Efficacy of Jianpi Xiaoai Prescription in Inhibition of Metastasis of Colon Cancer HCT116 Cells： An Exploration Based on LncRNA HOTAIR/JAK2/STAT3 Signaling Pathway / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To observe the effect of Jianpi Xiaoai prescription on long non-coding RNA Hox transcript antisense intergenic RNA （lncRNA HOTAIR）/Janus kinase 2 （JAK2） /signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 （STAT3） signaling pathway and to explore the potential mechanism of Jianpi Xiaoai prescription in suppressing the metastasis of colon cancer. Method:The expression of lncRNA HOTAIR in different cells was analyzed. Following the treatment of HCT116 cells with 10%，15%，and 20% Jianpi Xiaoai prescription -containing serum， the invasive ability of Jianpi Xiaoai prescription on HCT116 cells was assessed by transwell assay. The mRNA expression levels of lncRNA HOTAIR，JAK2，and STAT3 were measured by Real-time polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR）， and the protein expression levels of JAK2， phosphorylated STAT3 （p-STAT3） and STAT3 by Western blot. Result:The highest expression of lncRNA HOTAIR was detected in HCT116 cells. Compared with the blank group， each Jianpi Xiaoai prescription group exhibited a decreased number of invasive cells （<italic>P</italic><0.05， <italic>P</italic><0.01）. The relative JAK2 mRNA expression in the middle-dose Jianpi Xiaoai prescription group was down-regulated （<italic>P</italic><0.05）， and the relative lncRNA HOTAIR mRNA expression in the middle- and high-dose Jianpi Xiaoai prescription groups and the relative JAK2 mRNA expression in the high-dose Jianpi Xiaoai prescription group were remarkably down-regulated （<italic>P</italic><0.01）. Compared with the blank group，the relative p-STAT3 protein expression was down-regulated in the middle-dose Jianpi Xiaoai prescription group （<italic>P</italic><0.05）， and the relative JAK2 protein expression in the middle- and high-dose Jianpi Xiaoai prescription groups and the relative p-STAT3 protein expression in the high-dose Jianpi Xiaoai prescription group were remarkably down-regulated （<italic>P</italic><0.01）. Conclusion:Jianpi Xiaoai prescription effectively inhibits the metastasis of colon cancer cells， which may be related to the inhibition of lncRNA HOTAIR/JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway.

Genetic association between HOTAIR gene and the risk of cancer: an updated meta-analysis

Several recent investigations show that HOX transcript antisense intergenic RNA (HOTAIR) play an important role in the pathogenesis of different cancers. HOTAIR polymorphisms has been widely studied in the context of association between with the risk of cancer pathogenesis. However, there is no certain conclusion about the role of HOTAIR polymorphisms in different cancer initiation and progression. Our team has selected eligible studies up to 1 May 2019, from several electronic databases, including Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases. We have included total number of 102 case–control investigations extracted from 41 eligible articles for the current meta-analysis. We calculated pooled odds ratio (ORs) with their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using either fixed-effect or random-effect models for quantitative evaluation of the strength for the association between HOTAIR gene polymorphisms and the risk of cancer. Our current meta-analysis investigation showed that HOTAIR rs4759314 polymorphism particularly increased the overall risk of cancer in different models including homozygous, recessive and allele genetic. HOTAIR rs920778 significantly raised the cancer risk only in recessive genetic model. HOTAIR rs12826786 polymorphism was associated with cancer development in heterozygous, homozygous, dominant, recessive and allele genetic models. Also, an increase in cancer risk was observed with rs874945 polymorphism of HOTAIR gene in heterozygous, dominant and allele genetic models. The rs12427129 polymorphism showed correlation with cancer susceptibility only in recessive model. Subgroup analysis based on cancer type suggested that rs4759314 polymorphism significantly increased the risk of gastric and cervical cancers, and the rs920778 polymorphism increased the risk of gastrointestinal, cervical and gastric cancers. In summary, this study found that HOTAIR polymorphisms are significantly associated with cancer development

Research progress of HOX gene and gynecologic tumor / 实用肿瘤学杂志

The homeobox(HOX)gene is a special type of transcriptional regulator that plays an important role in physiologi-cal regulation mechanisms such as embryonic development,cell growth,differentiation and migration.Recent studies have found that HOX gene expression is abnormal and affects the occurrence and development of tumor.This review summarizes the progress of HOX gene and gynecologic oncology including cervical cancer,endometrial cancer and ovarian cancer,and the instruction and application of HOX gene in the treatment of cancer.We are making the guiding direction of exploring HOX gene through summarizing the existed re-search reports in order to alleviate the pain of gynecological cancer patients.

Progress of long non-coding RNA in colorectal cancer / 肿瘤研究与临床

Colorectal cancer is one of the most familiar malignant neoplasms,but the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer is not clear now.Recently the studies show that the long non-coding RNA(lncRNA)plays a regulatory role in various systemic tumors,including colorectal cancer.LncRNA is a non-coding RNA over 200 nucleotides.Five types of lncRNA including H19,colorectal cancer-associated transcript 1(CCAT1),HOX transcriptional antisense RNA(HOTAIR),lung adenocarcinoma-associated transcription factor 1(MALAT1),maternal imprinted expression gene 3(MEG3)are closely related to colorectal cancer.They are well correlated with the occurrence,development,clinical staging,overall survival,and prognosis of colorectal cancer.Therefore,lncRNA is expected to be a new marker for the diagnosis and evaluation of colorectal cancer in clinical work.

Research progress on mechanism of long non-coding HOTTIP RNA in regulating diges-tive system carcinomas / 中国肿瘤临床

HOTTIP RNA is a type of long non-coding RNA, which is transcribed from the HOXA gene at its distal tip and coordinates the activation of 5'HOXA genes. Particularly, it regulates the expression of the neighboring HOXA 13 gene. Recently, emerging lines of evi-dence have suggested that increased expression of HOTTIP is observed in digestive system carcinomas, including esophageal cancer, gastric cancer, hepatocellular carcinomas, pancreatic cancer, and colorectal cancer, and is closely associated with the initiation and pro-gression of cancer, and affects the survival and prognosis of cancer patients. Therefore, it is expected to be a diagnosis index marker, prognosis indicator, and a new therapeutic target for the relevant tumors. Here, we focus on the discovery of lncRNA HOTTIP, its mech-anism, and the latest developments in the research on HOTTIP in digestive system carcinomas.

Expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and endothelial growth factor receptor related Lnc RNA HOTAIR in hepatocellular carcinoma and their clinical significance / 中国综合临床

Objective To study the mechanism of the signaling pathway-related LncHOTAIR on the invasion and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) and provide experimental basis for the treatment of liver cancer with target gene level.Methods Thirty specimens of liver cancer and tissue adjacent to carcinoma on liver and gallbladder surgery surgical resection were collected in the People′s Liberation Army General Hospital from September 2012 to June 2013.Expression of LncHOTAIR,vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF) and endothelial growth factor receptor(VEGFR) in Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Paracancerous Tissues were detected by Real-time Quantitative Real-time PCR,the relationship between the pathological features and the pathological features of the patients with HCC was analyzed.Results The expression of LncRNA HOTAIR,VEGF and VEGFR were higher in HCC tissues than that in adjacent tissues,which was closely related to tumor size(P=0.512,0.003,0.008),TNM staging(P=0.094,0.001,0.014),portal vein thrombosis(P=0.065,0.046,0.031),invasion and metastasis (P=0.002,0.046,0.031) and 2-year recurrence((P=0.001,0.003,0.021).Conclusion Lnc HOTAIR-related VEGF signal pathways are closely related to the development of liver cancer,si-HOTAIR is expected to become a new focus in the clinical treatment of liver cancer in the future.

Long Non-coding RNA HOTAIR Expression in Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma: In Relation to Polycomb Repressive Complex Pathway Proteins and H3K27 Trimethylation

BACKGROUND: A long non-coding RNA hox transcript antisense intergenic RNA (HOTAIR) is involved in epigenetic regulation through chromatin remodeling by recruiting polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) proteins (EZH2, SUZ12, and EED) that induce histone H3 trimethylation at lysine 27 (H3K27me3). Deregulation of c-MYC and interaction between c-MYC and EZH2 are well known in lymphomagenesis; however, little is known about the expression status of HOTAIR in diffuse large B-cell lymphomas (DLBCLs). METHODS: The expression status of PRC2 (EZH2, SUZ12, and EED), H3K27me3, c-MYC, and BCL2 was analyzed using immunohistochemistry (n = 231), and HOTAIR was investigated by a quantification real-time polymerase chain reaction method (n = 164) in DLBCLs. RESULTS: The present study confirmed the positive correlation among PRC2 proteins, H3K27me3, and c-MYC in DLBCLs. Expression level of HOTAIR was also positively correlated to EZH2 (p < .05, respectively). Between c-MYC and HOTAIR, and between c- MYC/BCL2 co-expression and HOTAIR, however, negative correlation was observed in DLBCLs (p < .05, respectively). High level of H3K27me3 was determined as an independent prognostic marker in poor overall survival (hazard ratio, 2.0; p = .023) of DLBCL patients. High expression of HOTAIR, however, was associated with favorable overall survival (p = .004) in the univariate analysis, but the impact was not significant in the multivariate analysis. The favorable outcome of DLBCL with HOTAIR high expression levels may be related to the negative correlation with c- MYC expression or c-MYC/BCL2 co-expression. CONCLUSIONS: HOTAIR expression could be one of possible mechanisms for inducing H3K27me3 via EZH2-related PRC2 activation, and induced H3K27me3 may be strongly related to aggressive DLBCLs which show poor patient outcome.

Dorsoscapularis triangularis: embryological and phylogenetic characterization of a rare variation of trapezius / 대한해부학회지

The muscle trapezius shows considerable morphological diversity. Variations include an anomalous origin and complete or partial absence of the muscle. The present study reported, a hitherto undocumented complete bilateral absence of the cervical part of trapezius. Based on its peculiar origin and insertion, it was named dorsoscapularis triangularis. The embryological, phylogenetic and molecular basis of the anomaly was elucidated. Failure of cranial migration of the trapezius component of the branchial musculature anlage to gain attachment on the occipital bone, cervical spinous processes, ligamentum nuchae between 11 mm and 16 mm stage of the embryo, resulted in this anomaly. A surgeon operating on the head and neck region or a radiologist analyzing a magnetic resonance imaging of the cervical region would find the knowledge of this morphological variation of trapezius useful in making clinical decisions.

Long noncoding RNA HOTAIR promotes liver cancer HepG2 cell migra-tion and invasion by regulating PIK3R3 / 中国病理生理杂志

[ ABSTRACT] AIM:To investigate the effect of HOX transcript antisense RNA ( HOTAIR) on the migration and invasion abilities of liver carcinoma HepG 2 cells.METHODS:The expression of phosphoinositide-3-kinase regulatory sub-unit 3 (PIK3R3) in the liver cancer and normal liver tissues was detected by immunohistochemistry .The efficiency of gene silencing of HOTAIR or PIK3R3 by LV3-shHOTAIR or LV3-shPIK3R3 was determined by qPCR and Western blot .The mi-gration and invasion abilities of HepG 2 cells after silencing of HOTAIR and PIK3R3 were measured by wound healing assay and Transwell Matrigel invasion assay .The expression of miR-214 after silencing of HOTAIR and PIK3R3 was analyzed by qPCR.The expression of HOTAIR and PIK3R3 in the HepG2 cells was also evaluated by qPCR after transfected with miR-214 mimics or miR-214 inhibitor .Dual-luciferase reporter assay system was used to determine the regulatory effect of miR-214 on HOTAIR and PIK3R3 expression.RESULTS:PIK3R3 expression increased significantly in the liver cancer tissues compared with normal liver tissues .The abilities of invasion and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma were reduced after silencing of HOTAIR and PIK3R3.miR-214 expression was increased when silencing of HOTAIR and PIK3R3 was per-formed.HOTAIR and PIK3R3 expression was reduced after transfection with miR-214 mimics.HOTAIR and PIK3R3 ex-pression was increased after transfection with miR-214 inhibitor.The results of dual-luciferase reporter assay test showed that miR-214 directly regulated HOTAIR and PIK3R3 transcription activity .CONCLUSION: HOTAIR regulates the ex-pression of PIK3R3 through miR-214, thus promoting the migration and invasion abilities in the liver cancer cells .

Role of HOX genes in tumor genesis and development / 解剖学报

HOX gene belongs to a highly conserved subgroup of the homeobox superfamily .The HOX genes constitute a family of transcription factors that play key roles in embryonic development , regulating numerous processes , such us cellular growth, differentiation, apoptosis, motility and angiogenesis.The present review shows that there is a close relationship between aberrant expression of HOX genes and malignancy .This article summarizes briofly the advances in the research on HOX genes and their roles in tumor genesis .

Research on aberrant expression of HOX in gastrointestinal neoplasms and its mechanism / 国际外科学杂志

Homebox genes are known to determine cell proliferation and differentiation and subsequently regulate the occurrence,development and prognosis of many tyhpes of malignant tumors in human.Some recent studies have shown that homebox genes are abnormally expressed in the esophageal,gastric,coloreetal and other gastrointestinal tumors.In this review,we consider that homebox genes may regulate the occurrence,development of gastrointestinal tumors by interacting with transcription factors in vivo and abnormal epigenetic modifications.Therefore,homebox genes are closely related to gastrointestinal tumors.

Chromatin organization and transcriptional activation of Hox genes / 대한해부학회지

Spatially and temporally programmed expression of the Hox genes along the antero-posterior (A-P) axis is essential for correct pattern formation during embryonic development. An accumulating body of evidence indicates the pivotal role of spatial chromatin organization for the coordination of gene regulation. Recently, chromosome conformation capture (3C) technique has been developed and opened a new way to study chromosomal interactions in the nucleus. In this study, we describe 3C method we applied in F9 embryonic teratocarcinoma cells and demonstrate that the chromosomal interactions at Hox loci are successfully detected. Interestingly, at Hoxc loci, the abundance of intrachromosomal interactions with neighboring fragments was drastically decreased when the genes are expressed. These results indicate the possibility of the dynamic pattern of chromosomal interaction in association with the transcriptional regulation of Hox genes.

HOXB13 is co-localized with androgen receptor to suppress androgen-stimulated prostate-specific antigen expression / 대한해부학회지

During the prostate cancer (PCa) development and its progression into hormone independency, androgen receptor (AR) signals play a central role by triggering the regulation of target genes, including prostate-specific antigen. However, the regulation of these AR-mediated target genes is not fully understood. We have previously demonstrated a unique role of HOXB13 homeodomain protein as an AR repressor. Expression of HOXB13 was highly restricted to the prostate and its suppression dramatically increased hormone-activated AR transactivation, suggesting that prostate-specific HOXB13 was a highly potent transcriptional regulator. In this report, we demonstrated the action mechanism of HOXB13 as an AR repressor. HOXB13 suppressed androgen-stimulated AR activity by interacting with AR. HOXB13 did neither bind to AR responsive elements nor disturb nuclear translocation of AR in response to androgen. In PCa specimen, we also observed mutual expression pattern of HOXB13 and AR. These results suggest that HOXB13 not only serve as a DNA-bound transcription factor but play an important role as an AR-interacting repressor to modulate hormone-activated androgen receptor signals. Further extensive studies will uncover a novel mechanism for regulating AR-signaling pathway to lead to expose new role of HOXB13 as a non-DNA-binding transcriptional repressor.

A study of the distribution of phylogenetically conserved blocks within clusters of mammalian homeobox genes

Genome sequencing efforts of the last decade have produced a large amount of data, which has enabled whole-genome comparative analyses in order to locate potentially functional elements and study the overall patterns of phylogenetic conservation. In this paper we present a statistically based method for the characterization of these patterns in mammalian DNA sequences. We have applied this approach to the study of exceptionally well conserved homeobox gene clusters (Hox), based on an alignment of six species, and we have constructed a map of Hox cataloguing the conserved fragments, along with their locations in relation to the genes and other landmarks, sometimes showing unexpected layouts.

HOX gene analysis in the osteogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells

Human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) have the capacity to differentiate into osteoblasts during osteogenesis. Several studies attempted to identify osteogenesis-related genes in hMSCs. Although HOX genes are known to play a pivotal role in skeletogenesis, their function in the osteogenesis of hMSCs has not yet been investigated in detail. Our aim was to characterize the expression of 37 HOX genes by multiplex RT-PCR to identify the ones most probably involved in osteogenic differentiation. The results showed that the expression patterns of four HOX genes were altered during this process. In particular, the expression levels of HOXC13 and HOXD13 were dramatically changed. Real-time PCR and Western blot analysis were performed in order to further analyze the expression of HOXC13 and HOXD13. The qRT-PCR results showed that transcription of HOXC13 was up-regulated by up to forty times, whereas that of HOXD13 was down-regulated by approximately five times after osteogenic differentiation. The Western blot results for the HOXC13 and HOXD13 proteins also corresponded well with the real-time PCR result. These findings suggest that HOXC13 and HOXD13 might be involved in the osteogenic differentiation of hMSCs.

Mutações do gene notch1 e outras alterações moleculares relacionadas à etiopatogênese das leucemias linfoblásticas agudas de linhagem t (lla-t)

As leucemias linfoblásticas agudas de célula T (LLAs-T) apresentam alta prevalência em países em desenvolvimento, justificando a realização de estudos exploratórios na população brasileira. Análises das alterações genético-moleculares têm permitido a identificação de elementos envolvidos na leucemogênese. A fusão SIL-TAL1, a expressão do gene HOX11L2, e as mutações do NOTCH1 são alterações genéticas comuns nas LLAs-T. Com o objetivo de testar a influência destas anormalidades no prognóstico das LLAs-T de pacientes brasileiros, nós analisamos uma série de 170 crianças e adultos jovens com LLA-T, com idades entre 1-21 anos, sendo 39 meninas e 131 meninos, diagnosticados entre 2001-2007. A metodologia incluiu imunofenotipagem para a definição do subtipo celular e para análise do status do CD10 e CD1a; RT-PCR para detecção do SIL-TAL1e do HOX11L2, PCR, DHPLC e seqüenciamento para a identificação de mutações no NOTCH1. O método de Kaplan-Meyer foi usado para estimar a sobrevida dos casos em 36 meses de acordo com o perfil dos marcadores analisados. Nossos resultados mostraram 36,4 % das amostras com CD10+ e 28,8 % com CD1a+. As freqüências do SIL-TAL1 e do HOX11L2 foram 24,4 % e 11,5 % respectivamente. Sobre as mutações do NOTCH1, o domínio PEST estava mutado em 8,8 % dos casos; o HD representou 16,2 % das mutações, enquanto a análise de ambos os domínios juntos demonstrou 57,4 % das mutações. Interessantemente, duas irmãs com LLA-T (não-gemelares) foram analisadas para o NOTCH1, vimos que ambas apresentaram mutações nos domínios HD e PEST nas mesmas regiões. A análise das células do SP dos pais destas irmãs não demonstrou mutações no NOTCH1. Com estes resultados, nós podemos afirmar que estas mutações são somáticas. O impacto de cada marcador na sobrevida não foi estatisticamente significante. Através destes resultados vê-se que é necessário continuar este estudo com um número maior de casos analisados para o NOTCH1, para que, assim, possamos avaliar melhor o impacto destes marcadores na patogênese das LLAs-T.

T acute lymphoblastic leukemias (T-ALL) subtype presents higher prevalence in developing countries, justifying exploring studies in a Brazilian population. The analyses of genetic-molecular alterations have allowed the identification of elements involved in leukemogenesis. The SIL-TAL1 fusion gene, the expression of HOX11L2 gene, and NOTCH1 mutations are the common genetic alterations found in T-ALL. In order to test the influence of such abnormalities on outcome of T-ALL in Brazilian patients, we carried out on analysis of a series of 170 children and young adults with T-ALL, age range 1-21 years old, being 39 girls and 131 boys consecutively diagnosed between 2001-2007. Methodology included immunophenotyping for subtype definition and analyses of CD10 and CD1a status; RT-PCR for molecular analyses of SIL-TAL1and HOX11L2, PCR, DHPLC and sequencing for NOTCH1 mutations detections. Kaplan-Meyer survival methodology was used to estimate the 36-months survival rate of T-ALL cases according to the markers analyzed. Our results show that CD10 was positive in 36.4 % of the samples and CD1a in 28.8 %. The frequency of SILTAL1 fusion gene and HOX11L2 were 24.4 % and 11.5 % respectively. Regarding NOTCH1mutations, the domain PEST was mutated in 8.8 % of the cases; the HD domain demonstrated 16.2 % of mutations, whereas the analysis of both domains together presented 57.4 % of mutations. Interesting, T-ALL in two sisters (non-twins) included in these analyses, demonstrated that they both had mutation in HD and PEST domains in the same region. The analysis of PB cells of both parents demonstrated any mutation in NOTCH1. With these results, we can confirm that NOTCH1 mutations are somatic. The impact of all markers in survival was not significant statistically. From these results it is necessary to continue the study with a larger number of cases analyzed to NOTCH1, so we can better evaluate the impact of each marker with the pathogenesis of T-ALLs.

The Expression of HOX D3 and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-C in Skin Tumors / 대한피부과학회지

BACKGROUND: The anatomical relation between a malignant tumor and its vascular and lymphatic bed is an important influencing metastasis. Hox D3 is required for these expressions of integrin alpha v beta3 and urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA), which contribute to endothelial cell adhesion, invasion, and migration during angiogenesis. Recent studies in different tumor types have shown that vascular endothelial growth factor-C (VEGF-C), which displays a high specificity for lymphatic endothelium, is involved in tumor-induced lymphagiogenesis and lymphatic metastatic spread. OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to measure the expression of HOX D3 and VEGF-C in different skin cancers. METHODS: The expression of HOX D3 and VEGF-C was examined by immunohistochemical staining of 40 skin cancer tissue samples, including 8 keratoacanthomas, 8 extramammary paget's disease, 8 basal cell carcinomas, 8 squamous cell carcinomas and 8 malignant melanomas. RESULTS: Immunohistochemical analysis of 40 skin cancer tissue samples revealed a high expression of HOX D3 and VEGF-C in the more aggressive and invasive skin tumors, including squamous cell carcinomas and malignant melanomas. On the other hand, low expression was seen in the less-invasive skin tumors, including keratoacanthomas, extramammary paget's disease and basal cell carcinomas. Also the degree of expression of HOX D3 and VEGF-C showed a statistically-significant correlation with each skin tumor (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: These findings provide evidence that the upregulation of HOX D3 and VEGF-C might be involved in the promotion of angiogenesis and lymphagiogenesis in skin tumors and play an important role in metastasis.

Effect of Retinoic Acid on Palate Formation during Rat Embryogenesis / 대한해부학회지

In order to understand the effect of retinoic acid (RA) on the craniofacial pattern formation during embryogenesis, we injected RA intraperitoneally into the pregnant female rat on day 11 post coitum (p.c.) and then embryos of day 13 to day 17 p.c. were isolated consequently. The overall morphology and the differential gene expression patterns were analyzed by the microscopic and (DD) RT-PCR methods, respectively. For the morphological study, the retardation of craniofacial region, the shortage of crown rump length and limbs were analyzed in the RA-treated embryos. In the RA-treated embryos of day 17, it was observed that the palatogenesis was completely finished just like in the normal embryos. However, the cleft plate was observed in 36 out of 52 total samples with the distance of cleft palate being 0.80+/-0.36 mm in average. The temporal expression pattern of Hox genes through RT-PCR revealed that the expression of Hoxa7 reached its peak on day 13 then slowly declined in the normal embryos. Whereas in the RA-treated embryos, the expression peak was observed on day 15, then declined subsequently. With the Hoxc8 gene, its expression was low in all stages until the day 16 of normal embryogenesis. On the other hand, Hoxc8 gene expression was detected slightly early on day 15 in the RA-treated embryos. In the study of Bcl-2 family genes, uniformly strong expression of anti-apoptotic and pro-apoptotic genes was observed from day 13 to day 17 of normal embryos, whereas anti-apoptotic gene expressions were decreased after day 16 in the RAtreated embryos. Additionally, a dramatic decline of pro-apoptotic gene expression was observed from day 13 to day 15 of the RA-treated embryos. Therefore, we believe that RA is a potential factor that is actively involved in the cleft palate formation. Moreover, it is profoundly linked with the regulation of Hox and Bcl-2 family gene expression pattern that leads to the embryonic malformation.

Expression of HOXB9 Gene in Hela Cells,Mocoy Cells, SP2/0 Cells and U251 Cells / 中国医师杂志

Objective To study the expression of HOXB9 gene in Hela cells,Mocoy cells, SP2/0 cells and U251 cells. Methods The expression of HOXB9 gene was detected by semi-quantitative RT-PCR method. Results Hela cell and U251 cell expressed HOXB9 gene, which SP2/0 cell and Mocoy cell didn't express it. Conclusion The expression of HOXB9 gene was different in different cells.

Retinoic acid and mammalian craniofacial morphogenesis.

Retinoic acid is a morphogenetic signalling molecule in vertebrate embryos, one being known to perform a specific function in organizing the body pattern along the anteroposterior axis. This molecule has especially attracted research attention because retinoic acid treatment will also induce abnormal morphogenesis, particularly in the craniofacial structures. The present review discusses recent molecular insights revealing how the retinoic acid signal is transduced within a cell, specifically focusing on the involvement of cranial neural crest cells in retinoic acid-induced abnormal morphogenesis in the mammalian head.