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P-TEFb modulates RNA polymerase II elongation through alternative interaction with negative and positive regulation factors. While inactive P-TEFbs are mainly sequestered in the 7SK snRNP complex in a chromatin-free state, most of its active forms are in complex with its recruitment factors, Brd4 and SEC, in a chromatin-associated state. Thus, switching from inactive 7SK snRNP to active P-TEFb (Brd4/P-TEFb or SEC/P-TEFb) is essential for global gene expression. Although it has been shown that cellular signaling stimulates the disruption of 7SK snRNP, releasing dephosphorylated and catalytically inactive P-TEFb, little is known about how the inactive released P-TEFb is reactivated. Here, we show that the Cdk9/CycT1 heterodimer released from 7SK snRNP is completely dissociated into monomers in response to stress. Brd4 or SEC then recruits monomerized Cdk9 and CycT1 to reassemble the core P-TEFb. Meanwhile, the binding of monomeric dephosphorylated Cdk9 to either Brd4 or SEC induces the autophosphorylation of T186 of Cdk9. Finally, the same mechanism is employed during nocodazole released entry into early G1 phase of cell cycle. Therefore, our studies demonstrate a novel mechanism by which Cdk9 and CycT1 monomers are reassembled on chromatin to form active P-TEFb by its interaction with Brd4 or SEC to regulate transcription.

H. pylori infection is one of the leading causes of gastric cancer and the pathogenicity of H. pylori infection is associated with its ability to induce chronic inflammation and apoptosis resistance. While H. pylori infection-induced expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines for chronic inflammation is well studied, the molecular mechanism underlying the apoptosis resistance in infected cells is not well understood. In this study, we demonstrated that H. pylori infection-induced apoptosis resistance in gastric epithelial cells triggered by Raptinal, a drug that directly activates caspase-3. This resistance resulted from the induction of cIAP2 (encoded by BIRC3) since depletion of BIRC3 by siRNA or inhibition of cIAP2 via BV6 reversed H. pylori-suppressed caspase-3 activation. The induction of cIAP2 was regulated by H. pylori-induced BIRC3 eRNA synthesis. Depletion of BIRC3 eRNA decreased H. pylori-induced cIAP2 and reversed H. pylori-suppressed caspase-3 activation. Mechanistically, H. pylori stimulated the recruitment of bromodomain-containing factor Brd4 to the enhancer of BIRC3 and promoted BIRC3 eRNA and mRNA synthesis. Inhibition of Brd4 diminished the expression of BIRC3 eRNA and the anti-apoptotic response to H. pylori infection. Importantly, H. pylori isogenic cagA-deficient mutant failed to activate the synthesis of BIRC3 eRNA and the associated apoptosis resistance. Finally, in primary human gastric epithelial cells, H. pylori also induced resistance to Raptinal-triggered caspase-3 activation by activating the Brd4-dependent BIRC3 eRNA synthesis in a CagA-dependent manner. These results identify a novel function of Brd4 in H. pylori-mediated apoptosis resistance via activating BIRC3 eRNA synthesis, suggesting that Brd4 could be a potential therapeutic target for H. pylori-induced gastric cancer.

Activation of farnesoid X receptor (FXR) by obeticholic acid (OCA) reduces hepatic inflammation and fibrosis in patients with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), a life-threatening cholestatic liver failure. Inhibition of bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4) also has antiinflammatory, antifibrotic effects in mice. We determined the role of BRD4 in FXR function in bile acid (BA) regulation and examined whether the known beneficial effects of OCA are enhanced by inhibiting BRD4 in cholestatic mice. Liver-specific downregulation of BRD4 disrupted BA homeostasis in mice, and FXR-mediated regulation of BA-related genes, including small heterodimer partner and cholesterol 7 alpha-hydroxylase, was BRD4 dependent. In cholestatic mice, JQ1 or OCA treatment ameliorated hepatotoxicity, inflammation, and fibrosis, but surprisingly, was antagonistic in combination. Mechanistically, OCA increased binding of FXR, and the corepressor silencing mediator of retinoid and thyroid hormone receptor (SMRT) decreased NF-κB binding at inflammatory genes and repressed the genes in a BRD4-dependent manner. In patients with PBC, hepatic expression of FXR and BRD4 was significantly reduced. In conclusion, BRD4 is a potentially novel cofactor of FXR for maintaining BA homeostasis and hepatoprotection. Although BRD4 promotes hepatic inflammation and fibrosis in cholestasis, paradoxically, BRD4 is required for the antiinflammatory, antifibrotic actions of OCA-activated FXR. Cotreatment with OCA and JQ1, individually beneficial, may be antagonistic in treatment of liver disease patients with inflammation and fibrosis complications., Treatment with obeticholic acid, a farnesoid X receptor agonist, or JQ1, a bromodomain-containing protein 4 inhibitor, has antiinflammatory, antifibrotic effects in cholestatic mice, but beneficial effects are lost in combination.

To investigate the related factors influencing plasma transfusion efficacy so as to improve the plasma transfusion efficiency.According to the clinical symptoms and the laboratorial results, the patients were divided into transfusion efficient and inefficient groups. A total of13090.8 units of plasma were transfused to 4423 patients. The clinical symptoms and the hemorrhage related index per- and pro-transfusion, plasma components sorts, storage time, and the dose of plasma (kg/ml) transfusion were analyzed.The largest transfusion volume of plasma were in intensive care unit (ICU) accounted for 30.36%, the largest blood plasma per patient transfusion was in cardiac surgery (3.96 U). The analysis of transfusion efficiency showed that in terms of patient age, there were difference in transfusion efficiency among the patients with different ages (P＜0.001). The effective transfusion rate in the group of age ＜18 was 53%, which was higher than that in group of age 18-60(41%) and group of age ＞60 (30%); in terms of sex, the effective transfusion rate in female group was higher than that in male group (42% vs 37%) (P＜0.001); in terms of transfusion plasma volume/body weight, there were differences in transfusion efficiency (P＞0.05). The multi-factor logistic regression analysis showed that there was no significant correlation among the plasma sorts, storage time of the plasma pre-transfusion and transfusion efficiency(P＞0.05). The analysis of the non-hemolytic fever reaction caused by plasma transfusion revealed that there was no statistical difference between the plasma and the leukocyte-depleted plasma groups (P＞0.05).The plasma transfusion effectiveness relates with age and sex, but not relates with the transfusion plasma voume/body weight, plasma sorts, and the duration of storage.4 423例次血浆输注效果的影响因素分析研究.探讨影响血浆输注效果的相关因素，以期进一步提高患者血浆输注有效率和临床输注的合理性.根据输血后患者临床症状改善情况和实验室凝血检测值将患者分为血浆输注有效和无效2组。对4 423例患者的基本临床资料和13 090.8 U的血浆输注过程中涉及的主要因素如输血浆前PT、APTT、血浆种类、保存时间、输注血浆体重比（kg/ml）等进行分类统计分析.外科监护室患者血浆用量最多，占总血浆输注比例最大（30.36%），人均用血浆量最大的科室为心外科（3.96 U）。从输注效果上看，不同年龄组患者的输血效果有差别（P＜0.001），＜18岁组患者血浆输注有效率（53%）高于18-60岁和＜60岁组，18-60岁组和＞60岁组患者血浆输注有效率分别为41%和30%；女性患者输血浆有效率（42%）高于男性（37%）（P＜0.001）；按不同血浆体重比进行血浆输注效果比较显示无显著差异（P＞0.05）；通过多因素Logistic回归分析，普通冰冻血浆、去白细胞血浆和新鲜冰冻血浆3类血浆的临床输注效果间没有差异；输注前血浆保存时间与输注效果之间无显著相关性。去白细胞血浆与未经去白的血浆相比，并未降低非溶血性发热性输血反应的发生率.血浆输注效果的主要影响因素有患者年龄、性别，但与血浆体重比、血浆种类和血浆保存时间关系不大；只要于保存期内输注，保存时间的长短与输注效果间没有显著相关性.

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) has been shown to be associated with an increased risk of gastric cancer. However, the impact of MetS on gastric cancer mortality remains largely unknown. Here, we prospectively examined the prediction of preoperative MetS for gastric cancer mortality by analyzing a subset of data from the ongoing Fujian prospective investigation of cancer (FIESTA) study. This study was conducted among 3012 patients with gastric cancer who received radical gastrectomy between 2000 and 2010. The latest follow-up was completed in 2015. Blood/tissue specimens, demographic and clinicopathologic characteristics were collected at baseline. During 15-year follow-up, 1331 of 3012 patients died of gastric cancer. The median survival time (MST) of patients with MetS was 31.3 months, which was significantly shorter than that of MetS-free patients (157.1 months). The coexistence of MetS before surgery was associated with a 2.3-fold increased risk for gastric cancer mortality (P, Highlights • We analyzed the impact of preoperative metabolic syndrome on the survival of 3012 gastric cancer patients after surgery over 15-year follow-up. • This is by far the largest cohort study to evaluate the association between the preoperative metabolic syndrome and gastric cancer mortality. • Preoperative metabolic syndrome, especially hyperglycemia, was predictive of significant gastric cancer mortality in patients after surgery. On the basis of 3012 patients with gastric cancer from the FIESTA study, we analyzed the impact of the preoperative MetS status on the survival of patients after radical gastrectomy over a period of 15-year follow-up. We found that preoperative MetS, especially hyperglycemia, was predictive of significant gastric cancer mortality in patients with radical gastrectomy, especially for early stage of gastric cancer. Pending its future validation in other large cohort studies, our findings could provide the basis for future personalized medicine, namely, gastric cancer patients with preoperative MetS should be identified early and treated with optimal regimens since these patients could have a poor survival probability.

The association of DSIF and NELF with initiated RNA Polymerase II (Pol II) is the general mechanism for inducing promoter-proximal pausing of Pol II. However, it remains largely unclear how the paused Pol II is released in response to stimulation. Here, we show that the release of the paused Pol II is cooperatively regulated by multiple P-TEFbs which are recruited by bromodomain-containing protein Brd4 and super elongation complex (SEC) via different recruitment mechanisms. Upon stimulation, Brd4 recruits P-TEFb to Spt5/DSIF via a recruitment pathway consisting of Med1, Med23 and Tat-SF1, whereas SEC recruits P-TEFb to NELF-A and NELF-E via Paf1c and Med26, respectively. P-TEFb-mediated phosphorylation of Spt5, NELF-A and NELF-E results in the dissociation of NELF from Pol II, thereby transiting transcription from pausing to elongation. Additionally, we demonstrate that P-TEFb-mediated Ser2 phosphorylation of Pol II is dispensable for pause release. Therefore, our studies reveal a co-regulatory mechanism of Brd4 and SEC in modulating the transcriptional pause release by recruiting multiple P-TEFbs via a Mediator- and Paf1c-coordinated recruitment network.

Osteoporosis results from the imbalance between bone resorption and bone formation, and restoring the normal balance of bone remodeling is highly desirable for identification of better treatment. In this study, using a cell-based high-throughput screening model representing Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) transcriptional activity, we identified a novel small-molecular-weight compound, T63, as an efficient up-regulator of osteogenesis. T63 increased the alkaline phosphatase (ALPL) activity and mineralization as well as gene expression of Alpl and other osteogenic marker genes in mouse osteoblasts and mesenchymal stem cell-like cells. Upon induction of osteoblast differentiation, T63 inhibited adipogenic differentiation in the pluripotent mesenchymal cells. Consistently, T63 up-regulated RUNX2 mRNA and protein levels, and knockdown of RUNX2 reduced the osteogenic role of T63. Mechanistically, T63 activated both BMPs and WNT/β-catenin signaling pathways. Inhibition of either signaling pathway with specific inhibitor suppressed T63-induced RUNX2 expression and the osteogenic phenotypes. Moreover, T63 markedly protected against bone mass loss in the ovariectomized and dexamethasone treated rat osteoporosis model. Collectively, our data demonstrate that T63 could be a promising drug candidate and deserves further development for potential therapeutics in osteoporosis.

Background: Increased occurrence of chronic syndromes has prompted researchers to investigate and develop drugs and methods for controlling chronic syndromes with a view to improve human health and reduce early aging. Material and methods: Human trials: After the allotted multivitamin pills or placebo pills had been taken for a stipulated period of about 2 months, the volunteers filled out feedback forms on curative effects of the pills in line with the health examination reports. The effects of the multivitamin on various symptoms or diseases and dysfunctions of the chronic metabolic syndromes were noted and evaluated based on the information provided in forms. Animal experiments: Mouse aging model induced by D-galactose were administered the multivitamin by oral gavage every morning. At the end of the sixth week, activity or content of the components associated with ageing and anti-aging in the brain and liver of the aging mice were determined to investigate the mechanisms of the new multivitamin on chronic metabolic syndromes and aging. Results: We found that multivitamin can eliminate or attenuate 38 types of symptoms or dysfunctions of the investigated metabolic syndromes; and that it has both preventive and curative/adjunctive therapeutic effects on the metabolic syndromes. The effects of this multivitamin on components associated with aging and anti-aging were significantly decreased - malondialdehyde content and monoamine oxidase activity but significantly increased activity of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase. This multivitamin has significant anti-aging effects. Conclusion: Supplementing with this multivitamin can prevent and provide treatment/adjunctive therapy for these chronic metabolic syndromes and delay the aging process. List of Abbreviations BW body weight; Cu/Zn-SOD, cuprum/zinc-superoxide dismutase MAO monoamine oxidase MDA malondialdehyde; Mn-SOD, manganese-superoxide dismutase; T-SOD, total superoxide dismutase; TP, total protein

Acetylation of the RelA subunit of NF-κB at lysine-310 regulates the transcriptional activation of NF-κB target genes and contributes to maintaining constitutively active NF-κB in tumors. Bromodomain-containing factor Brd4 has been shown to bind to acetylated lysine-310 (AcLys310) and to regulate the transcriptional activity of NF-κB, but the role of this binding in maintaining constitutively active NF-κB in tumors remains elusive. In this study, we demonstrate the structural basis for the binding of bromodomains (BDs) of bromodomain-containing protein 4 (Brd4) to AcLys310 and identify the BD inhibitor JQ1 as an effective small molecule to block this interaction. JQ1 suppresses TNF-α-mediated NF-κB activation and NF-κB-dependent target gene expression. In addition, JQ1 inhibits the proliferation and transformation potential of A549 lung cancer cells and suppresses the tumorigenicity of A549 cells in severe combined immunodeficiency mice. Furthermore, we demonstrate that depletion of Brd4 or treatment of cells with JQ1 induces the ubiquitination and degradation of the constitutively active nuclear form of RelA. Our results identify a novel function of Brd4 in maintaining the persistently active form of NF-κB found in tumors, and they suggest that interference with the interaction between acetylated RelA and Brd4 could be a potential therapeutic approach for the treatment of NF-κB-driven cancer.

DNA repair helicases function in the cell to separate DNA duplexes or remodel nucleoprotein complexes. These functions are influenced by sensing and signaling; the cellular pool of a DNA helicase may contain subpopulations of enzymes carrying different post-translational modifications and performing distinct biochemical functions. Here, we report a novel experimental strategy, single-molecule sorting, which overcomes difficulties associated with comprehensive analysis of heterologously modified pool of proteins. This methodology was applied to visualize human DNA helicase F-box– containing DNA helicase (FBH1) acting on the DNA structures resembling a stalled or collapsed replication fork and its interactions with RAD51 nucleoprotein filament. Individual helicase molecules isolated from human cells with their native post-translational modifications were analyzed using total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy. Separation of the activity trajectories originated from ubiquitylated and non-ubiquitylated FBH1 molecules revealed that ubiquitylation affects FBH1 interaction with the RAD51 nucleoprotein filament, but not its translocase and helicase activities.

Helicobacter pylori infection causes chronic gastritis and peptic ulceration. H. pylori–initiated chronic gastritis is characterized by enhanced expression of many NF-κB–regulated inflammatory cytokines. Brd4 has emerged as an important NF-κB regulator and regulates the expression of many NF-κB–dependent inflammatory genes. In this study, we demonstrated that Brd4 was not only actively involved in H. pylori–induced inflammatory gene mRNA transcription but also H. pylori–induced inflammatory gene enhancer RNA (eRNA) synthesis. Suppression of H. pylori–induced eRNA synthesis impaired H. pylori–induced mRNA synthesis. Furthermore, H. pylori stimulated NF-κB–dependent recruitment of Brd4 to the promoters and enhancers of inflammatory genes to facilitate the RNA polymerase II–mediated eRNA and mRNA synthesis. Inhibition of Brd4 by JQ1 attenuated H. pylori–induced eRNA and mRNA synthesis for a subset of NF-κB–dependent inflammatory genes. JQ1 also inhibited H. pylori–induced interaction between Brd4 and RelA and the recruitment of Brd4 and RNA polymerase II to the promoters and enhancers of inflammatory genes. Finally, we demonstrated that JQ1 suppressed inflammatory gene expression, inflammation, and cell proliferation in H. pylori–infected mice. These studies highlight the importance of Brd4 in H. pylori–induced inflammatory gene expression and suggest that Brd4 could be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of H. pylori–triggered inflammatory diseases and cancer.

One of the most fundamental and challenging questions in the cancer field is how immunity in patients with cancer is transformed from tumor immunosurveillance to tumor-promoting inflammation. Here, we identify the transcription factor STAT3 as the culprit responsible for this pathogenic event in lung cancer development. We found that antitumor type 1 CD4+ T-helper (Th1) cells and CD8+ T cells were directly counter balanced in lung cancer development with tumor-promoting myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and suppressive macrophages, and that activation of STAT3 in MDSCs and macrophages promoted tumorigenesis through pulmonary recruitment and increased resistance of suppressive cells to CD8+ T cells, enhancement of cytotoxicity toward CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, induction of regulatory T cell (Treg), inhibition of dendritic cells (DC), and polarization of macrophages toward the M2 phenotype. The deletion of myeloid STAT3 boosted antitumor immunity and suppressed lung tumorigenesis. These findings increase our understanding of immune programming in lung tumorigenesis and provide a mechanistic basis for developing STAT3-based immunotherapy against this and other solid tumors. Cancer Immunol Res; 5(3); 257–68. ©2017 AACR.

To analyze the data about red blood cell alloantibodies in patients from mainland China and to provide evidence for formulating a management guideline.The Chinese and English literatures about Chinese patients in mainland China published in periodicals were retrieved by CHKD, CNKI, CMJD and PubMed using the key words as unexpected antibody, irregular antibody, blood group antibody, hemolytic transfusion reaction (HTR), hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN), hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN).A total of 5582 red blood cell alloantibodies were retrieved from 4800 patients. The average prevalence of alloantibody in 89 retrospective analysis reports was 0.34 %. Among all study patients, the 10 most common antibodies were anti-E (33.9%), anti-D (18.3%), anti-c (10.9%), anti-M (9.9%), anti-C (8.1%), anti-e (4.8%), anti-Le(a) (3.4%), anti-P1 (2.0%), anti-Mur (1.6%), and anti-Jk(a) (1.2%). Out of all 136 patients with HTR, the most frequentl alloantibodies were Rhesus antibodies (71.7%), and other antibodies included anti-Jk(b) (5.9%), anti-Le(a) (5.1%), anti-Jk(a) (3.7%), anti-M (1.5%), and anti-Mur (1.5%). A total of 644 alloantibodies contributing to HDFN come primarily from the Rhesus (93.1%) and MNS (6.0%) blood group systems.The postnatal Rh prophylaxis should become a routine procedure in mainland China. The use of blood matched for C, E, c, e, Jk(a) and Jk(b) should be recommended for Chinese patients with a history of multiple transfusions. Patients with MNS alloantibodies should be given sufficient attention, and Mur+ red blood cells should be included in antibody screening panels.

Transcription factor RUNX3 is inactivated in a number of malignancies, including breast cancer, and is suggested to function as a tumor suppressor. How RUNX3 functions as a tumor supressor in breast cancer remains undefined. Here, we show that about 20% of female Runx3+/− mice spontaneously developed ductal carcinoma at an average age of 14.5 months. Additionally, RUNX3 inhibits the estrogen-dependent proliferation and transformation potential of ERα-positive MCF-7 breast cancer cells in liquid culture and in soft agar and suppresses the tumorigenicity of MCF-7 cells in severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) mice. Furthermore, RUNX3 inhibits ERα-dependent transactivation by reducing the stability of ERα. Consistent with its ability to regulate the levels of ERα, expression of RUNX3 inversely correlates with the expression of ERα in breast cancer cell lines, human breast cancer tissues and Runx3+/− mouse mammary tumors. By destabilizing ERα, RUNX3 acts as a novel tumor suppressor in breast cancer.

The eukaryotic transcription factor NF-kappaB regulates a wide range of host genes that control the inflammatory and immune responses, programmed cell death, cell proliferation and differentiation. The activation of NF-kappaB is tightly controlled both in the cytoplasm and in the nucleus. While the upstream cytoplasmic regulatory events for the activation of NF-kappaB are well studied, much less is known about the nuclear regulation of NF-kappaB. Emerging evidence suggests that NF-kappaB undergoes a variety of posttranslational modifications, and that these modifications play a key role in determining the duration and strength of NF-kappaB nuclear activity as well as its transcriptional output. Here we summarize the recent advances in our understanding of the posttranslational modifications of NF-kappaB, the interplay between the various modifications, and the physiological relevance of these modifications.

Posttranslational modifications of the RelA subunit of NF-kappaB, including acetylation and methylation, play a key role in controlling the strength and duration of its nuclear activity. Whether these modifications are functionally linked is largely unknown. Here, we show that the acetylation of lysine 310 of RelA impairs the Set9-mediated methylation of lysines 314 and 315, which is important for the ubiquitination and degradation of chromatin-associated RelA. Abolishing the acetylation of lysine 310 either by the deacetylase SIRT1 or by mutating lysine 310 to arginine enhances methylation. Conversely, enhancing the acetylation of lysine 310 by depleting SIRT1 or by replacing lysine 310 with acetyl-mimetic glutamine inhibits methylation, thereby decreasing ubiquitination, prolonging the stability of chromatin-associated RelA, and enhancing the transcriptional activity of NF-kappaB. The acetylation of lysine 310 of RelA interferes with its interaction with Set9. Based on structural modeling of the SET domain of Set9 with RelA, we propose that the positive charge of lysine 310 is critical for the binding of RelA to a negatively charged "exosite" within the SET domain of Set9. Together, these findings demonstrate for the first time an interplay between RelA acetylation and methylation and also provide a novel mechanism for the regulation of lysine methylation by acetylation.

Modification of eukaryotic proteins is a powerful strategy used by pathogenic bacteria to modulate host cells during infection. Previously, we demonstrated that Helicobacter pylori modify an unidentified protein within mammalian cell lysates in a manner consistent with the action of a bacterial ADP-ribosylating toxin. Here, we identified the modified eukaryotic factor as the abundant nuclear factor poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1), which is important in the pathologies of several disease states typically associated with chronic H. pylori infection. However, rather than being ADP-ribosylated by an H. pylori toxin, the intrinsic poly(ADP-ribosyl) polymerase activity of PARP-1 is activated by a heat- and protease-sensitive H. pylori factor, resulting in automodification of PARP-1 with polymers of poly(ADP-ribose) (PAR). Moreover, during infection of gastric epithelial cells, H. pylori induce intracellular PAR-production by a PARP-1-dependent mechanism. Activation of PARP-1 by a pathogenic bacterium represents a previously unrecognized strategy for modulating host cell signaling during infection.

Symptoms of T cell hyperactivation shape the course and outcome of HIV-1 infection, but the mechanism(s) underlying this chronic immune activation are not well understood. We find that the viral transactivator Tat promotes hyperactivation of T cells by blocking the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD(+))-dependent deacetylase SIRT1. Tat directly interacts with the deacetylase domain of SIRT1 and blocks the ability of SIRT1 to deacetylate lysine 310 in the p65 subunit of NF-kappaB. Because acetylated p65 is more active as a transcription factor, Tat hyperactivates the expression of NF-kappaB-responsive genes, a function lost in SIRT1-/- cells. These results support a model where the normal function of SIRT1 as a negative regulator of T cell activation is suppressed by Tat during HIV infection. These events likely contribute to the state of immune cell hyperactivation found in HIV-infected individuals.

To evaluate the effects of the 25 Gy ⁶⁰Co irradiation on the physiological and biochemical properties and the functions of the platelets during storage.A total of 15 bags of platelets were apheresis-collected from 15 healthy donors, and each bag of platelets were divided into 2 parts, then the platelets were divided into the control group (without 25 Gy ⁶⁰Co irradiation) and the irradiated group (with 25 Gy ⁶⁰Co irradiation) groups. The two groups of platelets were kept under the condition of (22 ± 2) °C and shaken. The Platelet count and pH value were detected on the d 1, d 2, d 3, d 4 and d 5. The variables such as R, K values, α angle and maximal amplitude (MA) were measured by thrombelastography on the same days. Hypotonic shock response (HSR), morphological score were devised.There were no statistically significant difference in Plt counts, mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribute width (PDW) and pH between the two groups (P0.05), and Plt count decreased on the end of storage. There were no marked changes in HSR level and morphological score between the two groups during storage, and there were no significant difference between the two groups (P0.05). In the TEG analysis there were no significant difference of the R, K, α angle and MA values between the two groups (P0.05). R value showed upward trend increased along with prolongation of preserved time (P0.01), no significant changes in α angle (P0.05), K value was slightly higher and MA value was lower in the last day of storage than the days 1-4 (P0.01), respectively.25 Gy ⁶⁰Co gamma-ray irradiation can not damage the physiological, biochemical properties and the functions of the platelets during storage. In order to ensure the best curative effect, it is suggested that no matter the platelets were irradiated or not, the platelets should be used as soon as possible.

To investigate the factors influencing platelet transfusion results so as to improve the platelet transfusion efficiency.According to the clinical symptoms (bleeding condition is stopped or improved)and the corrected count of increment (CCI), the patients were divided into efficient transfusion and inefficient transfusion groups. A total of 20 671 patients' clinical data and main platelet transfusion parameters in 26 045 tranfusions including platelet count of per- and post- transfusion, platelet component sorts, storage time and transfusion number were analysed.The comparison of platelet transfusion efficiency in age and sex between two groups did not showed statistical difference (P0.05), the platelet count before transfusion between two groups showed statistical difference (t = -5.59, P0.001) after converting to log, a significant linear correlation did not exist between storage time of the platelet and CCI (corrected count of increment), but there was statistical difference in transfusion efficiency of patients with different diseases. The patients with hematologic diseases showed lower efficiency of platelet transfusion. According to the results of Wilcocon test detection, there was difference between different times of transfusion and transfusion efficiency, that is to say, the transfusion frequency was higher, the transfusion efficency was lower. The Fisher test indicated that the transfusion efficiency of single platelet transfusion was lower than that of transfussed platelet with other blood components (P0.01).Platelet transfusion efficiency associates with many factors, including different diseases, whether being transfused with other blood components, the platelet count before transfusion, transfusion frequency, but the time of storage does not relate to the transfusion efficacy.

The study was to understand the incidence of traumatic coagulopathy and the clinical blood transfusion in hospitalized trauma patients so as to provide a reference for guiding scientific component transfusion in trauma or surgical patients.By using a software "clinical transfusion database" developed by our department, 1 766 trauma cases who suffered traumatic injury and required hospital admission between 2001 and 2012 were retrieved, and out of them 1 211 patients were given transfusion, and the transfusion-related indicators of the patients such as coagulation, hemoglobin levels before transfusion, trauma situation, massive blood transfusion and total blood transfusion were retrospectively analyzed. According total volume of blood usage during hospitalization,1 211 cases with transfusion were divided into three groups: low volume transfusion group ( ≤ 5 U, n = 471), moderate volume transfusion group (5-10 U, n = 449) and high volume transfusion group (10 U, n = 291), then the difference of indicators among the 3 groups was compared, and the risk factors of high volume transfusion were analyzed.There were 33 cases of coagulopathy and 52 cases of massive transfusion in trauma patients with transfusion. The transfusion rate of trauma patients was about 68.6%. There was no association between the total amount of blood transfusion and surgical grade or whether surgery. The most patients were transfused using two components (plasma and red blood cell), the ratio of plasma to RBC transfused in patients with coagulopathy was approximately 1.0. In high volume transfusion group, there were more younger and male patients with more serious injury, their infection and death were significantly higher than that in other two groups (P0.01).There were approximately 69% of hospitalized trauma patients require transfusion, the patients in high volume transfusion group have two populations such as middle-aged and young men who was vulnerable to severe trauma mainly caused by accident injury or fall injury and older women who was vulnerable to osteoporotic hip fractures mainly caused by fall injuries. The coagulation disorders in the patients with trauma coagulopathy should be corrected by transfusion with high ratios of plasma to RBC. Massive transfusion (OR = 95.22), hemorrhagic shock (OR = 17.2), trauma coagulopathy (OR = 4.52) are risk factors of high volume transfusion10 U, and massive transfusion also is a risk factor of trauma coagulopathy (OR = 16.257). The routine dynamic monitoring of coagulation should be performed for trauma or surgical patients to guide the clinical transfusion scientifically.

This study was to investigate the influence of "dosage effect" on unexpected antibody identification and explore its condition, scope and regularity.A total of 40 blood recipient samples containing definite unexpected antibodies were selected by column agglutination technology, then AB fresh plasma was used to dilute the samples to obtain different concentrate liquid. After selecting panel cells which show positive with corresponding unexpected antibody in the serum, "single dosage" antigens were distinguished from "double dosage" ones, and then the antigen-antibody reactions were observed between "single dosage" panel cells and respective diluted recipient samples (by column agglutination technology). It's believable that the highest concentration which retains a negative result was choose to evaluate the agglutination strength between "double dosage" panel cells and diluted unexpected antibody, and to observe the difference happened at different "dosage" antigens with unexpressed antibody.Among 40 diluted recipient samples detected by column agglutination technology, the "dosage effect" appeared in 31 diluted samples. There were 30 samples in which the unexpected antibody agglutinated "double dosage" antigens ≤ 2+, while "single dosage" antigens negative. It appeared in another 1 diluted sample, in which the unexpected antibody agglutinated "double dosage" antigens 3+. There were 9 diluted samples in which the unexpected antibody agglutinated panel cells showing negative results (strength was between 1+-3+ before dilution).When the unexpected antibodies in Rh, MNS, Kidd, Duffy agglutinated "double dosage" antigens ≤ 2+ (by column agglutination technology) , "single dosage" antibody reaction maybe weaken, even be negative, and it may cause the "dosage effect" to interfere the unexpected antibody identification. The "dosage effect" appears in Rh, MNS, Kidd, Duffy blood system usually.

Post-translational modifications of NF-κB, including acetylation and methylation, have emerged as an important regulatory mechanism for determining the duration and strength of NF-κB nuclear activity as well as its transcriptional output. Within the seven NF-κB family proteins, the RelA subunit of NF-κB is the most studied for its regulation by lysine acetylation and methylation. Acetylation or methylation at different lysine residues modulates distinct functions of NF-κB, including DNA binding and transcription activity, protein stability, and its interaction with NF-κB modulators. Here, we describe the experimental methods to monitor the in vitro and in vivo acetylated or methylated forms of NF-κB. These methods include radiolabeling the acetyl- or methyl- groups and immunoblotting with pan or site-specific acetyl- or methyl-lysine antibodies. Radiolabeling is useful in the initial validation of the modifications. Immunoblotting with antibodies provides a rapid and powerful approach to detect and analyze the functions of these modifications in vitro and in vivo.

The nuclear functions of NF-kappaB p50/RelA heterodimers are regulated in part by posttranslational modifications of its RelA subunit, including phosphorylation and acetylation. Acetylation at lysines 218, 221, and 310 differentially regulates RelA's DNA binding activity, assembly with IkappaBalpha, and transcriptional activity. However, it remains unclear whether the acetylation is regulated or simply due to stimulus-coupled nuclear translocation of NF-kappaB. Using anti-acetylated lysine 310 RelA antibodies, we detected p300-mediated acetylation of RelA in vitro and in vivo after stimulation of cells with tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha). Coexpression of catalytically inactive mutants of the catalytic subunit of protein kinase A/mitogen- and stress-activated kinase 1 or IKK1/IKK2, which phosphorylate RelA on serine 276 or serine 536, respectively, sharply inhibited RelA acetylation on lysine 310. Furthermore, phosphorylation of RelA on serine 276 or serine 536 increased assembly of phospho-RelA with p300, which enhanced acetylation on lysine 310. Reconstitution of RelA-deficient murine embryonic fibroblasts with RelA S276A or RelA S536A decreased TNF-alpha-induced acetylation of lysine 310 and expression of the endogenous NF-kappaB-responsive E-selectin gene. These findings indicate that the acetylation of RelA at lysine 310 is importantly regulated by prior phosphorylation of serines 276 and 536. Such phosphorylated and acetylated forms of RelA display enhanced transcriptional activity.

Apoptosis induced by p53 has been proposed to involve activation of the transcription factor NF-kappaB. Here we describe the novel molecular mechanism through which p53 and DNA-damaging agents activate NF-kappaB. NF-kappaB induction by p53 does not occur through classical activation of the IkappaB kinases and degradation of IkappaBalpha. Rather, p53 expression stimulates the serine/threonine kinase ribosomal S6 kinase 1 (RSK1), which in turn phosphorylates the p65 subunit of NF-kappaB. The lower affinity of RSK1-phosphorylated p65 for its negative regulator, IkappaBalpha, decreases IkappaBalpha-mediated nuclear export of shuttling forms of NF-kappaB, thereby promoting the binding and action of NF-kappaB on cognate kappaB enhancers. These findings highlight a rather unusual pathway of NF-kappaB activation, which is utilized by the p53 tumor suppressor.

The mammalian NF-κB family of transcription factors functions as a major regulator of innate and adaptive immunity and inflammatory responses, plays critical roles in controlling cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis by regulating a wide range of genes that govern these various processes 1. The prototypical NF-κB (p50 and RelA heterodimer) is sequestered and inactivated in the cytoplasm by a family of inhibitors, called IκBs, in unstimulated cells. NF-κB is activated in response to a variety of stimuli, including inflammatory cytokines and viral and bacterial infections, which lead to the activation of the IκB kinase complex (IKK), phosphorylation and degradation of IκBs, and the nuclear translocation of the NF-κB heterodimer.

This study was purposed to investigate the effect of the transfused RBC amount on pulmonary complications after on-pump CABG surgery, and to explore the influencing factors on RBC transfusion volume. 292 adult patients receiving on-pump CABG surgery were divided into non-RBC transfusion group (n = 71), 1-4 U RBC transfusion group (n = 144) and4 U RBC transfusion group (n = 77). Adjusted multivariable regression analysis was performed to examine the correlation between transfused RBC amount and the odds of pulmonary complications, and multivariable linear regression was used to analyze the influencing factors on RBC transfusion volume. The results showed that compared the three groups, there was the significant difference in postoperative pulmonary complications (1.4% vs 14.6% vs 24.7%, P0.001). A stronger and graded correlation was found between transfused RBC amount and pulmonary complications in on-pump CABG patients, the adjusted odds were increased to 1.251 (95% CI: 1.120-1.398, P0.001), and influencing factors on RBC transfusion volume were as follows: age (B:0.102; 95% CI: 0.046-0.157, P0.001), sex (B:1.825; 95% CI: 0.692-2.957, P = 0.002), preoperative Hct (B:-36.044; 95% CI:-47.724--25.163, P0.001), CPB time (B: 0.031; 95% CI:0.013-0.050, P = 0.001) and acute myocardiac infarction (B:2.769; 95% CI: 1.295-4.243, P0.001). It is concluded that the transfused RBC amount is related with postoperative pulmonary complications, and the influencing factors on RBC transfusion volume include preoperative Hct, age, acute myocardiac infarction, sex and CPB time.

The etiology of human T cell leukemia virus 1 (HTLV-1)-mediated adult T cell leukemia is associated with the ability of viral oncoprotein Tax to induce sustained NF-κB activation and the expression of many NF-κB target genes. Acetylation of the RelA subunit of NF-κB and the subsequent recruitment of bromodomain-containing factor Brd4 are important for the expression of NF-κB target genes in response to various stimuli. However, their contributions to Tax-mediated NF-κB target gene expression and tumorigenesis remain unclear. Here we report that Tax induced the acetylation of lysine 310 of RelA and the binding of Brd4 to acetylated RelA to facilitate Tax-mediated transcriptional activation of NF-κB. Depletion of Brd4 down-regulated Tax-mediated NF-κB target gene expression and cell proliferation. Inhibiting the interaction of Brd4 and acetylated RelA with the bromodomain extraterminal protein inhibitor JQ1 suppressed the proliferation of Tax-expressing rat fibroblasts and Tax-positive HTLV-1-infected cells and Tax-mediated cell transformation and tumorigenesis. Moreover, JQ1 attenuated the Tax-mediated transcriptional activation of NF-κB, triggering the polyubiquitination and proteasome-mediated degradation of constitutively active nuclear RelA. Our results identify Brd4 as a key regulator for Tax-mediated NF-κB gene expression and suggest that targeting epigenetic regulators such as Brd4 with the bromodomain extraterminal protein inhibitor might be a potential therapeutic strategy for cancers and other diseases associated with HTLV-1 infection.

To evaluate the effects of hydroformylation treatment on the storage time and blood group antigen expressions of reagent red blood cells (RBCs).RBCs from healthy donors were treated by using various final concentrations of paraformaldehyde (0.01%, 0.02%, 0.05%, 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.5% and 1.0%) and glutaraldehyde (0.01%, 0.025%, 0.05%, 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.5% and 1.0%), and one aliquot was used as control (untreated with aldehydes). Supernatant free hemoglobin (FHb) levels in all groups stored at 4 °C were detected every week, and the optimal procedure was selected. Expression of blood group antigens on RBCs treated by the optimal procedure was determined, and the total scores of blood group antigens were calculated.0.2%, 0.5% and 1.0% Glutaraldehyde groups were ruled out directly due to serious crosslinking and aggregation of RBCs. As the extension of time, FHb levels in other 11 groups gradually increased (p0.01 or p0.05). FHb level in 0.025% glutaraldehyde group was significantly lower than that in other groups after 13 weeks (p0.01), and the antigen strength of Fy(b), Jk(b), and Le(b) decreased slightly compared with those before treatment and storage (p0.05), and there was no significant change for antigen strength of A, B, D, C, E, c, e, M, N, S, s, k, P1, Fy(a), Jk(a), and Le(a) (p0.05).0.025% Glutaraldehyde treatment can provide optimal protection for the membrane of RBCs and keep hemolysis at a low level after 13 weeks storage, and the majority of blood group antigen systems are not significantly affected, and the slight decline of Fy(b), Jk(b), and Le(b) antigen strength was acceptable for classical serological tests.

This study was purposed to prepare eukaryotic expression vector of recombinant human platelet CD36 gene. The total RNA was extracted from human liver tissue and the cDNA encoding human platelet CD36 antigen extracellular region (Gly30-Asn439) was amplified by RT-PCR. The cDNA was cloned into the prokaryotic expression vector pMD18 and the recombinant vector was transformed into E. coli DH5α. The positive recombinant pMD18-CD36 plasmid was screened. After sequencing, this combinant vector was inserted into the transient eukaryotic expression vector pTE2, the pTE2-s-CD36-10 His transient eukaryotic expression vector was constructed. The recombinant CD36 Gly30-Asn439 expressed by HEK-293 cells was purified with Ni(2+) 2NTA chromatography. The results showed that 1.4 kb cDNA was amplified by RT-PCR, sequencing of the cDNA indicated the sequence was exactly the same to that in Genbank NM_001001547.2. The HEK293 cells with the plasmid were transfected, and SDS-PAGE confirmed that the transfect HEK293 cells expressed the human CD36 antigen extracellular protein fragments. Western-blot showed that the monoclonal antibody could recognize the recombinant CD36 with the sensitivity of 8 ng. It is concluded that the CD36 Gly30-Asn439 can be highly expressed by human embryonic kidney cells (HEK293), and the monoclonal antibody with biological activity has been obtained, which provide the basis for further study on platelet transfusion refractoriness.

Many factors are known to contribute to the development of cancer, and gastric cancer development is no different. Chronic infections, tobacco smoke, diet, and obesity are all major factors which play into the development of cancer [Aggarwal and Gehlot, 2009]. There is a single mechanism which underlies many of these risk factors: inflammation. The link between inflammation and cancer was proposed by Virchow in the 19th century with his observation that tumors often arose at sites of chronic inflammation and that inflammatory cells were present in tumor samples [Balkwill and Mantovani, 2001]. Inflammation has been observed in many infection-triggered cancers, and approximately 15% of human cancers are associated with chronic infection and inflammation [Karin and Greten, 2005]. For example, Hepatitis B or C virus infections, given their names because of their ability to cause chronic liver inflammation, can lead to hepatocellular carcinoma. Infections with many types of human papillomaviruses are recognized as key risk factors for cervical cancer, and the inflammation caused by persistent infection acts as a “cofactor” in carcinogenesis. A protein product of human T-cell leukemia/lymphotrophic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) “hijacks” host inflammation-regulating pathways to induce inflammation and transform T-cells, leading to the development of adult T-cell leukemia [Sun and Yamaoka, 2005]. Inflammation has become a new hallmark for cancer [Hanahan and Weinberg, 2011].

The Helicobacter pylori virulence factor CagA targets a variety of host proteins to alter different cellular responses, including the induction of pro-inflammatory cytokines. We have previously shown that CagA-facilitated lysine 63-linked ubiquitination of TAK1 is essential for the H. pylori-induced NF-κB activation and the expression of proinflammatory cytokines. However, the molecular mechanism for TAK1 ubiquitination and activation in H. pylori-mediated NF-κB activation remains elusive. Here, we identify lysine 158 of TAK1 as the key residue undergoing lysine 63-linked ubiquitination in response to H. pylori infection. Mutation of lysine 158 to arginine prevents the ubiquitination of TAK1 and impairs H. pylori-induced TAK1 and NF-κB activation. Moreover, we demonstrate that E2 ubiquitin conjugating enzyme Ubc13 is involved in H. pylori-mediated TAK1 ubiquitination. Suppressing the activity of Ubc13 by a dominant-negative mutant or siRNA abolishes CagA-facilitated and H. pylori-induced TAK1 and NF-κB activation. These findings further underscore the importance of lysine 63-linked ubiquitination of TAK1 in H. pylori-induced NF-κB activation and NF-κB-mediated inflammatory response.

This study was purposed to evaluate the effect of trehalose-loading on physiological and biochemistry properties of red blood cell (RBC) membrane. The samples were divided into the control group (RBC without trehalose loading) and the test group (RBC with trehalose loading). Osmotic fragility reaction was used to determine the osmotic fragility change of loaded RBC membrane in NaCl solution of different osmotic concentration. Flow cytometry and deformeter were used to assay the integrality and deformability of the RBC, respectively. The results showed that the NaCl solution osmotic concentrations were 160 mOsm and 121.4 mOsm, respectively when the haemolysis rate was 50% of the control group and the test group. Flow cytometry data demonstrated that incubation of RBC in a hypertonic trehalose solution resulted in a fraction of cells with different complexity that attached to little Annexin V-FITC, and that it could be removed by washing and resuspending the RBC in an iso-osmotic (300 mOsm PBS) medium. The deformability of the loaded RBC descend, the statistical difference was significant between control and test groups (P0.01). It is concluded that the membrane physiological and biochemistry stability and membrane integrality of RBC in a hyper osmotic pressure can be retained after trehalose loading.

Lung injury, whether induced by infection or caustic chemicals, initiates a series of complex wound-healing responses. If uncontrolled, these responses may lead to fibrotic lung diseases and loss of function. Thus, resolution of lung injury must be tightly regulated. The key regulatory proteins required for tightly controlling the resolution of lung injury have yet to be identified. Here we show that loss of deubiquitinase CYLD led to the development of lung fibrosis in mice after infection with Streptococcus pneumoniae. CYLD inhibited transforming growth factor-β-signalling and prevented lung fibrosis by decreasing the stability of Smad3 in an E3 ligase carboxy terminus of Hsc70-interacting protein-dependent manner. Moreover, CYLD decreases Smad3 stability by deubiquitinating K63-polyubiquitinated Akt. Together, our results unveil a role for CYLD in tightly regulating the resolution of lung injury and preventing fibrosis by deubiquitinating Akt. These studies may help develop new therapeutic strategies for preventing lung fibrosis., Lung injury initiates a series of wound-healing responses, which if unregulated, can lead to fibrosis. Li et al. show that the deubquitinase CYLD has a key role in the prevention of fibrosis by inhibiting transforming growth factor β-signalling through the direct deubiquitination of the protein kinase Akt.

Runt-related transcription factor 3, or RUNX3, is a tumor suppressor in gastric cancer. Inactivation of RUNX3 is causally associated with the genesis of gastric cancer, since RUNX3 is frequently inactivated in gastric cancers by hemizygous deletion, hypermethylation of its promoter, or protein mislocalization. Infection with Helicobacter pylori is the strongest risk factor for the development of gastric cancer. Recent studies have indicated that H. pylori infection plays an important role in the inactivation of RUNX3, and that this inactivation contributes to the pathogenesis of H. pylori. Here we summarize these recent advances and discuss their significances in understanding the initiation and development of gastric cancer.

To investigate the different parameters of the lyophilization procedures that affect the recovery of the rehydrated red blood cells (RBCs).Human RBCs loaded in tubes were cooled with 4 different modes and subjected to water bath at 25 degrees celsius;. The morphological changes of the RBCs were observed to assess the degree of vitrification, and the specimens were placed in the freeze-dryer with the temperature set up at 40, -50, -60, -70 and -80 degrees celsius;. The rates of temperature rise of the main and secondary drying in the lyophilization procedures were compared, and the water residue in the specimens was determined.The protectant did not show ice crystal in the course of freezing and thawing. No significant difference was found in the recovery rate of the rehydrated RBCs freeze-dried at the minimum temperature of -70 degrees celsius; and -80 degrees celsius; (P0.05). The E procedure resulted in the maximum recovery of the RBCs (83.14% ± 9.55%) and Hb (85.33% ± 11.42%), showing significant differences from the other groups(P0.01 or 0.05). The recovery of the RBCs showed a positive correlation to the water residue in the samples.Fast cooling in liquid nitrogen and shelf precooling at -70 degrees celsius; with a moderate rate of temperature rise in lyophylization and a start dry temperature close to the shelf equilibrium temperature produce optimal freeze-drying result of human RBCs.

Chronic infection with cagA-positive Helicobacter pylori is the strongest risk factor for the development of gastric adenocarcinoma. The cagA gene product CagA is injected into gastric epithelial cells and disturbs cellular functions by physically interacting with and deregulating a variety of cellular signaling molecules. RUNX3 is a tumor suppressor in many tissues, and it is frequently inactivated in gastric cancer. In this study, we show that H. pylori infection inactivates the gastric tumor suppressor RUNX3 in a CagA-dependent manner. CagA directly associates with RUNX3 through a specific recognition of the PY motif of RUNX3 by a WW domain of CagA. Deletion of the WW domains of CagA or mutation of the PY motif in RUNX3 abolishes the ability of CagA to induce the ubiquitination and degradation of RUNX3, thereby extinguishing its ability to inhibit the transcriptional activation of RUNX3. Our studies identify RUNX3 as a novel cellular target of H. pylori CagA and also reveal a mechanism by which CagA functions as an oncoprotein by blocking the activity of gastric tumor suppressor RUNX3.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of different rehydration conditions on recovery of the lyophilized red blood cells (RBC) so as to optimize the RBC rehydration. The different conditions, including different rehydration solution, the rehydration temperature, volume change rate of the lyophilized RBC rehydrated by the vapor firstly, were studied, the recovery rate and change of physiological and biochemical properties of the rehydrated RBC were detected. The results indicated that the solution of 10% (w/v) PVP40 in PBS showed the best effect, and the RBC recovery rate increased with increasing of rehydration temperature, and the optimal temperature of rehydration was at 37 degrees C. Pre-rehydration in condition of vapor could raise the RBC recovery rate, and promote the MCV and RDW to close to index of the fresh RBC, the deformability of the rehydrated RBC was no serious as compared with RBC preserved in conventional condition, but the activity level of ATP, G-6-PD, SOD, 2, 3-DPG of the rehydrated RBC less decreased. It is concluded that the optimal rehydration conditions for lyophilized RBC are pre-rehydration in the 37 degrees C with vapor firstly, PBS + 10% (w/v) PVP40 rehydration solution and rehydration temperature at 37 degrees C, but the protection of RBC membrane needs to be furtherly studied.

This study was purposed to investigate the effect of different compositions and concentrations of lyophilizing protectants on recovery of RBCs and hemoglobin (Hb) after rehydration of lyophilized RBCs. The RBC lyophilizing protectants composed of a series concentrations of PVP, trehalose and different osmotic protectants were applied for protecting lyophilizing process of RBCs, the recovery of RBCs and Hb after rehydration of lyophilized RBCs was detected. The results showed that there were significant differences in loss ratio of RBCs between protectants composed of different compositions and concentrations (p0.05 or p0.01). The loss ratio of RBCs in protectant containing 30% PVP40, 150 mmol/L trehalose and 2% BSA was minimum (0.02%), the loss ratio of RBCs in protectant containing 6% PVP 360, 100 mmol/L trehalose and 2% BSA was maximum (0.27%). The difference of effect between 150 and 50 mmol/L trehalose was statistically significant (p0.01). The recovery rates of RBCs and Hb in protectants contained PVP40 of different concentrations were different after rehydration of lyophilized RBCs. The protectant containing 15% PVP40, 150 mmol/L trehalose and 2% BSA showed optimal protective efficacy for lyophilized RBCs, the recovery rates of RBCs and Hb were 61.29+/-4.11% and 62.49+/-5.91% respectively, which were statistically different from other protectants (p0.01). The protectants containing glycerol displayed best efficiency in lyophilization too, the recovery rates of RBCs and Hb were 65.97+/-4.52% and 67.24+/-5.94%, respectively. It is concluded that the protectants composed of 0.8 mol/L glycerol, 15% PVP40, 150 mmol/L trehalose and 2% BSA (pH 7.3 ) may be used as the protectant lyophilizing human RBCs in future study.

Recent studies on the lysine methylation of histones have moved rapidly thanks to the discoveries of a variety of histone lysine methyltransferases. Histone lysine methylation is known to either activate or repress gene expression depending upon the position and status of the methylated lysine residue. Recently, an increasing number of lysine methyltransferases have been identified to modify non-histone proteins. Among those enzymes, the most extensively studied is Set9, a SET domain-containing lysine methyltransferase. Set9 was initially found to target histone H3 lysine 4 for monomethylation and was subsequently shown to target a variety of non-histone proteins, especially transcription-related factors. Functional studies revealed that Set9-mediated methylation of different non-histone proteins leads to distinct biological consequences, most of which point to protein stability. Here we summarize the latest findings on the effects of Set9-mediated lysine methylation on the stability of non-histone proteins.

Proper regulation of NF-kappaB activity is critical to maintain and balance the inflammatory response. Inactivation of the NF-kappaB complex relies in part on the proteasome-mediated degradation of promoter-bound NF-kappaB, but the detailed molecular mechanism initiating this process remains elusive. Here, we show that the methylation of the RelA subunit of NF-kappaB has an important function in this process. Lysine methyltransferase Set9 physically associates with RelA in vitro and in vivo in response to TNF-alpha stimulation. Mutational and mass spectrometric analyses reveal that RelA is monomethylated by Set9 at lysine residues 314 and 315 in vitro and in vivo. Methylation of RelA inhibits NF-kappaB action by inducing the proteasome-mediated degradation of promoter-associated RelA. Depletion of Set9 by siRNA or mutation of the RelA methylation sites prolongs DNA binding of NF-kappaB and enhances TNF-alpha-induced expression of NF-kappaB target genes. Together, these findings unveil a novel mechanism by which methylation of RelA dictates the turnover of NF-kappaB and controls the NF-kappaB-mediated inflammatory response.

Acetylation of the RelA subunit of NF-kappaB, especially at lysine-310, is critical for the transcriptional activation of NF-kappaB and the expression of inflammatory genes. In this study, we demonstrate that bromodomains of Brd4 bind to acetylated lysine-310. Brd4 enhances transcriptional activation of NF-kappaB and the expression of a subset of NF-kappaB-responsive inflammatory genes in an acetylated lysine-310-dependent manner. Bromodomains of Brd4 and acetylated lysine-310 of RelA are both required for the mutual interaction and coactivation function of Brd4. Finally, we demonstrate that Brd4 further recruits CDK9 to phosphorylate C-terminal domain of RNA polymerase II and facilitate the transcription of NF-kappaB-dependent inflammatory genes. Our results identify Brd4 as a novel coactivator of NF-kappaB through specifically binding to acetylated lysine-310 of RelA. In addition, these studies reveal a mechanism by which acetylated RelA stimulates the transcriptional activity of NF-kappaB and the NF-kappaB-dependent inflammatory response.

The TGF-beta (transforming growth factor-beta) pathway represents an important signalling pathway involved in regulating diverse biological processes, including cell proliferation, differentiation and inflammation. Despite the critical role for TGF-beta in inflammatory responses, its role in regulating NF-kappaB (nuclear factor-kappaB)-dependent inflammatory responses still remains unknown. In the present study we show that TGF-beta1 synergizes with proinflammatory cytokine TNF-alpha (tumour necrosis factor-alpha) to induce NF-kappaB activation and the resultant inflammatory response in vitro and in vivo. TGF-beta1 synergistically enhances TNF-alpha-induced NF-kappaB DNA binding activity via induction of RelA acetylation. Moreover, synergistic enhancement of TNF-alpha-induced RelA acetylation and DNA-binding activity by TGF-beta1 is mediated by PKA (protein kinase A). Thus the present study reveals a novel role for TGF-beta in inflammatory responses and provides new insight into the regulation of NF-kappaB by TGF-beta signalling.

The key points for better protection of trehalose in freeze-drying red blood cells (RBCs) are to resolve non-osmosis of trehalose to red blood cells and to make cytoplasmic trehalose to reach effective concentration. This study was aimed to investigate the regularity of loading RBCs with trehalose, screen out optimal loading condition and evaluate the effect of trehalose on physico-chemical parameters of RBCs during the period of loading. The cytoplasmic trehalose concentration in red blood cells, free hemoglobin and ATP level were determined at different incubation temperatures (4, 22 and 37 degrees C), different trehaolse concentrations (0, 200, 400, 600, 800 and 1000 mmol/L) and different incubation times (2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 hours), the cytoplasmic trehalose, free hemoglobin (FHb), hemoglobin (Hb) and mean corpuscular volume (MCV) in fresh RBCs and RBCs stored for 72 hours at 4 degrees C were compared, when loading condition was ensured. The results showed that with increase of incubation temperature, time and extracellular trehalose concentration, the loading of trehalose in RBCs also increased. Under the optimal loading condition, cytoplasmic trehalose concentration and free hemoglobin level of fresh RBCs and RBCs stored for 72 hours at 4 degrees C were 65.505 +/- 6.314 mmol/L, 66.2 +/- 5.002 mmol/L and 6.567 +/- 2.568 g/L, 16.168 +/- 3.922 g/L respectively. It is concluded that the most optimal condition of loading trehalose is that fresh RBCs incubate in 800 mmol/L trehalose solution for 8 hours at 37 degrees C. This condition can result in a efficient cytoplasmic trehalose concentration. The study provides an important basis for long-term preservation of RBCs.

Cells harboring infectious, but transcriptionally latent, human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) proviruses currently pose an insurmountable barrier to viral eradication in infected patients. To better understand the molecular basis for HIV-1 latency, we used the J-Lat model of postintegration HIV-1 latency to assess the kinetic relationship between the induction of NF-κB and the activation of latent HIV-1 gene expression. Chromatin immunoprecipitation analyses revealed an oscillating pattern of RelA recruitment to the HIV-1 long terminal repeat (LTR) during continuous tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) stimulation. RNA polymerase II (Pol II) recruitment to the HIV-1 LTR closely mirrored RelA binding. Transient stimulation of cells with TNF-α for 15 min induced only a single round of RelA and RNA Pol II binding and failed to induce robust expression of latent HIV-1. Efficient formation of elongated HIV-1 transcripts required sustained induction by NF-κB, which promoted de novo synthesis of Tat. Cyclin-dependent kinase 9 (CDK9) and serine-2-phosphorylated RNA Pol II were rapidly recruited to the HIV-1 LTR after NF-κB induction; however, these elongating polymerase complexes were progressively dephosphorylated in the absence of Tat. Okadaic acid promoted sustained serine-2 phosphorylation of the C-terminal domain of RNA Pol II and stimulated efficient transcriptional elongation and HIV-1 expression in the absence of Tat. These findings underscore important differences between NF-κB and Tat stimulation of RNA Pol II elongation. While NF-κB binding to the HIV-1 LTR induces serial waves of efficient RNA Pol II initiation, elongation is impaired by the action of an okadaic acid-sensitive phosphatase that dephosphorylates the C-terminal domain of RNA Pol II. Conversely, the action of this phosphatase is overcome in the presence of Tat, promoting very efficient RNA Pol II elongation.

Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) family members are multifunctional growth factors involved in regulating diverse biological processes. Despite the critical role for TGF-beta in regulating cell proliferation, differentiation, migration and development, its role in regulating NF-kappaB-dependent inflammatory response still remains unclear. Here, we show that TGF-beta1 induces acetylation of NF-kappaB p65 subunit to synergistically enhance bacterium nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae-induced NF-kappaB activation and inflammatory response in vitro and in vivo. The TGF-beta1-induced acetylation of p65 is mediated via a Smad3/4-PKA-p300-dependent signaling pathway. Acetylation of p65 at lysine 221 by TGF-beta1 is critical for synergistic enhancement of bacteria-induced DNA-binding activity, NF-kappaB activation, NF-kappaB-dependent transcription of TNF-alpha and IL-1beta and interstitial polymorphonuclear neutrophil infiltration in vitro and in vivo. These studies provide new insights into the novel regulation of NF-kappaB by TGF-beta signaling.

In review of the past studies on NF-kappaB regulation, most of them have focused on investigating how NF-kappaB is activated by a single inducer at a time. Given the fact that, in mixed bacterial infections in vivo, multiple inflammation inducers, including both nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) and Streptococcus pneumoniae, are present simultaneously, a key issue that has yet to be addressed is whether NTHi and S. pneumoniae simultaneously activate NF-kappaB and the subsequent inflammatory response in a synergistic manner. Here, we show that NTHi and S. pneumoniae synergistically induce NF-kappaB-dependent inflammatory response via activation of multiple signaling pathways in vitro and in vivo. The classical IKKbeta-IkappaBalpha and p38 MAPK pathways are involved in synergistic activation of NF-kappaB via two distinct mechanisms, p65 nuclear translocation-dependent and -independent mechanisms. Moreover, casein kinase 2 (CK2) is involved in synergistic induction of NF-kappaB via a mechanism dependent on phosphorylation of p65 at both Ser536 and Ser276 sites. These studies bring new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the NF-kappaB-dependent inflammatory response in polymicrobial infections and may lead to development of novel therapeutic strategies for modulating inflammation in mixed infections for patients with otitis media and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases.

This study was aimed to investigate the aggregation of rehydrated-lyophilized platelets. The aggregation rate of fresh and rehydrated-lyophilized platelets were measured by using thrombin, ristocetin, ADP and collagen as inductors and APACT2 aggregameter; the effects of intra- and extra-cellular trehalose on maximum aggregation rate of rehydrated-lyophilized platelets were detected by using ADP as an inductor. The results showed that the aggregation rate of fresh platelets was all about 100%, while aggregation rate of rehydrated lyophilized platelets was (70.17 +/- 7.36)%, (15.3 +/- 2.81)%, (68.67 +/- 6.86)%, (64.67 +/- 11.6)% respectively, when the concentration of thrombin, ristocetin, ADP and collagen was 1 U/ml, 1.6 mg/ml, 20 micromol/L and 2 microg/ml. The maximum aggregation rates of rehydrated-lyophilized platelets in intra- and extra-cellular trehalose, extracellular trehalose and blank control groups were (66.0 +/- 4.69)%, (25.3 +/- 2.42)% and (11.5 +/- 1.87)% (P0.01), meanwhile there was significant difference of rehydrated-lyophilized platelet aggregation rate between intra- and extra-cellular trehalose and extracellular trehalose groups (P0.01). It is concluded that the concentrations of thrombin (1 U/ml), ristocetin (1.6 mg/ml), ADP (20 micromol/L) and collagen (2 microg/ml) are optimal for platelets aggregation tests, the internal and extracellular trehalose significantly enhance the aggregation of rehydrated-lyophilized platelets.

Accumulating evidence suggests that neurodegeneration induced by pathogenic proteins depends on contributions from surrounding glia. Here we demonstrate that NF-kappaB signaling in microglia is critically involved in neuronal death induced by amyloid-beta (Abeta) peptides, which are widely presumed to cause Alzheimer disease. Constitutive inhibition of NF-kappaB signaling in microglia by expression of the nondegradable IkappaBalpha superrepressor blocked neurotoxicity, indicating a pivotal role for microglial NF-kappaB signaling in mediating Abeta toxicity. Stimulation of microglia with Abeta increased acetylation of RelA/p65 at lysine 310, which regulates the NF-kappaB pathway. Overexpression of SIRT1 deacetylase and the addition of the SIRT1 agonist resveratrol markedly reduced NF-kappaB signaling stimulated by Abeta and had strong neuroprotective effects. Our results support a glial loop hypothesis by demonstrating a critical role for microglial NF-kappaB signaling in Abeta-dependent neurodegeneration. They also implicate SIRT1 in this pathway and highlight the therapeutic potential of resveratrol and other sirtuin-activating compounds in Alzheimer disease.

Cells latently infected with HIV represent a currently insurmountable barrier to viral eradication in infected patients. Using the J-Lat human T-cell model of HIV latency, we have investigated the role of host factor binding to the kappaB enhancer elements of the HIV long terminal repeat (LTR) in the maintenance of viral latency. We show that NF-kappaB p50-HDAC1 complexes constitutively bind the latent HIV LTR and induce histone deacetylation and repressive changes in chromatin structure of the HIV LTR, changes that impair recruitment of RNA polymerase II and transcriptional initiation. Knockdown of p50 expression with specific small hairpin RNAs reduces HDAC1 binding to the latent HIV LTR and induces RNA polymerase II recruitment. Similarly, inhibition of histone deacetylase (HDAC) activity with trichostatin A promotes binding of RNA polymerase II to the latent HIV LTR. This bound polymerase complex, however, remains non-processive, generating only short viral transcripts. Synthesis of full-length viral transcripts can be rescued under these conditions by expression of Tat. The combination of HDAC inhibitors and Tat merits consideration as a new strategy for purging latent HIV proviruses from their cellular reservoirs.