Genetic disruption of the RAS binding domain(RBD)of Phosphoinositide 3-kinase alpha(PI3Kα)impairs the growth of tumors driven by the small guanosine triphosphatase RAS in mice and does not impact PI3Kα's role in...Genetic disruption of the RAS binding domain(RBD)of Phosphoinositide 3-kinase alpha(PI3Kα)impairs the growth of tumors driven by the small guanosine triphosphatase RAS in mice and does not impact PI3Kα's role in insulin mediated control of glucose homeostasis.Selectively blocking the RAS-PI3Kαinteraction may represent a strategy for treating RAS-dependent cancers as it would avoid the toxicity associated with inhibitors of PI3Kαlipid kinase activity.We developed compounds that bind covalently to cysteine 242 in the RBD of PI3K p110αand block RAS activation of PI3Kαactivity.In mice,inhibitors slow the growth of RAS mutant tumors and Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2(HER2)overexpressing tumors,particularly when combined with other inhibitors of the RAS/Mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway,without causing hyperglycemia.Oncogenic mutations in the small guanosine triphosphatase RAS occur in 20%of human cancers,with RAS proteins activating both the mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK)and Phosphoinositide 3-kinase(PI3K)pathways(1-3).As each of these pathways has oncogenic potential,simultaneous activation,as occurs in mutant RAS driven cancers,generates aggressive disease.In RAS-driven cell and animal models,inhibition of both the MAPK and PI3K pathways is more efficacious than targeting the individual pathways(4);however,dose-limiting toxicities in humans prevent clinical success of this strategy.展开更多
Dear Editor,The pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2),continues despite extensive efforts to control viral transmission.Meanwhile,the emerg...Dear Editor,The pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2),continues despite extensive efforts to control viral transmission.Meanwhile,the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants with antigenically divergence in viral protein dampens the efficacy of authorized vaccines,leading to the breakthrough infections in vaccinated population(Cao et al.,2021,2022;Tuekprakhon et al.,2022;Xiang et al.,2022).Moreover,diverse sarbecoviruses in bats and pangolins have been discovered and isolated(Ge et al.,2013;Xiao et al.,2020).Some of these viruses have exhibited efficient binding to human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2(hACE2)(Xiao et al.,2020;Liu et al.,2021;Temmam et al.,2022),highlighting the risk of spillover from wild animals to human.Thus,the development of pan-sarbecovirus vaccines is of high priority.展开更多
Summary: The role of methyl-CpG binding domain protein 2 (MBD2) in an ApoE-deficient mouse model of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) was investigated. Eight-week-old Mbd2/ApoE double deficient (Mbd2^-/- Ap...Summary: The role of methyl-CpG binding domain protein 2 (MBD2) in an ApoE-deficient mouse model of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) was investigated. Eight-week-old Mbd2/ApoE double deficient (Mbd2^-/- ApoE^-/-) mice (n=12, 24 eyes, experimental group) and MBD2 (wt) ApoE^-/- mice (n=12, 24 eyes, control group) were fed on Western-type diet for 4 months. The mice were sacrificed, and total serum cholesterol levels were analyzed and Bruch's membrane (BM) of the eyes was removed for ultrastructural observation by transmission electron microscopy. Moreover, intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) immunoreactivities were evaluated by fluorescence microscopy in sections of the eyes in both groups for further understanding the function mechanism of MBD2. There was no significant difference in the total serum cholesterol levels between control group and experimental group (P〉0.05). Transmission electron microscopy revealed that AMD-like lesions, various vacuoles accumulated on BM, notable outer collagenous layer deposits and dilated basal infoldings of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) were seen in both groups, and the BM in control group was significantly thickened as compared with experimental group (P〈0.05). Fluorescence micrographs exhibited the expression of ICAM-1 in choroid was higher in control group than in experimental group. We are led to conclude that MBD2 gene knockout may lead to accumulation of more deposits on the BM and influence the pathogenesis of AMD via triggering endothelial activation and inflammatory response in choroid, improving microcirculation, and reducing lipid deposition so as to inhibit the development of AMD-like lesions. Our study helps to provide a new therapeutic approach for the clinical treatment of AMD.展开更多
AIM:To investigate the reciprocal modulation between microRNA(miRNA) and DNA methylation via exploring the correlation between miR-373 and methyl-CpGbinding domain protein(MBD)2.METHODS:MiR-373 expression was examined...AIM:To investigate the reciprocal modulation between microRNA(miRNA) and DNA methylation via exploring the correlation between miR-373 and methyl-CpGbinding domain protein(MBD)2.METHODS:MiR-373 expression was examined using the TaqMan miRNA assay.Methylation of miR-373 was investigated using methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction,and recruitment of methyl binding proteins was studied using the chromatin immunoprecipitation assay.Mutation analysis was conducted using the QuikChange Site-Directed Mutagenesis kit.The activity of miR-373 gene promoter constructs and targeting at MBD2-three prime untranslated region(3'UTR) by miR-373 were evaluated by a dual-luciferase reporter gene assay.RESULTS:In hilar cholangiocarcinoma,miR-373 decreased and was closely associated with poor cell differentiation,advanced clinical stage,and shorter survival.The promoter-associated CpG island of miR-373 gene was hypermethylated and inhibited expression of miR-373.MBD2 was up-regulated and enriched at the promoter-associated CpG island of miR-373.Methylation-mediated suppression of miR-373 required MBD2 enrichment at the promoter-associated CpG island,and miR-373 negatively regulated MBD2 expression through targeting the 3'UTR.CONCLUSION:MiR-373 behaves as a direct transcriptional target and negative regulator of MBD2 activity through a feedback loop of CpG island methylation.展开更多
Lung cancer remains the leading cause of death among cancer patients,and the five-year survival rate is less than 25%.However,Methyl-CpG Binding Domain(MBD)4 polymorphism rs140693 predicts the prognosis of lung cancer...Lung cancer remains the leading cause of death among cancer patients,and the five-year survival rate is less than 25%.However,Methyl-CpG Binding Domain(MBD)4 polymorphism rs140693 predicts the prognosis of lung cancer patients still needs further verification.Primary lung cancer patients(n=839)were collected from two hospitals,genomic DNA was extracted from blood,and genotyping was performed using SNPcan technology.Kaplan-Meier technique and multivariate Cox proportional hazards model were used to analyze the prognosis association between MBD4 and clinical characteristics.Significantly conferred a poorer prognosis was associated with the CT genotype(CT vs.CC;adjusted hazard ratio[HR]=1.21,95%CI:1.03-1.43,p=0.023)and dominant CT+TT genotype(CT+TT vs.CC;HR=1.19,95%CI:1.02-1.39,p=0.029)of MBD4 polymorphism rs140693 for all lung cancer patients,compared with the CC genotype.Stratified analysis showed that polymorphism rs140693 CT and dominant CT+TT genotype conferred a significantly poorer prognosis in female and lung adenocarcinoma(ADC)cancer patients,compared with the CC genotype.Non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC)patients with the CT genotype had a poorer prognosis than those with the CC genotype.Additionally,the allele T of small cell lung cancer(SCLC)patients compared with the allele C was associated with a poor prognosis,and the CT and recessive TT genotype of SCLC patients conferred a significantly poor prognosis.The MBD4 polymorphism rs140693 is a significant prognostic genetic marker for predicting the prognosis of lung cancer patients.展开更多
A series of potential HDACIs containing diverse Zn^(2+)-chelating hydroxamate moieties were synthesized and evaluated for their anticancer activity in vitro on HeLa,A549,and HepG2 cell lines.The A549 cell line was the...A series of potential HDACIs containing diverse Zn^(2+)-chelating hydroxamate moieties were synthesized and evaluated for their anticancer activity in vitro on HeLa,A549,and HepG2 cell lines.The A549 cell line was the most sensitive,and the most active compound,e8,exhibited an IC_(50) value of 1.68μmol/L,surpassing the positive control,SAHA(IC_(50)=4.85μmol/L).Additionally,compound e8 demonstrated lower toxicity to normal WI-38 cells compared to SAHA(IC_(50)=415.93μmol/L vs.9.09μmol/L).Furthermore,e8 efficiently induced G0/G1 phase cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in A549 cells.Molecular docking studies showed that compound e8 coordinated the Zn^(2+) cation at the enzyme’s active site and formed hydrophobic and hydrogen bonds within the hydrophobic pocket of the enzyme,resulting in stable docking with the HDAC enzyme.These studies suggested that compound e8 has the potential to be developed as a promising lead for further optimization and development of HDACIs.展开更多
The outbreak of coronavirus disease(COVID-19)caused by SARS-CoV-2 virus continually lead to worldwide human infections and deaths.Currently,there is no specific viral protein-targeted therapeutics.Viral nucleocapsid p...The outbreak of coronavirus disease(COVID-19)caused by SARS-CoV-2 virus continually lead to worldwide human infections and deaths.Currently,there is no specific viral protein-targeted therapeutics.Viral nucleocapsid protein is a potential antiviral drug target,serving multiple critical functions during the viral life cycle.However,the structural information of SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein remains unclear.Herein,we have determined the 2.7 A crystal structure of the N-terminal RNA binding domain of SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein.Although the overall structure is similar as other reported coronavirus nucleocapsid protein N-terminal domain,the surface electrostatic potential characteristics between them are distinct.Further comparison with mild virus type HCoV-OC43 equivalent domain demonstrates a unique potential RNA binding pocket alongside theβ-sheet core.Complemented by in vitro binding studies,our data provide several atomic resolution features of SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein N-terminal domain,guiding the design of novel antiviral agents specific targeting to SARS-CoV-2.展开更多
It has been found that the non-B form DNA structures,like G-quadruplex(G4)and i-motif,are involved in many important biological processes.Our previous study showed that the silkworm transcription factor BmLARK binds t...It has been found that the non-B form DNA structures,like G-quadruplex(G4)and i-motif,are involved in many important biological processes.Our previous study showed that the silkworm transcription factor BmLARK binds to the G4 structure in the promoter of the transcription factor BmPOUM2 and regulates its promoter activity.However,the binding mechanism between BmLARK and BmPOUM2 G4 structure remains unclear.In this study,binding domains and key amino acid residues involved in the interaction between BmLARK and BmPOUM2 G4 were studied.The electrophoretic mobility shift assay results indicated that the two RNA-recognition motifs(RRM)of BmLARK are simultaneously required for the binding with the G4 structure.Either RRM1 or RRM2 alone could not bind with the G4 structure.The zinc-finger motif was not involved in the binding.A series of mutant proteins with specific amino acid mutations were expressed and used to identify the key amino acid residues involving the interaction.The results indicated thatβsheets,especially theβ1 andβ3 sheets,in the RRM domains of BmLARK played critical roles in the binding with the G4 structure.Several amino acid mutations of RRM1/2 in ribonucleoprotein domain 1(RNP1)(motif inβ3 strand)and RNP2(motif inβ1 strand)caused loss of binding ability,indicating that these amino acids are the key sites for the binding.All the results suggest that RRM domains,particularly their the RNP1 and RNP2 motifs,play important roles not only in RNA recognition,but also in the G4 structure binding.展开更多
Methyl-CpG(mCpG)binding domain(MBD)proteins especially bind with methylated DNA,and are involved in many important biological processes;however,the binding mechanism between insect MBD2/3 and mCpG remains unclear.In t...Methyl-CpG(mCpG)binding domain(MBD)proteins especially bind with methylated DNA,and are involved in many important biological processes;however,the binding mechanism between insect MBD2/3 and mCpG remains unclear.In this study,we identified 2 isoforms of the MBD2/3 gene in Bombyx mori,MBD2/3-S and MBD2/3-L.Binding analysis of MBD2/3-L,MBD2/3-S,and 7 mutant MBD2/3-L proteins deficient inβ1−β6 orα1 in the MBD showed thatβ2−β3-turns in theβ-sheet of the MBD are necessary for the formation of the MBD2/3–mCpG complex;furthermore,other secondary structures,namely,β4−β6 and anα-helix,play a role in stabilizing theβ-sheet structure to ensure that the MBD is able to bind mCpG.In addition,sequence alignment and binding analyses of different insect MBD2/3s indicated that insect MBD2/3s have an intact and conserved MBD that binds to the mCpG of target genes.Furthermore,MBD2/3 RNA interference results showed that MBD2/3-L plays a role in regulating B.mori embryonic development,similar to that of DNA methylation;however,MBD2/3-S withoutβ4−β6 andα-helix does not alter embryonic development.These results suggest that MBD2/3-L recognizes and binds to mCpG through the intactβ-sheet structure in its MBD,thus ensuring silkworm embryonic development.展开更多
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)has caused many deaths and contributed to a tremendous public health concern worldwide since 2020.Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2(ACE2)binds to the SARS-CoV-2...Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)has caused many deaths and contributed to a tremendous public health concern worldwide since 2020.Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2(ACE2)binds to the SARS-CoV-2 virus as a receptor.The challenge of different nonhuman primate(NHP)species by SARSCoV-2 virus demonstrated different effects on virus replication and disease pathology.This study characterizes differences between host ACE2 sequences of three NHP species:Macaca mulatta,Macaca fascicularis,and Chlorocebus sabaeus.In addition,the binding affinity between the ACE2 ectodomain and the SARS-CoV-2 S receptor-binding domain(RBD)was analyzed.Variation of ACE2 sequence among NHP species and the binding affinity may account for different susceptibility and responses to SARS-CoV-2 infection.展开更多
Nucleic acid detection plays a key role in diverse diagnosis and disease control.Currently available nucleic acid detection techniques are challenged by trade-offs among speed,simplicity,precision and cost.Here,we des...Nucleic acid detection plays a key role in diverse diagnosis and disease control.Currently available nucleic acid detection techniques are challenged by trade-offs among speed,simplicity,precision and cost.Here,we described a novel method,designated SENSOR(Sulfur DNA mediated nucleic acid sensing platform),for rapid nucleic acid detection.SENSOR was developed from phosphorothioate(PT)-DNA and sulfur binding domain(SBD)which specifically binds double-stranded PT-modified DNA.SENSOR utilizes PT-DNA oligo and SBD as targeting module,which is linked with split luciferase reporter to generate luminescence signal within 10 min.We tested detection on synthesized nucleic acid and COVID-19 pseudovirus,achieving attomolar sensitivity combined with an amplification procedure.Single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNP)could also be discriminated.Indicating SENSOR a new promising nucleic acid detection technique.展开更多
The crystallization of proteins remains a bottleneck in our fundamental understanding of their functions.Therefore,discovering tools that aid crystallization is crucial.In this review,the versatility of fragment-antig...The crystallization of proteins remains a bottleneck in our fundamental understanding of their functions.Therefore,discovering tools that aid crystallization is crucial.In this review,the versatility of fragment-antigen binding domains(F_(ab)s)as protein crystallization chaperones is discussed.F_(ab)s have aided the crystallization of membrane-bound and soluble proteins as well as RNA.The ability to bind three F_(ab)s onto a single protein target has demonstrated their potential for crystallization of challenging proteins.We describe a high-throughput workflow for identifying F_(ab)s to aid the crystallization of a protein of interest(POI)by leveraging phage display technologies and differential scanning fluorimetry(DSF).This workflow has proven to be especially effective in our structural studies of assembly-line polyketide synthases(PKSs),which harbor flexible domains and assume transient conformations.PKSs are of interest to us due to their ability to synthesize an unusually broad range of medicinally relevant compounds.Despite years of research studying these megasynthases,their overall topology has remained elusive.One F ab in particular,1B2,has successfully enabled X-ray crystallographic and single particle cryo-electron microscopic(cryoEM)analyses of multiple modules from distinct assembly-line PKSs.Its use has not only facilitated multidomain protein crystallization but has also enhanced particle quality via cryoEM,thereby enabling the visualization of intact PKS modules at near-atomic(3–5Å)resolution.The identification of PKS-binding F_(ab)s can be expected to continue playing a key role in furthering our knowledge of polyketide biosynthesis on assembly-line PKSs.展开更多
Background The present study aimed to investigate the detailed mode and specific sites for their binding as well as the functional relevance of this binding in the phenotypic proliferation of vascular smooth muscle ce...Background The present study aimed to investigate the detailed mode and specific sites for their binding as well as the functional relevance of this binding in the phenotypic proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells(SMCs). Methods CREG knocked-down SMCs were employed to evaluate the biological activity of wtCREG and mCREG.Expressions of SMC differentiation markers SM myosin heavy chain(SM-MHC),SM-actin,heavy caldesmon and myocardin were determined by Western blotting using specific antibodies. Cellular growth of SMCs was assessed by bromide dewuridine (BrdU) incorporation and cell cycle analysis on fluorescence-activated cell sorting(FACS).A solid-phase binding assay was used to study the binding of CREG to extracellular domains of M6P/IGF2R.The cellular co-localization of the two recombinant CREGs with M6P/IGF2R was detected on SMC surface by immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence analysis.Results The molecular weight of wtCREG was around 30 kD while that of the mCREG was~25 kD.Treatment of wtCREG with PNGase F reduced its molecular weight from~30 kD to~25 kD,whereas PNGase F treatment had no effect on the molecular weight of mCREG.Both wtCREG and mCREG proteins enhanced SMC differentiation,inhibited BrdU incorporation,and arrested cell cycle progression when added to the culture medium.In CREG knocked-down SMCs,the amount of CREG detected by immunoblotting in M6P/IGF2R immunoprecipitates was significantly reduced when compared to normal cells.Both recombinant CREGs co-immunoprecipitated with M6P/IGF2R, although slightly reduced amount of the mutant CREG was detected in M6P/IGF2R immunoprecipitates.Immunostaining revealed that His-tagged CREGs co-localized with IGF2R on the cell surface in a glycosylation-independent manner.In vitro binding assay showed that CREGs bound to M6P/ IGF2R extracellular domains 7-10 and 11-13 in a glycosylation -dependent and -independent manner,respectively.Further blocking experiments using soluble M6P/IGF2R fragments and M6P/IGF2R neutralizing antibody indicated that the biological activities of recombinant CREGs in SMC growth and the up-regulation of SMC differentiation markers were all abolished by treatment with the M6P/IGF2R neutralizing antibody. However,although the growth inhibitory effect of wtCREG was nearly abolished by D7-10 or D11-13,the effect of mCREG was only reversed by Dll-13,indicating that the binding to domains 11-13 is required for CREG to modulate the proliferation of SMCs.Conclusions These data suggest that solubleCREG proteins can exert their biological function via binding to the extracellular domains 7-10 and 11-13 of cell surface M6P/IGF2R in both a glycosylation-dependent and -independent manner.展开更多
Ancylostoma anticoagulant peptide 5 (AcAP5) is a strong inhibitor of human coagulation factor Xa (FXa). The N-terminal residues (N40) of AcAP5 contains a domain that could combine with FXa. In order to determine...Ancylostoma anticoagulant peptide 5 (AcAP5) is a strong inhibitor of human coagulation factor Xa (FXa). The N-terminal residues (N40) of AcAP5 contains a domain that could combine with FXa. In order to determine whether N40 protein has FXa inhibitory effect, we cloned, expressed and purified the protein for activity evaluation. The DNA fragment coding N40 was amplified by PCR, cloned into pET-30a to construct recombinant plasmid pET30a-N40, and subsequently transformed into E. coli, BL21 (DE3). Expression of N40 was induced by isopropyl ~3-D-l-thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG), and the interest protein was identified by SDS-PAGE and purified using one-step nickel (Ni) affinity chromatography. Under the optimal expres- sion condition (0.05 mM IPTG for 6 h at 37 ℃), the purity of N40 reached 90%. We also evaluated the inhibition activity of N40 protein on FXa, finding the ICso was 4.58× 10 5 mol/L, This study suggests the N40 of AcAP5 could combine with FXa to inhibit FXa activity.展开更多
BACKGROUND Circular RNAs(circRNAs)are critical regulators in tumorigenesis,functioning as microRNA sponges or protein decoys.Although numerous circRNAs have been implicated in gastric cancer progression,the role of hs...BACKGROUND Circular RNAs(circRNAs)are critical regulators in tumorigenesis,functioning as microRNA sponges or protein decoys.Although numerous circRNAs have been implicated in gastric cancer progression,the role of hsa_circRNA_101996 remains unclear.This study hypothesizes that hsa_circRNA_101996 promotes gastric cancer cell proliferation and apoptosis via the microRNA-577(miR-577)/high mobility group nucleosome binding domain 5(HMGN5)axis.AIM To investigate the role of hsa_circRNA_101996 in gastric cancer proliferation and apoptosis through the miR-577/HMGN5 axis.METHODS Forty-one paired gastric cancer tissues and adjacent non-cancerous tissues were analyzed.Differential circRNA expression was identified using GSE83521 and GSE89143 datasets.miR-577 and HMGN5 were predicted via CircInteractome and TargetScan.Functional experiments(MTT,colony formation,Western blot)and dual-luciferase reporter assays were performed in gastric cancer cell lines(OCUM-1,HSC-39).In vivo tumorigenesis was validated in nude mice.Statistical analysis included Student’s t-test and one-way ANOVA(P<0.05).RESULTS Hsa_circRNA_101996 was significantly upregulated in gastric cancer tissues and cell lines compared to adjacent non-cancerous tissues(P<0.05).Dual-luciferase reporter assays validated the interactions among hsa_circRNA_101996,miR-577,and HMGN5.In vitro,gastric cancer cells overexpressing hsa_circRNA_101996 showed significantly increased proliferation and decreased apoptosis compared to controls(P<0.05).Cells transfected with miR-577 mimics exhibited reduced proliferation and increased apoptosis(P<0.05).Co-transfection with hsa_circRNA_101996 or HMGN5 reversed the effects of miR-577 mimics.In vivo,hsa_circRNA_101996-overexpressing tumors showed increased volume and HMGN5 expression(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Hsa_circRNA_101996 promotes gastric cancer progression by sponging miR-577 to upregulate HMGN5,suggesting a novel therapeutic target for gastric cancer.展开更多
AIM TO uncover the roles of tumor-promoting gene ZEB1 in aerobic glycolysis regulation and shed light on the underlying molecular mechanism.METHODS Endogenous zinc finger E-box binding homeobox-1 (ZEB1) was silenced...AIM TO uncover the roles of tumor-promoting gene ZEB1 in aerobic glycolysis regulation and shed light on the underlying molecular mechanism.METHODS Endogenous zinc finger E-box binding homeobox-1 (ZEB1) was silenced using a and the impact of ZEB1 and lentivirus-mediated method, methyI-CpG binding domain protein 1 (MBD1) on aerobic glycolysis was measured using seahorse cellular flux analyzers, reactive oxygen species quantification, and mitochondrial membrane potential measurement. The interaction between ZEB1 and MBD1 was assessed by co-immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence assays. The impact of ZEB1 and MBD1 interaction on sirtuin 3 (SIRT3) expression was confirmed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction, western blotting, and dual-luciferase and chromatinimmunoprecipitation assays.RESULTS ZEB1 was a positive regulator of aerobic glycolysis in pancreatic cancer. ZEB1 transcriptionally silenced expression of SIRT3, a mitochondrial-localized tumor suppressor, through interaction with MBD1.CONCLUSION ZEB1 silenced SIRT3 expression via interaction with MBD1 to promote aerobic glycolysis in pancreatic cancer.展开更多
Gallstone disease(GD)poses a substantial health challenge worldwide,and its complications are often associated with disturbances in the gut microbiota.The essential receptor through which the innate immune system dete...Gallstone disease(GD)poses a substantial health challenge worldwide,and its complications are often associated with disturbances in the gut microbiota.The essential receptor through which the innate immune system detects bacterial components and controls inflammation,namely,nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-containing protein 1(NOD1),is a major participant in the interaction.This article examines the role of NOD1 in GD,focusing on how gallstone-induced changes in the gut microbiota composition activate NOD1.Such activation initiates signaling pathways that lead to gut dysbiosis,further exacerbating GD.We investigate potential therapeutic targets within the NOD1 signaling pathway and its interactions with other host factors,suggesting methods to restore imbalances in the gut microbiota and improve GD management.The clinical significance of these findings and future research directions are also discussed,highlighting the importance of comprehensive approaches to treat GD by targeting NOD1 activity and the gut microbiota.展开更多
The BH3 mimetics targeting the interaction between the BH3-only proteins and their prosurvival Bcl-2family proteins have shown enormous potential as cancer therapeutics. Herein, seven analogues targeting anti-apoptoti...The BH3 mimetics targeting the interaction between the BH3-only proteins and their prosurvival Bcl-2family proteins have shown enormous potential as cancer therapeutics. Herein, seven analogues targeting anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 proteins derived from the Bim BH3 domain via sequence simplification and/or modification are described. The in vitro binding affinity on anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 proteins and cell killing activity were evaluated. The results showed that analogues could significantly bind to target proteins and exhibited anti-cancer effect against three cancer cell lines. Of particular interest were the analogue SM-5(KD= 9.48 nmol/L for Bcl-2) and SM-6(KD= 0.08 nmol/L for Bcl-xL), which exhibited improved binding affinity compared with the lead Bim(KD= 16.90 nmol/L for Bcl-2 and 22.2 nmol/L for Bcl-xL, respectively). These results indicated that the peptide sequence containing the four hydrophobic side chains occupying pockets within the BH3-recognition cleft of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 proteins might be the minimum sequence required for the bioactivity and the active core region of Bim. Promising inhibitors of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 proteins with high bioactivity might be designed based on the active core.展开更多
BACKGROUND Sotos syndrome is an autosomal dominant disorder,whereas attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder(ADHD)is a neurodevelopmental condition.This report aimed to summarize the clinical and genetic features of a...BACKGROUND Sotos syndrome is an autosomal dominant disorder,whereas attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder(ADHD)is a neurodevelopmental condition.This report aimed to summarize the clinical and genetic features of a pediatric case of Soros syndrome and ADHD in a child exhibiting precocious puberty.CASE SUMMARY The patient presented with accelerated growth and advanced skeletal maturation;however,she lacked any distinct facial characteristics related to specific genetic disorders.Genetic analyses revealed a paternally inherited heterozygous synonymous mutation[c.4605C>T(p.Arg1535Arg)].Functional analyses suggested that this mutation may disrupt splicing,and bioinformatics analyses predicted that this mutation was likely pathogenic.After an initial diagnosis of Sotos syndrome,the patient was diagnosed with ADHD during the follow-up period at the age of 8 years and 7 months.CONCLUSION The potential for comorbid ADHD in Sotos syndrome patients should be considered to avoid the risk of a missed diagnosis.展开更多
Objective: Chronic atrophic gastritis(CAG) is a complex and burdensome disease. However, side effects and compliance issues cannot be ignored due to the long treatment cycle. Numerous studies have confirmed the effect...Objective: Chronic atrophic gastritis(CAG) is a complex and burdensome disease. However, side effects and compliance issues cannot be ignored due to the long treatment cycle. Numerous studies have confirmed the effectiveness of rutaecarpine(RUT) for treating digestive dysfunction. However, the potential mechanism of action of RUT in the context of CAG treatment remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of RUT in 1-methyl-3-nitro-1-nitrosoguanidine-induced CAG using network pharmacology,metabolomics, and traditional pharmacological approaches. Materials and Methods: Pathological tests and ELISA assays were used to observe the therapeutic effects of RUT treatment on CAG. Differential metabolites were identified using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, and metabolism-related target genes were enriched. The same target genes were identified between RUT and CAG diseases. The intersectional target genes were uploaded to Cytoscape for enrichment, and the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain(NOD)-like receptor signaling pathway was selected to validate the mechanisms of the study. Finally, cell pyroptosis status was evaluated using the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated d UTP nick end labeling assay, and the expressions of associated proteins of the NOD-like receptor signaling pathway were assessed by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. Results: RUT alleviated gastric mucosal damage and significantly downregulated indicators associated with infiammation and gastric atrophy. A total of 29 intersection target genes was identified, and core pathways were obtained. The NOD-like receptor signaling pathway and pyroptosis status were selected to validate the mechanisms of RUT treatment in CAG rats. The expression of NOD-related proteins and downstream factors was downregulated in the RUT group. Conclusions: RUT exerts a pharmacological effect on relieving gastric damage in CAG rats by inhibiting NOD-like receptors and infiammasomes.展开更多
文摘Genetic disruption of the RAS binding domain(RBD)of Phosphoinositide 3-kinase alpha(PI3Kα)impairs the growth of tumors driven by the small guanosine triphosphatase RAS in mice and does not impact PI3Kα's role in insulin mediated control of glucose homeostasis.Selectively blocking the RAS-PI3Kαinteraction may represent a strategy for treating RAS-dependent cancers as it would avoid the toxicity associated with inhibitors of PI3Kαlipid kinase activity.We developed compounds that bind covalently to cysteine 242 in the RBD of PI3K p110αand block RAS activation of PI3Kαactivity.In mice,inhibitors slow the growth of RAS mutant tumors and Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2(HER2)overexpressing tumors,particularly when combined with other inhibitors of the RAS/Mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway,without causing hyperglycemia.Oncogenic mutations in the small guanosine triphosphatase RAS occur in 20%of human cancers,with RAS proteins activating both the mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK)and Phosphoinositide 3-kinase(PI3K)pathways(1-3).As each of these pathways has oncogenic potential,simultaneous activation,as occurs in mutant RAS driven cancers,generates aggressive disease.In RAS-driven cell and animal models,inhibition of both the MAPK and PI3K pathways is more efficacious than targeting the individual pathways(4);however,dose-limiting toxicities in humans prevent clinical success of this strategy.
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2021YFC2302400)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(82241069 and 82350801)+2 种基金supported by the National Science Fund for Distinguished Young Scholar(81925025)the Innovation Fund for Medical Sciences(2019-I2M-5-049)from the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciencessponsored by Beijing Nova Program(20240484525).
文摘Dear Editor,The pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2),continues despite extensive efforts to control viral transmission.Meanwhile,the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants with antigenically divergence in viral protein dampens the efficacy of authorized vaccines,leading to the breakthrough infections in vaccinated population(Cao et al.,2021,2022;Tuekprakhon et al.,2022;Xiang et al.,2022).Moreover,diverse sarbecoviruses in bats and pangolins have been discovered and isolated(Ge et al.,2013;Xiao et al.,2020).Some of these viruses have exhibited efficient binding to human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2(hACE2)(Xiao et al.,2020;Liu et al.,2021;Temmam et al.,2022),highlighting the risk of spillover from wild animals to human.Thus,the development of pan-sarbecovirus vaccines is of high priority.
基金supported by grants from Natural Science Foundation of Hubei Province(No:2012FFB02304)Scientific Research Foundation of Ministry of Education(No:2013-1792),China
文摘Summary: The role of methyl-CpG binding domain protein 2 (MBD2) in an ApoE-deficient mouse model of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) was investigated. Eight-week-old Mbd2/ApoE double deficient (Mbd2^-/- ApoE^-/-) mice (n=12, 24 eyes, experimental group) and MBD2 (wt) ApoE^-/- mice (n=12, 24 eyes, control group) were fed on Western-type diet for 4 months. The mice were sacrificed, and total serum cholesterol levels were analyzed and Bruch's membrane (BM) of the eyes was removed for ultrastructural observation by transmission electron microscopy. Moreover, intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) immunoreactivities were evaluated by fluorescence microscopy in sections of the eyes in both groups for further understanding the function mechanism of MBD2. There was no significant difference in the total serum cholesterol levels between control group and experimental group (P〉0.05). Transmission electron microscopy revealed that AMD-like lesions, various vacuoles accumulated on BM, notable outer collagenous layer deposits and dilated basal infoldings of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) were seen in both groups, and the BM in control group was significantly thickened as compared with experimental group (P〈0.05). Fluorescence micrographs exhibited the expression of ICAM-1 in choroid was higher in control group than in experimental group. We are led to conclude that MBD2 gene knockout may lead to accumulation of more deposits on the BM and influence the pathogenesis of AMD via triggering endothelial activation and inflammatory response in choroid, improving microcirculation, and reducing lipid deposition so as to inhibit the development of AMD-like lesions. Our study helps to provide a new therapeutic approach for the clinical treatment of AMD.
基金Supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China,No. 81071998Hubei Natural Science Foundation,No.2008CDB159Specialized Research Fund for the Doctoral Program of Higher Education,No. 20070487114
文摘AIM:To investigate the reciprocal modulation between microRNA(miRNA) and DNA methylation via exploring the correlation between miR-373 and methyl-CpGbinding domain protein(MBD)2.METHODS:MiR-373 expression was examined using the TaqMan miRNA assay.Methylation of miR-373 was investigated using methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction,and recruitment of methyl binding proteins was studied using the chromatin immunoprecipitation assay.Mutation analysis was conducted using the QuikChange Site-Directed Mutagenesis kit.The activity of miR-373 gene promoter constructs and targeting at MBD2-three prime untranslated region(3'UTR) by miR-373 were evaluated by a dual-luciferase reporter gene assay.RESULTS:In hilar cholangiocarcinoma,miR-373 decreased and was closely associated with poor cell differentiation,advanced clinical stage,and shorter survival.The promoter-associated CpG island of miR-373 gene was hypermethylated and inhibited expression of miR-373.MBD2 was up-regulated and enriched at the promoter-associated CpG island of miR-373.Methylation-mediated suppression of miR-373 required MBD2 enrichment at the promoter-associated CpG island,and miR-373 negatively regulated MBD2 expression through targeting the 3'UTR.CONCLUSION:MiR-373 behaves as a direct transcriptional target and negative regulator of MBD2 activity through a feedback loop of CpG island methylation.
基金currently receiving four grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant NO.81372236,82272863 and 81972822)the Shanghai Postdoctoral Research Foundation in 2021(Class A Grant NO.12R21411500).
文摘Lung cancer remains the leading cause of death among cancer patients,and the five-year survival rate is less than 25%.However,Methyl-CpG Binding Domain(MBD)4 polymorphism rs140693 predicts the prognosis of lung cancer patients still needs further verification.Primary lung cancer patients(n=839)were collected from two hospitals,genomic DNA was extracted from blood,and genotyping was performed using SNPcan technology.Kaplan-Meier technique and multivariate Cox proportional hazards model were used to analyze the prognosis association between MBD4 and clinical characteristics.Significantly conferred a poorer prognosis was associated with the CT genotype(CT vs.CC;adjusted hazard ratio[HR]=1.21,95%CI:1.03-1.43,p=0.023)and dominant CT+TT genotype(CT+TT vs.CC;HR=1.19,95%CI:1.02-1.39,p=0.029)of MBD4 polymorphism rs140693 for all lung cancer patients,compared with the CC genotype.Stratified analysis showed that polymorphism rs140693 CT and dominant CT+TT genotype conferred a significantly poorer prognosis in female and lung adenocarcinoma(ADC)cancer patients,compared with the CC genotype.Non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC)patients with the CT genotype had a poorer prognosis than those with the CC genotype.Additionally,the allele T of small cell lung cancer(SCLC)patients compared with the allele C was associated with a poor prognosis,and the CT and recessive TT genotype of SCLC patients conferred a significantly poor prognosis.The MBD4 polymorphism rs140693 is a significant prognostic genetic marker for predicting the prognosis of lung cancer patients.
文摘A series of potential HDACIs containing diverse Zn^(2+)-chelating hydroxamate moieties were synthesized and evaluated for their anticancer activity in vitro on HeLa,A549,and HepG2 cell lines.The A549 cell line was the most sensitive,and the most active compound,e8,exhibited an IC_(50) value of 1.68μmol/L,surpassing the positive control,SAHA(IC_(50)=4.85μmol/L).Additionally,compound e8 demonstrated lower toxicity to normal WI-38 cells compared to SAHA(IC_(50)=415.93μmol/L vs.9.09μmol/L).Furthermore,e8 efficiently induced G0/G1 phase cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in A549 cells.Molecular docking studies showed that compound e8 coordinated the Zn^(2+) cation at the enzyme’s active site and formed hydrophobic and hydrogen bonds within the hydrophobic pocket of the enzyme,resulting in stable docking with the HDAC enzyme.These studies suggested that compound e8 has the potential to be developed as a promising lead for further optimization and development of HDACIs.
基金supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China(31770801)Special Fund for Scientific and Technological Innovation Strategy of Guangdong Province of China(2018B030306029 and 2017A030313145)+2 种基金National Natural Science Foundation of China(81430041,81620108017)National Key Basic Research Program,China(SQ2018YFC090075)National Natural Science Foundation of China(81870019)
文摘The outbreak of coronavirus disease(COVID-19)caused by SARS-CoV-2 virus continually lead to worldwide human infections and deaths.Currently,there is no specific viral protein-targeted therapeutics.Viral nucleocapsid protein is a potential antiviral drug target,serving multiple critical functions during the viral life cycle.However,the structural information of SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein remains unclear.Herein,we have determined the 2.7 A crystal structure of the N-terminal RNA binding domain of SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein.Although the overall structure is similar as other reported coronavirus nucleocapsid protein N-terminal domain,the surface electrostatic potential characteristics between them are distinct.Further comparison with mild virus type HCoV-OC43 equivalent domain demonstrates a unique potential RNA binding pocket alongside theβ-sheet core.Complemented by in vitro binding studies,our data provide several atomic resolution features of SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein N-terminal domain,guiding the design of novel antiviral agents specific targeting to SARS-CoV-2.
基金This work was supported by the grants of the Chinese National Natural Science Foundation(Grant no.:31672494,31720103916,31930102)。
文摘It has been found that the non-B form DNA structures,like G-quadruplex(G4)and i-motif,are involved in many important biological processes.Our previous study showed that the silkworm transcription factor BmLARK binds to the G4 structure in the promoter of the transcription factor BmPOUM2 and regulates its promoter activity.However,the binding mechanism between BmLARK and BmPOUM2 G4 structure remains unclear.In this study,binding domains and key amino acid residues involved in the interaction between BmLARK and BmPOUM2 G4 were studied.The electrophoretic mobility shift assay results indicated that the two RNA-recognition motifs(RRM)of BmLARK are simultaneously required for the binding with the G4 structure.Either RRM1 or RRM2 alone could not bind with the G4 structure.The zinc-finger motif was not involved in the binding.A series of mutant proteins with specific amino acid mutations were expressed and used to identify the key amino acid residues involving the interaction.The results indicated thatβsheets,especially theβ1 andβ3 sheets,in the RRM domains of BmLARK played critical roles in the binding with the G4 structure.Several amino acid mutations of RRM1/2 in ribonucleoprotein domain 1(RNP1)(motif inβ3 strand)and RNP2(motif inβ1 strand)caused loss of binding ability,indicating that these amino acids are the key sites for the binding.All the results suggest that RRM domains,particularly their the RNP1 and RNP2 motifs,play important roles not only in RNA recognition,but also in the G4 structure binding.
基金funded by the National Natural Sci-ence Foundation of China,grant numbers 32100374 and 31872286.
文摘Methyl-CpG(mCpG)binding domain(MBD)proteins especially bind with methylated DNA,and are involved in many important biological processes;however,the binding mechanism between insect MBD2/3 and mCpG remains unclear.In this study,we identified 2 isoforms of the MBD2/3 gene in Bombyx mori,MBD2/3-S and MBD2/3-L.Binding analysis of MBD2/3-L,MBD2/3-S,and 7 mutant MBD2/3-L proteins deficient inβ1−β6 orα1 in the MBD showed thatβ2−β3-turns in theβ-sheet of the MBD are necessary for the formation of the MBD2/3–mCpG complex;furthermore,other secondary structures,namely,β4−β6 and anα-helix,play a role in stabilizing theβ-sheet structure to ensure that the MBD is able to bind mCpG.In addition,sequence alignment and binding analyses of different insect MBD2/3s indicated that insect MBD2/3s have an intact and conserved MBD that binds to the mCpG of target genes.Furthermore,MBD2/3 RNA interference results showed that MBD2/3-L plays a role in regulating B.mori embryonic development,similar to that of DNA methylation;however,MBD2/3-S withoutβ4−β6 andα-helix does not alter embryonic development.These results suggest that MBD2/3-L recognizes and binds to mCpG through the intactβ-sheet structure in its MBD,thus ensuring silkworm embryonic development.
文摘Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)has caused many deaths and contributed to a tremendous public health concern worldwide since 2020.Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2(ACE2)binds to the SARS-CoV-2 virus as a receptor.The challenge of different nonhuman primate(NHP)species by SARSCoV-2 virus demonstrated different effects on virus replication and disease pathology.This study characterizes differences between host ACE2 sequences of three NHP species:Macaca mulatta,Macaca fascicularis,and Chlorocebus sabaeus.In addition,the binding affinity between the ACE2 ectodomain and the SARS-CoV-2 S receptor-binding domain(RBD)was analyzed.Variation of ACE2 sequence among NHP species and the binding affinity may account for different susceptibility and responses to SARS-CoV-2 infection.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(31900060)National Key Research and Development Program of China(2020YFA0907800,2022YFC3400200,2022YFA0912200)+1 种基金Natural Science Foundation of Shanghai(20ZR1414500)Shanghai Pilot Program for Basic Research-Shanghai Jiao Tong University(21TQ1400204).
文摘Nucleic acid detection plays a key role in diverse diagnosis and disease control.Currently available nucleic acid detection techniques are challenged by trade-offs among speed,simplicity,precision and cost.Here,we described a novel method,designated SENSOR(Sulfur DNA mediated nucleic acid sensing platform),for rapid nucleic acid detection.SENSOR was developed from phosphorothioate(PT)-DNA and sulfur binding domain(SBD)which specifically binds double-stranded PT-modified DNA.SENSOR utilizes PT-DNA oligo and SBD as targeting module,which is linked with split luciferase reporter to generate luminescence signal within 10 min.We tested detection on synthesized nucleic acid and COVID-19 pseudovirus,achieving attomolar sensitivity combined with an amplification procedure.Single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNP)could also be discriminated.Indicating SENSOR a new promising nucleic acid detection technique.
文摘The crystallization of proteins remains a bottleneck in our fundamental understanding of their functions.Therefore,discovering tools that aid crystallization is crucial.In this review,the versatility of fragment-antigen binding domains(F_(ab)s)as protein crystallization chaperones is discussed.F_(ab)s have aided the crystallization of membrane-bound and soluble proteins as well as RNA.The ability to bind three F_(ab)s onto a single protein target has demonstrated their potential for crystallization of challenging proteins.We describe a high-throughput workflow for identifying F_(ab)s to aid the crystallization of a protein of interest(POI)by leveraging phage display technologies and differential scanning fluorimetry(DSF).This workflow has proven to be especially effective in our structural studies of assembly-line polyketide synthases(PKSs),which harbor flexible domains and assume transient conformations.PKSs are of interest to us due to their ability to synthesize an unusually broad range of medicinally relevant compounds.Despite years of research studying these megasynthases,their overall topology has remained elusive.One F ab in particular,1B2,has successfully enabled X-ray crystallographic and single particle cryo-electron microscopic(cryoEM)analyses of multiple modules from distinct assembly-line PKSs.Its use has not only facilitated multidomain protein crystallization but has also enhanced particle quality via cryoEM,thereby enabling the visualization of intact PKS modules at near-atomic(3–5Å)resolution.The identification of PKS-binding F_(ab)s can be expected to continue playing a key role in furthering our knowledge of polyketide biosynthesis on assembly-line PKSs.
文摘Background The present study aimed to investigate the detailed mode and specific sites for their binding as well as the functional relevance of this binding in the phenotypic proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells(SMCs). Methods CREG knocked-down SMCs were employed to evaluate the biological activity of wtCREG and mCREG.Expressions of SMC differentiation markers SM myosin heavy chain(SM-MHC),SM-actin,heavy caldesmon and myocardin were determined by Western blotting using specific antibodies. Cellular growth of SMCs was assessed by bromide dewuridine (BrdU) incorporation and cell cycle analysis on fluorescence-activated cell sorting(FACS).A solid-phase binding assay was used to study the binding of CREG to extracellular domains of M6P/IGF2R.The cellular co-localization of the two recombinant CREGs with M6P/IGF2R was detected on SMC surface by immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence analysis.Results The molecular weight of wtCREG was around 30 kD while that of the mCREG was~25 kD.Treatment of wtCREG with PNGase F reduced its molecular weight from~30 kD to~25 kD,whereas PNGase F treatment had no effect on the molecular weight of mCREG.Both wtCREG and mCREG proteins enhanced SMC differentiation,inhibited BrdU incorporation,and arrested cell cycle progression when added to the culture medium.In CREG knocked-down SMCs,the amount of CREG detected by immunoblotting in M6P/IGF2R immunoprecipitates was significantly reduced when compared to normal cells.Both recombinant CREGs co-immunoprecipitated with M6P/IGF2R, although slightly reduced amount of the mutant CREG was detected in M6P/IGF2R immunoprecipitates.Immunostaining revealed that His-tagged CREGs co-localized with IGF2R on the cell surface in a glycosylation-independent manner.In vitro binding assay showed that CREGs bound to M6P/ IGF2R extracellular domains 7-10 and 11-13 in a glycosylation -dependent and -independent manner,respectively.Further blocking experiments using soluble M6P/IGF2R fragments and M6P/IGF2R neutralizing antibody indicated that the biological activities of recombinant CREGs in SMC growth and the up-regulation of SMC differentiation markers were all abolished by treatment with the M6P/IGF2R neutralizing antibody. However,although the growth inhibitory effect of wtCREG was nearly abolished by D7-10 or D11-13,the effect of mCREG was only reversed by Dll-13,indicating that the binding to domains 11-13 is required for CREG to modulate the proliferation of SMCs.Conclusions These data suggest that solubleCREG proteins can exert their biological function via binding to the extracellular domains 7-10 and 11-13 of cell surface M6P/IGF2R in both a glycosylation-dependent and -independent manner.
基金National Technology Graveness Special Purpose Fund (Grant No. 2009zx09301-010)
文摘Ancylostoma anticoagulant peptide 5 (AcAP5) is a strong inhibitor of human coagulation factor Xa (FXa). The N-terminal residues (N40) of AcAP5 contains a domain that could combine with FXa. In order to determine whether N40 protein has FXa inhibitory effect, we cloned, expressed and purified the protein for activity evaluation. The DNA fragment coding N40 was amplified by PCR, cloned into pET-30a to construct recombinant plasmid pET30a-N40, and subsequently transformed into E. coli, BL21 (DE3). Expression of N40 was induced by isopropyl ~3-D-l-thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG), and the interest protein was identified by SDS-PAGE and purified using one-step nickel (Ni) affinity chromatography. Under the optimal expres- sion condition (0.05 mM IPTG for 6 h at 37 ℃), the purity of N40 reached 90%. We also evaluated the inhibition activity of N40 protein on FXa, finding the ICso was 4.58× 10 5 mol/L, This study suggests the N40 of AcAP5 could combine with FXa to inhibit FXa activity.
文摘BACKGROUND Circular RNAs(circRNAs)are critical regulators in tumorigenesis,functioning as microRNA sponges or protein decoys.Although numerous circRNAs have been implicated in gastric cancer progression,the role of hsa_circRNA_101996 remains unclear.This study hypothesizes that hsa_circRNA_101996 promotes gastric cancer cell proliferation and apoptosis via the microRNA-577(miR-577)/high mobility group nucleosome binding domain 5(HMGN5)axis.AIM To investigate the role of hsa_circRNA_101996 in gastric cancer proliferation and apoptosis through the miR-577/HMGN5 axis.METHODS Forty-one paired gastric cancer tissues and adjacent non-cancerous tissues were analyzed.Differential circRNA expression was identified using GSE83521 and GSE89143 datasets.miR-577 and HMGN5 were predicted via CircInteractome and TargetScan.Functional experiments(MTT,colony formation,Western blot)and dual-luciferase reporter assays were performed in gastric cancer cell lines(OCUM-1,HSC-39).In vivo tumorigenesis was validated in nude mice.Statistical analysis included Student’s t-test and one-way ANOVA(P<0.05).RESULTS Hsa_circRNA_101996 was significantly upregulated in gastric cancer tissues and cell lines compared to adjacent non-cancerous tissues(P<0.05).Dual-luciferase reporter assays validated the interactions among hsa_circRNA_101996,miR-577,and HMGN5.In vitro,gastric cancer cells overexpressing hsa_circRNA_101996 showed significantly increased proliferation and decreased apoptosis compared to controls(P<0.05).Cells transfected with miR-577 mimics exhibited reduced proliferation and increased apoptosis(P<0.05).Co-transfection with hsa_circRNA_101996 or HMGN5 reversed the effects of miR-577 mimics.In vivo,hsa_circRNA_101996-overexpressing tumors showed increased volume and HMGN5 expression(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Hsa_circRNA_101996 promotes gastric cancer progression by sponging miR-577 to upregulate HMGN5,suggesting a novel therapeutic target for gastric cancer.
基金the National Science Fund for Distinguished Young Scholars of China,No.81625016the National Science Foundation of China,No.81502031 and No.81772555+1 种基金Shanghai Municipal Commission of Health and Family Planning Grant,No.20154Y0090Youth Research Foundation of Shanghai Municipal Commission of Health and Family Planning,No.Z0124Y074
文摘AIM TO uncover the roles of tumor-promoting gene ZEB1 in aerobic glycolysis regulation and shed light on the underlying molecular mechanism.METHODS Endogenous zinc finger E-box binding homeobox-1 (ZEB1) was silenced using a and the impact of ZEB1 and lentivirus-mediated method, methyI-CpG binding domain protein 1 (MBD1) on aerobic glycolysis was measured using seahorse cellular flux analyzers, reactive oxygen species quantification, and mitochondrial membrane potential measurement. The interaction between ZEB1 and MBD1 was assessed by co-immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence assays. The impact of ZEB1 and MBD1 interaction on sirtuin 3 (SIRT3) expression was confirmed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction, western blotting, and dual-luciferase and chromatinimmunoprecipitation assays.RESULTS ZEB1 was a positive regulator of aerobic glycolysis in pancreatic cancer. ZEB1 transcriptionally silenced expression of SIRT3, a mitochondrial-localized tumor suppressor, through interaction with MBD1.CONCLUSION ZEB1 silenced SIRT3 expression via interaction with MBD1 to promote aerobic glycolysis in pancreatic cancer.
文摘Gallstone disease(GD)poses a substantial health challenge worldwide,and its complications are often associated with disturbances in the gut microbiota.The essential receptor through which the innate immune system detects bacterial components and controls inflammation,namely,nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-containing protein 1(NOD1),is a major participant in the interaction.This article examines the role of NOD1 in GD,focusing on how gallstone-induced changes in the gut microbiota composition activate NOD1.Such activation initiates signaling pathways that lead to gut dysbiosis,further exacerbating GD.We investigate potential therapeutic targets within the NOD1 signaling pathway and its interactions with other host factors,suggesting methods to restore imbalances in the gut microbiota and improve GD management.The clinical significance of these findings and future research directions are also discussed,highlighting the importance of comprehensive approaches to treat GD by targeting NOD1 activity and the gut microbiota.
基金financially supported by Postdoctoral Applied Research Project of Qingdao(No.861605040085,to CZ,SW)Grant of Innovation Plan in Biomedical Research of Qingdao City(No.15-10-3-15-(28)-zch,to SW)
文摘The BH3 mimetics targeting the interaction between the BH3-only proteins and their prosurvival Bcl-2family proteins have shown enormous potential as cancer therapeutics. Herein, seven analogues targeting anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 proteins derived from the Bim BH3 domain via sequence simplification and/or modification are described. The in vitro binding affinity on anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 proteins and cell killing activity were evaluated. The results showed that analogues could significantly bind to target proteins and exhibited anti-cancer effect against three cancer cell lines. Of particular interest were the analogue SM-5(KD= 9.48 nmol/L for Bcl-2) and SM-6(KD= 0.08 nmol/L for Bcl-xL), which exhibited improved binding affinity compared with the lead Bim(KD= 16.90 nmol/L for Bcl-2 and 22.2 nmol/L for Bcl-xL, respectively). These results indicated that the peptide sequence containing the four hydrophobic side chains occupying pockets within the BH3-recognition cleft of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 proteins might be the minimum sequence required for the bioactivity and the active core region of Bim. Promising inhibitors of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 proteins with high bioactivity might be designed based on the active core.
文摘BACKGROUND Sotos syndrome is an autosomal dominant disorder,whereas attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder(ADHD)is a neurodevelopmental condition.This report aimed to summarize the clinical and genetic features of a pediatric case of Soros syndrome and ADHD in a child exhibiting precocious puberty.CASE SUMMARY The patient presented with accelerated growth and advanced skeletal maturation;however,she lacked any distinct facial characteristics related to specific genetic disorders.Genetic analyses revealed a paternally inherited heterozygous synonymous mutation[c.4605C>T(p.Arg1535Arg)].Functional analyses suggested that this mutation may disrupt splicing,and bioinformatics analyses predicted that this mutation was likely pathogenic.After an initial diagnosis of Sotos syndrome,the patient was diagnosed with ADHD during the follow-up period at the age of 8 years and 7 months.CONCLUSION The potential for comorbid ADHD in Sotos syndrome patients should be considered to avoid the risk of a missed diagnosis.
基金supported by the Major Program of the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 82192915)the National Key Research and Development Program (No. 2018YFC1704500)
文摘Objective: Chronic atrophic gastritis(CAG) is a complex and burdensome disease. However, side effects and compliance issues cannot be ignored due to the long treatment cycle. Numerous studies have confirmed the effectiveness of rutaecarpine(RUT) for treating digestive dysfunction. However, the potential mechanism of action of RUT in the context of CAG treatment remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of RUT in 1-methyl-3-nitro-1-nitrosoguanidine-induced CAG using network pharmacology,metabolomics, and traditional pharmacological approaches. Materials and Methods: Pathological tests and ELISA assays were used to observe the therapeutic effects of RUT treatment on CAG. Differential metabolites were identified using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, and metabolism-related target genes were enriched. The same target genes were identified between RUT and CAG diseases. The intersectional target genes were uploaded to Cytoscape for enrichment, and the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain(NOD)-like receptor signaling pathway was selected to validate the mechanisms of the study. Finally, cell pyroptosis status was evaluated using the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated d UTP nick end labeling assay, and the expressions of associated proteins of the NOD-like receptor signaling pathway were assessed by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. Results: RUT alleviated gastric mucosal damage and significantly downregulated indicators associated with infiammation and gastric atrophy. A total of 29 intersection target genes was identified, and core pathways were obtained. The NOD-like receptor signaling pathway and pyroptosis status were selected to validate the mechanisms of RUT treatment in CAG rats. The expression of NOD-related proteins and downstream factors was downregulated in the RUT group. Conclusions: RUT exerts a pharmacological effect on relieving gastric damage in CAG rats by inhibiting NOD-like receptors and infiammasomes.