Acta Biochimica et Biophysica Sinica - recent issues

RanBPM is an acetylcholinesterase-interacting protein that translocates into the nucleus during apoptosis

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 06:14:42 PST

Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) expression may be induced during apoptosis in various cell types. Here, we used the C-terminal of AChE to screen the human fetal brain library and found that it interacted with Ran-binding protein in the microtubule-organizing center (RanBPM). This interaction was further confirmed by coimmunoprecipitation analysis. In HEK293T cells, RanBPM and AChE were heterogeneously expressed in the cisplatin-untreated cytoplasmic extracts and in the cisplatin-treated cytoplasmic or nuclear extracts. Our previous studies performed using morphologic methods have shown that AChE translocates from the cytoplasm to the nucleus during apoptosis. Taken together, these results suggest that RanBPM is an AChE-interacting protein that is translocated from the cytoplasm into the nucleus during apoptosis, similar to the translocation observed in case of AChE.

Evaluating the antitumor activity of combined photochemotherapy mediated by a meso-substituted tetracationic porphyrin and adriamycin

Kassab, K. — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 06:14:42 PST

The combined anticancer modality comprising porphyrins as photodynamic sensitizers and anticancer drugs has been an interesting subject for many researchers. In this study, the photochemotherapeutic effect mediated by simultaneous photoactivation of tetracationic meso-tetrakis(N-methyl-4-pyridyl) porphine tetratosylate (TMPyP) and adriamycin (ADM) were explored using human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line (HePG2). The efficiency of TMPyP acting in concert with ADM in the dark and in the presence of photoirradiation was evaluated, by studying cell viability, caspase-3 activity and ultrastructural changes in the cells after incubation with each of the two agents, separately, or simultaneously as a co-mixture. Under dark conditions, the simultaneous incubation of cells with TMPyP and ADM significantly enhanced cell death by 1.8 folds and 1.3 folds, compared with TMPyP or ADM treatment, respectively. After photoirradiation, the antiproliferative effect of the co-treatment with TMPyP and ADM increased further by 2 folds. Transmission electron microscopy and the measurements of caspase-3 levels in treated cells revealed that the co-treatment of cells with ADM and TMPyP followed by light irradiation directed the cell death towards necrosis and abrogated the apoptotic cell death pathway, which was exhibited in cells treated with ADM in absence and in presence of photoirradiation.

Development of a soluble PTD-HPV18E7 fusion protein and its functional characterization in eukaryotic cells

Yan, X., Walayat, S., Shi, Q., Zheng, J., Wang, Y. — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 06:14:42 PST

Though accumulated evidence has demonstrated the transformation capacity of human papillomavirus (HPV) type 18 protein E7, the underlying mechanism is still arguable. Developing a protein transduction domain (PTD)-linked E7 molecule is a suitable strategy for assessing the biological functions of the protein. In the present study, HPV18 E7 protein fused to an N-terminal PTD was expressed in the form of glutathione S-transferase fusion protein in Escherichia coli with pGEX-4T-3 vector. After glutathione-Sepharose 4B bead affinity purification, immunoblot identification and thrombin cleavage, the PTD-18E7 protein showed structural and functional activity in that it potently transduced the cells and localized into their nuclei. The PTD-18E7 protein transduced the NIH3T3 cells in 30 min and remained stable for at least 24 h. In addition, the PTD-18E7 protein interacted with retinoblastoma protein (pRB) and caused pRB degradation in the transduced NIH3T3 cells. In contrast to the pRB level, p27 protein level was elevated in the transduced NIH3T3 cells. The PTD-18E7 protein gives us a new tool to study the biological functions of the HPV E7 protein.

Quantitative analysis of secretome from adipocytes regulated by insulin

Zhou, H., Xiao, Y., Li, R., Hong, S., Li, S., Wang, L., Zeng, R., Liao, K. — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 06:14:42 PST

Adipocyte is not only a central player involved in storage and release of energy, but also in regulation of energy metabolism in other organs via secretion of peptides and proteins. During the pathogenesis of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes, adipocytes are subjected to the increased levels of insulin, which may have a major impact on the secretion of adipokines. We have undertaken cleavable isotope-coded affinity tag (cICAT) and label-free quantitation approaches to identify and quantify secretory factors that are differentially secreted by 3T3-L1 adipocytes with or without insulin treatment. Combination of cICAT and label-free results, there are 317 proteins predicted or annotated as secretory proteins. Among these secretory proteins, 179 proteins and 53 proteins were significantly up-regulated and down-regulated, respectively. A total of 77 reported adipokines were quantified in our study, such as adiponectin, cathepsin D, cystatin C, resistin, and transferrin. Western blot analysis of these adipokines confirmed the quantitative results from mass spectrometry, and revealed individualized secreting patterns of these proteins by increasing insulin dose. In addition, 240 proteins were newly identified and quantified as secreted proteins from 3T3-L1 adipocytes in our study, most of which were up-regulated upon insulin treatment. Further comprehensive bioinformatics analysis revealed that the secretory proteins in extracellular matrix-receptor interaction pathway and glycan structure degradation pathway were significantly up-regulated by insulin stimulation.

Phenotypic inheritance induced by hairpin RNA in Drosophila

Li, H., Lu, Y. — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 06:14:42 PST

Phenotypic inheritance induced by RNA has been documented in mouse and Caenorhabditis elegans. Here we report a similar inheritance in Drosophila. Mutant phenotypes of eye defects and antenna duplication generated from the crossing of one RNA interference (RNAi) transgenic line harboring one hairpin RNA transgene with a GAL4 driver line were inherited independently of the GAL4 driver. Hairpin RNA injection experiments demonstrated that the hairpin RNA could induce heritable mutant-like phenotypes on the eye and antenna. The penetrance of mutant phenotypes was reduced when the mutants were crossed to ago1 and piwi mutants. Our data suggest that hairpin RNA can induce phenotypic inheritance in Drosophila.

The octarepeat region of hamster PrP (PrP51-91) enhances the formation of microtubule and antagonize Cu2+-induced microtubule-disrupting activity

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 06:14:42 PST

Prion protein (PrP) is considered to associate with microtubule and its major component, tubulin. In the present study, octarepeat region of PrP (PrP51–91) was expressed in prokaryotic-expressing system. Using GST pull-down assay and co-immunoprecipitation, the molecular interaction between PrP51–91 and tubulin was observed. Our data also demonstrated that PrP51–91 could efficiently stimulate microtubule assembly in vitro, indicating a potential effect of PrP on microtubule dynamics. Moreover, PrP51–91 was confirmed to be able to antagonize Cu²⁺-induced microtubule-disrupting activity in vivo, partially protecting against Cu²⁺ intoxication to culture cells and stabilize cellular microtubule structure. The association of the octarepeat region of PrP with tubulin may further provide insight into the biological function of PrP in the neurons.

Double role of Fas ligand in the apoptosis of intervertebral disc cells in vitro

Han, D., Ding, Y., Liu, S.-L., Wang, G., Si, I.-C., Wang, X., Cui, L., Huang, D. — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 06:14:42 PST

Fas ligand (FasL) may play an important role in maintaining the immune privilege of intervertebral disc (IVD). Besides, it is closely related to the apoptosis of degenerative disc cells. Nowadays, lots of reports have described about the paradoxical effects of FasL, although the effect of FasL on IVD cells is still under debate. In this study, we tried to investigate the effects of FasL on Fas expression and on the apoptosis of nucleus pulposus (NP) cells in Sprague–Dawley rats. The results showed that the expression of Fas in NP cells was significantly increased by the recombinant FasL. Meanwhile, the apoptosis of NP cells increased markedly in a FasL dose-dependent manner. Interestingly, RNA interference results indicated that the increase of Fas expression and the NP cell apoptosis described previously were inhibited by Fas siRNA, suggesting that RNA interference might be one of novel strategies to prevent IVD cells from apoptosis.

Expression and characterization of Kunitz domain 3 and C-terminal of human tissue factor pathway inhibitor-2

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 06:14:42 PST

Human tissue factor pathway inhibitor-2 (hTFPI-2) is a serine protease inhibitor and its inhibitory activity is enhanced by heparin. The Kunitz domain 3 and C-terminal of hTFPI-2 (hTFPI-2/KD3C), which has the activity toward heparin calcium, have been successfully expressed in Pichia pastoris and purified by SP-Sepharose and heparin-Sepharose chromatography. The Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, and circular dichroism (CD) experiment results implied that hTFPI-2/KD3C contained small contents of -helix and β-strand, but large amounts of random coil and two kinds of disulfide bonds, gauche-gauche-gauche (ggg) and trans-gauche-trans (tgt). The interaction of hTFPI-2/KD3C with heparin calcium was investigated by CD. It was found that heparin calcium induced β-strands in hTFPI-2/KD3C to different extents depending on the ratio of hTFPI-2/KD3C and heparin calcium.

The structure-function relationship of MSI7, a matrix protein from pearl oyster Pinctada fucata

Feng, Q., Fang, Z., Yan, Z., Xing, R., Xie, L., Zhang, R. — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 06:14:42 PST

We previously identified a matrix protein, MSI7, from pearl oyster Pinctada fucata. According to the structural analysis, the DGD site in the N-terminal of MSI7 is crucial for its role in the shell formation. In this study, we expressed a series of recombinant MSI7 proteins, including the wild-type and several mutants directed at the DGD site, using an Escherichia coli expression system to reveal the structure–function relationship of MSI7. Furthermore, in vitro crystallization, crystallization speed assay, and circular dichroism spectrometry were carried out. Results indicated that wild-type MSI7 could induce the nucleation of aragonite and inhibit the crystallization of calcite. However, none of the mutants could induce the nucleation of aragonite, but all of them could inhibit the crystallization of calcite to some extent. And all the proteins accelerated the crystallization process. Taken together, the results indicated that MSI7 could contribute to aragonite crystallization by inducing the nucleation of aragonite and inhibiting the crystallization of calcite, which agrees with our prediction about its role in the nacreous layer formation of the shell. The DGD site was critical for the induction of the nucleation of aragonite.

The properties of NodD were affected by mere variation in length within its hinge region

Hou, B., Li, F., Yang, X., Hong, G. — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 06:14:42 PST

In Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. viciae, NodD, a member of the LysR-type transcriptional regulators, while auto-regulating, activates transcription of other nod genes in the presence of naringenin. A hinge region of NodD was previously identified in our laboratory as a functional region independent of its N-terminal DNA-binding and C-terminal regulatory domain. Further study was carried out to see the possible effect of the length variation in the hinge region on NodD's properties. To our surprise, as many as seven classes of phenotypes were observed. Class I is deficient of activating nodA transcription and abolishes auto-regulation; class II is able to activate nodA transcription independently of naringenin and abolishes auto-regulation; class III retains auto-regulating but partial activating ability; class IV is able to activate transcription independently of naringenin and retains auto-regulation; in class V, nodA is transcribed constitutively but the transcription level is drastically down-regulated in the presence of naringenin; in class VI, nodA is transcribed constitutively with higher induction ratio; in class VII, nodA is transcribed constitutively with lower induction ratio. To learn more about the possible mechanism, circular permutation assays were done, which showed that the length variation of the hinge of NodD caused by mutation led to the change in bend angles of nod promoter. This finding should help to get an insight into how transcriptional regulation is mediated by NodD at the molecular level as well as to understand the regulatory system of this important family.

Identification and characterization of an epididymis-specific gene, Ces7

Zhang, L., Hu, Z., Zhu, C., Liu, Q., Zhou, Y., Zhang, Y. — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 09:04:50 PDT

Carboxylesterases (CEs) represent a multigene family of serine-dependent enzymes. Male-dependent CEs are over-expressed in the male reproductive tract of different animal species (bivalve mollusks, fruit-flies, and mammals). Here, a novel rat epididymis-specific gene named Ces7 was cloned and characterized. It was a novel member of CE family, which was mainly expressed and secreted to the lumens of the corpus and cauda epididymis. CES7 protein was highly glycosylated as other mammalian CEs. Furthermore, Ces7 increased with age growth until sex maturation and then maintained at high level. CES7 might be one of the major CEs in male reproductive tract and contribute to the sperm fertilization.

Identification of FANCA as a protein interacting with centromere-associated protein E

Du, J., Chen, L., Shen, J. — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 09:04:50 PDT

This study sought to isolate and identify proteins that interact with centromere-associated protein E (CENP-E), provide new clues for exploring the function of CENP-E in cell cycle control and the pathogenesis of tumor. Yeast two-hybrid screen and regular molecular biologic techniques were undertaken to screen human HeLa cDNA library with the kinetochore binding domain of CENP-E. The bait from the C-terminus of CENP-E was created by subcloning methods to find out optimal candidate proteins that interact with the kinetochore binding domain of CENP-E. Eight novel CENP-E interacting proteins including Homo sapiens Fanconi anemia complementation group A (FANCA) were obtained. In yeast two-hybrid assay, the N-terminal 260 amino acids of FANCA were found to be necessary and sufficient for the interaction with the C-terminus of CENP-E. The interaction was confirmed by in vitro glutathione S-transferase pull-down assay and in vivo co-immunoprecipitation assay. Our finding of the interaction of CENP-E with FANCA demonstrates that CENP-E and FANCA may play important roles in the functional regulation of the mitotic checkpoint signal pathway.

A small functional intramolecular region of NodD was identified by mutation

Hou, B., Li, F., Yang, X., Hong, G. — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 09:04:50 PDT

In Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. viciae, NodD, as a member of the LysR-type transcriptional regulators (LTTRs), exerts auto-regulation and activates transcription of other nod genes in the presence of naringenin. LTTRs were typically composed of N-terminal DNA-binding domain and C-terminal regulatory domain. In this study, by systematic insertion mutation, a region of 12 amino acids in length of NodD was identified as functional domain. Insertion mutants in this region appeared to acquire the ability of constitutively activating nodA gene and retained their auto-regulation properties. This identified region was shown to be a hinge of NodD as revealed through the model built using Swiss-PDB Viewer software. It is the first time to report that as a member of LysR family, NodD has been shown to contain a short intramolecular domain that influences its performance.

Human Elongator complex is involved in cell cycle and suppresses cell growth in 293T human embryonic kidney cells

Gu, J., Sun, D., Zheng, Q., Wang, X., Yang, H., Miao, J., Jiang, J., Wei, W. — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 09:04:50 PDT

Elongator complex has been associated with hyperphosphorylated RNA polymerase II and is known to play critical roles in transcriptional elongation, as well as in tRNA modification and exocytosis. However, the specific mechanism of how human Elongator complex regulates cell growth and cell cycle remains unclear. To investigate the composition of human Elongator complex and its effects on cell growth, 293T cells were established that stably overexpressed Flag-Elp3 and Flag-Elp4. By using anti-Flag M2 antibody-bound resin, a core Elongator complex was purified from cells that stably overexpressed Flag-Elp3. No Elongator complex was purified from cells stably transfected with pFlagCMV4-Elp4. Interestingly, the cell growth was inhibited in 293T cells transfected with pFlagCMV4-Elp3. Flow cytometry analysis showed that most of the cells stably overexpressing Flag-Elp3 were found in G₁ stage, indicating a role of the core Elongator in the G₁ checkpoint for the regulation of cell cycle. We observed increased basal transcription and remarkably enhanced transcription stimulated by VP16 in 293T cells overexpressing Flag-Elp3. The transcription could also be synergistically activated by overexpressing both Elp3 and Elp4. Taken together, our results suggested that the core Elongator complex formed by Elp1, Elp2, and Elp3 was rather stable, whereas Elp4, Elp5, and Elp6 might loosely contact and work together with the core Elongator to regulate cell functions.

Cortactin is involved in transforming growth factor-{beta}1-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition in AML-12 cells

Zhang, K., Wang, D., Song, J. — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 09:04:50 PDT

Cortactin is an F-actin binding protein, regulating cell movement and adhesive junction assembly. However, the function of cortactin in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) remains elusive. Here we found that during transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)-induced EMT in AML-12 murine hepatocytes, cortactin underwent tyrosine dephosphorylation. Inhibition of the dephosphorylation of cortactin by sodium vanadate blocked TGF-β1-induced EMT. Knockdown of cortactin by RNAi led to decrease of intercellular junction proteins E-cadherin and Zonula occludens-1 and induced expression of mesenchymal protein fibronectin. Additionally, knockdown of cortactin further promoted TGF-β1-induced EMT in AML-12 cells, as determined by EMT markers and cell morphological changes. Moreover, migration assay showed that cortactin knockdown promoted the migration of AML-12 cells, and also enhanced TGF-β1-induced migration. Our study showed the involvement of cortactin in the TGF-β1-induced EMT.

Regulation of membrane band 3 Tyr-phosphorylation by proteolysis of p72Syk and possible involvement in senescence process

Bordin, L., Fiore, C., Bragadin, M., Brunati, A. M., Clari, G. — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 09:04:50 PDT

Erythrocyte senescence is characterized by exposure of cell surface epitopes on cell membrane proteins leading to immune mediated removal of red blood cells. One mechanism for antigen formation is tyrosine phosphorylation (Tyr-P) of the transmembrane protein band 3 by Syk kinase. Our aim was to test the hypothesis that proteolytic activation of Syk kinase by conversion from 72 kDa (p72^Syk) to the 36 kDa (p36^Syk) isoform enhances its phosphorylating activity independently of the association of Syk kinase with the cytoskeleton. Tyr-P assay was conducted using quantification of ³²P uptake into the cytoplasmic domain of band 3 after addition of p72^Syk or p36^Syk. Effect of pre-phosphorylation of erythrocyte membrane band 3 protein by p36^Syk on p72^Syk-mediated phosphorylation and the effect of addition of a protease inhibitor (leupeptin) on p72^Syk-mediated phosphorylation were studied by autoradiographic visualization of ³²P uptake. Tyr-P by Syk isoforms of membrane skeletal and soluble fractions of band 3 was visualized by immunoblotting. It was found that p36^Syk had a higher band 3 tyrosine phosphorylating activity compared with p72^Syk. Pre-phosphorylation with p36^Syk or p72^Syk increased band 3 phosphorylating activity. Protease inhibition treatment reduced p72^Syk but not p36^Syk band 3 tyrosine phosphorylating activity significantly. Both soluble and membrane skeletal fractions of band 3 protein were equally tyrosine phosphorylated by each Syk isoform. In conclusion, we confirmed the hypothesis that proteolytic cleavage of p72^Syk is an important regulatory step for band 3 Tyr-P and its independence of the association of band 3 with the cytoskeleton.

Protein engineering of a fibroblast growth factor-1 fusion protein with cell adhesive activity

Jeon, E., Kim, H.-W., Jang, J.-H. — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 09:04:50 PDT

Fibroblast growth factor-1 (FGF1) is one of the most potent angiogenic growth factors, and also plays an important role in regulating cellular functions including cell proliferation, motility, differentiation, survival, and tissue regeneration processes. Here we described a novel fusion protein that was designed by combining the cell adhesion sequence from fibronectin with FGF1. The F1–Fn fusion protein functions as a minimized protein that directs integrin-dependent cell adhesion and stimulates cellular responses including cell proliferation and differentiation. Moreover, our results indicate that Fn-mediated signaling synergizes with signals from FGF1 in promoting cellular adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation in MG63 cells.

Characterization of a novel {alpha}4/4-conotoxin, Qc1.2, from vermivorous Conus quercinus

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 09:04:50 PDT

As part of continuing studies of the identification of gene organization and cloning of novel -conotoxins, the first 4/4-conotoxin identified in a vermivorous Conus species, designated Qc1.2, was originally obtained by cDNA and genomic DNA cloning from Conus quercinus collected in the South China Sea. The predicted mature toxin of Qc1.2 contains 14 amino acid residues with two disulfide bonds (I-III, II-IV connectivity) in a native globular configuration. The mature peptide of Qc1.2 is supposed to contain an N-terminal post-translationally processed pyroglutamate residue and a free carboxyl C-terminus. This peptide was chemically synthesized and refolded for further characterization of its functional properties. The synthetic Qc1.2 has two interconvertible conformations in aqueous solution, which may be due to the cis-trans isomerization of the two successive Pro residues in its first Cys loop. Using the Xenopus oocyte heterologous expression system, Qc1.2 was shown to selectively inhibit both rat neuronal 3β2 and 3β4 subtypes of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors with low potency. A block of ~63% and 37% of the ACh-evoked currents was observed, respectively, and the toxin dissociated rapidly from the receptors. Compared with other characterized -conotoxin members, the unusual structural features in Qc1.2 that confer to its receptor recognition profile are addressed.

Purification and characterization of phenoloxidase from Octopus ocellatus

Fan, T., Li, M., Wang, J., Yang, L., Cong, R. — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 09:04:50 PDT

Phenoloxidase (PO) from ink sacs of Octopus ocellatus was purified by gel-filtration and ion-exchange chromatography, and characterized in terms of its biochemical and enzymatic properties by using L-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA) as the specific substrate. It was found that prophenoloxidase from O. ocellatus was isolated as a heterodimeric protein of 153.8 kDa, and two subunits of 75.6 and 73.0 kDa were often detected in preparations after SDS activation. The PO-like activity showed optimal pH of 7.0, optimal temperature of 40°C, and an apparent K_m value of 3.1 mM on L-DOPA, and 6.3 mM on catechol, respectively. The PO-like activity was extremely sensitive to 1-phenyl-2-thiourea and sodium sulfite, and very sensitive to ascorbic acid, thiourea, citric acid, and benzoic acid. Together with its specific enzyme activity on catechol and L-DOPA, it can be concluded that the Octopus PO is most probably a typical o-diphenoloxidase. The PO-like activity was also strongly inhibited by Cu²⁺, Zn²⁺, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and diethyldithiocarbamate (DETC), and the DETC-inhibited PO-like activity could be perfectly restored by Cu²⁺. These results indicated that Octopus PO is most probably a copper-containing metalloenzyme. All these results implied that the PO from O. ocellatus has the properties of a catechol-type copper-containing o-diphenoloxidase which functions not only as a catalytic enzyme in melanin production in ink sacs but also as a humoral factor in host defense via melaninization as in other crustaceans.

Identification of a novel negative regulatory element on the hepatitis B virus S-(+)-strand

Wu, Y., Zhang, W., Yang, Y., Yu, B., Huang, A. — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 09:04:50 PDT

In this study, we scanned the whole hepatitis B virus (HBV) genome for the identification of potential regulatory elements located on the S-(+)-strand. With pCDNA3.1-HBV1.3 as template which contains 1.3-fold HBV whole genome, HBV fragments were amplified by PCR methods, and then inserted into the upstream of a heterologous luciferase reporter vector (pGL3control) in antisense orientation, allowing the HBV expression from the S-(+)-strand. We found that the reporter plasmid containing nt 509-1(3182)-2639 of HBV inhibited luciferase gene transcription and expression in HepG2 cells. Our results strongly suggested that nt 453–250 of HBV may act as a novel negative regulatory element, which has not been reported before. Serial deletion analyses further indicated that nt 453–250 sequence of HBV genome would be the minimal sequence essential for the inhibitory effect of the novel negative regulatory element.

Post-transcriptional regulation of NifA expression by Hfq and RNase E complex in Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. viciae

Zhang, Y., Hong, G. — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 08:45:14 PDT

NifA is the general transcriptional activator of nitrogen fixation genes in diazotrophic bacteria. In Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. viciae strain 8401/pRL1JI, the NifA gene is part of a gene cluster (fixABCXNifAB). In this study, results showed that in R. leguminosarum bv. viciae 8401/pRL1JI, host factor required (Hfq), and RNase E were involved in the post-transcriptional regulation of NifA expression. It was found that Hfq-dependent RNase E cleavage of NifA mRNA was essential for NifA translation. The cleavage site is located at 32 nucleotides upstream of the NifA translational start codon. A possible explanation based on predicted RNA secondary structure of the NifA 5'-untranslated region was that the cleavage made ribosome-binding sites accessible for translation.

Baculo-expression and enzymatic characterization of CES7 esterase

Zhang, L., Liu, Q., Zhou, Y., Zhang, Y. — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 08:45:14 PDT

The male reproductive tracts in different species are characterized by similar patterns of male-dependent overexpression of carboxylesterases. This phenomenon indicates male sex-associated functions of these enzymes for spermatogenesis, sperm maturation, and sperm use. Recently, a novel epididymis-specific gene named Ces7 was cloned and characterized, which belongs to the carboxylesterase family. To study the functions of CES7 in sperm maturation and storage, CES7 recombinant protein was expressed in baculovirus system. The recombinant protein had carboxylesterase activity hydrolyzing cholesterol ester and choline ester. CES7 as carboxylesterase might be involved in ester hydrolysis, sperm maturation, and storage in male reproductive tract.

Effects of a chemically derived homo zwitterionic polysaccharide on immune activation in mice

Meng, C., Peng, X., Shi, X., Wang, H., Guo, Y. — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 08:45:14 PDT

In this study, a chemically modified homo zwitterionic polysaccharide (ZPS), sulfated chitosan, was used to examine its effects on murine immune response. The results showed that homoZPS could markedly promote the proliferation of both splenic T/B cells and adhesive cells. In particular, flow cytometry assay demonstrated that the sulfated chitosan could non-specifically activate CD3⁺ and CD8⁺ T cells proliferation in vitro. The effectiveness of sulfated chitosan as adjuvant was tested using bovine serum albumin (BSA) and diphtheria toxin (DT) as antigens and compared with that of aluminum hydroxide. The levels of specific antibodies to BSA and DT significantly increased after homoZPS vaccination. Both homoZPS and aluminum hydroxide adjuvants could protect mice against the attack of DT from edemas of spleen and tail. The present findings demonstrated the chemically derived homoZPS could be a potential candidate in the development of T-lymphocyte dependent vaccine adjuvants.

Hyperlipidemia does not prevent the cardioprotection by postconditioning against myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury and the involvement of hypoxia inducible factor-1{alpha} upregulation

Zhao, H., Wang, Y., Wu, Y., Li, X., Yang, G., Ma, X., Zhao, R., Liu, H. — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 08:45:14 PDT

Hyperlipidemia is regarded as an independent risk factor in the development of ischemic heart disease, and it can increase the myocardial susceptibility to ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. Ischemic postconditioning (Postcon) has been demonstrated to attenuate the myocardial injury induced by I/R in normal conditions. But the effect of ischemic Postcon on hyperlipidemic animals is unknown. Hypoxia inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) has been demonstrated to play a central role in the cardioprotection by preconditioning, which is one of the protective strategies except for Postcon. The aim of this study was to determine whether Postcon could reduce myocardial injury in hyperlipidemic animals and to assess whether HIF-1 was involved in Postcon mechanisms. Male Wistar rats underwent the left anterior descending coronary occlusion for 30 min followed by 180 min of reperfusion with or without Postcon after fed with high fat diet or normal diet for 8 weeks. The detrimental indices induced by the I/R insult included infarct size, plasma creatine kinase activity and caspase-3 activity. Results showed that hyperlipidemia remarkably enhanced the myocardial injury induced by I/R, while Postcon significantly decreased the myocardial injury in both normolipidemic and hyperlipidemic rats. Moreover, both hyperlipidemia and I/R promoted the HIF-1 expression. Most importantly, we have for the first time demonstrated that Postcon further induced a significant increase in HIF-1 protein level not only in normolipidemic but also in hyperlipidemic conditions. Thus, Postcon reduces the myocardial injury induced by I/R in normal and hyperlipidemic animals, and HIF-1 upregulation may involve in the Postcon-mediated cardioprotective mechanisms.

Preparation of polyclonal antibody specific for NOR1 and detection of its expression pattern in human tissues and nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 08:45:14 PDT

Oxidored-nitro domain containing protein 1 (NOR1) gene is a novel nitroreductase gene first isolated from nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). It plays an important role in the formation of chemical carcinogen and the carcinogenesis of NPC for its nitrosation function. Overexpression of the wild-type NOR1 gene in nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells is effective to inhibit cell growth and proliferation. In this study, for the first time, we generated a highly specific NOR1 antibody and analyzed NOR1 distribution in the human tissues and NPC biopsies. The results showed that NOR1 protein is predominantly expressed in human nasopharynx and tracheal tissues. Human heart, liver, spleen, stomach, colon, kidney, skeletal muscle, thymus, and pancreas are all deficient of NOR1 protein. More importantly, we performed immunohistochemistry assay of NOR1 protein expression in the NPC tissues, and the result showed that NOR1 protein is frequently down-expressed in NPC. These data shed light on the selectivity of potential physiological functions of NOR1 and provides an indispensable reference to the carcinogenesis process of NPC and to identify or validate tissue-specific drug targets.

Kazrin F is involved in apoptosis and interacts with BAX and ARC

Wang, Q., Liu, M., Li, X., Chen, L., Tang, H. — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 08:45:14 PDT

Kazrin has recently been identified as a functional protein that is involved in cell–cell junctions and in signal transduction. Here, we identified a new isoform, Kazrin F, which is 518 aa in length and has 97 aa unique at the N-terminus. Knockdown of Kazrin F using siRNA caused cell apoptosis and a marked decrease in cell viability measured by MTT and TUNEL assays. Co-immunoprecipitation analysis revealed that Kazrin F interacts with ARC (apoptosis repressor with caspase recruitment domain) and Bax (Bcl-2-associated X protein). Co-localization of Kazrin F with ARC and Bax in the cytoplasm was determined by immunofluorescence analysis. These results suggested that Kazrin F might play an important role in regulating cellular apoptosis by interacting with ARC and Bax.

Macropinocytosis contributes to the macrophage foam cell formation in RAW264.7 cells

Yao, W., Li, K., Liao, K. — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 08:45:14 PDT

The key event in the atherosclerosis development is the lipids uptake by macrophage and the formation of foam cell in subendothelial arterial space. Besides the uptake of modified low-density lipoprotein (LDL) by scavenger receptor-mediated endocytosis, macrophages possess constitutive macropinocytosis, which is capable of taking up a large quantity of solute. Macrophage foam cell formation could be induced in RAW264.7 cells by increasing the serum concentration in the culture medium. Foam cell formation induced by serum could be blocked by phosphoinositide 3-kinase inhibitor, LY294002 or wortmannin, which inhibited macropinocytosis but not receptor-mediated endocytosis. Further analysis indicated that macropinocytosis took place at the gangliosides-enriched membrane area. Cholesterol depletion by β-methylcyclodextrin-blocked macropinocytosis without affecting scavenger receptor-mediated endocytosis of modified LDLs. These results suggested that macropinocytosis might be one of the important mechanisms for lipid uptake in macrophage. And it made significant contribution to the lipid accumulation and foam cell formation.

A glucocorticoid amplifies IL-2-induced selective expansion of CD4+CD25+FOXP3+ regulatory T cells in vivo and suppresses graft-versus-host disease after allogeneic lymphocyte transplantation

Xie, Y., Wu, M., Song, R., Ma, J., Shi, Y., Qin, W., Jin, Y. — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 08:45:14 PDT

Regulatory T (Treg) cells are a subpopulation of T cells that not only prevent autoimmunity, but also control a wide range of T cell-dependent immune responses. Glucocorticoid treatment (dexamethasone, or Dex) has been reported to amplify IL-2-mediated selective in vivo expansion of Treg cells. We simultaneously administered Dex and IL-2 to the donor in a murine allogeneic lymphocyte transplantation model to expand functional suppressive CD4⁺CD25⁺FOXP3⁺ T cells in the graft and to raise the regulatory T cell/effector T cell (Treg/Teff) ratio to prevent graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). After combined treatment of the donor with Dex (5 mg/kg/day) and IL-2 (300,000 IU/mouse/day) for 3 days, grafts were subjected to flow cytometric analysis, and transplantation was carried out from male C57BL/6 mice to female BALB/c mice aged 8–12 weeks. Results showed that short-term simultaneous administration of Dex and IL-2 markedly expanded functional suppressive CD4⁺CD25⁺FOXP3⁺ T cells in the murine spleen. In this murine allogeneic transplantation model, the grafts from donors with Dex and IL-2 pre-treatment led to a longer survival time for the recipients than for the control group (median survival time > 60 day vs. 12 day, P = 0.0002). The ratio of Treg/Teff also increased remarkably (0.43 ± 0.15 vs. 0.14 ± 0.01, P = 0.01). This study demonstrated that co-stimulation with Dex and IL-2 selectively expanded functional CD4⁺CD25⁺FOXP3⁺ T cells in vivo, and that grafts from donors pre-treated with Dex and IL-2 led to longer survival time and greater suppression of GVHD after allogeneic transplantation. Thus, GVHD can be suppressed by the specific expansion of regulatory T cells with Dex and IL-2 in graft donors.

Anti-tumor activity and immunological modification of ribosome-inactivating protein (RIP) from Momordica charantia by covalent attachment of polyethylene glycol

Li, M., Chen, Y., Liu, Z., Shen, F., Bian, X., Meng, Y. — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 08:45:14 PDT

Ribosome-inactivating proteins (RIPs) are a family of enzymes that depurinate rRNA and inhibit protein biosynthesis. Here we report the purification, apoptosis-inducing activity, and polyethylene glycol (PEG) modification of RIP from the bitter melon seeds. The protein has a homogenous N-terminal sequence of N-Asp-Val-Ser-Phe-Arg. Moreover, the RIP displayed strong apoptosis-inducing activity and suppressed cancer cell growth. This might be attributed to the activation of caspases-3. To make it available for in vivo application, the immunogenicity of RIP was reduced by chemical modification with 20 kDa (mPEG)₂-Lys-NHS. The inhibition activity of both PEGylated and non-PEGylated RIP against cancer cells was much stronger than against normal cells, and the antigenicity of PEGylated RIP was reduced significantly. Our results suggested that the PEGylated RIP might be potentially developed as anti-cancer drug.

The role of MAPK and FAS death receptor pathways in testicular germ cell apoptosis induced by lead

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 08:45:14 PDT

The aim of the present study is to investigate gene expression involved in the signal pathway of MAPK and death signal receptor pathway of FAS in lead-induced apoptosis of testicular germ cells. First, cell viabilities were determined by MTT assay. Second, using single cell gel-electrophoresis test (comet assay) and TUNEL staining technique, apoptotic rate and cell apoptosis localization of testicular germ cells were measured in mice treated with 0.15%, 0.3%, and 0.6% lead, respectively. Third, the immunolocalization of K-ras, c-fos, Fas, and active caspase-3 proteins was determined by immunohistochemistry. Finally, changes in the translational levels of K-ras, c-fos, Fas, and active caspase-3 were further detected by western blot analysis. Our results showed that lead could significantly induce testicular germ cell apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner (P < 0.01). The mechanisms were closely related to the increased expressions of K-ras, c-fos, Fas, and active caspase-3 in apoptotic germ cells. In conclusion, K-ras/c-fos and Fas/caspase-3 death signaling receptor pathways were involved in the lead-induced apoptosis of the testicular germ cells in mice.