A vacuolar ATPase (V-ATPase.) B subunit gene has been cloned and characterized front a phosphorus starvation induced rice root subtractive cDNA library by suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH) method and RT-PCR ...A vacuolar ATPase (V-ATPase.) B subunit gene has been cloned and characterized front a phosphorus starvation induced rice root subtractive cDNA library by suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH) method and RT-PCR amplification. This gene encodes a polypeptide of 487 amino acid residues, containing a conservative ATP binding site and with a molecular weight of 54.06 kD and an isoelectric point of 4.99, southern analysis of the. genomic DNA indicates that V-ATPase B subunit is encoded by a single gene in rice genome. The amino acid homologies of V-ATPase B subunits among different organisms range from 76% to 97% and reveals that the evolution of V-ATPase B subunit is accompanied with the biological evolution. Expression pattern analysis indicated that the maximal expression of V-ATPase B subunit gene occurred at an early stage (6 - 12 h) after phosphorus starvation in roots, and lately stage (24 - 48 It) in leaves. Under phosphorus deficiency, the up-regulated expression of V-ATPase gene was presumed to strengthen the proton transport and provide the required energy to maintain an electrochemical gradient across the tonoplast to facilitate Phosphorus transport.展开更多
Objective To prepare the live recombinant vaccine of attenuated Salmonella typhimurium SL3261 expressing Helicobacterpylori (H. pylori) B subunit (UreB) and to determine whether it could be used as an oral vaccine...Objective To prepare the live recombinant vaccine of attenuated Salmonella typhimurium SL3261 expressing Helicobacterpylori (H. pylori) B subunit (UreB) and to determine whether it could be used as an oral vaccine against H. pylori infection. Methods Using genomic DNA of H. pylori Sydney strain (SS1) as template, the H. pylori UreB gene fragment was amplified by PCR and subcloned into the expression vector pTC01. The recombinant plasmid pTC01-UreB was then transferred into LBS000 to obtain modified forms, and further conversed into the attenuated Salmonella typhimurium SL3261 to obtain recombinant SL3261/pCT01-UreB as an oral immunization reagent, which was then used to orally immunize Balb/c mice twice at a three-week interval. Twelve weeks later, anti-UreB IgA antibodies in intestinal fluid and IgG antibodies in sera were determined by ELISA. The relating data in control groups (including body weight, gastric inflammation, etc.) were also collected. Results The sequencing analysis showed that the UreB gene fragment amplified by PCR was consistent with the sequence of the H. pylori UreB gene. The restriction enzyme digestion revealed that the correct pTC01-UreB was obtained. SDS-PAGE and Western blot showed that a 61KD protein was expressed in SL3261/pTC01-UreB, which could be recognized by anti-H, pylori UreB antiserum and was absent in the control containing only Salmonella typhimurium SL3261 strain. The multiple oral immunization with SL3261/pTC01-UreB could significantly induce H. pylori specific mucosal IgA response as well as serum IgG responses. IFN-T and IL-10 levels were significantly increased in SL3261/pTC01-UreB group, and no obvious side effect and change in gastric inflammation were observed. Conclusion The attenuated vaccine of Salmonella typhimurium expressing H. pylori UreB can be used as an oral vaccine against H. pylori infection.展开更多
Background: Helicobacter pylori, a gram-negative bacterial pathogen that expresses a strong urease activity, is associated with the development of gastroduodenal disease. Urease B subunit, one of the two structural s...Background: Helicobacter pylori, a gram-negative bacterial pathogen that expresses a strong urease activity, is associated with the development of gastroduodenal disease. Urease B subunit, one of the two structural subunits of urease, was expressed in E. coil BL21 (DE3) strain. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of He/icobacter py/ori urease B subunit on the immune responses in mice by subcutaneous immunization. Methods: The mice were immunized and boosted with Helicobacter pylori urease B subunit antigen subcutaneously three times with 2-wk intervals between the immunizations and boosters. The mice in the control group were immunized with PBS. The adjuvant group received PBS containing complete/incomplete freund's adjuvant identical to antigen group without Helicobocter pylori urease B subunit antigen. Four weeks after the final booster, all the mice were sacrificed. Blood was collected on d 0, 14, 28 and 56 before immunization, booster and sacrifice, respectively. Immediately after sacrifice, gastric liquid and spleen were collected for antibody and cytokine analyses. Results: Urease B subunit increased the concentrations of serum and gastric anti-urease B antigen specific IgG, and the levels of interteukin-4 and interferon-y in splenocytes of the mice (P 〈 0.05). Conclusions: This study demonstrated that recombinant responses in mice by subcutaneous immunization, which against Helicobocter pylori. urease B subunit can induce systemic and local immune might be used as the effective component of vaccine展开更多
Status epilepticus was induced via intraperitoneal injection of lithium-pilocarpine.The inhibitory effects of propofol on status epilepticus in rats were judged based on observation of behavior,electroencephalography ...Status epilepticus was induced via intraperitoneal injection of lithium-pilocarpine.The inhibitory effects of propofol on status epilepticus in rats were judged based on observation of behavior,electroencephalography and 24-hour survival rate.Propofol(12.5-100 mg/kg) improved status epilepticus in a dose-dependent manner,and significantly reduced the number of deaths within 24 hours of lithium-pilocarpine injection.Western blot results showed that,24 hours after induction of status epilepticus,the levels of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor 2A and 2B subunits were significantly increased in rat cerebral cortex and hippocampus.Propofol at 50 mg/kg significantly suppressed the increase in N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor 2B subunit levels,but not the increase in N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor 2A subunit levels.The results suggest that propofol can effectively inhibit status epilepticus induced by lithium-pilocarpine.This effect may be associated with downregulation of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor 2B subunit expression after seizures.展开更多
Objective : To construct plant transformation vector containing Escherichia coli heat-labile enterotoxin B subunit (LT-B) gene and generate LT-B transgenic tobacco plants. Methods: The LT-B coding sequence was amp...Objective : To construct plant transformation vector containing Escherichia coli heat-labile enterotoxin B subunit (LT-B) gene and generate LT-B transgenic tobacco plants. Methods: The LT-B coding sequence was amplified from pMMB68 by PCR, subcloned into middle vector pUCmT and binary vector pBI121 to obtain plant expression vector pBI-LTB, in which LT-B expression was controlled under the Cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV) 35S promoter. The tobacco plants (Nicotiana tobacum L. Cuttivar Xanthi) were transformed by co-cultivating leaf discs method via Agrobacterium tumefaciens LBA4404 harboring the plant expression vector. The regenerated transgenic tobacco plants were selected by kanamycin and confirmed by PCR, Southern blot, Western blot and ELISA. Resuits: LT-B gene integrated in the tobacco genomic DNA and were expressed in 9 strains of transgenic tobacco plants. The yield was varied from 3. 36-10. 56 ng/mg total soluble tobacco leaf protein. Conclusion: The plant binary expression vector pBI-LTB was constructed successfully, and transgenic LT-B tobacco plants was generated, and confirmed by Southern blot. The protein LT-B expressed by engineered plants was identified by Western blot analysis and had the expected molecular weight of LT-B pentamer protein. This result is an important step close to developing an edible vaccine and supplying a mucasal immunoajuvant, which will contribute to the preven- tion of mucosaroute evading pathogen.展开更多
AIM: To study immunogenicity of outer membrane protein F(Opr F) fused with B subunit of LT(LTB), against Pseudomonas aeruginosa(P. aeruginosa). METHODS: The Opr F, a major surface exposed outer membrane protein that i...AIM: To study immunogenicity of outer membrane protein F(Opr F) fused with B subunit of LT(LTB), against Pseudomonas aeruginosa(P. aeruginosa). METHODS: The Opr F, a major surface exposed outer membrane protein that is antigenically conserved in various strains of P. aeruginosa, is a promising immunogen against P. aeruginosa. In the present study recombinant Opr F and Opr F-LTB fusion gene was cloned, expressed and purified. BALB/c mice and rabbits were immunized using recombinant Opr F and Opr F-LTB and challenged at the burn site with P. aeruginosa lethal dose of 104 CFU. The protective efficacy of rabbit anti Opr F Ig G against P. aeruginosa burn infection was investigated by passive immunization. RESULTS: It has been well established that the LTB is a powerful immunomodulator with strong adjuvant activity. LTB as a bacterial adjuvant enhanced immunogenicity of Opr F and anti Opr F Ig G titer in serum was increased. Experimental findings showed significantly higher average survival rate in burned mice immunized with Opr F-LTB than immunized with Opr F or the control group. Rabbits anti Opr F Ig G brought about 75% survival of mice following challenge with P. aeruginosa. Post challenge hepatic and splenic tissues of mice group immunized with Opr F-LTB had significantly lower bacterial load than those immunized with Opr F or the control groups. CONCLUSION: These results demonstrate that LTBfused Opr F might be a potential candidate protein for a prophylactic measure against P. aeruginosa in burn infection.展开更多
Nonhuman primates are increasingly being used as animal models in neuroscience research.However,efficient neuronal tracing techniques for labeling motor neurons and primary sensory afferents in the monkey spinal cord ...Nonhuman primates are increasingly being used as animal models in neuroscience research.However,efficient neuronal tracing techniques for labeling motor neurons and primary sensory afferents in the monkey spinal cord are lacking.Here,by injecting the cholera toxin B subunit into the sciatic nerve of a rhesus monkey,we successfully labeled the motor neurons and primary sensory afferents in the lumbar and sacralspinal cord.Labeled alpha motor neurons were located in lamina IX of the L6–S1 segments,which innervate both flexors and extensors.The labeled primary sensory afferents were mainly myelinated Aβfibers that terminated mostly in laminae I and II of the L4–L7 segments.Together with the labeled proprioceptive afferents,the primary sensory afferents formed excitatory synapses with multiple types of spinal neurons.In summary,our methods successfully traced neuronal connections in the monkey spinal cord and can be used in spinal cord studies when nonhuman primates are used.展开更多
Human papillomavirus (HPV), mainly types 16 and 18, are the most important initiating agents of cervical cancer. Prevention of high-risk HPV infections is a potentially effective approach to control HPV associated c...Human papillomavirus (HPV), mainly types 16 and 18, are the most important initiating agents of cervical cancer. Prevention of high-risk HPV infections is a potentially effective approach to control HPV associated cervical cancer.展开更多
Background Cholera toxin B subunit (CTB) was shown to be a potent adjuvant for protein immunogen, especially when inoculated through mucosal route. We aimed to optimize the expression approach for CTB and thereafter...Background Cholera toxin B subunit (CTB) was shown to be a potent adjuvant for protein immunogen, especially when inoculated through mucosal route. We aimed to optimize the expression approach for CTB and thereafter to determine the adjuvant effect on DNA vaccine. Methods Wild type CTB coding gene was amplified and cloned into prokaryotic expression vector pET-30a, and the recombinant CTB was expressed in the presence of different concentration of chloramphenicol and isopropyl β-D-thiogalactoside. Purified recombinant CTB was mixed with HIV-1 AE2f tat-rev-integrase-vif-nef fusion gene DNA vaccine and female BALB/c mice were vaccinated with a DNA priming-recombinant vaccinia vectored vaccine boosting regimen through intramuscular injection. Interferon γ (IFN-γ) enzyme-linked immunospot (Elispot) assay was used to read out the specific T-cell immunity. Results Chloramphenicol was essential for the efficient expression of recombinant CTB (rCTB) in pET-30a/BL21 (DE3) system and could be optimized at the concentration of 0.625 μg/ml in the presence of chloramphenicol. The purified rCTB could bind with GM1 efficiently. INF-γ Elispot data showed the T-cell response induced in CTB adjuvanted group ((734±240) spot forming cells/106 splenocytes) was higher than that induced by non-adjuvanted ((520±150) spot forming cells/10e splenocytes), all responses against different antigens were enhanced in parallel. Conclusion CTB could be efficiently expressed in the presence of chloramphenicol and purified CTB is functional and capable of enhancincl the specific T cell responses elicited by DNA vaccine, the mechanism needs to be explored in the future.展开更多
Neural tract tracing is used to study neural pathways and evaluate neuronal regeneration following nerve injuries.However,it is not always clear which tracer should be used to yield optimal results.In this study,we ex...Neural tract tracing is used to study neural pathways and evaluate neuronal regeneration following nerve injuries.However,it is not always clear which tracer should be used to yield optimal results.In this study,we examined the use of Alexa Fluor 488-conjugated cholera toxin subunit B(AF488-CTB).This was injected into the gastrocnemius muscle of rats,and it was found that motor,sensory,and sympathetic neurons were labeled in the spinal ventral horn,dorsal root ganglia,and sympathetic chain,respectively.Similar results were obtained when we injected AF594-CTB into the tibialis anterior muscle.The morphology and number of neurons were evaluated at different time points following the AF488-CTB injection.It was found that labeled motor and sensory neurons could be observed 12 hours post-injection.The intensity was found to increase over time,and the morphology appeared clear and complete 3-7 days post-injection,with clearly distinguishable motor neuron axons and dendrites.However,14 days after the injection,the quality of the images decreased and the neurons appeared blurred and incomplete.Nissl and immunohistochemical staining showed that the AF488-CTB-labeled neurons retained normal neurochemical and morphological features,and the surrounding microglia were also found to be unaltered.Overall,these results imply that the cholera toxin subunit B,whether unconjugated or conjugated with Alexa Fluor,is effective for retrograde tracing in muscular tissues and that it would also be suitable for evaluating the regeneration or degeneration of injured nerves.展开更多
The three parts(Stx17B, Stx27B and StxB) of Shiga toxin B subunit have been fused into a cell surface exposed loop of the LamB protein at a BamH I site between residues 153 and 154. Western blotting revealed that the ...The three parts(Stx17B, Stx27B and StxB) of Shiga toxin B subunit have been fused into a cell surface exposed loop of the LamB protein at a BamH I site between residues 153 and 154. Western blotting revealed that the three parts of Shiga toxin B subunit could be expressed as the Lamb fusion proteins in E. coli. Indirect immunofluorescence and immunoelectron microscopy analyses showed fusion proteins LamB/Stx17B and LamB/Stx27B could be expressed at cell surface in E. coli, but fusion protein LamB/StxB could not be expressed at cell surface; it was aggregated in cytoplasm and was toxic to host. This expression system provided a new way to construct an oral live vaccine against Shigella dysenteriae 1.展开更多
Background:Clear cell renal cell carcinoma(ccRCC)is an aggressive malignancy associated with limited treatment options and poor prognosis.Emerging studies suggest that the actin-regulating protein actin-related protei...Background:Clear cell renal cell carcinoma(ccRCC)is an aggressive malignancy associated with limited treatment options and poor prognosis.Emerging studies suggest that the actin-regulating protein actin-related protein 2/3 complex subunit 1B(ARPC1B),a key regulatory protein within the actin cytoskeleton,could play a pivotal role in ccRCC progression.The current study aimed to uncover the biological functions of ARPC1B and the molecular mechanisms driving its effects in ccRCC.Methods:ARPC1B expression and prognostic implications were analyzed using data sourced from the Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis(GEPIA)platform,immunohistochemical(IHC)staining on 150 tumor samples along with 30 corresponding normal tissues,and Western blotting(WB)analyses across multiple ccRCC-derived cell lines.Functional assays assessing cell proliferation,colony formation capability,migration,invasion,and in vivo tumorigenicity were conducted following either ARPC1B suppression or upregulation.Additionally,WB analysis was utilized to evaluate proteins linked to epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition(EMT)and the Wnt/β-catenin pathway.Results:The findings revealed a substantial elevation of ARPC1B in ccRCC tissues and cell lines,significantly associated with advanced TNM stages,higher Fuhrman grades,and reduced overall survival(OS)(p<0.001).Multivariate statistical analysis identified ARPC1B as a standalone prognostic factor.Silencing ARPC1B notably impaired ccRCC cellular activities,and tumorigenesis in animalmodels,whereas augmented ARPC1B expression enhanced these malignant phenotypes.Mechanistically,downregulation of ARPC1B suppressed Wnt/β-catenin signaling and disrupted EMT,indicated by reducedβ-catenin,c-Myc,cyclin D1,and ZEB-1 levels,and concurrently increased E-cadherin expression.Additionally,reactivation of theWnt/β-catenin pathway partly reversed the inhibitory effects of ARPC1B depletion on tumor growth and invasiveness.Conclusions:ARPC1B emerges as an essential oncogenic factor in ccRCC by stimulating EMT and activating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway,ultimately enhancing tumor aggressiveness and metastatic potential.Thus,targeting ARPC1B represents a promising therapeutic strategy,warranting further exploration in ccRCC management.展开更多
文摘A vacuolar ATPase (V-ATPase.) B subunit gene has been cloned and characterized front a phosphorus starvation induced rice root subtractive cDNA library by suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH) method and RT-PCR amplification. This gene encodes a polypeptide of 487 amino acid residues, containing a conservative ATP binding site and with a molecular weight of 54.06 kD and an isoelectric point of 4.99, southern analysis of the. genomic DNA indicates that V-ATPase B subunit is encoded by a single gene in rice genome. The amino acid homologies of V-ATPase B subunits among different organisms range from 76% to 97% and reveals that the evolution of V-ATPase B subunit is accompanied with the biological evolution. Expression pattern analysis indicated that the maximal expression of V-ATPase B subunit gene occurred at an early stage (6 - 12 h) after phosphorus starvation in roots, and lately stage (24 - 48 It) in leaves. Under phosphorus deficiency, the up-regulated expression of V-ATPase gene was presumed to strengthen the proton transport and provide the required energy to maintain an electrochemical gradient across the tonoplast to facilitate Phosphorus transport.
基金This work was supported by Chinese Postdoctoral Fund (Grant No. 2004035426).
文摘Objective To prepare the live recombinant vaccine of attenuated Salmonella typhimurium SL3261 expressing Helicobacterpylori (H. pylori) B subunit (UreB) and to determine whether it could be used as an oral vaccine against H. pylori infection. Methods Using genomic DNA of H. pylori Sydney strain (SS1) as template, the H. pylori UreB gene fragment was amplified by PCR and subcloned into the expression vector pTC01. The recombinant plasmid pTC01-UreB was then transferred into LBS000 to obtain modified forms, and further conversed into the attenuated Salmonella typhimurium SL3261 to obtain recombinant SL3261/pCT01-UreB as an oral immunization reagent, which was then used to orally immunize Balb/c mice twice at a three-week interval. Twelve weeks later, anti-UreB IgA antibodies in intestinal fluid and IgG antibodies in sera were determined by ELISA. The relating data in control groups (including body weight, gastric inflammation, etc.) were also collected. Results The sequencing analysis showed that the UreB gene fragment amplified by PCR was consistent with the sequence of the H. pylori UreB gene. The restriction enzyme digestion revealed that the correct pTC01-UreB was obtained. SDS-PAGE and Western blot showed that a 61KD protein was expressed in SL3261/pTC01-UreB, which could be recognized by anti-H, pylori UreB antiserum and was absent in the control containing only Salmonella typhimurium SL3261 strain. The multiple oral immunization with SL3261/pTC01-UreB could significantly induce H. pylori specific mucosal IgA response as well as serum IgG responses. IFN-T and IL-10 levels were significantly increased in SL3261/pTC01-UreB group, and no obvious side effect and change in gastric inflammation were observed. Conclusion The attenuated vaccine of Salmonella typhimurium expressing H. pylori UreB can be used as an oral vaccine against H. pylori infection.
基金financially supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China(31201824)the Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Program(ASTIP-IAS07)Research Program of the State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition(2004DA125184G1103)
文摘Background: Helicobacter pylori, a gram-negative bacterial pathogen that expresses a strong urease activity, is associated with the development of gastroduodenal disease. Urease B subunit, one of the two structural subunits of urease, was expressed in E. coil BL21 (DE3) strain. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of He/icobacter py/ori urease B subunit on the immune responses in mice by subcutaneous immunization. Methods: The mice were immunized and boosted with Helicobacter pylori urease B subunit antigen subcutaneously three times with 2-wk intervals between the immunizations and boosters. The mice in the control group were immunized with PBS. The adjuvant group received PBS containing complete/incomplete freund's adjuvant identical to antigen group without Helicobocter pylori urease B subunit antigen. Four weeks after the final booster, all the mice were sacrificed. Blood was collected on d 0, 14, 28 and 56 before immunization, booster and sacrifice, respectively. Immediately after sacrifice, gastric liquid and spleen were collected for antibody and cytokine analyses. Results: Urease B subunit increased the concentrations of serum and gastric anti-urease B antigen specific IgG, and the levels of interteukin-4 and interferon-y in splenocytes of the mice (P 〈 0.05). Conclusions: This study demonstrated that recombinant responses in mice by subcutaneous immunization, which against Helicobocter pylori. urease B subunit can induce systemic and local immune might be used as the effective component of vaccine
基金supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China,No. 30500482
文摘Status epilepticus was induced via intraperitoneal injection of lithium-pilocarpine.The inhibitory effects of propofol on status epilepticus in rats were judged based on observation of behavior,electroencephalography and 24-hour survival rate.Propofol(12.5-100 mg/kg) improved status epilepticus in a dose-dependent manner,and significantly reduced the number of deaths within 24 hours of lithium-pilocarpine injection.Western blot results showed that,24 hours after induction of status epilepticus,the levels of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor 2A and 2B subunits were significantly increased in rat cerebral cortex and hippocampus.Propofol at 50 mg/kg significantly suppressed the increase in N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor 2B subunit levels,but not the increase in N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor 2A subunit levels.The results suggest that propofol can effectively inhibit status epilepticus induced by lithium-pilocarpine.This effect may be associated with downregulation of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor 2B subunit expression after seizures.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation ofChina (No. 30070848)
文摘Objective : To construct plant transformation vector containing Escherichia coli heat-labile enterotoxin B subunit (LT-B) gene and generate LT-B transgenic tobacco plants. Methods: The LT-B coding sequence was amplified from pMMB68 by PCR, subcloned into middle vector pUCmT and binary vector pBI121 to obtain plant expression vector pBI-LTB, in which LT-B expression was controlled under the Cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV) 35S promoter. The tobacco plants (Nicotiana tobacum L. Cuttivar Xanthi) were transformed by co-cultivating leaf discs method via Agrobacterium tumefaciens LBA4404 harboring the plant expression vector. The regenerated transgenic tobacco plants were selected by kanamycin and confirmed by PCR, Southern blot, Western blot and ELISA. Resuits: LT-B gene integrated in the tobacco genomic DNA and were expressed in 9 strains of transgenic tobacco plants. The yield was varied from 3. 36-10. 56 ng/mg total soluble tobacco leaf protein. Conclusion: The plant binary expression vector pBI-LTB was constructed successfully, and transgenic LT-B tobacco plants was generated, and confirmed by Southern blot. The protein LT-B expressed by engineered plants was identified by Western blot analysis and had the expected molecular weight of LT-B pentamer protein. This result is an important step close to developing an edible vaccine and supplying a mucasal immunoajuvant, which will contribute to the preven- tion of mucosaroute evading pathogen.
文摘AIM: To study immunogenicity of outer membrane protein F(Opr F) fused with B subunit of LT(LTB), against Pseudomonas aeruginosa(P. aeruginosa). METHODS: The Opr F, a major surface exposed outer membrane protein that is antigenically conserved in various strains of P. aeruginosa, is a promising immunogen against P. aeruginosa. In the present study recombinant Opr F and Opr F-LTB fusion gene was cloned, expressed and purified. BALB/c mice and rabbits were immunized using recombinant Opr F and Opr F-LTB and challenged at the burn site with P. aeruginosa lethal dose of 104 CFU. The protective efficacy of rabbit anti Opr F Ig G against P. aeruginosa burn infection was investigated by passive immunization. RESULTS: It has been well established that the LTB is a powerful immunomodulator with strong adjuvant activity. LTB as a bacterial adjuvant enhanced immunogenicity of Opr F and anti Opr F Ig G titer in serum was increased. Experimental findings showed significantly higher average survival rate in burned mice immunized with Opr F-LTB than immunized with Opr F or the control group. Rabbits anti Opr F Ig G brought about 75% survival of mice following challenge with P. aeruginosa. Post challenge hepatic and splenic tissues of mice group immunized with Opr F-LTB had significantly lower bacterial load than those immunized with Opr F or the control groups. CONCLUSION: These results demonstrate that LTBfused Opr F might be a potential candidate protein for a prophylactic measure against P. aeruginosa in burn infection.
基金supported by a grant from Ministry of Science and Technology China,No.2022ZD0204704(to WW)the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.82301572(to XZ)the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation,No.2023M731202(to XZ)。
文摘Nonhuman primates are increasingly being used as animal models in neuroscience research.However,efficient neuronal tracing techniques for labeling motor neurons and primary sensory afferents in the monkey spinal cord are lacking.Here,by injecting the cholera toxin B subunit into the sciatic nerve of a rhesus monkey,we successfully labeled the motor neurons and primary sensory afferents in the lumbar and sacralspinal cord.Labeled alpha motor neurons were located in lamina IX of the L6–S1 segments,which innervate both flexors and extensors.The labeled primary sensory afferents were mainly myelinated Aβfibers that terminated mostly in laminae I and II of the L4–L7 segments.Together with the labeled proprioceptive afferents,the primary sensory afferents formed excitatory synapses with multiple types of spinal neurons.In summary,our methods successfully traced neuronal connections in the monkey spinal cord and can be used in spinal cord studies when nonhuman primates are used.
文摘Human papillomavirus (HPV), mainly types 16 and 18, are the most important initiating agents of cervical cancer. Prevention of high-risk HPV infections is a potentially effective approach to control HPV associated cervical cancer.
基金This study was supported by the grants from the Chinese National Grand Program on Key Infectious Disease Control (No. 2008ZX10001-012 and -002), the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 81072496H1014) and the Fund for Young Scientists from Fudan University (No. 07L03).
文摘Background Cholera toxin B subunit (CTB) was shown to be a potent adjuvant for protein immunogen, especially when inoculated through mucosal route. We aimed to optimize the expression approach for CTB and thereafter to determine the adjuvant effect on DNA vaccine. Methods Wild type CTB coding gene was amplified and cloned into prokaryotic expression vector pET-30a, and the recombinant CTB was expressed in the presence of different concentration of chloramphenicol and isopropyl β-D-thiogalactoside. Purified recombinant CTB was mixed with HIV-1 AE2f tat-rev-integrase-vif-nef fusion gene DNA vaccine and female BALB/c mice were vaccinated with a DNA priming-recombinant vaccinia vectored vaccine boosting regimen through intramuscular injection. Interferon γ (IFN-γ) enzyme-linked immunospot (Elispot) assay was used to read out the specific T-cell immunity. Results Chloramphenicol was essential for the efficient expression of recombinant CTB (rCTB) in pET-30a/BL21 (DE3) system and could be optimized at the concentration of 0.625 μg/ml in the presence of chloramphenicol. The purified rCTB could bind with GM1 efficiently. INF-γ Elispot data showed the T-cell response induced in CTB adjuvanted group ((734±240) spot forming cells/106 splenocytes) was higher than that induced by non-adjuvanted ((520±150) spot forming cells/10e splenocytes), all responses against different antigens were enhanced in parallel. Conclusion CTB could be efficiently expressed in the presence of chloramphenicol and purified CTB is functional and capable of enhancincl the specific T cell responses elicited by DNA vaccine, the mechanism needs to be explored in the future.
基金supported by the CACMS Innovation Fund,No.CI2021A03407(to WZB)the Project of National Key R&D Program of China,No.2019YFC1709103(to WZB)+1 种基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China,Nos.81774432(to JJC),81774211(to WZB),82004492(to JW),81801561(to DSX)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Public Welfare Research Institutes of China,Nos.ZZ13-YQ-068(to JJC),ZZ14-YQ-032(to JW),ZZ14-YQ-034(to DSX).
文摘Neural tract tracing is used to study neural pathways and evaluate neuronal regeneration following nerve injuries.However,it is not always clear which tracer should be used to yield optimal results.In this study,we examined the use of Alexa Fluor 488-conjugated cholera toxin subunit B(AF488-CTB).This was injected into the gastrocnemius muscle of rats,and it was found that motor,sensory,and sympathetic neurons were labeled in the spinal ventral horn,dorsal root ganglia,and sympathetic chain,respectively.Similar results were obtained when we injected AF594-CTB into the tibialis anterior muscle.The morphology and number of neurons were evaluated at different time points following the AF488-CTB injection.It was found that labeled motor and sensory neurons could be observed 12 hours post-injection.The intensity was found to increase over time,and the morphology appeared clear and complete 3-7 days post-injection,with clearly distinguishable motor neuron axons and dendrites.However,14 days after the injection,the quality of the images decreased and the neurons appeared blurred and incomplete.Nissl and immunohistochemical staining showed that the AF488-CTB-labeled neurons retained normal neurochemical and morphological features,and the surrounding microglia were also found to be unaltered.Overall,these results imply that the cholera toxin subunit B,whether unconjugated or conjugated with Alexa Fluor,is effective for retrograde tracing in muscular tissues and that it would also be suitable for evaluating the regeneration or degeneration of injured nerves.
文摘The three parts(Stx17B, Stx27B and StxB) of Shiga toxin B subunit have been fused into a cell surface exposed loop of the LamB protein at a BamH I site between residues 153 and 154. Western blotting revealed that the three parts of Shiga toxin B subunit could be expressed as the Lamb fusion proteins in E. coli. Indirect immunofluorescence and immunoelectron microscopy analyses showed fusion proteins LamB/Stx17B and LamB/Stx27B could be expressed at cell surface in E. coli, but fusion protein LamB/StxB could not be expressed at cell surface; it was aggregated in cytoplasm and was toxic to host. This expression system provided a new way to construct an oral live vaccine against Shigella dysenteriae 1.
文摘Background:Clear cell renal cell carcinoma(ccRCC)is an aggressive malignancy associated with limited treatment options and poor prognosis.Emerging studies suggest that the actin-regulating protein actin-related protein 2/3 complex subunit 1B(ARPC1B),a key regulatory protein within the actin cytoskeleton,could play a pivotal role in ccRCC progression.The current study aimed to uncover the biological functions of ARPC1B and the molecular mechanisms driving its effects in ccRCC.Methods:ARPC1B expression and prognostic implications were analyzed using data sourced from the Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis(GEPIA)platform,immunohistochemical(IHC)staining on 150 tumor samples along with 30 corresponding normal tissues,and Western blotting(WB)analyses across multiple ccRCC-derived cell lines.Functional assays assessing cell proliferation,colony formation capability,migration,invasion,and in vivo tumorigenicity were conducted following either ARPC1B suppression or upregulation.Additionally,WB analysis was utilized to evaluate proteins linked to epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition(EMT)and the Wnt/β-catenin pathway.Results:The findings revealed a substantial elevation of ARPC1B in ccRCC tissues and cell lines,significantly associated with advanced TNM stages,higher Fuhrman grades,and reduced overall survival(OS)(p<0.001).Multivariate statistical analysis identified ARPC1B as a standalone prognostic factor.Silencing ARPC1B notably impaired ccRCC cellular activities,and tumorigenesis in animalmodels,whereas augmented ARPC1B expression enhanced these malignant phenotypes.Mechanistically,downregulation of ARPC1B suppressed Wnt/β-catenin signaling and disrupted EMT,indicated by reducedβ-catenin,c-Myc,cyclin D1,and ZEB-1 levels,and concurrently increased E-cadherin expression.Additionally,reactivation of theWnt/β-catenin pathway partly reversed the inhibitory effects of ARPC1B depletion on tumor growth and invasiveness.Conclusions:ARPC1B emerges as an essential oncogenic factor in ccRCC by stimulating EMT and activating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway,ultimately enhancing tumor aggressiveness and metastatic potential.Thus,targeting ARPC1B represents a promising therapeutic strategy,warranting further exploration in ccRCC management.