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ObjectiveTo explore the effect of Baitouweng Tang （BTWT） on the apoptosis of human colorectal cancer HCT116 cells and decipher the underlying mechanism based on the Hedgehog （Hh） signaling pathway. MethodHCT116 cells were treated with BTWT （25， 50， 100， 200， 500， 750， and 1 000 mg·L-1） for 24 h， and then the cell proliferation was detected by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium （MTT） colorimetry. Five groups were designed for the treatment of HCT116 cells， including a blank control group， BTWT groups （125， 250， and 500 mg·L-1）， and a positive control （5-fluorouracil， 5-FU， 40 mmol·L-1） group. The cell morphology was observed under an inverted microscope. The migration of the cells was detected by scratch test， and the apoptosis by Hoechest 33324/propidium iodide （PI） staining and flow cytometry. Western blot was employed to determine the protein levels of sonic hedgehog （SHh）， GLI family zinc finger protein 1 （Gli1）， smoothened （Smo）， suppressor of fused （SuFu）， cellular-myelocytomatosis viral oncogene （c-Myc）， and the apoptosis-related proteins B-cell lymphoma-2 （Bcl-2） and Bcl-2-associated X protein （Bax）. The quantitative real-time reverse transcription PCR （Real-time PCR） was employed to determine the mRNA levels of Bax， Bcl-2， SHh， Gli1， Smo， SuFu， and c-Myc. ResultCompared with the blank control group， BTWT changed the cell morphology （making the cell become round with dense nucleus）， inhibited the proliferation of HCT116 cells in a dose-dependent manner， decreased the ability of migration （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and increased apoptotic cells. Compared with the blank control group， BTWT （500 mg·L-1） treatment for 24 h up-regulated the protein and mRNA levels of Bax （P<0.05， P<0.01） and down-regulated the protein and mRNA levels of Bcl-2 in HCT116 cells （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Moreover， the treatment down-regulated the mRNA and protein levels of SHh， Gli1， Smo， and c-Myc （P<0.05， P<0.01） and up-regulated the mRNA and protein levels of SuFu （P<0.05， P<0.01）. ConclusionBTWT inhibited the proliferation and migration and induced the apoptosis of colorectal cancer HCT116 cells by down-regulating the Hh signaling pathway.
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In this study, we investigated the effect of Cigu Xiaozhi formula on HSC-T6 activity in hypoxic microenvironment based on network pharmacology and computer-aided drug design, and predicted and verified its possible targets and related signaling pathways. The potential active components and targets of Cigu Xiaozhi formula were screened by searching Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP), Encyclopaedia of Traditional Chinese Medicine (ETCM) and Bioinformatics Analysis Tool for Molecular Mechanism of Traditional Chinese Medicine (BATMAN-TCM) databases, and the liver fibrosis related targets retrieved from Gene Cards and Pharm GK database were integrated to obtain the potential targets of Cigu Xiaozhi formula in the treatment of liver fibrosis. GO enrichment analysis and KEGG signaling pathway enrichment analysis were performed on Omic Share platform, and Cytoscape software was used to construct the "potential active ingredient-key target-pathway" network. The active components and target proteins were subjected to molecular docking analysis by Auto Dock software. According to the results of molecular dynamics simulation and binding free energy calculation, the top 5 active components with degree were scored. The active components stigmasterol and β-sitosterol were subjected to molecular docking. CoCl2 was used to induce HSC-T6 cells to construct hypoxia model in vitro. The cell viability was detected by CCK-8 assay, and the optimal time and concentration of hypoxia model of HSC-T6 cells was determined to be 100 µmol·L-1 CoCl2 for 24 h. Under hypoxia condition, HSC-T6 cells were activated, the wound healing rate was significantly increased, and the fluorescence signal of activation marker protein α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) was significantly enhanced. However, 6% drug-containing serum could inhibit the activation of HSC-T6 cells, and the wound healing rate was significantly decreased, and the fluorescence signal of α-SMA was significantly weakened. Further studies showed that the expressions of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), α-SMA and key proteins of Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway in HSC-T6 cells were up-regulated under hypoxia, while the expressions of HIF-1α, α-SMA, Patched-1 (Ptch-1) and glioma related oncogene homology-1 (Gli-1) were down-regulated in 6% drug-containing serum group, the YC-1 group and the cyclopamine group. These results indicated that HIF-1α and Hh signaling pathways were involved in the activation of HSC-T6 cells, and the traditional Chinese medicine Cigu Xiaozhi formula could inhibit the activation of HSC-T6 cells, and the mechanism may be related to the inhibition of HIF-1α expression and the blocking of Hh signaling pathway. In conclusion, Cigu Xiaozhi formula can inhibit the activation of HSC-T6 cells by directly acting on HIF-1α and Hh signaling pathway, and exert an anti-hepatic fibrosis effect. The animal experimental protocol has been reviewed and approved by Laboratory Animal Ethics Committee of Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, in compliance with the Institutional Animal Care Guidelines.
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A 3-year-6-month-old boy presented with multiple asymptomatic banded white macules at birth, which expanded in proportion to his body, and deformity of his right thumb with slight dyskinesia. The patient showed difficulty in communication and concentration compared with children of the same age. The family history was unremarkable. The child had clear consciousness, passable spirits, and poor language ability. Physical examination revealed a special face and slight macrodactyly of the right thumb joints, and the heart, lung, and abdominal examination was otherwise normal. Skin examination showed multiple banded or confluent irregular white macules of varying sizes and slightly elevated plaques distributed along the Blaschko′s lines on the right chest, the flexor aspect of the right upper limb, the median line of the lower abdomen, and the right lower limbs, and banded brown macules on the palmar side of the right hand and radial aspect of the right thumb. Histopathological findings of the while macule on the lower limb were consistent with basaloid follicular hamartoma. Cranial magnetic resonance imaging revealed agenesis of the corpus callosum. Whole-exome sequencing of the lesional tissue showed a mutation c.1234C>T (p.L412F) in the SMO gene, which was not found in his parents. A diagnosis of Curry-Jones syndrome was made based on the skin lesions, and pathological and genetic findings. The mutation c.1234C>T (p.L412F) in the SMO gene may contribute to the disease. The patient continued functional exercises to improve the mobility of his right thumb, and underwent a close follow-up.
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Hedgehog （Hh） signaling pathway plays an important regulatory role in the process of cell proliferation， differentiation and tissue formation. Proper intensity and action time of Hh signal are crucial for the normal development of various tissues of the body， and its abnormal activation will lead to the occurrence and development of most malignant tumors， including breast cancer， liver cancer， pancreatic cancer， and lung cancer， which makes Hh signaling pathway an ideal target for anti-tumor drug research and development. At present， the main targets of Hh signaling pathway inhibitors include Hh ligand， receptor Smoothened （Smo） and transcription factor Gli. Among them， the compounds that depend on the Hh ligand pathway still remain at the stage of laboratory research because they cannot act on the non-classical Hh signaling pathway. The special structure of Smo protein enables it to combine with drugs efficiently and selectively， which is a powerful and effective drug target. Therefore， Smo selective inhibitors have been an active field of related research， and many Smo inhibitors have entered the clinical use or trial stage. Gli can regulate multiple carcinogenic genes， promote abnormal cell proliferation and lead to tumor， and can also cause feedback inhibition to Hh signaling pathway. Therefore， the development of drugs that can inhibit the activity of Gli has broad prospects. In the future， a combination of multiple pathway inhibitors can be designed to avoid drug resistance and other side effects.
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Objective:To investigate the role of nuclear transcription factor Gli1/Gli2 of the sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling pathway in the hepatic epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) of biliary atresia mice caused by Rhesus rotavirus (RRV) infection.Methods:The biliary atresia model in mice was generated by RRV infection.Mice were divided into normal group, model group, Gli1 overexpression group, Gli1 shRNA group, Gli2 overexpression group and Gli2 shRNA group.Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot were used to detect the mRNA and protein expressions of regulatory factors for EMT (Snail/Slug) and characteristic cytokines of EMT [Vimentin, α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA), E-cadherin] in mouse liver tissues.Additionally, hematoxylin-eosin staining and Masson staining were performed to calculate the percentage of liver fibrous tissue expression area.The data were analyzed by One- Way ANOVA and LSD- t test. Results:The relative mRNA expression of Snail, Slug, Vimentin, α-SMA and E-cadherin in Gli2 overexpression group, Gli2 shRNA group and model group were 15.13±3.40, 5.48±0.46, 8.78±1.06, 12.40±2.18 and 3.06±0.53; 3.73±1.16, 5.62±1.75, 3.56±1.06, 3.88±1.16 and 10.51±1.83; 8.13±1.27, 5.32±0.98, 5.05±0.98, 4.02±0.77 and 5.12±1.60.Compared with those of the model group, mRNA levels of Snail, Vimentin and α-SMA were significantly higher in Gli2 overexpression group, while that of E-cadherin was significantly lower( t=4.53, 5.29, 8.12, -2.13; all P<0.05); compared with those of the model group, mRNA levels of Snail and Vimentin in Gli2 shRNA group significantly decreased, while that of E-cadherin significantly increased( t=-2.86, -2.12, 5.62; all P<0.05). In Gli2 overexpression group, Gli2 shRNA group and model group, the protein levels of Snail, Slug, Vimentin, α-SMA and E-cadherin were 2.02±0.39, 0.31±0.08, 0.95±0.17, 1.07±0.17 and 0.42±0.06; 0.53±0.13, 0.40±0.18, 0.20±0.04, 0.28±0.07 and 1.09±0.31; 0.70±0.15, 0.42±0.22, 0.64±0.13, 0.81±0.11 and 0.42±0.09.Compared with those of the model group, protein levels of Snail, Vimentin and α-SMA were significantly higher in Gli2 overexpression group( t=12.71, 4.28, 3.70; all P<0.05); compared with those of the model group, protein levels of Vimentin and α-SMA in Gli2 shRNA group significantly decreased, while that of E-cadherin significantly increased( t=-6.14, -7.57, 5.96; all P<0.05). However, no significant change trend were detected in expression levels of characteristic cytokines of EMT between Gli1 overexpression group and Gli1 shRNA group.The area percentage of liver fiber expression in normal group, model group, Gli1 overexpression group, Gli1 shRNA group, Gli2 overexpression group and Gli2 shRNA group were (1.03±0.58)%, (33.02±11.39)%, (39.81±5.67)%, (26.06±1.29)%, (49.81±8.57)% and (17.55±0.66)%, respectively.Besides, in terms of percentage of area expressed in liver fiber tissue, the Gli2 overexpression group and Gli2 shRNA group were statistically significant compared with the model group( t=3.21, -2.96; all P<0.05), while the Gli1 overexpression group and Gli1 shRNA group were not statistically significant compared with the model group (all P>0.05). Conclusions:The Shh signaling pathway plays an important role in liver fibrosis in mice with biliary atresia.Gli2, a key transcription factor of Shh signaling pathway, can significantly regulate liver EMT process in mice with biliary atresi.
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ObjectiveTo explore the effect of Chaishao Liujuntang on Hedgehog signaling pathway in rats with chronic atrophic gastritis （CAG） of liver depression and spleen deficiency. MethodWistar rats were randomized into normal group and modeling group. CAG with the liver depression and spleen deficiency syndrome was induced in rats in the modeling group with a compound method. After modeling， they were classified into the model group， vitacoenzyme group， Chaishao Liujuntang group， GDC-0449 （blocker） group， and Chaishao Liujuntang + GDC-0449 group. Normal group and model group were given （ig） normal saline. Vitacoenzyme and Chaishao Liujuntang group received （ig） corresponding drugs at 240 mg·kg-1·d-1 and 5.1 g·kg-1·d-1， respectively， and GDC-0449 group was treated （ip） with GDC-0449 at 50 mg·kg-1·d-1. For the Chaishao Liujuntang + GDC-0449 group， rats received GDC-0449 （ip） at 50 mg·kg-1·d-1 and Chaishao Liujuntang （ig） at 5.1 g·kg-1·d-1. The administration lasted 4 weeks. The pathological morphology of rat gastric mucosa was observed based on hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining. mRNA and protein expression of sonic hedgehog （Shh）， 12th transmembrane receptor Patched1 （Ptch1）， and glioma-associated oncogene homolog 1 （Gli1） in gastric mucosa tissues was detected by real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR） and Western blot. Content of serum interleukin-1β （IL-1β） and tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α） was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. ResultCompared with normal group， the model group demonstrated decrease in gland cells， glandular atrophy， large lumen volume， plasma cell infiltration， intestinal metaplasia， decrease in the mRNA and protein expression of Shh， Ptch1， and Gli1 in gastric mucosa （P<0.01）， and rise of serum IL-1β and TNF-α content （P<0.01）. Compared with model group， vitacoenzyme group and Chaishao Liujuntang group showed ordered cells， alleviation of gland atrophy， and no obvious inflammatory infiltration， and GDC-0499 group and Chaishao Liujuntang + GDC-0449 showed no significant improvement. Significant rise in the mRNA and protein expression of Shh， Ptch1， and Gli1 in gastric mucosa tissues of vitacoenzyme group and Chaishao Liujuntang group （P<0.01）， no significant difference in serum IL-1β content and significant decrease in TNF-α content in vitacoenzyme group （P<0.01）， significant reduction in content of serum IL-1β and TNF-α in Chaishao Liujuntang group （P<0.05， P<0.01） were observed compared with those in the model group. The mRNA and protein expression of Shh， Ptch1， and Gli1 in gastric mucosa and the content of serum IL-1β and TNF-α were insignificantly different between the GDC-0449 group and Chaishao Liujuntang + GDC-0449 group. ConclusionChaishao Liujuntang can effectively improve the pathological state of gastric mucosa in CAG rats with liver depression and spleen deficiency， which may be related to the activation of Hedgehog signaling pathway and the decrease of IL-1β and TNF-α content.
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Objective To investigate the intervention effect of GDC-0449, a hedgehog signaling pathway inhibitor, on rats with liver fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl 4 ) combined with 2-acetylaminofluorene (2-AAF). Methods A total of 18 female Fisher344 rats were randomly divided into normal group, CCl 4 /2-AAF group, and GDC-0449 group, with 6 rats in each group. The rats in the CCl 4 /2-AAF group and the GDC-0449 group were given subcutaneously injected 30% CCl 4 -olive oil solution at a dose of 2 mL/kg twice a week for 6 weeks to induce liver fibrosis; since week 7, in addition to the injection of CCl 4 -olive oil solution, the rats in these two groups were given 2-AAF (100 mg/kg/d) by gavage, and the rats in the GDC-0449 group were given GDC-0449 (25 mg/kg/d) by gavage, while those in the normal group were given an equal volume of olive oil solution by injection and normal saline by gavage. All rats were sacrificed at the end of week 9, and related samples were collected. HE staining and sirius red (SR) staining were used to observe the changes in liver histopathology and collagen deposition, and the semi-quantitative analysis of SR-positive area and Ishak score were used to evaluate fibrosis degree; the alkaline hydrolysis method was used to measure the level of hydroxyproline (Hyp) in liver tissue; immunohistochemistry, Western blot, and qRT-PCR were used to measure the expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), type Ⅰ collagen (Col-Ⅰ), type Ⅳ collagen (Col-Ⅳ), cytokeratin 19 (CK19), cytokeratin 7 (CK7), the epithelial cell adhesion molecule Epcam, and the hedgehog signaling pathway in liver tissue; double immunofluorescence staining was used to observe the colocalization of CK19 and the oval cell marker OV6. A one-way analysis of variance was used for comparison of continuous data between multiple groups, and the least significant difference t -test was used for further comparison between two groups. Results Compared with the normal group, the CCl 4 /2-AAF group had marked inflammatory cell aggregation and collagen deposition in liver tissue, with the formation of a pseudolobular structure, as well as significant increases in Hyp level and collagen positive area ratio in liver tissue ( P < 0.05), Ishak score ( P < 0.05), and the expression of α-SMA, Col-Ⅰ, Col-Ⅳ, Epcam, CK19, CK7, the transmembrane transporter Smoothened (Smo), Hedgehog ligand Desert Hedgehog (Dhh), the Indian Hedgehog membrane-binding receptor Patched (Ptch2), and glioma-related oncogenes Gli1, Gli2, and Gli3 (all P < 0.05); double immunofluorescence staining showed that CK19-positive cells also expressed OV6 in the liver tissue of rats in the CCl 4 /2-AAF group, with a significant increase compared with the normal group. Compared with the CCl 4 /2-AAF group, the GDC-0449 group had significant reductions in inflammatory cell aggregation and collagen deposition in liver tissue, Hyp level and collagen positive area ratio in liver tissue ( P < 0.05), Ishak score ( P < 0.05), and the expression of α-SMA, Epcam, CK19, CK7, Smo, Ptch2, Gli1, Gli2, and Gli3 (all P < 0.05); double immunofluorescence staining showed a significant reduction in the number of cells with co-expression of OV6 and CK19 in liver tissue. Conclusion The Hedgehog signaling pathway inhibitor GDC-0449 can significantly inhibit the progression of liver fibrosis induced by CCl 4 /2-AAF in rats, possibly by inhibiting hepatic stellate cell activation, collagen deposition, activation and proliferation of hepatic progenitor cells, and differentiation of hepatic progenitor cells into biliary epithelial cells.
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OBJECTIVE To investigate the inhibition and mechanism of berberine on human colorectal cancer HCT116 cells through canonical Hedgehog signaling pathway. METHODS The effect of berberine on cell morphology was observed by microscopy. MTT colorimetric assay, cell scratch experiment, colony formation assay and Hoechest/PI staining were utilized to detect the activities of berberine on cell viability, cell migration and cell apoptosis. Flow cytome?try was applied to examine the cell apoptosis. The effects of berberine on caspase-3 and caspase-9 were detected by caspase activity detection kit. The expressions of Hedgehog signaling pathway-related proteins SHH, GLI1, PTCH1, SMO, SUFU, apoptosis-related proteins Bax and Bcl-2 as well as cell cycle-related proteins cyclin D1 were detected by Western blotting. Additionally, quantitative real time RT-PCR was employed to assess the mRNA expression levels of Hedgehog signaling pathway-related genes SHH, GLI1, PTCH1, SMO, SUFU, apoptosis-related genes Bax and Bcl-2 as well as cell cycle-related genes cyclin D1. RESULTS Berberine sharply altered the morphology of human colorectal cancer HCT116 cells, demonstrated by that migration ability of HCT116 cells was reduced significantly and the nuclei were densely stained. Berberine could induce apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. The activities of caspase-3 and caspase-9 were increased prominently. The expression levels of Hedgehog signaling pathway-related protein SUFU and apoptosis-related protein Bax were augmented substantially. The expression levels of Hedgehog signaling pathway-related proteins SHH, GLI1, PTCH1, SMO, apoptosis-related protein Bcl-2 as well as cell cycle-related genes cyclin D1 were markedly lessened. Besides, the mRNA expression levels of Hedgehog signaling pathway-related gene SUFU and apoptosis-related gene Bax were augmented substantially. The mRNA expression levels of Hedgehog signaling path?way-related genes SHH, GLI1, PTCH1, SMO, apoptosis-related gene Bcl-2 as well as cell cycle-related gene cyclin D1 were markedly lessened. CONCLUSION Berberine, which is the main component of coptidis rhizoma, can remarkably restrain the growth and proliferation, promote apoptosis of human colorectal cancer cells HCT116, and the underlying mechanism may be involved in suppressing the activity of the Hedgehog signaling pathway.
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OBJECTIVES@#Silence of SET domain containing lysine methyltransferase 7 (SET7) alleviates myocardial tissue injury caused by ischemia-reperfusion. But the effects of SET7 on angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced myocardial fibroblast proliferation and the collagen synthesis are not clear. The purpose of this study was to explore the effect of SET7 on the proliferation and collagen synthesis of myocardial fibroblasts and its mechanisms.@*METHODS@#Myocardial fibroblasts were isolated and identified by immunofluorescence. Myocardial fibroblasts were randomly divided into 4 groups: a control group (cells were normally cultured), an Ang II group (cells were treated with 100 nmol/L Ang II for 24 h), a siCtrl group (cells were transfected with siRNA control and were then treated with 100 nmol/L Ang II for 24 h), and a siSET7 group (cells were transfected with siRNA SET7 and were then treated with 100 nmol/L Ang II for 24 h). Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) assay were used to evaluate cell proliferation. Real-time PCR was used to detect the mRNA levels of SET7, collagen I, collagen III, and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA). Western blotting was used to detect the protein expression of SET7, collagen I, collagen III, α-SMA, sonic hedgehog (Shh), ptched1 (Ptch1), and glioma-associated oncogene homolog 1 (Gli1).@*RESULTS@#Fluorescence microscopy showed positive vimentin staining, and myocardial fibroblasts were in good condition. As compared to the control group, the mRNA and protein levels of SET7 in the Ang II group were significantly upregulated; cell proliferation rate and EdU fluorescence intensity in the Ang II group were significantly increased; the mRNA and protein levels of collagen I, collagen III, and α-SMA were significantly upregulated (all @*CONCLUSIONS@#Silence of SET7 gene inhibits Ang II-induced proliferation and collagen synthesis of myocardial fibroblasts. Shh signaling pathway may be involved in this process.
Subject(s)
Angiotensin II/pharmacology , Cell Proliferation , Cells, Cultured , Collagen/genetics , Fibroblasts , Hedgehog ProteinsABSTRACT
To prove that ursolic acid(UA)could activate the autophagy of colorectal cancer HCT116 cells by inhibiting hedgehog signaling pathway. The effect of UA on the viability of HCT116 cells was determined by MTT assay. The effect of UA on the proliferation and migration of HCT116 cells was detected by crystal violet staining and scratch test. In the study on autophagy, the time points were screened out first: the autophagy fluorescence intensity of UA acting on HCT116 at different time points were detected by Cell Meter~(TM) Autophagy Assay Kit; Western blot was used to detect the expression of autophagy protein P62 at different time points. Then, Cell Meter~(TM) Autophagy Assay Kit was used to detect the effect of UA on autophagy fluorescence intensity of HCT116 cells. The effect of different doses of UA on the expressions of LC3Ⅱ and P62 proteins in HCT116 cells were detected by Western blot. Further, AdPlus-mCherry-GFP-LC3 B adenovirus transfection was used to detect the effects of UA on autophagy flux of HCT116 cells; UA combined with autophagy inhibitor chloroquine(CQ) was used to detect the expression of LC3Ⅱ by Western blot. In terms of mechanism, the effect of UA on hedgehog signaling pathway-related proteins in HCT116 cells was detected by Western blot. The results showed that UA inhibited the activity, proliferation and migration of HCT116 cells. UA enhanced the fluorescence intensity of autophagy in HCT116 cells, while promoting the expression of LC3Ⅱ and inhibiting the expression of P62, in a time and dose dependent manner. UA activated the autophagy in HCT116 cells, which manifested that UA resulted in the accumulation of fluorescence spots and strengthened the fluorescence intensity of autophagosomes; compared with UA alone, UA combined with autophagy inhibitor CQ promoted the expression of LC3Ⅱ. UA reduced the expressions of PTCH1, GLI1, SMO, SHH and c-Myc in hedgehog signaling pathway, while increased the expression of Sufu. In conclusion, our study showed that UA activated autophagy in colorectal cancer HCT116 cells, which was related to the mechanism in inhibiting hedgehog signaling pathway activity.
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Humans , Apoptosis , Autophagy , Cell Line, Tumor , Colorectal Neoplasms , Hedgehog Proteins/genetics , Signal Transduction , TriterpenesABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The effects of dietary nutrition on tail fat deposition and the correlation between production performance and the Hh signaling pathway and OXCT1 were investigated in fat-tailed sheep. Tan sheep were fed different nutritional diets and the variances in tail length, width, thickness and tail weight as well as the mRNA expression of fat-related genes (C/EBPα, FAS, LPL, and HSL) were determined in the tail fat of sheep at three different growth stages based on their body weight. Furthermore, the correlations between tail phenotypes and the Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway components (IHH, PTCH1, SMO, and GLI1) and OXCT1 were investigated. RESULTS: C/EBPα, FAS, LPL, and HSL were expressed with differences in tail fat of sheep fed different nutritional diets at three different growth stages. The results of the two-way ANOVA showed the significant effect of nutrition, stage, and interaction on gene expression, except the between C/EBPα and growth stage. C/EBPα, FAS, and LPL were considerably correlated with the tail phenotypes. Furthermore, the results of the correlation analysis demonstrated a close relationship between the tail phenotypes and Hh signaling pathway and OXCT1. CONCLUSIONS: The present study demonstrated the gene-level role of dietary nutrition in promoting tail fat deposition and related tail fat-related genes. It provides a molecular basis by which nutritional balance and tail fat formation can be investigated and additional genes can be identified. The findings of the present study may help improve the production efficiency of fat-tailed sheep and identify crucial genes associated with tail fat deposition.
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Animals , Tail/metabolism , Sheep/genetics , Adipose Tissue , Diet , Phenotype , RNA, Messenger , Coenzyme A-Transferases , Gene Expression , Body Fat Distribution , Adipogenesis , Lipogenesis/genetics , Hedgehog Proteins/genetics , Real-Time Polymerase Chain ReactionABSTRACT
@#Primary cilia are organelles present on most mammalian cells that sense environmental changes and transduce signaling, and they are the key coordinators of various signaling pathways during tissue development. This article reviews the progress of research on the distribution of primary cilia in tooth development and the related signaling pathways. A literature review shows that in odontogenesis, primary cilia play an important role in the mutual induction of the epithelium and mesenchyme; during the continuous proliferation and differentiation of cells, the distribution of primary cilia is temporally and spatially dependent. Although the reason for this distribution is still unclear, some experimental evidence indicates that this phenomenon is compatible with the function of cells and tissues in which primary cilia are distributed. Primary cilia are involved in the regulation of two important signaling pathways, Hedgehog and Wnt, in odontogenesis. Genes encoding cilia (such as Kif3a, Evc/Evc2 and Ift) can affect the development of teeth by regulating these two signaling pathways, and there is an interaction between the two signaling pathways. Deletion of related genes (such as Ofd1 and Bbs) can damage the transmission of upstream and downstream signals by damaging the structure or function of cilia, thereby causing various types of dental dysplasia, including small teeth, enamel hypoplasia, missing teeth, or craniofacial deformities.
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Aim To investigate the effect of icariin (ICA) on the proliferation and differentiation of MC3T3-E1 pre-osteoblast cell line. Methods CCK-8 assay was used to detect the proliferation activity of MC3T3-E1 cells. Alizarin red staining (AR-S) assay was used to detect osteoblast differentiation and the formation of calcium nodules. Western blot assay was used to examine the protein expression of osteocalcin, ALP and shh. ALP assay was used to detect its activity. Results The effect of CCK-8 assay showed that ICA (5 ∼ 40 μmol · L-1) significantly promoted MC3T3-E1 cell proliferation compared with control group. The activity and protein expression of ALP and the quantitative analysis of mineralization deposition significantly increased in ICA group compared with control group. The ALP activity, protein expression level of shh and the quantification of alizarin red staining showed a significant decrease in ICA + CYC group compared with ICA group. Conclusions ICA promotes osteoblast proliferation and differentiation through the Hedgehog signaling pathway.
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Objective To study the effect of dauricine on the proliferation and apoptosis of hepatoma Huh7 cells, and explore its anti-tumor mechanism and its relationship with Hedgehog signaling pathway. Methods The effects of different concentrations of dauricine (2, 4, 8 μg/mL) on the proliferation of Huh7 cells were detected by MTT assay. Apoptosis of Huh7 cells was analyzed by flow cytometry. Real-time PCR and Western blotting were used to detect the levels of Hedgehog signaling pathway-related genes and proteins. Results With the increase of the concentration of dauricine and the duration of action, the inhibition rate of Huh7 cell proliferation was increased. Among them, 8 μg/mL dauricine had the highest inhibition rate (48.8%) at 48 h. Dauricine induced the apoptosis in Huh7 cells. With the increase of the concentration of dauricine, the apoptotic rate of cells was increased significantly (P < 0.05, 0.01). The mRNA and protein expression levels of PTCH1, GLi1, SMO and SHH genes in Hedgehog signaling pathway were significantly decreased, while the level of cleaved Caspase-3 protein was significantly increased, accompany with the decreased expression of Bcl-2 in dauricine concentration-dependent pattern (P < 0.05, 0.01) in dauricine group compared with the control group. Conclusion Dauricine could significantly inhibit the proliferation and promote apoptosis of Huh7 cells, which may play a role by blocking Hedgehog signaling pathway.
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Objective To study the mechanism of the Hedgehog signaling transduction intervened by polypeptide extract from scorpion venom (PESV) on K562/BALB/c-nu leukemia mice. Trying to analyze the molecular mechanisms and targets of the inhibited effect of PESV on chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) in vivo. Methods After establishing the K562/BALB/c-nu leukemia mice successfully, the model mice were divided into six groups which were the blank group, the PESV high, medium, and low doses (0.3, 0.6, 1.2 mg/kg) group, the Imatinib (50 mg/kg) group, and the model group. After 14 d drug intervention, the levels of gene and protein expression of Hedgehog signaling pathway upstream factors Shh, Ptch, and Smo were detected by qRT-PCR and Western blotting, and the protein expression of downstream factor Gli1 was determined by ELISA test. Results Compared to the model group, the genetic and protein expression of Shh which was an upstream factor were increased in the PESV groups. The mRNA and protein expression of Ptch and Smo in PESV low-dose and medium-dose groups were decreased. There were no significant differences of upstream factors between Imatinib group and model group. The concentration of downstream Gli1 protein significantly decreased within low-dose and medium-dose PESV groups, while there was no significant difference between high-dose PESV group and Imatinib group. Conclusion PESV can inhibit the expression of Hedgehog signaling pathway upstream factor Ptch, Smo and downstream factor Gli1 on the mRNA and protein level, while Imatinib has no obvious inhibitory effect on the Hedgehog signaling pathway.
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Objective: To investigate the osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSC)induced by simvastatin(SIM)in vitro and then further investigate whether the Hedgehog signaling pathway is involved in the SIM-induced osteogenic differentiation of BMSC using the Hedgehog signaling pathway blocking agent cyclopamine(Cpn). Methods: The rat BMSC was extracted by the whole-bone marrow adherent culture method and cul- tured in the induction medium(control medium,CM)and the induction medium containing SIM or SIM+Cpn. The expression of alkaline phosphatase(ALP)in induced cells was detected by the ALP staining. Immunofluorescence stain- ing was performed to detect the espressions of Gli1 and osteocalcin(OCN)in the induced cells. The Gli1,ALP,colla- gen type(COL)and OCN mRNA expression was detected by real-time quantitative PCR(RT-PCR). Western blot (WB)was used for assessing the expression level of Gli1,Runx2,COLand OCN proteins. The cell calcium nodule for- mation and matrix mineralization ability were detected by alizarin red staining. Results: The ALP expression was signifi- cantly higher in SIM group than in CM group(P<0.05),while the ALP expression was lower in SIM+Cpn group than in the SIM group(P<0.05)but higher than in the CM group. Immunofluorescence assay showed that SIM could promote the expression of Gli1 and OCN in the conditions with or without Cpn. On the 10th and 18th day of intervention,the mRNA expression level of Gli1,ALP,OCN and COLwas significantly higher in the SIM group than in the CM group(P<0.05), and the higher mRNA expression in the SIM group could be completely blocked by Cpn. Further,on the 10th and 18th day of intervention,the expressed Gli1,Runx2,COLand OCN protein level was significantly higher in the SIM group in the CM group(P<0.05),while the level of these expressed proteins in the SIM+Cpn group was significantly lower than in the SIM group(P<0.05). The alizarin red staining showed that SIM group had stronger matrix mineralization ability than the other groups(P<0.05). Conclusion: SIM could up-regulate the expression of Gli1 and the osteogenesis markers ALP,Runx2,COLand OCN to induce osteogenic differentiation of BMSC,and Cpn could not completely block the SIM-induced differentiation. Further study is needed to uncover the underlying mechanism.
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Renal fibrosis is a common pathological manifestation of most chronic kidney disease (CKD) and a major pathological change leading to end-stage renal disease. Recent studies have found that the Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway plays an important role in renal fibrosis. This pathway is different from the TGF-β and Wnt pathways that have been studied in the past. Its activation mainly directly targets the central event of renal fibrosis-activation, proliferation and transformation of myofibroblasts. It suggests that this pathway plays an important role in the process of renal fibrosis, and this pathway interacts with other pathways to promote the development of renal fibrosis. Further research into this pathway may provide new ideas for the treatment of renal fibrosis. This article reviews the relationship between Hh signaling pathway and renal fibrosis.
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Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) signaling pathway participates in the regulation of various organs and growth of tissue cells, maintains normal function and structure in the development of embryogenesis, however, SHH signaling pathway is in a state of inhibition. Meanwhile, the abnormal regulation of SHH signaling pathway plays an important role in the occurrence, development and drug resistance of leukemia. The mechanism of SHH signaling pathway in leukemia is similar to the solid tumor. With the further understanding of SHH signaling pathway, there are many antitumor drugs targeting SHH signaling pathway. The targeting inhibitors targeted SHH signaling pathway will become a new method for the treatment of leukemia. This paper reviews the application of the inhibitors targeting SHH signaling pathway in leukemia.
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Objective@#To analysis teratogenic effect of GDC-0449 to fetus and set up the animal model of GDC-0449 induced oromandibular limb hypogenesis in mouse for further research of its pathogenesis.@*Methods@#Twenty-seven pregnant Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) mice were randomly divided into: control group, embryonic day 8.5 (E8.5) exposed groups, E9.5 exposed groups, E10.5 exposed groups, E11.5 exposed groups, E12.5 exposed groups, E13.5 exposed groups, E14.5 exposed groups and E15.5 exposed groups. Each group had 3 mice. Exposed groups were treated with the Hedgehog pathway antagonist GDC-0449 at a single dose 150 mg/kg by oral gavage from E8.5 to E15.5. At E16.5, embryonic phenotypes were analyzed in detail by stereo microscope and histology. After establish an optimal dysmorphogenic concentration, 6 pregnant ICR mice were randomly divided into control group and the optimal group, embryonic phenotypes were analyzed by whole-mount skeletal staining and micro-computed tomography at E18.5.@*Results@#The mice were exposed to GDC-0449 on E11.5 and E12.5 had a high incidence of cleft palate. GDC-0449 exposed between E9.5 and E10.5 caused craniofacial and limb dysmorphology, including micrognathia, microglossia, ectrodactylia, partial anodontia and cleft palate. Most interestingly, these are extremely similar to oromandibular limb hypogenesis syndrome.@*Conclusions@#The results of this study indicate that GDC-0449 can be used to induce micrognathia, microglossia, ectrodactylia, partial anodontia and cleft palate. This work established a novel mouse model for oromandibular limb hypogenesis.
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Objective To observe Hedgehog signaling pathways of liver cancer cell growth and the influence of the metastatic potential targeted inhibit Hedgehog.Methods Construction of Smo shRNA plasmid,The stable and low-expressed Smo-expressing HCC QGY-7701 cell line was screened after lipofection.The stable and low-expressed Smo-expressing HCC QGY-7701 cell line was screened,The cell cycle,apoptosis,invasion and metastasis of QGY-7701 cells were detected by Western blot,flow cytometry,CCK8 and transwell assay.Subcutaneous implantation of hepatocarcinoma cells in nude mice.Study on the growth and metastasis of hepatocarcinoma cells with low expression of Smo in.The ultrastructural changes of hepatoma cells with low expression of Smo were observed under electron microscope.Results RT-PCR and Western blot showed stable shR-Smo cell line was successfully constructed.Cell cycle test showed that compared with the control group,G0/G1 cells increased in shR-Smo,cells in S phase decreased;apoptosis,CCK8 and Transwell tests showed that Smo-gene silencing could significantly increase the apoptosis percentage of the hepatic cancer cells to (5.46％ ± 1.46％),proliferation activity decreasedand and the migration rates reduced to (7.82％ ±2.14)％;nude mice model showed that Smo-gene silencing could inhibit the growth of hepatocellular carcinoma cells in vivo,electron microscopy revealed that lysosomes increased significantly in Smo-gene silence cells.Conclusions Blocking Hh signaling pathways,liver cancer cells in vitro malignant degree of decline.Hedgehog in treating liver cancer have hidden meaning.