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Aims/Introduction: The putative tumor suppressor gene, KBTBD11, might play a role in tumorigenesis, and is associated with cellular apoptosis and proliferation in colorectal cancer cells. However, the function of Kbtbd11 during adipogenesis is unknown. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of Kbtbd11 in the differentiation of 3T3‐L1 preadipocytes. Materials and Methods: For the fasting–refeeding protocol, mice were subjected to fasting for 24 h, followed by a chow diet for 12 h. Adenovirus infection methods were used to examine the effect of Kbtbd11, and 3T3‐L1 cells were analyzed with Oil Red O staining and real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Results: The white adipose tissue expression of Kbtbd11 messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) was significantly higher in the re‐fed state than in the fasted state. Kbtbd11 mRNA levels were markedly increased in epididymal white adipose tissue of diet‐induced obesity mice compared with those in the mice fed a chow diet. In addition, Kbtbd11 mRNA expression was increased in a differentiation‐dependent manner in 3T3‐L1 cells. Knockdown of Kbtbd11 mRNA through the infection with adenoviral vectors remarkably inhibited triglyceride accumulation and adipocyte differentiation in 3T3‐L1 cells. In contrast, the overexpression of Kbtbd11 promoted the differentiation of 3T3‐L1 adipocytes. Conclusions: The present findings show that Kbtbd11 expression might be involved in nutritional regulation and is increased in obese adipose tissue. In addition, Kbtbd11 appears to be required for the differentiation of adipocytes in 3T3‐L1 cells. Collectively, these results show a novel link between the expression of Kbtbd11 and fat accumulation, and suggest that Kbtbd11 is a new therapeutic target for obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Despite continuing research into Alzheimer's disease (AD), its pathological mechanisms and modulating factors remain unknown. Several genes influence AD pathogenesis by affecting inflammatory pathways. Myocyte‐enhancer factor 2C (MEF2C) is one such candidate gene for AD. Methods: We examined MEF2C mRNA expression levels and methylation rates of CpG on its promoter region in peripheral leukocytes from Japanese AD patients compared with age‐ and sex‐matched control subjects. Results: In peripheral leukocytes, MEF2C mRNA expression levels in AD subjects were significantly lower than those in control subjects (0.86 ± 0.25 vs 0.99 ± 0.27, respectively, P = 0.007) and were correlated with the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale (r = −0.345, P = 0.049) and the Mini Mental State Examination (r = 0.324, P = 0.02). No significant differences were found in methylation rates between AD and control subjects. Conclusion: MEF2C mRNA expression in leukocytes may be a biological marker for cognitive decline in AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Problem Resistance to apoptosis, together with inflammatory and invasive activity, contributes to the pathogenesis of endometriosis; therefore, approaches that can safely enhance apoptosis in endometriotic tissue are highly sought after as a means of managing the disease. Although resveratrol ( RVT) is known to induce apoptosis or increase sensitivity to apoptotic stimuli in various cancer cell types, its effect on human endometriosis has remained uncertain. This study aimed to investigate whether RVT induces or enhances apoptosis in human endometriotic stromal cells ( ESCs). Method of study Endometriotic tissues were collected, during laparoscopies, from women affected by ovarian endometriosis. ESCs were prepared, cultured, and treated with RVT. Apoptosis was assessed by annexin V- PI staining. Survivin mRNA expression in ESCs was examined using RT- PCR. ESCs were pre-treated with or without RVT and then incubated with TNF-α-related-apoptosis-inducing ligand ( TRAIL), which is a known pro-apoptotic molecule. Results RVT alone did not induce apoptosis in ESCs. RVT significantly reduced survivin mRNA expression ( P < 0.05). Pre-treatment with RVT significantly enhanced TRAIL-induced apoptosis (8.13 ± 0.83% (control) versus 29.19 ± 7.39% (pre-treated with RVT), P < 0.05). Conclusion This study indicates that RVT suppresses survivin expression and enhances TRAIL-induced apoptosis in ESCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Remyelination is disrupted in demyelinating diseases such as multiple sclerosis, but the underlying pathogenetic mechanisms are unclear. In this study, we employed the murine cuprizone model of demyelination, in which remyelination occurs after removal of the toxin from the diet, to examine the cellular and molecular changes during demyelination and remyelination. Microglia accumulated in the corpus callosum during weeks 2-4 of the cuprizone diet, and these cells remained activated 2 weeks after the change to the normal diet. To examine the role of microglia in remyelination, mice were treated with minocycline to inactivate these cells after cuprizone-induced demyelination. Minocycline treatment reduced the number of CC1-positive oligodendrocytes, as well as levels of myelin basic protein (MBP) and CNPase in the remyelination phase. The expression of CNTF mRNA in the corpus callosum increased after 4 weeks on the cuprizone diet and remained high 2 weeks after the change to the normal diet. Minocycline suppressed CNTF expression during the remyelination phase on the normal diet. Primary culture experiments showed that CNTF was produced by microglia in addition to astrocytes. In vitro, CNTF directly affected the differentiation of oligodendrocytic cells. These findings suggest that minocycline reduces remyelination by suppressing CNTF expression by microglia after cuprizone-induced demyelination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT α-1,3-Galactosyltransferase (α-GalT), an enzyme creating Galα1-3Gal (α-Gal) epitope on the cell surface in some mammalian species such as pigs, is known to be a key factor that causes hyperacute rejection upon transplantation from pigs to humans. To establish the RNA interference-based suppression of endogenous α-GalT messenger RNA (mRNA) synthesis in porcine preimplantation embryos, we determined the suitable embryonic stage at which stage such approach is possible by using the semi-quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) and the cytochemical method using a fluorescence-labeled Bandeiraea simplicifolia Isolectin B4 (BS-I-B4). Staining with BS-I-B4 demonstrated that α-Gal epitope expression was first recognized at the 8-cell stage, and increased up to the hatched blastocyst stage. Single embryo-based qRT-PCR also confirmed this pattern. These results indicate that creation of α-Gal epitope is proceeded by de novo synthesis of α-GalT mRNA in porcine preimplantation embryos with peaking at the blastocyst stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obesity is a life-threatening factor and is often associated with dysregulation of gene expression. Here, we show that the CNOT3 subunit of the CCR4-NOT deadenylase complex is critical to metabolic regulation. Cnot3+/? mice are lean with hepatic and adipose tissues containing reduced levels of lipids, and show increased metabolic rates and enhanced glucose tolerance. Cnot3+/? mice remain lean and sensitive to insulin even on a high-fat diet. Furthermore, introduction of Cnot3 haplodeficiency in ob/ob mice ameliorated the obese phenotype. Hepatic expression of most mRNAs is not altered in Cnot3+/? vis-à-vis wild-type mice. However, the levels of specific mRNAs, such as those coding for energy metabolism-related PDK4 and IGFBP1, are increased in Cnot3+/? hepatocytes, having poly(A) tails that are longer than those seen in control cells. We provide evidence that CNOT3 is involved in recruitment of the CCR4-NOT deadenylase to the 3? end of specific mRNAs. Finally, as CNOT3 levels in the liver and white adipose tissues decrease upon fasting, we propose that CNOT3 responds to feeding conditions to regulate deadenylation-specific mRNAs and energy metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although Xenopus FKBP1A (xFKBP1A) induces an ectopic dorsal axis in Xenopus embryos, involvement of xFKBP1B, a vertebrate paralogue of FKBP1A, in embryogenesis remains undetermined. Here, we demonstrate that xFKBP1B induces ectopic dorsal axis and involves in eye formation of Xenopus embryos. Injection of the xFKBP1B mRNA in ventral blastomeres of 4-cell stage Xenopus embryos induced a secondary axis and showed multiplier effect to that of xFKBP1A on this when xFKBP1A was co-injected. In addition, BMP4 and Smad1 mRNAs did not affect the ability of xFKBP1B to induce the ectopic secondary axis when either was co-injected with xFKBP1B in ventral blastomeres, whereas they downed out that of xFKBP1A, suggesting that xFKBP1A and xFKBP1B induce the ectopic secondary axis through affecting different pathways from each other. On the other hand, the injection of the FKBP1B mRNA in dorsal blastomeres showed eye malformation, and suppressed almost completely the expression of Rx1, Mitf, and Vax2 mRNAs. xFKBP1B was expressed in the dorsal side of the embryo including the eye during embryogenesis at least until stage 46. Injection of morpholino of the xFKBP1B mRNA in dorsal blastomeres induced additional retina or failed to close tapetum nigrum in the ventral side within the optic cap, whereas it did not affect the dorsal organ development. The injection of the morpholino reduced the expression of Xotx2 and Rx1 mRNAs in the eye. These observations suggest that xFKBP1B is a key factor that regulates the expression levels of the genes involved in eye formation during Xenopus embryogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE To investigate differential gene expression profiles in the bladder of spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR), as the underlying mechanisms involved in hypertension-associated bladder dysfunction remain to be clarified. MATERIALS AND METHODS SHR and normotensive Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats were distributed initially in three groups: group 1 received doxazosin (30 mg/kg/day); group 2 received nifedipine (30 mg/kg/day); and group 3 received the vehicle orally for 4 weeks. The alterations in gene expression levels of candidate genes identified by microarray analysis with potential biological relevance were verified by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). RESULTS Voiding frequency was significantly higher, and mean voided volume was significantly lower in untreated SHRs than untreated WKY rats. Microarray analysis revealed that 25 of the differentially expressed genes in untreated SHRs compared to untreated WKY rats were related to Gs, Gi, Gq and G12/13 signalling, calcium handling, ion transport and smooth muscle-related genes. Furthermore, RT-PCR data, in accord with the microarray analysis, indicated that untreated SHRs had lower mRNA expression levels of Adcy2, Adcy3, Rgs2, Rgs3, Rgs4 and Arhgdia, and higher mRNA expression levels of Arhgef1, Arhgef11, Arhgef12, Geft, Rock1 and Rock2 than untreated WKY rats. The differential alterations in the micturition patterns and in the expression of several genes related to G-protein signalling pathway observed in SHRs were attenuated by treatment with doxazosin, but not nifedipine. CONCLUSION Our data suggest that differential alterations in the expression of several genes related to Gs, Gq and G12/13 signalling pathways in the SHR bladder might be important in hypertension-associated bladder dysfunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of polyphosphoric acid (PPA) pre-treatment of titanium (Ti) on the initial attachment, proliferation, and differentiation of mouse osteoblast-like cells (MC3T3-E1). Materials and methods: Adsorption of PPA to Ti was achieved by immersing Ti disks (15 mm in diameter) into 0, 1, and 10 wt% PPA and 10 wt% orthophosphoric acid (OPA) for 24 h. On each pre-treated Ti disk, 5.0 × 104 MC3T3-E1 cells were seeded, and 1, 3, and 5 h later cell attachment was evaluated. Cell proliferation was also determined 1, 3, and 5 days after cell seed. Cell differentiation was evaluated 5, 10, and 15 days after cell seed using osteoblast marker gene expression. Total RNA was purified from each culture and Type-I collagen, alkaline phosphatase, and osteocalcin mRNA expression levels were measured by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Results: Adsorption of PPA or OPA to Ti significantly accelerated initial cell attachment at every time point ( P<0.0001). As with cell attachment, cell proliferation was also accelerated on the PPA-treated Ti disks in a dose-dependent manner at every time point ( P<0.0001). However, OPA-treated Ti disks did not enhance the cell proliferation. Regarding osteoblastic differentiation, PPA-treated Ti significantly accelerated the Type-I collagen gene expression at 5 and 10 days after cell seed. Regarding alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin gene expression, no significant difference was found among the different Ti surface conditions. Conclusion: The accelerated cell behavior following Ti pre-treatment with PPA is a promising new strategy to fabricate bioactive Ti implants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The biological functions of membrane-type 4 matrix metalloproteinase (MT4-MMP/MMP-17) are poorly understood because of the lack of a sensitive system for tracking its expression in vivo. We established a mutant mouse strain ( Mt4-mmp−/–) in which Mt4-mmp was replaced with a reporter gene encoding β-galactosidase (LacZ). Mt4-mmp−/– mice had normal gestations, and no apparent defects in growth, life span and fertility. Using LacZ as a marker, we were able to monitor the expression and promoter activity of Mt4-mmp for the first time in vivo. The tissue distribution of Mt4-mmp mRNA correlated with LacZ expression, and we showed that Mt4-mmp is expressed primarily in cerebrum, lung, spleen, intestine and uterus. We identified LacZ-positive neurons in the cerebrum, smooth muscle cells in the intestine and uterus, and macrophages located in the lung alveolar or intraperitoneal space. Contrary to the reported role of MT4-MMP as a tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) sheddase, the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced release of TNF-α from Mt4-mmp−/–macrophages was similar to that in wild-type cells, and expression of Mt4-mmp mRNA was repressed following LPS stimulation. Thus, we have established a mutant mouse strain for analyzing the physiological functions of MT4-MMP, which also serves as a sensitive system for monitoring and tracking the expression of MT4-MMP in vivo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In eukaryotic cells, export of mRNA from the nucleus to the cytoplasm is one of the essential steps in gene expression. To examine mechanisms involved in the nucleocytoplasmic transport of mRNA, we microinjected fluorescently labeled fushi tarazu ( ftz) pre-mRNA into the nuclei of HeLa cells. The injected intron-containing ftz pre-mRNA was distributed to the SC35 speckles and exported to the cytoplasm after splicing by an energy-requiring active process. In contrast, the injected intron-less ftz mRNA was diffusely distributed in the nucleus and then presumably degraded. Interestingly, export of the ftz pre-mRNA was inhibited by treatment with transcriptional inhibitors (actinomycin D, α-amanitin or DRB). Cells treated with transcriptional inhibitor showed foci enriched with the injected mRNA, which localize side by side with SC35 speckles. Those nuclear foci, referred to as TIDRs (transcriptional-inactivation dependent RNA domain), do not overlap with paraspeckles. In addition, in situ hybridization analysis revealed that the export of endogenous poly(A)+ mRNA is also affected by transcriptional inactivation. These results suggest that nuclear mRNA export is coupled to ongoing gene transcription in mammalian cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Influence of high salt culture conditions on the expression of immediate early gene egr-1 in rat C6 glioma cells was investigated by measuring both Egr-1 mRNA and protein levels in the cells exposed to the medium containing high concentrations of NaCl. The exposure to high salt medium reduced Egr-1 mRNA and protein levels, while Egr-1 mRNA levels were not altered by the medium containing either sucrose or glycerol. Veratridine and monensin also reduced Egr-1 mRNA levels, similar in extent to that induced by high salt medium. Imaging analysis indicated that the exposure to high salt medium induced the elevation of Na+ levels within the cells. These results indicate that neither hyperosmotic pressure nor ionic strength of high salt medium contribute to the reduction of Egr-1 expression, and suggest that the elevation of intracellular Na+ concentration is closely associated with the down-regulation of egr-1 gene expression. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The fluence‐response relationships and action spectra of light‐induced mRNA accumulation of phenylalanine ammonia‐lyase (PAL, EC 4.3.1.5) and chalcone synthase (CHS, EC 2.3.1.74) were investigated in light‐responsive, suspension‐cultured carrot cells after 2,4‐D‐depletion. The action spectrum for PAL mRNA accumulation (determined 6 h after a 1‐h light treatment) had a single peak around 290 nm and was similar to that of anthocyanin formation. The action spectrum for CHS mRNA accumulation, determined simultaneously, had two peaks, a sharp peak at 290 nm and a broad peak at 330 to 360 nm. Below 320 nm, the peak wavelength of the spectrum and the shape of the fluence‐response curve for CHS were similar to those of anthocyanin formation. The Bunsen‐Roscoe law of reciprocity in the response to UV‐B light was verified for PAL transcript accumulation, but not for that of CHS, suggesting that the system leading to the expression after UV‐B light perception was different between PAL and CHS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several 5-substituted 1,2-dihydro[2,3- c]isoquinoline derivatives were synthesized as part of our research to develop new diabetes drugs. Amines and sulfanyls were used as substituents at the 5th-position. Evaluation of the effects of the newly synthesized compounds on lipoprotein lipase mRNA expression in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes revealed one promising candidate with potency comparable to that of . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a research study which investigated the role of Th1/Th2 proinflammatory cytokines in the development and progression of IgA nephropathy (IgAN) in children. It studied seven children with freshly diagnosed IgAN and mRNA expression was studied on urine samples. The study suggested that Th1 polarity might be involved in the pathogenesis of IgAN. It theoretically speculated that measuring the expressions of T-bet/GATA3 genes might provide clue pathogenic mechanisms of IgAN.