RNA binding protein 24 regulates the translation and replication of hepatitis C virus

The secondary structures of hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA and the cellular proteins that bind to them are important for modulating both translation and RNA replication. However, the sets of RNA-binding proteins involved in the regulation of HCV translation, replication and encapsidation remain unknown. Here, we identified RNA binding motif protein 24 (RBM24) as a host factor participated in HCV translation and replication. Knockdown of RBM24 reduced HCV propagation in Huh7.5.1 cells. An enhanced translation and delayed RNA synthesis during the early phase of infection was observed in RBM24 silencing cells. However, both overexpression of RBM24 and recombinant human RBM24 protein suppressed HCV IRES-mediated translation. Further analysis revealed that the assembly of the 80S ribosome on the HCV IRES was interrupted by RBM24 protein through binding to the 5'-UTR. RBM24 could also interact with HCV Core and enhance the interaction of Core and 5'-UTR, which suppresses the expression of HCV. Moreover, RBM24 enhanced the interaction between the 5'- and 3'-UTRs in the HCV genome, which probably explained its requirement in HCV genome replication. Therefore, RBM24 is a novel host factor involved in HCV replication and may function at the switch from translation to replication.

Characterization of smell and taste of pungent-taste herbs based on electronic nose and electronic tongue / 中草药

Objective: To characterize the smell and taste of pungent-taste herbs, material group, and simplex components by using the electronic nose and electronic tongue, and establish the method of material basis of pungent-taste herbs. Methods: Five pungent-taste herbs, material group, and simplex components were chosen as samples, and measuring by electronic nose and electronic tongue. The data collected with the tongue was evaluated with principal component analysis (PCA). Results: In the PCA consequence of electronic nose, different samples were obviously distinguished, and discrimination index was 98. The samples with visibly pungent-taste composition were clustered. In the PCA consequence of electronic tongue, the different taste sample had a different position. Conclusion: Electronic nose and electronic tongue are capable of discriminating between samples, which could character the smell and taste of material group with PCA and function.

Expression of sour-taste properties of Chinese materia medica and their applications in clinical compatibility / 中草药

Authors presented the connection of concept, effect, source, and drug-properties of sour-taste in the five flavors of Chinese material medica (CMM) in this review. Bionic technology of electronic tongue and chemical analysis tools are used to study material basis of sour-taste. The study method of characterization pathway and separation was presented. And authors also discussed the clinical applications and compatibility of CMM with sour-taste, expanded the scope of clinical applications, and laid a foundation for the expression of sour-taste properties of CMM.

In vitro investigation on specific anti-leukemia cell effect of CTL induced by sensitized dendritic cells from umbilical cord blood / 中国实验血液学杂志

This study was aimed to investigate the specific anti-leukemia cell effect of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) induced by HL-60 or K562 cell-sensitized dendritic cells (DCs) from umbilical cord blood. 12 units of human umbilical cord blood (UCB) were collected and the mononuclear cells (MNCs) were isolated from UCB, then cultured with granulocyte monocyte colony- stimulating factor (GM-CSF), interleukin 3 (IL-3), recombinant human stem cell factor (SCF) and EPO for 3 - 4 weeks. Flow cytometry was used to determine the number of DCs and cell surface antigens before and after culture with monoclonal antibodies including CD83, CD1a, CD11c and CDw123. HL-60 and K562 were frozen-thawed, and released their tumor antigen peptides (TAP). The CTLs were produced by sensitizing T lymphocytes with DC-loaded HL-60 and K562 cell antigens. The test of (3)H-TdR incorporation was used to detect the immunostimulation activity of DCs. MTT assay was applied to evaluate specific cytotoxicity of CTL on leukaemia cells. The results indicated that the MNCs of UCBs cultured with GM-CSF, IL-3, EPO and SCF were shown to differentiate into CD1a(+) CD11c(+) CD83(+) CDw123(+) DCs. Numbers of DCs from UCBs remarkably increased in 2 - 4 weeks and then decreased. After culture with cytokines DCs increased (10.6 - 28.2) x 10(5)/ml in actual numbers. The CTL induced by DC pulsed with HL-60, K562 frozen-thawed lysates were effective to kill HL-60 and K562. Cytotoxicity of CTL to HL60 and K562 were (42.04 +/- 8.46)% and (31.25 +/- 11.07)% respectively. It is concluded that the MNCs of UCBs cultured with cytokines of GM-CSF, SCF, EPO and IL-3 can differentiate into CD1a(+), CD83(+), CD11c(+) and CDw123(+) DCs. The CTL induced by DCs pulsed with HL-60, K562 frozen-thawed lysates can effectively kill HL-60 and K562. These DCs as antigen presenting cells play an important role in cancer immunotherapy.