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Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) participate in myocardial repair following myocardial infarction. However, their in vivo reparative capability is limited due to lack of their survival in the infarcted myocardium. To overcome this limitation, we genetically engineered male rat MSCs overexpressing CXCR4 in order to maximize the effect of stromal cell-derived factor-1alpha (SDF-1alpha) for cell migration and regeneration. MSCs were isolated from adult male rats and cultured. Adenoviral transduction was carried out to over-express either CXCR4/green fluorescent protein (Ad-CXCR4/GFP) or Ad-null/GFP alone (control). Flow cytometry was used to identify and isolate GFP/CXCR4 over-expressing MSCs for transplantation. Female rats were assigned to one of four groups (n=8 each) to receive GFP-transduced male MSCs (2 x 10(6)) via tail vein injection 3 days after ligation of the left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery: GFP-transduced MSCs (Ad-null/GFP-MSCs, group 1) or MSCs over-expressing CXCR4/GFP (Ad-CXCR4/GFP-MSCs, group 2), or Ad-CXCR4/GFP-MSCs plus SDF-1alpha (50 ng/microl) (Ad-CXCR4/GFP-MSCs/SDF-1alpha, group 3), or Ad-miRNA targeting CXCR4 plus SDF-1alpha (Ad-miRNA/GFP-MSCs+SDF-1alpha treatment, group 4). Cardiodynamic data were obtained 4 weeks after induction of regional myocardial infarction (MI) using echocardiography after which hearts were harvested for immunohistochemical studies. The migration of GFP and Y-chromosome positive cells increased significantly in the peri- and infarct areas of groups 2 and 3 compared to control group (p<0.05), or miRNA-CXCR4 group (p<0.01). The number of CXCR4 positive cells in groups 2, 3 was intimately associated with angiogenesis and myogenesis. MSCs engraftment was blocked by pretreatment with miRNA (group 4). Cardiac function was significantly improved in rats receiving MSCs over-expressing CXCR4 alone or with SDF-1alpha. The up-regulation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) by CXCR4 overexpressing MSCs perhaps facilitated their engraftment in the collagenous tissue of the infarcted area. CXCR4 over-expression led to enhance in vivo mobilization and engraftment of MSCs into ischemic area where these cells promoted neomyoangiogenesis and alleviated early signs of left ventricular remodeling.

Iron (Fe) is necessary for plant growth and development. The mechanism of uptake and translocation in Cadmium (Cd) is similar to iron, which shares iron transporters. Yellow stripe-like transporter (YSL) plays a pivotal role in transporting iron and other metal ions in plants. In this study, MsYSL6 and its promoter were cloned from leguminous forage alfalfa. The transient expression of MsYSL6-GFP indicated that MsYSL6 was localized to the plasma membrane and cytoplasm. The expression of MsYSL6 was induced in alfalfa by iron deficiency and Cd stress, which was further proved by GUS activity driven by the MsYSL6 promoter. To further identify the function of MsYSL6, it was heterologously overexpressed in tobacco. MsYSL6-overexpressed tobacco showed better growth and less oxidative damage than WT under Cd stress. MsYSL6 overexpression elevated Fe and Cd contents and induced a relatively high Fe translocation rate in tobacco under Cd stress. The results suggest that MsYSL6 might have a dual function in the absorption of Fe and Cd, playing a role in the competitive absorption between Fe and Cd. MsYSL6 might be a regulatory factor in plants to counter Cd stress. This study provides a novel gene for application in heavy metal enrichment or phytoremediation and new insights into plant tolerance to toxic metals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iron(Fe) is a trace metal element necessary for plant growth, but excess iron is harmful to plants. Natural resistance-associated macrophage proteins (NRAMPs) are important for divalent metal transport in plants. In this study, we isolated the MsNRAMP2 (MN_547960) gene from alfalfa, the perennial legume forage. The expression of MsNRAMP2 is specifically induced by iron excess. Overexpression of MsNRAMP2 conferred transgenic tobacco tolerance to iron excess, while it conferred yeast sensitivity to excess iron. Together with the MsNRAMP2 gene, MsMYB (MN_547959) expression is induced by excess iron. Y1H indicated that the MsMYB protein could bind to the "CTGTTG" cis element of the MsNRAMP2 promoter. The results indicated that MsNRAMP2 has a function in iron transport and its expression might be regulated by MsMYB. The excess iron tolerance ability enhancement of MsNRAMP2 may be involved in iron transport, sequestration, or redistribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iron (Fe) and (Mn) are essential for the plant but are toxic when in excess. Vacuolar iron transporters (VITs) are involved in plant metal storage and detoxication. In this study, we screened two soybean cultivars (HN51 and SN37) with different responses to iron stress. From HN51 and SN37, we identified a new gene GmVIT1, for which expression is closely related to iron stress response by transcriptomic and quantitative analysis. We obtained GmVIT1 and GmVIT1 promoter from the iron deficiency-tolerant soybean variety Heinong51. Sequence analysis showed that GmVIT1 contained a conserved 170-residue VIT domain and localized at the tonoplast. Moreover, GmVIT1 is expressed in soybean leaves, stems, and roots. The expression of GmVIT1 was significantly induced by excessive Fe/Mn in leaves and stems. GUS assay showed that excess Fe/Mn enhanced GmVIT1 promoter activity. Furthermore, overexpression of GmVIT1 in Arabidopsis seedlings showed reduced phytotoxic effects induced by excess Fe/Mn stress, including yellowing in leaves, decreased chlorophyll content, and accumulated MDA. GmVIT1 overexpression in Arabidopsis showed relatively higher soluble sugar content and SOD, POD, and CAT activity. In addition, the ferric reductase activity in GmVIT1 overexpression in Arabidopsis decreased under excess Fe, while it increased under excess Mn. By integrating all these results, we found that GmVIT1 plays a vital role in plant response to excess Fe/Mn. The results showed that GmVIT1 was worthy of metal homeostasis mechanism research in plants and could be applied in the metal toxic-tolerance improvement in crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Subchondral bone lesions, as the crucial inducement for accelerating cartilage degeneration, have been considered as the initiating factor and the potential therapeutic target of knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Acupotomy, the biomechanical therapy guided by traditional Chinese meridians theory, alleviates cartilage deterioration by correcting abnormal mechanics. Whether this mechanical effect of acupotomy inhibits KOA subchondral bone lesions is indistinct. This study aimed to investigate the effects of acupotomy on inhibiting subchondral bone resorption and to define the possible mechanism in immobilization-induced KOA rabbits. After KOA modeling, 8 groups of rabbits (4w/6w acupotomy, 4w/6w electroacupuncture, 4w/6w model, and 4w/6w control groups) received the indicated intervention for 3 weeks. Histological and bone histomorphometry analyses revealed that acupotomy prevented both cartilage surface erosion and subchondral bone loss. Further, acupotomy suppressed osteoclast activity and enhanced osteoblast activity in KOA subchondral bone, showing a significantly decreased expression of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP), matrix metalloproteinases-9 (MMP-9), and cathepsin K (Ctsk) and a significantly increased expression of osteocalcin (OCN); this regulation may be mediated by blocking the decrease in osteoprotegerin (OPG) and the increase in NF- κ B receptor activated protein ligand (RANKL). These findings indicated that acupotomy inhibited osteoclast activity and promoted osteoblast activity to ameliorate hyperactive subchondral bone resorption and cartilage degeneration in immobilization-induced KOA rabbits, which may be mediated by the OPG/RANKL signaling pathway. Taken together, our results indicate that acupotomy may have therapeutic potential in KOA by restoring the balance between bone formation and bone resorption to attenuate subchondral bone lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To reveal the effect and mechanism of Jiaotai Pill (交泰丸, JTP) on insomniac rats. Methods: The insomniac model was established by intraperitoneal injection of p-chlorophenylalanine (PCPA). In behavioral experiments, rats were divided into control, insomniac model, JTP [3.3 g/(kg•d)], and diazepam [4 mg/(kg•d)] groups. The treatment effect of JTP was evaluated by weight measurement (increasement of body weight), open field test (number of crossings) and forced swimming test (immobility time). A high performance liquid chromatography-electrochemical detection (HPLC-ECD) method was built to determine the concentration of monoamine transmitters in hypothalamus and peripheral organs from normal, model, JTP, citalopram [30 mg/(kg•d)], maprotiline [40 mg/(kg•d)] and bupropion [40 mg/(kg•d)] groups. Expressions of serotonin transporter (SERT), dopamine transporter (DAT), and norepinephrine transporter (NET) were analyzed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and Western blot in normal, model and JTP groups. A high performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-MS/MS) method was established to determine the pharmacokinetics, urine cumulative excretion of metformin in vivo, and tissue slice uptake in vitro, which were applied to assess the activity of organic cation transporters (OCTs) in hypothalamus and peripheral organs. Results: Compared with the insomniac model group, the body weight and spontaneous locomotor were increased, and the immobility time was decreased after treatment with JTP (P<0.01). Both serotonin and dopamine contents in hypothalamus and peripheral organs were increased (P<0.01). The norepinephrine content was increased in peripheral organs and decreased in hypothalamus (P<0.05 or P<0.01). At the same time, SERT, DAT, OCT1, OCT2, and OCT3 were down-regulated in hypothalamus and peripheral organs (P<0.05). NET was down-regulated in peripheral organs and up-regulated in hypothalamus (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Moreover, the activity of OCTs in hypothalamus and peripheral organs was inhibited (P<0.05). Conclusion: JTP alleviates insomnia through regulation of monoaminergic system and OCTs in hypothalamus and peripheral organs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is caused by heavy alcohol consumption over a long period. Acetaldehyde-mediated toxicity, oxidative stress, and imbalance of lipid metabolism are generally considered involved in the initiation of ALD. There is an increasing requirement for alternative and natural medicine to treat ALD. Recently, aldose reductase (AR) has been reported to be involved in the development of ALD by affecting inflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress, and lipid metabolism. Here, we review the effect of plant-derived AR inhibitors on ALD in rodents. And we conclude that AR inhibitors of plant origin may enhance antioxidant capacity, inhibit lipid peroxidation and inflammatory cytokines expression, and activate AMP-activated protein kinase thereby subsequently suppressing alcohol-induced lipid synthesis in liver to achieve ALD protection. This review reveals that natural AR inhibitor may be potential therapeutic agent for ALD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We recently reported that doxorubicin decreased the expression of calpain-1/2, while inhibition of calpain activity promoted doxorubicin-induced cardiac injury in mice. In this study, we investigated whether and how elevation of calpain-2 could affect doxorubicin-triggered cardiac injury. Transgenic mice with inducible cardiomyocyte-specific expression of calpain-2 were generated. An acute cardiotoxicity was induced in both transgenic mice and their relevant wild-type littermates by injection of a single dose of doxorubicin (20 mg/kg) and cardiac injury was analyzed 5 days after doxorubicin injection. Cardiomyocyte-specific up-regulation of calpain-2 did not induce any adverse cardiac phenotypes under physiological conditions by age 3 months, but significantly reduced myocardial injury and improved myocardial function in doxorubicin-treated mice. Cardiac protection of calpain-2 up-regulation was also observed in a mouse model of chronic doxorubicin cardiotoxicity. Up-regulation of calpain-2 increased the protein levels of mitogen activated protein kinase phosphatase-1 (MKP-1) in cultured mouse cardiomyocytes and heart tissues. Over-expression of MKP-1 prevented, whereas knockdown of MKP-1 augmented doxorubicin-induced apoptosis in cultured cardiomyocytes. Moreover, knockdown of MKP-1 offset calpain-2-elicited protective effects against doxorubicin-induced injury in cultured cardiomyocytes. Mechanistically, up-regulation of calpain-2 reduced the protein levels of phosphatase and tensin homolog and consequently promoted Akt activation, leading to increased MKP-1 protein steady-state levels by inhibiting its degradation. Collectively, this study reveals a new role of calpain-2 in promoting MKP-1 expression via phosphatase and tensin homolog/Akt signaling. This study also suggests that calpain-2/MKP-1 signaling may represent new therapeutic targets for doxorubicin-induced cardiac injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Experimental modeling to identify specific inhalation hazards for nanomaterials has in the main focused on in vivo approaches. However, these models suffer from uncertainties surrounding species-specific differences and cellular targets for biologic response. In terms of pulmonary exposure, approaches which combine ‘inhalation-like’ nanoparticulate aerosol deposition with relevant human cell and tissue air-liquid interface cultures are considered an important complement to in vivo work. In this study, we utilized such a model system to build on previous results from in vivo exposures, which highlighted the small airway epithelium as a target for silver nanoparticle (AgNP) deposition. RNA-SEQ was used to characterize alterations in mRNA and miRNA within the lung. Organotypic-reconstituted 3D human primary small airway epithelial cell cultures (SmallAir) were exposed to the same spark-generated AgNP and at the same dose used in vivo, in an aerosol-exposure air-liquid interface (AE-ALI) system. Adverse effects were characterized using lactate, LDH release and alterations in mRNA and miRNA. Modest toxicological effects were paralleled by significant regulation in gene expression, reflective mainly of specific inflammatory events. Importantly, there was a level of concordance between gene expression changes observed in vitro and in vivo. We also observed a significant correlation between AgNP and mass equivalent silver ion (Ag+) induced transcriptional changes in SmallAir cultures. In addition to key mechanistic information relevant for our understanding of the potential health risks associated with AgNP inhalation exposure, this work further highlights the small airway epithelium as an important target for adverse effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gynura formosana Kitam. belongs to the Compositae family and has been traditionally used for the prevention of cancer, diabetes, and inflammation in China. Previous studies had indicated that the ethyl acetate extract of Gynura formosana Kitam. leaves (EAEG) exhibited antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. In this report, we demonstrated that EAEG possessed potent anticancer activity through autophagy-mediated inhibition of cell proliferation. EAEG induced a strong cytostatic effect towards HeLa cells and, to a lesser extent, HepG2 and MCF-7 cells. This cytostatic effect of EAEG was not a consequence of increased apoptosis, as neither DNA fragmentation nor change in protein expression level for a number of apoptosis-related genes including Bid, Bax, Bcl-2, and caspase-3 was observed after EAEG treatment, and the apoptosis inhibitor Z-VAD-FMK did not inhibit the EAEG-elicited cytostatic effect. On the other hand, EAEG induced autophagy in a dose-dependent fashion, as shown by increased GFP puncta formation, enhanced conversion of the microtubule-associated protein light chain LC3-I to LC3-II, and downregulation of the p62 protein. Treating the HeLa cells with EAEG together with Chloroquine (CQ) further accelerated LC3 conversion and p62 clearance, indicating that EAEG induced complete autophagy flux. Importantly, the autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine (3MA) significantly abrogated the cytostatic effect of EAEG, strongly suggesting that EAEG inhibited HeLa cell proliferation through the induction of autophagy rather than apoptosis. Our results provided a novel and interesting mechanistic insight into the anticancer action of EAEG, supporting the traditional use of this plant for the treatment of the cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. By observing the needle-knife of KOA rabbit morphology, knee joint cartilage p-FAK, p-PI3K, Aggrecan gene, and protein expression, to study the effect of needle-knife to promote cartilage cell synthesis metabolism mechanism. Method. 49 male New Zealand rabbits, randomly divided into normal group (Z), model group (M), model-inhibitors (MP), needle-knife group (D), needle-knife inhibitors group (DP), electroacupuncture group (E), and electroacupuncture inhibitors (EP). RT-PCR and Western Blot were used to test each animal cartilage p-FAK, p-PI3K, and Aggrecan gene and protein expression level. Results. Compared with N group, p-FAK and p-PI3K protein and mRNA expression of M group, D group, and E group increased (P < 0.05), while the protein and mRNA expression of Aggrecan reduced (P < 0.05). Compared with M group, p-FAK, p-PI3K, Aggrecan protein, and mRNA of E and D group increased (P < 0.05). Compared with E group, p-FAK, p-PI3K, Aggrecan protein, and mRNA expression of D group increased (P < 0.05); after adding inhibitors, p-FAK, p-PI3K, Aggrecan protein, and mRNA expression reduced (P < 0.05). Conclusion. Needle-knife therapy can promote the repairment of cartilage cells by activating FAK-PI3K signaling pathways, promoting the synthesis of cartilage cell metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To establish the colonic expression quantitative trait locus map in Han Chinese population and provide a functional reference for interpreting genetic associations of diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Methods Colonic mucosal biopsies and peripheral blood samples were obtained from 48 Chinese Han individuals (24 ulcerative colitis patients and 24 healthy controls). Transcription profiling was performed using human whole genome expression array. Genotyping was done using a population-specific genotype array. Imputation was performed using IMPUTE2. Association between genotypes and gene expression was analyzed using a Matrix Expression Quantitative Trait Loci (eQTL) R package to identify eQTL. We used ChIPpeakAnno R package for annotation of the eQTL. Linkage disequilibrium between the eQTL and IBD risk loci was also investigated. Results We identified 6 377 single nucleotide polymorphism-transcript interactions ( cis-eQTL) in the colon of the Chinese participants. Most of the eQTL located near the transcription starting sites and overlapped with histone modification marks on the genome. A significant proportion of the eQTL were found to be within transcription factor-binding sites. Two IBD risk loci were found to be colon cis-eQTL in Chinese individuals, and 51 cis-eQTL were identified in another 18 IBD risk loci. Conclusions This study defined a population-specific catalogue of colon eQTL in the Chinese population. Potential functional variants of IBD association signals were identified. We provided a useful reference dataset for fine mapping IBD risk loci and identifying causal variants in the Chinese Han population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction To investigate the cardioprotective effect of Micro RNA-21 (miR-21) in murine myocardial infarction ( MI). Methods Forty C57 BL/6 male mice were divided into sham group, MI group, LV- GFP group, and miR-21 group. Mice in the MI group, LV- GFP group, and miR-21 group were subjected to MI by left anterior descending artery ( LAD) ligation, while chest was opened/closed without ligation in sham group. In MI group, expression of miR-21 in the MI area and its surrounding areas was detected at 1st, 2nd, and 4th week after experiment. Subsequently, lentivirus expressing miR-21 and lentivirus that did not express miR-21 were transfected into mice left ventricular cavity of miR-21 group and LV- GFP group, respectively. Cardiac function, MI size, miR-21 expression, collagen I level, fibronectin content, number of α- SMA-positive cells, number of apoptotic cells, apoptosis-related factors were compared between the three groups. Results Compared with sham group, miR-21 levels in MI group were significantly decreased in the 1st week and 2nd week, but were almost the same in the 4th week. Left ventricular fractional shortening ( LVFS) and left ventricular ejection fraction ( LVEF) in the miR-21 group improved compared to the LV- GFP group. In miR-21 group, myocardial infarct size reduced by 36.9% in comparison with LV- GFP group. Compared to sham group, miR-21 expression in the miR-21 group and LV- GFP group decreased significantly. In the miR-21 group, collagen I level, fibronectin content and number of α- SMA-positive cells of miR-21 decreased significantly compared to the LV- GFP group. The number of apoptotic cells in the MI areas of the miR-21 group was significantly less than the LV- GFP group. Compared with the LV- GFP group, Bcl-2 level and the ratio of Bcl-2 to Bax were significantly increased, and the levels of Bax and Caspase-3 decreased. Conclusions Our results suggest miR-21 is an important regulatory molecule in the pathophysiology of MI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Streptococcus agalactiae, long recognized as a mammalian pathogen, is an emerging concern with regard to fish. In this study, we used a mouse model and in vitro cell infection to evaluate the pathogenetic characteristics of S. agalactiae GD201008-001, isolated from tilapia in China. This bacterium was found to be highly virulent and capable of inducing brain damage by migrating into the brain by crossing the blood–brain barrier (BBB). The phagocytosis assays indicated that this bacterium could be internalized by murine macrophages and survive intracellularly for more than 24 h, inducing injury to macrophages. Further, selective capture of transcribed sequences (SCOTS) was used to investigate microbial gene expression associated with intracellular survival. This positive cDNA selection technique identified 60 distinct genes that could be characterized into 6 functional categories. More than 50% of the differentially expressed genes were involved in metabolic adaptation. Some genes have previously been described as associated with virulence in other bacteria, and four showed no significant similarities to any other previously described genes. This study constitutes the first step in further gene expression analyses that will lead to a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms used by S. agalactiae to survive in macrophages and to cross the BBB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paederus fuscipes is a medically and agriculturally important insect all over the world. P. fuscipes cause not only a skin condition but is also an aggressive predator in different agro-ecosystems. Prior to performing RT-qPCR under a variety of conditions to investigate the function of target genes in P. fuscipes , it is essential to screen reference genes. However, no P. fuscipes reference gene(s) has yet been discovered. Using the RefFinder software package, which includes ΔCt, geNorm, NormFinder, and BestKeeper, we evaluated the stability of seven housekeeping genes of P. fuscipes under five conditions (developmental stage, diet, temperature, tissue and sex). During the RT-qPCR analysis, geNorm software was used to evaluate pairwise variation in order to identify the most appropriate number of reference genes. The results revealed that for developmental stages RPL-13, EF1A and β-tubulin ; for sex-related experiments β-tubulin and Actin , for tissue-related experiments PRS-18, 18S and RPL-13 ; for temperature-related experiments β-tubulin and PRL-13 and diet-related experiments, β-tubulin and PRS-18 are suitable reference genes. Furthermore, the associated HSP-70 (as the reporter gene) expression patterns differed significantly when the three most stable and three least stable reference genes were selected in different temperature treatments. This is the first time that a complete list of standardized reference genes has been given for P. fuscipes to use in an RT-qPCR study, which could be helpful for potential functional studies of target genes in P. fuscipes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cyclooxygenase-2 ( COX-2) plays an important role in the carcinogenesis and progression of gastric cancer. It has been demonstrated that COX-2 overexpression depends on different cellular pathways, involving both transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation. Micro RNAs (mi RNAs) are small, noncoding RNAs that function as post-transcriptional regulators. Here, we characterize miR-101 expression and its role in the regulation of COX-2 expression, which in turn, will provide us with additional insights into the potential therapeutic benefits of exogenous mi R-101 for treatment of gastric cancer. Our results showed that mi R-101 levels in gastric cancer tissues were significantly lower than those in the matched normal tissue ( P < 0.01). Furthermore, lower levels of mi R-101 were associated with increased tumor invasion and lymph node metastasis ( P < 0.05). We also found an inverse correlation between mi R-101 and COX-2 expression in both gastric cancer specimens and cell lines. Significant decreases in COX-2 mRNA and COX-2 levels were observed in the pre-mi R-101-infected gastric cancer cells. One possible mechanism of interaction is that mi R-101 inhibited COX-2 expression by directly binding to the 3′- UTR of COX-2 m RNA. Overexpression of mi R-101 in gastric cancer cell lines also inhibited cell proliferation and induced apoptosis in vitro, as well as inhibiting tumor growth in vivo. These results collectively indicate that mi R-101 may function as a tumor suppressor in gastric cancer, with COX-2 as a direct target. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: OCT4 is a highly conserved gene and plays an important role during early embryonic development and differentiation. Similar to human OCT4, mouse Oct4 gene generates variants. Oct4A is a master regulator of self-renewal in pluripotent stem cells. In this study, we have identified a novel Oct4 spliced variant, designated mouse Oct4B, encoding 3 isoforms, termed Oct4B-247aa, Oct4B-190aa and Oct4B-164aa. Furthermore, we have examined the expression pattern of these isoforms in non-pluripotent cells and their function in somatic cell reprogramming. The results revealed the isoforms 247aa, 164aa localized mainly in nucleus and 190aa expressed dotted in the cytoplasm. In contrast to Oct4A, Oct4B does not function in somatic reprogramming as that of Oct4A. Taken together, our data for first time described the intact coding sequence of mouse Oct4B and its function in somatic cell reprogramming. These findings will be important for further analysis of the epigenetic mechanisms of reprogramming and highlight the necessity of discriminating Oct4 isoforms in future stem cell research. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Hsp20, referred to as HspB6, is constitutively expressed in various tissues. Specifically, HspB6 is most highly expressed in different types of muscle including vascular, airway, colonic, bladder, and uterine smooth muscle; cardiac muscle; and skeletal muscle. It can be phosphorylated at Ser-16 by both cAMP- and cGMP-dependent protein kinases (PKA/PKG). Recently, Hsp20 and its phosphorylation have been implicated in multiple physiological and pathophysiological processes including smooth muscle relaxation, platelet aggregation, exercise training, myocardial infarction, atherosclerosis, insulin resistance and Alzheimer''s disease. In the heart, key advances have been made in elucidating the significance of Hsp20 in contractile function and cardioprotection over the last decade. This mini-review highlights exciting findings in animal models and human patients, with special emphasis on the potential salutary effects of Hsp20 in heart disease. This article is part of a special issue entitled "Key Signaling Molecules in Hypertrophy and Heart Failure." [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The IκB kinase β (IKKβ) plays crucial roles in regulating activation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) in response to proinflammatory factors and microbial and viral infections. Here, we report the cloning of an IKKβ cDNA (named SicIKKβ) from the mandarin fish Siniperca chuatsi. The full-length cDNA is 4052bp and contains an ORF that encodes a predicted protein of 743-amino acid residues. The deduced amino acid sequence of SicIKKβ has the same domain organization as human IKKβ, which consists of a serine/threonine kinase domain, a leucine zipper motif and a putative helix-loop-helix motif. Quantitative RT-PCR showed that SicIKKβ was ubiquitously expressed in tissues of mandarin fish, and its expression in mandarin fish fry (MFF-1) cells was up-regulated during the course of ISKNV infection. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have increasingly been used as cellular vectors for the delivery of therapeutic genes to tumors. However, the precise mechanism of mobilization remains poorly defined. In this study, MSCs that expressed similar cell surface markers and exhibited multilineage differentiation potentials were isolated from various donors. Interestingly, different MSC isolates displayed differential migration ability toward human glioma cells. We hypothesized that distinct molecular signals may be involved in the varied tumor tropisms exhibited by different MSC isolates. To test this hypothesis, gene expression profiles of tumor-trophic MSCs were compared with those of non-tumor-trophic MSCs. Among the various differentially regulated genes, matrix metalloproteinase one (MMP1) gene expression and its protein activities were enhanced by 27-fold and 21-fold, respectively, in highly migrating MSCs compared with poorly migrating MSCs. By contrast, there was no change in the transcriptional levels of other MMPs. Functional inactivation of MMP1 abrogated the migratory potential of MSCs toward glioma-conditioned medium. Conversely, the nonmigratory phenotype of poorly migrating MSC could be rescued in the presence of either recombinant MMP1 or conditioned medium from the highly migrating MSCs. Ectopic expression of MMP1 in these poorly migrating cells also rendered the cells responsive to the signaling cues from the glioma cells in vivo. However, blocking the interaction of MMP1 and its cognate receptor PAR1 effectively diminished the migratory ability of MSCs. Taken together, this study provides, for the first time, supporting evidence that MMP1 is critically involved in the migration capacity of MSCs, acting through the MMP1/PAR1 axis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aquaporins are ubiquitous channel proteins that facilitate the transport of water across cell membranes. Most of aquaporins are represent in more than one tissues, but some of them performed highest in roots. They are believed to participate in water transport. DcRB7, a member of the aquaporin family, was isolated from somatic embryos of carrot and identified as a homologous gene of TobRB7. Further studies showed that the expression of DcRB7 was particular in carrot root. To investigate the transcription regulation of DcRB7, a 650-bp upstream sequence of DcRB7 was isolated by inverse PCR, and was fused to the β-glucuronidase (GUS) report gene. After the recombined vectors were transformed into tobacco, the expression pattern was performed by histochemical staining and the quantitative analysis of GUS activity. The results indicated that the c/s-acting element of DcRB7 gene directs GUS expression not only as root-specific but also as drought inducible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In oogamous reproduction of multicellular organisms, a striking phenomenon is the prevailing synchronous development of male germ cells connected by wide intercellular bridges (IBs, 0.1–2 μm), which is well conserved in both animal and plant species ranging from algae to human. In the literature, IBs are believed either to allow genetically segregated haploid spermatids to share diploid gene products after meiosis, or to mediate rapid transfer of some vital signals or nutrients. Although intercellular sharing of gene transcripts has experimental evidences, these hypotheses are still not satisfactory. To explore the unknown roles of IB, we assume that developing male germ cells may be especially sensitive to stochastic gene expression to become heterogeneous. To achieve best gamete quality, such heterogeneity must be eliminated so that relatively uniform gametes with normal functions can be produced. Development within a common syncytium may be the only way for this purpose. The process may require not only the intercellular exchange of a few molecular signals but also the mixing of protoplasm between the connected cells so that they have similar levels/states of mRNAs, proteins and organelles, which can be achieved only through wide IBs. This hypothesis can explain some quite intriguing aspects of male gametogenesis and provide unique predictions that can be tested experimentally. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Cardiac fibroblasts and cardiomyocytes are the main cells involved in the pathophysiology of myocarditis (MCD). These cells are especially sensitive to changes in iron homeostasis, which is extremely important for the optimal maintenance of crucial cellular processes. However, the exact role of iron status in the pathophysiology of MCD remains unknown. We cultured primary human cardiomyocytes (hCM) and cardiofibroblasts (hCF) with sera from acute MCD patients and healthy controls to mimic the effects of systemic inflammation on these cells. Next, we performed an initial small-scale (n = 3 per group) RNA sequencing experiment to investigate the global cellular response to the exposure on sera. In both cell lines, transcriptomic data analysis revealed many alterations in gene expression, which are related to disturbed canonical pathways and the progression of cardiac diseases. Moreover, hCM exhibited changes in the iron homeostasis pathway. To further investigate these alterations in sera-treated cells, we performed a larger-scale (n = 10 for controls, n = 18 for MCD) follow-up study and evaluated the expression of genes involved in iron metabolism. In both cell lines, we demonstrated an increased expression of transferrin receptor 1 (TFR1) and ferritin in MCD serum-treated cells as compared to controls, suggesting increased iron demand. Furthermore, we related TFR1 expression with the clinical profile of patients and showed that greater iron demand in sera-treated cells was associated with higher inflammation score (interleukin 6 (IL-6), C-reactive protein (CRP)) and advanced neurohormonal activation (NT-proBNP) in patients. Collectively, our data suggest that the malfunctioning of cardiomyocytes and cardiofibroblasts in the course of MCD might be related to alterations in the iron homeostasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tamarixia radiata (Waterston) is a predominant parasitoid of the Asian citrus psyllid (ACP), a destructive citrus pest and vector of huanglongbing (HLB) disease in the fields of southern China. To explore the functioning of target genes in T. radiata, the screening of specific reference genes is critical for carrying out the reverse transcriptase-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) under different experimental conditions. However, no reference gene(s) for T. radiata has yet been reported. Here, we selected seven housekeeping genes of T. radiata and evaluated their stability under the six conditions (developmental stage, sex, tissue, population, temperature, diet) by using RefFinder software, which contains four different programs (geNorm, ΔCt, BestKeeper, and NormFinder). Pairwise variation was analyzed by geNorm software to determine the optimal number of reference genes during the RT-qPCR analysis. The results reveal better reference genes for differing research foci: 18S and EF1A for the developmental stage; PRS18 and EF1A for sex, PRS18 and RPL13 for different tissues (head, thorax, abdomen); EF1A and ArgK between two populations; β-tubulin and EF1A for different temperatures (5, 15, 25, 35 °C); and ArgK and PRS18 for different feeding diets. Furthermore, when the two optimal and two most inappropriate reference genes were chosen in different temperatures and tissue treatments, respectively, the corresponding expression patterns of HSP70 (as the reporter gene) differed substantially. Our study provides, for the first time, a more comprehensive list of optimal reference genes from T. radiata for use in RT-qPCR analysis, which should prove beneficial for subsequent functional investigations of target gene(s) in this natural enemy of ACP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transcriptional regulation is essential for any gene expression including microRNA expression. MiR-1-1 and miR-133a-2 are essential microRNAs (miRs) involved in cardiac and skeletal muscle development and diseases. Early studies reveal two regulatory enhancers, an upstream and an intragenic, that direct the miR-1-1 and miR-133a-2 transcripts. In this study, we identify a unique serum response factor (SRF) binding motif within the enhancer through bioinformatic approaches. This motif is evolutionarily conserved and is present in a range of organisms from yeast, flies, to humans. We provide evidence to demonstrate that this regulatory motif is SRF-dependent in vitro by electrophoretic mobility shift assay, luciferase activity assay, and endogenous chromatin immunoprecipitation assay followed by DNA sequence confirmation, and in vivo by transgenic lacZ reporter mouse studies. Importantly, our transgenic mice indicate that this motif is indispensable for the expression of miR1-1/133a-2 in the heart, but not necessary in skeletal muscle, while the enhancer is sufficient for miR1-1/133a-2 gene expression in both tissues. The mutation of the motif alone completely abolishes miR-1-1/133a-2 gene expression in the animal heart, but not in the skeletal muscle. Our findings reveal an additional architecture of regulatory complex directing miR-1-1/133a-1 gene expression, and demonstrate how this intragenic enhancer differentially manages the expression of the two miRs in the heart and skeletal muscle, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Little is known about mechanisms through which OmpR/EnvZ and CpxA/CpxR regulate the expression of OmpC and OmpF, and thereby regulate bacterial responses to antibiotics exposure. In this study we investigated the relationships among OmpC, OmpF and TCSs using Escherichia coli strains with the deletion of ompR, envZ, cpxA and cpxR genes and antibiotics nalidixic acid and chlortetracycline. Significant changes at expression levels of OmpC and OmpF were detected in the strains exposed to the antibiotics. Outer membrane proteins that were altered in response to the changes of OmpC and OmpF expression levels were identified using proteomics approaches and the networks involved in the regulation of protein changes in response to the antibiotic exposure were constructed. It was found that AtpB was upregulated and downregulated in parallel with the reduced and elevated expression of OmpC in response to chlortetracycline and nalidixic acid exposure, respectively and the change of AtpB was regulated by CpxR. These findings were validated by the detection of OmpC, OmpF and CpxR changes in ΔatpD and ΔphoE. Therefore, this study provides novel insight into the regulation network of TCSs and OM proteins involved in the differential responses of bacteria to different classes of antibiotics. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The NF-κB/IκBα pathway plays an important role in the regulation of immune and inflammatory responses. IκBα is an inhibitory molecule that sequesters transcription activator NF-κB dimer in the cytoplasm of unstimulated cells. Here, we isolated the full-length cDNAs of the mandarin fish (Siniperca chuatsi) alpha inhibitor of NF-κB (ScIκBα) and p65 NF-κB (Scp65). Multiple sequence alignments showed that the amino acid sequences of both ScIκBα and Scp65 contain conserved domains similar to those of mammalian counterparts. Protein pull-down and coimmunoprecipitation assays showed that ScIκBα directly bound with Scp65. Real-time quantitative PCR analysis showed that ScIκBα mRNA was constitutive in all mandarin fish tissues detected. After challenge with infectious spleen and kidney necrosis virus (ISKNV), the mRNA level of ScIκBα was decreased nearly 6 fold in the spleen. This result suggests that the NF-κB/IκBα pathway in mandarin fish may play a role in the immune response against ISKNV. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Recent studies have shown that myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R)-induced necrosis can be controlled by multiple genes. In this study, we observed that both strands (5p and 3p) of miR- 223 were remarkably dysregulated in mouse hearts upon I/R. Precursor miR-223 (pre-miR-223) transgenic mouse hearts exhibited better recovery of contractile performance over reperfusion period and lesser degree of myocardial necrosis than wild type hearts upon ex vivo and in vivo myocardial ischemia. Conversely, pre-miR-223 knock-out (KO) mouse hearts displayed opposite effects. Furthermore, we found that the RIP1/ RIP3/MLKL necroptotic pathway and inflammatory response were suppressed in transgenic hearts, whereas they were activated in pre-miR-223 KO hearts upon I/R compared with wild type controls. Accordingly, treatment of pre-miR-223 KO mice with necrostatin-1s, a potent necroptosis inhibitor, significantly decreased I/R-triggered cardiac necroptosis, infarction size, and dysfunction. Mechanistically, we identified two critical cell death receptors, TNFR1 and DR6, as direct targets of miR-223- 5p, whereas miR-223-3p directly suppressed the expression of NLRP3 and IκB kinaseα, two important mediators known to be involved in I/R-induced inflammation and cell necroptosis. Our findings indicate that miR-223-5p/-3p duplex works together and cooperatively inhibits I/R-induced cardiac necroptosis at multiple layers. Thus, pre-miR-223 may constitute a new therapeutic agent for the treatment of ischemic heart disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Stringent negative regulation of the transcription factor NF-κB is essential for maintaining cellular stress responses and homeostasis. However, the tight regulation mechanisms of IKKβ are still not clear. Here, we reported that nemo-like kinase (NLK) is a suppressor of tumor necrosis factor (TNFα)-induced NF-κB signaling by inhibiting the phosphorylation of IKKβ. Overexpression of NLK largely blocked TNFα-induced NF-κB activation, p65 nuclear localization and IκBα degradation; whereas genetic inactivation of NLK showed opposing results. Mechanistically, we identified that NLK interacted with IκB kinase (IKK)-associated complex, which in turn inhibited the assembly of the TAK1/IKKβ and thereby, diminished the IκB kinase phosphorylation. Our results indicate that NLK functions as a pivotal negative regulator in TNFα-induced activation of NF-κB via disrupting the interaction of TAK1 with IKKβ. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A gene manipulated cell patch using a homologous peritoneum substrate was developed and applied after myocardial infarction to repair scarred myocardium. We genetically engineered male rat mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) using adenoviral transduction to over-express CXCR4/green fluorescent protein (GFP) (MSCCXCR4) or MSCNull or siRNA targeting CXCR4 (MSCsiRNA). Gene expression was studied by real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Cells were cultured on excised peritoneum for 9 days. Two weeks after left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery ligation in female hearts, the peritoneum patch was applied over the scarred myocardium, cell side down. Efficacy of engraftment was determined by presence of GFP positive cells. One month after cell implantation, echocardiography was performed and hearts were harvested for histological analysis. Left ventricle (LV) fibrosis, LV anterior wall thickness (AWT) and blood vessel density at the margins of the graft were measured. There was significant up-regulation of the chemokines in the MSCCXCR4 group cultured under normoxic conditions when compared to the MSCNull group and a further increase was observed after exposure to hypoxia. One month after cell transplantation with the peritoneum patch, substantial numbers of GFP-positive cells were observed in and around the infarcted myocardium in MSCCXCR4 group. LV AWT, LV fibrosis and LV function were significantly improved in the MSCCXCR4 group as compared to these same variables in the MSCNull control. These salutary effects were absent in MSCsiRNA group. The gene manipulated MSC-seeded peritoneum patch promotes tissue nutrition (angiogenesis), reduces myocardial remodeling, and enhances heart function after myocardial infarction. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The occurrence of cardiovascular dysfunction in sepsis is associated with a significantly increased mortality rate of 70% to 90% compared with 20% in septic patients without cardiovascular impairment. Thus, rectification or blockade of myocardial depressant factors should partly ameliorate sepsis progression. Heat shock protein 20 (Hsp20) has been shown to enhance myocardial contractile function and protect against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity. To investigate the possible role of Hsp20 in sepsis-mediated cardiac injury, we first examined the expression profiles of five major Hsps in response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge, and observed that only the expression of Hsp20 was downregulated in LPS-treated myocardium, suggesting that this decrease might be one of the mechanisms contributing to LPS-induced cardiovascular defects. Further studies using loss-of-function and gain-of-function approaches in adult rat cardiomyocytes verified that reduced Hsp20 levels were indeed correlated with the impaired contractile function. In fact, overexpression of Hsp20 significantly enhanced cardiomyocyte contractility upon LPS treatment. Moreover, after administration of LPS (25 μg/g) in vivo, Hsp20 transgenic mice (10-fold overexpression) displayed: 1) an improvement in myocardial function; 2) reduced the degree of cardiac apoptosis; and 3) decreased NF-κB activity, accompanied with reduced myocardial cytokines IL-1β and TNF-α production, compared to the LPS-treated non-transgenic littermate controls. Thus, the increases in Hsp20 levels can protect against LPS-induced cardiac apoptosis and dysfunction, associated with inhibition of NF-κB activity, suggesting that Hsp20 may be a new therapeutic agent for the treatment of sepsis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]