Six1 gene methylation status in gastric cancer and relationship with clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis / 中国医师进修杂志

Objective:To detect the methylation status of sine oculis homeobox homolog1 (Six1) in patients with gastric cancer and analyze its relationship with the clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of patients.Methods:The tumor and para-cancerous tissues of 148 patients with gastric cancer diagnosed and treated in Aerospace Center Hospital from September 2015 to December 2017 were collected. The methylation-specific PCR method (MSP) was used to detect the methylation status of the Six1 gene, and 100 normal people who underwent gastroscopy biopsy during the same period served as the control group. Univariate analysis and multivariate Logistic regression model were used to analyze the relationship between Six1 methylation status and clinical pathological characteristics of patients. Kaplan-Meier survival curve was used to analyze the relationship between Six1 methylation status and prognostic survival in patients with gastric cancer.Results:Six1 gene methylation rate in tumor tissue was lower than that in adjacent tissues or in control group, and the differences were statistically significant: 24.32%(36/148) vs. 89.19%(132/148), 96.00%(96/100)( P<0.05). Univariate analysis showed that Six1 gene methylation rate was higher in patients with tumor diameter <5 cm ( χ2 = 8.79, P = 0.003), TNM stage Ⅰ-Ⅱ ( χ2 = 4.93, P = 0.026), highly differentiated tumor ( χ2 = 8.74, P = 0.013), no lymph node metastasis ( χ2 = 4.64, P = 0.031), no distant metastasis ( χ2 = 4.38, P = 0.036), and no invasion of the serosa ( χ2 = 9.85, P = 0.002), and the differences were statistically significant. Multivariate analysis showed that TNM staging ( OR = 4.397, 95% CI 3.141 - 5.157, P = 0.014), tumor differentiation ( OR = 4.491, 95% CI 3.527 - 6.118, P = 0.007), lymph node metastasis ( OR = 4.208, 95% CI 3.823 - 5.195, P = 0.031), distant metastasis ( OR = 4.225, 95% CI 3.956 - 5.437, P = 0.026), and depth of invasion ( OR = 4.509, 95% CI 3.206 - 5.275, P = 0.011) of patients with gastric cancer were independent risk factors for Six1 gene methylation status. Till to March 2020, the mortality rate of the Six1 gene methylation group was lower than that of the Six1 gene unmethylated group: 44.44%(16/36) vs.71.43% (80/112), the difference was statistically significant ( χ2 = 8.70, P<0.05). The median survival time of gastric cancer patients with Six1 gene methylation was higher than that of Six1 gene unmethylated (49 months vs. 37 months), and the difference was statistically significant ( P = 0.019). Conclusions:There is unmethylation of Six1 gene in patients with gastric cancer, which may be involved with the occurrence of gastric cancer. Patients′ TNM stage, tumor differentiation degree, and lymph node metastasis are independent risk factors for Six1 gene methylation status in gastric cancer patients. The prognosis of gastric cancer patients with Six1 gene methylation is better.

Inhibitory effect of siRNA-Pax6 on biological behavior and epithelial-mesenchymal transition of human lens epithelial cells / 中华实验眼科杂志

Objective:To explore the effect of knockdown of the homeobox gene paired-box 6 ( Pax6) on the biological behavior and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of human lens epithelial cells (LECs). Methods:The SRA01/04 human LECs were divided into small interfering RNA-Pax6 (siRNA-Pax6) group transfected with siRNA-Pax6 and siRNA negative control (siRNA-NC) group transfected with disordered siRNA.Cell survival rate was detected by cell counting kit-8 method at 24, 48 and 72 hours after transfection.Cell cycle distribution and apoptosis were analyzed by flow cytometry at 48 hours after transfection.Migratory capability of cells was examined by cell scratch test at 24 hours after transfection.The mRNA relative expression levels of Pax6, α-crystallin A (CRYAA), α-crystallin B (CRYAB), Sox2, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and E-cadherin were detected by quantitative real-time PCR at 48 hours after transfection.The relative expression of Pax6 protein was detected by Western blot at 48 hours after transfection.Results:There was a significant difference in cell survival rates at different time points between the two groups ( Fgroup=4.776, P<0.05; Ftime=13.535, P<0.05). The cell survival rate of siRNA-Pax6 group was obviously lower than that of siRNA-NC group at 48 and 72 hours after transfection, and the differences were statistically significant (both at P<0.05). Compared with siRNA-NC group, the proportion of cells in G 0/G 1 phase was significantly increased and the proportion of cells in S phase was significantly reduced in siRNA-Pax6 group ( t=9.971, -5.063; both at P<0.05). The cell migration rate of siRNA-Pax6 group was (19.73±6.07)%, which was lower than (70.56±2.97)% of siRNA-NC group, showing a statistically significant difference ( t=-7.245, P<0.05). The relative expressions of Sox2 mRNA and α-SMA mRNA were lower, and the relative expression of E-cadherin mRNA was higher in siRNA-Pax6 group than siRNA-NC group, with statistically significant differences between them ( t=-23.254, -5.294, 6.062; all at P<0.01). The relative expression of CRYAA mRNA and CRYAB mRNA was significantly higher in siRNA-Pax6 group than siRNA-NC group, and the differences were statistically significant ( t=5.521, 8.270; both at P<0.01). The relative expressions of Pax6 mRNA and protein in siRNA-Pax6 group were 0.27±0.01 and 0.24±0.05, respectively, which were both lower than 1.00±0.05 and 1.14±0.10 in siRNA-NC group, showing statistically significant differences ( t=-14.456, -4.458; both at P<0.001). Conclusions:Silence of Pax6 can suppress the proliferation and EMT of human LECs and enhance the expression of crystallin.

The effect of HOXC10 gene on biological behaviors of glioma cells and mechanism in tumor microenvironment / 中华肿瘤杂志

Objective: To study the effects of Homeobox C10 (HOXC10) on biological characteristics such as migration, invasion and proliferation of glioma cancer cells and to explore the role of HOXC10 gene in glioma microenvironment. Methods: The expression level of HOXC10 in high grade glioma (glioblastoma) and low grade glioma and its effect on patient survival were analyzed by using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA) database. Hoxc10-siRNA-1, HOXC10-siRNA-2 and siRNA negative control (NC) were transfected into U251 cells according to the operation instructions of HOXC10-siRNA transfection. 100 ng/ mL recombinant protein chemokine ligand 2 (reCCL2) was added into the transfection group, and was labeled as HOXC10-siRNA-1+ reCCL2 and HOXC10-siRNA-2+ reCCL2 groups. The expressions of HOXC10 mRNA and target protein in each group was detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blot. The proliferation ability of cells in each group was detected by cell counting kit 8 (CCK8) method. The migration ability of cells was detected by Transwell assay and Nick assay, and cell apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry. The expression of chemokines in each group was detected by multiple factors. Co-incubation assays were performed to determine the role of HOXC10 and chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2) in recruiting and polarizing tumor-associated macrophages (M2-type macrophages). Results: The median expression level of HOXC10 in high grade gliomas was 8.51, higher than 1.00 in low grade gliomas (P<0.001) in TCGA database. The median expression level of HOXC10 in high grade gliomas was 0.83, higher than 0.00 in low grade gliomas (P=0.002) in CGGA database. The 5-year survival rate of patients with high HOXC10 expression in TCGA database was 28.2%, lower than 78.7% of those with low HOXC10 expression (P<0.001), and the 5-year survival rate of patients with high HOXC10 expression in CGGA database was 20.3%, lower than 58.0% of those with low HOXC10 expression (P<0.001). The numbers of cell migration in HOXC10-siRNA-1 group and HOXC10-siRNA-2 group were (45±3) and (69±4) respectively, lower than (159±3) in NC group (P<0.05). The cell mobility of HOXC10-siRNA-1 group and HOXC10-siRNA-2 group at 48 hours were (15±2)% and (28±4)% respectively, lower than (80±5)% of NC group (P<0.05). The expressions of vimentin in HOXC10-siRNA-1 group and HOXC10-siRNA-2 group were (141 740.00±34 024.56) and (94 655.00±5 687.97), N-cadherin were (76 810.00±14.14) and (94 254.00±701.45), β-catenin were (75 786.50±789.84) and (107 296.50±9 614.53), lower than (233 768.50±34 114.37), (237 154.50±24 715.50) and (192 449.50±24 178.10) of NC group (P<0.05). The A value of HOXC10-siRNA-1 group and HOXC10-siRNA-2 group were (0.44±0.05) and (0.32±0.02) at 96 hours, lower than 0.92±0.12 of NC group (P<0.05). The apoptosis rates of HOXC10-siRNA-1 group and HOXC10 siRNA-2 group were (10.23±1.24)% and (13.81±2.16)%, higher than (4.60±0.07)% of NC group (P<0.05). The expression levels of CCL2 in U251 cells in HOXC10-siRNA-1 and HOXC10-siRNA-2 groups were (271.63±44.27) and (371.66±50.21), lower than (933.93±29.84) in NC group (P<0.05). The expression levels of CCL5 (234.81±5.95 and 232.62±5.72), CXCL10 (544.13±48.14 and 500.87±15.65) and CXCL11 (215.75±15.30 and 176.18±16.49) in HOXC10-siRNA-1 and HOXC10-siRNA-2 groups were higher than those in NC group (9.98±0.71, 470.54±18.84 and 13.55±0.73, respectively, P<0.05). The recruited numbers of CD14(+) THP1 in HOXC10-siRNA-1 and HOXC10-siRNA-2 groups were (159.33±1.15) and (170.67±1.15), respectively, lower than (360.00±7.81) in NC group (P<0.05), while addition of reCCL2 promoted the recruitment of CD14(+) THP1 cells (287.00±3.61 and 280.67±2.31 in HOXC10-siRNA-1+ reCCL2 group and HOXC10-siRNA-2+ reCCL2 group, respectively, P<0.05). The expressions level of M2-type macrophage-related gene TGF-β in HOXC10-siRNA-1 group and HOXC10-siRNA-2 group were (0.30±0.02) and (0.28±0.02), respectively, lower than (1.06±0.10) in NC group (P<0.05). The expressions level of M1-related gene NOS2 in HOXC10-siRNA-1 and HOXC10-siRNA-2 were (11 413.95±1 911.85) and (5 894.00±945.21), respectively, higher than (13.39±4.32) in NC group (P<0.05). Conclusions: The expression of HOXC10 in glioma is high and positively correlated with the poor prognosis of glioma patients. Knockdown of HOXC10 can inhibit the proliferation, migration and metastasis of human glioma U251 cells. HOXC10 may play an immunosuppressive role in glioma microenvironment by promoting the expression of CCL2 and recruiting and polarizing tumor-associated macrophages (M2 macrophages).

Effect of combined treatment with acupuncture, moxibustion and medication on endometrial receptivity and expression of serum HOXA10 in polycystic ovary syndrome of kidney deficiency and blood stagnation / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To compare the clinical effect of the combined treatment of acupuncture, moxibustion, Chinese herbal medicine and western medication and simple western medication on polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) of kidney deficiency and blood stagnation pattern and explore the effect on endometrial receptivity and the expression of serum homeobox gene A10 (HOXA10).@*METHODS@#A total of 60 patients with PCOS of kidney deficiency and blood stagnation pattern were randomized into a combined treatment group and a western medication group, 30 cases in each one. In the western medication group, on the fifth day of menstruation, clomiphene citrate tablets were taken orally, 50 mg each time, once daily, consecutively for 5 days. On the day when the follicle diameter was ≥ 18 mm, chorionic gonadotrophin for muscular injection, a dose of 10 000 U was given. Before sleep, the aspirin enteric-coated tablets were taken orally, 50 mg (except during menstruation). In the combined treatment group, on the base of the treatment as the western medication group, acupuncture and moxibustion were adopted and the Chinese herbal for tonifying the kidney and activating blood circulation was taken orally. The acupoints were Guanyuan (CV 4), Qihai (CV 6), Zusanli (ST 36), Sanyinjiao (SP 6), Zigong (EX-CA 1), etc. Acupuncture was remained for 30 min each time, once every two days and discontinued during menstruation. Chinese herbal was given from the 3rd day of menstruation till the onset of the next menstruation, one dose each day. After consecutive treatment for 3 menstrual cycles in the two groups, the real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method was adopted to determine the expression of serum HOXA10 before and after treatment in the patients of the two groups. The endometrial thickness at ovulatory phase, uterine arterial flow 7 days after ovulation [including uterine arterial pulsatility index (PI), resistance index (RI), peak systolic velocity (PSV)/end diastolic velocity (EDV), meaning S/D], pregnancy rate and the score of Chinese medicine symptoms before and after treatment were compared in the patients between the two groups.@*RESULTS@#① After treatment, the expression of serum HOXA10 was higher than that before treatment in the patients of the two groups (@*CONCLUSION@#The combined treatment with acupuncture, moxibustion and medication effectively improves endometrial receptivity and uterine arterial flow in the patients with PCOS of kidney deficiency and blood stagnation pattern and increases pregnancy rate. The therapeutic effect is better than the simple western medication and its mechanism is probably related to the regulation of serum HOXA10 expression.

Inhibitory effect of HOXA4 on transplantation glioma of nude mice through regulating Wnt/β-catenin signal pathway / 吉林大学学报(医学版)

Objective: To establish the glioma-bearing nude mouse models, and to investigate the effect of HOXA4 on the growth of glioma U251 cells in vivo and its regulatory effect on the Wnt/β-catenin sgnal pathway and its mechanism Methods: The glioma U251 cell line stably transfected with HOXA4 siRNA (si-HOXA4) and the U251 cell line stably transfected with blank vector (si-NC) were established by lentivirus transfection The U251, si-NC, and si-HOXA4 cells were respectively inoculated under the skin of the neck and back of the BALB/c nude mice to establish the glioma-bearing nude mouse models named as control group, si-NC group, and si-HOXA4 group. The tumorigenesis of nude mice in various groups were observed and the tumor growth curve was drawn. The tumor tssue was stripped after the mice were sacrificed on the 21 th day, and the volume and wght of tumor were measured; the relative mRNA expresson amounts of HOXA4, CTNNB1, and Gsk3fS in tumor tssue of the nude mice in various groups were detected by qRT-PCR method; the expresson levels of HOXA4, β-catenin, Gsk3β, CyclinD1, and P53 proteins in tumor tissue of the nude mice in various groups were detected by immunohistochemstry (IHC) method. Results: Compared with si-NC group and control group, the volume and wght of tumor of the nude mice in si-HOXA4 group were gnificantly decreased (P<0. 05). The relative expresson amount of HOXA4 mRNA and the expresson level of HOXA4 protein in si-HOXA4 group were gnificantly lower than those in the other groups (P<0. 05). Compared with si-NC group and control group, the relative expresson amount of CTNNB1 mRNA and the expresson levels of β-catenin and CyclinDl proteins in si-HOXA4 group were significantly decreased (P<0. 05), and the expresson levels of Gsk3β and P53 proteins were gnificantly increased (P<0. 05). Conclusion: Inhibition of HOXA4 expresson in human glioma U251 cells can regulate the expressons of CyclinDl and P53 through Wnt/-catenin gnal pathway in vivo, thus inhibiting the tumor growth of glioma-bearing nude mice.

Correlation between the Expression of HLX Gene with Acute Myeloid Leukemia / 医学研究杂志

Objective To investigte the correlation between HLX expression level and AML's clinical variables and different risk stratification.Methods A rcal-time quantitative PCR was used to detect HLX expression in the bone marrow mononuclear cells of 32 de novo AML patients with initial treatment.The relationship between HLX expression level and clinical parameters (FAB classification,hemogram,bone marrow progenitor cells,differentiation and different risk stratification) was investigted.Results The HLX expression of patients with AML was significantly decreased in AML-M3 (P ＜ 0.01),and increased in AML-M5 (P ＜ 0.05).It was negatively correlated with bone marrow progenitor cells (P ＜ 0.01),and was positively correlated with the number of peripheral blood platelet (P ＜0.05).The expression of HLX in AML-M3 was positively correlated with peripheral blood leukocyte levels (P ＜ 0.05),and it was negatively correlated with leukocyte cell level in peripheral blood in AML-M5 (P ＜ 0.05).In AML-Ms groups,the expression levels of HLX of poorly differentiated group were significantly higher than those of the well-differentiated groups (P ＜ 0.05).In AML patients with initial treatment in patient group and non-M3 group,there was no significant difference between the low-risk group and the central risk group (P ＞0.05).Conclution HLX expression levels were elevated in some subtypes,such as AML-M5.and there were differences in different FAB types.HLX gene is associated with the proliferation,differentiation and maturation of leukemia cells.However there was no evidence that HLX is different in different AML risk stratification,which needs further experimental studies.

The expressions and clinical significances of HOXB1 and miR-3175 in human glioma / 国际肿瘤学杂志

Objective To explore the relationship and the clinical significance of homeobox gene B1 (HOXB1 )and microRNA-31 75 (miR-31 75)expressions in human glioma.Methods The expression levels of HOXB1 and miR-31 75 in 60 glioma tissues and 1 5 normal brain tissues were analyzed by real-time fluores-cent quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR).Spearman rank correlation analysis was performed to explore the relation-ship between HOXB1 and miR-31 75 in human glioma tissues.The relationship between HOXB1 (or miR-31 75)and clinical pathological characteristics of glioma patients was analyzed.The correlation of HOXB1 (or miR-31 75)and survival rate was calculated by Kaplan-Meier.And COX regression models were used to assess the prognostic factors.Results Compared with normal brain tissues,the expression of HOXB1 was significant-ly decreased in glioma tissues (1 .498 ±0.323 vs.0.946 ±0.588,t =-5.680,P =0.000);and the expre-ssion of miR-31 75 was obviously increased in glioma tissues (1 .008 ±0.355 vs.2.076 ±0.841 ,t =4.274, P =0.000),and HOXB1 expression was negatively correlated with miR-31 75 expression in glioma tissues (r =-0.601 ,P =0.000).HOXB1 expression was related with histologic grade (χ2 =4.848,P =0.028), and miR-31 75 expression was related with histologic grade (χ2 =5.640,P =0.01 8)and Karnofsky score (χ2 =4.785,P =0.029).The results of Kaplan-Meier revealed that there were significant differences in median survival time between HOXB1 (or miR-31 75)high-expression group and HOXB1 (or miR-31 75)low-expression group [HOXB1 :(21 .0 ±4.0)months vs.(7.0 ±0.8)months;χ2 =7.495,P =0.006;miR-31 75:(6.0 ±0.6)months vs.(1 6.0 ±5.8)months;χ2 =9.591 ,P =0.002].COX regression models showed that tumor degree (RR =6.556,95% CI:1 .1 96-35.952,P =0.002),HOXB1 (RR =0.01 8, 95%CI:0.001 -0.31 2,P =0.006)and miR-31 75 (RR =2.098,95%CI:1 .663-7.51 3,P =0.037)were independent prognostic factors for prognosis.Conclusion The HOXB1 expression may be negatively correlated with miR-31 75 in human glioma tissues,and the expression levels of HOXB1 and miR-31 75 are associated with the glioma malignant degree,survival time and prognosis of glioma patients.

shRNAs targeting high mobility group box-1 lead to inhibition of E-selectin expression via homeobox A9 in human umbilical vein endothelial cells / 中华危重病急救医学

ObjectiveTo approach the regulatory mechanism of high mobility group box-1 (HMGB1) on the expression of E-selectin in human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC).Methods Homeobox A9 (HOXA9) siRNA was transfected to HUVEC at logarithmic phase, real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (real-time qPCR) and Western Blot were used to determine the HOXA9 mRNA expression and protein expressions; a blank control group and a nonsilence negative control group were set. HUVEC stable transfected with pRNA-u6.1/Neo-HMGB1 shRNA plasmids (HUVEC with low-expression HMGB1) was obtained, and HOXA9 and E-selectin mRNA expressions were determined with real-time qPCR; a nonsilence transfection group served as the negative control. The HOXA9 siRNA was transfected to HUVEC with low-expression HMGB1 as co-transfection group, and the E-selectin expressions was determined with real-time qPCR; a HMGB1 shRNA group and a HOXA9 nonsilence group served as control.Results① HOXA9 mRNA (2-ΔΔCT) and protein expression (integralA value) in blank control group were 1.094±0.115 and 1.031±0.060. Compared with nonsilence transfection group, HOXA9 siRNA transfection group could significantly reduced mRNA and protein expression of HOXA9 [HOXA9 mRNA (2-ΔΔCT): 0.257±0.030 vs. 1.035±0.091,t = 14.010,P = 0.002; HOXA9 protein (integralA value): 0.278±0.042 vs. 0.975±0.014,t = 27.310, P = 0.002].② Compared with nonsilence transfection group, HMGB1 shRNA transfection could up-regulate HOXA9 mRNA expression in HUVEC (2-ΔΔCT: 2.519±0.278 vs. 0.856±0.063,t = 10.100,P = 0.001), also could down-regulate E-selectin mRNA expression (0.311±0.046 vs. 1.080±0.201,t = 7.415,P = 0.000).③ Compared with HOXA9 nonsilence group and HMGB1 shRNA group, HMGB1 shRNA and HOXA9 siRNA co-transfected HUVEC cells could significantly elevate E-selectin mRNA expression (2-ΔΔCT: 3.445±0.428 vs. 1.085±0.212, 1.004±0.104,t1 = 8.507, t2 = 9.603, bothP< 0.001).Conclusion HMGB1 may regulate E-selectin expression through the HOXA9 regulation in HUVEC.

Expression and clinically pathological analysis of the protein CDC6 and HOXA5 in esophageal squa-mous cell carcinoma / 国际肿瘤学杂志

Objective To investigate the expression and clinical significance of cell division cycle 6 (CDC6)and homeobox gene A5(HOXA5)in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Methods The expres-sion of CDC6 and HOXA5 in 51 specimens esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and 27 normal specimens esophageal tissues were evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Analyzed the relationship among the expression of CDC6 and HOXA5 protein and the clinicopathologic features of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma,along with the correlation between these two proteins. Results Immunohistochemical results showed that the positive expression rate of CDC6 and HOXA5 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma tissue were 66. 7%(34 / 51)and 60. 8%(31 / 51),respectively,significantly higher than those in normal esophageal tissue18. 5%(5 / 27), 22. 2%(6 / 27),(χ2 = 16. 370,P = 0. 000;χ2 = 10. 528,P = 0. 001);There were significant positive correlation in the expression of CDC6 and HOXA5 and histological type(χ2 = 9. 031,P = 0. 011;χ2 = 7. 372,P = 0. 000), TNM stage(χ2 = 10. 474,P = 0. 015;χ2 = 11. 667,P = 0. 009),and there were no correlation in the expression of CDC6 and HOXA5 and age(χ2 = 0. 000,P = 1. 000;χ2 = 0. 001,P = 0. 972),sex(χ2 = 0. 049,P = 0. 824;χ2 = 0. 107,P = 0. 743),lymph node metastasis(χ2 = 3. 186,P = 0. 074;χ2 = 2. 212,P = 0. 137)in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma tissues. The expression of CDC6 and HOXA5 showed a positive correlation( r =0. 454,P = 0. 001). Conclusion The positive expression rate of CDC6 and HOXA5 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma tissue were significantly higher than in normal esophageal tissue and close correlation with TNM stage and differentiation. High expression of CDC6 and HOXA5 may play important roles in the occurrence, development and proliferation of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

Rhox in mammalian reproduction and development / 대한생식의학회지

Homeobox genes play essential roles in embryonic development and reproduction. Recently, a large cluster of homeobox genes, reproductive homeobox genes on the X chromosome (Rhox) genes, was discovered as three gene clusters, alpha, beta, and gamma in mice. It was found that Rhox genes were selectively expressed in reproduction-associated tissues, such as those of the testes, epididymis, ovaries, and placenta. Hence, it was proposed that Rhox genes are important for regulating various reproductive features, especially gametogenesis in male as well as in female mammals. It was first determined that 12 Rhox genes are clustered into alpha (Rhox1-4), beta (Rhox5-9), and gamma (Rhox10-12) subclusters, and recently Rhox13 has also been found. At present, 33 Rhox genes have been identified in the mouse genome, 11 in the rat, and three in the human. Rhox genes are also responsible for embryonic development, with considerable amounts of Rhox expression in trophoblasts, placenta tissue, embryonic stem cells, and primordial germ cells. In this article we summarized the current understanding of Rhox family genes involved in reproduction and embryonic development and elucidated a previously unreported cell-specific expression in ovarian cells.

Association of visual system homeobox gene polymorphisms with the risk of sporadic keratoconus / 中华实验眼科杂志

Background Keratoconus is a bilateral,noninflammatory,gradually progressive corneal disorder characterized by progressive thinning and steepening of the central cornea.It is significant to investigate keratoconusrelated pathogenic gene for elaborating the pathogenesis and establishing early diagnosis standard and taking clinical measurement.Objective The aim of the study was to explore the relationship of visual system homeobox gene (VSX1) polymorphism and the risk of sporadic keratoconus.Methods This study was approved by Ethic Commission of First Hospital of Xi' an.Written informed consent was obtained from each subject prior to enrollment.A case-controlled study was conducted.One hundred and one Han nationality patients with sporadic keratoconus were included in this study.These keratoconus patients were clinically diagnosed by slit lamp examination and corneal tomography.Single nucleolide polymorphism (SNP) of VSX1 gene was assayed and classified using the MassARRAY SNP technique.Demography and relevant risk factors were collected from each subject by questionnaire.Eighty healthy volunteers served as controls.Chi-square test and Binary logistic regression were used to evaluate the difference in the distribution of allele frequency and genotype frequency and to analyze the association with keratoconus risks.Results SNP of two genes was found in the Chinese Han population (rs743018 (c.843+140 C＞T) and rs6138482(R217H C＞T)).There were no significant differences in the genotype frequency and allele frequency of the SNP of two genes in the keratoconus group in comparison with the normal control group (P＞0.05).After adjustment by age and sex,SNP of two genes was not significantly associated with the risk of keratoconus (regression model:rs743018 (C＞T) adjusted:P=0.35,OR=0.72,95％ CI:0.37-1.43 ;rs6138482 (C＞T) adjusted:P =0.48,OR=0.76,95％ CI:0.35-1.64).Conclusions Gene polymorphisms of rs743018(c.843+140 C＞T) and rs6138482(R217H C＞T) in the Chinese Han population is not associated with the risk of keratoconus.Due to the racial difference in genotype and allele frequency,the role of the VSX1 gene in the pathogenesis of keratoconus still remains controversial,and further study needs to be developed.

Progress of homeobox gene family in nervous system / 国际儿科学杂志

Homeobox gene family encode a kind of transcription regulatory factors,which can specifically combine and regulate target genes,control embryonic development,cell proliferation and differentiation.Several subfamilies of homeobox gene famiy are associated with the early stage of differentiation and development of nervous system,whose abnormal expression explain the occurrence and development of nervous system diseases.Further study between homeobox gene family and nervous system can help to prevent and treat that diseases.

A review on the gene of the caudal-type homeobox gene -2 in leukemia / 国际儿科学杂志

The gene of the caudal-type homeobox gene -2 ( CDX2), a member of the CDX family, is a principal regulator in the development of embryogenesis and haematogenesis . Recent studies have shown aberrant expression of CDX2 in each subtype of leukemia and its involvement in the genesis, progress and prognosis of leukemia as new gene. CDX2 may be a potential gene maker of leukemia in minimal residual disease detection.Studies also suggested that CDX2 be involved in leukemia by modulating HOX gene. To further investigate the mechanism of CDX2 in leukemia can be of great significance for the prediction of relapse and the individualized and targeted therapy.

Expression and Cellular Localization of Psx Gene in Rat Placenta / 체질인류학회지

Homeobox genes seem to play critical roles in regulating morphogenesis, patterning, organogenesis, and differentiation. They have the conserved sequence that codes the DNA-binding domain called homeodomain. The expression and cellular localization of rPsx mRNA in rat placenta during placental development were examined by in situ hybridization histochemistry at different embryonic stages (Embryonic days 7.5~16.5). rPsx mRNA was first detected in chorionic ectoderm of placenta at E 10.5. This transcript was localized in labyrinth trophoblast and trophoblast giant cells at E 11.5. Hybridization signals were observed in labyrinth trophoblast, spongiotrophoblast, and trophoblast giant cells at E 12.5, E 13.5, and E 14.5. At E 15.5, hybridization signal was detected in labyrinth trophoblast and spongiotrophoblast but not in trophoblast giant cells. Hybridization signal was only detected in labyrinth trophoblast at E 16.5. rPsx mRNA was not detected in decidua and any tissues of the embryo from E 7.5 to E 9.5 of gestations. From these results, a new rPsx homeobox gene is first expressed at E 10.5 and detected in chorionic ectoderm, labyrinth trophblast, spongiotrophoblast and trophoblast giant cells of the placenta. This gene may play a critical role in differentiation and development of trophoblast cells.

Cardiomyocyte Differentiation from P19 Cells Induced by NKX2-5 / 中国医科大学学报

Objective To identify the rale of NKX2-5 gene in cardiomyocyte differentiation and its mechanism.Methods P19 cells were divided into transfected and non-transfected groups.In the transfected group,P19 cells were with stable expression of NKX2-5 gene.The P19 cells were cultured in suspension for 4 days,and the formed aggregates were transferred to Petri dish for adherent culture.On days 4,8,12,and 16 of the adherent culture,the expressions of ct-saicomeric actin(α-SA)and cardiac troponin T(cTnT)were detected with double-labeling immunofluorescence and Western blot.The ultrastruetural changes were observed on day 16.Results In the transfected group,no expression of α-SA and cTnT was found on day 4,and the expression of these 2 proteins or co-expression existed on days 8,12,and 16.There were early cell junction and myofilament-like structure in the cytoplasm of some cells in the transfected group.In the non-transfected group,these 2 proteins were negative,and no differentiated cell was found.Conclusion Stable expression of NKX2-5 gene can induce cardiomyocyte differentiation from P19 cells,but the P19 cells with stable expression of JVKX2-5 gene is not suitable to be an in vitro model of cardiac development.

Expression pattern of the class I homeobox genes in ovarian carcinoma / 부인종양

OBJECTIVE: Although some sporadic reports reveal the link between the homeobox (HOX) genes and ovarian carcinoma, there is no comprehensive analysis of the expression pattern of the class I homeobox genes in ovarian carcinoma that determines the candidate genes involved in ovarian carcinogenesis. METHODS: The different patterns of expression of 36 HOX genes were analyzed, including 4 ovarian cancer cell lines and 4 normal ovarian tissues. Using a reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and quantification analysis, the specific gene that showed a significantly higher expression in ovarian cancer cell lines than in normal ovaries was selected, and western blot analysis was performed adding 7 ovarian cancer tissue specimens. Finally, immunohistochemical and immunocytochemical analyses were performed to compare the pattern of expression of the specific HOX gene between ovarian cancer tissue and normal ovaries. RESULTS: Among 36 genes, 11 genes had a different level of mRNA expression between the cancer cell lines and the normal ovarian tissues. Of the 11 genes, only HOXB4 had a significantly higher level of expression in ovarian cancer cell lines than in normal ovaries (p=0.029). Based on western blot, immunohistochemical, and immunocytochemical analyses, HOXB4 was expressed exclusively in the ovarian cancer cell lines or cancer tissue specimens, but not in the normal ovaries. CONCLUSION: We suggest HOXB4 may be a novel candidate gene involved in ovarian carcinogenesis.

Expression of homeobox gene MSX-2 during cranial suture fusion of SD rats / 上海第二医科大学学报

Objective To investigate the expression of homeobox gene MSX-2 during cranial suture fusion of SD rats and discuss its significance. Methods SD rats aged 1, 2, 5, 8, 12, 15, 18, 22, 30 and 45 days were selected, and immunohistochemistry and Real-time PCR were employed to localize and quantify the expression of MSX-2 in different regions of cranial sutures. Results MSX-2 expressed in calvarial suture tissues including the extreme ends of the osteogenic fronts and the underlying dura mater. The expression of MSX-2 was low in posterior frontal suture (PF) and sagittal suture (SAG) from postnatal day 1 to day 8 before the initiation of suture fusion, while it was higher in PF than in SAG from postnatal day 12 to day 22 after the initiation of PF suture fusion. The expression of MSX-2 significantly declined in PF and was moderately higher than that in SAG from postnatal day 30 to day 45 after the initiation of suture fusion. Conclusion There is different expression of MSX-2 in PF and SAG during different suture fusion periods, which suggests the expression of MSX-2 may participate in the regulation of cranial bone development and the fusion of cranial sutures.

Nkx-2.3 gene in mouse epidemial maturation

In higher vertebrates, from amphibians to humans, epidemial maturation is a conserved developmental process. Using adult epidemial tissue and an established keratinocyte cell line, the mouse Nkx-2.3 homeobox gene was demonstrated, for the first time, to be expressed in mouse epidermal keratinocytes. Under the normal culture condition, the spontaneous aggregation phenomenon, a common initiation step of ES cell differentiation, and the induction of mouse adult K1 keratin, a marker of mature epidermal keratinocytes, were both observed in vitro when the Xenopus Nkx-2.3 gene was stably transfected into a mouse pluripotent P19 EC cell line. The induction of mouse K1 keratin by using its Xenopus orthologous gene in the mouse P19 cell implies that Nkx-2.3 may play a conserved role in the epidermal maturation of the mouse, as it does in that of the frog (Ma, 2004). However, the CAT assay study on frog adult keratin promoter could not find the induction of adult keratin. This implies there might not be a direct activation of its promoter.

Expression of Hox Genes in Murine Brain by Human Cytomegalovirus Infection / 热带医学杂志

Objective To study the effect of of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection on the expressions of Hox genes.Methods Forty eight kunming mice were randomly divided into infection group (n=32) injected with HCMVAD169 and control group (n=16) injected with saline into their brain.After 7,15,30,and 60 days,the cerebral lesions were observed by pathological method.HCMV antigen was detected by immunohistochemical method and HCMV DNA was detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). On the basis of developing HCMV mouse model. reverse trancriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was applied to determine the expressions of Hox gene in the brains of infected mice.The expression of Hox genes were also analysed with Northern-blot by isotope labelled Hox genes oligonucleotide probes. Results A HCMV infection model was developed and extensive pathological damages in brain tissue of infected mice were observed.Meanwhile.the HCMV-LA and HCMV-DNA were also found in brain tissues of HCMV infected mice.The expression level of Hox genes in control and infected mouse brain were determined by RT-PCR and Northern-blot.RT-PCR and Northern-blot showed that mouse brain expressed Hox-A9,Hox-A10,Hox-A11,Hox-A12,and Hox-A13,but they did not express Hox-B13.After HCMV infection,murine brain was induced to express Hox-B13 gene(P＜0.01),and reached the peak at 30 d after infection.Comparing with the control group,the expression of Hox-A9 and Hox-A11 were down-regulated in infected group (P＜0.05);the expression of Hox-A10 and Hox-A13 were significantly higher in infected groups (P＜0.05).Conclusion The results suggest that HCMVAD169 is able to cause mouse CNS infection and induced the abnormal expressions of Hox genes. which provides more information for understanding the mechanism of congenital abnormal due to HCMV infection and a valuable method of clinical prevention and treatment of HCMV infection.

Adeno-associated virus-mediated pancreatic and duodenal homeobox gene 1 delivery induced insulin-producing cells in livers of diabetic rats / 中国临床药理学与治疗学

AIM: Pancreatic and duodenal homeobox gene 1(pdx-1) is a crucial transcription factor in pancreatic islet development and differentiation. This study was conducted to evaluate whether pdx-1 delivered by adeno-associated virus (AAV) could induce liver cells to differentiate into insulin-producing cells in diabetic rats and thus provide more information for cell replacement therapy for diabetes. METHODS: Recombinant AAV vector was employed to deliver pdx-1to STZ-induced diabetic rats via portal vein (4×1011). Blood glucose and body weight were monitored. Gene expression of pdx-1 and insulin were determined by RT-PCR and immunocytotochemistry (ICC) at the 6th week after the injection. RESULTS: AAV-pdx-1 group showed obvious gene expression of pdx-1 and insulin by RT-PCR analysis and the presence of more insulin-positive cells by ICC. Hyperglycemia was partially ameliorated and body weight was also increased in AAV-pdx-1 treated diabetic rats, though still significantly different from those in the non-diabetic group. CONCLUSION: The data indicate that AAV-pdx-1 can induce more rat liver cells into insulin-producing cells in vivo, thereby ameliorate hyperglycemia. Further experiments are needed to explore which subpopulation of liver cells responds to this development shift and the mechanism of this development shift induced by pdx-1 in order to improve the differentiation efficiency.