Revealing the role of interlayer spacing in radioactive-ion sieving of functionalized graphene membranes.

Functionalization of graphene enables precise control over interlayer spacing during film formation, thereby enhancing the separation efficiency of radioactive ions in graphene membranes. However, the systematic impact of interlayer spacing of graphene membranes on radioactive-ion separation remains unexplored. This study aims to elucidate how interlayer spacing in functionalized graphene membranes affects the separation of radioactive ions. Utilizing polyamidoxime (PAO) to modify graphene oxide, we controlled the interlayer spacing of graphene membranes. Experimental results indicate that tuning interlayer spacing enables control of the permeation flux of radioactive ions (UO22+ 1.01 × 10-5-8.32 × 10-5 mol/m2·h, and K+ remains stable at 3.60 × 10-4 mol/m2·h), and the K+/UO22+ separation factors up to 36.2 at an interlayer spacing of 8.8 Å. Using density functional theory and molecular dynamics simulations, we discovered that the effective separation is mainly determined via interlayer spacing and the quantity of introduced functional groups, explaining the anomalous high permeation flux of target ions at low interlayer spacing (4.3 Å). This study deepens our comprehension of interlayer spacing within nanoconfined spaces for ion separation and recovery via graphene membranes, offering valuable insights for the design and synthesis of high-performance nanomembrane materials.

Genome-wide association study and development of molecular markers for yield and quality traits in peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.).

BACKGROUND: This study aims to decipher the genetic basis governing yield components and quality attributes of peanuts, a critical aspect for advancing molecular breeding techniques. Integrating genotype re-sequencing and phenotypic evaluations of seven yield components and two grain quality traits across four distinct environments allowed for the execution of a genome-wide association study (GWAS). RESULTS: The nine phenotypic traits were all continuous and followed a normal distribution. The broad heritability ranged from 88.09 to 98.08%, and the genotype-environment interaction effects were all significant. There was a highly significant negative correlation between protein content (PC) and oil content (OC). The 10× genome re-sequencing of 199 peanut accessions yielded a total of 631,988 high-quality single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), with 374 significant SNP loci identified in association with the nine traits of interest. Notably, 66 of these pertinent SNPs were detected in multiple environments, and 48 of them were linked to multiple traits of interest. Five loci situated on chromosome 16 (Chr16) exhibited pleiotropic effects on yield traits, accounting for 17.64-32.61% of the observed phenotypic variation. Two loci on Chr08 were found to be strongly associated with protein and oil contents, accounting for 12.86% and 14.06% of their respective phenotypic variations, respectively. Linkage disequilibrium (LD) block analysis of these seven loci unraveled five nonsynonymous variants, leading to the identification of one yield-related candidate gene and two quality-related candidate genes. The correlation between phenotypic variation and SNP loci in these candidate genes was validated by Kompetitive allele-specific PCR (KASP) marker analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, molecular markers were developed for genetic loci associated with yield and quality traits through a GWAS investigation of 199 peanut accessions across four distinct environments. These molecular tools can aid in the development of desirable peanut germplasm with an equilibrium of yield and quality through marker-assisted breeding.

The Biological Functions and Regulatory Mechanisms of Fatty Acid Binding Protein 5 in Various Diseases.

In recent years, fatty acid binding protein 5 (FABP5), also known as fatty acid transporter, has been widely researched with the help of modern genetic technology. Emerging evidence suggests its critical role in regulating lipid transport, homeostasis, and metabolism. Its involvement in the pathogenesis of various diseases such as metabolic syndrome, skin diseases, cancer, and neurological diseases is the key to understanding the true nature of the protein. This makes FABP5 be a promising component for numerous clinical applications. This review has summarized the most recent advances in the research of FABP5 in modulating cellular processes, providing an in-depth analysis of the protein's biological properties, biological functions, and mechanisms involved in various diseases. In addition, we have discussed the possibility of using FABP5 as a new diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target for human diseases, shedding light on challenges facing future research.

Biological functions of m6A methyltransferases.

M6A methyltransferases, acting as a writer in N6-methyladenosine, have attracted wide attention due to their dynamic regulation of life processes. In this review, we first briefly introduce the individual components of m6A methyltransferases and explain their close connections to each other. Then, we concentrate on the extensive biological functions of m6A methyltransferases, which include cell growth, nerve development, osteogenic differentiation, metabolism, cardiovascular system homeostasis, infection and immunity, and tumour progression. We summarize the currently unresolved problems in this research field and propose expectations for m6A methyltransferases as novel targets for preventive and curative strategies for disease treatment in the future.

Adaptive synchronization of marine surface ships using disturbance rejection without leader velocity.

This work realizes the adaptive neural disturbance rejection for the leader-follower cooperative synchronization of surface ships with model perturbations and ocean disturbances without leader velocity measurements. The virtual ship alleviates the requirements on leader ship's velocities such that the information requirements are only position and heading on the leader ship. The adaptive neural networks approximate model perturbations. The robustifying term attenuates neural network approximation errors. The adaptive neural network-based disturbance observer achieves the disturbance rejection which is integrated with the dynamic surface control technique. The supply ship synchronization control system is ensured to be practical stable. The synchronization control realizes the ship's cooperative synchronization navigation. Simulations with comparisons validate the synchronization scheme.

6-Shogaol from ginger shows anti-tumor effect in cervical carcinoma via PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway.

PURPOSE: 6-Shogaol, an active phenolic compound from ginger (Zingiber officinale), can inhibit the growth of a variety of human cancer cells. Nevertheless, its underlying molecular mechanisms in cervical cancer remain unclear. In this study, we systematically examine the inhibitory effect of 6-shogaol on cervical cancer in vitro and in vivo. METHODS: Cell proliferation was assessed by CCK8 assay and colony formation assay in HeLa and SiHa cells. We analyzed cell cycle and apoptosis through flow cytometry. GFP-LC3 puncta and transmission electron microscopy were used to observe autophagic bodies. Wound-healing assay and transwell assay were used for evaluating the migration of cells. Western blot was applied to detect protein expression levels. RESULTS: 6-Shogaol could suppress cell proliferation and migration, cause cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase in HeLa and SiHa cells. Moreover, 6-shogaol triggered the apoptosis process through the mitochondrial pathway by downregulating the expression levels of p-PI3K, p-Akt and p-mTOR. Further research indicated that the induction of apoptosis by 6-shogaol was remarkably decreased after the treatment of ROS scavenger and PI3K agonist. Additionally, 6-shogaol increased the number of LC3-positive puncta and autophagic bodies per cell in both HeLa and SiHa cells. Pretreatment of cells with Bafilomycin A1, an autophagy inhibitor, accelerated 6-shogaol mediated cell apoptosis, suggesting that induction of autophagy by 6-shogaol is suppressive to apoptosis. Furthermore, in vivo data revealed that 6-shogaol significantly inhibited tumor growth and cell proliferation in tumor tissues. CONCLUSION: These findings suggested that 6-shogaol could be developed as a functional food ingredient, which is potentially used as therapeutic agents for patients with cervical cancer.

Benzophenones and synthetic progestin in wastewater and sediment from farms, WWTPs and receiving surface water: distribution, sources, and ecological risks.

Farms and wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are important sources of endocrine disruptors, which may have potential adverse effects on the nearby receiving river and potential human health risks. Benzophenone (BPs) and synthetic progestin were determined in water and sediment samples of the discharge source and receiving river. BPs and synthetic progestin ranged from not detected (N.D.) to 400.53 ng L-1 in water samples and from N.D. to 359.92 ng g-1 dw in sediment, respectively, and benzophenone-3 (BP-3) and ethinyl estradiol (EE2) were the main detected objects. Correlation analysis showed that pollutants discharged from livestock farms were the main contributor to the receiving river. The distribution of pollutants in different regions was related to higher population density and livestock activities. Predicted no-effect concentrations (PNECs) were investigated for ecological risk assessment in the study area, and 86% of the samples exceeded the baseline value of chronic toxicity. Benzophenone-1 (BP-1), benzophenone-3 (BP-3), 4-hydroxybenzophenone (4-OH-BP) and benzophenone (BP) were identified as the main substances that caused medium risk in the aquatic ecosystem. Therefore, BPs and synthetic progesterone should be given more attention in the future.

Typical antibiotics in the receiving rivers of direct-discharge sources of sewage across Shanghai: occurrence and source analysis.

In Shanghai, the antibiotics in the receiving rivers of direct-discharge sources of sewage (aquaculture farms, cattle farms and wastewater treatment plants) were investigated. Water and sediment samples from the receiving rivers of these sources were collected, and were screened for 19 typical antibiotics. The concentration of the antibiotics in the water and sediment ranged from not detected (ND) to 530.05 ng L-1 and ND to 1039.53 ng g-1, respectively, and sulfonamides and fluoroquinolones were identified as the main antibiotics in the water and sediment, respectively. According to principal component analysis with multiple linear regression (PCA-MLR), source contributions were estimated: wastewater treatment plants (66.8%) > aquaculture farms and cattle farms (21.2%), indicating that the contribution of human antibiotics was higher than veterinary antibiotics. Based on the risk quotients, ciprofloxacin was identified as the main antibiotic that causes medium risk in the aquatic ecosystem. This work systematically reflected the profile and source apportionment of antibiotics in Shanghai, which is helpful for antibiotic contamination control and environmental management.

Cluster radioactivity of neutron-deficient nuclei in trans-tin region.

The possibility of cluster radioactivity (CR) of the neutron-deficient nuclei in the trans-tin region is explored by using the effective liquid drop model (ELDM), generalized liquid drop model (GLDM), and several sets of analytic formulas. It is found that the minimal half-lives are at Nd = 50 (Nd is the neutron number of the daughter nucleus) for the same kind cluster emission because of the Q value (released energy) shell effect at Nd = 50. Meanwhile, it is shown that the half-lives of α-like (Ae = 4n, Ze = Ne. Ze and Ne are the charge number and neutron number of the emitted cluster, respectively.) cluster emissions leading to the isotopes with Zd = 50 (Zd is the proton number of the daughter nucleus) are easier to measure than those of non-α-like (Ae = 4n + 2) cases due to the large Q values in α-like cluster emission processes. Finally, some α-like CR half-lives of the Nd = 50 nuclei and their neighbours are predicted, which are useful for searching for the new CR in future experiments.

Whole-genome resequencing-based QTL-seq identified AhTc1 gene encoding a R2R3-MYB transcription factor controlling peanut purple testa colour.

Peanut (Arachis hypogaea. L) is an important oil crop worldwide. The common testa colours of peanut varieties are pink or red. But the peanut varieties with dark purple testa have been focused in recent years due to the potential high levels of anthocyanin, an added nutritional value of antioxidant. However, the genetic mechanism regulating testa colour of peanut is unknown. In this study, we found that the purple testa was decided by the female parent and controlled by a single major gene named AhTc1. To identify the candidate gene controlling peanut purple testa, whole-genome resequencing-based approach (QTL-seq) was applied, and a total of 260.9 Gb of data were generated from the parental and bulked lines. SNP index analysis indicated that AhTc1 located in a 4.7 Mb region in chromosome A10, which was confirmed by bulked segregant RNA sequencing (BSR) analysis in three segregation populations derived from the crosses between pink and purple testa varieties. Allele-specific markers were developed and demonstrated that the marker pTesta1089 was closely linked with purple testa. Further, AhTc1 encoding a R2R3-MYB gene was positional cloned. The expression of AhTc1 was significantly up-regulated in the purple testa parent YH29. Overexpression of AhTc1 in transgenic tobacco plants led to purple colour of leaves, flowers, pods and seeds. In conclusion, AhTc1, encoding a R2R3-MYB transcription factor and conferring peanut purple testa, was identified, which will be useful for peanut molecular breeding selection for cultivars with purple testa colour for potential increased nutritional value to consumers.

Integrated Analysis of Comparative Lipidomics and Proteomics Reveals the Dynamic Changes of Lipid Molecular Species in High-Oleic Acid Peanut Seed.

Modern peanut contains fatty acid desaturase 2 (FAD2) mutation, which is capable of producing high oleic acid for human health. However, the dynamic changes of the lipidome regarding fad2 remain elusive in peanut seed. In the present study, 547 lipid features were identified in high- and normal-oleic peanut seeds by utilizing the mass spectrometric approach. The fad2-induced differently expressed lipids (DELs) were polarly distributed at early and maturation stages during high-oleic acid (OA) seed development. Subsequently, integration of previously published proteomic data and lipidomic data revealed that 21 proteins and 149 DELs were annotated into the triacylglycerol assembly map, of which nine enzymes and 31 lipid species shared similar variation tendencies. Additionally, the variation tendencies of 17 acyl fatty acids were described in a hypothetical biosynthetic pathway. Collectively, the understanding of the lipid composition correlated with fad2 established a foundation for future high-OA peanut breeding based on lipidomic data.

Meta-Analysis of Astragalus-Containing Traditional Chinese Medicine Combined With Chemotherapy for Colorectal Cancer: Efficacy and Safety to Tumor Response.

This meta analysis evaluated the comparative safety and efficacy for the addition of Astragalus-based Chinese medicines combined with chemotherapy and chemotherapy alone for colorectal cancer (CRC) treatment. Systematic literature search was performed by PubMed, EMBSAE, Ovid, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Chinese Science and Technology Journals (CQVIP), China Academic Journals (CNKI), and Chinese Biomedical Literature database. A total of 22 studies which reported on 1,409 subjects were identified. This meta-analysis indicated that the combination of Astragalus-based Chinese medicines and chemotherapy may increase the efficiency of tumor response rate (TRR) for the treatment of CRC patients (RR: 1.52; 95% CI: 1.24-1.87; p < 0.0001), improve their life quality based on KPS (RR: 2.51; 95% CI: 1.85-3.42; p < 0.00001 and WMD: 10.96; 95% CI: 9.45-12.47; p < 0.00001), and reduce the adverse reactions, including neutropenia (RR: 0.52; 95% CI: 0.44-0.62; p < 0.00001), anemia (RR: 0.49; 95% CI: 0.34-0.70; p < 0.0001), thrombocytopenia (RR: 0.59; 95% CI: 0.46-0.77; p = 0.0001), nausea and vomiting (RR: 0.56; 95% CI: 0.46-0.68; p < 0.00001), diarrhea (RR: 0.55; 95% CI: 0.40-0.75; p = 0.0001), and neurotoxicity (RR: 0.56; 95% CI: 0.49-0.65; p < 0.00001). Hepatic dysfunction (RR: 0.76; 95% CI: 0.53-1.09; p = 0.13) and renal dysfunction (RR: 0.95; 95% CI: 0.51-1.76; p = 0.87) were similar between two groups. The results showed that Astragalus-based Chinese medicines combined with chemotherapy in the treatment of CRC may increase the efficiency of TRR, reduce chemotherapeutic agents-associated adverse reactions, and improve their life quality when compared with chemotherapy alone, but further randomized studies are warranted.

Transcriptomic Analysis Reveals the High-Oleic Acid Feedback Regulating the Homologous Gene Expression of Stearoyl-ACP Desaturase 2 (SAD2) in Peanuts.

Peanuts with high oleic acid content are usually considered to be beneficial for human health and edible oil storage. In breeding practice, peanut lines with high monounsaturated fatty acids are selected using fatty acid desaturase 2 (FAD2), which is responsible for the conversion of oleic acid (C18:1) to linoleic acid (C18:2). Here, comparative transcriptomics were used to analyze the global gene expression profile of high- and normal-oleic peanut cultivars at six time points during seed development. First, the mutant type of FAD2 was determined in the high-oleic peanut (H176). The result suggested that early translation termination occurred simultaneously in the coding sequence of FAD2-A and FAD2-B, and the cultivar H176 is capable of utilizing a potential germplasm resource for future high-oleic peanut breeding. Furthermore, transcriptomic analysis identified 74 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) involved in lipid metabolism in high-oleic peanut seed, of which five DEGs encoded the fatty acid desaturase. Aradu.XM2MR belonged to the homologous gene of stearoyl-ACP (acyl carrier protein) desaturase 2 (SAD2) that converted the C18:0 into C18:1. Further subcellular localization studies indicated that FAD2 was located at the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), and Aradu.XM2MR was targeted to the plastid in Arabidopsis protoplast cells. To examine the dynamic mechanism of this finding, we focused on the peroxidase (POD)-mediated fatty acid (FA) degradation pathway. The fad2 mutant significantly increased the POD activity and H2O2 concentration at the early stage of seed development, implying that redox signaling likely acted as a messenger to connect the signaling transduction between the high-oleic content and Aradu.XM2MR transcription level. Taken together, transcriptome analysis revealed the feedback mechanism of SAD2 (Aradu.XM2MR) associated with FAD2 mutation during the seed developmental stage, which could provide a potential peanut breeding strategy based on identified candidate genes to improve the content of oleic acid.

Down-regulation of CCNE1 expression suppresses cell proliferation and sensitizes gastric carcinoma cells to Cisplatin.

A novel oncogene CCNE1 (cyclin E) is considered to be associated with the development of various tumor types, its role in gastric carcinoma (GC) is little studied and the effect of CCNE1 on chemotherapy also remains unclear. We recruited 55 cases of GC tissues and corresponding normal tissues. Immunohistochemistry (IHC), quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blot analysis were performed to detect the expression of CCNE1. We also examined the expression of CCNE1 in gastric mucosal GES-1 cells and five GC cell lines. Silencing CCNE1 was used to assess its effect on proliferation and cell cycle in MGC-803 and NCI-N87 cells, as performed by Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and flow cytometry assay. Meanwhile, cell cycle related genes were also detected through qRT-PCR and Western blot. The results showed CCNE1 up-regulation mainly expressed in GC tissues and GC cell lines, also was associated with tumor node metastasis (TNM) stage and lymphatic invasion. Three-year survival curve analysis showed CCNE1 with high expression had a poor prognosis. Silencing CCNE1 significantly reduced cell viability in 48 h, cultured and arrested cell cycle in G1 phase, moreover, Cyclin A, D1 and C-myc all revealed down-regulation in both MGC-803 and NCI-N87 cells. CCNE1 expression was significantly increased at low and moderate concentrations of Cisplatin. Down-regulation of CCNE1 expression would remarkably promote cell apoptosis induced by Cisplatin, and regulate the rate of Bax/Bcl-2. Down-regulation of CCNE1 expression could inhibit cell proliferation and enhance GC cells sensibility to Cisplatin, possibly involving the regulation of Bcl-2 family.

CXCR4 overexpression is correlated with poor prognosis in colorectal cancer.

AIMS: Colorectal cancer threatens human health due to its high mortality resulting from metastatic progression. The expression of C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4) is absent or low in most healthy tissues but high in various types of tumours. In this study, we aim to determine the prognostic significance of CXCR4 in colorectal cancer. MAIN METHODS: We retrospectively examined a total of 72 tissue samples, that qRT-PCR and immunohistochemistry were performed to detect the expression of CXCR4 as well as univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to explore the overall survival. KEY FINDINGS: Our data demonstrated that CXCR4 expression was associated with lymph node metastasis (P = 0.049), histological differentiation (P = 0.01), distant metastasis (P = 0.02) and DNA mismatch repair (MMR) index (P = 0.0002). However, CXCR4 expression was not associated with age, sex, tumour diameter or depth of invasion. Furthermore, both univariate and multivariate analyses confirmed that CXCR4 was an independent factor in predicting unfavourable overall survival (hazard ratio, 0.188; 95% confidence interval, 0.038-0.757). SIGNIFICANCE: In conclusion, our findings suggest that CXCR4 might contribute to clinical tumour progression and may be a valuable prognostic biomarker in colorectal cancer treatment.

Identification of the Candidate Proteins Related to Oleic Acid Accumulation during Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) Seed Development through Comparative Proteome Analysis.

Peanuts (Arachis hypogaea L.) are an important oilseed crop, containing high contents of protein and fatty acids (FA). The major components of FA found in peanut oil are unsaturated FAs, including oleic acid (OA, C18:1) and linoleic acid (LOA, C18:2). Moreover, the high content of OA in peanut oil is beneficial for human health and long-term storage due to its antioxidant activity. However, the dynamic changes in proteomics related to OA accumulation during seed development still remain largely unexplored. In the present study, a comparative proteome analysis based on iTRAQ (isobaric Tags for Relative and Absolute Quantification) was performed to identify the critical candidate factors involved in OA formation. A total of 389 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were identified between high-oleate cultivar Kainong176 and low-oleate cultivar Kainong70. Among these DEPs, 201 and 188 proteins were upregulated and downregulated, respectively. In addition, these DEPs were categorized into biosynthesis pathways of unsaturated FAs at the early stage during the high-oleic peanut seed development, and several DEPs involved in lipid oxidation pathway were found at the stage of seed maturation. Meanwhile, 28 DEPs were sporadically distributed in distinct stages of seed formation, and their molecular functions were directly correlated to FA biosynthesis and degradation. Fortunately, the expression of FAB2 (stearoyl-acyl carrier protein desaturase), the rate-limiting enzyme in the upstream biosynthesis process of OA, was significantly increased in the early stage and then decreased in the late stage of seed development in the high-oleate cultivar Kainong176. Furthermore, real-time PCR verified the expression pattern of FAB2 at the mRNA level, which was consistent with its protein abundance. However, opposite results were found for the low-oleate cultivar Kainong70. Overall, the comparative proteome analysis provided valuable insight into the molecular dynamics of OA accumulation during peanut seed development.

The fate and risk assessment of psychiatric pharmaceuticals from psychiatric hospital effluent.

Psychiatric pharmaceuticals are gaining public attention because of increasing reports of their occurrence in environment and their potential impact on ecosystems and human health. This work studied the occurrence and fate of 15 selected psychiatric pharmaceuticals from 3 psychiatric hospitals effluent in Shanghai and investigated the effect of hospitals effluent on surface water, groundwater, soil and plant. Amitriptyline (83.57ng) and lorazepam (22.26ng) showed the highest concentration and were found frequently in hospital effluent. Lorazepam (8.27ng), carbamazepine (83.80ng) and diazepam (79.33ng) showed higher values in surface water. The concentration of lorazepam (46.83ng) in groundwater was higher than other reports. Only six target compounds were detected in all three soil points in accordance with very low concentration. Alkaline pharmaceuticals were more easily adsorbed by soil. Carbamazepine (1.29ng) and lorazepam (2.95ngg-1) were frequently determined in plant tissues. The correlation analyses (Spearman correlations > 0.5) showed the main source of psychiatric pharmaceuticals pollutants might be hospital effluents (from effluent to surface water; from surface water to groundwater). However, hospital effluents were not the only pollution sources from the perspective of the dilution factor analysis. Although the risk assessment indicated that the risk was low to aquatic organism, the continuous discharge of pollution might cause potential environment problem.

Traditional Chinese Medicine symptom patterns in patients with colorectal carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: To observe the symptom patterns (or syndromes) according to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory in patients with various stages of colorectal cancer, and to observe the dynamic evolution process of these TCM patterns. METHODS: A prospective and cross-sectional questionnaire-based investigation was performed. Clinical data on TCM symptom patterns in patients with colorectal cancer in the perioperative period (210 cases) and adjuvant treatment period (160 cases) were collected. EPIData 3.1 together with frequency statistics and cluster analyses were performed to identify the TCM patterns based on symptom characteristics in patients with colorectal cancer, and to assess the dynamic changes in these patterns. RESULTS: In the perioperative period, from the first day of perioperative care to postoperative days 3, 7, and 10, the TCM pattern showed a process of dynamic change from blood deficiency to deficiency of both Qi and Yin and the pattern of dampness and hot accumulative knotting. In the adjuvant treatment period, the TCM pattern changed from Qi deficiency and Yin deficiency inner-heat with dampness to a deficiency pattern, primarily including Yin deficiency of the liver and kidney, deficiency of Qi and blood, and spleen deficiency. CONCLUSION: Our study confirmed that variations in the dynamic evolution of TCM symptom patterns exist in patients with colorectal cancer during different treatment periods. This information is of great value in the individualized management of colorectal cancer.

[Effect of microRNA-29b on proliferation and migration of breast cancer cells and its molecular mechanism].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of microRNA(miRNA)-29b on the proliferation and migration of breast cancer cells and its molecular mechanism. METHODS: The recombinant lentiviral expression vector (lenti-miRNA-29b) was constructed and transfected into 293T cells to obtain lentivirus particles that were used to infect breast cancer MCF-7 cells. Transfection efficiency of lenti-miRNA-29b in MCF-7 cells was identified by the expression of green fluorescent protein (GFP). The expression of miRNA-29b was detected by real-time PCR. The cell proliferation and migration were detected by CCK8 assay and Transwell assay, respectively. The bioinformatics softwares were used to predict and screen the downstream target genes regulated by miRNA-29b, which were verified by double luciferase reporter gene assay, RT-PCR and Western blot. The effects of screened target gene RTKN on the growth and migration of MCF-7 cells were verified by RTKN siRNA. RESULTS: Recombinant lentiviral expression vector of miRNA-29b were successfully constructed. About 90% and 60% of the breast cancer cells showed green fluorescence in lenti-miRNA-29b and lenti-miRNA-NC groups, respectively. The expression of miRNA-29b in lenti-miRNA-29b group increased significantly compared with the lenti-miRNA-NC group and blank control group (all P<0.05); the proliferation and migration ability of MCF-7 cells significantly reduced compared with the control group (all P<0.05). The screening with bioinformatics softwares found that the 3'UTR coding region RTKN had the binding site to miRNA-29b; the dual luciferase reporter gene assay showed that the luciferase activity decreased significantly after the MCF-7 cells were co-transfected with wild type RTKN-WT-3'UTR and miRNA-29b mimics report gene vector (P<0.05). The RTKN proteins in MCF-7 cells were significantly decreased after transfection with siRNA-RTKN, and the proliferation and migration ability of MCF-7 cells were significantly reduced (all P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: MiRNA-29b can inhibit the proliferation, invasion and metastasis of breast cancer cells by inhibiting the expression of RTKN.

Association between CBR1 polymorphisms and NSCLC in the Chinese population.

Carbonyl reductase 1 (CBR1) is theorized to participate in various cellular processes, such as signal transduction, apoptosis, carcinogenesis and drug resistance, and is highly expressed in certain malignancies, including lung tumors. Several studies have provided evidence that gene polymorphisms may affect susceptibility to non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The present study aimed to investigate the association between the CBR1 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) rs3787728 and rs2835267, and NSCLC in a Chinese population. The data indicated that the allele frequency in CBR1 rs3787728 was significantly different between patients with NSCLC and the controls [odds ratio (OR)=1.209; 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.013-1.442; P=0.0349], and was significantly different between male patients with NSCLC and the corresponding controls (OR=1.278; 95% CI=1.016-1.607; P=0.0358). The CBR1 rs3787728 thymine (T)/T allele homozygote was associated with an increased risk of NSCLC in all patients (OR=1.382; 95% CI=1.019-1.875; P=0.037), and patients possessing the rs3787728 T/T major allele homozygote exhibited a 1.537-fold greater risk with respect to developing lung squamous-cell carcinoma (SCC) in all patients (95% CI=1.019-2.318; P=0.0395). The CBR1 rs3787728 cytosine (C)/C allele homozygote was associated with a decreased risk of adenocarcinoma (ADC) in male patients (OR=0.633; 95% CI=0.413-0.969; P=0.0348); however, no significant association was observed in CBR1 rs2835267 between SNPs and SCC or ADC-type NSCLC. In conclusion, the results revealed that genetic polymorphisms of CBR1 rs3787728 were associated with susceptibility to NSCLC. Additional studies are required to identify the functional impact of CBR1 expression and activity in NSCLC.