Shen Qi Wan attenuates renal interstitial fibrosis through upregulating AQP1 / 中国天然药物

Renal interstitial fibrosis (RIF) is the crucial pathway in chronic kidney disease (CKD) leading to the end-stage renal failure. However, the underlying mechanism of Shen Qi Wan (SQW) on RIF is not fully understood. In the current study, we investigated the role of Aquaporin 1 (AQP1) in SQW on tubular epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). A RIF mouse model induced by adenine and a TGF-β1-stimulated HK-2 cell model were etablished to explore the involvement of AQP 1 in the protective effect of SQW on EMT in vitro and in vivo. Subsequently, the molecular mechanism of SQW on EMT was explored in HK-2 cells with AQP1 knockdown. The results indicated that SQW alleviated kidney injury and renal collagen deposition in the kidneys of mice induced by adenine, increased the protein expression of E-cadherin and AQP1 expression, and decreased the expression of vimentin and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA). Similarly, treatmement with SQW-containing serum significantly halted EMT process in TGF-β1 stimulated HK-2 cells. The expression of snail and slug was significantly upregulated in HK-2 cells after knockdown of AQP1. AQP1 knockdown also increased the mRNA expression of vimentin and α-SMA, and decreased the expression of E-cadherin. The protein expression of vimentin increased, while the expression of E-cadherin and CK-18 significantly decreased after AQP1 knockdown in HK-2 cells. These results revealed that AQP1 knockdown promoted EMT. Furthermore, AQP1 knockdown abolished the protective effect of SQW-containing serum on EMT in HK-2 cells. In sum, SQW attentuates EMT process in RIF through upregulation of the expression of AQP1.

miRNA-223 expression in patient-derived eutopic and ectopic endometrial stromal cells and its effect on epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in endometriosis

Abstract Objective: This study was designed to evaluate the expression of microRNA-223 (miRNA-223) in patient-derived eutopic and ectopic endometrial stromal cells (SCs). Given the fact that miRNA-223 was previously shown to be upregulated in these cells and that this upregulation has been linked to epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) during endometriosis, this study aimed to further explore the expression of miRNA-223, its effect in endometriosis, and the mechanisms underlying its effects. Methods: Endometrial tissue was collected from 26 patients with endometriosis and 14 patients with hysteromyoma (control group). Primary endometrial SCs were isolated and cultured from several endometrial samples and miRNA-223 expression was evaluated using qRT-PCR. Cells were then transfected with a miRNA-223 overexpression lentiviral vector (sh-miR-223 cells) or an empty control (sh-NC cells) and then used to monitor the effects of miRNA-223 on the expression of several EMT-associated proteins, including N-cadherin, vimentin, and Slug, using western blot. Cellular migration, invasion, and proliferation were then evaluated using a wound healing, Transwell, and CCK-8 assay, respectively. Flow cytometry was used to detect apoptosis. Results: There was a significant decrease in the expression of miRNA-223 in both eutopic and ectopic endometrial SCs (p < 0.05) whereas upregulation of miRNA-223 inhibited the expression of EMT-related molecules and reduced cell migration, invasion, and proliferation. High levels of miRNA-223 also promoted apoptosis. Conclusion: miRNA-223 expression decreased in endometrial SCs from endometriosis patients, which may facilitate the differential regulation of EMT during endometriosis. Clinical Trial registration number: SWYX2020-211.

Blockage of TGF-β1-induced epithelial-to- mesenchymal transition by oxymatrine prevents renal interstitial fibrosis

Abstract Most chronic kidney disease inevitably progress to renal fibrosis. Tubular epithelial- to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is recognized to play major roles in renal fibrosis. Oxymatrine (OM) is a major alkaloid component found in a Chinese herb Sophora roots and has many effects. The aim is to investigate the effect of OM on renal tubular EMT and elucidate its mechanism. Mice underwent unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) followed by intraperitoneal injection of OM (120 mg/kg) or control vehicle. Human kidney proximal tubular cell line (HK-2) was used and EMT was induced with 5 ng/mL of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1). In vivo, renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis was induced and E-cadherin was down-regulated, while the expressions of fibronectin (FN), α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), TGF-β1 and its type I receptor (TGF-βRI) were up-regulated in UUO mice. In contrast, OM significantly ameliorated renal fibrotic lesions and attenuated the expressions of FN, α-SMA, TGF-β1 and TGF-βRI, but increased E-cadherin in the obstructed kidneys. In vitro, OM abolished TGF-β1-mediated E-cadherin suppression and FN, α-SMA and TGF-βRI induction in HK-2 cells in a dose-dependent manner. These observations strongly suggest that the renal protective effects of OM could be mediated by prevention of EMT and manifested as suppression of TGF-β1 and TGF-βRI expressions.

Research progress of TGF-β in the formation of epiretinal membrane / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

Epiretinal membrane(ERM)is a retinal disease characterized by a fibrocell membranes that can develop on the inner surface of the retina. The existing clinical guidelines and literature have reached a consensus on the diagnosis and treatment of ERM, but the explanation of their mechanism is still controversial. Transforming growth factor-β(TGF-β)is a highly pleiotropic cytokine that plays an important role in wound healing, angiogenesis, immune regulation, cancer, inflammation and fibrosis diseases. Studies have increasingly shown that ERM is a kind of pathological changes in fibrosis that caused by the posterior vitreous detachment(PVD)and lead to the retinal inflammatory damage and epithelial to mesenchymal transition(EMT)of retinal pigment epithelial cells. A variety of cytokines regulate TGF-β-mediated EMT process by participating in the non-classical TGF-β-Snail pathway and the classical TGF-β-Smad pathway. At present, some drugs targeting cytokines related to the above pathway have entered the development stage, which is of great significance to provide new ideas for clinical treatment and prevention of ERM. This review reviews the progress of TGF-β related cytokines in ERM formation.

Role of glycosylation in TGF-β signaling and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in cancer

Glycosylation is a common posttranslational modification on membrane-associated and secreted proteins that is of pivotal importance for regulating cell functions. Aberrant glycosylation can lead to uncontrolled cell proliferation, cell-matrix interactions, migration and differentiation, and has been shown to be involved in cancer and other diseases. The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition is a key step in the metastatic process by which cancer cells gain the ability to invade tissues and extravasate into the bloodstream. This cellular transformation process, which is associated by morphological change, loss of epithelial traits and gain of mesenchymal markers, is triggered by the secreted cytokine transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β). TGF-β bioactivity is carefully regulated, and its effects on cells are mediated by its receptors on the cell surface. In this review, we first provide a brief overview of major types of glycans, namely, N-glycans, O-glycans, glycosphingolipids and glycosaminoglycans that are involved in cancer progression. Thereafter, we summarize studies on how the glycosylation of TGF-β signaling components regulates TGF-β secretion, bioavailability and TGF-β receptor function. Then, we review glycosylation changes associated with TGF-β-induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in cancer. Identifying and understanding the mechanisms by which glycosylation affects TGF-β signaling and downstream biological responses will facilitate the identification of glycans as biomarkers and enable novel therapeutic approaches.

Mouse model for endometriosis is characterized by proliferation and inflammation but not epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and fibrosis

Endometriosis is a common disorder of unknown etiology, and non-surgical therapies are still a challenge. Tounderstand the pathogenesis and preclinical testing of drugs for endometriosis, animal models are highlydesirous. Herein, we carried out longitudinal characterization of a mouse model for endometriosis whereuterine tissue was transplanted onto the intestinal mesentery. During the course of lesion development from day15 to 60 post-induction, the ectopic endometrium became pale, fluid-filled and the animals developed peritoneal adhesions. Most lesions resembled a well-differentiated type of endometriosis and * 13% of animalshad mixed type of lesions. There was extensive stromal compaction in the ectopic tissue. During the progression of endometriosis, there was increased proliferation of epithelial and stromal cells as evident by PCNAstaining. Cyp19a1 (aromatase) mRNA was detected in the ectopic lesions on day 15 and 30 post-induction ofendometriosis, by day 60 the expression was reduced. As compared to the control endometrium, the mRNAlevels of Esr1 progressively reduced while the levels of inflammation associated genes (Esr2, Ifng, Tnf andIl1b) increased in the ectopic lesions. Infiltration of macrophages and polymorphonuclear leucocytes was alsoobserved in the ectopic lesions indicative of inflammation. As compared to control, there was no change inlevels of Cytokeratin and E-cadherin in the epithelial cells of ectopic endometrium. We did not observeexcessive collagen deposition or a-SMA positive myofibroblasts in the stroma of the ectopic endometrium.Thus, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and fibrosis are not detected in the mouse model of endometriosis.Our results show that the mouse model of endometriosis mimics some but not all the features of humanendometriosis.

Metformin enhances radiosensitivity in hepatocellular carcinoma by inhibition of specificity protein 1 and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition

Objective: Radiotherapy becomes more and more important in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) due to the development of technology, especially in unresectable cases. Metformin has a synergistic benefit with radiotherapy in some cancers, but remains unclear in HCC. This study aims to investigate the effect of metformin on radiosensitivity of HCC cells and the roles of specificity protein 1 (Sp1) as a target of metformin. Methods: The SMMC-7721 cell line was exposed to various doses of γ-ray irradiation (0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 Gy) and with or without different concentrations of metformin (0, 1, 5, 10, and 20 mM) to measure the radiosensitivity using MTT assay. Flow cytometry was used to determine cell cycle by propidium iodide (PI) staining and apoptosis by Hoechst 33342/PI staining and Annexin V-FITC/PI staining. Real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting were performed to analyze the Sp1 mRNA and protein expressions of Sp1 and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) marker E-cadherin and Vimentin. The invasion capability was measured by the Boyden chamber assay. Results: In SMMC-7721 cells exposed to irradiation, metformin reduced proliferation and survival cells at various concentrations (0, 1, 5, 10, and 20 mM) and induced cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, and inhibited invasion. In SMMC-7721 cells with irradiation, the mRNA and protein expressions of Sp1 were significantly decreased by metformin as well as a selective Sp1 inhibitor. Metformin attenuated transforming growth factor-β1 induced decrease of E-cadherin and increase of Vimentin proteins. Conclusion: Metformin demonstrated enhanced radiosensitivity and inhibition of EMT in HCC cells. Sp1 might be a target of metformin in radiosensitization

Research Progress of Nano-drug Delivery Systems for Active Ingredients from Chinese Materia Medica by Modulating EMT to Inhibit Tumor Metastasis / 中国实验方剂学杂志

The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a process during which cells undergo transition from a polarized epithelial phenotype to a non-polarized mesenchymal phenotype, executed by transcription factors of Twist, Snail and Zeb families. EMT plays an important role in multiple stages of cancer progression such as initiation, tumor growth, and metastasis. Some active ingredients from Chinese materia medica can inhibit EMT by regulating transcription factors and signaling pathways by multiple targets. However, their therapeutic effect was hindered due to various limitation such as solubility, stability, tissue specificity and safety. Therefore, in order to improve the druggability of active ingredients from Chinese materia medica, enhance the therapeutic effect in inhibiting tumor metastasis mediated by EMT and reduce the toxic and side effects, a variety of nano-drug delivery systems have been developed in recent years. Here, we made a review about these drug delivery systems modulating EMT and their research progress in inhibiting tumor metastasis.

Tumor-Associated Macrophages Derived TGF-β‒Induced Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition in Colorectal Cancer Cells through Smad2,3-4/Snail Signaling Pathway / Journal of the Korean Cancer Association, 대한암학회지

PURPOSE: We investigated the role of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) on the epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) of colorectal cancer cells and determined the potential mechanism involved in the metastatic process. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, flow cytometry was used to detect the expression of target proteins. We used transwell assay to evaluate the migration of cancer cells under specific conditions. Using real-time polymerase chain reaction, we examined the expressions of cytokines and EMT-related markers in mRNA level. Animal assay was performed for analysis in vivo and hematoxylin and eosin was used to visualize the effect of TAMs on tumor metastasis. We also used immunohistochemistry and Western blotting to detect the expression of target proteins. RESULTS: Here, we observed enrichment of TAMs in colorectal tumor tissues, resulting in high metastasis in clinical therapy. Moreover, those TAMs could facilitate the EMT progression of colorectal cancer cells, which is induced by the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) derived from TAMs, leading to the invasion and migration of cancer cells. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrated that TAMs contributed the EMT progression through a TGF-β/Smad2,3-4/Snail signaling pathway, and disrupting this pathway with TGF-β receptor inhibitor could suppress metastasis, readjusting our focus to the connection of TAMs and cancer metastasis.

Hesperidin inhibits the epithelial to mesenchymal transition induced by transforming growth factor-ß1 in A549 cells through Smad signaling in the cytoplasm

Hesperidin, a natural compound, suppresses the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition through the TGF-ß1/Smad signaling pathway. However, studies on the detailed effects and mechanisms of hesperidin are rare. The present study showed that, for A549 alveolar epithelial cells, the anti-proliferative effects of hesperidin occurred in a dose-dependent manner, with an IC50= 216.8 µM at 48 h. TGF-ß1 was used to activate the Smad signaling pathway and induce the epithelial to mesenchymal transition in cells. Treatment with hesperidin or SB431542 was used for antagonism of Smad pathway activation. Hesperidin inhibited the increase in ɑ-SMA and Col1ɑ-1 and the decrease in E-cadherin in a dose-dependent manner from concentration of 20 µM to 60 µM, as assessed by both ELISA and Western blotting assays; however, there was no significant effect on cellular morphological alterations. Moreover, the Western blotting assay showed that, in the cytoplasm, hesperidin and SB431542 had no significant effect on the protein expression of Smad 2, 3, 4, or 7 as well as 2/3. However, 60 µM hesperidin and SB431542 significantly decreased p-Smad2/3 protein expression. From the above results, it is concluded that hesperidin can partly inhibit the epithelial to mesenchymal transition in human alveolar epithelial cells; the effect accounts for the blockage of the phosphorylation of Smad2/3 in the cytoplasm rather than a change in Smad protein production in the cytoplasm

Effect of silencing ZEB1 gene on epithelial to mesenchymal transition in glioma U87 cells / 吉林大学学报(医学版)

Objective: To investigate the effects of silencing zinc finger E-box binding homeoboxl (ZEB1) gene on the expressions of mesenchymal markers and cell migration in the glioma U87 cells, and to clarify the effect of ZEB1 on the epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) in the glioma cells. Methods: The constructed ZEB1 shRNA interfering plasmid and control plasmid (shCtrl) were transfected into the glioma U87 cells and the interfering effects were detected by Western blotting method. The glioma U87 cells were divided into control group (the glioma U87 cells were transfected with shCtrl), EMT group (EMT was induced by TGF-fil in the glioma U87 cells transfected with shCtrl) and ZEB1 silence group (EMT was induced by TGF-fil in the glioma U87 cells transfected with ZEB1 shRNAs plasmid). The protein expression levels of mesenchymal markers (N-cadherin, Vimentin), and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) in the glioma U87 cells were measured by Western blotting method. The scratch-healing assay was performed to examine the migration ability of glioma cells. Results: The Western blotting results showed that the expression levels of ZEB1 in the glioma U87 cells transfected with shZEBl # 1 and shZEBl # 2 were significantly lower than that in the cells transfected with shCtrl (P<0. 05 or P< 0. 01), and the inhibitory effect of shZEBl #2 on the ZEB1 expression was more obvious, indicating that ZEB1 was stably transfected into the U87 cells. Compared with control group, the expression levels of mesenchymal markers N-cadherin, Vimentin, and MMP-9 in EMT group were significantly increased (P<0. 05 or P<0. 01). Compared with EMT group, the expression levels of the above proteins in ZEB1 silencing group were markedly reduced (P< 0. 05 or P<0. 01). The cell migration rate in EMT group was obviously elevated compared with control group (P< 0. 01), and the cell migration rate of the glioma U87 cells in ZEB1 silence group was significantly lower than that in EMT group (P<0. 01). Conclusion: Silencing ZEB1 gene expression can inhibit the EMT in the glioma U87 cells and reduce the cell migration abilities, suggesting ZEB1 as an important therapeutic target of invasive glioma.

Endothelial FGFR1 deficiency induces AcSDKP-resistant EndMT by regulating TGFβ signal pathway / 中华内分泌代谢杂志

Objective@#To investigate the role of fibroblast growth factor receptor(FGFR) 1 in endothelial to-mesenchymal transition(EndMT) and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition(EMT), and to find out a new strategy to study the vascular endothelial function of diabetic renal fibrosis.@*Methods@#Culture media from FRS2 knockdown HMVECs was transferred to HK-2 cells. Western blot and immunofluorescence staining were used to measure EMT markers and key moleculars of transforming growth factor(TGFβ).@*Results@#It was found that the medium from FRS2 siRNA-transfected HMVECs reduced E-cadherin protein levels, increased EMT markers levels, and activated TGFβ signal pathway in HK-2 cells.@*Conclusion@#Endothelial FGFR1 deficiency-induced EndMT leads to EMT in neighboring cells in a manner dependent on TGFβ1 signaling. Endothelial cell FGFR1 is an important molecule for maintaining endothelial homeostasis and epithelial homeostasis, and seems to be a key target for anti-diabetic renal fibrosis.

Study of effect and mechanism of regulation of autophagy on epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis / 医学研究生学报

Objective The aim of this study was to explore the regulatory effects and mechanism of autophagy on epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition(EMT) in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis(IPF). Methods The experiment was divided into two group: control group and experimental group(IPF group, autophagy induction group, autophagy inhibition group). A549 cells were cultivated by the conventional method in control group. The A549 cells of the experimental group were induced by TGF-β1(5 ng/mL). Then, no further treatment was given to IPF group. Rapamycin(10 μg/L) or 3-Methyladenine(10mmol/L) was given to autophagy induction group or autophagy inhibition group respectively. The hydroxyproline content of lung tissue was measured, and the mRNA and protein levels of α-SMA, LC3-Ⅱ or LC3-Ⅱ/LC3-Ⅰ, Beclin1, E-cadherin and Vimentin were tested by Realtime PCR and Western blot. Results At each time point, the hydroxyproline content of lung tissue and the mRNA and protein levels of α-SMA and Vimentin in the experimental group were significantly higher than those in the control group（all P<0.05）. The above detections in autophagy induction group or autophagy inhibition group were significantly lower or higher than those in the IPF group（all P<0.05）. The mRNA and protein levels of LC3-Ⅱor LC3-Ⅱ/LC3-Ⅰ, Beclin1 and E-cadherin in the experimental group were significantly lower than those in the control group（all P<0.05）. Moreover, the same detections in autophagy induction group or autophagy inhibition group were significantly higher or lower than those in the IPF group（all P<0.05）. Conclusion The autophagy and EMT played an important role in IPF. Induction of autophagy might inhibit the development of IPF by inhibiting EMT, and Inhibition of autophagy could promote the development of IPF by activating EMT.

Progress on the function of forkhead box C2 / 国际儿科学杂志

FOXC2,a transcription factor of the forkhead/winged-helix family,possesses a classical forkhead domain,which is required for embryonic and prenatal development.FOXC2 acts as a crucial modulator during tumor cell proliferation,metastasis,angiogenesis,lymphangiogenesis,renal disease and metabolism,but very little is known about the precise underlying mechanisms.Therefore,an in-depth study of FOXC2 is helpful to further understand the pathogenesis and developmental mechanism of FOXC2-related diseases.The purpose of this review is to summarize the current understanding of FOXC2 and its function.

Long Noncoding RNA N-BLR Upregulates the Migration and Invasion of Gastric Adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Gastric cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors worldwide with poor prognosis due to a lack of effective treatment modalities. Recent research showed that a long noncoding RNA named N-BLR modulates the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process in colorectal cancer. However, the biological role of N-BLR in gastric cancer still remains to be explored. The aim of this study was to investigate the possibility of N-BLR as an EMT modulator in gastric cancer. METHODS: The expression of N-BLR was measured by quantitative polymerase chain reaction in fresh gastric cancer tissue, paired adjacent normal tissues and cell lines. Fresh gastric tissues, paired samples obtained by surgery and clinical data were collected prospectively. Knockdown of N-BLR was induced by small interfering RNA (siRNAs). Cell number and viability were assessed after treatment with siRNAs. The ability of N-BLR to promote metastasis was measured using migration and invasion assays. Additionally, an inverse correlation between N-BLR and miR-200c was measured by TaqMan microRNA assays. Western blotting was performed to detect EMT and apoptosis markers upon knockdown of N-BLR. RESULTS: N-BLR expression was significantly elevated in gastric cancer cell lines and tissues compared to that in a normal gastric cell line and adjacent normal tissues (p<0.01). Two different siRNAs significantly reduced cell proliferation of gastric cancer cells compared to the siCT. siRNAs for N-BLR significantly suppressed migration and invasion in AGS and MKN28 cells. N-BLR expression was inversely correlated with miR-200c, which is known to regulate EMT. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we confirmed N-BLR as a regulator of the EMT process in gastric cance

Stem cell-like properties of glioma cells undergoing epithelial to mesenchymal transition and inhibitory effect of resveratrol on their stem cell-like properties / 吉林大学学报(医学版)

Objective: To investigate the stem cell-like properties of glioma U87 cells undergoing epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), and to clarify the inhibitory effect of resveratrol (Res) on their stem cell-like properties. Methods; The glioma U87 cells were treated with transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) to induce EMT, and the morphology of U87 cells was observed under inverted microscope. Western blotting method was used to detect the expression levels of mesenchymal markers (N-cadherin, Vimentin) and EMT-inducing transcription factors (Snail, Slug, Zebl, Twistl). After the EMT of glioma cells was confirmed, the experiment was divided into control group (U87 cells didn't receive any treatment), EMT group (the glioma cells presented EMT induced by TGF-β1) and Res treatment group (the glioma cells with EMT were treated with Res). The number of secondgeneration gliospheres and the expression levels of stem cell markers (Bmil and Sox2) in glioma U87 cells in various groups were detected. Results: The glioma U87 cells treated with TGF-β1 for 48 h showed dispersed, elongated, and similar to the appearance of fibroblasts. The expression levels of N-cadherin, Vimentin, Snail, Slug, Zebl and Twistl in glioma cells in different concentrations of TGF-β1 groups were significantly increased, suggesting the presence of EMT in glioma U87 cells. Compared with control group, the number of second-generation gliospheres in the U87 cells in EMT group was increased (P<0. 01), and the expression levels of stem cell markers (Bmil and Sox2) in the glioma U87 cells in EMT group were markedly increased (P<0. 05 or P<0. 01). Compared with EMT group, the number of second-generation gliospheres in the glioma U87 cells in Res treatment group was significantly decreased (P<0. 01), and the expression levels of Bmil and Sox2 in the glioma U87 cells in Res treatment group were decreased (P < 0. 01). Conclusion: The glioma U87 cells undergoing EMT exhibit the stem cell-like properties, and Res can inhibit their stem-like properties.

Effects of long noncoding RNA-MIAT on lens epithelial to mesenchymal transition induced by transforming growth factor-β2 / 中华实验眼科杂志

Objective To investigate the roles of long noncoding RNA-myocardial infarction-associated transcript (MIAT) on lens epithelial cells (LECs) fibrosis induced by transforming growth factor-β2(TGF-β2).Methods LECs line (SRA01/04) was cultured in conventional DMEM (normal control group) and DMEM containing 10 ng/ml TGF-β2(TGF-β2 induced group) for 48 hours.The morphology of the cells was observed under the optical microscope,and the relative expression levels of M IAT,E-cadherin (E-cad),α-smooth muscle action (α-SMA),collagen Ⅰ (Coll Ⅰ) in protein level and mRNA level were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR and Western blot,respectively.The cells cultured in DMEM or DMEM containing 10 ng/ml TGF-β2 were transfected by siNRA empty carrier (siNRA group,siNRA+TGF-β2 group) and siRNA-MIAT (siRNA-MIAT group,siNRA-MIAT+ TGF-β2 group) for 48 hours,and the morphology of the cells was observed under the optical microscope,and the relative expression levels of MIAT,E-cadherin (E-cad),α-smooth muscle action (α-SMA),collagen Ⅰ (Coll Ⅰ) in protein level and mRNA level were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR and Western blot.Results The cells in the normal control group showed the round and polygon in shape,and those in the TGF-β2 induced group showed the spindle-like.Compared with the normal control group,the relative expression levels of MIAT mRNA,α-SMA mRNA and Coll Ⅰ mRNA were significantly elevated (2.497 ± 0.644 vs.0.827 ± 0.062;2.951 ±0.146 vs.1.085±0.517;2.115 ±0.090 vs.1.002 ± 0.088),and the expression of E-Cad mRNA was significantly reduced (0.102±0.027 vs.1.020±0.262) in the TGF-β2 induced group (P =0.045,0.004,0.000,0.025).The expressions of MIAT,α-SMA,Coll Ⅰ and E-Cad showed a similar trend between two groups.The relative expressions of MIAT protein and mRNA were evidently reduced in the SiRNA-MIAT group compared with the siRNA empty vector group (all at P＜0.05).Compared with the siRNA+TGF-β2 group,the relative expressions of α-SMA and Coll Ⅰ in protein and mRNA levels were significantly reduced,and the expressions of E-cad protwin and mRNA were elevated in the siRNA-MIAT+TGF-β2 group (all at P＜0.01).Conclusions MIAT might participate in TGF-β2-induced LECs-EMT.The down-regulation of MIAT in the LECs inhibits the fibrosis of LECs.

Effect of overexpression of retinoic acid receptor α on epithelial -to -mesenchymal transition induced by hypoxia in renal tubular epithelial cells / 中华实用儿科临床杂志

Objective To explore the effect of overexpression of retinoic acid receptor α(RARα)on epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition(EMT)induced by hypoxia in renal tubular epithelial cells(NRK-52E).Methods The RARα lentivirus vector and negative control lentivirus vector were synthetised.The NRK-52E cells were divided into 4 groups:the normal control group,the hypoxia model group,the transfection group and the negative control group.Puro-mycin(2 mg/L)was added in transfection group and negative control group for screening after gene interference for 72 h.Then the 2 groups were subjected to hypoxia/reoxygenation,but the normal control group had no treatment. The change of cellular morphology was observed by using light microscope;the mRNA and protein expressions of RARα, E-cadherin,α -smooth muscle actin(α-SMA)in NRK-52E cells were detected by adopting reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR)and Western blot after hypoxia for 48 h.Results (1)Light microscope re-vealed that cells in both hypoxia model group and negative control group cells became atrophic and elongated,which were consistent with the morphology of myofibroblasts.But cells in transfection group cells were cubic,forming an epi-thelial monolayer.(2)Compared with the normal control group,the mRNA and protein expressions of RARα and E-cadherin in hypoxia model group were dramatically reduced(mRNA:0.58 ± 0.12 vs.1.00 ± 0.00,0.11 ± 0.00 vs. 1.00 ± 0.00,t= -0.63,767.30,all P<0.05;protein:0.63 ± 0.12 vs.1.62 ± 0.16,0.44 ± 0.22 vs.1.27 ± 0.08,t=8.61,6.19,all P<0.05),but the mRNA and protein expressions of α-SMA were higher(3.47 ± 0.83 vs.1.00 ± 0.00,1.39 ± 0.16 vs.0.64 ± 0.10,t= -5.01,-6.91,all P<0.05).(3)The mRNA and protein expressions of RARα and E-cadherin in the transfection group were significantly increased,compared with hypoxia model group(mRNA:4.69 ± 1.34 vs.0.58 ± 0.12,0.23 ± 0.00 vs.0.11 ± 0.00,q=9.13,25.48,all P<0.05;protein:1.39 ± 0.19 vs. 0.63 ± 0.12,0.87 ± 0.09 vs.0.44 ± 0.22,q=7.92,4.30,all P<0.05)and negative control group(mRNA:4.69 ± 1.34 vs.0.55 ± 0.21,0.23 ± 0.00 vs.0.12 ± 0.01,q=9.20,23.35,all P<0.05;protein:1.39 ± 0.19 vs.0.65 ±0.18,0.87 ± 0.09 vs.0.39 ± 0.21,q=7.71,4.80,all P<0.05).Conversely,the mRNA and protein levels of α-SMA were obviously lower in transfection group(1.52 ± 0.34 vs.3.47 ± 0.83,4.05 ± 0.81,0.82 ± 0.13 vs.1.39 ± 0.10,1.17 ± 0.10,q=4.88,6.33,7.50,4.61,all P<0.05).The difference in mRNA and protein expressions of RARα,E-cadherin,α-SMA between the hypoxia group and the negative control group had no statistical significance (all P>0.05).Conclusion Overexpression of RARα could alleviate EMT of renal tubular epithelial cells induced by hypoxia.

TGF-β1 induced up-regulation of LMO1 drives epithelial to mesenchymal transition and metastasis in human gastric cancer MKN28 cells / 重庆医学

Objective TGF-β1 can promote EMT,then strengthen the invasion and metastasis ability of cancer ceils.However,the mechanism for TGF-β1 in gastric cancer still keeps unclear.Aim of this study was to investigate the expression of epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT)marker,LMO1 and metastasis related genes on the human gastric cancer cell cell line MKN28 treated with TGF-β1,and test whether down-regulate LMO1 expression can affect the pro-EMT and pro-metastatic roles of TGF-β1 in MKN28 cells.Methods Primary human gastric cancer cell line MKN28 was cultured in vitro.Cells were treated with TGF-β1 to induce cells to undergone EMT.Cells were divided into four groups:control group (5 ％ BSA),TGF-β1 induced group (10 μg/L),negative transfect group (TGF-β1 +negative transfect siRNA),and LMO1-siRNA transfect group (TGF-β1+ LMO1-siRNA).Real time-PCR and Western blot was used to examine the difference of EMT marker (E-cadherin and N-cadherin),LMO1 and metastasis related genes (MMP-9 and VEGF)expression.Transwell assays were performed to identify the differences and changes of invasive and metastatic ability in gastric cancer cell line MKN28.Western blot was used to examine the expression levels of MMP-9 and VEGF.Results TGF-β1 stimulation induced classical EMT morphological change,as was confirmed by E-cadherin decrease and N-cadherin,LMO1,MMP-9,VEGF increase (P＜0.01).Accompanied with the EMT,cell invasion and migration ability was markedly increased (P＜0.01).However,Down-regulation of LMO1 expression reversed the pro-migratory effect of TGF-β1 to a great degree (P＜0.01).Conclusion LMO1 played a central role in coordinating TGF-β1 induced EMT and pro-migratory effects in gastric cancer MKN28 cells.Using siRNA to downregulate the expression of LMO1 can inhibit the invasion and metastasis ability of gastric cancer MKN28 cells.