Overexpression of chicken Klf2 promotes klf7 transcription and inhibits adipocyte differentiation / 生物工程学报

Overexpression of Krüppel like factor 2 (Klf2) or Klf7 inhibits adipocyte formation. However, it remains unclear whether Klf2 regulates klf7 expression in adipose tissue. In this study, oil red O staining and Western blotting were employed to study the effect of Klf2 overexpression on the differentiation of chicken preadipocytes. The results showed that Klf2 overexpression inhibited the differentiation of chicken preadipocytes induced by oleate and the expression of pparγ, while promoted klf7 expression in chicken preadipocytes. Spearman correlation analysis was used to study the correlation between the expression data of klf2 and klf7 in the adipose tissue of both human and chicken. The results showed that there was a significantly positive correlation between the expression of klf2 and klf7 in adipose tissues (r > 0.1). Luciferase reporter assay showed that overexpression of Klf2 significantly promoted the activity of chicken klf7 promoter (-241/-91, -521/-91, -1 845/-91, -2 286/-91, -1 215/-91; P < 0.05). In addition, the activity of klf7 promoter (-241/-91) reporter in chicken preadipocytes was significantly positively correlated with the amount of klf2 overexpression plasmid transfected (Tau=0.917 66, P=1.074×10-7). Moreover, Klf2 overexpression significantly promoted the mRNA expression of klf7 in chicken preadipocytes (P < 0.05). In conclusion, upregulation of klf7 expression might be one of the pathways that Klf2 inhibits chicken adipocyte differentiation, and the sequence from -241 bp to -91 bp upstream chicken klf7 translation start site might mediate the regulation of Klf2 on klf7 transcription.

Analysis of variant of GLI3 gene in a child featuring autosomal dominant Pallister-Hall syndrome / 中华医学遗传学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the clinical and genetic characteristics of a child with Pallister-Hall syndrome (PHS).@*METHODS@#DNA was extracted from peripheral blood sample from the child and subjected to whole exome sequencing. Suspected variants were verified by Sanger sequencing of his family members.@*RESULTS@#Genetic testing revealed that the child has harbored a heterozygous c.3320_3330delGGTACGAGCAG (p.G1107Afs×18) variant of the GLI3 gene. Neither parent was found to carry the same variant.@*CONCLUSION@#The c.3320_3330delGGTACGAGCAG (p.G1107Afs×18) frameshift variant of the GLI3 gene probably underlay the pathogenesis of PHS in this child. Genetic testing should be considered for patients featuring hypothalamic hamartoma and central polydactyly.

KLF9 regulates hepatic lipid metabolism via inducing CD36 expression / 生理学报

The development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is closely related to the fatty acid (FA) uptake. This study aimed to investigate the effect of Krüppel-like factor 9 (KLF9) on CD36 (typical fatty acid translocase), hepatocellular lipid metabolism as well as the development and progression of nonalcoholic fatty liver. High-fat diet-induced obese C57BL/6J mice and db/db mice were used to test the expression levels of Klf9 and Cd36 in the livers. The primary hepatocytes were isolated from C57BL/6J mice, treated with Ad-GFP, Ad-Klf9, Ad-shCtrl or Ad-shKlf9, and then incubated with oleic acid and palmitic acid for 24 h. Liver-specific knockout of Klf9 mice were established. The protein levels and relative mRNA levels were examined by Western blot and real-time PCR, respectively. Triglyceride content was determined by using an assay kit. Lipid content was determined by Oil Red O staining. The results showed that: (1) Klf9 expression levels were increased in the livers of high-fat diet-induced obese mice and db/db mice, compared to their respective control mice. (2) Adenovirus-mediated overexpression of Klf9 in primary hepatocytes increased Cd36 expression and cellular triglyceride contents. (3) In contrast, adenovirus-mediated knockdown of Klf9 expression in primary hepatocytes by Ad-shKlf9 decreased Cd36 expression and cellular triglyceride contents. (4) Finally, Klf9 deficiency decreased liver Cd36 expression and alleviated fatty liver phenotype of high-fat diet-induced obese mice. These results suggest that KLF9 can regulate hepatic lipid metabolism and development of NAFLD by promoting the expression of CD36.

Effects of Transcription Factor MZF-1 on Transcriptive Regulation of Acute Monocytic Leukemia-related Gene MLAA-34 / 中国实验血液学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the transcriptional regulation of transcription factor MZF-1 on acute monocytic leukemia-related gene MLAA-34.@*METHODS@#The effect of MZF-1 on the transcriptional activity of MLAA-34 gene promoter was analyzed by luciferase reporter gene detection system and site-directed mutation technique. The EMSA and ChIP assay were used to verify whether MZF-1 directly and specifically binds to the core region of MLAA-34 promoter. The over-expression vector and interference vector of MZF-1 were constructed to transfect U937 cells, and RT-PCR and Western blot were used to detect the transcription and expression changes of MLAA-34 gene.@*RESULTS@#The transcription factor MZF-1 had a regulatory effect on MLAA-34 gene expression, and the relative luciferase activity was decreased after MZF-1 binding point mutation (P<0.01). EMSA and ChIP experiments demonstrated that MZF-1 could directly bind to MLAA-34 promoter and play a regulatory role. In the over-expression test, the increase of MZF-1 could up-regulate the expression of MLAA-34 (P<0.05). In the interference test, the decrease of MZF-1 could down-regulate the expression of MLAA-34 (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Transcription factor MZF-1 can bind to the transcriptional regulatory region on the promoter of MLAA-34 gene and promote the transcription of MLAA-34 gene in acute monocytic leukemia.

Inhibition of KLF7-Targeting MicroRNA 146b Promotes Sciatic Nerve Regeneration / 神经科学通报·英文版

A previous study has indicated that Krüppel-like factor 7 (KLF7), a transcription factor that stimulates Schwann cell (SC) proliferation and axonal regeneration after peripheral nerve injury, is a promising therapeutic transcription factor in nerve injury. We aimed to identify whether inhibition of microRNA-146b (miR-146b) affected SC proliferation, migration, and myelinated axon regeneration following sciatic nerve injury by regulating its direct target KLF7. SCs were transfected with miRNA lentivirus, miRNA inhibitor lentivirus, or KLF7 siRNA lentivirus in vitro. The expression of miR146b and KLF7, as well as SC proliferation and migration, were subsequently evaluated. In vivo, an acellular nerve allograft (ANA) followed by injection of GFP control vector or a lentiviral vector encoding an miR-146b inhibitor was used to assess the repair potential in a model of sciatic nerve gap. miR-146b directly targeted KLF7 by binding to the 3'-UTR, suppressing KLF7. Up-regulation of miR-146b and KLF7 knockdown significantly reduced the proliferation and migration of SCs, whereas silencing miR-146b resulted in increased proliferation and migration. KLF7 protein was localized in SCs in which miR-146b was expressed in vivo. Similarly, 4 weeks after the ANA, anti-miR-146b increased KLF7 and its target gene nerve growth factor cascade, promoting axonal outgrowth. Closer analysis revealed improved nerve conduction and sciatic function index score, and enhanced expression of neurofilaments, P0 (anti-peripheral myelin), and myelinated axon regeneration. Our findings provide new insight into the regulation of KLF7 by miR-146b during peripheral nerve regeneration and suggest a potential therapeutic strategy for peripheral nerve injury.

ZNF804A Variation May Affect Hippocampal-Prefrontal Resting-State Functional Connectivity in Schizophrenic and Healthy Individuals / 神经科学通报·英文版

The ZNF804A variant rs1344706 has consistently been associated with schizophrenia and plays a role in hippocampal-prefrontal functional connectivity during working memory. Whether the effect exists in the resting state and in patients with schizophrenia remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the ZNF804A polymorphism at rs1344706 in 92 schizophrenic patients and 99 healthy controls of Han Chinese descent, and used resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging to explore the functional connectivity in the participants. We found a significant main effect of genotype on the resting-state functional connectivity (RSFC) between the hippocampus and the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) in both schizophrenic patients and healthy controls. The homozygous ZNF804A rs1344706 genotype (AA) conferred a high risk of schizophrenia, and also exhibited significantly decreased resting functional coupling between the left hippocampus and right DLPFC (F(2,165) = 13.43, P < 0.001). The RSFC strength was also correlated with cognitive performance and the severity of psychosis in schizophrenia. The current findings identified the neural impact of the ZNF804A rs1344706 on hippocampal-prefrontal RSFC associated with schizophrenia.

Rosiglitazone role in the expression of KLF6 caco-2 colon cancer cells / Rol de rosiglitazona en la expresión de KLF6 en células caco-2 de cáncer de colon

Kruppel-like factor 6 (KLF6) is a member of the family of Kruppel transcription factors, this plays an important role in the regulation of cell growth, differentiation and angiogenesis. Rosiglitazone is a PPARy agonist drug, its antitumor effect has been described in models of breast and colon cancer. The aim of this study is to evaluate the level of expression of KLF6 in Caco2 cells treated with Avandia. For this a Immunofluorescence was performed, the Caco2 cells were cultured and treated with Rosiglitazone, another group was treated with Rosiglitazone and GW-9662, inhibitor for Immunofluorescence an anti-KLF6 antibody and a secondary antibody coupled to Alexa-488 was used . Cells were observed in a fluorescence microscope and images were processed. The results show that KLF6 is expressed in the cytoplasm of cells Caco2. Compared to treatment with Avandia, KLF6 increases its expression in the cytoplasm. When cells were treated with GW-9662 inhibitor, an expression of KLF6 in the nucleus was observed. KLF6 expression in the cytoplasm of cells Caco2, could be explained by the knowledge of splicing variants SV1 and SV2, these abnormally accumulate in the cytoplasm and promotes cell growth. It is concluded that in untreated Caco 2 cells, KLF6 is expressed in the cytoplasm. Compared to treatment with Rosiglitazone, KLF6 upregulated in the cytoplasm and compared to treatment with the inhibitor, KLF6 is expressed in the nucleus of Caco 2 cells.

Kruppel-like factor 6 (KLF6) is a member of the family of Kruppel transcription factors, this plays an important role in the regulation of cell growth, differentiation and angiogenesis. Rosiglitazone is a PPARy agonist drug, its antitumor effect has been described in models of breast and colon cancer. The aim of this study is to evaluate the level of expression of KLF6 in Caco2 cells treated with Avandia. For this a Immunofluorescence was performed, the Caco2 cells were cultured and treated with Rosiglitazone, another group was treated with Rosiglitazone and GW-9662, inhibitor for Immunofluorescence an anti-KLF6 antibody and a secondary antibody coupled to Alexa-488 was used . Cells were observed in a fluorescence microscope and images were processed. The results show that KLF6 is expressed in the cytoplasm of cells Caco2. Compared to treatment with Avandia, KLF6 increases its expression in the cytoplasm. When cells were treated with GW-9662 inhibitor, an expression of KLF6 in the nucleus was observed. KLF6 expression in the cytoplasm of cells Caco2, could be explained by the knowledge of splicing variants SV1 and SV2, these abnormally accumulate in the cytoplasm and promotes cell growth. It is concluded that in untreated Caco 2 cells, KLF6 is expressed in the cytoplasm. Compared to treatment with Rosiglitazone, KLF6 upregulated in the cytoplasm and compared to treatment with the inhibitor, KLF6 is expressed in the nucleus of Caco 2 cells.

Two novel heterozygous missense variations within the GLI2 gene in two unrelated argentine patients / Two novel heterozygous missense variations within the GLI2 gene in two unrelated Argentine patients

Several heterozygous GLI2 gene mutations have been reported in patients with isolated GH deficiency (IGHD) or multiple pituitary hormone deficiency (MPHD) with or without other malformations. The primary aim of this study was to analyze the presence of GLI2 gene alterations in a cohort of patients with IGHD or MPHD and ectopic/absent posterior pituitary. The coding sequence and flanking intronic regions of GLI2 gene were amplified and directly sequenced from gDNA of 18 affected subjects and relatives. In silico tools were applied to identify the functional impact of newly found variants (Polyphen2, SIFT, Mutation Taster). We identified two novel heterozygous missense variations in two unrelated patients, p.Arg231Gln and p.Arg226Leu, located in the repressor domain of the protein. Both variations affect highly conserved amino acids of the Gli2 protein and were not found in the available databases. In silico tools suggest that these variations might be disease causing. Our study suggests that the GLI2 gene may be one of the candidate genes to analyze when an association of pituitary hormone deficiency and developmental defects in posterior pituitary gland. The highly variable phenotype found suggests the presence of additional unknown factors that could contribute to the phenotype observed in these patients.

Mutaciones heterocigotas en el gen GLI2 fueron previamente comunicadas como causa de déficit aislado de hormona de crecimiento (IGHD) o déficit múltiple de hormonas hipofisarias (MPHD), con o sin otras malformaciones. El objetivo del estudio fue analizar la presencia de alteraciones en el gen GLI2 en un grupo de pacientes con IGHD o MPHD acompañado de neurohipófisis ectópica o ausente. La secuencia codificante y las regiones intrónicas flanqueantes del gen GLI2 fueron amplificadas y secuenciadas de manera directa a partir de ADN genómico extraído de sangre periférica proveniente de 18 sujetos afectados y sus familiares. Se utilizaron herramientas informáticas para predecir el impacto funcional de las nuevas variantes encontradas (Polyphen2, SIFT, Mutation Taster). Identificamos dos nuevas variantes heterocigotas con pérdida de sentido en dos pacientes no relacionados, p.Arg231Gln y p.Arg226Leu, localizadas en el dominio represor de la proteína. Estas variantes afectan aminoácidos altamente conservados en la secuencia proteica de GLI2 y no se encuentran informadas en las bases de datos disponibles. Las herramientas informáticas utilizadas sugieren que estas variantes pueden ser la causa del desarrollo de la enfermedad. Nuestro resultados indican que el gen GLI2 es uno de los genes candidatos a estudiar cuando existe una asociación entre déficit de hormonas hipofisarias y alteraciones en el desarrollo de la neurohipófisis. Se sugiere la existencia de otros factores adicionales que podrían contribuir a la variabilidad del fenotipo observado.

Relationship between macrophages and erythropoiesis / 中国当代儿科杂志

Macrophages have two major roles in regulating the dynamic equilibrium in erythropoiesis, promoting the differentiation and maturation of nucleated red blood cells into reticulocytes and removing old red blood cells. A recent mouse study has demonstrated that the phenotype of macrophages in erythroblastic islands is CD169+ VCAM-1+ ER-HR3+ CD11b+ F4/80+ Ly-6G+. Molecular connections between erythroid progenitor cells and central macrophages help to maintain the function and integrity of erythroblastic islands. New research advances in Kruppel-like factor 1 (KLF1) provide new evidence for the important role of macrophages in erythroblastic islands. Macrophages play an important role in erythropoiesis both in sickness and in health, and provide a potential targeted therapy for diseases such as polycythemia vera and beta-thalassemia in the future.

Effect of Smo SiRNA-mediated Hedgehog Signaling Pathway Inhibition on Palatal Fusion / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

We used Smo siRNA to inhibit hedgehog signaling pathway in embryonic day (E) 13 palatal shelves in organ culture. SiRNA 4 was chosen as the most efficient from four synthesized Smo siRNAs. Palatal shelf fusion rate of 4 μg/mL cyclopamine group was the lowest and significantly lower than that of blank control group (P<0.05), and that of siRNA 4 group was also lower than that of blank control group (P=0.183). At 48 h after transfection, Smo protein level of siRNA 4 group was 64.8% lower than that of blank control group (P<0.05), and Gli1 protein level of 4 μg/mL cyclopamine group was 68.9% lower than that of blank control group (P<0.05). Hedgehog signaling pathway inhibition decreased palatal fusion in organ culture, probably owing to downregulation of Smo and Gli1 proteins.

Research progress of Krüppel-like factor 7 / 生理学报

Krüppel-like factor 7 (KLF7), a member of Krüppel-like transcription factors (KLFs), also known as ubiquitous Krüppel- like factor (UKLF), is ubiquitously expressed in various tissues of adult human beings. Genetics reports showed that the genetic polymorphism of KLF7 is associated with obesity, type 2 diabetes, mental development in human beings; and KLF7 methylation is associated with the development of diffuse gastric cancer (gastric adenocarcinoma). In addition, some genomics reports suggested that KLF7 is one of the key transcription factors in the regulatory networks of serum markers change during the cardiovascular disease. The function studies showed that KLF7 is involved in the regulation of the development and function of the nervous system and adipose tissue, type 2 diabetes, blood diseases, as well as pluripotent cells maintenance. This review summarizes the research progress of KLF7 in genetic characteristics, protein structure and gene function.

Effect of Kruppel-like factor 4 on Notch pathway in hepatic stellate cells / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

The relationship between Kruppel-like factor 4 (KLF4) and the Notch pathway was determined to investigate the effect of KLF4 on the activation of hepatic stellate cells and underlying mechanisms. Fifty SPF BALB/c mice were randomly divided into two groups. A liver fibrosis model was established in 25 mice as the experimental group, and the remaining 25 mice served as controls. On the day 0, 7, 14, and 35, liver tissues were removed for immunofluorescent detection. The Notch pathway inhibitor DAPT was added to the primary original hepatic stellate cells, and KLF4 and Notch-associated factor expression was detected by qRT-PCR. Additionally, the hepatic stellate cell line LX-2 was used to establish control and experimental groups, and was cultured in vitro. LX-2 cells in the experimental groups were treated with DAPT and the Notch activator transforming growth factor-beta 1 separately, whereas those in the control group were given isotonic culture medium. After 48 h, KLF4 expression was examined by Western blotting. After transient transfection of LX-2 cells to increase KLF4, the expression of Notch factor was examined. Immunofluorescence analysis showed that, with the aggravation of liver fibrosis, the absorbance (A) values of KLF4 were decreased (day 0: 980.73±153.19; day 7: 1087.99±230.23; day 14: 390.95±93.56; day 35: 245.99±87.34). The expression of Notch pathway- related factors (Notch-1, Notch-2, and Jagged-1) in the hepatic stellate cell membrane was negatively correlated to KLF4 expression. With the increase of KLF4 expression, Notch-2 (0.73±0.13) and Jagged-1 (0.43±0.12) expression decreased, whereas Notch-1 level was not detectable. When the Notch pathway was inhibited, KLF4 levels generally increased (18.12±1.31). Our results indicate that KLF4 expression is negatively correlated to the Notch pathway in hepatic stellate cells, which may provide a reference for the treatment of hepatic fibrosis.

Autophagy Accompanied with Bisdemethoxycurcumin-induced Apoptosis in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Cells / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effects of bisdemethoxycurcumin (BDMC) on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell line, A549, and the highly metastatic lung cancer 95D cells.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>CCK-8 assay was used to assess the effect of BDMC on cytotoxicity. Flow cytometry was used to evaluate apoptosis. Western blot analysis, electron microscopy, and quantification of GFP-LC3 punctuates were used to test the effect of BDMC on autophagy and apoptosis of lung cancer cells.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>BDMC inhibited the viability of NSCLC cells, but had no cytotoxic effects on lung small airway epithelial cells (SAECs). The apoptotic cell death induced by BDMC was accompanied with the induction of autophagy in NSCLC cells. Blockage of autophagy by the autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine (3-MA) repressed the growth inhibitory effects and induction of apoptosis by BDMC. In addition, BDMC treatment significantly decreased smoothened (SMO) and the transcription factor glioma-associated oncogene 1 (Gli1) expression. Furthermore, depletion of Gli1 by siRNA and cyclopamine (a specific SMO inhibitor) induced autophagy.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Aberrant activation of Hedgehog (Hh) signaling has been implicated in several human cancers, including lung cancers. The present findings provide direct evidence that BDMC-induced autophagy plays a pro-death role in NSCLC, in part, by inhibiting Hedgehog signaling.</p>

Impacts and mechanisms of kruppel like factor 15 in pressure overload induced cardiac remodeling and angiogenesis in rats / 中华心血管病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the impact of kruppel like factor 15 (KLF15) on cardiac fibroblasts on angiogenesis in a pressure overload rat model.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Pressure overload was induced in female rats by aortic constriction for 3 and 6 weeks. After 6 weeks aortic banding, rats underwent aortic debanding for 3 or 6 weeks. Sham rats were observed for 3 and 6 weeks (n = 10 each). Cardiac function, myocardial pathological changes, interstitial angiogenesis and KLF15 expression during rat myocardial overloading-unloading process were determined. Cardiac fibroblasts and vascular endothelial cells were cultured in vitro in the absence or presence of KLF15-shRNA recombinant adenovirus and the regulation effect of KLF15 on vascular endothelial cells and angiogenesis was observed on a three-dimensional angiogenesis in vitro model.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The ascending aorta diameter, ejection fraction, fractional shortening, left ventricular systolic pressure and the KLF15 protein expression level were significantly lower but the left ventricular end-diastolic pressure was significantly higher in pressure overloaded rats than in Sham rats (all P < 0.01) after 6 weeks. At the same time, increased myocardial hypertrophy and fibrosis as well as reduced angiogenesis density were observed in pressure overloaded rats. These changes were significantly attenuated post aortic debanding. In vitro, KLF15-shRNA recombinant adenovirus transfection into cardiac fibroblasts significantly downregulated the protein expression of KLF15 compared with the control group (4 922 ± 430 vs. 7 034 ± 178, P < 0.01). The formation of tubular structure of vascular endothelial cells was shorter after KLF15-shRNA recombinant adenovirus transfection and the structure was incomplete when compared with the control group.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Our results suggest that upregulation of KLF15 expression in myocardial fibroblasts might promote vascular generation, alleviate the myocardial interstitial fibrosis and improve cardiac function in this pressure overload rat model.</p>

Replication of the results of genome-wide and candidate gene association studies on telomere length in a Korean population

BACKGROUND/AIMS: A number of genome-wide and candidate gene association studies have identified polymorphisms associated with telomere length in Caucasian populations. This study was conducted to determine the impacts of 17 polymorphisms identified in Caucasians on telomere length in a Korean population. METHODS: Ninety-four healthy individuals were enrolled in this study. Relative telomere length of chromosomes from peripheral blood samples was measured using quantitative polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: Two polymorphisms, rs10936599 of MYNN and rs412658 of ZNF676, were found to be associated w ith telomere length (under dominant model, p = 0.04; under recessive model, p = 0.001). Three polymorphisms, rs2853669, rs7705526, and rs2736108, at the TERT locus were also associated with telomere length (under recessive model, p = 0.01, p = 0.02, and p = 0.01, respectively). The genotypes of the five polymorphisms associated with short telomere length were considered bad genotypes; telomere length was significantly decreased with increasing number of bad genotypes (p= 1.7 x 10(-5)). CONCLUSIONS: We have identified polymorphisms associated with telomere length in a Korean population.

Screening and identification of proteins related to gastric cancer metastasis with comparative proteomics / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To screen and identify the proteins related with tumor metastasis of gastric cancer in a nude mouse model bearing orthotopic transplanted tumor.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Zinc finger protein 139 (ZNF139)-specific siRNA was synthesized and transfected into gastric cancer cell line SGC7901, which was then screened by G418. ZNF139-siRNA-transfected cells, negative plasmid-transfected cells and untreated SGC7901 cells were orthotopically transplanted separately on the stomach wall of BALB/c nude mice. The primary tumors and metastatic lymph nodes were harvested to separate the proteins by 2-D fluorescence difference gel electrophoresis (2-D DIGE); after gel digestion, the differential proteins were subjected to liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) for identification and their functions were analyzed. Western blotting was performed to verify the identified proteins.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>ZNF139 expression was effectively inhibited in siRNA-transfected SGC7901 cells. ZNF139-siRNA-transfected cells showed obviously suppressed tumor growth with a lowered lymph node metastasis rate in nude mice compared with untreated cells and the negative control cells (P<0.05). Proteomic study with 2-D DIGE showed that fascin and hnRNPA2/B1 were down-regulated while ANXA1 was up-regulated in the primary tumors, and ANXA5 was down-regulated in the metastatic lymph nodes in ZNF139-siRNA-transfected group. Western blotting confirmed the results of proteomic analysis.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>ZNF139 gene may promote lymph node metastasis of gastric cancer by regulating fascin, hnRNPA2/B1, ANXA1, and ANXA5.</p>

Clinical characteristics, cytogenetic and molecular findings in patients with disorders of sex development / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

The clinical characteristics of patients with disorders of sex development (DSD), and the diagnostic values of classic cytogenetic and molecular genetic assays for DSD were investigated. In the enrolled 56 cases, there were 9 cases of 46,XY DSD, 6 cases of Turner syndrome (TS), one case of Super female syndrome, 25 cases of Klinefelter syndrome, 14 cases of 46,XX DSD, and one case of autosomal balanced rearrangements with hypospadias. The diagnosis of sex was made through physical examination, cytogenetic assay, ultrasonography, gonadal biopsy and hormonal analysis. PCR was used to detect SRY, ZFX, ZFY, DYZ3 and DYZ1 loci on Y and X chromosomes respectively. The DSD patients with the same category had similar clinical characteristics. The karyotypes in peripheral blood lymphocytes of all patients were identified. PCR-based analysis showed presence or absence of the X/Y-linked loci in several cases. Of the 9 cases of 46,XY DSD, 6 were positive for SRY, 9 for ZFX/ZFY, 9 for DYZ3 and 8 for DYZ1 loci. Of the 6 cases of TS, only 1 case with the karyotype of 45,X,/46,XX/46,XY was positive for all 5 loci. Of the 25 cases of Klinefelter syndrome, all were positive for all 5 loci. In one case of rare Klinefelter syndrome variants azoospermia factor (AZF) gene detection revealed the loss of the AZFa+AZFb region. In 14 cases of 46,XX DSD, 7 cases were positive for SRY, 14 for ZFX, 7 for ZFY, 7 for ZYZ3, and 5 for DYZ1. PCR can complement and also confirm cytogenetic studies in the diagnosis of sex in cases of DSD.

Screening of rare blood group Lu(a-b-) phenotype and study of its molecular basis in ethnic Han Chinese from Shanghai region / 中华医学遗传学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the frequency of rare blood group Lu(a-b-) phenotype in a population from Shanghai region, and to explore the molecular basis of Lu(a-b-) by detecting the Lu and Lu relative mediator gene EKLF/KLF1.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Donors from Shanghai region were screened for Lutheran blood group by monoclonal anti-Lub using serological methods. Individuals with Lu(b-) were determined Lua, P1 and i antigens. Fifteen exons of the LU gene and 3 exons of the EKLF/KLF1 gene for the identified Lu(a-b-) samples were amplified and sequenced.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Ten Lu(a-b-) donors were obtained from 44 331 donors from Shanghai region. No homozygous or heterozygous mutations were found in the LU gene, whilst 7 mutations in EKLF/KLF1 gene were identified in the 10 samples.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The frequency of rare Lu(a-b-) blood group in Shanghai was approximately 0.02%, and all the individuals had an In(Lu) phenotype. The molecular basis of such samples may be related to mutations in the EKLF/KLF1 gene.</p>

Transient folate deprivation in combination with small-molecule compounds facilitates the generation of somatic cell-derived pluripotent stem cells in mice / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) can be propagated indefinitely, while maintaining the capacity to differentiate into all cell types in the body except for the extra-embryonic tissues. This iPSC technology not only represents a new way to use individual-specific stem cells for regenerative medicine but also constitutes a novel method to obtain large numbers of disease-specific cells for biomedical research. However, the low efficiency of reprogramming and genomic integration of oncogenes and viral vectors limit the potential application of iPSCs. Chemical-induced reprogramming offers a novel approach to generating iPSCs. In this study, a new combination of small-molecule compounds (SMs) (sodium butyrate, A-83-01, CHIR99021, Y-27632) under conditions of transient folate deprivation was used to generate iPSC. It was found that transient folate deprivation combined with SMs was sufficient to permit reprogramming from mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) in the presence of transcription factors, Oct4 and Klf4, within 25 days, replacing Sox2 and c-Myc, and accelerated the generation of mouse iPSCs. The resulting cell lines resembled mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells with respect to proliferation rate, morphology, pluripotency-associated markers and gene expressions. Deprivation of folic acid, combined with treating MEFs with SMs, can improve the inducing efficiency of iPSCs and reduce their carcinogenicity and the use of exogenous reprogramming factors.

Expression of sonic hedgehog signaling pathw ay and its inhibition by cyclopamine in rat liver with chronic fluorosis / 中华病理学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the expression of sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling pathway in liver fluorosis and to explore related mechanism.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>To establish animal model, 48 normal SD rats (aged 4-5 weeks) were randomly divided into 4 groups (12 each): control group, fluoriosis group, blocking group and blocking control group. After 6 months, the blocking group and blocking control group were injected intraperitoneally once every 2 days for 3 times with 10 mg/kg cyclopamine or dimethysulfoxide, respectively. Rats were sacrificed at the end of the experiment and the fluoride content in urine and liver function was determined. The expression of Shh and Gli1 protein and mRNA in hepatocytes was detected by immunohistochemistry and real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR, respectively.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The fluoride contents in the urine and the incidence of dental fluorosis increased in the fluoride and blocking control groups as compared with those in the control group, but decreased in the blocking group compared with those of the fluoride and blocking control group. Compared with the control group, the titers of aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT) significantly increased, while the activity of total protein and albumin decreased in the fluoride and blocking control groups. Compared with the fluoride and blocking control groups, the activity of the ALT slightly declined and the AST, total protein and albumin slightly increased in the blocking group. Histologically, the cells were disorganized and swollen with cytoplasmic clearing (balloon cells), compared with the control group. The expression of Shh and Gli1 significantly increased in all but the control group. Compared with the fluoride and blocking control groups, the expression of Shh and Gli1 declined in the blocking group.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The overexpression and cyclopamine inhibition of the Shh signaling pathway are closely related to the content of fluoride in the liver. The Shh signaling pathway plays an important role in the pathogenesis of liver injury caused by fluorosis, suggesting a preventive and therapeutic target of the disease.</p>