group was demonstrated anddifferent densities and different distribution patterns betweenIa^+DECs and Thy-1^+DECs were obserged. These findingsmay imply that the decline of both Ia^+DECs and Thy-1^+DECs in the aged group may reflect the alterations of im-mune response in aging.展开更多
OBJECTIVE Basic fibroblast growth factor(b FGF)and platelet-derived growth factor(PDGF)produced by hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)cells are responsible for the cell growth.Accumulating evidence shows that insulin-like g...OBJECTIVE Basic fibroblast growth factor(b FGF)and platelet-derived growth factor(PDGF)produced by hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)cells are responsible for the cell growth.Accumulating evidence shows that insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-3(IGFBP-3)suppresses HCC cell proliferation in both IGF-dependent and independent manners.The present study is to investigate whether treatment with exogenous IGFBP-3 inhibits bF GF and PDGF production and the cell proliferation of HCC cells.METHODS Cell Counting Kit 8 assay were designed to detect HCC cell proliferation,transcription factor early growth response-1(EGR1)involving in IGFBP-3 regulation of b FGF and PDGF were detected by RT-PCR and Western blot assays.Western blot assay was adopted to detect the IGFBP-3 regulating insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor(IGF-1R)signaling pathway.RESULTS The present study demonstrates that IGFBP-3 suppressed IGF-1-induced b FGF and PDGF expression while it does not affect their expression in the absence of IGF-1.To delineate the underlying mechanism,Western-blot and RT-PCR assays confirmed that the transcription factor early growth response protein 1(EGR1)is involved in IGFBP-3 regulation of b FGF and PDGF.IGFBP-3 inhibition of type 1 insulin-like growth factor receptor(IGF1R),ERK and AKT activation is IGF-1-dependent.Furthermore,transient transfection with constitutively activated AKT or MEK partially blocks the IGFBP-3 inhibition of EGR1,b FGF and PDGF expression.CONCLUSION In conclusion,these findings suggest that IGFBP-3suppresses transcription of EGR1 and its target genes b FGF and PDGF through inhibiting IGF-1-dependent ERK and AKT activation.It demonstrates the importance of IGFBP-3 in the regulation of HCC cell proliferation,suggesting that IGFBP-3 could be a target for the treatment of HCC.展开更多
Background Dendritic cells(DCs)are the most important antigen-presenting cells due to their professional and extremely efficient antigen-presenting function.The dynamics of cytoskeleton plays crucial regulated roles o...Background Dendritic cells(DCs)are the most important antigen-presenting cells due to their professional and extremely efficient antigen-presenting function.The dynamics of cytoskeleton plays crucial regulated roles on DCs’immune functions and biophysical properties.Several evidences show that tumor-derived suppressive cytokines deteriorate DCs’immune functions through remodeling their F-actin cytoskeleton.But the underlying mechanism is still elusive.Tropomodulin1(Tmod1),a cytoskeleton-binding protein,regulates and stabilizes actin filaments lengths and cytoskeleton architecture,which involves in the regulations of the morphology,formation of neural dendrites and biophysical properties of cells.Our previous studies found that mature DCs(mDCs)had a higher expression of Tmod1 than immature DCs(imDCs). Therefore,it’s hypothesized that Tmod1 maybe involve in the modification of DCs’functions.Objective The aim of the study is to investigate the effects of Tmodl on the immune functions and biophysical properties of DCs and the underlying mechanisms in order to further understand the biological behaviors of DCs.Methods Bone marrow-derived cells were harvested from wild type(C57BL/6 J)mice and Tmod1 knockout mice(Tmod1 overexpressing transgenic(TOT)/Tmod1-/-)and differentiated to immature dendritic cells(imDCs)by rmGM-CSF and rmIL-4.imDCs were then matured by lipopolysaccharides(LPS)treatment.The expressions of the surface markers in DCs,including CD80,CD86,CD40,MHC-Ⅱand CCR7,were detected by flow cytometry,Western blot and qRT-PCR.The inflammation cytokines such as IL-6,IFN-γ,IFN-βand IL-10 were also detected by flow cytometry.The immune functions and the biophysical properties of DCs were compared between the wild type and Tmod1 knockout mice.The F-actin content and dendritic pseudopodia of these two kinds of DCs were detected by flow cytometry and laser scanning confocal microscope respectively.Finally,we detected the MyD88 dependent and independent signaling pathway to discover the molecular mechanisms.Results We found that Tmod1-deficient mDCs showed deficient antigen-presenting ability and they failed to express enough MHC-Ⅱ,co-stimulated molecules(CD80/86,CD40)and CCR7 on their cell surface.The secretions of the inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and IFN-γwere decreased while the anti-inflammatory cytokines IFN-βand IL-10 were increased in the supernatant of Tmod1-deficient mDCs.As compared to DCs of wild type mice,the migration ability of DCs from Tmod1 knockout mice were dramatically damaged including their free migration and CCL19 mediated chemotaxis migration.However,we found that Tmod1 knockout had no effects on the imDCs’endocytosis ability.Furthermore,Tmod1 knockout DCs showed higher osmotic fragility,lower Young’s modulus,less F-actin content and shorter dendritic pseudopodia.Under LPS stimulation,the phosphorylation level of p65 and p38 were significantly downregulated in Tmod1 knockout mice while the expression of p-IRF3 was upregulated.Conclusions These results indicated that Tmodl knockout leads to deficient antigen-presenting ability and impaired migration of DCs as well as their biophysical properties.The underlying mechanisms are due to the inhibitions of the TLR4-mediated NF-κB and p38 MAPK singling pathway and the activation of the IRF3 signaling pathway,as well as the disturbed reorganization of the F-actin cytoskeleton.Our results provide a new insight on the functions of Tmod1 which can affect the DCs’immune functions and biophysical properties through regulating the TLR4-mediated singling pathways and cytoskeleton remodeling.展开更多
Aim Alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR), a subtype of nAChR regulating neurotrans- mission in central nervous system, is an essential regulator of cholinergic antiinflammatory pathway in periphery. Th...Aim Alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR), a subtype of nAChR regulating neurotrans- mission in central nervous system, is an essential regulator of cholinergic antiinflammatory pathway in periphery. The present study was to determine the effects of activation of α7nAChR on oxidant stress-induced injury in endo- thelial cells. Methods Cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells were treated with H202 (400 μmol · L^-1) or H202plus PNU-282987 ( 10 μmol · L^-1 ). Cell viability and membrane integrity were measured. AnnexinV + PI assay, immunoblotting of bcl-2, bax and cleaved caspase-3, and immunofluorescence of apoptosis inducing factor (AIF) were performed to evaluate apoptosis. Protein expression of vascular peroxidase-1 ( VPO-1 ) and phosphor- JNK were measured by immunoblotting. Results Activation of α7nAChR by a selective agonist PNU-282987 pre-vented H202-indced decrease of cell viability and increase of lactate dehydrogenase release. Activation of α7nAChR markedly reduced cell apoptosis and intracellular oxidative stress level. Moreover, activation of α7nAChR reduced H2 02 -induced VPO-1 protein upregulation and JNK1/2 phosphorylation. The inhibitory effect of α7nAChR activa- tion on VPO-1 was blocked by JNK inhibitor SP600125. In addition, pretreatment of α7nAChR antagonist methyl- lycaconitine blocked the cytoprotective effect of PNU-282987. Conclusion These results provide the first evidence that activation of α7nAChR protects against oxidant stress-induced damage by suppressing VPO-1 in a JNK signa- ling pathway-dependent manner in endothelial cells.展开更多
OBJECTIVE A novel mast cell-specific G-protein-coupled receptor(GPCR),known as mas-related GPCR-B2(MRGPRB2),plays important roles in the immune response.The opening of ion channels mediated by MRGPRB2 activation remai...OBJECTIVE A novel mast cell-specific G-protein-coupled receptor(GPCR),known as mas-related GPCR-B2(MRGPRB2),plays important roles in the immune response.The opening of ion channels mediated by MRGPRB2 activation remains unclear.METHODS AND RE⁃SULTS Calcium influx induced by activation of MRGPRB2 receptor in mouse peritoneal mast cells was related to the concentrations of calcium ions in the extracellular solution.Similarly,the volt⁃age-dependent current generated by MRGPRB2 activation was also correlated with the extracellu⁃lar calcium concentration.In addition,the in⁃creased of calcium influx or voltage-dependent current caused by activation of MrgprB2 could be blocked by U73122(PLC blocker)or 2-APB(IP3-ORAI1 blocker).Meanwhile,calcium-activated chlorine channel(TMEM16A)was involved in the generation of voltage-dependent currents in⁃duced by MRGPRB2 activation in mouse perito⁃neal mast cells.Furthermore,the degranulation of mouse peritoneal mast cells mediated by MRGPRB2 receptor could also be inhibited by U73122 or 2-APB.CONCLUSION PLC-IP3-ORAI1-TMEM16A signaling pathway was involved in MRGPRB2-mediated mast cell activation.展开更多
Background and Objective In-stent restenosis(ISR)remains a major limitation of percutaneous coronary intervention despite improvements in stent design and pharmacological agents,whereas the mechanism of ISR has not be...Background and Objective In-stent restenosis(ISR)remains a major limitation of percutaneous coronary intervention despite improvements in stent design and pharmacological agents,whereas the mechanism of ISR has not been fully clarified.In the present study,we sought to investigate the potential association of serum soluble TREM-1(sTREM-1)levels with the incidence of ISR.The role of TREM-1 was evaluated in cultured vascular smooth muscle cells(VSMCs).展开更多
文摘Objective:Ovarian cancer(OC)ranks among the leading causes of mortality among the female cancers worldwide.Numerous studies have explored the development and progression of OC at multiple genetic regulatory levels.However,relatively few studies have explored the impact of post-translational modifications(PTM)on OC progression,which is essential for uncovering new therapeutic targets.This study aimed to systematically identify the key PTM types involved in OCprogression,and to explore and evaluate their translational potential as therapeutic targets.Methods:First,we utilized multiple general PTM antibodies to compare gross PTM levels between normal ovarian and OC tissues from clinical females.After identifying lactylation as the PTM with the most significant differences,we selected representative samples for label-free mass spectrometry to identify specific lactylation sites.Next,we transfected A2780(OC)cells with either wild-type(WT)or mutant(K192A[Q])poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase 1(PARP1)conjugated to enhanced green fluorescent protein(EGFP)with a StrepⅡpeptide tag and assessed various cellular indexes related to cell proliferation(clonogenicity assay),migration(scratch wound healing assay),and reactive oxygen species levels.Results:Pan-lactylation was significantly upregulated in clinical OC samples,with PARP1 lactylation at K192 being one of the most common modifications.The growth and migration of A2780 cells were markedly suppressed by overexpressing PARP1-WT but not mutant PARP1.Overexpressing PARP1 significantly downregulated the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2(ERK1/2).Conclusion:This study uncovered a novel PTM of PARP1 in OC,lactylation,and demonstrated that lactylation at K192 is crucial in regulating OC cell growth and migration via the ERK1/2 pathway.Further investigations are required to elucidate the broader functional implications of PARP1 lactylation and its therapeutic potential.
基金supported by grants from the Liaoning Province Excellent Talent Program Project(XLYC1902031)Dalian Science and Technology Talent Innovation Plan Grant(2022RG18)Basic Research Project of the Department of Education of Liaoning Province(LJKQZ20222395)。
文摘Objective Cerebral palsy(CP)is a prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder acquired during the perinatal period,with periventricular white matter injury(PWMI)serving as its primary pathological hallmark.PWMI is characterized by the loss of oligodendrocytes(OLs)and the disintegration of myelin sheaths,leading to impaired neural connectivity and motor dysfunction.Neural stem cells(NSCs)represent a promising regenerative source for replenishing lost OLs;however,conventional twodimensional(2D)in vitro culture systems lack the three-dimensional(3D)physiological microenvironment.Microfluidic chip technology has emerged as a powerful tool to overcome this limitation by enabling precise spatial and temporal control over 3D microenvironmental conditions,including the establishment of stable concentration gradients of bioactive molecules.Catalpol,an iridoid glycoside derived from traditional medicinal plants,exhibits dual antioxidant and anti-apoptotic properties.Despite its therapeutic potential,the capacity of catalpol to drive NSC differentiation toward OLs under biomimetic 3D conditions,as well as the underlying molecular mechanisms,remains poorly understood.This study aims to develop a microfluidic-based 3D biomimetic platform to systematically investigate the concentration-dependent effects of catalpol on promoting NSCs-to-OLs differentiation and to elucidate the role of the caveolin-1(Cav-1)signaling pathway in this process.Methods We developed a novel multiplexed microfluidic device featuring parallel microchannels with integrated gradient generators capable of establishing and maintaining precise linear concentration gradients(0-3 g/L catalpol)across 3D NSCs cultures.This platform facilitated the continuous perfusion culture of NSC-derived 3D spheroids,mimicking the dynamic in vivo microenvironment.Real-time cell viability was assessed using Calcein-AM/propidium iodide(PI)dual staining,with fluorescence imaging quantifying live/dead cell ratios.Oligodendrocyte differentiation was evaluated through quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR)for MBP and SOX10 gene expression,complemented by immunofluorescence staining to visualize corresponding protein changes.To dissect the molecular mechanism,the Cav-1-specific pharmacological inhibitor methyl‑β‑cyclodextrin(MCD)was employed to perturb the pathway,and its effects on differentiation markers were analyzed.Results Catalpol demonstrated excellent biocompatibility,with cell viability exceeding 96%across the entire tested concentration range(0-3 g/L),confirming its non-cytotoxic nature.At the optimal concentration of 0-3 g/L,catalpol significantly upregulated both MBP and SOX10 expression(P<0.05,P<0.01),indicating robust promotion of oligodendroglial differentiation.Intriguingly,Cav-1 mRNA expression was progressively downregulated during NSC differentiation into OLs.Further inhibition of Cav-1 with MCD further enhanced this effect,leading to a statistically significant increase in OL-specific gene expression(P<0.05,P<0.01),suggesting Cav-1 acts as a negative regulator of OLs differentiation.Conclusion This study established an integrated microfluidic gradient chip-3D NSC spheroid culture system,which combines the advantages of precise chemical gradient control with physiologically relevant 3D cell culture.The findings demonstrate that 3 g/L catalpol effectively suppresses Cav-1 signaling to drive NSC differentiation into functional OLs.This work not only provides novel insights into the Cav-1-dependent mechanisms of myelination but also delivers a scalable technological platform for future research on remyelination therapies,with potential applications in cerebral palsy and other white matter disorders.The platform’s modular design permits adaptation for screening other neurogenic compounds or investigating additional signaling pathways involved in OLs maturation.
文摘Objective To investigate the structural changes of rat thoracic aorta and changes in expression levels of Bmal1 and cyclins in thoracic aorta endothelial cells following heat stress.Methods Twenty male SD rats were randomized equally into control group and heat stress group.After exposure to 32℃for 2 weeks in the latter group,the rats were examined for histopathological changes and Bmal1 expression in the thoracic aorta using HE staining and immunohistochemistry.In the cell experiments,cultured rat thoracic aortic endothelial cells(RTAECs)were incubated at 40℃for 12 h with or without prior transfection with a Bmal1-specific small interfering RNA(si-Bmal1)or a negative sequence.In both rat thoracic aorta and RTAECs,the expressions of Bmal1,the cell cycle proteins CDK1,CDK4,CDK6,and cyclin B1,and apoptosis-related proteins Bax and Bcl-2 were detected using Western blotting.TUNEL staining was used to detect cell apoptosis in rat thoracic aorta,and the changes in cell cycle distribution and apoptosis in RTAECs were analyzed with flow cytometry.Results Compared with the control rats,the rats exposed to heat stress showed significantly increased blood pressures and lowered heart rate with elastic fiber disruption and increased expressions of Bmal1,cyclin B1 and CDK1 in the thoracic aorta(P<0.05).In cultured RTAECs,heat stress caused significant increase of Bmal1,cyclin B1 and CDK1 protein expression levels,which were obviously lowered in cells with prior si-Bmal1 transfection.Bmal1 knockdown also inhibited heat stress-induced increase of apoptosis in RTAECs as evidenced by decreased expression of Bax and increased expression of Bcl-2.Conclusion Heat stress upregulates Bmal1 expression and causes alterations in expressions of cyclins to trigger apoptosis of rat thoracic aorta endothelial cells,which can be partly alleviated by suppressing Bmal1 expression.
文摘Objective To investigate whether 2,3,5,4'-tetrahydroxystilbene-2-O-β-glucoside(TSG)ameliorated polycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS)-like characteristics by inhibiting inflammation.Methods PCOS models were established by injecting subcutaneously with dehydroepiandrosterone into female Sprague-Dawley rats,followed by receiving intraperitoneal injection of TSG.The granular cells(GCs)KGN were transfected with small interfering RNAs(si-NC and si-CYP19A1).The cells were preincubated with lipopolysaccharide(LPS)and then treated with or without TSG.The estrous cycle was monitored using vaginal exfoliated cells.The morphology of ovarian follicles was analyzed by H&E staining.ELISA was used to analyze estradiol(E2),testosterone(T),follicle stimulating hormone(FSH),luteinizing hormone(LH),IL-6,TNF-α,AGEs,CRP and Omentin-1 levels in serum.Immunohistochemistry was performed to analyze PCNA and CYP19A1 expressions in the GCs of ovaries.Tunel staining was executed to detect the apoptosis of GCs.Quantitative polymerase chain reaction(qPCR)and Western blot were implemented to measure the expression of CYP19A1 in the ovaries and transfected cells.qPCR was used to analyze the expression of IL-6 and TNF-αin the transfected cells treated with LPS and TSG.Results The estrous cycles were restored in TSG group.Compared with model group,the sinus follicles were reduced and corpus luteums were increased in TSG group.TSG group showed increased E2,and decreased T and LH,compared with model group.Pro-inflammatory factors(IL-6,TNF-α,CRP and AGEs)were decreased,and anti-inflammatory factor(Omentin-1)was increased in TSG group compared with those in model group.TSG could partially inhibit decrease of PNCA-positive GCs and increase of Tunel-positive GCs caused by PCOS.The CYP19A1 expression of GCs in TSG group was upregulated compared with model group.The expressions of IL-6 and TNFαin si-CYP19A1 cells were increased compared with si-NC cells.Compared with cells(si-NC and si-CYP19A1)treated without LPS,the expressions of IL-6 and TNF-αcells were increased,and the expression of CYP19A1 was downregulated in LPS-preincubated cells.Compared with cells treated with LPS,the expression of IL-6 and TNF-αwere decreased,and the expression of CYP19A1 was increased in cells treated with LPS and TSG.Compared with si-NC cells treated with LPS and TSG,the expressions of IL-6 and TNF-αcells were increased in the si-CYP19A1 cells treated with LPS and TSG.Conclusion TSG could alleviate PCOS-like characteristics by increasing the expression of CYP19A1 in GCs to inhibit inflammatory response.
基金The project supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China(81502123,81330081,81202596)Natural Science Foundation of Anhui Province(1308085QH130)+3 种基金Anhui Province Natural Science Foundation in University(KJ2014A119)Grants for Scientific Research of BSKY from Anhui Medical University(XJ201212)Specialized Research Fund for the Doctoral Program of Higher Education(20113420120006,20123420110003)Program for Tackling Key Problems in Science and Technology by Anhui Province(1301042098)
文摘OBJECTIVE To investigate the role and mechanism of G protein-coupled receptor kinase 2(GRK2)involving in hepatocel ular carcinoma(HCC)progression.METHODS Cel Counting Kit 8 and tumor colony formation assay were designed to detect HCC cell proliferation,wound healing assay was to detect HCC migration.The correlation between GRK2 and early growth response-1(EGR1)were detected by RT-PCR and real-time PCR assays.Co-immunoprecipitation and Western blot assay were adopted to detect the relationship between GRK2and insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor(IGF-1R)signaling pathway.RESULTS In this study we find that GRK2plays an inhibition role in IGF1-induced HCC cell proliferation and migration.Overexpression of GRK2 causes a decrease in EGR1 expression,while knockdown of GRK2 leads to the dramatically increase in EGR1 expression in the treatment of IGF1.Through co-immunoprecipitation and Western blot assay,we confirm that GRK2can interact with IGF-1R and inhibiting IGF1-induced activation of IGF1R signaling pathway.Silencing EGR1attenuates GRK2 overexpression-caused inhibition of cell proliferation,tumor colony number and migrationactivity,while overexpressing of EGR1 restores the antiproliferative and migratory effect by GRK2 overexpression in HCCLM3 cells.CONCLUSION Taken together,these results suggest that GRK2 may inhibit IGF1-induced HCC cell growth and migration through down-regulation of EGR1 and indicate that enforced GRK2 may offer a potential therapeutic approach against HCC.
基金supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China(81700523)
文摘OBJECTIVE To investigate the mechanism of SIRT1/AMPK signaling pathway between hepatocytes and hepatic stellate cells(HSCs).METHODS Normal human Chang liver cells and human hepatic stellate cell line,LX-2 cells were treated with SRT1720(10μmol·L^(-1))and AICAR(500μmol·L^(-1))prior to ethanol(50 mmol·L^(-1)) for 24 and 48 h.Cell viability was analyzed by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium assay.SIRT1,AMPK and p-AMPK m RNA levels for 24 h and 48 h were analyzed by RT-PCR,SIRT1,AMPK and p-AMPK protein expressions in the supernatant at 24 and 48 h was detected by Western blot.RESULTS SRT1720 and AICAR effectively decreased LX-2 cell viabilities and exhibited scarcely little toxicity in human Chang liver cells.SRT1720 and AICAR attenuated collagen-I,α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA)levels,activated liver kinase B-1(LKB1)and AMPK phosphorylation in ethanol treated LX-2 cells.Meanwhile,SRT1720 and AICAR enhanced SIRT1 expression mediated by ethanol both in Chang liver cells and LX-2 cells.Furthermore,SRT1720 and AICAR suppressed the expression of sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1(SREBP-1)to regulate fatty acid synthesis.CONCLUSION SIRT1 agonist and AMPK agonist blocked the crosstalk between hepatocytes and HSCs via SIRT1/AMPK signaling pathway to modulate hepatocytes accumulation of lipid and HSCs activation.
基金The project supported by National Natural and Science Foundation of China(81341141)Yichang Qingqianliu Biotechnology Co.,Ltd.(SDHZ201602)Science and Technology Bureau of Yichang city(A15301-25)
文摘OBJECTIVE To explore the protective effects of total triterpenoids extracts from Cyclocarya paliurus(Batal.)Iljinskaja on STZ-stimulated INS-1 cells through regulating of autophagy and apoptosis.METHODS INS-1cells were cultured in media containing 3n M STZ and different doses of total triterpenoids extracts from Cyclocarya paliurus(Batal.)Iljinskaja.The proliferation of cells was examined by MTT assay,ROS content were detected by fluorescence enzyme label.The levels of superoxide dismutase(SOD),glutathione peroxidase(GSH-Px),hydrogen peroxidase(CAT),malondialdehyde(MDA)were also measured by colorimetry.The activities of caspase-3,9 were also observed by Caspase colorimetric assay kit in each group.The expressions of Bcl-2 m RNA and Bax m RNA were detected by Real time PCR,protein expression of LC3-Ⅱand PARP were detected by Western blotting.RESULTS Compared with the control group,total triterpenoids extracts from Cyclocarya paliurus(Batal.)Iljinskaja could promote the proliferation of INS-1 cells no matter with STZ or not when its concentration lower than 25μg·m L^(-1);but when its concentration higher than 100μg·m L^(-1)(use individually)or 50μg·m L^(-1)(combined use),total triterpenoids extracts from Cyclocarya paliurus(Batal.)Iljinskaja might significantly inhibite the growth of the cells whether STZ existed or not.Total triterpenoids extracts from Cyclocarya paliurus(Batal.)Iljinskaja(6.25,12.5,25μg·m L^(-1))might inhibit INS-1cell apoptosis,decrease intra-cellular ROS contents,improve the s upernatant liquid SOD,GSH-PX,CAT activities,decrease MDA level,promote INS-1 cell secreting insulin,decrease the protein expressions of autophagy protein LC3Ⅱand apoptosis regulating protein cleaved PARP protein,up-regulate the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 m RNA expression,down-regulate the pro-apoptotic protein Bax m RNA expression and Bcl-2and Bax,reduce the activity of caspase-9 and caspase-3(P<0.05 or P<0.01).CONCLUSION Total triterpenoids extracts from Cyclocarya paliurus(Batal.)Iljinskaja has good protective effect on STZ-stimulated INS-1cells.It can inhibit STZ injured INS-1 cells to overproduce ROS production,enhance endogenous antioxidant enzymes(GSH-Px,SOD,CAT activities),reduce the expression of autophagy protein LC3Ⅱand apoptosisregulating protein cleaved PARP,up-reglute the antiapoptosis protein Bcl-2 expression,down-regulate the pro-apoptotic protein Bax expression,decrease the caspase-9 and caspase-3 activities,and improve the INS-1cell survival rate,and then play a protective effect on damaged INS-1 cells.
文摘Heat shock proteins (HSPs) are reported to act as effective adjuvants to elicit anti-tumor and anti-infection immunity. Here, we report that Hsp70-like protein 1 (Hsp70L1), a novel HSP derived from human dendritic cells (DCs), has potent adjuvant effects that polarize responses toward Th1. With a calculated molecular weight of 54.8 kDa, Hsp70L1 is smaller in size than Hsp70 but resembles it both structurally and functionally. Hsp70L1 shares common receptors on DCs with Hsp70 and can interact with DCs, promoting DC maturation and stimulating secretion of the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin 12p70 (IL-12p70), IL-1beta, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), and the chemokines IP-10, macrophage inflammatory protein-1alpha (MIP-1alpha), MIP-1beta, and normal T cell expressed and secreted (RANTES). The induction of interferon-gamma-inducible protein 10 (IP-10) secretion by Hsp70L1 is not shared by Hsp70, and other functional differences include more potent stimulation of DC IL-12p70, CC-chemokine, and CCR7 and CXCR4 expression by Hsp70L1. Immunization of mice with the hybrid peptide Hsp70L1-ovalbumin(OVA)(257-264) induces an OVA(257-264)-specific Th1 response and cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) that results in significant inhibition of E.G7-OVA tumor growth. The ability of Hsp70L1 to activate DCs indicates its potential as a novel adjuvant for use with peptide immunizations; the Hsp70L1 antigen peptide hybrid may serve as a more effective vaccine for the control of cancer and infectious diseases.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.81800423)the Guangdong Medical Science and Technology Research project(No.B2022102)。
文摘AIM:Regulatory T cells(Tregs)are a specialized subset of CD4^(+)T cells primarily involved in im⁃munosuppressive functions.AMP-activated protein kinase(AMPK)serves as a metabolic sensor that governs the differen⁃tiation,maturation,and immune functions of Tregs through metabolic reprogramming.However,the impact of AMPKα1(the catalytic subunit of AMPK)knockout specifically in Tregs on the host's immune microenvironment remains largely un⁃explored.METHODS:Histological changes in immune organs were assessed using HE staining.The types of immune cells and their relative population percentages in immune organs and blood were quantified through flow cytometry in both AMPKα1flox/flox(AMPKα1^(fl/fl))mice and Treg-specific AMPKα1 knockout mice(AMPKα1^(fl/fl)Foxp3^(cre)mice).RESULTS:Compared to AMPKα1^(fl/fl)mice,the percentage of eosinophils in the bone marrow of AMPKα1^(fl/fl)Foxp3^(cre)mice was significant⁃ly reduced.Additionally,while the thymus of AMPKα1^(fl/fl)Foxp3^(cre)mice exhibited normal structure,both its size and the ratio of thymus weight to body weight were significantly decreased.The knockout of AMPKα1 in Tregs led to a notable reduction in the total percentage of immature double-negative(DN)cells.Consequently,the percentage of CD4^(+)T cells derived from these DN cells also decreased,even though the percentages of DN1 and DN4 cells were higher in the thymus of AMPKα1^(fl/fl)Foxp3^(cre)mice compared to AMPKα1^(fl/fl)mice.Importantly,the proportion of Siglec-F+CD11b^(+)eosinophils in the thymus was significantly lower in AMPKα1^(fl/fl)Foxp3^(cre)mice.Knockout of AMPKα1 in Tregs resulted in a marked increase in the percentage of CD4^(+)T cells in peripheral blood,alongside a decrease in the proportion of mature CD8^(+)T cells.Similarly,the proportion of CD4^(+)T cells in the spleen of AMPKα1^(fl/fl)Foxp3^(cre)mice was elevated compared to AMPKα1^(fl/fl)mice.In contrast,the proportion of neutrophils significantly decreased,while mononuclear cell proportions increased in the spleen of AMPKα1^(fl/fl)Foxp3^(cre)mice.In lymph nodes,the medullary boundaries in AMPKα1^(fl/fl)Foxp3^(cre)mice were blurred,and the lymphoid follicles were missing,a feature not observed in AMPKα1^(fl/fl)mice.Furthermore,the knockout of AMPKα1 in Tregs reduced the CD3^(+)T cell population,particularly the CD8^(+)T cell population,in lymph nodes.Although the mature Treg cell population was significantly lower in AMPKα1^(fl/fl)Foxp3^(cre)mice,the percentage of CD4^(+)T cells was markedly in⁃creased.In contrast,there was no statistically significant difference in granulocyte populations between AMPKα1^(fl/fl)Foxp3^(cre)and AMPKα1^(fl/fl)mice.CONCLUSION:The populations of mature Tregs,CD8^(+)T cells and eosinophils in various im⁃mune organs were significantly altered in mice with Treg-specific AMPKα1 knockout,suggesting a potential remodeling of the host immune microenvironment in response to inflammatory stimuli.
文摘Identification and enumeration of both dendritic Ia^+ epi-dermal cells (Ia^+DECs) and dendritic Thy-1^+ epidermalcells (Thy-1^+DECa) from various parts of the body wereexamined by using epidermal sheets of C3H/He inbred miceof different age groups and indirect immunofluorescent tech-nique. A significant decline of both Ia^+DECs and Thy-1^+DECs in the mice of the aged group was demonstrated anddifferent densities and different distribution patterns betweenIa^+DECs and Thy-1^+DECs were obserged. These findingsmay imply that the decline of both Ia^+DECs and Thy-1^+DECs in the aged group may reflect the alterations of im-mune response in aging.
基金supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China(81502123 and81330081)Natural Science Foundation of Anhui Province(1308085QH130)Anhui Province Nature Science Foundation in University(KJ2014A119)
文摘OBJECTIVE Basic fibroblast growth factor(b FGF)and platelet-derived growth factor(PDGF)produced by hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)cells are responsible for the cell growth.Accumulating evidence shows that insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-3(IGFBP-3)suppresses HCC cell proliferation in both IGF-dependent and independent manners.The present study is to investigate whether treatment with exogenous IGFBP-3 inhibits bF GF and PDGF production and the cell proliferation of HCC cells.METHODS Cell Counting Kit 8 assay were designed to detect HCC cell proliferation,transcription factor early growth response-1(EGR1)involving in IGFBP-3 regulation of b FGF and PDGF were detected by RT-PCR and Western blot assays.Western blot assay was adopted to detect the IGFBP-3 regulating insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor(IGF-1R)signaling pathway.RESULTS The present study demonstrates that IGFBP-3 suppressed IGF-1-induced b FGF and PDGF expression while it does not affect their expression in the absence of IGF-1.To delineate the underlying mechanism,Western-blot and RT-PCR assays confirmed that the transcription factor early growth response protein 1(EGR1)is involved in IGFBP-3 regulation of b FGF and PDGF.IGFBP-3 inhibition of type 1 insulin-like growth factor receptor(IGF1R),ERK and AKT activation is IGF-1-dependent.Furthermore,transient transfection with constitutively activated AKT or MEK partially blocks the IGFBP-3 inhibition of EGR1,b FGF and PDGF expression.CONCLUSION In conclusion,these findings suggest that IGFBP-3suppresses transcription of EGR1 and its target genes b FGF and PDGF through inhibiting IGF-1-dependent ERK and AKT activation.It demonstrates the importance of IGFBP-3 in the regulation of HCC cell proliferation,suggesting that IGFBP-3 could be a target for the treatment of HCC.
基金funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China ( 31660258,31771014, 31860262,31570938,31260227)the Science and Technology Foundation of Guizhou Province ( 2019-2787,2018-1412, 2016-5676,2017-5718)+2 种基金the Science and Technology Innovative Talent Team of Guizhou Province ( 2015-4021)the 2011 Collaborative Innovation Program of Guizhou Province ( 2015-04 )the Cell and Gene Engineering Innovative Research Groups of Guizhou Province ( KY-2016-031)
文摘Background Dendritic cells(DCs)are the most important antigen-presenting cells due to their professional and extremely efficient antigen-presenting function.The dynamics of cytoskeleton plays crucial regulated roles on DCs’immune functions and biophysical properties.Several evidences show that tumor-derived suppressive cytokines deteriorate DCs’immune functions through remodeling their F-actin cytoskeleton.But the underlying mechanism is still elusive.Tropomodulin1(Tmod1),a cytoskeleton-binding protein,regulates and stabilizes actin filaments lengths and cytoskeleton architecture,which involves in the regulations of the morphology,formation of neural dendrites and biophysical properties of cells.Our previous studies found that mature DCs(mDCs)had a higher expression of Tmod1 than immature DCs(imDCs). Therefore,it’s hypothesized that Tmod1 maybe involve in the modification of DCs’functions.Objective The aim of the study is to investigate the effects of Tmodl on the immune functions and biophysical properties of DCs and the underlying mechanisms in order to further understand the biological behaviors of DCs.Methods Bone marrow-derived cells were harvested from wild type(C57BL/6 J)mice and Tmod1 knockout mice(Tmod1 overexpressing transgenic(TOT)/Tmod1-/-)and differentiated to immature dendritic cells(imDCs)by rmGM-CSF and rmIL-4.imDCs were then matured by lipopolysaccharides(LPS)treatment.The expressions of the surface markers in DCs,including CD80,CD86,CD40,MHC-Ⅱand CCR7,were detected by flow cytometry,Western blot and qRT-PCR.The inflammation cytokines such as IL-6,IFN-γ,IFN-βand IL-10 were also detected by flow cytometry.The immune functions and the biophysical properties of DCs were compared between the wild type and Tmod1 knockout mice.The F-actin content and dendritic pseudopodia of these two kinds of DCs were detected by flow cytometry and laser scanning confocal microscope respectively.Finally,we detected the MyD88 dependent and independent signaling pathway to discover the molecular mechanisms.Results We found that Tmod1-deficient mDCs showed deficient antigen-presenting ability and they failed to express enough MHC-Ⅱ,co-stimulated molecules(CD80/86,CD40)and CCR7 on their cell surface.The secretions of the inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and IFN-γwere decreased while the anti-inflammatory cytokines IFN-βand IL-10 were increased in the supernatant of Tmod1-deficient mDCs.As compared to DCs of wild type mice,the migration ability of DCs from Tmod1 knockout mice were dramatically damaged including their free migration and CCL19 mediated chemotaxis migration.However,we found that Tmod1 knockout had no effects on the imDCs’endocytosis ability.Furthermore,Tmod1 knockout DCs showed higher osmotic fragility,lower Young’s modulus,less F-actin content and shorter dendritic pseudopodia.Under LPS stimulation,the phosphorylation level of p65 and p38 were significantly downregulated in Tmod1 knockout mice while the expression of p-IRF3 was upregulated.Conclusions These results indicated that Tmodl knockout leads to deficient antigen-presenting ability and impaired migration of DCs as well as their biophysical properties.The underlying mechanisms are due to the inhibitions of the TLR4-mediated NF-κB and p38 MAPK singling pathway and the activation of the IRF3 signaling pathway,as well as the disturbed reorganization of the F-actin cytoskeleton.Our results provide a new insight on the functions of Tmod1 which can affect the DCs’immune functions and biophysical properties through regulating the TLR4-mediated singling pathways and cytoskeleton remodeling.
文摘Aim Alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR), a subtype of nAChR regulating neurotrans- mission in central nervous system, is an essential regulator of cholinergic antiinflammatory pathway in periphery. The present study was to determine the effects of activation of α7nAChR on oxidant stress-induced injury in endo- thelial cells. Methods Cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells were treated with H202 (400 μmol · L^-1) or H202plus PNU-282987 ( 10 μmol · L^-1 ). Cell viability and membrane integrity were measured. AnnexinV + PI assay, immunoblotting of bcl-2, bax and cleaved caspase-3, and immunofluorescence of apoptosis inducing factor (AIF) were performed to evaluate apoptosis. Protein expression of vascular peroxidase-1 ( VPO-1 ) and phosphor- JNK were measured by immunoblotting. Results Activation of α7nAChR by a selective agonist PNU-282987 pre-vented H202-indced decrease of cell viability and increase of lactate dehydrogenase release. Activation of α7nAChR markedly reduced cell apoptosis and intracellular oxidative stress level. Moreover, activation of α7nAChR reduced H2 02 -induced VPO-1 protein upregulation and JNK1/2 phosphorylation. The inhibitory effect of α7nAChR activa- tion on VPO-1 was blocked by JNK inhibitor SP600125. In addition, pretreatment of α7nAChR antagonist methyl- lycaconitine blocked the cytoprotective effect of PNU-282987. Conclusion These results provide the first evidence that activation of α7nAChR protects against oxidant stress-induced damage by suppressing VPO-1 in a JNK signa- ling pathway-dependent manner in endothelial cells.
文摘OBJECTIVE A novel mast cell-specific G-protein-coupled receptor(GPCR),known as mas-related GPCR-B2(MRGPRB2),plays important roles in the immune response.The opening of ion channels mediated by MRGPRB2 activation remains unclear.METHODS AND RE⁃SULTS Calcium influx induced by activation of MRGPRB2 receptor in mouse peritoneal mast cells was related to the concentrations of calcium ions in the extracellular solution.Similarly,the volt⁃age-dependent current generated by MRGPRB2 activation was also correlated with the extracellu⁃lar calcium concentration.In addition,the in⁃creased of calcium influx or voltage-dependent current caused by activation of MrgprB2 could be blocked by U73122(PLC blocker)or 2-APB(IP3-ORAI1 blocker).Meanwhile,calcium-activated chlorine channel(TMEM16A)was involved in the generation of voltage-dependent currents in⁃duced by MRGPRB2 activation in mouse perito⁃neal mast cells.Furthermore,the degranulation of mouse peritoneal mast cells mediated by MRGPRB2 receptor could also be inhibited by U73122 or 2-APB.CONCLUSION PLC-IP3-ORAI1-TMEM16A signaling pathway was involved in MRGPRB2-mediated mast cell activation.
文摘Background and Objective In-stent restenosis(ISR)remains a major limitation of percutaneous coronary intervention despite improvements in stent design and pharmacological agents,whereas the mechanism of ISR has not been fully clarified.In the present study,we sought to investigate the potential association of serum soluble TREM-1(sTREM-1)levels with the incidence of ISR.The role of TREM-1 was evaluated in cultured vascular smooth muscle cells(VSMCs).