Arginine methyltransferases PRMT2 and PRMT3 are essential for biosynthesis of plant-polysaccharide-degrading enzymes in Penicillium oxalicum.

Many filamentous fungi produce plant-polysaccharide-degrading enzymes (PPDE); however, the regulatory mechanism of this process is poorly understood. A Gal4-like transcription factor, CxrA, is essential for mycelial growth and PPDE production in Penicillium oxalicum. Its N-terminal region, CxrAΔ207-733 is required for the regulatory functions of whole CxrA, and contains a DNA-binding domain (CxrAΔ1-16&Δ59-733) and a methylated arginine (R) 94. Methylation of R94 is mediated by an arginine N-methyltransferase, PRMT2 and appears to induce dimerization of CxrAΔ1-60. Overexpression of prmt2 in P. oxalicum increases PPDE production by 41.4-95.1% during growth on Avicel, compared with the background strain Δku70;hphR+. Another arginine N-methyltransferase, PRMT3, appears to assist entry of CxrA into the nucleus, and interacts with CxrAΔ1-60 in vitro under Avicel induction. Deletion of prmt3 resulted in 67.0-149.7% enhanced PPDE production by P. oxalicum. These findings provide novel insights into the regulatory mechanism of fungal PPDE production.

Morphology and Luminescence Regulation for CsPbBr3 Perovskite Light-Emitting Diodes by Controlling Growth of Low-Dimensional Phases.

At present, the high defect density and strong nonradiative recombination rate of all-inorganic cesium lead bromide (CsPbBr3) perovskite light-emitting diodes (PeLEDs) seriously inhibit the improvement of their quantum efficiency. In this paper, the addition of a short-chain additive, diethylammonium bromide (DEABr), aims to control the generation of a quasi-2D large n-phase to optimize the surface morphology and construct two-dimensional/three-dimensional (2D/3D) heterojunction perovskite structures to enhance the EL efficiency of PeLEDs. Through Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM) characterization, we confirmed that the 2D phase grains with a low potential are locally formed on the surface of the perovskite film under the action of DEABr. The existence of the 2D phase effectively improved the surface morphology and suppressed surface defects. In addition, the in situ constructed 2D/3D heterojunction perovskite structure further increases the exciton radiative recombination rate and significantly improves the electroluminescent performance. By optimizing its doping concentration, the optimal all-inorganic PeLED displays a current efficiency (CE) of 30.3 cd A-1, an external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 9.6%, and a maximum brightness of 32,500 cd m-2. According to our results, the formation of 2D structures on the surface of the CsPbBr3 film can improve surface morphology issues and optoelectronic properties of the film.

Efficient Inorganic Perovskite Light-Emitting Diodes by Inducing Grain Arrangement via a Multifunctional Interface.

Accumulating evidence shows that metal halide perovskite light-emitting diodes (PeLEDs) are well-described to show broad application prospects in lighting and display due to the wide color gamut and high color purity. However, it is still a great challenge to prepare high-quality all-inorganic PeLEDs by a solution method. For example, it is difficult to obtain all-inorganic perovskite films with good crystallinity and high grain orientation because of too fast and uncontrollable crystallization of all-inorganic perovskite films. Here, we demonstrated a multifunctional interface of formamide (FA)-doped PEDOT:PSS, which improved the crystallinity of all-inorganic perovskite films by inducing grain arrangement. As a result, a highly crystalline, ordered, and defect-passivated CsPbBr3 film was obtained by the multiple roles of FA, and the CsPbBr3-based PeLED treated with FA achieved both high brightness and high efficiency: the peak external quantum efficiency (EQE) reaches 9.61%, and the maximum brightness is 185,000 cd/m2. In addition, Tween 80, used as a passivator of perovskite films, reduced the defect states and suppressed ion migration. Under the synergistic effect of FA interface treatment and Tween 80 passivation treatment, efficient CsPbBr3-based PeLEDs were obtained with an EQE of 15.02% and an operation lifetime of 182.5 min at an initial brightness of 1000 cd/m2, which is among the best reported lifetimes under high brightness. Our study provides a simple and effective strategy for the realization of all-inorganic PeLEDs with high efficiency, high brightness, and ultralong operation lifetime.

Regulatory function of the novel transcription factor CxrC in Penicillium oxalicum.

Numerous transcription factors (TFs) in ascomycete fungi play crucial roles in cellular processes; however, how most of them function is poorly understood. Here, we identified and characterized a novel TF, CxrC (POX01387), acting downstream of the key TF CxrA, which is essential for plant-biomass-degrading-enzyme (PBDE) production in Penicillium oxalicum. Deletion of cxrC in P. oxalicum significantly affected the production of PBDEs, as well as mycelial growth and conidiospore production. CxrA directly repressed the expression of cxrC after about 12 hr following switch to Avicel culture. CxrC bound the promoters of major PBDE genes and genes involved in conidiospore development. CxrC was found to bind the TSSGTYR core sequence (S: C and G; Y: T and C; R: G and A) of the important cellulase genes cbh1 and eg1. Both N- and C-terminal peptides of CxrC and the CxrC phosphorylation were found to mediate its homodimerization. The conserved motif LPSVRSLLTP (65-74) in CxrC was found to be required for regulating cellulase production. This study reveals novel mechanisms of TF-mediated regulation of the expression of PBDE genes and genes involved in cellular processes in an ascomycete fungus.

[Relationship between Gene Polymorphism of HLA-A(*)/-B(*)-DRB1(*) and Aplastic Anemia in Chinese Han Population of Northwestern Plateau].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the correlation between the HLA genes and pathogenesis of aplastic anemia (AA), so as to find the susceptible AA genes. METHODS: Polymerase chain reaction with specific sequence primers (PCR-SSP) method was used to detect the HLA typing of 50 AA patients and 183 normal healthy individuals as controls in Chinese Han population of northwestern plateau. RESULTS: The frequency of HLA-A* 0201 (45.0%), B* 1501 (11.0%), B* 5501 (9.0%) and DRB1* 0901 (19.0%) gene frequences in AA patients were significantly higher than those in controls (Odds Ratio: OR=1.657, 2.138, 2.314 and 1.932, x2=4.882, 3.876, 3.863 and 4.473 (P<0.05). In contrast, A* 0301 gene frequency (4.0%) in AA was significantly lower than that in controls, OR=0.349, x2=4.154 (P<0.05). The male HLA-A* 0201 gene frequency was lower than that in female (38.2% vs 59.4%), and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). Concludsion: The HLA-A* 0201, B* 1501, B* 5501 and DRB1* 0901 genes may be considered as the risk markers while A* 0301 gene as a protective marker of AA, the HLA-A* 0201 also shows the sex differences.

[Cytotoxity of pomalidomide combined CAR-T cell for multiple myeloma cell RPMI8226 and U266].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the cytotoxity of CD138-CAR-T cells on human multiple myeloma cell RPMI8226 and U266 cells and explore the impact of pomalidomide on the cytotoxity of CD138-CAR-T on RPMI8226 and U266 cells. METHODS: The cytotoxity of CD138-CAR-T and CD138-CAR-T combined pomalidomide on RPMI8226 and U266 was detected by CFSE/7AAD. The effctor cells were co-cultured with target cells at 5:1 for 18 h, and then the supernatant were collected and used for ELISA assays. RESULTS: After 18 h co-culture, the cytotoxity of CD138-CAR-T on RPMI8226 and U266 was significantiy higher than control (P<0.01). There was no significant change on the cytotoxity of pomalidoide combined with CD138-CAR-T on RPMI8226 and U266. The results showed that co-cultured system contribted to a markedly increased production of IFN-γ, after adding pomalidomide to the co-cultured system. It can significantly enhance the production of IFN-γ, compared with CD138-CAR-T alone. CONCLUSION: CD138-CAR-T had significantly cytotoxity on U266 and RPMI8226. Pomalidomide could promote CD138-CAR-T cells IFN-γ production.

[Application of Chimeric Antigen Receptor-Modified CAR-T/NK Cells to Treatment of Multiple Myeloma].

Chimeric antigen receptor(CAR) is a synthesized transmembrane protein, which redirects the modified cells through specific or associated antigen on tumor cells. CAR-modified T/NK cells, especially CAR-T cells, are a new tool of rapidly developing of adoptive immunotherapy of tumor in recent years, they give T/NK cells the targeting cytotoxic activity and can overcome the tumor immunosuppressive microenvironment and break the state of the host immune tolerance. CAR combines the single-chain antibody to tumor-associated antigen with T/NK cells' activated motifs, giving T/NK cells' tumor targeting activity, so enhancing their cytotoxic activity and lasting the vitality by gene transduction. In this article the CAR development, comparison of CAR-T and CAR-NK cells, surface markers on MM cells and use of CAR in MM, and CAR perspectives are summarized.

[Effects of interferon-γ on expression of adhesion molecules in human umbilical cord mesenchymal stromal cells].

This study was purposed to investigate the effects of interferon (IFN)-γ on expression of adhesion molecules in mesenchymal stromal cells derived from human umbilical cord tissue (UC-MSC). The UC-MSC were isolated from human umbilical cord by tissue culture. The expressions of specific markers on UC-MSC were detected by flow cytometry in the physiological condition. The adipogenic and osteogenic induction of UC-MSC was detected by alizarin and Oil red O staining. UC-MSC were exposed to IFN-γ (100, 1 000, 10 000 U/ml) for 24 h, the expressions of CD54, CD58, CD44, CD49d, CD62p, CD62L, CD102 and CD106 on cell surface were detected using flow cytometry. The results showed that in physiological condition, UC-MSC extremely low expressed CD102, CD106, CD62P, CD62L, while the expression of CD54 was relatively high (41.58 ± 0.83)%. When stimulated by IFN-γ, the expression of CD102, CD106, CD62P, CD62L increased slightly, but still low (< 5%), while CD54 and CD58 upregulated concentration-dependently up to (59.66 ± 1.36)% and (43.96 ± 0.62)% respectively. The expression of CD49d upregulated to (51.33 ± 0.74)% when UC-MSC exposed to IFN-γ 100 U/ml. CD44 increased to (73.22 ± 1.93)% when UC-MSC exposed to IFN-γ 1 000 U/ml. It is concluded that IFN-γ can elevate significantly the expression of CD54, CD49d, CD44 and CD58, but has no significant effect on CD102, CD106, CD62P and CD62L expression on the surface of UC-MSC.

[Expression characteristics of SDF-1 receptor CXCR4 in mesenchymal stem cells derived from human umbilical cord tissue].

The purpose of this study was to explore the expression characteristics of SDF-1 receptor, CXCR4, in mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) of different passages derived from human umbilical cord (hucMSC). The hucMSC were isolated from Wharton's jelly tissue of human umbilical cord by tissue culture. The expressions of specific marker in hucMSC were detected by flow cytometry. The adipogenic and osteogenic induction of hucMSC were detected by alizarin bordeaux and Oil red O staining. The expressions of CXCR4 protein in hucMSC of 2nd-5th passages were detected by flow cytometry, and cxcr4 mRNA levels in hucMSC of 2nd-5th passages were evaluated by real-time quantitative PCR. The results showed that the expression of CD44, CD13, CD71 were positive while CD38, CD117, HLA-DR were negative. After induced by osteogenic and adipogenic inductors, the lipid droplets and calcium nodals appeared in hucMSC, hucMSC stained with oil red O and alizarin red were shown to be positive. The cxcr4 was found in hucMSC of 2nd-5th passages, and their expressions were (89.82 ± 0.62)%, (86.87 ± 1.32)%, (80.50 ± 4.46)%, (70.10 ± 0.68)% respectively. The cxcr4 mRNA was found in hucMSC of 2nd-5th passages, and expression of cxcr4 of 3rd-5th passages were 0.5585 ± 00875, 0.6205 ± 0.1377, 0.4634 ± 0.0447 times of expression of 2nd passage respectively. It is concluded that the cxcr4 mRNA expresses in hucMSC of 2nd-5th passages, and declines when the number of passages increases. Compared with 2nd passage, cxcr4 mRNA levels in hucMSC of 3rd-5th passages decline, but the expression level of cxcr4 mRNA between hucMSC of 3rd-5th passages is stable.

[Effects of hypoxia on the proliferation of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of hypoxia on the proliferation of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs). METHODS: The method of density gradient centrifugation was employed to isolate and culture hBMSCs. And flow cytometry (FCM) was employed to detect the cell surface marker. After establishing the experimental model of CoCl2-chemical hypoxia, MTT method and flow cytometry were applied to evaluate the proliferation and the proliferation index of hBMSCs at different time points with various CoCl2 concentrations. RESULTS: The proliferations of hBMSCs was inhibited within the first 12 hours under chemical hypoxia condition. Compared with the normal group, the hBMSCs of each CoCl2 group were remarkably proliferated 1, 2, 4 days after chemical hypoxia with CoCl2, but 300 µmol/L CoCl2 group showed no significant difference (P > 0.05). 100 µmol/L CoCl2 group (0.139 ± 0.003, 0.178 ± 0.005, 0.224 ± 0.005) and 150 µmol/L CoCl2 group (0.202 ± 0.020, 0.224 ± 0.019, 0.263 ± 0.004) proliferation was significantly higher than that of the control group (0.134 ± 0.005, 0.167 ± 0.004, 0.206 ± 0.005). Compared with the normal group, the hBMSCs were remarkably proliferated 24 hours after chemical hypoxia with CoCl2 concentration of 150 µmol/L (all P < 0.05). At Day 6, the 100, 150 µmol/L CoCl2 group (0.258 ± 0.020, 0.264 ± 0.008) cells was still higher than that of normal group (0.248 ± 0.004), but the advantage gradually diminished (P < 0.05). At Day 7, the proliferative effects of hypoxia disappeared. CONCLUSION: CoCl2-induced chemical hypoxia may promote the proliferation of hBMSCs.

[Effects of peptidoglycan on proliferation and cell cycle of human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells].

This study was aimed to explore the effects of peptidoglycan (PGN) on proliferation and cell cycle of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). MSCs were isolated from human bone marrow by density gradient centrifugation. The purity of MSCs with the spindle fibroblastic morphology was identified by microphotography and the phenotypes were detected by flow cytometry (FCM). MSCs incubated with different doses of PGN (1, 10, 20 µg/ml) were used as test groups, and those incubated without PGN were regarded as control group. The isolated and cultured MSCs were inoculated into 96-well plates according to a certain concentration. Cell cycle was measured by flow cytometry after incubated with PGN for 72 hours. The results showed that the cell proliferation index was significantly increased in dose and time dependent manners after MSCs was incubated with PGN. Its effects on the proliferation of MSCs were highest in 10 µg/ml group. Compared with the control group, PGN could significantly decrease proportion of MSCs in G0/G1 phase and increase them in S and G2/M phases (p < 0.05). It is concluded that PGN can promote more MSCs to enter the DNA synthesis phase and proliferate many much MSCs in dose and time dependent manners.

Association and haplotype analysis of prostate stem cell antigen with gastric cancer in Tibetans.

Genetic factors are known to be important in the development of gastric cancer (GC). Prostate stem cell antigen (PSCA) has been shown to be expressed in diffuse-type GC, and PSCA variation is associated with susceptibility to diffuse-type GC in Japanese and Korean populations. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between PSCA gene polymorphisms and GC in a Tibetan population. We analyzed single-nucleotide polymorphisms of the PSCA gene in 196 patients with GC and 246 controls in a Tibetan population, using a polymerase chain reaction/ligase detection reaction test. The rs2294008 C/T polymorphism of the PSCA gene was significantly associated with the susceptibility to GC. The CT genotype was associated with a significantly higher risk of GC when compared with the CC genotype (odds ratio [OR] = 1.50; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01-2.23). Patients carrying the T allele had a significantly higher risk for developing GC compared with individuals carrying the C allele (OR = 1.34; 95% CI, 1.00-1.79). Haplotype analyses showed that CA haplotype was associated with a significantly decreased risk of GC when compared with the CG haplotype (OR = 0.47; 95% CI, 0.24-0.93). Our data indicate that PSCA gene polymorphisms may be associated with GC in Tibetans.

Dermatopontin is expressed in human liver and is downregulated in hepatocellular carcinoma.

Dermatopontin (DPT) was recently found as a downstream target of vitamin D receptor, which is a key molecule in the 1,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D(3) anti-hepatoma proliferation pathway. MCTx-1 from Millepora, a homolog of DPT, is identified as a cytotoxin towards leukemia cells. The aim of this study was to analyze DPT expression in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) based on the analysis for DPT gene in normal tissues in order to estimate its function in the progression of HCC. DPT mRNA expression was analyzed in normal tissues and HCC cell lines by RT-PCR, and in HCC tissue by RT-PCR and real-time PCR. Its protein was examined in HCC tissues by Western blot and immunohistochemistry assays. Meanwhile, transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) that is closely associated with HCC and DPT was observed by immunohistochemistry in HCC tissues. The results showed that DPT mRNA was strongly expressed in human fetal and adult liver, kidney, and spleen, weakly in ovary and heart, and absent in other tissues and HCC cell lines examined. Its mRNA was significantly downregulated in HCC tissues, while its protein was weakly expressed in tumor compared with non-tumor. DPT is located mainly in the cytoplasm of several cell types in the liver; it has been identified also in the extracellular matrix of the skin. TGF-beta1 was observed in extensive tumor tissue of HCC. This fact suggests that DPT can play various roles in different tissues and might be a molecule related to carcinogenesis and the progression of HCC via possible interaction with TGF-beta1 and other potential mechanisms.

[Autologous bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells and peripheral blood stem cells cotransplantation in treatment of hematological malignant diseases].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the feasibility and safety of cotransplantation of autologous bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and peripheral blood stem cells in hematological malignant diseases and to observe its effect on hematopoietic reconstruction after cotransplantation. METHODS: Adult human MSCs were isolated from the healthy bone marrow of the patient himself with Percoll (1.073 g/ml) and cultured in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium with low glucose containing 10% AB type human serum. After conditioning regimen of high-dose chemotherapy and radiotherapy, cotransplantation of autologous bone marrow-derived MSCs and peripheral blood stem cells was done in five patients with hematological malignant diseases. RESULTS: The process of the infusion was safe and there were no adverse reactions or other toxicities related to the infusion of MSCs. The median time to achieve neutrophil counts greater than 0.5x10(9)/L was 9.4 days (ranging from 8 to 11 days) after cotransplantation and platelet counts greater than 20x10(9)/L 12.2 days (ranging from 10 to 14 days). CONCLUSION: Cotransplantation of autologous bone marrow-derived MSCs and peripheral blood stem cells in hematological malignant diseases is feasible and safe. The rapid hematopoietic reconstruction after cotransplantation shows that MSCs have an effect on hematopoiesis, but the mechanism is still to be investigated.

[Apoptosis and regulation of expressions of apoptosis-related gene Bcl-2 and p53 induced by selenium dioxide in three leukemia cell lines].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the mechanisms underlying the effect of selenium dioxide (SeO(2)) on the proliferation, apoptosis, and apoptosis-related gene expressions of Bcl-2 and p53 in 3 leukemia cell lines NB4, K562 and HL-60. METHODS: The three leukemia cell lines were treated with 3, 10 and 30 mmol/L SeO(2) and apoptosis detected by flow cytometry and analysis of p53 and Bcl-2 expressions. RESULTS: SeO(2) at 10 and 30 mmol/L could inhibit the proliferation of three leukemia cell lines. SeO(2) treatment at 30 mmol/L for 48 h induced an apoptosis rate of 54.0 %, 46.5 %, 49.6 % in NB4, K562, and HL-60 cells respectively, and down-regulated Bcl-2 expression in NB4 and K562 but not in HL-60 cells. CONCLUSION: SeO(2) can induce apoptosis in NB4, K562 and HL-60 leukemia cells, involving the down-regulation of Bcl-2 and up-regulation of p53.

Allogeneic peripheral blood hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in malignant hematopoietic diseases.

To evaluate the use of allogeneic peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (allo-PBSCT) for treatment of acute and chronic leukemia, from March 1997 to January 2003, 21 adult patients with malignant hematopoietic diseases underwent allo-PBSCT from HLA-identical siblings (19 patients) and haplo-identical mother (one) and one B point site mismatched sibling (one). All donors were mobilized with G-CSF for 4 days and peripheral blood stem cells were collected by CS-3000 separator. The conditioning regimen included the high dose combination chemotherapy and TBI. Cyclosporine-A (CsA) plus a short course of MTX was used for GVHD prophylaxis in all patients. The results showed that after trans plantation, median time for the recovery of granuocyte > or = 0.5 x 10(9)/L and platelets > or = 20 x 10(9)/L were 12 (10 - 20) and 15 (11 - 35) days, respectively. Acute GVHD was observed in 8/17 patients (47%), of which one transplanted from HLA-haploidentical mother. Chronic GVHD occurred in 12/17 patients (70%). All of four female survivals did not show acute and chronic GVHD. Day 100 transplantation-related mortality was 14% (3/21). Relapse occurred in two patients (9.5%) who underwent allo-PBSCT in stage of non-remission at one and six months. After follow-up of 40 (15 - 70) months, 11 patients (52.4%) are still disease-free survival. These results suggested that peripheral blood stem cells produce a faster hematopoietic recovery and a lower relapse of leukemia. The rate of aGVHD is not increased when using the peripheral blood as source of stem cells; however, cGVHD continues to be a significant problem. Donors tolerated the procurement procedure without complications.